Anita ( figs) Spring is in the air! Third thread

My rating system

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written (D)

3= Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed. Slightly better than average. (C+ or B- or B+)

Subdivided into: Shaky ( barely got there), loose ( average) and solid ( just not quite there for a 3.5 or 4) ( B+)

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The Pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on ( A -)

5= Absolutely perfect!

Currently Reading:

Not always accurate as I stray from one book to another based on my mood

Books Read in January

Books Read In February

Books Read in March

Books Read In April

Favourite Read From the Past



62. Ishmael Beah: Radiance Of Tomorrow

A novel that deals with the aftermath of war and the issues faced with returning home and rebuilding. Very well written.

" The sight of their wasted youth bothered him"

" Poverty is worse than nightmares. You can wake up from nightmares"

"Even horrible things can contribute in the creation of natural comedy. Even the most absurd situations can be punctured"

Welcome!

Happy New Thread, Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita!

Thanks, Deborah and Kristel

Happy New Thread, Anita!

Happy new thread dear Anita.

Happy new thread Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita.

>14 EBT1002: Thanks!

>15 PaulCranswick: Nice to see you Paul

>16 quondame: Thank you :)

>17 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley

Happy new thread, Anita!

>19 atozgrl: Hi Irene! Hope you have a great start to the week!

Happy Monday!

It's supposed to be a gorgeous day with temps up to a record breaking 17C! Yesterday, I cleaned up after cutting the fruit trees and the red and black currant bushes. Today, I will sort out any old raspberry canes. I am also going to see if I have time to set up a new compost area.

The morning will be filled with errands and shopping. I also Finished reading The Prospectors.

Happy Monday and happy new thread, Anita!
>1 figsfromthistle: Beautiful - if I wasn't on vacation, I would get vacation feelings...
>9 figsfromthistle: I like it!

Happy new one, Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita!

Happy new thread! We're having lovely weather here, too.

>8 figsfromthistle: Did you read Beah's A Long Way Gone too? I have had it on my shelf forever, it feels like, and still have not gotten to it.

Happy new thread, Anita!

Happy new one!

Hi! Thanks for the welcome!

Are all your desk drawers full now Anita?

>22 SirThomas: Hi Thomas! Hope you are having a great vacation so far at Sylt.

>23 katiekrug: Thanks Katie!

>24 bell7: Thank you:)

>25 foggidawn: It is always nice to see the sun and observe the beginnings of a new season.

>26 alcottacre: I have not read that one yet.

>27 drneutron: Thanks, Jim

>28 dianeham: Nice to see you!

>29 Caroline_McElwee: Ha! No, not yet. The thing is now I am being too choosy as to what to put in them.

Happy new thread, Anita!

>31 figsfromthistle: >29 Caroline_McElwee: Enjoy just thinking about what to put in the desk drawers ;-)

Happy new thread, Anita!

>21 figsfromthistle: This sounds familiar. My program today: pruning back berry bushes. Clearing the beds in the kitchen garding. Covering beds with organic material.
Not nearly finished of course! But with a bit of sun it’s so nice to be outside.

>32 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! It is nice to see you here! I want to make sure that the desk space/drawers work for me. I sorted my pencils and pens into one section and notebooks and writing paper will be in another drawer. I like having things "just so" and as a result it will take me good week until everything is optimal.

>33 EllaTim: Sounds like we had similar gardening plans :) Any bit helps before the big spring rush.

I also noticed that my strawberry patch is getting older and messy. I am relocating the plants and sorting them out when I end up having time...

Hope you enjoyed the day in the garden.

22. The Prospectors: Ariel Djanikian

1897, the Berry and Bush family head out to the Klondike and claim a few parcels of land that end up with a good payload of gold in them. The family returns next season with ambitions to mine more. Alice is excited to accompany her sister and brother in law with hopes of staking a claim on her own land. However, things become tense when Ethel becomes ill, someone is skims off the profits and a general tension forms among the household staff. To make matters worse, animosity towards the miners rise as they lay claim to land that really belongs to the First Nations inhabitants.

Told in alternating timelines ( 1887/2015). The First timeline was better realized and 80% of the story takes place here. I was invested in this timeline but was left a little unsatisfied. I find that the 2015 timeline could have been left out. The timeline only served to show the injustice served to the Indigenous people and the half hearted and disingenuous attempt to reconcile with a particular family's descendants. This could have been done in a more powerful/meaningful way.

For the most part, I enjoyed it. It may not be for everyone and almost all protagonist's are unlikeable ( including those in the present timeline). Very well researched.

Proceed with caution and perhaps it will be one you will enjoy.

3/5 ( B)

Happy Tuesday!

Today is my long day at work. I enjoyed yesterday and was able to get quite a bit done outside.

Wordle 990 4/6*

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Looks like your Monday was quite ambitious. Hope it was fulfilling. So good to be able to be out of doors.

Hi Anita. Happy 3rd thread – I’ve been AWOL from your threads since January so will just pick up here.

>8 figsfromthistle: I like your message Favourite Read From the Past.

>21 figsfromthistle: ... and I like reading about your yard/gardening.

>35 figsfromthistle: …almost all protagonist's are unlikeable… I rarely finish books where I don’t like ANY of the protagonists, and actually like novels where there is character development or at least a glimmer that at least one character has a good quality.

I hope your long day at work goes well.

Happy New Thread, Anita. Glad to hear you had an enjoyable day off. Good luck with your long one today.

Happy Thirs Thread, Miss Anita!
I'm still here, departed being quiet (lol) and jealously eyeballing how much you've read already.

>37 Kristelh: It was a nice Monday.

>38 karenmarie: Hey Karen! Nice to see you here :)

>39 msf59: Thanks. The day was a smooth one

>40 Ravenwoodwitch: Hi Angela! My reading is behind compared to last year at this time. The numbers usually take a nose dive when the yard work starts.

Happy new thread Anita!

>21 figsfromthistle: Wow, that's a lot done!

>42 humouress: Thanks, Nina! It was a productive day :)

Happy new thread, Anita. I read Ishmael Beah's memoir of being a boy soldier, but haven't read anything else by him. I will check out the novel.

Happy Middle of the Week, Anita! I'll let you know when The Maiden arrives, but the soonest approximate date is the end of March, so it will be a while.

>44 BLBera: Thanks! I have not read Beah's memoir yet.

>45 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. Thank you. I am sure the book will arrive before you know it :)

Happy new-ish thread, Anita. You really made the most of your warm weather!

>47 AMQS: Hi Anne! Thanks.

I do have to make the mot of the warm weather when it is here as it really helps when the full tilt of spring arrives.

Happy Thursday!

