Laura (lauralkeet)'s 75 in 2021 - Part 7

A sign of colder weather: Woody and Alys sharing the dog bed



Midnight, Aug 2002 - Apr 2021

Welcome to my thread! I'm Laura, late 50s, retired. My husband Chris and I moved from Philadelphia to northern Virginia in early 2021. Our daughters, Kate and Julia, live in Brooklyn. This is my thirteenth year in the 75 Book Challenge Group. Where has the time gone?!

Reading has always been an important part of my life, but it saved my sanity in 2020. I made a nice dent in the tbrs on my shelves, but also read a fair amount of contemporary, recently-published stuff. More of the same this year, I think, along with a group read now and then. And of course I’ll keep plugging away at various series, and stay current with new series releases.

Besides reading, I spend a lot of time knitting and have a knitting thread in the Needlearts group; stop in and say hi sometime!

My 2021 threads can be found here:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Books completed
November
58. The Age of Innocence - comments here
59. Oh William! - comments here
60. Any Human Heart - comments here
61. Olive, Mabel, & Me - comments here
62. A Room Made of Leaves - comments here

December
63. Clouds of Witness - comments here
64. Finding the Mother Tree - comments here
65. Once There Were Wolves - comments here
66. Heavy Weather - comments here
67. The Promise - comments here
68. Where Serpents Sleep - here

Series Progress

Active series as of October 1:


A snapshot of my active series sorted on the "progress" column.

Series completed/current in 2021:
* Harbinder Kaur, by Elly Griffiths (June 2021)
* Sandhamn Murders, by Viveca Sten (June 2021)
* Ruth Galloway, by Elly Griffiths (July 2021)
* Inspector Gamache, by Louise Penny (September 2021)
* Love Medicine, by Louise Erdrich (October 2021)

Series started in 2021:
* Harbinder Kaur, by Elly Griffiths
* Darktown, by Thomas Mullen
* Kate Burkholder, by Linda Castillo
* Lord Peter Wimsey, by Dorothy Sayers

Series abandoned in 2021:
* Darktown, by Thomas Mullen
* Lord Peter Wimsey, by Dorothy Sayers

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Toni Morrison Catch Up Project
Inspired by a course I took last year, I started a project to read (or re-read) all of Toni Morrison’s novels in order of publication. Below is a list of Morrison’s novels, with those I have yet to read in bold. Some of these will be re-reads.

The Bluest Eye, 1970 (read June 2020)
Sula, 1973 (read July 2020)
Song of Solomon, 1977 (read August 2020)
Tar Baby, 1981 (read October 2020)
Beloved, 1987 (read Jan 2020, this was a re-read)
Jazz, 1992 (read January 2021)
Paradise, 1997 (read February 2021)
Love, 2003 (read March 2021)
A Mercy, 2008 (read May 2021)
Home, 2012 (read June 2021)
God Help the Child, 2015 (read July 2021)

Currently Reading



Where Serpents Sleep

This summer & fall, we set about making improvements to our small barn and the surrounding area. We put gutters along the roof edges, painted the barn, and had a gravel surface laid around the perimeter of the barn. The gutters flow into a couple of rain barrels so we can "harvest" the rainwater. Chris also put windows in one side of the barn. We are using that bay as a potting shed, which is now also all set up and ready for use. Note the tea and coffee making facilities at the far end of the workbench. A gardening essential!



This bay is where the vultures set up camp this spring. If they return, we're hoping they'll take one look and say "nope."

>1 lauralkeet: - What a sweet pic of Woody and Alys!

Happy new thread, Laura.

-Northern Cardinal. From a recent jaunt.

Good Morning, Laura. Happy New Thread! How is The Age of Innocence coming along? I have not read it since the early 90s, just before the film came out, which was actually a pretty good adaptation.

>5 lauralkeet: Oh, the barn looks great, Laura! Here’s to hoping the vultures will find another nesting place.
Love the hot drinks section.

Nice barn!

Happy new thread, Laura.

Happy new thread, Laura!

I love the look of your barn, and that potting area is very cool!

>6 katiekrug: thanks Katie!

>7 msf59: nice pic, Mark. We're seeing a lot of cardinals at our feeders these days. Their color really pops.

>8 PawsforThought: thanks Paws, I too hope the vultures go elsewhere.

>9 drneutron: Thanks Jim! We haven't figured out how best to use the other two bays in the barn. We have no intention of keeping livestock and right now we are storing stuff in there. We'll see.

>10 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul.

>11 scaifea: Thanks so much, Amber! I'm pretty happy with the potting area.

I forgot to mention that we have a greenhouse on order. It will sit on the gravel area to the right of the barn.

Nice. Just...just...nice. Swell barn.

Happy new thread, Laura!

>1 lauralkeet: Lovely picture of Woody and Alys, keeping warm.

>5 lauralkeet: The barn doesn't look like a place for vultures anymore, so they might go elsewhere next spring. Or else the greenhouse you mentioned in >12 lauralkeet: might help ;-)

Happy new thread Laura! Your barn looks great, especially the tea making facilities! You have the correct priorities!

Thanks Bill, Anita, and Claire, we're pretty pleased with the barn so far. It's nice to have dedicated space for gardening work. We're thinking about moving a small table and chairs from the terrace so we have a place to sit and enjoy a cuppa. Of course with the weather turning colder we may not do much cuppa-sipping until spring.

Hi Laura: Happy new thread. It seems incredible that it hasn't even been a year since you moved. You've really accomplished a lot.

The barn looks great. A potting shed would be wonderful for a gardening couple I think. We, on the other hand, are just trying to make our little plot as self-sustaining as possible :)

>17 BLBera: Thanks Beth. Being retired helps a lot, because we have the time!

>18 RebaRelishesReading: I like the self-sustaining idea a lot, Reba. We struggle with balancing the desire to create spaces (creative! fun!) with the need to then maintain them (routine! less fun meditative!).

>19 lauralkeet: We're retired too but neither of us enjoys gardening all that much.

>20 RebaRelishesReading: Oh, well, that does make a difference Reba!

>1 lauralkeet: Woody and Alys look comfy, I always forget how much bigger he is Laura.

>5 lauralkeet: It's looking great, and agreeing how much you have achieved in such a short time.

Happy new thread, Laura. Love the picture of the pups up top!

Have a terrific week!

Happy new thread!

>5 lauralkeet: Your barn looks great. And having such a perfect space for potting must make gardening plans go more smoothly.

Love the barn and all the work you've done Laura. My hubby and I used to love gardening but now I'm very happy with a patio tomato plant🤗

Hi Laura, Love that doggy photo up top.
I'll be back with more to say when my routine settles down again. I have books to post about. I actually got some reading done on the trip to the coast!

It's nice that you and your husband like gardening. When Judi and I were just married, we lived in a row house with a postage-stamp backyard. So we shared a huge vegetable garden with her parents. Then we moved out of town and had our own big garden (and chickens too!). And then it was too much garden. Jump to the current homestead, and most of the gardening was Judi's. Now, as I reported to long ago, the trying to at least weed the gardens. Torched a lot of pruning a couple of weeks ago, and now have an even bigger burn pile.

Hey, but I read a book. Started a new thread. Did the Halloweeny thing at my son's house. Didn't eat much candy at all.

>22 Caroline_McElwee: Woody weighs nearly twice as much as Alys, approx. 80 lbs vs. 40. But her feistiness makes up for it.

>23 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia. Woody hates sharing his space and doesn't particularly like snuggling with people either. He's spending more time on the bed now that it's warmer than the floor, but this was a rare moment where he tolerated Alys' presence and she didn't bully him away.

>24 quondame: Susan, we've never had this much dedicated space for working on gardening projects -- like starting seeds early in the season. Just having a workbench is a luxury. We're looking forward to it.

>25 brenzi: Thanks Bonnie. Nothing wrong with a tomato plant!

>26 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy, it's nice to see you again.

>27 weird_O: Bill, for a long time Chris was the keener gardener of the two of us, mostly trees and shrubs. Eventually I started vegetable gardening. We sort of overdid things at our Chester County PA house and burnt out, but this year we are ready to garden again. It's a real challenge to keep it at a point where the work is fun and therapeutic and not overwhelming.

Enjoying your thread as usual, Laura. I love the idea of the tea and coffee station on your workbench. Having moved to a condo, I guess my potting shed days are over.

>29 NanaCC: Hi Colleen! I know you are a bit sad about not having space to garden and put out bird feeders, but I s'pose you also can't knock the low-maintenance condo lifestyle.

The weather turned suddenly colder this week, making me realize that outdoor coffee/tea may not happen much before next year. It's supposed to warm up a bit next week, but at some point I'll probably bring the coffee and tea indoors, because we will undoubtedly make use of it over the winter.

Hi Laura, and happy new thread!

From your previous thread: Fewer books but enjoying your reading is not a bad thing at all.

>1 lauralkeet: How sweet, Woody and Alys. And nice to see Midnight here in spirit.

>2 lauralkeet: You started some good series this year. I also started and am caught up on the Harbinder Kaur series, and started the Kate Burkholder series. I’ve read the first four. Darktown is on my shelves just waiting for the right time, and I’ve had a reading/re-reading love affair with Lord Peter Wimsey for over 45 years.

>5 lauralkeet: Nice! Especially the coffee and tea making station. You should put out a No Vultures sign.

>31 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Happy Friday. I was just catching up on your thread although I didn't post anything.

I have you to thank for bringing both Harbinder Kaur and Kate Burkholder to my attention. I might read a Lord Peter Wimsey soon. My library has them in Kindle editions and I'd be surprised if there's a wait, so Lord Peter could be "filler" while I'm waiting on other holds.

"No Vultures" sign: I like that!!

58. The Age of Innocence ()
Source: My Virago Modern Classics Collection

The Age of Innocence explores the mores of New York society in the 1870s through the lives of Newland Archer and May Welland, who become engaged at the beginning of the novel. Newland’s world is rocked by the arrival of May’s cousin Ellen, now Madame Olenska, who recently left an unhappy marriage to a European count. Society is simultaneously shocked and fascinated by Ellen’s behavior; most feel it is her duty to return to her husband. When Ellen approaches a law firm to begin divorce proceedings, Newland is asked to intervene and convince her not to take this step. Newland is sympathetic to Ellen’s situation, and becomes obsessed with her, seeking every possible opportunity to spend time together.

Told from Newland’s point of view, it’s easy to miss the developing game of chess being played by May and her family, as they manipulate the lives of both Ellen and Newland to outcomes they consider more favorable. May and Newland’s relationship appears highly dysfunctional by modern standards, as the couple are completely unable to communicate directly with one another. But May turns out not to be as naive and oblivious as she first appears, and demonstrates surprising strength in her quiet, determined response to Newland’s behavior.

This book was my introduction to Edith Wharton many years ago. Having now read most of her novels it was time for a re-read. This is a magnificent book, right up there with The House of Mirth and The Custom of the Country.

I started Elizabeth Strout's new novel yesterday and ... oh my. So good, already. It's featured on the front page of this week's NYTimes Book Review, and I started reading the review but stopped myself because I feared spoilers, and I really want to savor this slim novel.

>33 lauralkeet: I 'discovered' Edith Wharton only a few years ago, when I read The Glimpses of the Moon. I rather liked that book (4*'s), but could never engage with The Age of Innocence. It seemed pretty dismal. And we weren't even in a pandemic!
I would like to give The Custom of the Country a try, though. Thanks for mentioning this title.

>33 lauralkeet: Age of Innocence was my introduction to Wharton as well. Unfortunately for me, I did not go back and read her entire ouvre. I really need to read more of her work. Thanks for the reminder, Laura!

>34 lauralkeet: I am going to get around to that one once I have read the first couple in the trilogy. Glad to hear that you are enjoying it so much!

>35 SandyAMcPherson: Wharton is one of my favorite authors, Sandy. I had the opportunity to take part in an LT meetup several years ago, where we visited The Mount, Wharton's estate in the Berkshires (Massachusetts). At the time I was also avidly collecting Virago Modern Classics and the visit inspired me to snap up as many as I could find in the ensuing years. Miraculously, I've actually read most of them, although I concluded that her earlier work was her best and some books just don't need to be read ...

