Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Twenty-Five

-Mazatlan Mexico. We will be at this lovely destination, in one week. It is on the Pacific Ocean side, just north of Puerto Vallarta.



-Red-Crowned Parrot. One of the many birds I hope to see on the trip.

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:


Books Read So Far...

OTS- Off the Shelf

August:

95) The Good People by Hannah Kent 4 stars (audio) OTS
96) The Man Who Climbs Trees by James Aldred 4.2 stars (E)
97) The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner 4.5 stars Booker List
98) Bullets into Bells: Poets & Citizens Respond to Gun Violence by Brian Clements 4.5 stars Poetry
99) The Walking Drum by Louis L'Amour 4.2 stars (audio) AAC OTS
100) The Lonesome Bodybuilder: Stories by Yukiko Motoya 3.7 stars
101) Sackett's Land by Louis L'Amour 3.8 stars (audio) AAC OTS
102) Of Wolves and Men by Barry Lopez 3.7 stars E
103) What is the What by Dave Eggers 4 stars (audio) OTS
104) Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh 4.2 stars E OTS
105) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer 4 stars (audio) OTS

September:

106) Black Mad Wheel by Josh Malerman 3.3 stars (audio) OTS
107) Whiskey When We're Dry by John Larison 4.5 stars ALA
108) Certain American States: Stories by Catherine Lacey 4 stars
109) The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy 4 stars (audio) AAC
110) The Princess Bride by William Goldman 4.6 stars
111) Dancing at the Rascal Fair by Ivan Doig 3.7 stars (audio) OTS
112) The Physics of Sorrow by Georgi Gospodinov 3.8 stars
113) The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend by Glenn Frankel 4.2 stars (audio) OTS
114) Fight No More: Stories by Lydia Millet 4.6 stars
115) Seven for a Secret by Lyndsay Faye 4 stars (audio) OTS
116) The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin 4 stars OTS

October:

117) As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of Princess Bride by Cary Elwes 4.4 stars (audio) OTS
118) The Searchers by Alan Le May 4.2 stars
119) French Exit by Patrick deWitt 3.8 stars ALA OTS
120) The Fireman by Joe Hill 3.5 stars (audio) OTS G.R.
121) I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O'Farrell 3.7 stars (audio) OTS
122) Praise Song for the Butterflies by Bernice L. McFadden 4.5 stars ER
123) Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 4.2 stars (audio) OTS
124) Tin Man by Sarah Winman 4.3 stars (audio)
125) The Overstory by Richard Powers 5 stars
126) The Outsider by Stephen King 4 stars (audio) AAC OTS
127) No Time to Spare: Thinking About What Matters by Ursula K. Le Guin 3.6 stars (audio)
128) Changers Book One: Drew by T Cooper 3.8 stars
129) Cherry by Nico Walker 3.2 stars (audio)
130) Guardian Angels and Other Monsters by Daniel H. Wilson 4.4 stars OTS
131) In Pieces by Sally Field 4.2 stars (audio)

November:

132) I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai 4.2 stars (audio)
133) Washington Black by Esi Edugyan 4.4 stars
134) Tool of War (Ship Breaker) by Paolo Bacigalupi 4-2 stars (audio)
135) The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman 5 stars AAC
136) One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway by Asne Seierstad 4.3 stars (audio) AAC
137) Bird Cottage by Eva Meijer 3.7 stars
138) Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell 4.5 stars (audio)
139) Nothing Gold Can Stay: Stories by Ron Rash 4.5 stars
140) On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden 3.7 stars GN
141) Disappointment River: Finding and Losing the Northwest Passage by Brian Castner 4.2 stars (audio)
142) Virgil Wander by Leif Enger 4.6 stars ALA
143) Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 4.3 stars (audio)
144) Coyote America by Dan Flores 4 stars (audio)
145) One Goal by Amy Bass 4.5 stars (E) AAC

December:

146) Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah 4.2 stars
147) All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells 4 stars (E)

Welcome to the AAC V!

2018 AAC

January- Joan Didion Completed The White Album
February- Colson Whitehead Completed Sag Harbor
March- Tobias Wolff Completed The Night in Question: Stories
April- Alice Walker Completed In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens
May- Peter Hamill Completed Tabloid City
June- Walter Mosley Completed Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
July- Amy Tan Completed The Bonesetter's Daughter
August- Louis L'Amour Completed The Walking Drum, Sackett's Land
September- Pat Conroy Completed The Lords of Discipline
October- Stephen King Completed The Outsider
November- Narrative Nonfiction Completed The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway,
Disappointment River, One Goal

December- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Here is a link to the General Discussion Thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/279501#

What We Did Before Our Apocalypse


We stockpiled all the bottled water we could find. We argued

over Christmas trees until all the good ones were gone.



We drove less. We starved ourselves of carbs. We buried

Muhammad Ali in Kentucky. We ran on charisma.



We took the batteries out of the smoke detectors so all the toys

would run. We jiggled the toilet handle to try to fix the problem.



We let people who were acting like assholes merge into

the carpool lane. Orgied out, we debated canceling HBO.



We packed our suitcases without hairspray and barely

any liquids at all. We reversed our vasectomies.



We fled to the mall and bought shoes. We battled the goddamn

kitchen ants again and their relentless thirst for grease.



We watched Carrie Fisher’s heart stop on a plane. We fretted

like bigots over bathrooms in one of the Carolinas.



We cherished Alec Baldwin and reported every rogue backpack

to the authorities. Underneath the table at Buca di Beppo



we all held hands and prayed. We watched an old man insult

nearly everybody and then let him fondle the nukes.

-Kristen Tracy

"In the tradition of Friday Night Lights and Outcasts United, ONE GOAL tells the inspiring story of the soccer team in a town bristling with racial tension that united Somali refugees and multi-generation Mainers in their quest for state--and ultimately national--glory."

^Joe put One Goal: A Coach, a Team, and the Game that Brought a Divided Town Together on my radar, earlier this year. He warbled and raved. The author is Joe's cousin but regardless, he gave this a firm 5 stars and that was good enough for me. I hope to dip into a bit of it today.

Happy new one, Mark. Nice topper. Lucky you to have the beach in your near future. Stay warm and don't strain any muscles delivering all those holiday packages!

Merry Weekend!

Happy new thread Mark! Your trip to Mexico sounds lovely.

>1 msf59: lucky you Mark. Have a great time.

Happy new thread!! Your vacation destination looks relaxing :)

Happy new thread! Just finished a weird one from the library you might like called The Shimmer. Time travel, murder, thriller/suspense kind of thing.

Fun to go to Mexico soon. Have a wonderful time! Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Mark. Great toppers

Happy happy, joy joy. New thread ahoy. What can I say but attaboy.

Hi Mark, I was happy to see that you loved Winter's Bone, it totally blew me away when I read it a few years ago. I have been a solid Daniel Woodrell fan ever since. Your upcoming trip looks like a perfect place to enjoy the sunshine, sip on some cold ones and turn a few pages! Have a good trip.

>6 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. It looks like we are getting hit with our first big winter storm tomorrow, and then plunging into below freezing temps, to start the week. Ugh. Yes, our timing for Mexico sounds just about right. Looking forward to it.

>7 richardderus: Merry weekend to you too, RD!

>8 alphaorder: >9 Caroline_McElwee: >10 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Nancy, Caroline & Figs! Bumming around on the beach, in mid-summer temps sounds just about right.

>11 drneutron: Thanks, Jim and I appreciate the book rec. The Shimmer sounds interesting.

>12 mdoris: >13 jessibud2: >14 weird_O: Thanks, Mary, Shelley & Bill. Also enjoying my long weekend.

>15 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. Glad to see hear from another Woodrell fan. Winter's Bone was excellent, wasn't it? I want to get a hold of his short story collection. Have you read any of those?

Yep, our timing to Mexico is perfect.

^Heading out on an organized walk, despite the damp weather. This is will be at the Arboretum and this could be the final organized walk of the year, for me, although I have not seen next month's schedule.

Good morning, Mark! Happy new thread, happy anticipation for your Mazatlán trip. So glad you've not been called into work. Enjoy your bird stroll.

From your previous thread: m.belljackson - I've seen several different types of anti-bird strike decals online. What do you use?

Happy new thread, Mark. I hope you saw/see lots of our feathered friends today. Pleasant dreams of Mexico, sounds like good timing indeed. Brrr to snow, but isn't this your last season to be out in it no matter what?

>19 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. Definitely not disappointed about not getting called in today. Yes, I enjoyed the walk, but I want to also get our Christmas lights up. Bad weather coming tomorrow. Ugh...

>20 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. One week from now, we should be in the air. Yah! No, unfortunately, I will have one more winter left, after this one. Booooo!!

-Cedar Waxwings, (NMP)

A very nice walk this morning, with a pleasant bunch of folks. Birds were seen, the usual suspects for this time of year, including a small group of waxwings and a few bluebirds, as well. Owls were seen flapping away on two occasions but I was only able to get a mere glimpse.

Happy New Thread, Mark! And keeping fingers crossed for great weather in Mazatlan next week.

Did you know about this group Mark:

https://www.librarything.com/groups/birdsbirdingbooks

Happy new thread, Mark!

>22 msf59: Even a glimpse of an owl can be good :-)

>19 karenmarie:

We've tried several kinds, starting from those at MOUNDS, the local pet store, then to one of the online bird feeder companies,
and moving to Amazon for the free shipping.

The ones with butterflies and flowers seem the least intrusive to a view - the owl ones are a little odd looking in at you.

They last only for a few years and come off easily.

Hi Mark! Happy long weekend and happy new thread!