A rare Thursday off today. I already took the two kittens to the vet and will be able to pick them up around 1pm. It will be good that they can go outside as they have been cooped up for four weeks.

I finished reading The Book of Eve. I will have to go to the library today to bring back books. One is two days overdue. Luckily, my library does not charge late fees.

Supper will be roast beef. I have the time to slow roast it in the oven and then I will have leftovers for tomorrow. I will invite my parents over. I am sure that they will enjoy a Sunday dinner on a Thursday!

The weather looks really nice. I am going to try and get some yard work done. I need to extend the chicken fence into the forest so they more area to roam around.

Hi Anita my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.

>50 johnsimpson: thank you, dear John

23. The Book Of Eve: Meg Clothier

It is carnival night, a night where the convent usually receives unwanted visitors. On this particular night two women are dropped off at the convents gate begging the sisters to let them in. Unfortunately, they bring with them a book that will cause great trouble. Beatrice, the convents librarian will have to fight hard to protect it from men who would prefer to destroy it.

Very well written. Different than I thought it would be.

I'm glad you enjoyed The Book of Eve, it looks interesting. My library does not charge overdue fees either, but I believe after two weeks of being overdue, then you have to pay for the book. So far, so good!

>53 vancouverdeb: I rarely let my books go overdue. I think the most has been two days and it's only happened twice. Sometimes I forget to look at the due date. The new releases usually have a shorter loan out period.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Hiya Anita! Hope your doing ok

Yup all good so far

Thats good, im gonna go take some cramp meds before they get too bad at school

Happy Friday!

Yesterday was a nice day. My two cats did well with the surgery and I was able to pick them up in the afternoon. The vet was impressed with the strong bond the two cats have. They were quite calm in the 40 min car ride.

I managed to get a lot of outdoor work done but had no energy left for indoor things. I started clearing the one side of the forest. Trimming dead branches, cutting and stacking them in a pile. Raked the ground and dug up all of those " invasive junk rods" . There were hundreds in that area.

The side of the garden bed needed to be fixed. I dug some posts to stabilize the raspberry canes and dug a hole for drainage for part of the garden that is sopping wet all year long. I removed three older currant bushes and replanted them. I will have a bit of rest from outdoor work this weekend as I am working and the weather is supposed to be colder and rainy. I am not used to all this outdoor work and my back will be happy for the break.

Today's supper is leftover roast beef. I have to wok from 10AM-7PM so it is handy to have these leftovers.

Reading wise, I am halfway through End Of Story by A.J.Finn. So far it's ok except it is a slow burn.

>57 Owltherian: good idea!

luckily i have plenty of time before

>60 Owltherian: Lucky, indeed

Wow! Already some heavy gardening. I want to create a pollinator habitat, but it'll take a few years for me to do all that work. I'll have some cherry tomato plants over the summer.

>62 The_Hibernator: The pollinator habitat sounds like a wonderful project!

Happy new thread and happy weekend!
You got a nice start on your outdoor work!
I was able to work outside last one day last week but didn't accomplish as much as you and this weekend is forecast to be a wash out.
Looking forward to better weather days next week.

na na na na na na
Love is in theee air
na na na ….
Oops, wrong song. Now you’ve given me an ear-worm.

>48 figsfromthistle: Spring is not warm weather. Before Spring is cold 🥶

>53 vancouverdeb: after two weeks of being overdue, then you have to pay for the book
! I hope they send you reminders.

>64 Carmenere: Thanks!

This weekend is looking to be mixed weather wise. Last night and today, rain and on Sunday the dreaded snow is supposed to return. Next week temps back up to 10C

>65 humouress: I haven't had an ear worm in ages. The last time I did, the song was stuck in my head for two days and would not shake loose.

Happy weekend reading!

>46 figsfromthistle: It is pretty harrowing.

>67 BLBera: I can imagine. I shall keep that one in mind.

Oh no to the return of the dreaded snow, Anita. I think we are going up to 15 C next week, one of the days anyway. It's been fairly rainy, but Poppy and I caught a non rainly hour or so for our walk today, so that was great. Yesterday was very light sprinkle for our walk. I think if you live in the Vancouver area we maybe need a thousand different words for the the degree of rain, like there supposedly is for snow.

>69 vancouverdeb: The snow will be short lived. We are supposed to have mild temps next week as well. I am glad that you found a non rainy hour for your walk with Poppy. Does Poppy make a big fuss if she gets wet? Interesting about needing different words to describe different degrees of rain. Perhaps, the British have some clever words? I imagine they would, as it seems to rain all the time in England ;)

Morning, Anita. I might be saying it to you in person if the winds here get any stronger. *brrr*

Happy new(ish) thread, Anita! Lovely photo up top. Where is that?

>71 richardderus: Glad the wind did not blow you off target :) Hope you are staying warm and comfortable indoors.

>72 Storeetllr: Thanks! I took that photo in North Bay, Ontario.

24. A.J. Finn: End of Story

Nicky Hunter is a writer obsessed with Sebastien Trapp and his family. They write to each other for five years until Sebastien decides to invite Nicky to live in his home while writing his biography. Time is running out as Sebastien is dying. Nicky has other motives and wants to solve the disappearance of Sebastien's first wife and only son, Cole.

On a whole, this book was slow. There was murder, suspense and deceit-all things essential to a good mystery. The narrator is unreliable and there was a few superfluous story directions ( much like his word choice). I was not overly satisfied with the conclusion of the mystery surrounding Sebastian's wife. After all that waiting, it was underwhelming. The mystery surrounding Cole was far more interesting.

Alas it was ok

>74 figsfromthistle: Okay is just not enough for my old eyes. The mouldering mound of ~meh~ does not get plopped on my list anymore...to few reads ahead. Thanks for the warn-off!

Enjoy the week.

>75 richardderus: Happy new week, Richard!

I think it is safe for you to skip it. I know others will enjoy it more than I did.

>73 figsfromthistle: It’s gorgeous. Reminds me a little of Dillon Lake in Colorado.

>74 figsfromthistle: Interesting premise. Too bad it didn’t live up to its promise.

>52 figsfromthistle: The Book of Eve sounds interesting to me. I will have to see if I can locate a copy. Thanks for the mention, Anita!

>74 figsfromthistle: Skipping that one. I do not have time for "okay" reads.

Have a marvelous Monday!

>78 alcottacre: My Monday was great. I spent my time completing indoor stuff and cleaning my car and furnace room. I spent the afternoon outside a bit looking at the crocus blooms peeking out of the snow. Most of the snow from yesterday's storm is gone and tomorrow will be 16C!

Hope you have a great week ahead.

>77 Storeetllr: Happy new week! The read was not all bad but pales when compared with this author's other books.

Have you read The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn, Anita? I own it, but have never read it. I'm a bit caught up in my Women's Prize reading, but I maybe my husband might like it. But not if it is really slow.

