Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Eighteen

-Mississippi Palisades State Park, IL



-Northern Cardinal

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:



August:

90) The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall 4 stars
91) Department of Mind-Blowing Theories by Tom Gauld 3.7 stars GN
92) Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell 4.8 stars
93) Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts 3.8 stars (audio)
94) The Driftless Area by Tom Drury 3.7 stars
95) All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren 4.2 stars (audio) AAC
96) Sansei and Sensibility by Karen Tei Yamashita 4 stars
97) Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby 4.3 stars
98) The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean 3.8 stars (audio)
99) Q Road by Bonnie Jo Campbell 3.7 stars
100) The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett 4 stars (audio)

September:

101) The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin 4.6 stars (audio)
102) Vesper Flights by Helen MacDonald 4.2 stars E
103) Burning Bright: Stories by Ron Rash 4.4 stars E
104) Migrations: A Novel by Charlotte McConaghy 4.3 stars
105) Postcolonial Love Poem: Poems by Natalie Diaz 4.7 stars P
106) Today Is the Last Day of the Rest of Your Life by Ulli Lust 4 stars GN
107) How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi 4 stars (audio)
108) Tiny Love: The Complete Stories by Larry Brown 5 stars

October:

109) The New Wilderness by Diane Cook 3.6 stars
110) The Home Place: Memoir by J. Drew Lanham 3.7 stars
111) The Pale-Faced Lie: A True Story by David Crow 4 stars (audio)
112) Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell 4.2 stars ER
113) Blue Pills: A Positive Love Story by Frederik Peeters 4 stars GN
114) Lost in the City: Stories by Edward P Jones 3.6 stars
115) Righteous (An IQ Novel 2) by Joe Ide 4 stars E
116) Erosion: Essays of Undoing by Terry Tempest Williams 4 stars (audio)
117) The Lives of Edie Pritchard by Larry Watson 3.7 stars ER
118) New Poets of Native Nations by Heid E. Erdrich 3.3 stars P

November:

119) Lupus by Frederik Peeters 4.4 stars GN
120) Memorial Drive: A Daughter's Memoir by Natasha Trethewey 4.5 stars (audio)
121) The Hidden Girl and Other Stories by Ken Liu 4.2 stars

113) Blue Pills: A Positive Love Story by Frederik Peeters 4 stars GN

The author meets and falls for a vibrant young woman. He soon finds out that her and her son have tested HIV positive. This is a graphic memoir about true love in the face of great challenges. My first by Peeters and was I was quite impressed with the storytelling and art.

114) Lost in the City: Stories by Edward P Jones 3.6 stars

I loved this author's Pulitzer- Prize-winning novel The Known World and once I learned that he had written a couple of story collections, I knew I wanted to try one. They are stories, centered around his hometown of Washington DC, following the ordinary lives of people, living in the nation's capital. The writing is good but the stories never really resonated with me, the way I hoped.

115) Righteous (An IQ Novel 2) by Joe Ide 4 stars

IQ, Isaiah Quintabe, the big-brained sleuth, returns here, in this second book of the series. This time he ventures to Vegas to save the lives of a couple of reckless gamblers. He is also still digging deep into the murder of his brother, which happened years earlier and continues to haunt him. This is such a smart, fun, fast-paced series. I am looking forward to book 3.

-Common Loon (NMP)

^I had an uneventful day birding this morning but it was saved by seeing a pair of Common Loons. This was a FOY in IL, for me, as they migrate through our area, heading for warmer climes.

Happy new thread! Am I first?

Happy new thread, Mark!

>1 msf59: Lovely picture with the clouds and the water beneath.

ETA: nearly forgot, this week a lot of exitment amongst Dutch birders as a blackpoll warbler was spotted. This american bird probably got hugely off track while migrating to the south for winter.

Happy new one, Mark.

I will be interested to see what you make of the books you are currently reading. Watson isn't the most prolific but usually worth waiting for.

Happy New Thread. Love the Cardinal pix. Is it yours, if so, I love it even more.

I love that cardinal! "What the hell are YOU?!"

Mississippi Palisades is a lovely, lovely place.

>5 drneutron: You are Numero Uno, Jim. Thank you, sir.

>6 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Glad you like the topper. Hooray for the Blackpoll Warbler. How exciting. We get these beauties coming through during migration.

Happy new thread!

>7 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I am enjoying the Watson, in the early going. He seems to release a book every few years and so far, each one has been pretty good.

>8 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff. That is my Cardinal photo. I am grateful to whoever put this seed down, in this parking area. It gave me some good opportunities.

>9 richardderus: We are very fortunate to have cardinals year round, Richard and they are regular visitors at my feeders, as well.

Happy new one!

>11 quondame: >13 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Susan & Figs.

Happy new one Mark. That loon is beautiful.

In GN news, I just read Sheets. I loved the ideas (especially the sheet whitener) but it didn't quite add up to a good read for me, I think. Hopefully better for the right (YA?) reader. Blue Pills sounds like one to look for though.

Happy new one, Mark. Love the toppers.

>15 charl08: Thank, Charlotte and I appreciate the GN skip. I think you would also like Blue Pills.

>16 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. Good to see you.

>19 msf59: - No kidding!

>20 jessibud2: I forget, do you do the time change too?

>21 msf59: - Yes. They really need to get rid of this. We are past needing the twice yearly annoyance for agricultural reasons, if you ask me. And no one has asked me... ;-)

"At age nineteen, Natasha Trethewey had her world turned upside down when her former stepfather shot and killed her mother. Grieving and still new to adulthood, she confronted the twin pulls of life and death in the aftermath of unimaginable trauma and now explores the way this experience lastingly shaped the artist she became."

I loved Tretheway's last poetry collection, Monument: Poems New and Selected and when I heard about this memoir, which came out in July, it landed on my radar. Beth recently read Memorial Drive: A Daughter's Memoir and enjoyed it, so I decided to start the audio, which is read by the author.

My audio listening has been slow, as expected but at least I can listen to them, while driving to my many birding adventures.

>22 jessibud2: I am with you completely, Shelley. Illinois was trying to opt out of it, but I am sure that bill died somewhere along the way.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy new thread! Sweet Thursday, too.

>19 msf59: 2020 begone. It’s sounding like 2021 begone, too, from what I’m reading… Sigh.

I hope you have a great birding adventure this a.m.

Happy New Thread, Mark!

Sweet Thursday, buddy. Listening to audio on your birding drives. Perfect. I'm interested in that Natasha Trethewey memoir, too, for the same reasons. Ellen or Darry (or both) really liked it, too.

Jeez, I don't think I have one going that'd interest you. The Eighth Detective is a fun one for mystery enthusiasts, and the new Jack Reacher is now supposed to arrive on our doorstep today (it should've been yesterday). My GN is by Warren Ellis, a very good GN writer, but it's sci-fi. I am going to pick up Billy Collins' new collection, Whale Day, so that's one I can report back on.

We're heading out - closing in on the end of that big project I mentioned to you. Have a good one.

>26 jnwelch: Re new Jack Reacher: I just listened to a podcast with Lee Child and his co-author brother Andrew. Child's real name is Jim Grant, but after all these years he's totally accustomed to being called "Lee." I found it so amusing that Andrew, a published author under his own name and now the heir to the Reacher production factory, has added the pseudonym Andrew Child!!

(Hi Mark, sorry to hijack by responding to Joe!)

I started reading Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafón this morning. It is a big'un. Has 805 pages. I am only on page 25 but already have a dream scene in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. I think this will take me a long time to finish, but when I started it this morning I thought that it would have made a good audio book for you to listen to while on your route. Oh well - those times are gone. I will let you know periodically how this book goes.

The touchstones aren't working. A reboot hasn't helped.

>27 vivians: Hi, Vivian. Good for you for listening to the two of them talk. I remember Lee Child was Jim Grant; that's funny that his brother adopted the Andrew Child name to help the continuity. There's reason to hope that this transition will work well, with Andrew being a published author on his own. Did they say anything interesting about the direction of the series, or how the transition is going to play out? I wonder whether we'll see Lee Child's name on at least another book or two. Or whether Lee will write something else, for that matter?

Happy New Thread, Mark!

>25 karenmarie: Sweet Thursday, Karen. We saw a few interesting things today, all waterfowl, so the scope came in handy once again. I will finally post a photo of my scope a bit later.

>26 jnwelch: Sweet Thursday, Joe and thanks. You read Monument: Poems New and Selected, right? It was so good. Not far into the memoir but I will let you know. What is the Ellis GN? I don't mind Sci-Fi in that format. Ooh, looking forward to hearing about the Collins collection.

>27 vivians: Hi, Vivian. I read 2 or 3 of the Reacher books but that was enough for this snob. Grins...

>28 benitastrnad: I am so glad to hear you are starting Labyrinth of the Spirits. I have that one ear-marked for 2021. I will have to do it in print, otherwise it would take me 6 months on audio and I don't like stretching books out that long.

>29 jnwelch: Yeah, the touchstones were wonky earlier but they seem to be working now.

>30 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary.