>36 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I enjoyed the other Lucy Barton books. They are spare, quiet prose, and Strout has a way of dropping in tiny details that add sudden, unexpected meaning to the story. She did that to some extent in the Olive Kitteridge books, and even more so with Lucy.

>37 lauralkeet: I enjoyed Olive Kitteridge quite a bit, so I am very hopeful that I will enjoy the Lucy Barton books.

*News Flash*
Woodpeckers have returned to our suet feeder!

Some time ago a varmint tore down our metal basket suet feeder, and the tree that it hung on was removed. So we bought a new feeder and chose a different tree, but it took longer than expected for birds to check it out. There was some evidence of nibbling at the suet: bird or squirrel? Hard to tell. But today a downy woodpecker stopped by for an extended chow session. Hurrah!

Hi Laura! Happy Sunday to you.

>39 lauralkeet: Yay for the woodpeckers. I had a female Downy on my suet feeder this morning. They're so much fun to watch.

I made the Bon Appétit red sauce for pizza this morning - used Contadina crushed tomatoes, EVO, and the garlic and salt. I found a never-used quart-size canning jar, washed it up, put in half the tomatoes, the olive oil, garlic, and salt, the rest of the tomatoes, put the never-before-used seal and lid on it, shook it up, and it's now in the refrigerator waiting for ... Tuesday or Wednesday ... for pizza.

>40 karenmarie: mmm ... that's a good long time for the flavors to meld. I have only made it same-day but always several hours in advance.
What I like most about it (besides flavor) is how easy it is to make -- no cooking required. I hope your pizza is to your liking!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

>33 lauralkeet: Love Edith Wharton, as you may already know Laura. I'm sure I'll reread the three you mention at some point but also Summer and Ethan Frome.

>42 brenzi: And The Reef ... we could go on!

59. Oh William! ()
Source: Library loan

Reeling from the recent loss of her husband David, Lucy Barton reconnects with her first husband, William, who is turning 70. For his birthday, William’s current wife gave him an ancestry testing kit, which he initially scorned. But when the test identifies a likely older half sister and William must confront family secrets, he turns to Lucy for moral support. Lucy, too, finds these revelations difficult to process. William’s mother Catherine showed Lucy love that her own parents were unwilling or unable to express, and Lucy cared for Catherine during her final days. William and Lucy take a road trip to Maine in an attempt to track down William’s half sister and understand more about Catherine’s life before William was born.

While this storyline is important, Lucy’s thoughts are the main focus of the novel. She reflects on her relationship with William, past and present, and with their adult daughters. She remembers her early days with David, and mourns his loss. And she considers her own life’s trajectory, from childhood poverty to successful writer, in a way that questions whether she really deserves all that has come to her.

Elizabeth Strout writes in Lucy’s voice, following her train of thought and dropping meaningful details into the narrative largely by recounting memories. It’s difficult to describe the emotional impact of this quiet, contemplative sequel to My Name is Lucy Barton, but it tugged at my heart from start to finish.

>44 lauralkeet: Great review, Laura, my heart was tugged as well!

Hooray for The Age of Innocence, Laura. I will have reread that one myself. It was also my first introduction to her work. Good review of Oh, William. I am a big fan of Strout and I am looking forward to this one.

>45 vivians: Thank you Vivian. I expected to like this one, because I enjoyed the previous Lucy Barton books (she makes a brief appearance in Anything is Possible). I was not disappointed!

>46 msf59: I think you'll like it, Mark.

Great review of Oh William Laura. I'm pretty far down on the overdrive list but I'll get to it. I've read every book she's written so I'm not about to skip this one lol.

>48 brenzi: Strout is an amazing writer, isn't she, Bonnie? I predict you'll love Oh William!.

>44 lauralkeet: I have a couple books on my WL by Strout. I really want to work my way to them soon. I especially was drawn to your review, Laura (Oh William!). Is there a reading order or can this be a stand alone?

I listened to My Name is Lucy Barton last year and liked it. I think I'll re-read it in print and then get to Oh, William!.

>44 lauralkeet: Yep, I definitely need to get started on the Lucy Barton books. Glad to see you enjoyed Oh William that much, Laura!

>44 lauralkeet: - I've read My Name is Lucy Barton but not gotten to Anything is Possible and have been eyeing Oh, William! on a couple of trips to the bookstore. Maybe I'll do a binge read of all three next year.

>50 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy, I think Oh William! could stand alone, but it is enhanced if you've already read My Name is Lucy Barton, because you'll better understand references she makes to her childhood.

BUT WAIT: Have you read Olive Kitteridge and its sequel, Olive Again? Olive is an older woman grappling with changes in the world around her. She's quite a crotchety character, and Strout manages to make her interesting and likable despite being rather ... unlikable. The books are excellent as is the TV adaptation, where Frances McDormand is a brilliant Olive.

Sorry, I digressed ...

>51 katiekrug: ooh, a re-read would be nice, Katie. I read My Name is Lucy Barton five years ago and re-read my review before starting Oh William!. Both books are pretty short so would be easy to read back-to-back.

>52 alcottacre:, >53 dudes22: Hi Stasia & Betty, I say go for it!

>54 lauralkeet: I loved that you digressed.
I added your recommendations to my November BB list. Thanks❣️

>55 SandyAMcPherson: Excellent!

‘Morning, Laura!

>54 lauralkeet: I loved Olive Kitteridge and Olive Again. I also saw the movie and Frances McDormand was, as you say, brilliant. I haven’t read the Lucy Barton series. I don’t have any of them, so perhaps something for next year. I’ll put Lucy Barton on my wish list to keep her in sight.

>57 karenmarie: Another Olive fan -- yay! And Frances McDormand is quite a favorite of mine. Every time I see her in a film she's brilliant.

I also loved Olive Kitteridge & Olive Again, along with the HBO adaptation. Did you read Anything is Possible? That was also a 5 star read for me.

I haven't seen Nomadland yet. Looks like it's on Hulu, which we don't have, and Bill is absolutely adamant about not paying for things on Amazon. It's the principle of the thing for him. But, it's only $3.99 right now, so I might just watch it on my own, here on my computer, one day while he's at work. *smile*

>59 msf59: I really liked Anything is Possible too, Mark.

>60 karenmarie: Why not, Karen? I think that sounds like a great idea.

>My home library has Rokus that you can take out with your library card that are preloaded with movies. I saw Nomadland that way. And a couple of others that I had wanted to see.

>62 dudes22: what a great idea!

Happy Tuesday, Laura!

>64 alcottacre: Back at ya, Stasia!

Catching up with you.

>5 lauralkeet: Lovely barn. I agree, that a potting area along with a coffee spot is quite essential. Now where are the books and the comfy chair?

>66 figsfromthistle: Now that's a brilliant idea, figs! With winter lurking just around the corner we've put coffee making on hiatus (I can make use of the supplies indoors), but outdoor consumption will return in the spring. We have an outdoor table and chairs that are not getting much use, that we plan to situate just outside the barn somewhere. We want to make the garden a pleasant place to spend time, not just a working area.

>39 lauralkeet: Hooray for the return of the woodpeckers! Birds are very suspicious of any changes to their feeders but patience is rewarded in the end.

Edith Wharton is one of my favourite authors too, and I think I have read almost all of her novels now. I do want to reread The age of innocence as it's been a while since I read it and I'm sure I'd appreciate it more now.

>68 Sakerfalcon: That was how I felt about The Age of Innocence as well, Claire. I remembered liking it but also thought I would experience it differently / appreciate it more on a re-read.

>69 lauralkeet: It's quite a lot more subtle than The house of mirth or the custom of the country, for example.

>44 lauralkeet: Hopefully I'll eventually get around to that one. I need to be in the mood for Strout, but I generally enjoy her work when I'm in that perfect mood.

Hi Laura - I'm glad to see you enjoyed Oh William! although I skimmed your comments because I am waiting for my copy from the library. I am number one on the list.

The House of Mirth was my first Wharton, but I liked The Age of Innocence more.

>70 Sakerfalcon:, >72 BLBera: Hi Claire & Beth, I agree with The Age of Innocence being more subtle. Wharton won the Pulitzer Prize for that one, too. And while "serious," it's far less of a downer than The House of Mirth.

>71 thornton37814: I can understand needing to be in the mood. I hope it strikes you soon!

>72 BLBera: Number one! It won't be long now, Beth.

My RL book group is always saying we should read more classics. When my turn for picking comes around next, I think I might go with The Age of Innocence, which I've never read...

>74 katiekrug: Great choice, Katie!

While my primary read is William Boyd's Any Human Heart (and I'm enjoying it very much), this one jumped off the library shelves during Monday's volunteer shift. In the early days of the pandemic, BBC Sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter suddenly found himself out of work. He produced a video of his two dogs with sports-style commentary, which immediately went viral. This led to more videos and a certain level of fame. For anyone who hasn't seen these videos, start here: https://youtu.be/vPhpJuraz14, and then watch them all. They are a delight.

I decided to read this book because I've enjoyed the videos, I love Labrador Retrievers, and as much as I love Woody I still greatly miss our dear departed chocolate lab Lilly. It's about what you'd expect of a book about dog ownership, in that it's not great literature, but it's enjoyable so far.

>76 lauralkeet: it's not great literature, but it's enjoyable so far.

I think the latter is probably more important in this instance :)

Happy weekend, Laura!

>76 lauralkeet: Hi Laura,
Couple of good-looking (reading) books here. I WL'd them.

Hi, Laura. I'm cruising along this thread and wondering what my problem is. You know that I struggle to start to read EWharton even though I've thoroughly enjoyed (and will soon finish) RBW Lewis's massive biography. I want to read more. I've actually liked what I've read, but she just doesn't call me. It's the same with EStrout. I have no idea why I resist her. I even picked up a used copy of *Bur.Boys*, but I just can't make myself get to her. One day.
I do like WmBoyd though, so maybe my brain is salvageable.

>74 katiekrug: Funny vids Laura.

>79 LizzieD: I'm the same with Wharton, Peggy, and (though new to reading Elizabeth Strout) myself, I think her novels will go the way of Wharton's. The prose may all very well be well-composed ~ but ~ the stories fall flat for me and I disengage from what's happening.

>79 LizzieD:, >81 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Peggy & Sandy! I'm sure there are authors that elicit a similar reaction from me, I just haven't had my coffee yet so I can't summon up any names. Nevertheless, it's nothing to feel badly about. There are so many books and authors out there to discover.

>80 Caroline_McElwee: Ha! I'm glad you enjoyed the Olive & Mabel videos, Caro.

Happy Wednesday, Laura. I am glad to hear you are enjoying Any Human Heart, although I am really not surprised. How are your feeders doing? I have mostly the usual visitors, chowing away. Waiting for something more interesting to arrive.

>83 msf59: Hey Mark, I was just thinking of you yesterday. I had to refill our suet feeder, because the Downy Woodpeckers have returned. Yay! We also have a small burbling fountain/birdbath that's getting a lot of attention. We've started turning the fountain off at night because of the cold, and soon we'll have to remove it entirely for the season. We bought an insert that we can fill with water during the winter months, because the birds (and chipmunks!) do seem to like stopping by for a drink.

Still hoping to see a Flicker one of these days.

Hi Laura! Loving all the Wharton and Strout talk; both are favorites. And the bird talk has reminded me that tomorrow I have to refill all my feeders: seed, suet and hummingbird! They are all empty!! Oops. I can't wait to see how your garden grows next spring with that cool renovated barn garden shed. Wow! Have a great weeknd.

Happy weekend, Laura!

>85 Berly: Hi Kim! Do you have hummingbirds all year round in Portland? Ours have left for warmer climes. But we're still seeing lots of birds so it's all good.

>86 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia, same to you!

-----

I finished Any Human Heart the other day (4 stars), and am almost finished with Olive, Mabel & Me which is a pleasant light read. I am having trouble summoning any reviewing mojo but hope to dash off a few thoughts after I've finished both books.