>81 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! I read woman in the Window in 2019 and gave it 3.7/5 at the time. I don't remember how the pacing was but I do remember the basic plot. It had a similar vibe to Pula Hawkins: Girl on the train

>79 figsfromthistle: Spring must be on the way if the crocus blooms are peaking out of the snow, right?

Have a terrific Tuesday, Anita!

25. Adam Shoalts: Beyond The Trees

2107, Adam felt like doing something special for Canada's sesquicentennial birthday. He decides to stick to his love for canoeing and outdoors and begin the 3500km arduous journey from Old Crow, northern Yukon ending in Baker Lake, Nunavut. Paddling upstream poses great physical challenges. Adam, describes the canoeing experience and the wildlife/nature he sees in great detail. He also describes his scarier moments.

I really enjoyed reading about his journey. It felt like I was there with him. He filmed his entire journey with a go pro camera and there is a movie made as well. I will definitely look it up and watch it.

>83 alcottacre: Spring is quite early this year. Some smaller daffodils are beginning to open up as well.

Hope your Tuesday is full of sunshine :)

>25 foggidawn:. This sounds good, Anita. I think I will watch it on utube when I am at home in Minnesota over the next couple days. I will have limited available access to other TV while home because my streaming is in Florida until I return to stay. Thanks for posting.

>86 Kristelh: Hope the movie is as good as the book!

HAppy mid week!

The weather is quite wonderful and am trying to take advantage as much as I can to get a head start on yard stuff. I trimmed more dead branches from trees and marked the completely dead ones ( thanks to an infestation of Gypsy moths two years ago). Now I will have to get an estimate for taking them down and mulching them. This is something my dad used to do but with his age and having his knees replaced in September, the job is too great and demanding. I wanted to get some mulching in before all the tulips spring up but it is too early as most landscape places have yet to get their stock in. Plus, the ground is still too soft.

Sometime this week I will change my winter tires to summer ones. I hope I am not too early. I am supposed to go to Toronto on Sunday to visit my cousin. At 93 she still lives in her own house and no doubt with spring here, there are things she probably needs my help with. She is stubborn and does not ask for help and have come to understand that if I just show up and offer to help she will take it. I have a rare weekend off and look forward to doing weekend things on Saturday. I haven't been to the market in ages!

I have ordered new laying chickens and they should arrive at the end of May. I have to keep the new ones and old separate so I will have to get the second chicken coop ready and the fence for that one as well. I am glad I did all the work fo the other chicken coop where the older chickens are housed last week.

I also have to fix the garden I made in the forest. It's been three years or so and the wattle fencing has broken apart. I looked the other day but that area is still too wet. This is how it looked on my first attempt and I am surprised it lasted that long. Now all the poles have tipped over and the weave has come undone. I like this little garden as it is protected in the forest and it always produces my first lettuce harvest of the season.


I still have not made it to the nursery to find some fruit trees. I want to plant a few in some bald spots in the forest however, my dad thinks that I will not get any fruit because of all the insects, birds and squirrels. I don't want to invest time, effort and money if it will be for no reason. I also transplanted some of the excess strawberries around the property in my flower bed and along and edge of the forest. It will be neat to walk around and pick a strawberry around various locations ;)

Wordle 998 3/6*

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>88 figsfromthistle: It all sounds so idyllic! I know it’s a lot of work, though. Have fun planning for spring!

>88 figsfromthistle: must be getting warmer up there. It’s warm here today but next week is supposed to be cold again. I have an image in my head of women in Toronto and sounds like your cousin fits that image. Think I got it from reading Atwood and Laurence.

Hi Anita. Wow your garden, and gardening plans!

>88 figsfromthistle: Why not try a small fruit tree? They aren’t that expensive I hope. It works or it doesn’t. When you have a protected place, with some sun it might just work.

>89 Storeetllr: Every year I do a bit more. I usually try not to bit off more than I can chew ;)

>90 dianeham: Temps here are great but a cold snap starting Friday is supposed to arrive. Hope you are enjoying the sun!

>91 EllaTim: I think you are right, Ella. A good fruit tree runs around 100.00 and I will need two to ensure cross pollination. The other fruit trees are too far away on the property to rely on pollination.

I always have too many plans and insufficient time and sometimes poor energy levels after work. I try to get the "important" things done first and allow myself a few extra garden projects each season.

26. Taylor Jenkins Reid: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Monique Grant is a writer for a small magazine ( Vivant) and lands the opportunity of a lifetime when Evelyn Hugo, a former movie star grants her rights to publish a biography upon her death. Evelyn talks abut how she came to marry seven times and the reasoning behind decisions she made throughout her career. How did she achieve her fame and how did her actions affect others?

The story moved quickly and read like a soap opera. A book that most likely will be popular with the masses.

3/5 ( B-)

Well, I managed Wordle in 3 yesterday too, Anita. I don't think The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is for me. but glad you enjoyed it. I've certainly seen it in the bookstore and at the library.

>94 vancouverdeb: I can't say that it was bad or really good either. It was a 'popcorn" kinda read and would be good for a book club pick.

I watched Alone Across the Arctic documentary by Adam Shoalts. It was pretty amazing. So dangerous to do all alone. I think the book might be better though. I think it had to be hard to film it if you’re completely alone.

>96 Kristelh: I wonder how he was able to keep all of that camera gear from getting waterlogged from all the portaging he had to do! I look forward to watching the documentary.

>97 figsfromthistle:, Anita, I wondered too, how he managed to do it. It's probably why there really was limited pictures. He had to set up the camera and then walk or canoe, and then take all the equipment down. It just seems almost impossible.

Happy Friday, Anita. I hope your work week went well. Beyond The Trees sounds like a good one. I love a true-life adventure story.

>93 figsfromthistle: That was my overall impression, too...mass appeal, glossy surface, okay read. But I bought it so I follow my rule of not reviewing stuff I buy with my own money. After all, why would publishers keep giving me free books if I reviewed the ones I buy.

Happy-weekend *smooch*

>98 Kristelh: I think I remember reading that he used a go pro camera wrapped around his head.

>99 msf59: I think it's one that you would enjoy. Lots of descriptions of nature. I seem to enjoy these adventure stories as well and have been gravitating towards them more in the last two years.

>100 richardderus: It is a good rule to follow, Richard. Hope you get to spend your weekend doing what you want to do! * smooch*

Happy Monday!

I enjoyed my rare weekend off. I have today ( my normal day) off as well. On Sunday I drove to Toronto to visit my aunt. It was a pleasant day. I made an oven roast with mashed potatoes the day before to bring with me. I bought a lindor chocolate cake for dessert. She was happy and there are plenty of leftovers so she won't have to cook for a few days.