Wow - Mazatlán trip - Color me green. Last night we had our first snow that stuck - it's melting now, but supposed to go back into the 20's tonight. Winter is here.

As always, I love your reviews - trying to dodge all the great warbles.

>23 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. Last time I checked, the weather in Mazatlan will be gorgeous, during our stay. Yah!!

>24 Caroline_McElwee: How did I not hear of the Birds/Birding/Books Group on LT? Wow! Sadly, they don't seem to get a lot of activity but I am joining anyway. Thanks for the heads-up, Caroline.

>25 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. I will gladly take a glimpse of an owl but a LONG look is much better. Grins...

>26 m.belljackson: Like these?

>27 streamsong: Thanks, Janet. So far, it has been a very nice long weekend. Birding, books, beer and some chores here and there. We are really looking forward to the Mexico getaway, especially with our first snowstorm arriving, later tomorrow. Sighs...

Hi Mark! That is some poem in >4 msf59:.

>31 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda. That poem is from a new collection called Half-hazard: Poems. She is quite a talented poet. Most of her poems are on the slightly longer side, so they were a bit hard to share over here.

>1 msf59: A beach vacation! How lovely! *sigh*

>22 msf59: We have a crabapple tree and one winter day I looked out and there must have been at least 30 Cedar Waxwings in the tree, eating the dried fruit. That was the one and only time I’ve seen them around like that.

I may try Virgil Wander. I’m one of the very, very few who did not like Peace Like a River.

I have a copy of Disappointment River that I picked up from ALA. I should dig it out...

I can’t believe you didn’t know that Winter’s Bone was a novel? How did you miss that? I’ll bet you don’t watch the credits at movies. However, with this novel there was a great deal of hype after the movie came out. I think because Jennifer Lawrence’s performance just blew everybody away.

I finished Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness and Greed by John Vaillant and you need to put this one on your TBR list. The book is about the mutant Golden Spruce, but there is so much in it about the old growth coastal temperate rainforests and how we are pillaging it daily. There is a simple chart at the end of the book with the number of board feet taken from British Columbia alone and the amount is mind-boggling. The book also did much to explain the thought process of environmental terrorism.

The enrivornmentalist at the heart of this story considered the Golden Spruce a “pet tree” of Mackenzie Bloadell, a huge Canadian timber conglomerate now owned by Weyerhaeuser, and he wanted to get the attention of the companies and the universities who were working hand in glove with the timber companies to extract the lumber at all cost. As an environmentalist he considered this one mutant tree to be a sick tree that was being cared for by the company while millions of healthy trees were being cut everyday. Considering it will take 800 years under ideal growing conditions to restore the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, he made more of an impression on me than I expected.

There is lots in here about forest ecology and ecosystems as well as about the tree species of that area of the world. It is also a great adventure story with a grand hero and grand villains. You have to put this book on your reading list.

>29 msf59:

The ones up here are two small owls roosting together.

>5 msf59: I remember Joe warbling about this one. It looks good. Happy new thread! I saw some fantastic bird greeting cards this weekend and though of you.

Mark--Woohoo for warm Mexican weather next week! Very jealous. : ) One Goal sounds good--let me know (not that I don't trust Joe's rating!).

Happy Sunday!

>33 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. Bet that was quite a sight to see that many waxwings. Nice. And yes, I still recommend you read, along with everyone else, Virgil Wander. It is a terrific novel. I am glad to hear you have a copy of Disappointment River. Good book. John might like it too.

>34 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. Let me clarify on Winter's bone- When I first saw the film, in 2010 or 2011, I didn't realize it was based on a book but I learned that fact, shortly after that and started to read Woodrell.

Golden Spruce sounds really good. Just my cuppa. Thanks for the short review. I will add it to my lists.

>35 m.belljackson: Got you, Marianne. Thanks.

>36 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. Good to see you. I think you would enjoy One Goal. It moves fast and is well-written.

>37 Berly: Hi, Kimmers. Yep, we will be waking up in sunny, warm Mexico, in one week. Yah!! You will enjoy One Goal and you know both Joe and I would never steer you wrong.

Happy new thread, Mark! Happy belated T-day greetings as well! I'm sure it was lovely!

Woo Hoo! look at you! now you're trying out the west coast of Mexico! We've not been to Mazatlan but we found Puerta Vallarta enchanting. I'm sure Mazatlan will be very similar. ooooo, how exciting!

>40 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda and thanks. Yep, we will be waking up next Sunday, in warm Mexico. I think our timing is perfect, because it is going to be a tough week here, with the snowy and cold weather.

Happy new thread! Love your opening shot and jealous that you will be there! I would love a vacation right about now!

>42 ChelleBearss: Morning, Chelle and thanks. Great to see you. We are getting ready to be clobbered with our first snowstorm, later today and tonight, so our vacation plans, will be perfectly timed.

I don't think I'm going to speak to you until after you hit freezy frosty cold Chicago post-Matzo-land trip. And then I'm just gonna say "ha ha ha."

*stalks off in a jealous snit*

>44 richardderus: LOL. Morning, RD! I hope more coffee, snuffed out your "snit". I also hope this snowstorm doesn't make it to the east coast. It is supposed to be a big 'un!

Mark, I’m so glad you are warbling about Daniel Woodrell on your last thread and continuing here on #25. He is one of our few local authors and has been a longtime favorite of mine. I saw him in person years ago. He is a likable down-to-earth kind of guy. I hope he writes another book soon.

Here, have a tufted titmouse.

>46 Donna828: Happy Sunday, Donna. I really need to read more Woodrell and would love to see him in person. I really want to read his short fiction. It seems like it would be a good fit for him. Have you read any?

>47 richardderus: I LOVE the titmouse, Richard. One landed at my feeder, about 2 years ago and then quickly took off. I have not seen one since.

142) Virgil Wander by Leif Enger 4.7 stars

“I made a fist and held it out. It didn't look like much—not like a fist anyone would count on for protection. If war came seeking a person I loved, that undernourished fist was not going to be enough. I would have to put my whole body in the way”

“A person never knows what is next--I don't anyway. The surface of everything is thinner than we know. A person can fall right through, without any warning at all.”

Virgil Wander is the owner of a movie theater, in Greenstone MN, on the banks of Lake Superior. He is an amiable bachelor and long-time resident. After his car went into a skid and he plunged into the frigid lake, he is rescued, (a virtual miracle) and while he recovers, starts seeing his world in a whole new way. This coincides with his meeting with a kite-flying stranger, from Norway, who is searching for his long-lost son. They bond immediately and Virgil begins a new chapter in his life.
It has been nearly twenty years since Enger broke on the scene with, Peace Like a River, (which I adored) and then followed it up with, So Brave, Young and Handsome, (which I have not read) and we had not heard from him since. Well, he sure came back like gangbusters, with this one. The writing is beautiful and the characters, leap off the page. Think of Richard Russo, based in the upper Midwest, but with a tad more warmth and a touch of magic. Highly recommended.



**Once again, a big thank you to Benita, for putting this one in my hands.

Hi Mark, 8 to 12 inches of snow forecast for here. Does the mail go through in those cases? Ours usually doesn't but we'll see for tomorrow.

A nice day to stay home and read and watch football.

>49 msf59: That quote about thin surfaces is excellent. I am *almost* persuaded to library it up after the TBR subsides.

>50 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. Yep, the mail will go through. You will receive your bills. No problem. But a Big BOO, to the snow. I hope you are enjoying your R & R day.

>51 richardderus: Obviously, I loved that quote too, RD and I hope I at least knicked you with a BB, on that one.

>49 msf59: Nice review!

Marl, sadly I haven't read any of Daniel Woodrell's short story collections and I must correct that. Of the novels of his that I have read I remember really liking, The Death of Sweet Mister a lot.

>52 msf59: Close. Very close. Not *quite* dermis-damagingly close, but thermal-excitation close.

>53 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda. It is a terrific book. Thumbs are welcome!

>54 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy. I hope to get to one of Woodrell's collections in the coming months. I am not even familiar with The Death of Sweet Mister but I have now added it to the list.

^Look what I just snagged on audio? I might just kick off the new year with Becoming. I am excited about this one. Now, this is a fine American.

I got back from Nashville in fine shape. My sister is spending tonight with a cousin of ours in KC. She has been fighting snow on I70 all the way west from Columbia, MO. But Nashville was fun!

Glad you liked Virgil Wander. I have a copy for myself that I picked up in New Orleans ALA.

I figured that you somehow had just overlooked that Winter’s Bone was a novel. The reason I knew it was, because the book reviews of the novel were so good and there was lots of publicity about how good the novel was. But then along came the movie. And it was outstanding. I think the reason the movie overshadowed the book was because of the performance of Jennifer Lawrence in that movie. I opted to not see the movie because I wanted to read the book first. As a result, I haven’t read the book or seen the movie.

It is always interesting to see what novels make early good movies and which ones, while good novels, make clunkers of movies. Who would have thought that Snowpiercer would make a good movie? I still haven’t seen that one yet for the same reasons as for Winter’s Bone.

>55 richardderus: That almost counts, right? Grins...

>59 benitastrnad: Glad you had a good time in Nashville. Look forward to your thoughts on Virgil Wander. Wonderful novel. Try to make time for Winter's Bone too and then see the film. Both are terrific.

It is beginning to snow here. Big, fat flakes. May get 6-10 inches. Ugh!

‘Morning, Mark! Insult to injury – after your snow stops it looks like it’s going to be wicked cold for you all week. Stay warm and safe.

>26 m.belljackson: Thanks, Marianne. I’ll probably get some butterflies. Owls seem to keep my birds away from my bird bath and flowers might tempt ‘em even more.