Next up will be the new Kate Grenville:



Grenville's earlier novel, The Idea of Perfection, is one of my all-time favorites (5 stars!). I also enjoyed The Secret River. It's been ages since I read anything by her and was happy to hear of a new book release. This one focuses on the wife of a notorious early Australian settler, using her letters to flesh out details of her life. I love these types of untold stories, and this book was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, so I'm really looking forward to it.

Hi Laura. Nothing much to say this time.

I'm reading cozy mysteries (like Death in the English Countryside) and bread baking books (In Search of the Perfect Loaf), so not able to comment much on what everyone else is excited about. I'm enjoying both tremendously, so I guess that's what counts.

>87 lauralkeet: Thanks for the heads up about the new Kate Grenville book, Laura. I will have to keep my eyes open for it.

>88 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy! That sounds like some pretty good reading to me and you're absolutely correct: your enjoyment is what counts. Have you found the perfect loaf yet? LOL. I haven't made bread in a while, but I do love a good homemade loaf.

>89 alcottacre: Stasia, I didn't know you were also a Kate Grenville fan. I was able to get this book from my library and was #2 on the list before it was released, but it took longer than usual for the library to get copies into circulation. I'm happy to have it now, and ready to dive in.

Happy Sunday, Laura. Glad to see the feeder report and it made you think of me. Grins...I wish the woodpeckers would stop by more often. I have been seeing a red-bellied pop in, grab a full-sized peanut and take off. I run a heater for my birdbath and it works great. I don't know if you have an electric source that would reach.

>91 msf59: funny you should mention that, Mark. Chris just put the winter insert in the birdbath yesterday. We do have an electrical source and this thingamajig has a heater. The early visitors seem to like the arrangement.

60. Any Human Heart ()
Source: On my shelves

This novel has been on my shelves for ages, and having enjoyed the TV adaptation years ago, I was interested to read the original source. It is essentially the life story of Logan Mountstuart as told through journals kept more or less continuously from his teens into old age. The first journal chronicles Logan’s final year at an English boarding school, and subsequent journals take us through his Oxford education, early career as a writer, war experience, post-war career, and late life. In the journals he writes candidly about his personal life, periodically assessing his health and relationships which, for the most part, are a mixed bag. This is not the story of a man whose privilege led to wealth and stardom, free from pain. Rather, it’s the story of someone who experienced early but unrepeatable success, but for whom full prosperity and happiness were always just beyond his grasp.


61. Olive, Mabel & Me ()
Source: Library loan

As mentioned upthread (>76 lauralkeet:), in the early days of the pandemic, BBC Sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter suddenly found himself out of work. He produced a video of his two dogs with sports-style commentary, which immediately went viral. This led to more videos and a certain level of fame. For anyone who hasn't seen these videos, start here: https://youtu.be/vPhpJuraz14, and then watch them all. They are a delight.

In this book, Cotter writes about Olive and Mabel’s early years with him and his partner, and his passion for mountain hiking, especially when accompanied by his canine companions. He digresses periodically into stories of other dogs noted for their loyalty and/or outdoor adventures. Cotter has a dry, self-deprecating sense of humor and the right sort of balanced perspective about the short-lived fame that comes from a viral video. I enjoyed this light read, and now I want another Labrador.

Hooray for the heated birdbath and good review of Any Human Heart! I hope that encourages someone else to finally pick it up.

Happy Sunday, Laura! Love the topper photo - it's full of adorable. And your shed and potting area look great. Craig would love to have an area like that - maybe next house.

>33 lauralkeet: I have not read this one, but you make me want to get to it. Lovely review.

>37 lauralkeet: "...and some books just don't need to be read ... " This made me chuckle.

>94 msf59: I agree Mark. We have several other Boyd novels on the shelves, which Chris is encouraging me to dive into. Okay ... maybe next year.

>95 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! Thanks for stopping by and giving our pups some love. And yes, do read The Age of Innocence, it's a great novel. Glad I made you chuckle, too. I really wanted to be able to say I'd read all of Wharton's novels but it's not gonna happen.

Hi Laura - I've had Any Human Heart on my shelves for a while as well. Maybe next year...

I am waiting to get my hands on the Grenville. I have loved the books by her that I've read.

I've watched some of the dog videos; they are so fun. I gave my daughter the book.

Hey there Beth! I think you'd like Any Human Heart, especially with your professional background. The journals made for an interesting structure, one that allowed Boyd to skip ahead several years, with just a few paragraphs to describe what happened in between.

I'm also glad to see another Olive & Mabel fan. The book is sweet and Cotter seems very well grounded, understanding that his 15 minutes of fame are now pretty much done, but being completely okay with that.

>90 lauralkeet: My local library does not have any Kate Grenville books at all, so if I am going to read it, I will have to buy it myself as I have done with her other books.

>93 lauralkeet: I have already read Any Human Heart so I get to dodge that BB, but you got me wiath Olive, Mabel & Me.

Happy Sunday, Laura!

Glad to hear the Grenville is now available. I was so frustrated with the Walter Scott longlist earlier this year. It's one of my favorites, but most of the titles were not released here. Thanks for the reminder - I'm looking forward to it. And now I'll go back and check the list to see if there are any more I can get my hands on!

Any Human Heart was one of my first LT recommended reads: I think it was Mark's warbling that made me pick it up.

>99 alcottacre: I hope you enjoy Olive, Mabel & Me, Stasia.

>100 vivians: Vivian, I was immediately drawn into A Room Made of Leaves. Elizabeth Macarthur's story is new to me, and so far the way Grenville is imagining her early life and how she came to marry someone that, by all accounts, would not have been considered a good match.

Hi Laura!

>91 msf59: and >92 lauralkeet: Yikes. I don’t know where our birdbath heater is. We’re beginning to get really cold nights and I’m sure the birds would appreciate it.

>102 karenmarie: I hope you can track it down, Karen. Or, rather, ask Bill to do it because you need to take it easy, my friend.

I read and loved A Room Made of Leaves back in July Laura. I bought the Kindle version and have no idea why it was available but it was. The only one on the shortlist that I wasn't able to read (and it's still not available here) was The Tolstoy Estate.

I'm planning to do some rereading next year of my all time favorite reads and will start with The Idea of Perfection.

>87 lauralkeet: Yes, we have hummingbirds all year round. And I have to put out more food tomorrow. I refilled the seeds and suet, but tomorrow it's hummingbird nectar!

>90 lauralkeet: I made my own recipe for pumpkin bread this year, using the shreds we scooped out to carve pumpkins!! We still have one that we didn't carve up so today we are gonna pull out the insides and roast the seeds and make some more bread. Yum.

>87 lauralkeet: >105 Berly: I was so surprised when I went to Canada that they had hummingbirds in the summer. I had always associated them with purely tropical areas. It never occurred to me that they would be found in Canada and the U.S..

>104 brenzi: That's interesting about the availability of A Room Made of Leaves, Bonnie. I'm not surprised you loved it, and that you also loved The Idea of Perfection. She's an amazing author.

>105 Berly: mmm ... pumpkin bread! I haven't made that in ages, and never with fresh pumpkin. Impressive! And lucky you Kim, having hummingbirds year-round.

>106 SandDune: Rhian in our neck of the woods (Mid-Atlantic coast and inland), we have hummingbirds from roughly May through October. They are such a treat!

I've read The Secret River and really liked it and this new one sounds like something I'd enjoy. I've added it to my wish list - thanks for bringing it to my attention!

>108 japaul22: No problem Jennifer! I'm always happy to see another Kate Grenville fan, and based on what I've read so far I'm pretty confident you'll enjoy this book.

>106 SandDune:

About 20 years ago in my back yard. This wee one flew against our window and I got to it before the dogs and stuck it's beak in sugar water. It flew away a few minutes after the picture.

Hi, Laura. Good review of Age of innocence. That was my intro to Edith Wharton, too, and what an intro it was. She had me burning through the pages. I also enjoyed Any Human Heart, although I haven’t ended up as captivated by William Boyd as some are.

>110 quondame: WOW! That's amazing.

>111 jnwelch: Joe, I'm glad you're a Wharton fan. She is one amazing author. I will probably read another Boyd one of these days, especially since they're within easy reach on our own bookshelves, but I'm not rushing to do so. There are so many books I want to read -- I know that's a problem we all share.

Happy day-before-Thanksgiving everyone! We're fortunate to be spending it as a family: Kate and Julia came down from Brooklyn on Sunday and will return on Friday. No menfolk on this visit, as they are spending the holiday with their respective families. K&J worked remotely on Monday & Tuesday. Today & tomorrow we'll mostly just be hanging out together, although this morning the ladies went and had our nails done. I am completely unable to grow my nails but they always look tons better when someone takes good care of them. I haven't been in a nail salon since the before times, and this one was really nice so I'm glad we went. We'll probably do this again at Christmas. It could become a habit LOL.

Today I've done a bit of Thanksgiving cooking prep: made a dry brine for the turkey (it now sits in the fridge until tomorrow), and a sort of fake stock for a gravy base. Sweet potatoes are baking as I write.

Here's our Thanksgiving menu. Recipes are mostly from NYT (New York Times) or Bon Appetit (BA), and I can add links to others if anyone is interested!

Alison Roman’s Dry Brined Turkey (NYT)
Gravy based on Alison Roman’ Cheater’s Turkey Stock (NYT)
Stuffing Biscuits (BA)
Classic Roast Potatoes (recipe from British Chef Gary Rhodes)
Mac & Cheese (BA)
Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Sweet Potato Casserole (NYT)
Apple, Cranberry, & Goat Cheese Salad (NYT)
Sticky Toffee Pudding

-----

Reading time has been a bit scarce but I'm still managing to make good progress with Kate Grenville's A Room Made of Leaves. I'm about 1/3 of the way through and it's excellent so far.

I actually have no idea what I'll read next. I'm nearing the top of the list for a couple library holds, but it's looking like I'll be ready for a new read before I can get my hands on them. And I'm feeling like something light might be in order, like a Lord Peter Wimsey or Blandings Castle book, both of which are easily accessible to me. We'll see.

>113 lauralkeet: - Oooh, fancy! I am going to check out the cheater's turkey stock.

Am intrigued by the stuffing biscuits...

"Apple, Cranberry, & Goat Cheese Salad" -- sounds wonderful -- made me add a tab and search for recipe. We're guests at a family party tomorrow so won't be making it then but one day soon I must try that.

Hope you have a delightful day tomorrow.

>114 katiekrug: Katie, the biscuits are the only item I haven't made before. They were in Bon Appetit's Thanksgiving issue this year. I've made stuffing in the past but *shock horror* we don't eat much of it and I always end up tossing it out. A family poll was unanimous in favor of biscuits.

>115 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I love that salad. I make it pretty often, not just for holidays. Our menu is pretty carb-heavy so it adds a welcome boost of leafy greens.

A Thanksgiving to Friends (Lighting the Way)

In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road

At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.

Laura, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving

Thank you Paul.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. And even if you don't, know that I am thankful for LT bringing all of us together and for the friendships we have formed here.

Morning, Laura! Your menu for the day looks amazing! I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Thanks Amber!

I've had a nice slow-ish start to the day: coffee, oatmeal, and the Thursday NYT crossword. Soon it will be time to put the turkey in the oven. My goal is to serve the meal around 3:00. Then we will take a nice walk with the dogs (it's supposed to be around 58F and sunny today, hooray). We'll have dessert after the walk.

We usually decorate our Christmas tree over Thanksgiving weekend. Because Kate & Julia go back to New York tomorrow, we're going to do the tree tonight. Negronis may be served, if we are all up for it.

Happy Thanksgiving, Laura!

Laura, I am so very grateful for you, my wonderful friend here on LT. Have fun decorating the tree!! Not sure when we are getting ours....

But on this day of Thanksgiving, I wish you (and yours) happiness and health. And cookies. : )

I love Olive and Mabel too!



Happy Thanksgiving! This is Posey's dream.

Hi Reba, Kim, & Lucy! We've had a nice day. Cooking was fun, the results were good, and now we're stuffed. Sitting down for a family viewing of Pride & Prejudice (2005 version).

Hope everyone enjoyed the day!