>29 jnwelch: The most interesting development they foresee is moving Reacher into a more modern technological age. Lee Child said it had been difficult to sustain the Luddite sensibility and he thought Andrew would be better able to develop that side of the character. Mostly it sounded like Jim Grant was a little tired of cranking out one book a year and was looking forward to more reading time himself. (He was a Booker judge this past year and so obviously has a deep interest in literary fiction - he said he read 162 submitted works!) He said he may do the next few titles together with Andrew but that it won't be a 50-50 partnership - he's clearly handing over the reins.

>19 msf59: Amen!

Happy new thread, Mark.

>19 msf59: N. O.

Absobloodylutely NOT and if it gets offered I shall refuse to accept it.

Horrific thought.

Anyway, hoping you're deep in the books and enjoying the Mancave.

>19 msf59: This I've got to grab.
It's perfect ~ my exact sentiment.

>34 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.

>35 richardderus: LOL. I don't blame you. It has been a lazy afternoon, RD. I am reading but I keep getting sidetracked by my Spotify Jazz Playlist, which I listen to as I read and the list keeps growing as I keep remember so many classics. Yep, the reading is suffering but I am soaring high.

>36 SandyAMcPherson: I think most of us feel this way, Sandy!

Mark, apropos to nothing, did your daughter get married or is that still on hold?

^Yep, I am finally showing off my new spotting scope, after a couple of weeks. I love it and I am getting used to it, a little more each time. I need to track down a harness, since carrying this big guy can be a chore at times.

We saw more loons, grebes, cormorants, ruddy ducks and mergansers today.



-Ruddy Duck (NMP)

>38 jessibud2: Hey, Shelley. My daughter got secretly married in June, (her original time frame) but we kept it quiet for a couple of months, to notify family and friends. They still plan on having a full wedding next June. Fingers crossed.

-Keith Taylor

>40 msf59: - Well, congrats! And you didn't even tell your LT buddies? ;-)

41 - Brilliant, as always! Wish it was that easy!

>42 jessibud2: Honestly, I don't remember who I told, Shelley. It got crazy. I thought I mentioned it to a few LTers, but it should have been clearly stated. My bad.

Happy new thread, Mark. Congrats to your daughter and hopefully next June they will be able to have a bigger celebration.

>32 msf59:
I am reading Labyrinth of the Spirits in hardcopy as well. I checked it out from the public library a month ago. Renewed it. And never started it. I decided that since it was a bit colder and more fall like that it was a perfect time for a dark gothic novel. I took the book into the public library and found out I couldn't renew it a third time, so I turned it in, went to the shelves and checked out the second copy that was sitting there waiting for me. I will probably have to renew it because it is 805 pages, but I have read 70 pages in two days, so maybe I will finish it before it is due. So far it is as interesting as the others. Fermin is the major character so far with Daniel making his usual appearances. It is very atmospheric and I think more like Angels Game in that way. So far most of what I have read takes place during the Spanish Civil War.

Not like I need to enable you, but Cold Millions is out. :) I'm sitting on my hands not to go right out to get it.

In the mean time, if you're in a podcast mood, look for How Goods This. A 'cast by Allen Stone/Julian Gavilanes (no idea who they are). The latest is an hour long conversation with Jess. Very good so far.

>44 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. It looks like Covid will continue well into next year, but I sure hope my daughter can squeeze that wedding in. Fingers crossed.

>45 benitastrnad: Glad to hear that Labyrinth of the Spirits is off to a fine start, Benita. I will have to find a block of time next year to read it.

>46 mahsdad: Hooray for The Cold Millions, Jeff. It has been a LONG wait. I will probably snag it from the library, but I am not sure when and thanks for the podcast rec.

^"The long-awaited new novel from one of America’s most highly regarded contemporary writers, The Committed follows the Sympathizer as he arrives in Paris as a refugee."

The Committed is a the follow-up to the Pulitzer-winning The Sympathizer(pub in 2015), which I read and enjoyed. This new novel doesn't come out until early next year but I snagged an e-galley, for those interested in obtaining one.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Friday to you.

>39 msf59: Handsome scope and tripod. A very nice retirement present to yourself.

>40 msf59: Congratulations to Bree and Sean! I'm glad to hear that they got married regardless of the circumstances and hope next year's planned celebration can be held.

Congrats to the family on your daughter's wedding, Mark.

I was envious of the scope until you mentioned how heavy it was, so thank you.

Great to hear about Nguyen's new book. I really loved his short story collection (The Refugees), but still want to pick up The Sympathiser.

>49 karenmarie: Morning, Karen and thank you for your kind comments on Bree and the spotting scope. Of course, she is our only daughter, so we sure hope we get a full wedding celebration in.

>50 charl08: Thank you, Charlotte. The scope itself is not heavy but teamed up with the tripod, it can be hefty. I am looking for a carrier/harness, I can attach.
I appreciate the reminder on The Refugees. I forgot about that collection, which I really enjoyed too.

Hi Mark - Congratulations to your Kids, Family, and Dogs on that fun secret occasion -
any chance of a photo of the cake?!

Congrats to your daughter on her secret wedding! (Sounds a little like the title of a romance novel, doesn't it.) And congrats to you on your sexy new scope! I have two tripods for my camera: one is sturdy but heavy; the other is light but wobbly on rough ground. It's always difficult to decide which to bring when I go out to do any shooting. Which reminds me, this week is probably the best for fall color here in the lower Hudson Valley and I really should get out and do a little leaf-peeping.

>40 msf59: Congrats to the married couple, and i hope the bigger affair in June will be possible, and the cng on the cake Mark.

>41 msf59: *Snerk*

>48 msf59: I got mine, too! Now I guess I should review The Sympathizer, which I've had on my shelves since 2016. I liked it but, because I failed to review it back then, I've forgotten why.

>52 m.belljackson: Thanks, Marianne. We just went out for dinner after a very simple ceremony. No cake. That will have to wait until next June.

>53 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. We like our SIL. It is a good match. Lets hope we can celebrate it properly next June. My tripod is pretty sturdy. It has some heft to it, so no worries of that one toppling over. Unfortunately, it makes it a bit heavy, especially toting it long distances.

>54 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. I thought I mentioned the secret wedding to the group but it appears I did not. Bad Mark.

>55 richardderus: Hey, RD. I read The Sympathizer in 2017 and gave it 4. I just didn't think it Pulitzer-worthy.

Okay on the cake Mark - all your fans will be waiting for the June photos.

Our standard run of lovely seasonal birds was interrupted shortly after Midnight
last night with repeated "Hoot-Hoot-Hoot" from a Great Horned Owl.

>58 m.belljackson: ""Hoot-Hoot-Hoot" from a Great Horned Owl." Ooh, music to my ears, Marianne, plus it is getting to be owling season too. One good reason for the arrival of winter. Have a good weekend.



-Barred Owl from 2 winters ago.

>59 msf59: Great camouflaging. Wise old bird must have flown around for ages to find that particular tree!

Have a great weekend, Mark.

>60 PaulCranswick: Nature is a marvel, isn't it? Happy Weekend, Paul. I hope you are getting plenty of R & R in.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

'Morning, Mark! Happy Halloween to you, too. Have fun at the Arboretum.

Bye-Don 2020!

Morning, Mark! Congrats to Bree on the secret wedding!

Mark, just for you! Watch the video. If I had a pumpkin, I'd do it if they promised me those grosbeaks!!

https://www.audubon.org/news/pumpkin-bird-feeder-makes-happy-harvest-birds?ms=di...

Does anybody know what has been wrong with the touchstones lately? Almost every time I try to enter in a book title it doesn't work.

>62 msf59: Like.

Happy Pumpkin Day!

>66 benitastrnad: Weird things with certain browsers.
On Safari, the touchstones are working, but often the book covers are the irritating blue squares. Vice versa on FireFox.

It is only from the most recent FF update that this has occurred, so I think it is a browser problem, but I am not an expert...

>63 karenmarie: Happy Halloween, Karen. We had a good time at the Arb. Not as many birds, as we would have liked, but we did get one MAJOR highlight.
Bye-Don 2020!

>64 scaifea: Happy Halloween, Amber and thank you.

>65 jessibud2: I LOVE Evening Grosbeaks, Shelley. They are rare here in this part of IL but there have been sightings lately, near the WI border. I hope a few wander down, our way. I like the pumpkin feeder idea.

>66 benitastrnad: The touchstones have been spotty lately, Benita. I wonder if it has something to do with the new format?

>68 Caroline_McElwee: Grins...

>69 richardderus: Thanks, RD! I did not buy any pumpkins this year. The squirrels keep eating them.

>70 SandyAMcPherson: Not sure what the deal is, Sandy.

Glad to read how active you are being, Mark. The idea of spending time outdoors is very appealing, but...

Getting anxious to VOTE on Tuesday. Concerning are reports that the GOP here in Pennsylvania is poised to challenge every ballot cast for Biden.

>73 weird_O: Hey, Bill. I am still doing A LOT of sitting around and reading, so I need to get out and bird/hike, with a little socializing now and then, just to break it up.

I can't wait until this election is behind us. Stressful times.

^Photos from the Morton Arboretum, this Halloween morning. Chilly temps early, but lots of glorious sunshine.

Hey Mark. I see on your prior thread that you were one of the ones who warbled about IQ by Joe Ide. I just started it this afternoon and I think it's going to be a good ride.