>57 msf59: Becoming is the newest addition to my shelves and I might join you in a January read.

>61 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. It is blowing snow out there, right now and the roads are supposed to be pretty bad. I will have to head out early. And yes, only in the 20s here, Tuesday & Wednesday. I just have to get through five more days...

^We had our first big snowstorm of the season. It looks like there is about 4-6 inches of snow out there but it is hard to tell exactly and there will be a gusty wind all day, so plenty of drifting, as well. Oh, joy. I just have to muddle through five more days...

>57 msf59: Mark, I just picked up a Kindle edition of Becoming a week or so ago. I had credits from some recent Kindle purchases, which could be spent on any of Amazon's "Great on Kindle" books. I'm not sure how that list is curated, but when I first looked at it, I didn't see anything I was interested in. I took a second look last week since my credits were about to expire and lo and behold, there was Becoming. My credits covered most of the $14.99 cost. Win!

If I don't get to it in December (which is highly likely), I might end up reading along with you. Are you joining Kim's GR of Jill Lepore's These Truths? That starts in January as well.

Morning, Mark!

I'm not very far along in Becoming yet, but I'm loving every minute of it so far. She is an amazing person (and I love her voice!).

>64 lauralkeet: Yeah, Mark...you're gonna join in, right? I think you said Yes....!

>63 msf59: Stay warm. Five days to go!

>66 Berly: no pressure Mark 😉

>63 msf59: Ooo that's lovely! Sucks to drive/wade through, I'm sure, but it's visually terrific.

>63 msf59:

SO beautiful...after our weekend prediction of 4-8 inches, Madison and Token Creek got...nothing, not a flake.

I love the first snow, but am hoping that the Old Farmer's is right about "a mild winter."

>57 msf59: I really enjoyed this autobiography Mark, I'm sure you will too (and Laura >64 lauralkeet:). Certainly a very grounded lady, but she had to work at it.

>63 msf59: Pretty but Brrrrr. cold enough in my office as it is!

No time for individual responses, until I get home. Snow has stopped but it is windy and cold. The truck with the bulk of our mail, mostly letters, never showed up, so at least my volume will be light. I just hope more folks shovel before I get there. Frigid fingers crossed...

>57 msf59: I'm eager to read Becoming, too.

>63 msf59: Where's all the snow? It's amazing how much the snow totals varied. We came in at about 10 inches of snow but some co-workers had just a dusting.

I hope they get the roads cleared up before I get into work tomorrow.

Hi, Mark! All that snow! Yikes! It's beautiful, but I wish it would hold off another fortnight - between Colorado and New York, anyway.

I remember visiting Mazatlan, but I was young then and spent the couple of days in a tipsy haze so don't recall much, except it was fun. Can't wait to see your pics of the place, and I do hope you get to see a lot of tropical birds while you're there. Maybe you'll see a Mexican Red Headed Amazon (aka Green-Cheeked Amazon) like my Rosie is, though their range is northeastern Mexico. Anyway, enjoy your tropical vacation! It will be a wonderful change from Chicago in winter, that's for damn sure!

Hello Mark! Happy new one! I disappeared over the holiday weekend. But I'm back. I hop you had a good one.

I'm in the home stretch of Lightning Men and its good. I hope Mullen has another one in the hopper.

Think Mexico, Mark.

My sister got home this afternoon, but had to spend the night with cousins in KC. It turns out that my home in Kansas only got 5 inches of snow, but with the wind blowing for 12 hours it seemed like a lot more snow than that. To add to the misery, the electricity was our for about 7 hours so my 81 year old mother said that the house was beginning to get a bit chilly when the heat finally came back on.

Early snow is a pain as this one came with the ground not frozen and with a inch of rain that preceded it. THat means that under that insulation of snow there is MUD! And mud means misery. My nephew had a snowplow slide off the road about a half mile from his house and go into the ditch. It was stuck - not in snow, but in the muddy ditch.

I told my sister that whatever she says this Thanksgiving vacation was an adventure and that is what travel should be. An adventure.

You had a light day today with the mail, but just wait for tomorrow!

My mother said that the mail truck didn’t get to Munden until almost noon today. Tomorrow the mailboxes will be full!

My son worked late, so lucky me got to shovel the driveway, when I got home. I have a snowblower, but it isn't working to full capacity, but it still helps a lot. The problem is, there was still plenty of sections that needed manual shoveling and the snow was wet and heavy so it felt like shoveling concrete. Mission accomplished, but my back and shoulders are complaining a bit. Early to bed tonight, I imagine...

>64 lauralkeet: Hooray, for snagging a copy of Becoming, Laura and for a decent price too. It would actually be fun, to have a few of us read it, in January. In regards to These Truths, I would really like to participate in that one but I am trying to track down the audio version.

>65 scaifea: Hi, Amber. Great to hear the warbling on Becoming. It seems to be universally loved, at this point.

>66 Berly: >67 lauralkeet: ^^See my comment to Laura up there. Yep, I will try my best. And hooray for Mexico. It is calling me.

>68 richardderus: I have to admit, it was pretty, RD, but for me, it wears out it's welcome quickly.

>69 m.belljackson: It seemed to be a very strange storm, Marianne. Some areas here, mostly north and NW, got hit hard and others a dusting. I would had no problem with a dusting. It still looks pretty. It sure isn't starting out as a "mild" winter, so far. Sighs...

>70 Caroline_McElwee: Glad to hear you chime in positively about Becoming, Caroline. I am looking forward to it. Keep warm in that office!

>72 lindapanzo: The roads were not bad on the way home, Linda, just a few slushy spots. It should be fine for tomorrow, but it will be a cold one.

>73 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. There isn't supposed to be any bad weather here, other than the cold, for the rest of the week. Lets hope that extends through next week for you. There is no one I have talked to, that had been to Mazatlan, so we are breaking the ice, ( and that will go in our many cocktails).

I am starting to make a list of birds I want to see and I would love to see any type of parrot or parakeet.

>74 brodiew2: Thanks, Brodie. Glad to see you back and still enjoying Lightning Men, as well. Yah!!

>75 BLBera: Mexico, Mexico, Mexico, Mexico...It definitely helps a little.

>76 benitastrnad: >77 benitastrnad: We had the same problem here, Benita, with the unfrozen ground. It just hit us, far to soon. Sorry, to hear about the power outage. Your Mom sounds like a scrappy old gal. I hope she is comfortable now.

The mail truck finally came in, at noon, so I buzzed back to the office and picked up my final tray of letters, so at least nearly a third got delivered. The rest of it, will have to be cased in tomorrow. It was surprisingly light, anyway.

Morning, Mark! We got just a dusting here yesterday. I'm sorry that you had to shovel such heavy, wet stuff!

>82 scaifea: Morning, Amber! I would have had no problem with a dusting. Honestly, I thought I would be aching this A.M. but I don't feel bad.

"A sweeping and enchanting new novel from the widely beloved, award-winning author Elizabeth McCracken about three generations of an unconventional New England family who own and operate a candlepin bowling alley."

^I just snagged an advanced copy of Bowlaway. It sounds like John Irving territory. It does not come out, until February. I have read The Giant's House, which I really enjoyed but sadly, I have not read her short fiction. Maybe, I'll bookhorn in one of her collections before starting this, which won't be until early next year. Any other McCracken fans out there?

Mark - listening to The Coming Storm by Michael Lewis. It is only available in audio and it is short. But it is eye-opening and scary. And important.

'Morning, Mark! I hope your work day goes well with shoveled walks and light mail.

>83 msf59: It's years since I read any Elizabeth McCracken, I'll have to put her back on the list. I think I read The Giant's House.

Glad you got through Monday, Mark. You'll do fine today, I know you will.

Thanks for your recommendations for my December challenge. By the way, I believe know this ends the year for me and the 2018 AAC. That Fitzgerald. He warn't no lady. (But I did read three NFs in November.)

>85 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy. I will add the Lewis audio, to my list. Thanks. I am definitely a fan of his work.

>86 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. The biggest problem today will be the icy stairs and walkways. I will have to stay diligent at all times. The volume is definitely heavier, due to yesterday's snafus.

>87 Caroline_McElwee: I am glad I sparked your interest in returning to McCracken, Caroline. She is a talented author.

Whoa, I'm a mighty late arriver for this "new" thread, Mark. Congrats, anyway!

I'm so glad you're liking One Goal and Where the Crawdads Sing. Two of my faves of the year.

We enjoyed Martin Jarvis narrating Good Omens on the trip (re-read, of course, and now I'm trying the YA Nowhere Boy while deciding on a second one.. Citizen Illegal is turning out to be a terrific collection of poetry, and it just got nominated for the Pushcart Prize. My GN is Orphans Vol. 2, an Italian space battle story. Pretty good.

Hope today's a better work day than yesterday. We're off to the cafe to read and write and drink coffee - yes!

I hope you have a lovely time during your Mexican vacation. It will be particularly nice because you will not be carrying heavy packages and slipping on icy side walks.

I was able to obtain Virgil Wander at my local library. After I finish Love and Ruin, which I am 3/4 finished and highly recommend, Virgil Wander is next.

>78 msf59: Yeah, I heard there was a terrible winter storm that crossed the Midwest. Did you get pummeled? We didn't get any at all in the Twin Cities.

Sorry to see that you got so much snow! Flurries are supposed to start here today around when I get off work :( They are saying we could get
10-15 cm (6inch). Boo!

Hope your day is going well, Mark. Despite the ten inches of snow, we got mail. Yes, one lonely magazine was delivered to me yesterday. I suspect much more mail today.