>110 quondame: They are quite tiny and delicate aren't they? I had one by the hummingbird feeder once and it was on the ground. I tried to get it to drink but was already too weak. glad you were able to rescue this one from your dogs :)

>125 lauralkeet: Glad you had a wonderful day. Enjoy the weekend :)

>126 figsfromthistle: What was extra amazing were the way the tiny claws grasped my finger prints to hold on. I could just barely feel the tiny weight dragging on the skin as I moved my hand.

Glad to hear you had a great Thanksgiving day, Laura!

Normal life has resumed chez nous. Kate and Julia took a bus back to NYC today. I cleaned up the guest bed & bath, finished the post-Thanksgiving cleanup, did a load of laundry, and went grocery shopping for the week ahead. We had leftovers for lunch and I'm just going to make spaghetti for dinner -- easy comfort food. I'm still feeling a bit stuffed from yesterday, to be honest!

It was really really nice to have the girls here, but I also appreciate returning to our daily routines and, hopefully, more reading time.

Our friends in AZ are gin drinkers and so I had the husband make us French 75s yesterday as a pre-dinner drink. Except I did the wrong proportions for the simple syrup so they were not quite as sweet as they probably should have been. I've been wanting to try one since you mentioned it and since my husband doesn't drink, I wanted to wait until I had someone else to try it with. I liked it.

>130 dudes22: I'm glad you liked it! You have me thinking we should make sure we have all the necessary stuff to make them at Christmas. Hmmm ...

It sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving, Laura. Too bad the girls had to leave already.

>132 BLBera: Well Beth, my theory is that they waited too long to book their travel. They ended up using a bus service instead of Amtrak which I'm fairly certain was due to availability and/or very high cost on scarce Amtrak seats. But it also turned out to be a really good solution that we will keep in mind for the future. I suspect the buses might also have been booked on Saturday or Sunday, hence Friday travel.

But it's all good ... they'll be back on Dec. 22. And this time they are renting a car. There will be three of them (Kate, Julia, and Julia's bf Noah whose family doesn't celebrate Christmas), so the cost of a one-way rental less than or equal to the cost of train tickets. They'll drive home, too, which I was pushing for because they'll have gifts to take with them.

------

Here's today's "could have been stressful but wasn't" story: over the past week I was having increasing difficulty charging my iPhone because the cable wasn't sitting well in the connector. I donned my propeller beanie (dusty after 4 years away from the IT world), and tried a) different outlet, b) different charging cable, c) QI charger in my car. The latter was the only thing that worked. The phone had about 10 days left on its warranty, so I was not going to procrastinate on this and made a service appointment for this morning. Before leaving I took all the required precautions: backing up the phone, disabling "Find My...", and preparing mentally for the potential armageddon of living without my phone for a few days. A nice young man at Best Buy quickly spotted lint built up in the charging port (yes, I had looked, but did not see!), and used a little tool to gently remove several tufts of god knows what. Voila, problem solved and I was on my way home, feeling a bit sheepish but also relieved.

>133 lauralkeet: I love your phone story -- well told and a comfort to those of us without a propeller beanie :)

>133 lauralkeet: Beware! With just a few days left in the warranty clever delaying actions may put you over the line at the next difficulty!

>134 RebaRelishesReading: Ha! Glad it was a comfort, Reba

>135 quondame: Yeah, I suppose, but it does appear to have solved my problem.

Laura, your Thanksgiving sounds lovely. And hooray for your "could have been stressful but wasn't" story. Sometimes life is kind.

>133 lauralkeet: I could tell you my experience with my Apple air pods but it's way too long Laura. I will say that I finally got a new pair out of them, one day before the warranty ran out.

>137 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! It was a lovely holiday indeed. I can't wait for the girls to return for Christmas. There's just the small matter of gift-buying and other preparations ...

>138 brenzi: Ugh, Bonnie, that doesn't sound fun. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but happy it all worked out.

----

Kate sent me this photo yesterday, taken during our Thanksgiving Day walk down the country road next to our house. This was around 4:00-4:30pm, and the light was just right for showing off Woody's handsomeness.

Happy Sunday, Laura. I love the photo of Woody. He is a handsome boy. I wanted to let you know, I finally started Still Life and it hooked me right away. I have a feeling this could be a favorite of the year.

>140 msf59: Woody says thank you for your kind compliments. This photo cleverly conceals all the bumps and lumps afflicting this old boy.

I'm sure you'll enjoy Still Life. Have you read A Room with a View, or seen the movie?

>139 lauralkeet: That is a great photo! Hoping your Sunday is full of happy, Laura!

Love your phone story. And now I'll know what to look for.

>142 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie. Sunday is going well so far! I hope to finish my current book, A Room Made of Leaves later today. It's so good I kind of don't want it to end.

>143 dudes22: Betty, I feel like I should have been able to spot the lint, especially the quantity he extracted. This probably says something about my aging eyes, dammit.

Laura--Glad the phone was an easy fix and I'd blame not seeing the lint on poor lighting or the angle, not your eyes. I mean, why not? : ) Love the photo of Woody! And I think the shared car ride for the next holiday (especially with presents) sounds like a splendid plan. Happy Sunday!

>145 Berly: Kim, I like your explanation of why I failed to see the lint. That's my story and henceforth I'm sticking with it LOL. Hope you've had a great Sunday!

This afternoon was spent completely at my leisure. I finished my book, and I spent a lot of time weaving -- a relatively new hobby. I've been a knitter for years, and decided to try another fiber craft. Weaving is very zen.

Great photo of Woody. I, too, after a busy Thanksgiving and then baby shower on Friday have decided to relax today. I'll grade papers tomorrow. :)

Morning, Laura!

I'm so glad you mentioned the problem with your charging port! Charlie's having trouble getting his ipad to connect to his charge cord and we've tried new cords and various things with no luck. I bet it's just dusty in there! I don't really want to take it in to a shop unless I have to, so I had a look online and several different sites say to try one of those compressed air cans to get the dirt out. I've added that to my shopping list for this week and fingers crossed it works!

>147 BLBera: I like your plans, Beth.

>148 scaifea: Hi Amber! You never know what you'll learn around here, huh? The Best Buy tech used a SIM popper tool to clean out my phone's port. They look like this:


Amazon sells them in packs of a million but I could kinda see something like this near the checkout at the supermarket or pharmacy. I also wonder if an unfolded paper clip would do just as well. Your mention of compressed air rings a bell though. Where does one buy it?

>141 lauralkeet: Yes, I read A Room with a View over the summer and saw the film again. I enjoyed both. I know Forster is mentioned in the early part of Still Life.

>149 lauralkeet: Ooof, most of the sites I found said that if you don't know what you're doing, you probably shouldn't poke around in there with something metal, although they did suggest as a last resort to use a wooden toothpick, and *very* gently. I have no doubt the BB tech knew what he was doing, but I...do not. Ha! I'm hoping I can find the compressed air can at Target, maybe in the electronics section? We'll see.

>150 msf59: Oh good Mark. Reading Forster is not a prerequisite, but it does enhance the Still Life reading experience

>151 scaifea: yeah, I'm nervous about poking around too!

>148 scaifea: and >149 lauralkeet: I used compressed air when I was trying to revive my dying computer from a tea-related injury. It definitely helped but sadly not enough to completely fix the matter (but it was a very big problem). I got it at the local tech shop that sells everything from phone cases to home security systems. It's fairly cheap and is a common product so should be easy enough to get your hands on.

Yeah, I'd definitely not poke around in there with something metal, but a toothpick should work just fine. Just be slow and gentle. Compressed air is also a good idea - should be able to get it at your local hardware store if there's no tech store handy.

>154 drneutron: Thanks Jim! You have a lot of credibility on this subject, what with your rocket-scientist know-how and all. 😃

This morning I worked my regular library volunteer shift, and it occurred to me that I haven't posted much about this. I am loving it! Today was a fairly typical day: I shelved holds for patron pickup, shelved some 7-day new release books, then handled "pulls" (hold requests destined for any of the branches), and finally shelved returned DVDs. Sometimes there are other tasks like processing items to be discarded, or putting together kits for a make & take craft.

I've learned to recognize the names of certain patrons who always have a pile of holds. I keep hoping one of them will come in to pick up while I'm there so I can (silently) associate a face with a name). Right now lots of people are requesting holiday children's books, which makes me happy. This morning I was handling pulls in the children's area during story time and I kinda wanted to dance and sing along with the kiddos. They are so cute.

----

After the library I had some errands to run, including a trip to the post office. I bought holiday stamps and now feel compelled to let everyone know that THERE ARE OTTER HOLIDAY STAMPS. You're welcome.



----

And finally, a little bit of shameless self promotion: Chris and I decided to launch a Substack newsletter for friends and family, covering all the stuff we are doing on our property. The first issue went out today. The next few issues will get readers caught up on things we've already done (garden! barn! vultures!l, and then we'll shift to more real-time updates in the new year. This is all free and all for fun -- we have no commercial ambitions whatsoever! Have a look at it here, and if you feel like it, subscribe to receive in your email weekly.

>156 lauralkeet: Glad to see volunteer library life is treating you well, Laura.

Also the stamps are super cute. Otters are one of my favourite animals. My cart everywhere stuffed animal when I was a wee one was an otter so the love is long-standing.

>156 lauralkeet: Thank you for showing us the pic of the otter stamps. Otters are the best.

And I’m glad to hear you volunteering is going well. When I worked in the library, pulling holes was actually one of my favourite things to do.

I enjoyed hearing about your library volunteering and am grateful for the heads up about the otter stamps. I LOVE otters. I have a bunch of holiday stamps from years past, but I think a trip to the PO is in order...

Also, I'm interested in your Substack newsletter and will subscribe. I'd like to find a way to keep in touch with friends and family that isn't Facebook, so maybe this would work. I'll have to investigate it more.

>156 lauralkeet: Oooo...I need to go to the PO one day this week. Thanks for highlighting the otter stamps!

I find compressed air at the major drug store chains, at Walmart, anywhere computer accessories are sold. I use it all the time to clean my keyboard, and to blow cat hair out of the various crevices in my desktop computer and printer/scanner. Clean stuff works better!

I just skimmed to catch up, and because I was moving fast, the BBs didn't stick. I may go back to examine the scene, however.

Your potting shed looks wonderful. It's so nice to have dedicated space for specific tasks.
And it must be so satisfying to improve the barn as you have done.

>157 MickyFine:, >158 PawsforThought:, >159 katiekrug:, >160 laytonwoman3rd: Hello there Micky, Paws, Katie & Linda somehow I just knew I'd find a few other members of the Otter Fan Club here. Yay!s

>161 ffortsa: And hi Judy. I do like the potting shed, although it's not getting much use right now. Nice to know it will be ready when we are, in the spring.

62. A Room Made of Leaves ()
Source: Library loan

Elizabeth Macarthur was the wife of John Macarthur, a notorious early Australian settler. The documentation of her life is scarce. Kate Grenville pieces together what little there is, including a few letters to home, to make Elizabeth a complete person, with thoughts, feelings, a point of view, and a possibly significant role in the success of her husband’s business ventures.

The first question is: how did Elizabeth, who was born into a modest family, come to marry someone that, by all accounts, would not have been considered a good match? As with so many women of her day, Grenville believes the marriage was a matter of economic necessity, and creates a series of circumstances and events that lead to Elizabeth and John marrying and traveling to Australia. From the beginning we see Elizabeth refusing to bow to her husband’s will, but doing so in very clever ways. She figures out how to live a fulfilling life despite his controlling manner.

I love historical fiction that brings untold stories to light, and this is an excellent example of the genre. It's no surprise it was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.

>163 lauralkeet: Great comments, Laura. I hope to get to this one soon.

Your library volunteering sounds like so much fun. That's on my list for when I retire.

>156 lauralkeet: I love otter holiday stamps.

>156 lauralkeet: wow how do you find the time Laura? Lol. Anyway I subscribed and will follow with interest.

Kate Grenville is just the best. Didn't you absolutely hate the husband?

>164 BLBera: Chris and I have a running joke about my library volunteering, Beth. He can't believe someone would enjoy alphabetizing things as much as I do. Because, let's face it, that's what most of the tasks involve. It does make me laugh a bit. But I love shelving the holds because it reminds me of what a vast, wonderful resource the library is. And I love pulling requests because a) it's like a scavenger hunt and b) sometimes I come across a favorite that brings back memories, especially in the children's section (If you Give a Mouse a Cookie, for example).