>75 msf59: Beautiful photos. We had a lovely fall day today, as well -- sunny and 50s. P and I took about a 2-mile walk around Sunnyside Park and along a nearby neighborhood path. Not bad for a knee that is just shy of 9 weeks old.

>74 msf59: "I can't wait until this election is behind us. Stressful times." Amen to that! I am so nervous about the outcome, and the days following actual Election Day, but I just want it to be over. If we have to deal with the worst, at least we'll know that and we can get on with it. I'm not sure how serious I am about moving to Canada (if they'll have us in retirement) but I think about it every day.

Our birds have changed so we now have lots of Juncos and sparrows in our back yard. The Flickers and Goldfinches and House Finches are still here along with Chickadees and Magpies. I'm not sure anything departs for winter but the Juncos are definitely only here during the cold months. I scatter seed on the ground for them every morning. :-)

I would strongly advise you to move Labyrinth of the Spirits higher on your list of books to read. It is a perfect Halloween season read. It is so gothic and full of dark atmosphere and just perfect for long evenings of reading. It reminds me very much of Shadow of the Wind. It will take me awhile to get through this one. It is 800 pages, but if it keeps up with what it has delivered in the first 200 pages it will be worth the reading time.

>75 msf59: Just beautiful Mark.

>75 msf59: Looks like a lovely place to wander around, Mark.

Congratulations on your daughter's secret marriage, Mark!

>75 msf59: Nice place, autumn colours, sunshine. We're having the rainy windy kind of autumn lately.

>76 EBT1002: Happy Sunday, Ellen. I do not read a lot of series crime fiction these days but I am glad I took a chance with the IQ series. I had a lot of fun with the first two and I am sure you will too. It is beautiful time of the year to get out on a stroll or two, regardless of the chill. Yep, lets hope that we can wrap this election up Tuesday night. I am sure no one wants it to drag out.

I always like hearing the bird report. Juncos have arrived here too. Not seeing many migrants lately, but I am keeping my peepers open.

>77 benitastrnad: I am so glad you are having a good time with Labyrinth of the Spirits. It sounds like he ended this quartet perfectly.

>78 Caroline_McElwee: >79 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Caroline & Meg. Yes, it is a beautiful place. The fall colors are at full strength.

>80 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella. We are happy for our daughter and son in law. We are looking forward to celebrating it next year.

Sorry, to hear about your weather. It will be cold and windy here today.

>19 msf59: Ha so true! I am not really a big time change fan...ah well.

>75 msf59: Stunning! A great late fall picture. I have noticed that on my walks in the morning some frost. A great way to wake up :) Have a great Sunday.

>83 figsfromthistle: Happy Sunday, Figs. I hope they end Daylights Savings Time. I do not see any benefits of it. Yes, it is a beautiful time of year but it can also be cold. It will not get out the 30s today, with gusty winds.

"The northern saw-whet owl is a small owl native to North America. Saw-whet owls are one of the smallest owl species in North America. They can be found in dense thickets or conifers, often at eye level, although they can also be found some 20 feet up. Saw-whets are often in danger of being preyed upon by larger owls and raptors. Northern saw-whet owls are also migratory birds without any strict pattern."

If anyone remembers or even cares, (grins...) the Northern Saw Whet Owl was the very first owl I saw in the wild, nearly 3 years ago, (Feb '18). They are also the toughest owl to find, so I got the hard one out of the way. This was at the Morton Arboretum. Well, this bird or a descendant is back and in the very same tree and I saw it yesterday, along with a few of my birding buddies. This is NOT my photo, although I did snap off a couple. The owl is tucked into the foliage, about 12-15 feet off the ground. It's eyes were closed and it didn't seem to care we were there. We left after about 10 minutes. Very cool. I still NEED a Long-Eared Owl for my list. My last North American owl.

>85 msf59: - Cool!

>85 msf59: Long-eared luck *whammy* on its way!

Good morning, Mark, and happy Sunday! May you have a good BB&B day. 3 out of 4 Bs isn't bad...

>75 msf59: Beautiful pics of a lovely area.

>85 msf59: Yay for the Northern Saw-Whet owl, especially using the same tree.

>86 jessibud2: Glad you like the NSWO, Shelley.

>87 richardderus: Ooh, I appreciate the Long-Eared Luck Whammy, RD! Much appreciated.

>88 karenmarie: "3 out of 4 Bs isn't bad." Amen, to that. Happy Sunday, Karen. A nice, lazy day so far.

Good cold and windy Sunday morning, Mark. Nice thread topper pics plus the great one of you and your new bird spotting scope.

I'm about to start reading Dan Rather's What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism.

>90 lindapanzo: Happy Sunday, Linda. Great to see you, my friend. Glad you like the toppers and my scope pic. I am having a lazy day with the books and have the Packers on, in the background.

I hope you are having a nice day too.

Happy new thread, Mark, and congrats on having a secret son-in-law!

>92 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda! Hooray for secret SILs!

Happy Sunday, Mark. Looks and sounds like it's been a good one. Love the pics, including the ones from your Arb outing.

The Warren Ellis GN was Ocean Orbiter Deluxe Edition. Two good sci-fi tales. His Planetary Omnibus and Authority Omnibus are good, too. I wasn't taken by Transmetropolitan, but it's probably his most popular one.

I'm reading When Stars Are Scattered by the Roller Girl author Victoria Jamieson. Really good so far, centered around a refugee camp.

I finished the new Reacher in a day - it's tempting to re-read it immediately. Love the pace. I'm going to try a weird one next, The Hole by Hiroko Oyamada. We'll see.

Mark - Your trip to the Arboretum sounds so lovely. And the owl!! :) I look forward to getting back there with you someday.

We are holding Xtreme Raptor Day at the Center this weekend - spread out across two days in smaller sessions to allow for social distancing, all outdoors, and masks required. I remember that you came two years ago and I wasn't able to see you! (I guess today is an anniversary of sorts for me - glad that health issue was found and resolved!)

In any case, I think you will enjoy this video of our Barred Owl in flight if you didn't manage to already see it on my FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/SchlitzAudubonNatureCenter

>85 msf59: I LOVE that owl!! I've seen a few owls in the wild in my time but not very many. I want to see more.

Hawks are up 30-7 early in the 4th quarter so I'm feeling calmer than I usually do on Sundays. Anything can happen but I'my happy to be up by 23. The 49ers are driving hard right now.... ugh.

I see that NO is up early in the 4th quarter but da Bears have the ball.

>94 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. I nearly missed you up there. Thanks for the book report. I didn't catch any BBs, this time around. Another tough Bears loss. They just are not a "complete" team.

>95 alphaorder: Happy Sunday, Nancy. I would love to take you back to the Arb and we would love to get back to Xtreme Raptor Day. Lets hope next year, gives us more chances. Yep, I saw the Barred Owl video. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

>96 EBT1002: Happy Sunday, Ellen. Glad your Hawks won. My Bears tied it, to go to OT but just could not hang on. Frustrating game. I hope you see more owls but they are notoriously difficult to spot.

Congrats, belatedly, to the bride and groom, and to the parents of the bride.

I accompanied my wife to a big big wedding, long ago; a college friend married her beau who'd returned from a tour in Nam. Except they had married before he went to Nam, without telling anyone. I think Judi was the only person who knew. Wonder if they ever fessed up.

Congrats to Bree and your family! I hope you all get to celebrate properly soon!

>75 msf59: Beautiful!

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Monday to you. Sorry your Bears lost. It’s even worse to lose in overtime.

We went to what was supposed to be a wedding when Jenna was about 3, so 1996 or so. Turns out that they had gotten married already and it was a reception instead. That’s not what the invitation said. Very deflating, for some reason. I just wish they’d invited us to a reception outright.

>99 weird_O: Thanks, Bill. I guess these secret marriages are much more common than i thought.

>100 Copperskye: Thanks, Joanne. Great to see you. We hope we can have a blow-out celebration for Bree's wedding.

>101 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Yes, that was a frustrating Bears loss, as they came pretty close to beating the Saints. Honestly, I don't think that the Bears are much better than a .500 team.

Bree and Sean got married early, mainly for economic and health care reasons. It was a smart move in that regard.

Belated congratulations to Bree & Sean, Mark!

It's great to see you out and about, enjoying your newly-retired status. Birding opportunities are scarce where we live now, and I miss our backyard birds and wildlife much more than I expected. I enjoy coming here to read about your sightings.

"Ken Liu is one of the most lauded short story writers of our time. This collection includes a selection of his science fiction and fantasy stories from the last five years — sixteen of his best — plus a new novelette."

I absolutely adored Liu's previous story collection, The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories, which I read in 2016. His latest, The Hidden Girl and Other Stories came out in February and I have been sitting on my copy for a few months. Time to crack it open. I have not heard any LT chatter on this one, which I find surprising since he is such a lauded author. I plan on changing that.

**Touchstones are being wonky once again...

>103 lauralkeet: Thank you, Laura. Great to see you stop by. Sorry, to hear about your lack of birding opportunities. Have you ever considered joining a birding club? I am sure there is one or two in your area. At least, this would give you some ideas, of places to hike and explore.