Oh, Elizabeth McCracken! Her book An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination was the worst, most agonizing read of my life. I loved it.

I guess winter is here Mark. We’ve only had a dusting but might get a little more tonight. We had the coldest Thanksgiving on record. I’m more sick of the cold than the snow. I haven’t read anything by Elizabeth McCracken but I’ve had Niagara Falls All Over Again on my WL for a long time.

>88 weird_O: Hi, Bill. The day did go fine but it was a cold one. Thanks for the reminder about the Fitzgerald AAC. I NEED to get that one up, in the next 2 days, before I head out of town. That will be my grand finale for the AAC.

>90 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. We were texting about Crawdads, so you know how I feel about that one, which I just finished. Just crossed into the second half of One Goal, which continues to be very good, despite my ignorance of soccer.

And you definitely got my attention on Citizen Illegal.

>91 Whisper1: Hi, Linda. I am so glad you were able to request a copy of Virgil Wander. You should not be disappointed. I have had Love and Ruin on my TBR list, since it came out. Glad to hear you are warbling about it.

>92 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel. Yes, the storm hit our area pretty hard. It is interesting how it skipped over so many places, including your fine state.

>93 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle. It is winter in Chicagoland, so all of this is to be expected. It is just that it happened so damn fast and early this year. That is the bummer. I hope your snowstorm is on the lighter side.

>94 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. The day wasn't bad, although it was cold and the walking was tricky in some spots. The mail volume was very light, but teamed up with the stuff we didn't get yesterday, added to the load. I hope that was a magazine you were looking forward to.

>95 richardderus: Wow! I did not realize that McCracken had written a memoir. And it looks like quite a gut-punch. Yikes! I better be in the right frame of mind, before diving into that one.

>96 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. Yes, this winter is off to a frigid start. Ugh! Expect for a couple of days here and there, we have been 10-20 degrees below normal, for the past 10 days or so. I had not heard of Niagara Falls All Over Again. Let me know if you get to it.

-Tropical Kingbird

"Legends don't come close to capturing the incredible story of the coyote In the face of centuries of campaigns of annihilation employing gases, helicopters, and engineered epidemics, coyotes didn't just survive, they thrived, expanding across the continent from Alaska to New York."

^I am going to keep my nonfiction pace going, and finish out the month, on audio, with Coyote America. It looks like a solid, informative read. It also looks like Flores has written a lot of nature/outdoor books. Has anyone else read him?

>100 msf59: Something to look forward to. Wishing you a nice, warm and sunny vacation.

>102 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella. We are stuck in January weather, at the moment, so our timing will be perfect.

Good morning, Mark!

Yeah, as far as I can tell, a lot of readers who've enjoyed One Goal: A Coach, A Team were ignorant of soccer before reading it. She does such a good job of drawing the reader in. I probably told you this, but she's been a writer/reporter for NBC for every Olympics going back a ways, and won an Emmy along with her team. She really knows her sports.

I'm taken with Nowhere Boy and started Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The former is a Syrian refugee story and the latter at the beginning picks up where the last HP book ends.

Hope it's a decent day for you. I imagine the holiday season adds to the work.

'Morning, Mark! Stay safe today, and yay for the count down!

Hope the mail load wasn't too bad. After Monday's magazine (yes, it was a good one), I thought I'd get a lot yesterday, but no. Lots of appeals from charities for money but that was about it.

Roads seemed a lot better today though some of the north-facing stoplights are still impossible. Can't tell what color they are so I have to cautiously guess.

>104 jnwelch: One Goal: A Coach, A Team sounds like something I'd like. I do enjoy reading sports books but, most often, those are about baseball or hockey. I was also thinking of picking up some basketball-related books in the new year. I've got one about Loyola in 1963.

I put WGN news on the other day at 9 pm but the Bulls game ran long. I used to sort of know who's who but I had no idea about this team. Who are these guys?

I am having troubles connecting with my iPad at work, so I am not able to respond to my visitors, like usual. Thanks for your patience.

>106 lindapanzo: Hi, Joe. I am very impressed with your cousin, Amy Bass. She sounds like a fascinating person. Maybe, one day I will meet her.

Glad you are enjoying your books.

>105 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. The day went well, considering the ongoing chill. The walking was a bit easier.

>106 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. The weather and work load were a bit better today. Two more days before vacay...

I think you will LOVE One Goal: A Coach, A Team! See if you can track it down. I know you enjoy your sports books and this one delivers.

>49 msf59: sounds intriguing! I read Pease like a River, as Anne sent it to me, and I felt terrible for not loving it more!

The ole 2 day countdown to holiday huh? This is the fun part :)

>109 LovingLit: Yep, Megan. The countdown has begun. Yah!! Not everyone loved Peace Like a River, so no worries there. I sure worked for me.

The F. Scott Fitzgerald thread is up: http://www.librarything.com/topic/299446

I hope everyone can join me, on my final author. It has been a GREAT run.

^This is what my Birding Break Spot looks like. Everything is frozen over, so I can't get my vehicle any closer, without getting stuck. I doubt there are many birds around anyway. Hopefully, when I get back from vacation, this will be cleared out.

>112 msf59: Brrr....

>1 msf59:
Oh Mexico!
I’ve never really been but I’d sure like to go...

John read Coyote America and liked it.

Did you catch the Coen Brothers western, “The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs” on Netflix yet? Coen Bros so a bit daft and violent but very entertaining. You’d like it!

>113 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. We were near Cancun, early in the year and now we want to try the Pacific side. I am sure you will hear all about it.

Glad to hear John liked Coyote America. I am enjoying it too. A perfect companion piece to American Wolf, with some cross over. Did John read that?

I have Buster Scruggs saved on my watchlist. I have heard mixed things, but I will definitely check it out.

I liked one or two of the vignettes more than the others.

Yes, we both read American Wolf. Speaking of which, one of 06’s offspring, 926F, was shot a few days ago just outside of Yellowstone. Feeling sad... :(

>112 msf59: Snow!

Hope you have a wonderful (sunny) trip...

>116 charl08: Yes, we have snow, Charlotte and it is not going away for awhile. Although, I hope it has departed before we get back. Looking forward to the trip.

'Morning, Mark!

>112 msf59: It's way too early for that much snow. It's 23F here right now. Brrr.

>118 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. We had a light dusting last night. It will creep up to 35 today, which shouldn't feel bad.

-Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

^I bet the photographer was tickled to get this photo!

^I am really enjoying Coyote America. He has a nice, easy narrative style. This also is a nice companion piece, with American Wolf, with some crossover.

The downside is, this is another reminder, of the kind of blood-thirsty nation we are. We sure love to kill stuff: buffalo, birds of all kind, beaver, wolves & coyotes, Native Americans and so on...The numbers are truly staggering. We should be so proud.

I am excited for you to have a warm vacation!

I too am counting down the days - 1 week before a long flight to India! We have plans for one stop at a bird sanctuary. Hoping I will find a guided hike so that someone can tell me what I am looking at... Have been doing some research and the birds are so beautiful!

But the main point of going is the wedding. That should be quite an experience.

Lining up the audio books for the long flight. So far I have Dopesick. And I just added The Gift of Our Wounds. Now I need an uplifting book to get lost in. Suggestions?

>212 brenzi: that is a great shot Mark. I'm always amazed at the quality of wildlife photography and film now. One of the huge benefits of the sophisticated camera's, but not to forget the element of luck and a good eye.

2 days to go, yay...

>112 msf59: How beautiful!

I've never heard of Dan Flores before but now I want to read Southern Counterpart to Lewis and Clark: The Freeman and Custis Expedition of 1806! Of course my library system doesn't have it, though.

Good morning, Mark! Hey, Sweet Thursday!

I'm so glad you're enjoying One Goal: A Coach, A Team. Amy Bass does come to Chicago on occasion, so I'll keep you posted. She is the wittiest woman I've met, besides being such a good writer. A real pleasure to spend time with. She's originally Debbi's cousin, so I've only gotten to know her since marrying Debbi.

I've finally started Washington Black - I feel like I'm the last kid on our LT block to do that. I'm excited to start Fatimah Asghar's If They Come For Us today. We know her from YCA and have seen her perform (she's really good), and the book has been getting raves.

I'm off to the cafe soon. I'd take better weather, but otherwise it's hard to complain. I hope the day goes well for you, buddy.

P.S. I liked the YA book about the Syrian refugee, Nowhere Boy, a lot.

This morning on NPR there was a story about how the National Rifle Association has lost a huge chunk of its revenue in the last year. This means that they will have to curtail some of their activities. Mainly the political ones. Following a spike in donations and dues income in the 2016 election year, the NRA saw its total income fall in 2017, from $367 million to $312 million. Here is a link to the story.

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/29/671799992/nra-2017-tax-records-reveal-decline-in-...

The downside of the gun debate is that it is often the hunters who are the ones that fund the purchase of land and who cooperate to add land to our National Park systems and to the Nature Conservancy programs. It is ironic that they are conservationists in most senses of the word because they realize that without land in its natural state they can't hunt. This fact is true all over the world. It would be nice if we could figure out ways to create national parks and conserve land without the hunting, but that doesn't seem possible right now. For these purposes we are still going to have to work with the hunter's to keep pressure on our state and federal governments to create and protect more natural land.

Dan Flores has quite a resume as an author. He was a history professor at the University of Montana for 20 years. He also taught at Texas Tech for a long time. There is an article about him in Wikipedia.

Here is a list of his books.

Flores is the author of ten books.

Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History (New York: Basic/Perseus, 2016)
American Serengeti: The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains (Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2016)
Visions of the Big Sky: Painting and Photographing the Northern Rocky Mountain West (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2010)
Caprock Canyonlands: Journeys into the Heart of the Southern Plains, 20th Anniversary Edition (College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2010)
The Natural West: Environmental History in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2001; paperback edition, 2003)
Southern Counterpart to Lewis & Clark: The Freeman & Custis Expedition of 1806 (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, Red River Books paperback, 2nd edition, 2002)
Horizontal Yellow: Nature and History in the Near Southwest (Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1999; paperback edition, 1999)
The Mississippi Kite: Portrait of a Southern Hawk, with Eric Bolen (Austin: University of Texas Press, 1993)
Caprock Canyonlands: Journeys into the Heart of the Southern Plains (Austin and London: University of Texas Press, 1990; paperback edition, 1997)
Canyon Visions: Photographs and Pastels of the Texas Plains, with Amy Winton, Foreword by Larry McMurtry (Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press, 1989; paperback edition, 1989)
Journal of an Indian Trader: Anthony Glass and the Texas Trading Frontier, 1790-1810 (College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1985; paperback edition, 1998)
Jefferson & Southwestern Exploration (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1984; paperback edition, 1986)

>122 alphaorder: Morning, Nancy. Your upcoming trip sounds wonderful. Keep me updated on the birds that you see. I am also interested in Dopesick. I have been looking for it on audio.

Uplifting? Go with Virgil Wander!

>123 Caroline_McElwee: Nature photography is simply amazing. I will never get to that level but I hope to experiment more and more.

>124 richardderus: Let me know if you track anything down for Flores. I really want to read more of this guy.

>125 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Please, let me know if Amy visits Chicago. I would love to have a beer with her and chit-chat.

I am sure you'll have a good time with Washington Black. It is a helluva read.

>126 benitastrnad:

"Hunters" could use cameras to hunt with and still fund and cooperate.

I'll just leave this here.

Lucky you going to Mexico Mark. I’m sure you’ll have great fun.

>126 benitastrnad: >127 benitastrnad: Thanks, Benita. That is a terrific NPR interview. Let's hope it keeps going in the right direction. I appreciate the Dan Flores list. There are many interesting books listed there and you know I like nature/outdoor NF. Have you ever read him? Which book on this list, interests you?

>130 m.belljackson: Good point, Marianne.

>131 richardderus: I love it, RD. I am not having a HUGE glass of beer, at the moment, but it is at least pint-sized.

>132 brenzi: I am really looking forward to the Mexico trip, Bonnie and I have some good books picked out too.

-Elegant Trogon, (is that a great name or what?)

I plan on wrapping up One Goal and Coyote America today, finishing out the month perfectly and with a pair of nonfiction books! It has definitely been a November NNF month. I have been lining up my vacation reads, smiley face...

>135 msf59: oooo, do tell....

'Morning, Mark!

>100 msf59:, >120 msf59:, >134 msf59: I hope you see all three.

Morning, Mark! Last day before vacay?

I'm reading a more recent Black Panther GN written by Ta- Nehisi Coates, and he's gotten much better. Apparently, it just took him some time to learn the medium. Nnedi Okorafor's Black Panther GN still remains my favorite.

I'm liking If They Come for Us very much so far. Her family background is Pakistani, and early on in the book she's focused on the Partition.

It's warmed up a bit - hope you have a good one, buddy.

>136 Caroline_McElwee: As a sneak peek, Caroline, I will be kicking off my vacation reads, with Friday Black. I have been excited about reading this new, highly-touted collection.

>137 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I sure hope to add a bunch to my life list. Fingers crossed, my friend.

Wishing you safe travels and a whole lotta sunshine :)

Actually, I ventured out to my Birding Break Spot, taking advantage of this beautiful early winter morning but unfortunately, saw nada...

>138 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Nice day for a stroll. Thanks for the book update. There is sure a surge of fine immigrant/refugee books coming out. You have added a couple to my list.

>140 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Figs. We are really looking forward to soaking up some sunshine.

>142 m.belljackson:

Aside from the neighbor's chickens and happy rooster, a cardinal, a red headed woodpecker couple, and some blue jays,
not that many birds up here either...and you got ALL the Sandhill Cranes!

Be careful in Mexico, Mark. There's a dazzling spot in the Mexican sky. It's called The Sun. And it'll torch your pasty pale and tender skin to a bright red color. Hurts too. So be careful out there.

Oh, and have a dazzling great vacation. We'll hold the mail for you.

Enjoy your vacation, Mark! I'm looking forward to some interesting birding reports.

Woo Hoo! So tomorrow's a travel day, aye? Enjoy it to the max. Hope there is a lovely reading spot just waiting for you! Safe travels to you and yours!!

>142 m.belljackson: Hi, Marianne. Very quiet here on the birding front. I love red-headed woodpeckers, although I have never seen them at my feeders. I heard some Sand Hill Cranes earlier in the week, flying high over head, but that was the only time. A pal I work with, sees and hears them, on his route, nearly every day.

>143 weird_O: LOL. You are a funny man, Bill. Actually, there was a fair amount of sun here today and the temps reached 40, which felt damn right balmy. I think this was the first time we reached a "normal" temp in a couple of weeks.

We are looking forward to the trip.

>144 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry. I sure hope to add to my Life List, on this trip. There should be plenty to see and you know I will be reporting, whenever possible.

>145 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. Our flight leaves at 7 am, so it will be a long day, but we should be poolside, with a cocktail, by 3-4 pm.

Enjoy your vacation and all that warm weather, Mark.

Happy travels, Mark! Soak in all the warmth and sun and sand while you can!

>148 lindapanzo: >149 Copperskye: Thanks, Linda & Joanne. It looks like it will be mostly sunny and around 80 degrees for the whole week. I think we can handle that.

"These stories tackle urgent instances of racism and cultural unrest and explore the many ways we fight for humanity in an unforgiving world."

^My first vacation read will be the recent collection, Friday Black, which has been getting some strong buzz. I should be able to read a nice chunk on the flight tomorrow.

^These are a couple more of my vacation reads. I have been wanting to get to the first MurderBot book, for awhile now, since my LT pals really love it and I want to read more Kelly Link short fiction. Has anyone read this early collection? (It came out in 2006)

Have a great time, Mark!

P.S. Murderbot! Nice vacation pick.

Have a safe trip and a wonderful time, Mark!

>153 jnwelch: >154 karenmarie: Thanks, Joe & Karen. I will be in touch when I can.

^Buenos Dias!!

Have a great time Mark.

Bon voyage, Mark. Have a great time!

Have a great trip Mark! Can't wait to see pics, and hear about the birds and the books.

We leave for India on Thursday. 10 days: 4 in Kerala and 4 in Mumbai for the wedding! (2 travel days.) Looks like it is in the high 80s, so I too will be getting away from this midwest early winter and going someplace warm. (I actually don't think I have done that before in all my life living here.)

I think I mentioned the books I am bringing Friday Black and The Library Book in paper. Dopesick in audio. Should be done with The Gift of our Wounds - HIGHLY RECOMMEND - before I leave.

Also wishing you a great trip buddy.

Your presence here in this group continues to light the way.

I agree with Paul!

Safe travels, Mark!

Que tengas un buen viaje!

>156 msf59: I am *barely* restraining myself from sending "plane go BOOM" whammys out of sheer spiteful jealousy. I'm having less luck with preventing myself from whomping up a book-eating bogle to make sure you have nothing to read.

Go on vacation indeed. The nerve.

Wishing you safe travels and a happy stay in Mexico!

>152 msf59: Hope you are having a great vacation. You'll probably have read it by the time you read this, but I really enjoyed Magic for Beginners. I read it back in 2013 and I gave it 4 stars.

Enjoy your vacation.

Mark -

The Theranos story is becoming a documentary! https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/28/the-inventor-a-documentary-about-theranos-and-...

Nancy

Buenos Dias, from Mazatlan. Woke up to a gorgeous morning. We arrived safely and got ourselves organized yesterday and today is an exploration day, but we mostly stay around the resort. The place is beautiful and the food is endless. We saw scores of birds on the bus ride from the airport, so looking forward to IDing a few things. Like, Cancun, the long-tailed grackles are everywhere and do make a pleasant racket.

I loved the first half, of Friday Black. Smart and wickedly edgy. Think of a more urban George Saunders.

>157 Caroline_McElwee: >158 lauralkeet: Thanks, Caroline & Laura.

>159 alphaorder: Your India trip sounds wonderful, Nancy. I am sure you will have a fantastic time and you bringing along some promising reads. I want to get my greedy mitts on The Library Book.

>160 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I am the beacon in the bookish night. LOL.

>162 scaifea: >163 jnwelch: >165 FAMeulstee: >167 Ameise1: Thanks, Amber, Joe, Anita & Barb.

>164 richardderus: LOL. This view is to die for, RD. It will be hard to leave.

>166 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff and good news about the Link collection. I have wanted to read that one for a couple of years now.

>171 msf59: I saw the photo on FB! Lovely, lovely view.

Buenos dias, Mark - looking forward to photos!

The Cornell Calendar bird for December 3rd is the Great Egret, which winters along the Mexican Pacific coast and inland.

>170 msf59: >159 alphaorder: Haha; The Library Book. I too want to get my mitts on that book, Mark. Went to a library sale with a friend who had it on the back seat of her car. Tried to get it mixed into the tote-full of books I acquired, but she was onto my machinations. Maybe Santa or one of his minions will tuck it under the Christmas tree for me.

Remember what I said earlier. Enjoy yourselves, but don't get sunburned.

:-)

What a view you have, hombre! I enjoyed seeing it on FB. The weather here is just like that, except gray and wet and cold. And no islands out in the lake. And no umbrella drinks, at least that I can find. But we do have Trader Joe's nearby, which is where we're headed soon.