Today is a putter around and catch up on indoor things kinda day. Overnight there was a light dusting of snow ( nothing major).

I finished reading Truth of the divine which was better than I expected it to be.

Happy Mionday, Anita, enjoy your day off.

>103 Kristelh: Thanks :)

27. Lindsay Ellis: Truth of the Divine

After Cora's traumatic ordeal, she is suffering from major panic attacks and PTSD. To make matters worse she is unable to afford the medication she needs to help alleviate some of the symptoms. Ampersand agrees to help her but is sort of aloof as he is dealing with his own issues. Also, Ampersand is not being truthful with Cora. Luckily, Kaveh, a journalist is trying to help Cora out. In the meantime, some of the Amygdalines seek asylum and the whole thing becomes highly politicized.

So the first book in the series was interesting. This one had a different approach. How would a powerful alien species be received by the general public? Would they be seen as a threat or would the Amygdalines see humans as a threat to their survival?

There was a lot of focus/descriptions of suicide attempts and PTSD. So please be aware. Cliff hanger at the end that has a lot of potential if the author chooses to follow along the lines of the first book in the series.

28. Lesley Crewe: The Spoon Stealer

Emmaline joins a writing club where they are tasked to write a memoir. It is here where everyone reads a bit however, the club is fascinated by Emmaline's and the way she can draw them into her narration that they encourage her to be the main reader. It is here where we learn about her family, childhood and general growing up the loss she faced along the way.

It was a nice cheery kinda read that was funny at times.

3/5

Hi Anita

>107 Owltherian: Hi

>108 figsfromthistle: How are ya doin?

>109 Owltherian: So far so good.

Hey Anita :)

Your descriptions of what are likely yearly normalcys still read to me like the cottage core exploits I'm hoping to achieve someday.
Including the forest garden. If you make any discoveries to keep the vegetation safe I'll be taking notes!

Have a happy Wedneday, Anita!

>106 figsfromthistle: I enjoyed The Spoon Stealer a few years ago. A nice , easygoing sort of read. Well, tomorrow Dave just has to go in for a few hours and say good bye to his colleagues. It'll be fun, I hope !

>111 Ravenwoodwitch: I wish you all the best with your garden :) At the moment we received a best of cold wintery weather so outdoor gardening is on hold until next week.

>112 richardderus: Hope your Wednesday was fabulous. *smooch*

>113 vancouverdeb: It was a nice, light read.

I hope Dave enjoys his retirement party!

It's Thursday!

Brrr! The last few days have gone from 15C to -10. A band of snow made it to my area and it looks like I will have to shovel. it does look nice on the trees though.

Today I have a meeting with my accountant. I am going with a different person than I had last year. I hope this accountant is knowledgeable. My stuff is quite straightforward so there should not be any issues.

A trip to the library, and perhaps a bookstore. I have not been in the book buying mood. The last two stores I browsed and came out with nada!

Other than that, I am hoping to tidy the house up a bit. The change in weather has made my left tonsil swollen and feels like sandpaper. I hope it goes away with some honey and lemon.

No plans for dinner yet. I do have some homemade stuffed peppers. Nice and easy to take out of the freezer and push into the oven.

Wordle 1,006 4/6*

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It got pretty cold here, too, Anita, though I think it will be short-lived.

I hope you enjoy your day off!

>116 katiekrug: I hope your cold snap disappears as fast as it came :)

You probably already know, but Jane Johnson has a new book out, The Black Crescent. I've yet read a book by her, but would really like to do so. Once I've read a few more of my Women's Longlisted books, I'll get The Black Crescent from the library. I know you've read a couple of her books, so just in case I thought I would let you know.

>118 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah! Actually, I was not aware that her new book is out. So far, the two books I have read have been great reads for me.

Hope Dave had a great "last" day at work!

Hi Anita! I'm behind and won't try to totally catch up, but happy Friday and I always enjoy reading about your gardening exploits :)

>120 curioussquared: It is always a pleasure to see you here. At the moment my gardening is on a hold but should be able to return to outdoor projects next week.

I am trying to figure out what to do with the wall to the left of my desk. Either hang some wall plants or do some project with an erasable board that is magnetic and the other half with plants for aesthetics. Or I could stick to the traditional and hang a few pictures. I just want something that is a bit quirky and will make me smile when I see it.

Hope you have a great weekend :)

HI Anita!! I am glad your visit with you Aunt went well. Wow, all your gardening plans sound amazing!! And I hope the weather warms up a bit so you can get back to it again soon. The Spoon Stealer sounds like a nice, fun read. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. : )

>122 Berly: Happy Sunday!

I have to admit that it was kind of nice that the weather turned colder. It gave me a chance to finish indoor projects but also gave me a break and a chance for my muscles to recover. However, now, I am roaring to go!

Hope your weekend is a good one so far.

Hi Anita!

>121 figsfromthistle: Have fun figuring it out.

-10! That’s a big change. But it is nice to have some indoor time. Have a good weekend.

Thanks Ella! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday

Happy Monday!

Today's agenda is to take it easy. My only day off until Saturday and I fear that my tonsil problem graduated to a cold/flu. I tested for COVID which was negative. I hope I am better for tomorrow. No sooner that one symptom clears and another appears. Ah well. I rarely get a cold/flu so I suppose I should suck it up ;)

I'm sorry about the cold/flu, Anita. I hope it doesn't linger too long. Take it easy today.

>126 figsfromthistle: Hope you feel better soon Anita, I'm on the fourth day of a throat infection (covid negative) but was visiting a friend for the weekend, so couldn't not talk. Home now so will rest the throat.

Look forward to seeing what you do on your wall.

>127 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie.

>128 Caroline_McElwee: Oh No! I hope it clears up for you soon. Definitely not fun.

Sorry you're not feeling well, Anita! I hope it clears up soon.

>130 curioussquared: Thank you :)

Hoping your Tuesday will bring you better healing.

>132 richardderus: Thank you, Richard. Today was my long day at work and surprisingly, I held up better than I thought. I must be on the mend.

29. Kiley Reid: Such a Fun Age

Emira Tucker works as part time babysitter for Alix Chamberlain, a wealthy socialite and potential author. A small mishap occurs at Alix's home and she asks Emira to take her daughter to the local grocery store late at night to avoid her daughter seeing the commotion with police at her home. However, things turn when a security guard at the store questions Emira and accuses her of kidnapping. A video is taken of this exchange and Emira becomes acquainted with a man who took the video at the store. However, things become more entwined when all parties become connected. Each having their own versions of truth. What is real? Who is telling the truth?

It was a fast read. On the surface it does not seem like much but has the potential to make you think. Great potential discussion for a book club read.