>165 quondame: Susan, you can't imagine how happy it makes me to find otter lovers here. During my working days I had a couple of otter-loving colleagues, an interest we discovered when our boss made a typo in an email about who should be invited to a meeting: "Mary, John, David. No otters." At least I think that was a typo ...

>166 brenzi: Thanks for subscribing, Bonnie! And yes, John Macarthur was a jerk. I loved how Grenville picked up on tiny clues to make the case that Elizabeth didn't just bend to his will, but made a meaningful life for herself and was, in fact, the brains behind the sheep farming operation.

You're making me miss my library job so much, Laura. *sigh* But I'm so happy that you're enjoying your volunteering! And the bit about shelving in the children's section during story time takes me back to my volunteering in Charlie's school library - just wait for the day when a kiddo comes up to you while you're shelving and asks, "do you have any dinosaur books?" and then you get to help them find a book that they'll get so excited about... *sigh #2* There's nothing quite like that feeling.

>154 drneutron: Thanks, Jim! It's great to have confirmation from an expert!!

>168 scaifea: awww, Amber, that's sweet. I haven't had a ton of patron interaction yet, but I do try to watch people to see if they look like they need help. Especially when I'm shelving holds, because they may be looking for something that I haven't shelved yet.

One time a woman approached me for help with Libby. Her loan period had expired before she finished the book, and she wasn't aware the book would just disappear into cyberspace. Fortunately we were close enough to the desk that I could hand her off to a staff member, who patiently explained how things work and helped her find an available print edition. I really admire their way with patrons, especially the oldsters.

>163 lauralkeet: Good review of A Room Made of Leaves. I have read Grenville but had not heard of this one.

Of course, I am still loving Still Life. Nearly halfway. The gang is in Florence now and Col & Pete have just paid a visit. You got to love these characters.

>169 lauralkeet: I spent well over an hour one day with an older patron who needed help understanding how to use Libby and it was *such* and enjoyable hour+. She was an absolute hoot and wanted to be able to download steamy romances so she could read them without her husband seeing the covers! We both laughed until we were crying and by the end we had her kindle device chock full of smut, as she gleefully called it.

>171 scaifea: Bah! I want to meet that woman. She sounds fabulous.

>171 scaifea: OMG! Coffee spitting.... I started to think to myself, "I wouldn't have the patience", and then i got to the "kindle device chock full of smut" and it was all over...all over me, the screen, my checkbook ledger...

>173 laytonwoman3rd: If she had been just a little (read: at all) tech savvy, I would have absolutely bullied her into joining the LT 75ers! I've seen her once since in the library, after covid cost me the gig, and we sat and chatted for a bit. I adore her.

Hello again, Laura!

>170 msf59: I think you'd like A Room Made of Leaves, Mark. It's been several years since Grenville's last novel, and she doesn't get as much press in the US as she deserves. Thank goodness for LT, for introducing me to her in the first place and for making me aware of this book (I'm looking at you, Bonnie).

>171 scaifea:, >172 PawsforThought:, >173 laytonwoman3rd:, >174 scaifea: I love this entire conversation. "Chock full of smut" made me guffaw. Thank goodness I wasn't drinking coffee at the time.

This was a better reading month than October: one more book read, and 3 of the 5 were 4.5-star reads: Oh William!, A Room Made of Leaves, and The Age of Innocence.

My December plans are vague. I'm waiting on a couple of library holds, so I'm picking up quick reads to fill the gap. Right now I'm reading Clouds of Witness, the second Lord Peter Wimsey mystery, which I got from the library. It's on Hoopla, and their reading interface irritates me. I much prefer Overdrive/Kindle for ebooks. Sigh.

ETA: This afternoon I decided to just buy the Kindle edition. It was only $2.99, and the third book just $1.99. Click-click and they're mine!

Hi Laura, I am constantly swooping through lurking but always so far behind, I seem to have little of relevance to talk about.
Belated comment ~ sounds like you enjoyed a lovely family-style Thanksgiving, so that's all kinds of wonderful.

I wrote some book reviews and posted them tonight. Sadly I couldn't get one single book cover to appear, although I used LT cover image links. My images showed up just fine when I used the ones in my junk drawer. Maybe I'll be sharper tomorrow and can fix what ever was coded incorrectly.

Love all the library stories and especially using Kindle to hide the smut! LOL. Congrats on a good reading month and here's to more for December!

>177 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy! I'm just starting to make the rounds today so I'll pop by your thread and see what you've been up to. Hope you are able to get the images sorted out.

>178 Berly: I loved that story too, Kim.

63. Clouds of Witness ()
Source: Started as a library loan, then bought the Kindle edition

I was underwhelmed by the first Lord Peter Wimsey book, blaming it on the edition I read: a "print on demand" product that was not well formatted. This second book was available as an ebook from my library, but turned out to be a Hoopla edition with similar formatting issues. Buying the Kindle edition helped. However, I still failed to engage with this novel.

The basic premise is promising: Wimsey's brother is accused of murdering his sister's fiancé. And I like Wimsey, as well as his crime-solving colleagues Parker and Bunter. But there was something about the narrative that I found difficult to follow, and the mystery itself is revealed using a technique I really dislike: a long discourse by the detective retelling the entire story with details the reader could not possibly have discovered themselves.

I know this series is well-loved by many here, but I think it just might not be for me.

Hi Laura!

Behind again...

>180 lauralkeet: Sorry Wimsey isn't working for you.

What a great November line-up, have read most, but haven't gotten to Oh William yet or Olive and Mable (I certainly follow them!)

Love your phone story and the Otter stamps. I hope my PO will get those! I've been enjoying the coffee, lighthouse and dino stamps!

>181 karenmarie: I'm sorry too, Karen. I really thought I'd enjoy Wimsey more.

>182 sibylline: I'm not surprised to see you're an Olive & Mabel fan, Lucy! As for stamps, I don't use them as much as I once did. But 'tis the season for holiday cards, and as it happens I was also running low on the floral stamps I'd bought previously. I bought more than I needed for cards so I'd have otters to use for a little while.

I’m sorry to see you’re not a fan of Wimsey, but we can’t like everything. There are other detectives.

>180 lauralkeet: Interestingly Laura, I've only given Whimsy novels 3*s, yet I feel I've enjoyed them, but maybe that has come more from watching the two tv dramatisations.

Happy weekend!!

>184 PawsforThought: There are other detectives
That's for sure, Paws. There are a few series that I need to get back to, ones where I read the first book and liked it enough to continue, but haven't done so yet.

>185 Caroline_McElwee: Caro, I felt like the books earned their 3 stars, as solid well-written mysteries. The style is just not for me. But they're not as bad as the mysteries a friend recommended to me years ago, in which the detectives were cats. Those were a bit to twee for my taste!

>186 Berly: Hiya Kim!!

>180 lauralkeet: I'm not a Dorothy Sayers fan either. Not that she's an especially poor writer or the plot is rubbish. I simply don't like the style of writing, at least in the Wimsey books. I've not read any other mystery series by DS and TBH only tried 2 or maybe 3 Wimsey titles.

I've had a strange experience with Sara Rossett books (by way of example).
I first read her High Society Lady Detective series and then tried the Ellie Avery books.

While some of the novels in the High Society Lady Detective series were not as well-plotted, I certainly enjoyed the books. However, the Ellie Avery novels were (for me) really poor.
Happily, I've now read two in the Murder-on-Location series and they were very amusing. Light pandemic reading fun.

>189 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy, looks like we have similar views on Sayers and her Lord Peter Wimsey novels. I really wanted to love them, so I'm still feeling a bit glum about it.

Luckily my current read, Finding the Mother Tree, is proving to be really interesting nonfiction, and I'll be picking up the much-touted-around-here Once There Were Wolves at the library tomorrow.

This week in library volunteering ...



Yesterday Megan, my "library boss," sent an email to say she would not be in today and described a task they needed help with. Next week's "take and make" craft is a macrame ornament (the wreath shown at top right in the photo above). They'd made a start at it and were hoping I could make some progress. As Megan wrote,

I believe we have filled 18 bags with macramé cord and so we still need 32 more. Each bag needs 16 pieces of eight inch long cord, approximately 4100 pieces still need to be cut. A tedious project, but I would be so appreciative of your help!

I was glad she sent the message, because I realized I had tools that would make the job easier:


They actually needed "only" 512 pieces of cord (Megan's calculation was the total number of inches of cord: 4096). Using my cutting mat and rotary cutter, I laid out 8, 16" lengths of cord and then cut down the middle. I had 32 sets of cord done and bagged in about an hour.

-------

In other news, the second issue of our newsletter is up. This one looks back at spring, and our pleasant surprise at the blooms coming up in our garden:
https://willowgreens.substack.com/p/spring-surprises

Chris is working on a post about the vultures for next week -- should be fun!

Bear with me, it's time for a bit of non-book-related bragging ...

Some of you may know that in addition to reading, I also do a lot of knitting. Since January 2018, I've been working on a certification program through The Knitting Guild Association. Yesterday I received word that I'm officially a certified Master Hand Knitter. I'm thrilled both about the achievement and that I can now devote more of my time to other things LOL. One of the final projects in this program was to design, knit, and write a pattern for an Aran sweater. Here's mine:

Congratulations, Laura! And that's a beautiful sweater...

Wow that's gorgeous Laura! My daughter is a hat-only knitter and churns them out for gifts, but I've only ever aspired to join the knitters' club! Congrats on the certification - looks very well-deserved.

Wow! The extent of my knitting is a simple scarf. Impressive, and a beautiful sweater that you got out of it!

Oh wow, Laura, the sweater is amazing! My daughter is a master knitter, so I love seeing such wonderful creations!

I am catching up here, having been nudged by time away and by seeing such great comments about Still Life that originated here.

I love the pics of your pets up top, and of your barn! No vultures... good luck! Do you know if they had been regular visitors before you got there? This summer Marina and I took a little trip to Salida, CO, and did this magnificent hike where we saw a moose (her first). On our way back to our cabin we were buzzing about the moose when Marina exclaimed: "There's a whole-ass vulture!" And indeed there was :) So now that's how I think of them.

Love that you volunteer at your library! I'm trying to recruit more volunteers to mine after COVID and a grandmother who came every day - meaning no work for anyone else. Her granddaughter is now in middle school, masked volunteers are welcome, but rebuilding is slow. But alphabetizing is a must!

How beautiful Laura. And congratulations on being named a Madter Hand Knitter. I can't knit even a stitch or whatever it's called lol.

>176 lauralkeet: What a terrific reading month!

>192 lauralkeet: Love the sweater. Do we have to bow down now that you are a Master Hand Knitter? If I beg, could I get 2 master hands knitted for me?

>192 lauralkeet: Congrats Laura. That is amazing. I wish I lived close enough to take classes from you. :)

>192 lauralkeet: Wow, impressive achievement and fabulous sweater! Congratulations!

>192 lauralkeet: Awesome 🎉 🎊 🎉 !!
Those Arans are truly advanced knitting. You look fabulous.

Oh my. I did not expect such a deluge of comments and compliments. Thank you soooo much Katie, Vivian, Jennnifer, Anne, Bonnie, Stasia, Beth, Susan, and Sandy.

>196 AMQS: Anne, about the vultures: we suspect they were regular visitors. We ran into the previous owners at some point after moving in, mentioned them, and they sort of shrugged like it was a familiar story. And I hope you're able to build up your cadre of library volunteers. I was the first post-COVID volunteer at our branch but now there are 2-3 more. We work different days so I haven't met them, but it makes me happy to see their names on the sign-in sheet.

----

Today we are going on a field trip to look at bathroom fixtures. We've been working with a designer on some renovations to our guest rooms and their shared bathroom. It's all still in the planning stage (floor plans, tile choices, that kind of thing) but it's starting to get real.

The jumper is gorgeous! I have one that my mum knitted for me years ago but she didn't make her own patterns. I love the shape as well as the stitches in yours.