You're probably already missing putting on and wearing several layers of clothing, right?

Enjoy the sun, Mark!

Enjoy the warmth and the sun, Mark! My copy of Friday Black arrived a week or so ago so I will look forward to your thoughts about it.

Very nice that you arrived safely. Greatly enjoy your time in the sun and warm days!

Hope you are all having a warm and sunny time, Mark. The Library Book has started off well, so far. I'm sure you will enjoy it when you get your hands on a copy.

Hi Mark, happy vacation day to you!

>172 richardderus: Hey, RD. I am still not savvy enough to post my own photos, on the iPad. Funny, since I have owned it, for like 5 years.

>173 m.belljackson: Buenos Dias, Marianne. I do see Great Egrets, back home. Not sure if I will see them here. We have more open ocean in front of us. Maybe more inland?

>174 weird_O: LOL. You can be a sneaky little devil, when it comes to books, Bill. By any means necessary. I like nonfiction on audio, so I will try to track down The Library Book in that format.

>175 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. You did crack me up, up there. You had a lot of rain over the weekend, eh? I guess that beats snow.
What happened to our Bears? Ugh!

>176 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda.

>177 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. We are definitely enjoying the sun and warmth. I am into the second half of Friday Black. I think it is excellent. Dark, edgy and inventive.

>178 mdoris: Thanks, Mary. It has been great so far.

>179 Familyhistorian: We sure are, Meg. Good to know you are enjoying The Library Book. Looking forward to it.

>180 karenmarie: Morning, Karen and thanks.

Great-tailed Grackle (NMP)

Buenos Dias! These grackles are everywhere here. Swooping down to get food, at any opportunity. They are noisy as well, but they sure are nice looking birds. Plenty of Pelicans, frigate birds and vultures flying around too.

We were more lazy yesterday, than exploratory, so we plan on venturing out a bit more today.

Good to hear everything is going well, Mark. Soak it up!

Have a great time, Mark!

Hey Mark! So, is Pacifico your beverage of choice for the week?

Hey, buddy. I love the look of that grackle. Glad you're having such a good time.

I gave my two cents on the Bears in my response to you over on my thread. The Rams are next, so they'd better get straightened out quick!

The Bulls just dumped Fred Hoiberg as coach. Seems a little unfair, as so many players were injured, but it was just a matter of when, not whether.

>184 msf59: That's beautiful Mark. I wasn't as interested in bird watching when I went to Mexico as I am now- would love to go back and see some glamorous ones (as well as the migrating butterflies). (Ed to fix the touchstone).

>185 jessibud2: >186 richardderus: Thanks, Shelley & Richard. Everything is going as smooth as a Swiss watch. May it continue...

>187 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda. The beer at the resort is Tecate, which is basically carbonated water. Sighs...I have switched to mostly cocktails.

>190 msf59: That's disappointing. Negra Modelo would be my personal recommendation, followed by Dos Equis.

May it continue to be a wrinkle-free visit.

>188 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. The trip is going smoothly. Can not beat the weather or the view. Sorry, to hear about the Bull's coach. Do you think they can turn it around?

>189 charl08: Hi, Charlotte. I am bit limited, what birds I can see, confined to the resort. I would have to venture out to see more and that is exactly what is happening today and tomorrow. Yah!!

>191 richardderus: I am with you, RD. I am also a fan of Negra Modelo. I would have no problem with regular Modelo either. At least it has a little bite.

Good luck on your birding adventures today and tomorrow, Mark.

-Great Kiskadee

^We saw a couple of these beauties yesterday. I first spotted them, on our visit to Cancun earlier in the year, so these are not first timers but I have no problem spotting them again and again.

>194 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. The boat excursion today sounds great. We leave at 9 and come back at 3. We may snorkel too, if the water is warm enough. Hope to have plenty to report.

>195 msf59: - Oooo, pretty!

Tecate? Oh well, I'm sure you'll have a good time anyway!! ;0)

>196 msf59: Sounds absolutely lovely.

Happy happy, Mark.

>192 msf59: I do think the Bulls can turn it around. Not enough to make the playoffs, but enough to have a respectable season with a lot of young guys. Markennan is back, with Dunn and Portis back in the next week or so. That's going to make a big difference - those are two starters, and the first guy off the bench (Portis). We'll see how the new coach, Jim Boylen, does.

Another day in paradise. Loving the photos on FB.

That Fatimah Asghar poetry book is very good - I'm learning a lot about Pakistani and Muslim daily life, among other things.

Soak up that sunshine and warmth, Mark, there's still a long winter to get through back home.

I finished up Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich and was a bit disappointed in it. It was easy to read, but reading like a novel isn't always best. I would have liked to have seen some documentation in this book, but it gave me good background and I am going to read more about the founding fathers of our social media. Probably over my Winter Break while I am inside staying warm while in Kansas.

I just started listening to Pleasantville by Attica Locke. This is the second mystery she has written about Jay Porter and I liked the first one, so am giving this one a go.

>197 jessibud2: I wish we saw more of these around the resort, Shelley. Grackles, doves and sparrows are everywhere. And vultures and frigate birds rule the skies.

>198 Carmenere: The beer is definitely not the highlight here, Lynda. We did have Pacifico on the boat excursion yesterday and it was refreshing.

>199 alphaorder: >200 weird_O: Thanks, Nancy & Bill. It is going along perfectly.

>201 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. Thanks for the Bulls update. You are my resident expert on that team. I hope the best for them.

Glad you are enjoying the poetry collection. I will take note.

>202 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy. I am definitely taking that into account. LOL.

>203 benitastrnad: Thanks for the book update, Benita. I am always interested in what you are reading. I have been wanting to try the Attica Locke series.

'Morning, Mark! I hope you're relaxing, enjoying your family, and NOT being in Chicagoland's 26F with snow flurries.

The Post Office is closed today to honor 41, so I can't mail the second season of Rizzoli & Isles back to friend Karen in Montana. When I was in the PO two days ago I asked the associate how many pallets of Amazon goods they got daily and she said 12. I sure hope the USPS negotiated a good price with Amazon.....

>206 karenmarie: Buenos Dias, Karen. 26F and snowy? I think I will stay here. I like that the mornings are so comfortable. You can easily sit out on the balcony in a t-shirt, at 6am.

Yep, I am missing the President Bush holiday but at least it will save me a day of vacation time.

-Brown Booby. A lifer.

Buenos Dias! We had a terrific time on our boat excursion yesterday. It was a gorgeous day. We did see a basking sea lion, but not as many new birds as I hoped. There was a Brown Booby sitting on the beach of Deer Island. Unfortunately, we think it was in distress, because it would not move away and had been there a long time. Bummer.

I am going on a bird watching excursion, later this morning, so I hope to see a lot and learn a lot. It is only 90 minutes. Sue is going shopping. Grins...

Brown boobys are really weird looking birds. A lifer is a good thing, right?

Good afternoon, Mark! I hope all is well with you. How are the Bears fairing? The Seahawks are on a roll!

>203 benitastrnad: Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke was recommended to me recently after reading Lightning Men, I think I'll wait til next year.

How great that they have a bird watching excursion there, Mark. I look forward to hearing about it. Sue shops while you do that . . . this is what long marriages are made from!

Washington Black: A Novel was good indeed. I'm not sure how to end a book like that, but I wasn't expecting the ending she gave us. Facing the storm outside the door? I was intrigued by Tanna's decision not to wear make up and why. Now I've (finally) started The Heart's Invisible Furies, and so far so good.

You may want to stay where you are for the duration. I don't see the weather getting any better here for months. :-)

I’m glad someone is enjoying the weather Mark lol. I’m certainly not. I see you’re having a great time so good for you.

Hello Mark! Good news. Whiskey When We're Dry just arrived from the library. I'm starting it tonight. I'll keep you posted.

How much fun to go on a birding boating excursion! But sorry about the poor Brown Booby.

Did you know Angie Thomas (The Hate You Give) has a new book coming out in February? On the Come Up.

Getting on a bus to Chicago in an hour to catch our flight to India!

Glad you are enjoying your vacation.

'Morning, Mark! R&R&F&B&B - rest and relaxation and family and birds and beer - continue soaking up the sun and having fun.

>208 msf59: Wow, I hope that Brown Booby is just being a pensive, watchful bird and not a distressed one. Your trip sounds amazing and fits your hobby to a T.

>209 richardderus: Brown Boobies are strange looking birds, especially up close. And yes, a lifer is a wonderful thing. I added a half a dozen or more yesterday.

>210 brodiew2: Hi, Brodie. Our Bears are doing very well but they dropped a bad one last Sunday and are facing the red-hot Rams this Sunday night. Glad to hear the Seahawks are rolling along.

I might join you on reading Bluebird, Bluebird.

>211 jnwelch: Buenos Dias, Joe. I had a great time on the bird watching trip. One of my favorite outings ever. More on that, in a bit...

I am glad you got to Washington Black and I sure hope you enjoyed it, as much as I did. I was crazy about Invisible Furies, I hope you feel the same way.

I have been checking on the weather in Chicago. Ugh...

>212 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie. The weather here is just about perfect. I do not want to return to the frigid Midwest.

Hi, Mark! Glad to see that you are adding birds to your life list.

>213 brodiew2: Thanks for the Whiskey When We're Dry update, Brodie. I hope you have a good time with it.

>214 banjo123: Hi, Rhonda. The bonus, to the excursion was it was just me and the guide. Wow!

>215 alphaorder: Bon voyage, Nancy. Have a wonderful and safe trip. I did see that Angie Thomas had a new book out. How cool.

