Mamie's 2021 Madness, page 5

Late Night Thriller - Cat Reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Lucia Hefferna

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August Reads:
62. Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri, library hardback, translation, literary fiction/linked vignettes/solitude - 4 stars

July Reads:
56. The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths, Kindle, acquired in 2021, police procedural/forensic anthropology (Ruth Galloway, book 13) - 3.5 stars
57. The Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard, Kindle, acquired in 2021, historical fiction/WWII - 4 stars
58. Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller, hardback, library book, literary fiction/poverty/grief
59. Descender Vol. 4 Orbital Mechanics by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen (Artist), Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/space opera/AI - 4 stars
60. Up in Honey's Room by Elmore Leonard, Kindle, acquired in 2021, crime fiction/WWII/humor - 3 stars
61. Dead Man in a Ditch by Luke Arnold, 2021 acquired audiobook narrated by Luke Arnold, fantasy/private detective/noir - 3.5 stars

June Reads:
52. Sandman Vol. 3: Dream Country buy Neil Gaiman, Kelley Jones (illustrator/artist), borrowed, GN/horror/mythology - 3 stars
53. The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire by Molly Harper, Kindle, acquired in 2016, paranormal mystery/romance (Half Moon Hollow, book 3) - 3 stars
54. Mediterranean Mood Food by Paula See, hardback, library book, cookbook
55. The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths, Kindle, acquired in 2021, police procedural (Harbinder Kaur, book 2) - 4 stars

May Reads:
38. Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi, hardback, library book, literary fiction/mother-daughter relationships/dementia - 3 stars
39. Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/relationships/infidelity/grief - 4.5 stars
40. Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Joan Didion, Hardback, library book, non-fiction/essays
41. All Systems Red by Martha Wells, Kindle, acquired in 2018, sci fi/AI/space opera - reread
42. Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor, Hardback, library book, sci fi/death - 4 stars
43. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding, hardback and audio narrated by Kenneth Danzinger, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/classics/humor
44. Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/gothic/psychological thriller - 3.75 stars
45. Body in the Castle Well by Martin Walker, trade paperback, acquired in 2020, police procedural/France (Bruno Courrèges, book 12) - 4 stars
46. The Shooting at Chateau Rock by Martin Walker, trade paperback, acquired in 2021, police procedural/France (Bruno Courrèges, book 13) - 3.5 stars
47. The Sandman, Vol. 2: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman, Mike Dringenberg (Illustrator), Malcolm Jones Iii (Illustrator), paperback acquired in 2013, GN/horror - 3.5 stars
48. Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry, Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/noir/private detective - 4.5 stars - recommended by Jennifer (mstrust)
49. The Man with the Golden Typewriter edited by Fergus Fleming, narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt, audiobook, acquired on 2018, non-fiction/letters/Ian Fleming/James Bond - 5 stars
50. Restless by William Boyd, audiobook narrated by Rosamund Pike, acquired in 2015, thriller/espionage/WWII - 4 stars - recommended by Bonnie and Donna
51. Descender Vol. 3: Singularities by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen (Artist), Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/space opera/AI - 4 stars

April Reads:
29. Miss Treadway and the Field of Stars by Miranda Emmerson, Kindle, acquired in 2021, mystery/amateur sleuth - 4 stars (Anna Treadway, book 1) - recommended by Charlotte
30. Injury Time by Beryl Bainbridge, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/infidelity/dark comedy - 3.5 stars
31. Passing by Nella Larson, hardback, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/race/1920s - 4 stars
32. Destroyer by Victor LaValle (writer), Micaela Dawn (cover art), Smith Dietrich (artist), Joana Lafuente (colorist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/sci fi/Frankenstein retelling - 4.5 stars - recommended by Roberta
33. Descender Vol. 1: Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire (author), Dustin Nguyen (artist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/space opera/AI - 5 stars - recommended by Joe
34. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, translated by Thomas Teal, Kindle, acquired in 2020, literary fiction/linked vignettes - 4.5 stars - recommended by Helen
35. Descender Vol. 2 by Jeff Lemire (author), Dustin Nguyen (artist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/space opera/AI - 4.5 stars - recommended by Joe
36. The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene, Kindle, acquired in 2019, literary fiction/Catholicism/religious persecution - 4 stars
37. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Sparks, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/coming of age/1930a - 3.5 stars