Sweet Thursday, Laura. What do you think of Once There Were Wolves, in the early going? I love that novel. I just started The Town Called Solace. Did you read that one?

>192 lauralkeet: Nice sweater! Impressive work.

>203 Sakerfalcon: Hi Claire! I've knit plenty of sweaters, but only two original designs. I find them very challenging and in future I think I'll leave design to the pros!

>205 msf59: Thanks Mark. I'm still reading Finding the Mother Tree (did you read that one?), but I'm nearly finished and Once There Were Wolves is up next. I loved A Town Called Solace and predict you will, too.

I am astounded by your beautiful sweater design and execution, Laura. So gorgeous. Knitting is entirely beyond me, I stick with crochet and cross-stitch.

>207 MickyFine: thank you Micky. For what it's worth, I'm hopeless at crocheting and that is an art form in and of itself. As is cross-stitch. Don't sell yourself short!

>192 lauralkeet: WOW!! I'm enough of a knitted to be extremely impressed by that sweater not to mention that you designed it and wrote the pattern yourself!! WOW! just WOW!

>209 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba. I need to point out that the pattern is written only for the size that I made. We were not required to write a pattern for multiple sizes, for which I am eternally grateful, because the design and pattern-writing was difficult enough as it was.

Hi Laura!

>191 lauralkeet: Right person, right tools! Good for you. And, subscribed and read! Excellent photos, excellent newsletter.

>192 lauralkeet: My goodness. A woman of many talents. Congrats, Master Hand Knitter.

>211 karenmarie: Ha. Thanks Karen!

Have a wonderful weekend, Laura!

>213 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia!

64. Finding the Mother Tree ()
Source: Library Loan

In Finding the Mother Tree, Suzanne Simard describes her lifetime of research in the forests of British Columbia, which led to discoveries about how trees communicate, collaborate, and care for one another. Our forests are under threat, and the reduction in forested land has contributed to climate change. Simard began her career in the 1980s as one of very few women working in forestry. This book effectively combines scientific research with autobiographical detail, as we see Simard struggle for her work to be recognized and considered credible. Even if I did get lost in some of the scientific terms from time to time, I found both the science and the autobiography quite interesting. Simard has made an important contribution that, fortunately, others are now beginning to recognize and build upon.

Happy Monday everyone ...

Today Megan my library boss decided she wanted more ornament kits so I cut more cord today, to use up their supply.

I also felt super productive this morning, making not one but two phone calls related to household maintenance. We realized last week some components of our water system should be replaced. We're on well water, which requires filtration and softening, and we had someone out to look at the equipment that does those things. The iron & sediment filtration thing needed repair and he took care of that, but our water softener was kaput.

We also had feelings of existential dread about our hot water heater which dates to 1982, if you can believe it. So I made both appointments today. With any luck we'll have a new hot water heater come Friday, and a new water softener next Wednesday. Merry Christmas, ho ho ho and all that.

So that was my morning, but the afternoon was spent in more fun pursuits: reading Once There Were Wolves, which is superb, and warping my loom to make some log cabin towels:



And finally, today's newsletter was written by Chris, and tells the story of our backyard vultures which many of you are probably already aware of. But why not revisit those lazy crazy days of summer, eh?
https://willowgreens.substack.com/p/tall-dark-strangers

For anyone thinking "oh lord not again," I plan to "promote" the newsletter on this thread until the end of the year, and then next year I'll just put a link in my thread-topper.

>216 lauralkeet: Ooo, I look forward to seeing your woven towels!

Despite being the owner of several peg looms, a couple of box looms and some free heddle frames, I always come down with loom envy when I see one of these.

>217 quondame: I'm new to this whole weaving thing, Susan. I joined a fiber guild in May, just after we moved here, and was inspired by the weavers. I bought the loom (a 16" rigid heddle) this summer after I submitted my Master Hand Knitting work for review. Even though I could ask a guild member to teach me, I wanted to get started with the basics on my own. Liz Gipson's Yarnworker website and her School of Weaving curriculum have been great. I took a Weaving 101 course and followed with Weaving 201, which is about color work. These are my second set of towels from that course. I'm enjoying playing with fiber and seeing the different ways to combine yarns and colors to achieve a design or "look".

>218 lauralkeet:. My sister has traveled a similar course of interest, first knitting, then spinning her own yarns, then weaving. She is quite fascinated by color theory.

Thanks for the link to your newsletter!

I love your fiber work.

>219 ffortsa: It's a slippery slope, Judy. But one I'm enjoying!

>220 RebaRelishesReading: I'm glad you enjoyed the newsletter Reba. And my fiber work! I'll share more of it from time to time ...

>218 lauralkeet: >219 ffortsa: I took up knitting after winning a gift certificate bid and my daughters school auction. I had self taught basics, but having a class really clued me into what mistakes I'd been making and how to fix them. A few years later the doctor told me to stop because of hand pain. Which was probably not related, or only somewhat.

Then I took a class on card weaving which drew me into the SCA and the world of sprang, nålebinding, and finger loop braiding. Lots of things to do with yarn and string. It turns out that nålebinding is a great way to use up the warp ends from weaving on a warp weighted loom. Which I haven't done. Nor made anything but a mess with nålebinding.

>222 quondame: That's really interesting, Susan. I'm vaguely familiar with nålebinding although I've never tried it. I'm sure I'd make a mess of it at first too! I've experienced both knitting and weaving messes. In hindsight, I can appreciate what I learned by dealing with the mess. But in the midst of the mess it's mostly swearing.

>216 lauralkeet: I must look for that book, Laura but I won't be able to replicate your wonderful weaving.

Scout and I have been weaving hot pads. :) It's taking me back to my childhood. Did you ever do that? She turned to me as we were working and said, "Tita, I like it when you teach me things."

She's making her own patterns, not interested in following one.

>224 PaulCranswick: Paul, I just finished Once There Were Wolves today, and it now stands as one of just four 5-star reads this year. Really, really good. I'll post a review soon.

>225 BLBera: Beth that's a sweet story about Scout. I love that she is doing her own thing with the hot pads. It's so fun to explore the possibilities.

>226 lauralkeet: Look forward to reading it, Laura.

By the way this is the 2,000th post on your threads this year. Well done!

>227 PaulCranswick: 2000? My goodness. Thanks for letting me know, Paul.

Happy Wednesday, Laura. Hooray for Once There Were Wolves! I agree, it is such a good read. If she continues this trend, we sure got a lot to look forward to it.

How are your feeders doing? I have a birdy buffet going on every day. Mostly the regulars. Hoping for a surprise guest.

Hi Mark! Our feeders have been pretty lively, with all of our usual visitors. But the other day I saw my first Flicker. It was in the front of the house, not on a feeder, but still welcome.

"Tita, I like it when you teach me things." -- aaah, that's so sweet!!!

>192 lauralkeet: Congrats! That is absolutely stunning. How long does a sweater like that take to make?

>232 figsfromthistle: Hi Figs, and thank you. I spent about 3 months working on sweater design, testing various cable combinations and working out technical issues. And then it took about 7 months to knit the sweater. Mind you, we did move house in the middle of that 7-month period, so I had other demands on my time.

65. Once there Were Wolves ()
Source: Library loan

Inti Flynn is working to rewild the Scottish Cairngorms by reintroducing wolves. The locals are less than happy about this, and fear for their livestock. Inti lives with her twin sister Aggie, who has been rendered silent by some initially undefined trauma. The sisters have communicated through a private sign language since they were children, and now this is the only way they connect. The story of Inti, the wolves, and the community is interlaced with chapters recounting Inti and Aggie’s upbringing and young adulthood, culminating in the trauma.

While Inti comes face to face with violence and trauma in the present day, this novel is also a profound story of love and loyalty -- among and between both humans and wolves. Charlotte McConaghy is a superb storyteller, slowly teasing out details for her readers to piece together. This was a beautiful novel that captivated me from beginning to end.

>234 lauralkeet: - Okay, okay. Adding it to the list!

>235 katiekrug: Oh yes. Do not pass GO, Katie!

>234 lauralkeet: This one is on my Christmas list. I read this week that there are now 128 packs of wolves in Germany. I think if Germany can cope with that many wolves then you could definitely have a few in the Cairngorms.

>215 lauralkeet: Adding that one to the BlackHole. The bonus is that my local library actually has a copy!

>234 lauralkeet: That one is already in the BlackHole, so I get to dodge that BB.

>234 lauralkeet: I loved that one too Laura.

>I just recently read her book Migrations and am looking forward to this one too.

>237 SandDune: Rhian, that's interesting about Germany's success reintroducing wolves. I hope Scotland does equally well.

>238 alcottacre: Happy to add to your reading list, Stasia. 😀

>239 brenzi: I'm not surprised, Bonnie!

>240 dudes22: Migrations was my introduction to McConaghy, and I enjoyed it. This one is even better.

I'm going to be a volunteer camera operator and/or chat moderator for an Eagle nest cam! Last night I attended a (virtual) volunteer orientation session for the Dulles Greenway Eagle Cam. We'll be starting soon, and working throughout the nesting season (Feb-June ish).

The camera is live now, just click on the link. The eagles are most active in the early morning and late afternoon (US EST). There are two eagles there as I write this!

Hi Laura! I really enjoyed the vulture newsletter - what a story!

>234 lauralkeet: Oof you got me with this one.

>242 lauralkeet: That's so cool!

>234 lauralkeet: I'm looking forward to this one when it comes out here in January Laura.

>243 AMQS: I'm glad you enjoyed the vulture story, Anne. And I think you'd enjoy Once There Were Wolves

>244 Caroline_McElwee: It's not available there yet, Caro? I assumed it was published on your side of the pond first. Huh. Well anyway, you'll like it.

>234 lauralkeet: That sounds very good. Coincidentally, my former boss just recommended American Wolf to me (it was already on my wishlist, probably thanks to some warbler around here). Sounds like they might be good companion reads.

Oh yes that sounds interesting, Linda.

>242 lauralkeet: Cool beans!

>242 lauralkeet: - Don't want to mention what they were just doing!

>248 alcottacre: It is very cool, Stasia
>249 dudes22: YES! I took my first look at the camera this morning at 7:22am and there they were, getting it on. That's what we want them to do!

ETA: I added an eagle photo to >242 lauralkeet:. The other day I tried to use a screen shot, but the file size was huge and LT rejected it. I snagged this one from some some local news coverage.

Just catching up after a long absence, Laura. Great pictures. Love the sweater. I’m jealous. I need to get back to my knitting. Not that I’d ever create a pattern, but I do love doing the intricate work.

>242 lauralkeet: That is very cool, Laura.

Great comments on Once There Were Wolves; it seems to be pretty universally loved around here. I hope to get to it next year.

Hi Laura!

>216 lauralkeet: Better to get replacements before the old ones die at inconvenient times. With my recent experience of hot water heaters, of course, I’m happy to hear that the 1982 one is or will be gone soon.

Do your talents never end? Weaving, too. My, my.

>242 lauralkeet: I watched an Eagle Cam from Decorah Iowa for a while, but am happy to watch one closer to home. Thanks for the link, and good luck with your volunteer activities for the eagle cam.

>251 NanaCC: oh yes Colleen, do get back to your knitting! It's so meditative and relaxing. Well, maybe not that intricate stuff, but ...

>252 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I am pretty confident you'll enjoy Once There Were Wolves.

>253 karenmarie: The new hot water heater was installed without a hitch, Karen. New water softener next week, and then our water systems will be up to scratch.

As for the Eagle Cam, apparently we're going to start our shifts next week (I thought it wasn't until first of the year). So I signed up to moderate the chat on Tuesday 7-9am. I think it will take a while for the cam to attract visitors, which I am hope helps us all ease into the role.

>242 lauralkeet: This is awesome, Laura. Good for you. Please keep us updated, as you go along. I will stop by tomorrow and check out the cam. Hey- good sighting on the flicker. I love seeing these guys.

Hi Mark! The birds are in the nest again this morning. This time I saw them arrive. Great stuff.

Also, on the home front we've had a red shouldered hawk hanging out in a nest, high in a tree in our yard. It will be interesting to see if anything comes of that in the spring.