>216 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Yep, having a fantastic time and yesterday's outing was a jaw-dropper. More on that, shortly...

>217 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda. That Brown Booby image, was not my photo. I did take a couple but I will have to post them when I get home. It was just sitting in the sand and not moving away, is the reason we feel that something was wrong with it.

>220 harrygbutler: Morning, Harry. I am so glad I took the excursion yesterday. You have to get out of the resort a bit, to see any numbers. I wish I could afford a day trip to the mountains. Now, that would be amazing.

>218 msf59: Half a dozen lifers! (I'm a bit jealous now) Wonderful!

And those grackles, what's in that name?

>223 EllaTim: Hi, Ella. It could be closer to ten "lifers", once I finish my tally. The Great-tailed Grackles are everywhere, at the resort. Nice looking birds but perfect scavengers.

-White Ibis- lifer



- American Oyster Catcher- lifer

^^I had an awesome time yesterday, on the bird-watching boat tour. It turned out, it was just me and the Mexican guide, sitting side by side in a small speedboat. He didn't even have binoculars. LOL. But he definitely knew his birds. We first sped out to Bird Island, which is just across from our resort. It is a sanctuary. Pelicans were everywhere on the front side. The back side was more rugged and we spotted a peregrine falcon, perched high on a rock, hunting, we presume. (BTW- I did take many of my own photos, but I will have to share those, when I get back home.) Also on the back side, on the guano covered rocks, were blue-footed boobies, along with more brown boobies. I wish I could have got a look at their bright blue feet.

We then returned to the marina and traversed, the river and backwaters, where many birds were hanging out. Very quiet in there, so a perfect habitat. This is where we saw the ibis, many GB herons, little blue herons and cattle egrets. There were shorebirds, a couple I am still trying to ID. The guide did not know the American names of every one. We did see an osprey, which they call a fishing eagle. And finished up with the oyster catcher, which was a gorgeous shore bird, hunting along the rocky shore.

Believe it or not, the guide also showed me, what I am very sure was a Barn Owl, roosting under a bridge. It was tucked in the shadows, but I was able to make out it's flat white face and slitty eyes, peering down at me. How cool is that?

Sounds like a wonderful day. Congrats on the life birds!

Oyster catchers are among the most common shorebirds on the beach behind my house. I love their brilliant orange bits contrasted with the snazzy black-and-whiteness of their bodies. (That sooty brown-ness on their tails reads the same as black to me.) Their pretty piping call makes me smile every time.

Wow, sounds like a great birding day! I enjoyed watching the ibises on the beach in Florida this summer - they're beautiful birds.

Sounds like you are having a great trip! I am very jealous of your warm vacation while I sit looking at the snow out my window!

>226 msf59: - Wow! I somehow associate blue-footed boobies with the Galapagos Islands. I had no idea they were in Mexico! That is one I would love to see! What a terrific trip you are having!

A little something for your entertainment and enjoyment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYmzdvMoUUA

>232 jessibud2: - Chelle, we have no snow here in Toronto, at the moment. Nada. Maybe a dusting but nothing that is sticking or covering the ground. I am not even wearing boots yet. I should probably keep my mouth shut or I'll surely jinx it...

Congrats on your lifers, Mark! Way cool that it was just you and the guide.

Thanks, Mark, for sending SOME SUN up to the Midwest - it likes to laugh at the ice in our expected 8-9 degrees.

Your inspiring and beautiful day of Life Birds is worth the entire trip!

Though it will be fun to see what shopping excursions yield...

I loved reading about your birding outing, Mark. It sounds fabulous, and you're very lucky to have had a "private tour" as well.

Thanks for the wonderful visits everyone. And stay tuned for more bird watching adventures, from yesterday, involving a breath-taking bird rescue I was part of and descriptions of monster iguanas hanging from trees.

I am back poolside, drink and Kindle in hand...

Christmas music playing softly from the speaker system.

Sweet Thursday, Mark!

That sounds like a great birding day. I would've been particularly happy to see the peregrine falcon. Given your love of owls, how great that you got to see the barn owl at the end.

I am back poolside, drink and Kindle in hand... Oh yeah, that's the good life. I'm glad you're reading your first Murderbot book; I'd bet good money it won't be your last!

Mark's Mexican Adventures! I look forward to the next installment.

>229 richardderus: Morning, RD! I thought I knew what oystercatchers looked like but I was pleasantly mistaken. These birds are beautiful. Glad to hear you get to see them regularly.

>230 drneutron: Another ibis fan! Hooray, Jim!

>231 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle. We will be returning to cold temps, soon enough. Ugh! The weather here has been perfect, all week.

Jeez, I'm used to there being about 20 posts here overnight! Maybe your thread needed a little R & R, too.

We're off to the gym soon. I can see why you and others have been so high on The Heart's Invisible Furies. He's in school now with his crush having just shown up. Great writing.

>232 jessibud2: That is where I first heard about the blue-footed booby too, Shelley, so I was tickled pink or blue, if you will, to see them here. Love the mating dance video.

>234 karenmarie: >239 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Yep, it was possibly my favorite birding day, in my short bird life. I would love to return here and tour the mountainous areas.

>235 m.belljackson: Hi, Marianne. Not looking forward to returning to those frigid temps. Brrrrrrr...My wife was surprisingly restrained, on her brief shopping expedition.

>236 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. It was definitely a highlight of my trip and I loved the fact, that my guide got so excited to show me everything he could.

>238 jnwelch: >241 jnwelch: Buenos Dias, Joe. No worries, I will get right back on my LT track on my return, which is sadly, fast-approaching.

Hooray, for falcons and owls! I am so glad to hear you are enjoying Invisible Furies. I loved that one. Have a good workout.

^Black-Necked Stilt. The first time I saw these leggy guys, was at Horicon Marsh, WI. Nice to see them here too.

Buenos Dias, gang. Sadly, this is our penultimate day. We our doing a city tour trip, exploring Old Mazatlan, so at least we can absorb some regional history. We will lunch on our own in the city, as well. Looking forward to it.

On the book front, I started All Systems Red, which, as promised, is a lot of fun. My LT pals rarely steer me wrong.

>244 msf59: Them dinosaurs got some rovin' feet, don't they. Wisconsin and Matzo Land!

When I lived in Texas, I was always amazed at the seasonal migrations that happened. Astonishing varieties of birds whizzing through. Austin's main airborne attraction, of course, is the Mexican free-tailed bat. Millions of 'em nest (?...colonize, maybe?) under the huge Congress Avenue bridge. Being there when they come out for dinner is pretty awe-inspiring.

Looking forward to ooooing and ahhhhing over your photos! The "private" boat excursion sounds amazing!

>245 richardderus: Funny, we visited the Congress Ave bridge, on our visit to Austin, in search of the bats. We patiently waited, with a sizable crowd, right around dusk, but the bats never appeared. We were bummed and went back to drinking.

>246 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda. Hopefully, on Sunday, I can share a few of my own photos. I got some good shots.

>247 msf59: That's terrible! I never had that experience the times I went there to be batted about. (hyuk hyuk get it hyuk hyuk)

>225 msf59: Congrats on seeing all these beautiful lifers!! Wow. Sounds like a great trip (except for the bats). Enjoy your last day. : )

I've enjoyed seeing your holiday photos on Facebook, Mark! I hope that you enjoy your remaining time in Mexico, and that you have a safe trip home.

>244 msf59: Penultimate is one of my favorite words. Thank you for using it, Mark!

Sounds like you are having a wonderful vacation, Mark. Sorry that it is/was too short. Myself I prefer the trips where I am gone so long that I look forward to getting back home - something to look forward to in retirement.

What a great vacation! And Yay for All Systems Red!!

>248 richardderus: Some people I talked to at the bridge in Austin, mentioned there are times when the bats do not appear, or at least at that time, but based on the attendance, it must be unusual.

>249 Berly: Thanks, Kim. I haven't run up, an official tally yet, but I am hoping to add at least 10 lifers.

>250 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. Good to see you. Glad you like the FB photos. I will be sharing more of my own photos, once I get back home. It was a great week.

>251 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Sadly our penultimate day has passed. Now, we are on to our very long last day. Our flight leaves, late in the afternoon and we don't land in Chicago, until after midnight.

>252 Familyhistorian: We sure did have a wonderful time, Meg. A week at an all inclusive was definitely long enough but I wish I could stay longer just to enjoy the weather and the view.

>253 SuziQoregon: Hi, Juli. I am about halfway through All Systems Red and it has been a lot of fun. I could wrap it up today.

^There is scenic boardwalk that wraps around the southern end of Mazatlan, where the old city is located. Our resort is on the far northern end. We did see cliff divers here too, but it was more touristy, than anything.We enjoyed our city trolley tour, although it was pretty basic. It was nice to stroll around in the market places and see the daily hustle and bustle.
There is also a gorgeous Catholic cathedral in the city center. They were holding noon mass, when we were there. The interior is stunning. I will share photos, when I get home.

Sadly, this is our last day. We did have have a passing shower blow through late yesterday afternoon, but otherwise the weather was gorgeous, all week. I will miss it, along with the spectacular views. We will come back...

It will also be a long day. Check out is noon, and we will catch a taxi to the airport around one and our flight is at 4. We get back in Chicago after midnight. Glad we have a cushion day tomorrow. Whew...

Enjoy your last morning there, buddy. Wow, I didn't realize it was such a long travel day. I kinda remember what "after midnight" is like, but it's been a long time.

I saw cliff divers somewhere in Mexico when I was a kid - Acapulco I think. I was wowed and mesmerized.