BB came from Natalie.

3/5

I'm glad to hear that you are on the mend, Anita. Glad you enjoyed Such a Fun Age. I'm really enjoying my current read The Prey. A good , spooky read! Last night I thought, reading this book, I'm glad I don't live alone. It's not that scary - but yes, enough to really get me turning the pages.

>135 vancouverdeb: I quite enjoy a spooky read. Glad that The Prey is keeping you in suspense. I have not read anything by this author before. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

It's Thursday!

Whatever illness I had is slowly releasing its grips and returning me to my 'normal' state. Hopefully this lasts.

My parents hired a tree trimmer for two old maple trees and a large spruce that were near their home and were cancerous/rotten in the core. I was quite sad to see this as these were the trees we always sat under. It was hazardous with wind and ice storms and had many weak points. The reason this happened was 10 years ago my parents hired a tree trimmer to trim the two trees and the company botched the job. As a result the tree started to rot and many new shoots grew from those cancerous trunks. Now it's the clean up time. A deal was struck to trim/cut down and leave everything the way it was cut. At 250 an hour, we didn't want them to putter around. Now we will have to use a chainsaw and cut everything up and put the smaller branches into bundles and stack it for drying.

I finished reading The Time Collector and had enough energy to watch Jeopardy!

Wordle 1,013 3/6*

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>84 figsfromthistle: I have Shoalts' Alone Against the North here to read. I had better get to it - and then try and track down a copy of Beyond the Trees! Thanks, Anita.

>106 figsfromthistle: I might give that one a try as I am kind of in the mood for a "nice, cheery" read. I will see if I can locate a copy.

I hope you have a great day!

>138 alcottacre: I highly recommend Beyond the Trees..

Hope you have a peaceful Friday.

I'm glad you're feeling better again.
It's very annoying when you hire professionals to do it right and then they mess it up.
Congratulations on the 3 wordle!

Glad you are feeling better, Anita. Happy Friday!

>140 SirThomas: I am not 100% but much better, thank you :)

>141 msf59: Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

30. Gwendolyn Womack: The Time Collector

Imagine being able to touch an object and see it's whole history. Roan West, is a psychometrist who searches for valuable antiques and either sells them or returns them to their rightful owners. When he touches an object, he is completely immersed, like he is there. Melicent Tilpin can sense/read objects as well however is not quite aware of her skill until she finds two rare treasures. Unfortunately, someone is trying to harm known psychometrists for something much coveted-the ability to travel through time.

I enjoyed some parts of the story more than others. In general it was a great idea and had all the right ingredients for a fluffy Friday read if you don't take it all too seriously.

3/5

I'm happy to hear you are on the mend.
It's such a headache when you hire people who are supposed to be experts at something and they screw it up. I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

>144 Ravenwoodwitch: I suppose it teaches a valuable lesson to do your homework first and acquire some knowledge so you can see when something does not look right when the experts are doing it. Sad but true.

Hope you are having a nice weekend so far!

Glad you liked Such a Fun Age, Anita! And that you are feeling better. Happy weekend!

>146 curioussquared: I had the day off today and have to work tomorrow. Luckily it was raining so I was able to run some errands and sit and relax in the afternoon.

I have slowly been sorting through boxes of paper stuff and came across some journals from when I was in grade 9. I was eager to see what type of smut/gossip would be in there but apparently my idea of a journal was to write about books I read and what I thought about them. Also some original poetry and general feeling of the day and even new vocabulary.

Apparently one day a friend disappointed me /let me down. I wrote that " I cannot help but feel miserable. Perhaps it is I who is at fault. Disappointment can only happen when one places expectations (no matter how trivial) upon people. Who am I to assert specific expectations onto someone else? For what purpose? What gives me this right ?

Needless to say I spent most of the afternoon reading. I was surprised at the amount of existential angst that could exist in a 13- year old's life. Then again, it could have been because I was reading a lot of Sartre and Camus that year ;)

>148 figsfromthistle:- I also used to write journals though not at such an early age. I was later in my teens. Once in a blue moon I reread them but not often. Sometimes it's painful, sometimes funny, sometimes embarrassing. :-)

I stopped writing in journals when I discovered my mother found and read them. She misintrepted many. Now, as an adult, when my partner Will died five years ago, I bought a new journal and wrote feelings and thoughts. I came across this the other day. I was very glad that I took the time to write through the pain of loss. It did help.

>148 figsfromthistle: I was exposed to Camus and Sartre at that age, as my mother taught French and often hosted a handful of French speakers, some of whom she'd taught, as a branch of Le Cercle Français, which was big on literary discussion and noshing. She did lots of the noshes too. I went briefly crazy from exposure to André Gide, but never got vaguely close to consistent journaling.

>149 jessibud2: Yes, sometimes entries can be embarrassing. It is quite interesting to see the growth from the beginning of school until the start of university.

>150 Whisper1: I wonder what it is that parents feel the need to read personal journals!?

I agree that writing does help sort through feelings and I am glad that the grief journal helped you on your journey.

>151 quondame: Sounds like you had an interesting childhood.

My journaling habit came from being forced to write a one page entry every day for school. It was to practice language skills, communicate and express our thoughts and ideas. At that age the entries were banal but I ended up keeping a non school journal. My second grade report card stated : " Anita is eager to put her thoughts on paper" Interesting how things change. Now, I only keep a journal of the books I have completed.

>152 figsfromthistle: I was certainly well fed and full of pretensions.

>153 quondame: *snork*

Happy Monday :)

New-week *smooch*

>152 figsfromthistle: I love journaling, but mostly I write watered down stuff for my blog (I post the blurbs on my thread). I have a couple prison pen pals that I vent all the stuff I can't publicly say, but emails are kind of like journals too. I'm glad you find joy at least in journaling books. I don't do that, unless you count my mini-reviews for LT and my blog. I don't keep them in my online diary.

>155 richardderus: Hi Richard! I almost forgot that it's Monday! Hope you have a great week ahead.

>156 The_Hibernator: I can imagine that keeping a blog is a lot like journaling and quite time consuming. What is your blog about?

I hope you had a lovely Easter Weekend, Anita.

>158 vancouverdeb: I had a wonderful Easter and spent most of it at work and with family. Hope you were able to spend time with the grandkids.

>148 figsfromthistle: I can imagine how entertaining your old journals were to older and wiser Anita. How sweet you concentrated on books you've read back in the day. How fun!
I have several journals around the house, vacations, books, random thoughts. Maybe someday they'll be of interest to someone. hehehe

>160 Carmenere: I think journal writing can be quite useful to sort out ideas and emotional stress. It is interesting how for younger children complicated things can be so simple and simple things become complex.

How wonderful that you still keep various journals.