>256 lauralkeet: You get up too freakin' early.

Laura, I send all good wishes for a happy and healthy holiday!

>257 laytonwoman3rd: Tee hee. Well, I am a morning person. And this is what happens when you have dogs. Especially a 14yo dog who has started having occasional overnight accidents. I feel compelled to pop out of bed early to get him outside.

>258 Whisper1: Thank you Linda!

Happy Monday everyone!

The latest issue of our newsletter is out: Meetings with Remarkable Trees.

I had my last library shift of 2021 today, and Megan-my-library-boss gave me a ginormous container of salted caramel candies. She's evil.

Then my daughter sent me a link to the trailer for Harry Potter 20th Anniverary: Return to Hogwarts. It brought back so many memories, I almost cried. But of course I'm going to watch it. It's available Jan 1 on HBOMax.

Now I'm off to finish my gift wrapping. Yes, that's right: FINISH IT. Ta da!

>260 lauralkeet: - Newsletter installment already read and "liked"!

Good thing the girls are going to be home for Christmas to help with those candies, eh?

And hoorah for finishing your wrapping! Will you be sad like I was? I sense not... :)

>260 lauralkeet: Too bad I do not have HBO Max or I would definitely be watching the Harry Potter Anniversary!

Have a marvelous Monday, Laura.

>260 lauralkeet: a ginormous container of salted caramel candies

*drooling*

Good job on the Christmas presents. I’ve wrapped all the ones that have arrived, but I’m still waiting (anxiously because everything is taking so long) for a couple more deliveries to arrive.

Laura, will you share what's on your Christmas menu? Your Thanksgiving one sounded SO good, and you know what a food voyeur (voyeuse?) I am.....

>261 katiekrug:, >263 PawsforThought: I realized I'm still waiting for one gift to be delivered, and it's supposed to arrive today but it's 5:30pm already so we'll see. However ... I've wrapped Kate's birthday gifts for her to take home (her birthday is Jan 2), so I'm well and truly finished except for this one outstanding delivery. And no Katie, I'm not sad at all!

>262 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia! We reshuffled our streaming subscriptions this weekend and added HBOMax, so I was chuffed to see that trailer.

>264 katiekrug: Sure Katie, I can do that.
.
.
.
Oh, you mean here? now? 😂 Oh, okay then!

I tend to go easier on myself at Christmas, because i just can't do a Thanksgiving-level all-day cook-a-thon again so soon. But here's the plan:

Christmas Eve
We have a brunch reservation; will take a pulse check and determine our collective comfort with keeping that reservation. I have no Plan B, but we could do something radical and order Chinese!

In the evening we'll have a cheese & charcuterie spread and a salad. Christmas cookies and HoCho for dessert. I'm making the cookies on Dec 23 because if I make them any earlier they'll disappear (those salted caramels are already going fast ...)

Christmas Day
Our traditional breakfast is croissants and breakfast sausages, with coffee and orange juice. As newlyweds Chris and I adopted a breakfast tradition from my childhood, which at the time was Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and sausages. As proper croissants became more readily available, we've upped our game.

Christmas Dinner will be a chicken dish (legs, thighs) with mushrooms and cream, garlic mashed potatoes, a cheesy gratinée of cauliflower and a broccoli, shallot & olive side dish. Dessert will be individual molten chocolate cakes with a dollop of ice cream.

Uh, I finished my wrapping last week Laura. And I have grandkids! Sorry but I have to have something to brag about here in the shadow of all your accomplishments lol.

*high five*
Way to go Bonnie! This time last week I was still waiting for gifts to arrive, and possibly still buying them too.

Morning, Laura!

I'm *so* excited for the HP reunion show! And I *did* cry at the preview.

Your Christmas menu sounds lovely!

Wow your menus sound delicious!I'd love to hear how you make the cauliflower - I need some new ideas. Please PM your new address for The Fell!

>268 scaifea:, >269 vivians: Hello Amber & Vivian. I just finished reviewing the contents of my fridge and pantry, in preparation for a final grocery run tomorrow.

Vivian, here's the recipe, which is from the New York Times: Gratinée of Cauliflower

And I'll PM you my address stat!

66. Heavy Weather ()
Source: On my shelves

This was a delightful installment in the Blandings series. Featuring Ronnie Fish, his fiancé Sue Brown, and romantic rival Monty Bodkin, the central conflict is Ronnie’s mother’s attempt to prevent his marriage even as his uncle, Lord Emsworth, is enabling it. There’s also the matter of Galahad Threepwood’s memoirs, which are on the brink of publication to the horror of all who believe they might be portrayed in an unflattering light. And as with Ronnie’s marriage, one faction is angling to publish the book and another, to prevent it. And would you believe it’s a pig that saves the day? Read and enjoy.

I hope 2022 is a year with special moments Laura.

Thank you, Caro. I wish you the same.

>265 lauralkeet: I love your Christmas plans, Laura, especially all the delectable sounding dishes. So, this just involves you and Chris?

We are going to my BIL's for Christmas Eve and over to Sean's family for Christmas Day. They have invited us the past couple of years, so we thought we would join them this year.

Merry Christmas, Laura! Have a great holiday.

>274 msf59: actually Mark, we’ll have family with us. Kate, Julia, and Julia’s bf Noah are traveling down today. We feel very fortunate to be able to spend time together.

Oh, that is great, Laura. Have a wonderful time with the daughters!

Thanks Mark!

Excellent fest plans, Laura. I've got all but two gifts wrapped (!!!), and one of those two won't be available to wrap until late tomorrow. I have no menu plans. Peanut butter sandwiches for all!

Just spreading the news on some of the more active threads...

There's this new thing I made... https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/23588/75-Books-Challenge-for-2022

Happy holidays!

>278 weird_O: Nothing wrong with a good PB sandwich, Bill!

>279 drneutron: Jim, I'm so thankful for all you do for this group, but so not ready to think about 2022 threads yet. I'll join the group and set up my 2022 space sometime next week.

>280 lauralkeet: I did mine already. Just sayin'.

Happy Wednesday, Laura, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours!

>280 lauralkeet: No worries - we’ll be there when you’re ready.

>281 laytonwoman3rd: Pffft.

>282 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia!

>283 drneutron: And thanks Jim. I know lots of people like to dive in right away (I'm looking at you Linda), so it's great that the new group is ready for them.

>284 lauralkeet: I knew you were gonna say that.

Or in other words: Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Laura, the photo of Woody and Alys sharing the dog bed is so adorable. I'm glad they get along so well. And Midnight. Well. She is just lovely.

Your Christmas food plan sounds pretty yummy. Last year we made homemade (and I mean truly from scratch) cinnamon rolls and it was a fun craft project that resulted in yummy eating. We'll do the same this year and P has agreed to make Boeuf Bourguignon for our dinner.

>242 lauralkeet: That is awesome!! I used to follow an eagle cam in West Virginia, many years ago. It was so fun to watch the parents raising their three young (there was a tragic element to it that resulted in me sobbing my eyes out at work but it was still so wonderful).

And congratulations on being a certified Master Hand Knitter!

Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a terrific 2022.

>286 laytonwoman3rd: Tee heee

>287 SandDune: Same to you, Rhian (and many thanks for the translation!)

>288 EBT1002: I'm glad you enjoyed a little tour of my thread, Ellen. And thank you for stopping by with holiday wishes. I bet P's Beouf Bourguignon is delish. We've made it before, using Julia Child's recipe -- is that the one she uses? Merry Christmas to both of you!

>289 lauralkeet: That is indeed the recipe she uses. It is a favorite and rare indulgence. I just love it.

Merry Christmas, Laura! I hope you have the very best holiday the circumstances allow and that the new year brings with it only good things.

Hi Laura!

My daughter is visiting for a few days, and just now is baking a few cookies. We've been invited to my DiL's parents for ham dinner tonight. We may have a dramatic reading...



but probably not.

Have a lovely holiday, Laura.

Happy Holidays Laura!

Hello everyone! Thanks to all who stopped by to leave a Christmas greeting. We had a nice holiday.



Here we are, after Christmas Eve lunch at the Hunter's Head Tavern. From left to right: Julia, Noah, me, Chris, Kate. Lunch was very filling so I scaled back our Christmas Eve cheese and charcuterie board a little bit. We watched a couple of Christmas shows on TV before hitting the hay.

Christmas Day began with gifts and breakfast in front of the tree with a fire going. We took Alys on an extra-long walk in the afternoon (longer than Woody can handle these days). We continued grazing on charcuterie. For dinner I made the chicken dish I mentioned upthread, as well as the broccoli and mashed potatoes, but dropped the cauliflower because it would have been too much food. I also decided hold off on the chocolate lava cakes, again because we all felt like we'd been eating way too much. I'll probably make them for dessert this evening.

No structured plans today, mostly just recovering and cleaning up. Kate, Julia, and Noah will head back to NYC tomorrow.

Happy Sunday, Laura! What a lovely family photo. I am glad you had such a nice holiday with the clan.

Laura, it sounds like you had a lovely Christmas. The family photo is so great - full of happy.

I'm with Mamie: it all sounds wonderful!!

Merry Christmas, Laura! It sounds like you enjoyed a lovely day(s)with family.

These were our family ornaments this year and, despite COVID, a merry time was had by all. I see the same is true for you and so here's to a happier healthier next year!!

Hi Mark, Mamie, Amber, Anne, & Kim. We've had a nice time together these past few days. The Brooklynites depart in the morning. We'll miss them, but I think we're all ready to be back in our usual routines.

>297 lauralkeet: What a great picture! I hope the New Yorkers all make it home safely.

It sounds like you had a lovely Christmas, Laura. Like you, I feel like we ate way too much. I've been ferrying food to my daughter's house (they are in Hawaii) when I take the dogs out. They should have enough for a couple of days when they get back.

Lovely photo, Laura, and I'm glad to hear you had an excellent visit with your daughters.

>304 alcottacre: Thank you Stasia! The New Yorkers left yesterday and are now back in their respective lairs. Both are free from any work obligations this week so they'll enjoy some downtime free from parental involvement, ha ha.

>305 BLBera: Hi Beth, I had to visit the supermarket today to stock up on a few things to tide us over until my weekly shopping on Friday. I was far less tempted by snacks and candy, than I am on a typical shopping trip. Tonight's dinner is going to be a pasta dish with kale & tomatoes, because we desperately need some veggies in our systems.

>306 MickyFine: Thanks Micky! I was just lurking over on your thread this morning. I really should say hello more often. Thank you for doing so here. :)

I worked an Eagle Cam shift this morning. The female made her usual early morning visit shortly after 7am, tended to the nest for a bit, and took off. Later in the morning another volunteer snapped this pic, noting that the pair "stopped work on the nest to watch the geese fly by." I really like this photo -- can you all see it?

>308 lauralkeet: Maybe they were thinking "dinner"? Love that shot!

>308 lauralkeet: So Cool!

>308 lauralkeet: Amazing! What a great shot - thanks for sharing, Laura.

>309 alcottacre:, >310 Berly:, >311 Crazymamie: I'm glad you like the photo! Some of the volunteers excel at the well-timed screen shot. I'll give it a try the next time I'm on duty, but I'm sure it will take practice.

67. The Promise ()
Source: Library loan

In the opening pages of The Promise, Amor is reeling from her mother’s death. She had been ill for some time, but that doesn’t make it any easier for Amor to process what has happened and deal with the crush of family and ritual that follows. She does, however, remember a promise her mother demanded from her father before she died: that he provide their long-time maid, Salome, with the deed to her house. But in 1986, property ownership was a “privilege” not available to black South Africans.

After their mother’s death, Amor and her siblings Astrid and Anton all struggle, in their own ways, to become fully actualized adults. Astrid suffers from bulimia and low self-esteem. Anton is traumatized by his military service. Amor is seemingly the most stable of the three, but achieves that only by putting significant distance between herself and her siblings. Over the years, death repeatedly brings the siblings back to their childhood home. Amor keeps reminding them of their father’s promise and refuting their denials. But even in post-apartheid South Africa, meaningful change remains elusive.