>105 msf59: I looked into that a little bit a couple years ago Mark, and didn't find any clubs. There's a national wildlife refuge nearby that hosts walks during migration season, and we went to an Audubon-sponsored walk as well. Just haven't found anything that meets/walks regularly. I'll probably revisit this once COVID is behind us.

>106 lauralkeet: I am glad to hear you at least got out there and tried, Laura. I really think it is a great way to discover new places.

My Standard Response

"I.
The first question is always phrased this way:
“So. How much Indian are you?”

II.
We did not live in tepees.
We did not braid our hair.
We did not fringe our shirts.
We did not wear war bonnets.
We did not chase the buffalo.
We did not carry shields.
We were never Plains Indians.
We tried to ride,
but we kept falling off of our dogs.

III.
A local official came to our office to ask our help with a city event. He had a splendid idea, he said. To kick off the event and show everyone in town that our tribe was still around, we should go up to the bluff overlooking the city and make a big smoke signal. Then they would know we were here.
Who ever heard of smoke signals in the forests? I imagined us upon the bluff, lighting one of those firestarter bricks. We haven’t made fire since the Boy Scouts took over. And how would the citizens know it was us? They’d probably call the fire department.

IV.
As they ask, they think, yes,
I can see it in her face. High cheekbones
(whatever those are) and dark hair.

Here’s a thought: don’t we all have
high cheekbones? If we didn’t,
our faces would cave in.
(But I do have a colonized nose.)

I’m sick of explaining myself.

“You know,” I finally say,
“It doesn’t matter to my people.”
I ride off to my ranch-style home.
Time to weave a basket, or something."

-Karenne Wood

^This is from the Native American collection- New Poets of Native Nations

A Duck's Tune (an excerpt)

...So I moved to this place where
in 1992, up washed Columbus again
like a pointy-chinned Son of Cannibals.
His spin doctors rewrite his successes
“After 500 years and 25 million dead,
One out of 100 American Indians commit suicide
One out of 10 American Indians are alcoholics
49 years is the average lifespan of American Indians.”

Each minute burns
the useful and useless alike
Sing Hallelujah
Praise the Lord

Ya kut unta pishno ma
Ya kut unta pishno ma
Ya kut unta pishno ma
Ya kut unta pishno ma

And when you foreigners
build your off-world colonies
and relocate in outer space
This is what we will do
We will dance,
We will dance,
We will dance
to a duck’s tune.

-Leanne Howe

118) New Poets of Native Nations by Heid E. Erdrich 3.3 stars

"An anthology celebrating twenty-one Native poets first published in the twenty-first century"

^Both of these selections are from this collection. These are highlights for me but I really can't say that this collection worked for me. I have really admired Native American poetry in the past but few of these really spoke to me. Maybe others will feel differently, so if you are curious give it a try.

Sorry to hear you're not feeling great, Mark. I hope it passes soon. I'm sure you'll make the most of the downtime with some books!

Hi, Mark! Happy It's-Monday-But-I-Don't-Have-To-Go-To-Work-Anymore Day!

>104 msf59: I also loved Paper Menagerie so will definitely look for Liu's new collection of short stories/novellas.

>108 msf59: So true, isn't it, how tone deaf so many of us can be. I love that poem and will have to see if I can find more of Wood's work.

>110 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Yep, feeling pretty cruddy today. Sue has been sick since Tues or Wed. I think she is going to get tested later today or tomorrow morning, just to be sure. If she is positive, I will be in for awhile. At least more book time, right?

>111 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. It is sure a good feeling, right? I know there were a few fans of The Paper Menagerie around here. I hoped this lives up to that first collection. Glad you liked the poem.

^I mentioned seeing the Northern Saw Whet Owl the other day. This is a photo, my birder pal Mike took. It is a bit better than the one I got. As you can see, the little guy was tucked up there, in this weeping pine. He paid us, no never mind, as he dozed the day away.

>113 msf59: Handsome beast.

Feel better soonest, Mark!

I think you might approve of my latest review, Mark.

>114 richardderus: >115 richardderus: Glad you like the slumbering owl, Richard. I will swing by your digs. Thanks.

Feel better soon, Mark.

>117 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. I rarely get sick and I am a bit nervous about it. Sue is going to get tested tomorrow. She hasn't felt well in nearly 5 days.

>75 msf59: Gorgeous photos.
The pond with the autumn colours is a beautiful image.

I posted some birding comments from last Sunday on my thread. We saw Sora Rail ~ it seems late for them to be hanging around.

Edited to add ~ that I sure hope you and Sue are not ill with Mr. Coronavirus. Please let us know when you feel up to it.
Tomorrow and the rest of the week is going to be tumultuous, I fear.

I hope you are feeling better today Mark, and that Sue is too.

>120 SandyAMcPherson: Hi, Sandy. Glad you like the fall photos of one of my favorite places to visit. Congrats on seeing late-leaving sora. These rails are one of my favorites. The last time I saw them was about a month ago. Sue is being tested today but won't know until Thursday. I am going to hang tight at home.

>121 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. Sue is definitely on the upswing.

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Vote ‘Em Out Day.

I’m glad Bree and Sean got married early. Makes sense in these times to get the knot tied and celebrate when it makes more sense.

>104 msf59: It took me a bit of research, but I figured out that Ken Liu is also the translator of two of Cixin Liu’s three books of the Remembrance of Earth’s Past Trilogy. I've got all three on my shelves, waiting for me to call their names.

>113 msf59: Nice photo by your friend Mike. What a sweet face on that owl.

>122 msf59: Hope Sue’s C-19 test is negative.

117) The Lives of Edie Pritchard by Larry Watson 3.7 stars

We first meet Edie, in 1967. She is in her early twenties and married to Dean Linderman. His twin brother Roy, also pines for Edie. This marriage soon collapses and we follow Edie through the next four decades, as she goes through another marriage and the maturing years beyond.
This also includes her relationship with her grand-daughter, which I particularly liked. Watson writes well about the modern west and this one takes place mostly in Montana and North Dakota. It is a good character study, with some suspense mixed in. It is not as strong as some of his earlier books but one I will still recommend.

>124 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Hooray for "Vote ‘Em Out Day." Fingers crossed, my friend. Thanks, in regards to Bree's wedding and Sue's test results. I have not read any of Liu's translated works but I know they are highly regarded.

Glad you like the sweet-faced owl.

>125 msf59: Hey Mark...I'm sad about that one, but not surprised. Some spidey-sense told me this wasn't going to be a peak read. I didn't even ask for a DRC. Not that I might not read it one day, but the odds are significantly lowered now that a fellow fan found it...wanting...in some way.

>127 richardderus: I really liked Watson's Let Him Go. This is not on par with that one but Joe and others really liked the latest, plus scanning through the LT reviews, most readers gave it 4 or more, so maybe it was just me.

>129 msf59: - This had me laughing out loud! If someone had really created those shirts, they'd have made a mint!

>129 msf59: oh that's brilliant, Mark. Where can I get one of those shirts?!

>130 jessibud2: >131 lauralkeet: I shamefully swiped this from Joanne. Ain't, it perfect? Like Shelley mentioned, someone could make a killing off this idea and in just one night. Grins...

I am thinking of taking some kind of sedative tonight, beyond an alcoholic beverage or two. Who is with me?

>132 msf59:

For the first time since ever turning on my computer, I'm not watching the news,
either sensationalistic old YAHOO or The New York Times or the Washington Post.

My daughter and I agreed not to check anywhere until tomorrow morning.

I wish (migraines prevent) to join a white wine or craft beer sleeping sedative
meetup tonight, settling maybe for a half a hydrocodone...

Best luck on feeling better.
My daughter had 3 doctor ordered COVID tests, all negative.

I hope you and Sue are feeling better soon!

>125 msf59: I have an arc of this one and read the first couple pages but just wasn’t feeling it. I’ll try again when I’m less distracted.

>132 msf59: I’m sipping a Mountain Beach from Breckenridge Brewery and may take an edible to sleep better tonight. Sleep’s been an issue the last few nights.

>133 m.belljackson: Sounds like an excellent plan, marianne. Sorry to hear about the migraines. Bummer. I wish you could be joining me with a craft beer.

>134 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne. Yes, the stress is beginning to build. I am feeling a bit better today and I hope I see more improvement tomorrow. I liked the new Watson, so I hope you give it another try.

Cheers, on the Mountain Beach. I wish I had an edible to share with you. Grins...

Hi Mark, so sorry to hear you and your wife aren't feeling 100% right now, I hope you both are feeling better soon. I've been watching the election results and it looks like it's going to be a nail-biter. My fingers are crossed that Biden/Harris prove to be successful.

>136 DeltaQueen50: Yikes it is a lot closer than I thought it would be but, I do think Biden will scrape home.

Morning, Mark!
I'm sorry that you and Sue aren't feeling well. Fingers crossed that her test comes back negative.

'Morning, Mark. As much as I knew there wouldn't be results this morning, it's still very stressful.

I hope you're feeling better today.

>136 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy. My wife is doing much better but I will still have to ride it out a few more days. Fingers crossed on the election.

>137 PaulCranswick: I sure hope you are right, Paul. Right now, I am not having a good feeling.