Safe travels back, buddy. I hope it's as comfortable a day as possible. I'm glad you gave yourself a cushion day.

>257 msf59:

After Midnight at O'Hare sounds like the start of a great birding novel.

Good wishes for a safe and happy return journey.

Safe travels back, Mark. Actually, for us who've been around, the upcoming week with sunshine and temps in the 30's doesn't sound too bad.

"Welcome" home! 33° on Sunday. Must be a shock to the system. Happy acclimatizing.

Safe travels, Mark!

I send all good wishes for a wonderful time away!

It looks like you had a fantastic vacation. Happy Sunday, Mark.

Good morning, Mark! I hope your trip home was uneventful and that you can relax today.

^Good morning! We are back at the homestead. It is seasonably cold but at least there is no snow to trudge through. Whew!

We got in, at nearly 1 am and to make matters worse, I slept like crap, which is really unusual for me. Hope I can squeeze a nap in or two through the day. I did start my third vacation book, while in the air yesterday. Yah! More on that later...

>258 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. Our flight didn't depart until nearly 430 pm, so this what extended the day. Maybe 2 hours earlier would have been more reasonable. Lessons learned. We will have a few chores and food shopping to attend to today, but otherwise it will be as lazy as I can make it.

>259 m.belljackson: It was definitely "After Midnight at O'Hare", on our return, Marianne. Smiles...It is nice to see the feeders, when I woke up this morning, although a couple of them need filling.

>260 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda. Yep, I scanned the next week's forecast and it does not look bad. I don't have a problem with average temps and no snow. Grins...

Welcome home, Mark. Bears aren’t on til tonight so maybe you can get some shut-eye during the day.

I’m going to the Hawks/Canadiens game tonight. I don’t know why I do this to myself.

>261 richardderus: Morning, RD and thanks! I think it was colder before we left, so this isn't too bad. Grins...

>262 FAMeulstee: >263 Whisper1: >264 Ameise1: Thanks, Anita, Linda & Barb. It will be nice to refuel today.

>265 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Yep, the travel day went smoothly, although the customs and security stops were a hassle, but to be expected.

Thanks for visiting regularly, while I was basking in MX.

>268 lindapanzo: Morning, Linda. Honestly, I wish the Bears were on this afternoon, instead of tonight. It is going to be very difficult to stay awake for that one, plus it is going to be a very tough game.

Have a great time at the Hawks game!

Glad you arrived home safe and sound! Oooo, a mystery! What is the third vacay book?

>271 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda and thanks. Not a real mystery, I started Magic For Beginners: Stories. It is a collection I have had saved on my Kindle forever. I like Link's short fiction.

Glad you landed safely Mark. Hope you've had a snooze by now.

>273 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. I have been running around the past 2 hours taking care of house business. I am about ready to curl up with a book and hopefully doze off awhile.

^After finishing the fun and exciting All Systems Red yesterday, I switched to Magic For Beginners: Stories. I loved Link's last collection, Get in Trouble and have been wanting to read more of her short fiction. It is off to an entertaining start. The first 2 stories were excellent.

I know Jeff is a Kelly Link fan. Anyone else out there?

Welcome back, Mark. Your trip sounded great and, I'm sure, gave you the break you needed from the daily routine. I was happy to hear that you enjoyed All Systems Red.

>275 msf59: Ooo, me! Me! I like her deftly demurely subversive short fiction.

Hope your chores are over for the day, Mark, and that you have fun things to do for the rest of it.

>276 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy. We did have a great time. Back to the grind. All Systems Red was a lot of fun. I have all ready snagged the 2nd volume. How fare did you get?

>277 richardderus: Hooray for another Kelly Link fan! I am about halfway through "Magic". Not every story sings but when it does, watch out. Which volume of hers did you read, RD?

>278 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg. I am definitely enjoying a lazy afternoon. More reading than anything...maybe, I'll get more sociable later.

Welcome back, Mark!

Big game tonight. Go Bears!

Your trip sounded pretty awesome, Mark. Welcome home and I hope it's not toooooo cold for you. Do you go back to work tomorrow or do you have another day or two to recover?

I've not heard of Kelly Link.

Welcome back, Mark! Hope you are getting some rest.

>280 jnwelch: Hi, Joe and thanks. I sure wish the Bears had been on this afternoon. I am going to have major trouble staying awake tonight. It would sure be nice if our defense could bring home an upset. Fingers crossed.

>281 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen. Our trip was definitely awesome. Great place to visit and we will be going back. Chilly temps here but nothing staggering. I am sure I will be right back into the swing. Kelly Link is not for everyone, but you would not know, if you don't sample some of her stories. I think she ROCKS!

>282 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda. I am hoping for a very good night sleep tonight. 5 am will roll around quick.

I plan to watch the Bears this evening. It has been a day of upsets so the Bears need to keep that trend going.
I have the Sunday evening blues. My "vacation" was really only a 4-day weekend but I don't want to go back to work tomorrow.
:-P

Sixth interception of the game. Bears just took it back. Again. 3:52 left in the third quarter. Crazy game!

(I know -- you're in bed asleep by now.)

Well. Neither team has looked great although defense showed up tonight.
Bears up 15-6 with 2:41 left in the 4th quarter. I can safely go to bed.

Welcome home, Mark!

Welcome home!

^Great Bears win, 15-6 against the mighty LA Rams!! And I stayed up until 10 pm, seeing the bulk of it. Win, Win!!

>284 EBT1002: >286 EBT1002: Thanks for the score updates, Ellen. LOL. I went to bed just after 10, into the 4th QTR. The score stayed the same. Yah!! "D" ruled the night!

Good luck getting back to work. I am back to the grind too.

>287 ronincats: >288 scaifea: Thanks, Roni & Amber!

"In this powerful and provocative memoir, genre-bending essayist and novelist Kiese Laymon explores what the weight of a lifetime of secrets, lies, and deception does to a black body, a black family, and a nation teetering on the brink of moral collapse."

^The one good thing, (the only thing?) that is a plus, on returning to work, is returning to my audiobooks. Today, I will kick off the week with Heavy: An American Memoir. This one has been getting glowing reviews, including a melodious warble by our pal, Nancy.

Welcome back, Mark. Sounds like it was a good vacation.

>291 msf59: - I read that one last month, and it was very good.

Happy Back-to-Work Day :)

'Morning, Mark! I hope your work day goes by quickly. Yay for tomorrow off.

Great photos of the vacation, Mark, what a lovely way to spend the week! I'm sure it flew by for you. I just started the new John Boyne and have to credit you with introducing me to him. I'm also listening to Barbara Kingsolver's Unsheltered which is good but not great.

>279 msf59: I read, and must remember to review during my short-story touting week, Get in Trouble. "I Can See Right Through You" was my very favorite from the collection...witty, sad, annoying...proof of what a treasure her imagination is.

Don't freeze solid today, Mexican Man.

Morning, Mark!

Go Bears! You beat me - I made it to halftime. But I recorded it, so I'll watch the second half today. What a big win! The Bears defense was really dialed in. That Rams offense had been chewing up everybody.

Heavy Monday work load...chilly but sunny.

>292 harrygbutler: >294 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen & Harry.

>293 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Heavy is off to a good start. Strong writer.

>295 vivians: Thanks, Vivian. It was a great getaway. Looking forward to the new Boyne. Sorry, the Kingsolver is not ringing your bells. I will be reading that one soon.

>291 msf59: I have this on my Kindle Mark. One for early next year.

Glad you had a good holiday.

Hi Mark. Welcome home. Want a bad bird joke to get you through the day?

Scientifically, a raven has 17 primary wing feathers, the big ones at the end of the wing. They are called pinion feathers. A crow has 16. So, the difference between a crow and a raven is only a matter of a pinion.

:-)

>300 jessibud2: *groan*

>300 jessibud2: BURN HER BURN HER OUT OUT DAMNED PUNSTER edited to add >303 ChelleBearss: HER TOO
*chuckle*

NO ONE HEARD THAT!

Sorry to see you are back to reality! Stay warm and lift with your legs!

>300 jessibud2: ugh! Bird pun! I'll join in :)
What do you call a duck on drugs?
.
.
.
A quack head.

So. Nice to have you back. Now I don't want to hurt your feelings, but delivery of our mail continued unabated while you were gone. You aren't concerned about job security, are you? I mean, as far as the mail comes and goes, we didn't know you were gone. Just asking. You know, for a friend.

Reading Sylvia Plath. The Bell Jar. Since mid-November, I've read six books by female authors. Plath is the seventh. All six are new to me; only P. D. James didn't fit the criteria.

>296 richardderus: Thanks for chiming in on Ms. Link, RD! I loved Get in Trouble but do no remember that particular poem. I'll see if I can track it back down. Like many story collections, Magic For Beginners has hit or misses, but the hits are pretty damn good.

>297 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. You must have been under the weather, to go to bed before me. LOL. Mitch looked a bit wobbly, but the rushing offense was decent. But that "D" has been truly epic.

>299 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. Heavy: An American Memoir has been excellent. I am all ready into the second half. You are in for a treat.

>300 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I have heard that raven joke before, but I do appreciate bird humor, if it is corny or not. Grins...

>301 lauralkeet: >302 richardderus: Muffled guffawing...

>303 ChelleBearss: Hi, Chelle. I am just glad to not have to trudge through snow and yes, I did lift with my legs, although there wasn't much of that today.

And hooray for quack heads!!

>304 weird_O: Hey, Bill. Glad to hear that the postal service did not collapse, while I was basking and indulging in Mexico. I know my customers were happy to see me back. They never want me to take a vacation.

Sadly, I have never read The Bell Jar. Bad Mark??