Stats for March

Books Read: 9
Male authors: 2
Female: 7
Non fiction:1
Longest book: 496 pages
Shortest: 288
Average: 383
Pages per day: 111
Total pages: 3450

HAppy mid week!

It has been a windy and rainy two days here. What a change from Monday where it was sunny and warm. The wind proved too much for part of the fascia on the gable. It was completely ripped down. Now I have to find someone to fix/replace it. *sigh*

I slowly started with my wattle fence for my forest garden. I would have thought that it would look better than the first attempt I made three years ago. Perhaps I am lacking patience. I don't remember it taking so long the first time around. I spent 2 hours and barely made a dent. Ah well. I am sure it will turn out ok in the end.

Happy Wednesday, Anita. Lots of rain here too, with some snow coming down here at the moment. It is supposed to be warmer and drier next week. Whew!

>164 msf59: I am happy that I have a work from home day today and am able to look at the cold weather from inside ;)

31. Orlando Figes: Just Send Word

Lev Mishchenko and Svetlana Ivanova met at the University and soon became good acquaintances. After the war, Lev was accused of being a spy for the Germans based on testimony from one of his Russian bunkmates in POW camp. Lev's fate for translating was a sentence of death and a minimum ten years as a hard labourer in the Gulag. Luckily, he was able to work in a lab and exchange various letters with the love of his life ( Svetlana).

Much of the book consists of these letters sent between them. What will happen when his time is up?

3.5/5

>166 figsfromthistle: hmmmm

The appeal escapes me, TBH. Better reads ahead!

>167 richardderus: Good call. I am hoping my reading picks up a bit.

32. Jess Armstrong: The Curse of Penryth Hall

Ruby Vaugh is a headstrong lady living and working with a older father like figure in a bookstore. When he sends her to Cornwall to deliver books to the town Vicar, she ends up visiting an old friend. Soon a murder occurs and the town is convinced that the Penryth curse has struck again after 30 years.

This is the first in a series. I enjoyed the tension between Ruby and Ruan Kivell. This book is full of murder, Cornish folklore and a bit of madness. A second in the series is coming out next year. Not sure if I will pick it up.

3/5 (c+)

>169 figsfromthistle: Sorry that didn't work a little better for you. The book description sounds interesting.

>170 thornton37814: It was not a bad read for me. I think that lately I am underwhelmed with what I am reading in general. Probably just a moodiness issue. I would give it a shot. After all it won the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition.

>169 figsfromthistle: The Curse of Penryth Hall sounds quite tempting, but I will be cautious as you aren't too keen on the second in the series. Moodiness in a level headed person such as yourself. I don't believe you! :-)

>172 vancouverdeb: The second in the series is not out yet. I read the description and it did not grab my attention as the first in the series did. Perhaps a good idea to get it from the library and try a few chapters :)

It's Friday!

It feels like I have bene working a lot lately and it's certainly draining my energy reserves. I will have a lot to catch up on on my day off, Monday. C'est la vie!

I have been reading on my lunch break Reason for Hope and am almost finished.

I have not been watching a lot of TV. However, I began a series Escape to the Chateau. So far so good. I just can't help wonder how the married couple don't have a row or two with all the problems that arise. They seem overly calm.

Wordle 1,021 3/6*

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>174 figsfromthistle: I suspect chemical intervention is the reason for their unnatural calm.

Happy weekend-ahead's reads, Anita!

>175 richardderus: Ha! That would certainly explain things ;)

*smooch*

>52 figsfromthistle: Definitely a BB for me!

>171 figsfromthistle: I go through periods like that, and I have to say that right now is probably one of those for me as well. Maybe I'm just learning to be stingier with 4 stars and above! LOL

>177 Tess_W: I hope you enjoy the read.

>178 thornton37814: Ha! I am glad I am not the only one ;)

Happy Weekend!

It was a really busy day at work yesterday. No reading time as I only sat down for a 15 min break all day. I came home at 6:30 PM and after supper and clean up I was exhausted. I ended up watching the season premiere of Star Trek Discovery ( it's final season). I hope the work weekend is calmer. I am really looking forward to my Monday off!

Hang in there, Anita!

Hi Anita! I've enjoyed catching up with you. Loving all you say about your woodland garden. I'd like to put in similar along the pines in the front of my house and I've always been a fan of your wattle fencing.

The last few books I've read have also not been the stellar-can't-wait-to-pick-them-up variety.

Sorry work was so grueling. I hope it lightens up soon!

>180 figsfromthistle: Crossing my crossables that you'll be bored out of your mind for lack of work this weekend. *smooch*

>181 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie :)

>182 streamsong: I look forward to seeing a pic of the wattle fence when you end up completing that project. My wattle fence would look a lot nicer if I had Hazel or willow branches as they are nice and thin, bendable and long. I just use various branches that are available to me which gives it the rustic charm ;)

>182 streamsong: Today was good. We shall see about tomorrow!

>148 figsfromthistle: Oh that's precious.
I was an emo than a goth kid between middle school and high school, so any writings I discover are going to be an attempt at vampires in the worst way, lol.

>185 Ravenwoodwitch: lol. It is always interesting to revisit and get to know ones younger self ;)

>157 figsfromthistle: my blog is just the same blurbs about my life that I post on LT, plus very brief book notes (as also in my thread on LT), and a few other tidbits. Nothing too interesting.

>187 The_Hibernator: Oh cool! sounds like a good mixture of bit and bobs. Have you had the blog for a while?

>148 figsfromthistle: Pretty mature journal thoughts for a 13-year-old!! : ) Good luck with the fencing and, of course, the reading.

>189 Berly: Hi Kim!

The fence is at a standstill because I am splitting and stacking wood. That's what I did all day today. The stacks of wood in the forest look cute and will have all summer to dry.

Hope you had a fantastic Monday

I am exhausted on your behalf! LOL.

>191 Berly: lol It is backbreaking work but surprisingly, my muscles fared quite well this time. I must be getting back into better shape.....

Tuesday!

I was in one of those areas where you could see the solar eclipse yesterday. I was already outside working away and took a break at that time to view with special glasses. I don't see why they had to make a school P.A day because they deemed it too "dangerous" for students. The eclipse would have provided a unique teachable moment. Ah well.

I am heading off to work. It's my long day and every floor/wing seems to have a different outbreak. I will probably get some take out for lunch since I really don't want to cook/eat so late when I get home.

Yesterday I had homemade stuffed peppers with a tomato sauce. It was a easy dinner- just took it out of the freezer and put it into the oven. That makes it two days in a row where I did not have much cooking to do :)

I love days when I don’t have to do any cooking!