>138 scaifea: Morning, Amber and thank you. I am sure it will all turn out fine.

>139 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Still feeling about the same but maybe I will improve through the day. I can't believe this election is this close. I am getting pretty nervous about it.

>140 msf59: Me, too (" I am getting pretty nervous about it.").

I need a big long walk to calm down. When it gets light (8:08 CST)... temps are already just above freezing.

>135 msf59:

Hey Mark - I added a Benadryl to last night's mix which got me to 4:30 AM.

Now sitting here pleading with The Fates to deliver Pennsylvania and Wisconsin...

at least you now know which states not to retire to.

Out for a walk - maybe the neighbor's visiting chickens will have some insights.

>142 m.belljackson: maybe the neighbour's visiting chickens will have some insights.

Yup. Probably better than many of the voters...
Edited to say I went for an early walk today, not long but enough to enjoy a rising sun and to remember that in my own little space, I can find comforts. Very inward-looking, I guess.

Labyrinth of the Spirits continues to be a great read. So far this is the way to end a series. It is very dark and gloomy and taking unexpected twists and turns. It isn't a horror story. The only word I can use to describe it is gothic. Dark and gloomy doesn't describe it. Edgy and gothic does. Maybe it is a book for the times? since it is about a very dark and gloomy Spain that was living under fascism and the guidance of the grandmaster Franco. Can you believe that this monster was in power all the way until his death in the 1970's? Now that is gothic!

Anxiety, stress, rage. The order changes, the feelings don't.

>141 SandyAMcPherson: >143 SandyAMcPherson: I am getting to ready to go for a long walk, Sandy. I need fresh air and distractions from this political stress, which, along with my continuing cold, is wearing me out. I hope you enjoyed your walk.

>142 m.belljackson: Morning, Marianne. It looks like Biden will take WI. Now, we need MI. How are you feeling about those?

>144 benitastrnad: Glad you are having such a good time with Labyrinth of the Spirits, Benita. I love the reports.

>145 richardderus: "Anxiety, stress, rage. The order changes, the feelings don't." As usual, you are spot on, my friend. I am starting to get a stomach ache. Time for a walk...

>143 SandyAMcPherson: >146 msf59:

Chickens reported: "Don't Blame us - We voted for The Giant Meteor 2020!"

>148 m.belljackson: LOL!

>150 msf59: - It would almost be funny if it weren't so scary!

Biden's win in Michigan could prove crucial. He is almost there and I don't see the Courts - even though he has stacked the Supreme Court bench full of conservatives - overturning the will of the people.

>151 jessibud2: You are so right, Shelley.

>152 PaulCranswick: The suspense here continues, Paul. Now we are waiting on Arizona, Nev and GA. The stress levels have not improved much.

'Morning, Mark! Happy Thursday to you.

I did watch what Biden said last night - NOT declaring victory unlike the other one - and felt comforted by his demeanor and calmness.

I hope you have a good day and are feeling better.

>154 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I sure hope I start seeing some improvement today. I still plan of getting out for a solo jaunt.

Go Biden/Harris!

>155 msf59: Someone needs to call it already...NV, GA, PA. Get this count done!

>156 richardderus: I agree, Richard. We NEED to wrap this up.

America is Loving Me to Death

acrostic golden shovel

America is loving me to death, loving me to death slowly, and I
Mainly try not to be disappeared here, knowing she won’t pledge
Even tolerance in return. Dear God, I can’t offer allegiance.
Right now, 400 years ago, far into the future―it’s difficult to
Ignore or forgive how despised I am and have been in the
Centuries I’ve been here—despised in the design of the flag
And in the fealty it demands (lest I be made an example of).
In America there’s one winning story—no adaptations. The
Story imagines a noble, grand progress where we’re all united.
Like truths are as self-evident as the Declaration states.
Or like they would be if not for detractors like me, the ranks of
Vagabonds existing to point out what’s rotten in America,
Insisting her gains come at a cost, reminding her who pays, and
Negating wild notions of exceptionalism—adding ugly facts to
God’s-favorite-nation mythology. Look, victors get spoils; I know the
Memories of the vanquished fade away. I hear the enduring republic,
Erect and proud, asking through ravenous teeth Who do you riot for?
Tamir? Sandra? Medgar? George? Breonna? Elijah? Philando? Eric? Which
One? Like it can’t be all of them. Like it can’t be the entirety of it:
Destroyed brown bodies, dismantled homes, so demolition stands
Even as my fidelity falls, as it must. She erases my reason too, allows one
Answer to her only loyalty test: yes or no, Michael, do you love this nation?
Then hates me for saying I can’t, for not burying myself under
Her fables where we’re one, indivisible, free, just, under God, her God.

-Michael Kleber-Diggs From Poem-A-Day

"America is Loving Me to Death’ is an acrostic golden shovel; it’s the merger of two forms. In acrostic poems, the first letter in each line spells a word or phrase. In this poem, the phrase is the title: America is Loving Me to Death. In golden shovels, the last word in each line is borrowed from an existing work, often a poem or song. In this poem, the last word in each line is the first 24 words of The Pledge of Allegiance.”

^Not only is the structure of this poem completely dazzling but what a kickass statement.

>157 msf59:
I would rather it be slow and deliberate and therefore less contestable when it is finally over. But, this election has been a disappointment to me. Having a different president is going to make little difference, because Congress is still the same.

I read the newest Longmire book Next to Last Stand and it is a very good book and a return to the Longmire that made this series so well liked. Plus, it reads fast.

>159 benitastrnad: You mean the senate? And I agree with you, Benita. I am a couple behind on the Longmire series but I really enjoy this books, especially in audio.

>160 msf59:
Senate and House. Democrats lost seats in both places. It will be impossible for Biden to do anything different with Moscow Mitch's hold on power still very firm and no end in site to his reign.

Technically, the two Georgia seats are still up for grabs...

>161 msf59: - fingers crossed......

>161 msf59: One can hope....

Enjoy the rest of the week.

>162 benitastrnad: It may be a very slim chance to take the Senate but at least there is a chance.

>163 katiekrug: Thanks, for the reminder, Katie.

>164 jessibud2: They sure are, Shelley.

>165 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Figs. I hope I have turned the corner on this cold.

>161 msf59: Please!

>161 msf59: LOL! Whenever I need a laugh I head straight to msf59 for the day's stress relief.

>167 quondame: Grins...

>168 kac522: We aim to please around here, Kathy despite the desperate times. I hope all is well with you.

'Morning, Mark! Enjoy your solo trek.

>161 msf59: Getting there, one vote at a time.

>161 msf59: Well I'm not sure he is going to be able to restore it in one term Mark, but if he can glue back some of the cracks and avoid making any himself....

Happy Friday, Mark.

Man, your thread got away from me in a short amount of time! I'm glad you liked Edie Pritchard; your reaction matched mine. Not his best, but still a cut above the rest.

I'm glad The Hidden Girl is going well; I'm sure I'll end up reading it, even though I wasn't one of the major fans of Paper Menagerie.

Love the poems you've selected. I hadn't realized America Is Loving Me to Death had those formal elements. Acrostics are usually pretty obvious, and I hadn't heard of "golden shovel" before, or whatever it was. What a feat of creation.

We should have some state come through for Biden today, right? I hope so. And it's hard not knowing the final numbers in the Senate. Eesh.

Have a good one, buddy. Another beaut today, looks like.

MARK's are going strong today - Mark Kelly just won the Senate Seat in Arizona!

>170 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. I had a great outing. More on that later...

>171 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. It is going to be an incredibly tough four years for Biden, especially if the GOP keeps the Senate. Ugh!

>172 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe. I just came back from Montrose. Another stellar visit, as usual and a gorgeous morning, as well. I am glad you liked the poems. I was crazy about "America Is Loving Me to Death ".

I sure hope Biden wraps this up soon. He sure looks like he has it in the bag.

>173 m.belljackson: Hooray for Mark Kelly, Marianne. Did you ever read his memoir? It was excellent.

I'm looking at book reviews today and found this short story collection that sounds like something you would like. Goth Girls of Banff by John O'Neill. Not that you don't have plenty to read already, but these look like they would be perfectly dark for you. Here's the review.

Goth Girls of Banff. By John O'Neill. Nov. 2020. 208p. NeWest, paper, $15.95 (9781988732954).

This sharp and chilly collection of stories examines the humanity and darkness of the Canadian Rockies. O'Neill's intrepid characters have been hardened by their surroundings. A parolee hitchhikes with a young family; an overweight hiker meets, and insists on hiking with, a couple that he previously overheard fornicating. One story follows a husband meditating over his late wife's life as he scatters her ashes at the mouth of a beloved river. Another, unusual in form, describes the setups for a series of photos taken of Marilyn Monroe around famous Banff landmarks in August 1953. A particularly memorable piece moves between 1916 and 2008 to tell the story of three generations of men and the legacy of Canadian internment during WWI. The titular story chronicles two sisters who start a business offering myriad services as Goth dressers to Banff visitors. In the final piece, a veterinary medical examiner discovers human belongings inside the stomach of a killer bear. The depth and variety of perspectives O'Neill writes make this collection a staggeringly endearing pastiche.