This novel, winner of the 2021 Booker Prize, was an interesting study of sibling relationships set against the background of South Africa’s political landscape.

>308 lauralkeet: Nice photo! Neat!

>308 lauralkeet: Wonderful photo! I've forgotten about the eagle cam for a couple days. Must remember earlier tomorrow morning to take a look. I've never caught both birds in the nest at the same time.

I'm reading Galgut's The Promise at present. It's quite good!

>314 figsfromthistle:, >315 laytonwoman3rd: I'm glad you liked the pic!

>316 EBT1002: Ooh, I'm going to watch your thread so we can chat about it when you're done, Ellen.

>313 lauralkeet: Nice comments, Laura. It goes on my 2022 list. I love the eagle cam.

Hi Laura, I've been enjoying your Willow Greens Farm newsletter.

I love the pastoral theme in all the messages. Is it a blog? It feels more comfy and relate-able than the blogs I occasionally follow. I have to feel 'in the mood' to peruse anything on the computer these days. I think I like the WGF topics the best. The one on Dec 20 (Meetings with Remarkable Trees) struck a deep chord in me and I certainly thought highly of the "Rewilding" one.

I haven't clicked the 'subscribe' button (yet) so I couldn't ♡ anything!
I know you might ask 'why not' so I'll say the real reason ~~ because I'm not entirely sure what it will let me in for. I'm not fond of blogs/newsletters/listservs that send anything to my inbox or bug me for other reasons (not insinuating that WGF is like that).

I'm off to design my last post of the year with abbreviated book reviews since the November round up. I made it to 100 books this year and am very satisfied about that. It was a low pressure reading journey because I didn't set any specific objectives.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful time celebrating your "New Years' Eve" in the Farmhouse and looking forward to the springtime again. I can't remember now... was this your first Christmas there?

>318 BLBera: I'm glad you like the Eagle Cam, Beth. I'm up and at it early this morning, ready for my 7-9am shift. It's rainy today, no eagles in sight yet. I wonder where they hang out when they're not on the nest?

>319 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy! Yes, this was our first Christmas in this house. We don't go over the top in our decorations, but still the living room (where the tree is) looked nice and was "just right" for the way we celebrate Christmas morning.

I'm glad you're enjoying our Willow Greens Farm newsletter. We're having fun writing it. Technically it's a newsletter, not a blog, the difference being that the primary means of publication is via email. That seems like semantics to me, because it can be read online just like a blog, and there are ways of subscribing to blogs. But whatever -- newsletters are the current "thing" in digital media, with many mainstream companies (New York Times, Atlantic, etc.) publishing newsletters these days. Ours is on Substack, a platform created specifically for people who want to write newsletters.

I'm also really glad you asked questions about subscribing, because others might have the same questions. Clicking on the subscribe button will add you to a mailing list to receive each newsletter in your email when it is published. It will also allow you to "heart" and comment on the post. You will not receive any other emails or solicitations from Substack.

Hope this helps!


I need to write my year-end posts too ...

>320 lauralkeet: Laura, thanks so much for clarifying how your Willow Greens Farm newsletter is set up.

Looking forward to your reading round up!

>308 lauralkeet: Wow! This is an awesome photo! Never can get enough of eagles. And look how big and sturdy those branches are. Nothing wimpy about this nest.

Sweet Thursday, Laura. How are those feeders doing? I am getting activity but mostly from the usual visitors.

>321 SandyAMcPherson: thanks for subscribing, Sandy! We are currently on a weekly schedule so look for the next issue Monday morning.

>322 msf59: Hi Mark. Our feeders have been fairly active and, like yours, with the usual suspects. Lots of blue jays hopping around too, mostly on the ground.

^This is one of my Bald Eagle shots from last week.

That's a great shot, Mark!

It was a wet morning for the Dulles Greenway Eagles. They visited the nest twice during my shift. Both times they poked around the nest for a bit, surveyed the surrounding area, and flew off.

That eagle cam is amazing! Sorry if I missed it above, but can you explain what obligations your shift entails?

>326 vivians: Vivian, volunteers serve as camera operator/chat moderator. Right now both of those duties can be performed by the same person, but I suspect once there are eggs in the nest there will be more visitors and more chat. Also, at the moment the camera with the most controls is down (it's solar powered and there hasn't been enough sun to recharge it). The active camera is fixed, so there's not much operation that can be done at the moment.

I've been checking in periodically but, since that first day when they were "dating", I haven't managed to hit it just right. I'm sure that will change once they lay eggs.
Since we moved to this new development, we haven't had very many birds - probably because of the construction going on and the lack of trees - except for hummingbirds. But I bought my husband one of those suet and seed bells for Christmas and he hung it on the shepherd's crook where the hummingbird feeder usually goes and we're now having a good amount.

>328 dudes22: Betty, I don't often hit it right either. When I'm on my shift I have to remain glued to the screen and they always seem to appear at least once during those two hours, but when I check at random times I usually miss out. The chat mods (myself included) have started posting photos in the chat, and scrolling through the chat (located below the camera view) is the next best thing to seeing them live.

And I'm glad you're seeing activity at the suet bell. The birds have fewer food sources in winter so it's nice you're taking care of them. 😀

68. Where Serpents Sleep ()
Source: Library Loan

I haven't actually finished this book yet, but I'm close and I want to post this here before my Year in Review. Suffice to say I enjoyed returning to this series after several months' absence. Significant personal developments in the previous book made it necessary to change up the "sidekick" character for this installment, and it worked well. I'm resolved not to let so much time elapse before reading the next one.

2021 Year in Review

Well here we are once again, wrapping up a year of reading.

Initially I was disappointed to finish only 68 books this year. But then I took a closer look at my stats (because of course I did), and I’ve averaged 72 books per year since I began tracking in 2007. That’s 6 books per month, vs. 5.7 this year. So really, not that much different than normal. My ratings averaged 3.77, again consistent with previous years. Nearly half of my 2021 reads were 300-400 pages; only one was less than 100 pages, and one more than 500.

I’m most excited about my library usage this year. 51% of my reads were library loans, well above my previous high of 40% in 2014, and a significant rebound from my disappointing library usage during the time we lived in Philly. Yay for well-funded, well-managed libraries!

And because my local library is so wonderful, my acquisitions were way down this year. As a result I read all but one book I acquired in 2021, not counting December purchases/gifts and a next-in-series book. The one book I didn’t read was for my Philly book club. Maybe I’ll get to it someday, but the pressure is off.

This year I finished my Toni Morrison project, which was so worthwhile. I really enjoyed experiencing the arc of her career by reading her works on publication order. I just wish she was still around to grace us with her talents.

Here’s my 2021 Top 5. Taking my cue from Bonnie, these are the most memorable of the 15 books earning 4.5 or 5 stars this year.
Once There Were Wolves
Driftless
Shuggie Bain
Unsettled Ground
Nature’s Best Hope

Surprisingly, I had no DNFs this year but I did have a couple of duds that earned less than 3 stars. Normally I throw these at the wall, but I skimmed these two to the end:
Snow
Happy Returns

And that’s a wrap! I’ll be hanging around here until the ball drops tomorrow, and then I’ll relocate permanently to my 2022 thread.

>330 lauralkeet: I wondered how you were managing the St. Cyr saga. Glad to see enjoyment prevails. I keep forgetting to look at the public Library catalogue for (potentially) a listing of her newest one.

I spent last night and this morning composing my month-end round up of book reviews. It was bit fraught because I had a few Amazon (Ama-Gone!) images for the book covers and that took a little finagling.

I'm remembering how much you helped me when I was first on LT, to upload images and do all the geeky code stuff. 💖
I'm pleased to have completed 100 books-read and might even get the one I'm reading now finished (These Old Shades, a re-read) before tomorrow night. I love that story, silly as aspects of it are.

>331 lauralkeet: That’s a very solid reading number, Laura.

I think I’m going to do one of these round-ups too - just need to check my stats a bit first.

Excellent wrap-up, Laura.

>333 PawsforThought: Paws, every year I tell myself it's not about the numbers, but I still track numbers and stats. Honestly, I'm not driven to achieve the almighty (and totally arbitrary) 75, but for some reason I always wonder "what happened" when my numbers fluctuate from one year to the next. I have to keep reminding myself that we did move house earlier this year ...

>334 MickyFine: Thanks Micky!

>313 lauralkeet: I just finished The Promise the other day and wish I knew more of the political landscape in South Africa to understand the juxtaposition of the family's position against. Still, I thought it was an excellent book. I have read several of Galgut's books at this point and he has yet to disappoint me.

>330 lauralkeet: I have only read the first book in the series, but I am hoping to get to more of it in the new year.

>331 lauralkeet: Nice wrap up. I also gave Shuggie Bain high marks. I still need to get to the others on your list.

Happy New Year, Laura!

>321 SandyAMcPherson: Great list, Laura. I also have Unsettled Ground on my year's best list. I haven't read the other ones but they are only my 2022 WL.

I agree it's not about the numbers although it's easy to get caught up in them. You also had a pretty big move this year, so it's amazing how much reading you got done.

Happy New Year. I look forward to following your thread in 2022.

>336 alcottacre: Stasia, I didn't know you were also a St Cyr fan. I finished the book this afternoon. I think I have a tiny crush on Sebastian.

>337 BLBera: Hi Beth! You've had significant influence on my reading this year. I'm not surprised at the overlap between our TBR/READ/WL titles.

I'm looking forward to moving over to my new thread. It's always hard to keep up during this last week of the year.

I read all of your favorites except Nature's Hope and I loved them all as well. I know that's not surprising. If you ever decide to listen to audiobooks Laura, you'll see your number of reads skyrocket. If I didn't walk everyday and listen my number would be much lower. So what? Who cares? As long as you're enjoying your reading it's not important. I expect my numbers to drop next year because I'm going to take on some really lengthy books. We'll see how it goes but I'm starting with The Portrait of a Lady. I've been trying to read at least one book per month that's 500+ pages since the middle of this year so I've geared up to some monsters next year lol. We'll see how long I manage to do it.

>339 brenzi: I've been trying to read some long ones as well. I think one of my first books after I retire is going to be Ulysses; I tried once before and stalled about halfway. This time I'll use a guide. I also have to read The Mirror and the Light.

>339 brenzi: Monsters, eh? I can't wait to see what you get up to, Bonnie.

>340 BLBera: Beth, my husband started reading Ulysses with a friend, and they followed a podcast called "Re: Joyce" that unpacked the novel in very small bites. Unfortunately, the podcast host, Frank Delaney, passed away before he could complete this endeavor. Ultimately Chris finished Ulysses with the help of a course that met monthly over several months. Getting through it is quite an accomplishment, so I hope you are able to find useful secondary sources to help you.

>339 brenzi: - I have a goal to read one 500+ page book every month of the new year. We'll see how I do...

Hi Laura! Any fun plans for NYE? None for us, as per usual :)

I did get some recommended secondary sources, Laura. And I am always looking for a seminar on it -- that would be the best way to read it, I think. It would be nice to finish by Bloomsday.

Any plans for New Year's Eve? I am usually asleep by midnight.

We never do anything for New Year's Eve. Dinner will be takeout pizza, which is not exactly a weekly ritual but is something we do fairly often. Then we'll settle in to watch whatever strikes our fancy on TV. We've been following this guy on YouTube who's living off grid in the Italian alps, renovating a stone cabin. There's something weirdly soothing about his videos. And then we're streaming various things, but no idea what we'll choose for tonight.

Enjoy, whatever you watch Laura.

>344 lauralkeet: Share the link, would you? It sounds like something I would enjoy watching.

Happy New Year, Laura!

>345 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caro!

>346 alcottacre: Here you go, Stasia: Martijn Doolaard YouTube Channel

>347 lauralkeet: Thanks so much!

Happy New Year, Laura. I’ve just finished catching up again. The eagle cam is great. And thank you for reminding me about the St. Cyr series. I’ve read five of them, but haven’t read any in a few years.

Hi Colleen, and happy New Year to you too! I’m happy to have reminded you of an enjoyable series. Years, you say? I’m sure you’ll ease back into it.

Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.

Happy New Year, Laura.

2021 is over, folks. I hope to see you all on my 2022 thread!