We (my daughter, Ruby (5), Rowan (2), and I ) watched the eclipse yesterday with the special glasses we got from a friend. I think it might have been my first full eclipse, at least that I remember. Next full eclipse is supposed to be in 2044. (I joked that it was Rowan’s and Ruby’s first and my last. It didn’t go over well.) Anyway, Ruby was so anxious about the “clipse” after her mom and I, the day before, were talking about how dangerous it was to look into the sun without the special glasses. She kept saying there were no windows in her classroom and asked if she could hide out down here when the clipse happened (I live in a finished basement, and my living room window is really small). It wasn’t an issue, though. They must have had a lesson on it at school, because she was the most excited of all of us to watch the phenomenon. I posted a pic of her on my thread.

Have a lovely day!

>193 figsfromthistle: Our schools were closed here (99% coverage) because the eclipse timing here would have been right as school was getting out, so I think they didn't want to deal with wrangling the kids right at that point.

>194 Storeetllr: Howdy doody :)

Oh what fun! I will have to visit your thread. I was teaching piano this afternoon and one of my pupils said that they were given glasses to take home and they learned a bit about it as well. Everyone I talked to were quite excited to view it and as a result it was a great thing to share with the family.

>195 foggidawn: Yes, the timing was just at the time the kids here would be getting on a bus to go home. I suppose cancelling the day instead of letting the kids go home early was easier to manage.

33. Jane Goodall: Reason for hope

I am quite familiar with Goodall's research but was less familiar about her as a person. This book is quite personal and is a great one to read if you want to know about her thoughts about life, spiritual beliefs and observations about humanity.

>197 figsfromthistle: Ooh! I would enjoy that one. Onto the WL it goes.

>198 Berly: Glad I could hit you with a BB :)

It's Wednesday! How'd it get here so fast?

Garden shenanigans:

Things are coming along nicely in the garden at home. I made a make shift dome with leftover plastic from what my mechanic wrapped my tires in to take home. I planted some lettuce. We shall see what happens. I am a little impatient to wait until the ground and weather is warm enough to plant.

The apricot trees however are always impatient. They are beginning to bloom. They are always eager but a frost usually ruins any chance of harvest. I quickly sprayed the other fruit trees ( natural spray) to prevent overwintering insects and such from nesting in the buds and on the bark.

I am slowly cleaning up the forests and have created a "mulching pile". I have 4 tree stumps that were too hard to split or cut with a chainsaw so they are going to be good legs for a bench where I will place them in the forest near the forest garden. Now I just have to use some muscle to roll them up the hill ;)

I suspect the next few days will bring rain and will have to cut the grass on the weekend or Monday. Today, I have to replace a drain pipe that was crushed underground. It's already dug up. I just have to fill in the hole.

Speaking or holes.......I need to arrange for nice topsoil to be delivered. There are lots of grooves and such in the backyard. The topsoil will be delivered onto my driveway which means hand bombing it onto a little trailer that is attached to the riding lawnmower and then hand bombing it off where I need it. I am going to have arms like iron man.

After I am finished with all that, I will have some nice cedar mulch delivered to sprinkle onto of the flower beds. Probably just 20 yards this time. Again, my trusty little trailer will come in handy. I suppose it's better than the wheelbarrow 😂

>200 figsfromthistle: - I'm tired just reading about all that work!

>200 figsfromthistle: What Katie said!

>202 Storeetllr: ^^^what they said

>201 katiekrug: >202 Storeetllr: >203 richardderus: Ha! It just seems like a lot......but since ya'll are tired here is a perfect place to rest up a bit :)

>204 figsfromthistle: Since I posted my exhaustion after your efforts up in >191 Berly:, I call dibs!!! : )

>204 figsfromthistle: Looks very inviting, Anita! I don't think I've ever been in a hammock. Add it to my non- existent bucket list.

>204 figsfromthistle:, what a beautiful place to rest.

>205 Berly: Fair enough :)

>206 vancouverdeb: For the most part they are comfortable when decked out with blankets and pillows and have the correct tension of course.

>207 Kristelh: I wonder how many people tumble out of a hammock after they fall asleep ;)

I love a good hammock!

>209 katiekrug: Right? It's a good place to relax especially with a glass of wine :)

>204 figsfromthistle: I love it...soothing, sunny, welcoming. *smooch*

>211 richardderus: Happy Friday, Richard *smooch*

>204 figsfromthistle: Love it, but I would surely be too heavy and likely to be arrested for cruelty to trees!

>213 PaulCranswick: Ha! I highly doubt that, Paul. Success/failure all depends on securing it with the proper anchor/bolts.

>197 figsfromthistle: I think I would enjoy the Jane Goodall book. I will look for it.

I hope your apricot trees are successful this year even if they are trying to get a jump on things.

>215 BLBera: I hope you enjoy the read :)

>216 thornton37814: They are now in full bloom and look quite beautiful all the same.

It's Monday!

The strong winds on Friday caused a power outage that unfortunately burned the wire to the well pump. Not sure how easy or hard the fix will be but I am hoping it will be quick. The repair person should be here sometime today to look and hopefully fix. In the meantime my neighbour has been gracious enough to let me take water to use. It feels like camping days where you boil water to wash dishes or to take a bath. Highly annoying but could be a lot worse.

Besides waiting for the repairs I may have time to get some gardening work done. I really need to bring back some library books and pick new ones up. I shall see what I have time for.

I also finished reading Ministry for the future

Happy Monday, Anita. Sorry about the well pump issues. I hope they get it fixed. Try to enjoy your day off.

>204 figsfromthistle: That hammock is making me want to set my own up. I have a good shady spot, but it's in the front yard, too close to the road -- I may look to the back of the property to create a little space like the one in your picture.

>219 msf59: In a half day the problem was fixed. new pump/cables and operational box. One of the old school companies that send the bill in the mail. He also said when you get it, you better sit down first. I have a feeling that it will be expensive but necessary and unavoidable

>220 foggidawn: I think the key spot is anywhere you feel relaxed and where there is less noise. Have fun!

Good that you have water again, I hope it won't be too expensive.

>222 SirThomas: I hope so as well. I know how much the materials cost but it will just come down to how much the labor will be. Either way it was a necessary repair and should last at least 20 years.

34. Ministry for The Future: Kim Stanley Robinson



In the not so distant future, a organization responsible for the protection of citizens from extreme climate catastrophes is formed. Various POV's tell a story of how climate change has devastating effects on the the people who are forced to suffer from deadly heatwaves, water and food scarcity and toxic environments that become increasingly hostile to human life.

This is a work of fiction that is quite scary. Makes one really think about how inaction on climate regulations can lead to total chaos that will soon become irreversible.

I found the first 1/3 of the book to be the most interesting. There are two voices that are more prominent/frequent. Great discussion points about technology, human behaviour and political red tape.