>176 benitastrnad: Goth Girls of Banff sounds awesome, Benita. Thanks for putting it on my radar. I never tire of adding my story collections to my TBR.

"As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these lenses of knowledge together to show that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world."

I was not familiar with this author, until Nancy put her on my radar. This one came out in 2013. My audio picks have been leaning toward NF, for the most part, so I am continuing the trend and I started Braiding Sweetgrass today. Not far in, but I like it. Kimmerer narrates.

Has anyone else read this author before?

-Great Horned Owl and he isn't very happy about my intrusion. This was on Thursday and there were a pair of these beauties, in this stand of woods, but the mate took off immediately. My feelings were hurt.

>179 msf59: "WHAT did you call my chick?!?"

>178 msf59: WOOT!

He's out and about. Must be cured of what ailed you.

>180 richardderus: I think you called it, RD. Grins...

>181 alphaorder: I need to find more time to listen to it, Nancy. It's a big audio.

>182 weird_O: Yes I am, Bill, at least a part of the day. I still spend a large chunk of time in my reading spot, so it is good to move around a bit.

-Dark-Eyed Junco



-Black-Capped Chickadee

^I had a great time at the Montrose Bird Sanctuary, on the lakefront. A gorgeous morning and lots of birdies. Juncos ruled the day and I saw, at least a hundred or more. I also got the intense please to see a Short-Eared Owl in flight too, although no pics of that one. That makes three different owl species in one week. Not shabby.

^This is the Marky-Mark Birdmobile, parked on the Chicago lakefront.



^This is a female Surf Scoter that was swimming in the boat harbor, in between the slips. A LIFER!

>185 msf59: Congratulations on your lifer, Mark!

>186 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita.

Hiya, Mark! Can I assume you are feeling better now?

>188 katiekrug: Yes I am doing better, Katie. Thanks for asking. This one has been stubborn though.

Good morning, Mark! Happy Saturday to you.

>179 msf59: He looks like he was on high alert. I even detect a glare… great photo.

>184 msf59: More excellent photos! Thanks for sharing.

>185 msf59: GHO, Chickadee, and Junco, all leading up to the Surf Scoter. Nicely done.

Morning, Karen. Glad you like the photos. I sure enjoy taking them, when the birds can be cooperative.

>192 msf59: I have been avoiding the political talk on LT but I approve of this message! Lol.

Yay for the surfing scooter or whatever! And don't those dapper little dudes resent it when you call then junky? Or is that birder-talk for something louche?

Anyway, you're feeling better and that's a good thing. When we have an official vote count and Biden wins, the only thing we'll have to stress over is the Senate runoffs in Georgia!

Happy Saturday, mi amigo. I suspect you're out in nature somewhere. Sounds like a great time at Montrose; good job of capturing those quick little buggers on film!

Jeez, never have screens been refreshed so often, as we wait for Biden to get those final electoral votes. Predictions are he'll get all four states. Bless the state of Georgia, and Stacy Abrams and others getting the blue vote out there.

All my reading is good, and I need to pick out a new Kindle one today. We're also heading to the library soon to pick up a GN that came in. Enjoy this continuing great weather, buddy.

Here's a lifer for you, Mark!

The Fates Aligned!

>184 msf59: Great photos, Mark ♡ the Chickadee one especially.

^Well, I am a Happy Camper! Yes, this is going to be a very difficult four years, no question about it, but I am glad to see this ugly chapter in American history, coming to a merciful end.

>193 Donna828: Hi, Donna. We need more unified messages now. Glad you approve of that one.

>194 richardderus: Hey, RD. There is a reason they are called juncos, but I have forgotten those details. I think I am just a bit giddy at the moment. Wouldn't that be great if we could get those Senate seats?

>195 jnwelch: A Very Happy Saturday, Mr. Joe. Yes, Sue and I went for a nice hike, to take advantage of this glorious weather. You know I LOVE Montrose. A magical place, IMHO.

Hooray for the historical Biden/Harris ticket. I hope we can seal it by winning GA and then later on, the senate seats. Fingers crossed.

>196 karenmarie: I LOVE it, Karen. A lifer, indeed!

>197 m.belljackson: Amen, Marianne.

>198 SandyAMcPherson: Happy Saturday, Sandy. Glad you like the birdy photos. We never tire of the chickadees, do we?

>192 msf59: I don't just long for all blue, it's Eleanor Blue I want, through and through radicalized old biddy that I am.

>192 msf59: It's what we all want! Happy Saturday, Mark!!!

Happy Saturday, Mark! Some great poems you posted, too bad the whole anthology wasn't better. I liked >108 msf59: a lot.

And hooray for finally getting the election results we wanted! Today is a good day.

What a day, Mark. I've been glued to MSNBC for days but, this morning, Mom and I decided to go to Grand Vic. I kept checking twitter on my phone and, when I saw that NBC called the race, I ran around like a crazy woman looking for Mom, waving my phone. We jumped up and down and hugged and cried. Not where I'd imagined we'd be celebrating but memorable nonetheless.

I'm looking forward to reading again and not listening to every word Steve Kornacki uttered and watching Twitter and FB for any bit of news.

I got a kick out of this screen cap of PA's attorney general (just re-elected) being interviewed about GOP claims of voting fraud. He's got some neat figures on the shelf with the clock. At his shoulder is Sesame Street's Count von Count. Just below the clock is the little postal truck you've made famous here at LT. Atop the books beside the clock is an RBG action figure, and at the teeny podium is the Muppets' Sam the Eagle. All apropos for this historic occasion.

>206 weird_O: I think RBG is atop a Hanukah Menorah. https://www.etsy.com/listing/745274567/i-dissent-ruth-bader-ginsburg-hanukah

>199 msf59: Mark, d'ya think Twitter will ban Trump from Twitter like they did to Bannon? We can only hope for that kind of peace.

>207 kac522: re:>199 msf59: Bliss!

>207 kac522: I was wondering about that myself. Today was especially bad even by Trumpian standards.

This morning, to while away the time until they called the race, I reported Trump tweets that contained outright fabrications or else were incendiary or threatening. As you can imagine, this kept me busy.

Trying to relax and get back to reading but I’m still too wound up.

>202 quondame: >208 quondame: I have not hear it called "Eleanor Blue" before but I sure like the sound of it.

>203 Copperskye: It sure is, Joanne. Happy Sunday, my friend.

>204 banjo123: Happy Sunday, Rhonda. Happy Election results. Glad you like the poems. I try to share them when I can.

>205 lindapanzo: I think many of us had the same reaction, Linda. Sue and I were on a hike and high-fived. What is Grand Vic?

And yes, hooray for Steve Kornacki. He is truly a treasure.

>206 weird_O: I LOVE this Bill, especially the postal truck. Yah! Good catch, my friend. And hooray for PA! They came through.

>207 kac522: I sure hope so Kathy. Our nation needs a break from that nonstop bluster and B.S. of his. What a sore loser and Bannon should be in jail. I love that RBG figurine.

>209 lindapanzo: I am not on Twitter, Linda, so I didn't know you could report it. More people should. I hope you are in a calmer state today and can read a bit .

'Morning, Mark! Happy Biden/Harris Sunday to you! I hope you're feeling better.

I hope your 4 B's are good to you today - birds, books, beer, Bears.

>212 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Ooh, I like the sound of a " Biden/Harris Sunday"! Yah! And hooray for the 4 Bs, although the birds will mostly be the feeder variety. Go Bears!

Marshlands

A thin wet sky, that yellows at the rim,
And meets with sun-lost lip the marsh’s brim.

The pools low lying, dank with moss and mould,
Glint through their mildews like large cups of gold

Among the wild rice in the still lagoon,
In monotone the lizard shrills his tune.

The wild goose, homing, seeks a sheltering,
Where rushes grow, and oozing lichens cling.

Late cranes with heavy wing, and lazy flight,
Sail up the silence with the nearing night.

And like a spirit, swathed in some soft veil,
Steals twilight and its shadows o’er the swale.

Hushed lie the sedges, and the vapours creep,
Thick, grey and humid, while the marshes sleep.

Emily Pauline Johnson Pub in 1895/Poem-a-Day

116) Erosion: Essays of Undoing by Terry Tempest Williams 4 stars

“I would like to hear the words "public lands" spoken in every election debate, with candidates holding both government and corporations accountable in their oversight and use. The fact of more than three hundred million visits to our national parks last year tells me I am not alone.”

This is the latest essay collection by TTW, one of our treasured naturalists. This one focuses on “erosion”. The current assaults on our public lands and the erosion of science and environmental concerns. The centerpiece here is the Bear Ears National Monument, which Trump infamously tried to strip of his national monument status, in 2017. This is happening in her home state of Utah. TTW offers such a clear and concise plea, to all Americans: Wake up and pay attention, before these great lands are ravaged. Her books are also wonderful on audio, with the author's own compassionate delivery.

>183 msf59: I agree - it is a big book. I sped it up a bit and it still sounded right.

>216 alphaorder: Happy Sunday, Nancy! Hooray! I think I will have to up the speed a bit, otherwise it will take me weeks to get through, but I like it in the early-going.

Just dropping in to wish you a very Happy Birthday, Mark!

HBD, Birddude!

This is the best present I can think of: a sight that terrified our illegitimate outgoing president!

>218 ronincats: Birthday? That was July, unless your just late. LOL. Great to see you, Roni. I have missed you.

>219 richardderus: I LOVE it, Richard. That is bigger attendance than Trump's inauguration. Grins...

>220 msf59: Sorry, Mark, my bad!

>222 msf59: - Oh, I love that!

>210 msf59: My Republican grandmother, whose childhood home in Ripon WI became the party headquarters for some decades, was so infuriated by the Roosevelt administration and by the Eleanor Roosevelt in particular, that she threw a fit if someone was wearing a shade of blue close to namesake color. I loved that color.

>222 msf59: A poem that I like.

Ring the bells again, Paris.

>210 msf59: Casino I n Elgin. Kind of a red area but people probably thought I was excited bc I won or something.

Afternoon, Mark!

>222 msf59: This made me laugh, so thanks for that!

>206 weird_O: - Great one, Bill!

>222 msf59: - And this is funny, too!

Mark, did you know (and ah crap you probably do) that Steve Martin, that banjo player, is collaborating with some cartoonist named Harry Bliss on a book or two. I wandered into a television interview this morning and missed the setup. I just saw Martin and some other guy being interviewed. Here's a link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/steve-martin-and-harry-bliss-on-a-wealth-of-pigeons...

When the first cartoon appeared on the screen, I said, "Oh, that's Harry Bliss."

I think you like his stuff. Now I have to get the book. A Wealth of Pigeons.

I finished reading Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and gave it 5 stars. This is the way to end a series! If I were to get picky I would say that the epilog was too long, but that would be picky. It did provide a good ending to the entire series. Taken as a whole series this is one dark and twisty set of books! There were times I almost quit reading because I wasn't sure I could handle where it was headed, but I managed. There are thrills and sharp u-turns aplenty in this novel, but all-in-all a great wrap up. You need to read this book and finish up the series sooner rather than later. Of course, you might be one of those people who puts things off because self-deprivation heightens the pleasure? ... Whatever - this was a good book. It pulls all the pieces from the other books into place - after a twisty journey.

>223 ronincats: No problem, my friend.

>224 katiekrug: I thought you would like that one, Katie.

>225 quondame: That is a great story, Susan. You grandmother sounds like quite a character.

>226 richardderus: Grins...

>227 lindapanzo: I didn't realize that was a casino, Linda. I need to get out more often.

>228 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. Great to see you posting, my friend.

>229 jessibud2: It looks like the Big Loser poem is quite a hit, Shelley.

>230 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I did not hear about this collaboration and it sounds like an interesting match. Martin is a good writer and Bliss is a treasured comic. For some reason I never requested A Wealth of Pigeons, although I knew it was out. I do see his comics in the paper every day.

>231 benitastrnad: Well, you sure sold Labyrinth of the Spirits, Benita. I will be reading it and I hope your glowing endorsement caught the attention of a few of my visitors.

‘Morning, Mark! I hope you have an excellent SR today.

I finished the newest Jack Reacher last night, The Sentinel, and am debating whether to review it or make it a Lightning Round entry. Decisions, decisions!

>230 weird_O: Thanks a lot, Bill! Give me a BB and I’m not even on your thread. In fact, it’s a double BB, because I’ve ordered a copy for me and a copy for my sister, both to be delivered on November 17th. Sheesh.

Morning, Mark! Our feeders have been empty of birds lately, and I am trying to figure out where they have all gone. Our cats are missing them - um...watching them, not terrorizing them, just to be clear.

>234 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Getting ready to head out on my SR. Glad you enjoyed the latest Reacher and it looks like you caught an interesting BB, from Bill. It is one I want to read too.

>234 karenmarie: Morning, Mamie. I LOVE hearing bird feeder reports, so as soon as you get some visitors, let me know. I would think you would get plenty of migrants coming through.



^This is my set up from about 2 years ago, but it has been updated a bit since.

>222 msf59: Perfect!

Hiya, Mark. Going to work today? Well, I should think not, you lucky guy.

What a wonderful weekend that news made for. There already are groups working to get the vote out for the GA Senate run-offs, including the 17 year olds who turn eligible to vote before the January election date. Love it! Fingers crossed.

We don't seem to have a football team here any more, so I've become, with a nudge from our Pittsburgh clan, a fan of the undefeated Steelers. They won an exciting one yesterday.

Enjoy another gorgeous day, my friend.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

I actually, for once, really *get* how Mister Rogers urged us to feel. I hope you will too today.

Hey Mark - I'm reading and really enjoying The Cold Millions. I know you're another Jess Walter fan so I just wanted to pass along a thumbs up.

Hi, Mark! Well, it's Monday-and-I-don't-have-to-go-to-work again after a magical weekend! May the euphoria last through the week, although Georgia's on my mind.

>222 msf59: Now that's my kind of poetry. Stealing it.

>238 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. Yep, very happy about those election results. Fingers crossed on those remaining senate seats. We have a very tough road ahead of us, but this is a promising start. The Bears have been really bad, right? So frustrating. Smart move, cozying up to the Steelers.

>239 richardderus: It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, Richard. A front moves in later tomorrow and the weather will shift back to seasonal levels. It sure was nice, while it lasted.

>240 vivians: Hi, Vivian. Good to know about The Cold Millions. I can't wait to get my mitts on that one.

>241 Storeetllr: Hi, Mary. I LOVE Mondays now. It kicks off a new adventurous week. Come on, GA! Don't let us down.

Glad you like the poem. It is a fun one.

^I paid a visit to Camp Sagawau Nature Center today. I had never been there, even though I had passed it many times. There are many feeders set up here and I noticed netting strung up nearby, where several birds were captured in the fine webbing. It turns, there was a bird banding event happening there, so I got to watch this fascinating procedure. The white bags contain the birds. The woman here in the photo, who was very helpful and informative, is banding a black-capped chickadee, which was one of two I got to watch being banded and then released. How cool is that?

>234 karenmarie: yeeESSSS! Karen, you just can't let your guard down. If anyone is a threat with a BB, it's Mark. So you should have been on your guard. Oh, I know. I'm such a wallflower you seldom notice I'm in the room.

243: Ah, so glad you were able to witness bird banding. I need to learn more about this nature center.

>243 msf59: That sounds fascinating. They must have very skilled hands to avoid harming the birds' feathers as they get them out of the bag.

New adventures galore!

I watched a bird banding several years ago at a birding festival here in Toronto. Truly fascinating! Photos somewhere ...

>244 weird_O: "If anyone is a threat with a BB, it's Mark." They don't call me the Lone Ranger for nothing.

>245 alphaorder: Have you ever had the opportunity to watch or participate in a bird banding, Nancy? Cool operation.

>246 richardderus: It sure was, Richard. I asked her how often the birds get injured in the netting, and she said it does happen but they try to untangle them as soon as possible. Yep, skilled hands for sure.

>247 jessibud2: I am glad you got to witness this unique event, Shelley. I may have to volunteer for this, at some point. Not to band but just to assist.

-(NMP)

"The Eurasian tree sparrow is a passerine bird in the sparrow family with a rich chestnut crown and nape, and a black patch on each pure white cheek. This sparrow breeds over most of temperate Eurasia and Southeast Asia, where it is known as the tree sparrow, and it has been introduced elsewhere including the United States, where it is known as the Eurasian tree sparrow."

It was a good bird outing yesterday, so other than the bird banding, I also saw, very briefly an Eurasian Tree Sparrow. A lifer. No time for a photo of this one, which is a bird very similar to a house sparrow. I did get some decent photos of some other birds, that I will share later.

Morning, Mark!
I admit that the idea of reaching into a bag of birds skeezes me out no end, but the idea of process is interesting!

>250 scaifea: Morning, Amber. It doesn't "skeeze" me but I would just be afraid to injure these tiny, wonderful creatures.

>251 msf59: I agree that they're wonderful, as long as they are looking-not-touching distance away from me. Ha! (I have bird issues.)

>252 scaifea: LOL. Bird issues? I wonder if there is a scientific term for that?

"...a novel about love, loss, and the unpredictable power of memory, John Banville introduces us to Max Morden, a middle-aged Irishman who has gone back to the seaside town where he spent his summer holidays as a child to cope with the recent loss of his wife."

I have had a pretty good year reading OTS, (off the shelf) and I even want to do better at it, since my Must Read Now Shelf has shrunk considerably. I plan on alternating a newer title with an older one. I selected The Sea, which I have had on shelf forever. It seems to be more divisive than I remember. My first Banville. Any fans of his out there? I start it this afternoon.

>254 msf59: - I know I read this one years ago and liked it but if I am honest, I have no memory of the story. I know I read it because I have it listed in my little journal of books I've read. ;-)

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you!

>243 msf59: I don’t like seeing all those bagged birds, but realize that banding them helps understand and thus protect them.

>249 msf59: Congrats on another lifer, Mark. How many this year?

>254 msf59: I haven’t heard of Banville, sorry.

>254 msf59: - I haven't read any Banville, but I have The Sea on my shelf, so I look forward to your thoughts on it.