3.5/5

Wednesday.....

It's a rainy day here. Working from home but I keep on getting distracted. Work has settled down and I am able to finally read on my break times. At home, it's a different story. So much outdoor work to do and lots more dead branches to cut and put on the wood piles and some on the mulching ones. It is endless but I am trying to do as much as I can until other garden things become more urgent.

I am a little nervous about the water well bill. I know that the materials alone come to at least 1300 so now I am just waiting on the labor fees. Of course this is something that home insurance does not cover. I feel I am paying a premium for a policy that covers very little. *sigh* I may not renew next year. The policy went up 40% for no reason other than an explanation of "it's due to inflation". Whatever.

Tomorrow my order of bare root trees are coming in. Twenty of them to be exact and I will have to find time to plant them within a reasonable time. At least that will be fun. Yesterday I spread lime and calcium in certain areas that were highly acidic.

I am now trying to plan my trip to Europe for mid June. I hope it is approved by my workplaces.

>225 figsfromthistle: I hope the bill for fixing the water well isn't to bad, Anita.
Enjoy planting your new trees!

>226 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! I am hoping to have them planted by the end of the weekend. Mostly will have to happen after work so I hope the weather holds.

35. Bernard Cornwell: The Empty Throne

Uhtred is weakened by a wound on battle and needs to find the sword that is hexed to heal him. He also needs to be extra cunning as he has to rescue a damsel in distress from marriage to a power hungry Lord who would stop at nothing to ensure his place as ruler of Mercia. The problem is that a legitimate son is in the way.

8th in the historical Saxon series. Just a bit confusing with some of the names as they look quite similar ( Aethelred, Aethelflaed ,Aethelhelm, Aethelstan)

A fast read and a good one in the series. I was glad there was a bit less fighting and more strategy in this one.

Sorry to read about the bill for the well. I hope it is not too bad. I think that yes, insurance fees have skyrocketed. Dave and I own a townhouse, so we pay strata fees for insurance to the building, as well as maintenance. The fellow who runs the Strata Management tells us that insurance rates have gone up a lot due to so many weather related disasters around the worlds, flooding, wild fires and the like. Dave is on the Strata board, so he gets a fair bit of information there. Where are you off to in Europe this June ?

>229 vancouverdeb: Unfortunately, insurance companies can do whatever they wish. I hope your fees are not overly exorbitant.

When I go to Europe for more than two weeks, I always go to my base near Vienna. From there I decide where to fly for a few days at a time. The fees to fly or travel by train are quite low. For example, a train ride from Vienna to Budapest is 22 Euros or a flight to Paris with a three night stay at a 4* hotel is 150Euros.

36. Georgie Blalock: The Last Debutantes

Valerie de Vere Cole, niece of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain is rescued from France after her father passes away. Her aunt is keen on presenting her to other highly ranked socialites. Valerie must tread carefully as her past may be one of the things that could hinder her acceptance among high society .

I kept on reading to see if the plot would improve....unfortunately this was not what I had expected. A bit more substance would have helped shape the historical narrative into something more profound.

3/5 C-

37. Phantom Limbs: Paula Garner

Otis and Meg were best friends until Otis's brother dies while in Megs parents home. Reeling with grief every member from both families deal with the loss differently. Megs family moves and Otis begins to focus on competitive swimming. Three years later, Meg's family comes back and emotions run high.

A coming of age story interlaced with grief, friendship and guilt.

Not always a feel good kind of YA lit and some subject matter may be heavy/difficult for some younger readers. the author does a great job in portraying teenaged confusion and angst.

3/5 (B)

Just checking in, Anita. I hope you are the good kind of busy and not the bad kind :)

>233 katiekrug: Hi Katie :)

Yes, things have been quite busy mostly the good kind. I have been a little neglectful of threads and hope to catch up over the next few days.

Just stopping by to say hi, and I see you have been busy in the good way! Planning your trip away in June , among other things ?

>235 vancouverdeb: I almost forgot about the trip in June ;). I really have to start looking for flights. This year I am co ordinating it so that the last two weeks of my mom's vacation intersects with the beginning of mine. It should be a fun time and it has been a while since the both of us traveled together.

It's Thursday......

It's a nice and sunny day and despite multiple calls from work begging me to come in, I resisted. Now I am going to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with some soft boiled eggs ( complete with egg cup and special spoon!). I rarely have enough time to do this so it is a nice treat.

I and my father have been cutting massive pine trees that have died due to the LDD moth a few years ago. The quote for cutting the trees was excessive so we both decided to do this together. By the end of the weekend it should be done. at least 15 trees in excess of 40 feet in height. Lots of branch pulling and log cutting.

The other forest is coming along slowly. It is getting attention when I have a spare moment. The most important part is done. There were wild grape vines growing on and suffocating the trees. It took a good two hours to pull them and pry them away.

The garden is taking shape. Strawberries have been tamed and transplanted and some vegetable seeds are in the ground.

Grass has been cut, fertilized and the some of the acidic soil has been treated. Cedar trees were magically planted last week when I came home from work. Parents can be nice sometimes :)

I bought some clear stain because the barn boards needs to be treated. Last time it was done was 5 years ago.

That's it in terms of outdoor things.

Good for you for resisting the calls to go into work!

I'm very impressed that you and your dad are felling those trees yourselves.

>225 figsfromthistle: I get the work thing. I hate having to do any work from home. I'm surrounded by stuff I gotta do plus stuff I'd rather be doing.

Anita, I am always amazed and the level of work you get done. Good for you!

>238 katiekrug: I was hesitant with felling the trees as my dad had both knees replaced in September. I was concerned that he would be overdoing it . We have a good system worked out to make it a bit easier. A rope is tied to the tree and the other end to the riding lawnmower. He cuts the tree and then I drive and pull it out. I cut the branches off and put them on the mulching pile while he cuts the rest of the tree. Then I load the logs and stack them in a nice pile to dry.

>239 Ravenwoodwitch: I do enjoy working from home but like you said there are a lot of distractions.

>240 Kristelh: Spring is a busy time and luckily everyone helps together to get things done. The benefits of living right next door to family usually outweigh the negative effects :)

>242 figsfromthistle:, I am glad you have help near by and people to make sure your safe. I loved when my mom and dad would come and help me with my gardening. I do miss them.

>243 Kristelh: It is one of those things that sometimes annoy me. Sometimes I just want to do things my way but I know that one day, the time spent together will be fiercely missed. I am glad you have nice memories gardening with your parents.

Will you post some photos of your trees and gardens? I'd love to see the fruits of your efforts.

>245 jessibud2: I shall try my best to post a few photos late Friday or on the weekend. I don't really take too many photos so I will see what I have and take a few :)