>249 msf59: I think we get these 'Eurasian tree sparrow' types here. I would have just dismissed them as part of the "English sparrow" crowd, which are nuisances in our urban gardens.
They (the Eng. sparrows) strip leaves off the young vegetable plants like beets, peas and in some people's yards, every single emerging leafy greens like spinach.

>252 scaifea: Me, too, Amber!

>253 msf59: Mark, there is a scientific term for it - it's called sanity.

Morning, Mark! I have not read any Banville.

>259 Crazymamie: *snork!!*

>254 msf59: I've enjoyed the Banville books I read. I'm looking forward to his new one when I get around to it.

I gave The Sea 3.5 stars because good god can the man craft a gorgeous sentence. Just as immersive and lush a storyscape as any out there.

Have a great time with it! Looking forward to the finch photos.

I tried to read The Sea several years ago and Pearl Ruled it about halfway through. It just wasn't my cup-of-tea. Banville also writes under several other pen names. The most famous of these names is Benjamin Black. Using that name he has written a mystery series. There are 7 in this series and I have read the first three of them. As a mystery author he is very good. His mysteries have a dark desperate quality to them. I quit reading them because they were getting hard to find and I was going to have to resort to purchasing new copies of them, which made them expensive. The three books I read were good mysteries. They reminded me of the Scandinoir murder mysteries.

>254 msf59: Yes, a Banville fan here. Not got the latest yet. An old favourite is a quiet little novella called The Newton Letter.

I haven't yet read any of his crime novels written under the name of Benjamin Black, taking over Chandler's Marlowe character I think.

I read The Sea, but it looks like it was just before I joined LT and started reviewing books. I remember liking it though, and I've requested his latest from the library.

>255 jessibud2: Any memories of it coming back, Shelley? Grins...

>256 karenmarie: Hi, Karen. Yep, the bagged birds are a good thing and these people deeply care about these creatures. I have not idea on my Lifer count. That might be tough to figure out. It HAS been a good year, though.

>257 katiekrug: Maybe, I can spark something with The Sea, Katie. Some folks love it, some do not.

>258 SandyAMcPherson: Hi, Sandy. It looks like the Eurasian tree sparrows were also introduced to North America, but their numbers are much, much lower, than the pesky house or "English" sparrow.

>259 Crazymamie: Hey, Mamie! Are you calling me insane? My wife might be on your side, on that one. Grins...

>261 thornton37814: Hi, Lori. Good to see you. Thanks for chiming in on Mr. Banville. I did not realize he had a new book out.

>262 richardderus: Hey, RD. I saw that you liked The Sea on Good Reads. It seems to be a divisive read. We will have to see how I come down on it.

>263 benitastrnad: Hi, Benita. I should have mentioned the Banville/Black connection. For some odd reason I never did get to the Benjamin Black series and I still have a couple of shelf. Someday, perhaps?

>264 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. Thanks for chiming in on Mr. Banville. I did not know he had a new novel coming out. Like I mentioned to Benita, I never read any of the Black books.

>265 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. Good to see you. I should be dipping into The Sea anytime now.

^This is from the Arboretum this morning. Most of the leaves are down now. It was breezy and warm, (before the front moves in later) but not many birds seen. The only highlight and a BIG ONE, at that was a Barred Owl. It was to far for a photo but I got a good solid look. This is my fourth different owl in 10 days. Yeah, baby!

>268 msf59: Pretty Arboretum shot...and a barred owl, too! I'm pleased for you. Their camouflage looks excellent, seeing one and knowing what you're seeing must be very tricky.

After I read one of your birding adventure stories, Mark, I gotta take a nap. Just exhausted.

I'm about to head out myself. Brew up a cuppa for my sweetie, one for me, then out to the comfy chair on the deck.

>249 msf59: Congratulations on a next lifer, Mark!

>254 msf59: I did read The Sea last year, not a fan, but is was a good (4*) read.

>266 msf59: - Don't hold your breath, Mark. Not likely.... ;-p

And wow, on the owls!

>269 richardderus: I was very happy to see the Barred Owl at the Arb today, Richard. It was not as cooperative as this one in the photo, though.

>270 weird_O: How was the nap, Bill? I hope you had a nice afternoon on your deck.

>271 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. I love these Lifers! Not far into The Sea but I am enjoying it.

>272 jessibud2: LOL, Shelley. I can relate, my friend.

Hey Mark,

Just wanted to spread the word. The Christmas Swap thread is up. To anyone that's interested, come on by...

https://www.librarything.com/topic/326191#unread

>270 weird_O: Restful.

>246 richardderus: I used to help banding birds. Years and years ago. There is no need to be afraid of damaging feathers, as you handle them. Birds can fly through heavy winds without trouble as well, their feathers have a natural pattern falling around their bodies. You have to sometimes look out for your own hands as some birds will try to defend themselves!
The biggest problem is the stress of getting caught, some birds can't deal with that. We used to catch waders, near the coast, and we'd lament catching a curlew, they can really die from the stress. But most birds just ruffle their feathers and fly off without any problem.

>274 mahsdad: Awesome, Jeff. I am in and have starred the thread.

>275 weird_O: You can't beat restful, Bill.

>276 EllaTim: Happy Wednesday, Ella. Thanks for sharing your bird banding experiences. You are right, birds may be small and fragile looking but they are also pretty tough and durable. They will also peck you. I hope to assist with this procedure one of these days.

'Morning, Mark! Enjoy your bird ramble.

Morning Mark!

I can't recall if we have talked about World of Wonders. I am reading it now - nice little gem of personal nature essays written by a poet.

https://milkweed.org/book/world-of-wonders

>279 alphaorder: I liked Oceanic by Aimee Nezhukumatathil a lot. And that's all the spelling of her name I'm going to do today!

Happy Mid-Week, Mark. Man, that was a wild storm last night, and it was 27F, not 72F, when we got up this morning. Cripes.

I'm enjoying Once Upon a River, set on the Thames, and I'm going to start Phil Klay's new one, Missionaries. I really liked the YA novel Pet, and you might, too, when you're in the mood for a change of pace.

Have a fresh and crisp and chill day, buddy.

Morning, Mark!

Why do humans band birds when they take a chance on killing them?

Surely, the benefits can't overrule that.

>282 m.belljackson: I used to volunteer at a bird rehab & rescue, and it was common for birds to be banded before release, so it is documented and rescuers would know if the bird returned. Generally speaking, banding provides ways to study bird populations and to monitor endangered or at-risk species, and those trained to do it are not putting the birds at risk.

>278 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. I had a terrific bird ramble. More on that to come...

>279 alphaorder: Hi, Nancy. World of Wonders sounds really interesting. You sure know how to find the gems, my friend.

>280 jnwelch: Happy Wednesday, Joe. It was some crazy weather last night but at least it blew through quick. No damage in our immediate area, that I know of. Very cold and breezy on my walk this morning, but I survived. I did not realize there was a new Phil Klay out. Very cool. I will watch for your thoughts and I always appreciate the YA rec.

>281 Crazymamie: Happy Wednesday, Mamie. I sure like seeing your visits over here.

>282 m.belljackson: I think the benefits of bird banding far out-weigh the cons, Marianne. This gives the world a great snap-shot of the bird population and helps with it's survival. Laura adds to this with her comments too.

>283 lauralkeet: Thanks, for chiming in on the bird banding, Laura. No question, most of these people have dedicated their lives to birds.

And here we are, another day of being forced to cope with a giant spraytanned toddler demanding something he isn't entitled to.

"Conservatives" my lily-white one. These are radicals looking for the power to control others they don't personally like.

Happy Veteran's Day! And what fine way to celebrate this important holiday, by seeing an adult Bald Eagle today on my bird ramble. Sure, he gave this old vet the stink eye in the bottom photo but I quickly got over it.
Despite the cold and windy weather, (it never rose above 37F) it turned out to be a terrific raptor day: the bald eagle, three northern harriers, a rough-legged hawk, several red-tailed hawks and a pair of great horned owls. This ex-soldier was HAPPY!

This guy on Twitter got a shot of Jupiter, Saturn, and Athena's owls. Amazing!

So beautiful.

>288 richardderus: Wow! Great image.

Congrats on the eagles, Mark.

You will be happy to learn that today, after a few weeks of not putting it out at all, I put my feeder out again. I heard the birds in the morning so I decided to give it a try. Almost immediately, I had sparrows. red-breasted nuthatches and believe it or not, I even saw 3 robins on the lawn! That was a surprise. I will continue unless the pigeons get wind of this.

>285 msf59: That's right Marc. It's research, providing the facts helping to conserve and protect bird populations. Without proof valuable landscapes would be sacrificed to profit. I helped with a project in the Dutch Waddensea. Hundreds of thousands of waders migrate through each year. But the area has to be protected against oil drilling, and overfishing and all kinds of other threats. You have to have real good scientific evidence or they won't listen.

>288 richardderus: That is an amazing shot, Richard. Could you imagine this timing? Thanks for sharing.

>290 jessibud2: Hooray for getting the feeders back up, Shelley and getting rewarded immediately with the RBNs & the robins. Boo to the pigeons.

>291 EllaTim: That is a fantastic description of the importance of bird banding, Ella. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

>288 richardderus: SO cool!