January:
1. River of Darkness by Rennie Airth, trade paperback acquired in 2014, crime fiction (John Madden, book 1) - 4 stars
2. The Yellow Wallpaper: a graphic novel by Charlotte Perkins Gilmore, illustrated by Sara Barkat, paperback acquired in 2020, horror - 4.5 stars
3. The Tortoise and the Hare by Elizabeth Jenkins, trade paperback acquired in 2014, literary fiction (Virago) - 4 stars
4. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos, Kindle, acquired in 2020, humor - 3.25 stars
5. The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith (Illustrator), Mike Dringenberg (Illustrator) - paperback acquired in 2013, GN, horror - 4.5 stars
6. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher, audiobook narrated by James Marsters, acquired in 2020, urban fantasy (Dresden Files, Book 17) - 4 stars
7. Medieval People by Eileen Powers, Kindle, acquired in 2020, non-fiction/social history/Middle Ages - 4.25 stars
8. Bloody January by Alan Parks, Kindle, acquired in 2020, crime fiction (Harry McCoy, book 1) - 2.5 stars
9. Paper Girls Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan (Author), Cliff Chiang (Artist), Matthew Wilson (Artist), Kindle, borrowed, GN, time travel - 3.5 stars
10. The Weirdies by Michael Buckley, borrowed audiobook narrated by Kate Winslet, juvenile fiction/humor - 5 stars
11. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Kindle, acquired in 2020, gothic horror - 3.5 stars
12. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls, Kindle, acquired in 2021, novella/grief - 4 stars
13. Babette's Feast by Isak Dinesen, Kindle, acquired in 2020, short story/food - 4.5 stars
14. Mary's Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lita Judge, Hardback, acquired in 2021, graphic biography in verse/books about books - 5 stars

February Reads:
15. Paper Girls: Volume 2 by Brian K. Vaughan (writer), Cliff Chiang (artist), Matt Wilson (colors), Jared K. Fletcher (letters), paperback, acquired in 2021, GN/time travel - 4 stars
16. Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer, audiobook narrated by Katherine Kellgren, acquired in 2021, YA/historical mystery (Enola Holmes, book 1) - 4 stars
17. Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto, translated by Megan Backus, Kindle, acquired in 2020, novellas/grief - 2 stars
18. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, Kindle, acquired in 2020, Polish fiction/animal rights - 4 stars
19. Summerwater by Sarah Moss, Kindle, acquired in 2021, contemporary fiction/linked vignettes - 4.5 stars

March Reads:
20. The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen, paperback (with deckled edge pages!), acquired in 2016, travel writing/Nepal/Tibet/Buddhism/grief - 4 stars
21. A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourne, Kindle, acquired in 2021, historical mystery (Veronica Speedwell, book 1) - 4 stars - recommended by Chelle
22. Paper Girls: Volume 3 by Brian K Vaughan (writer), Cliff Chiang (artist), Matt Wilson (colors), paperback, acquired in 2021, GN/time travel - 3 stars
23. I Will Have Vengeance by Maurizio de Giovanni, translated by Anne Milano Appel, police procedural/Naples/1930s - 4 stars (Commisario Riccardi, book 1)
24. Death in August by Marco Vichi, translated by Stephen Sartarelli, Kindle, acquired in 2018, police procedural/Florence (Inspector Bordelli, book 1) - 3 stars
25. Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon, Kindle, acquired in 2019, police procedural/Venice (Commissario Brunetti, book 1) - 3 stars
26. Up at the Villa by W. Somerset Maugham, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/Florence/ just pre-WWII - 3 stars
27. West by Carys Davies, Kindle, acquired in 2020, historical fiction/western/novella - 4.5 stars - Katie's Dirty Dozen
28. Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola, translated by ?, audiobook narrated by Kate Winslet, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/classic - 3 stars

Katie’s Dirty Dozen - That’s right, folks, KAK’s reserved spot is back for a seventh year, let’s see what she hits me with this time.

1. Siracusa by Delia Ephron
2. Blessings by Anna Quindlen
3. When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
4. Island of the Lost by Joan Druett

The List:

1. A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill - Shannon (sturlington)
2. Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire by Alex von Tunzelmann - Susan
3. Cove by Cynan Jones - Richard - "...this is the book I wish The Old Man and the Sea had been, but was not."
4. The Riddle of the Third Mile by Colin Dexter - Jennifer (6th in the series)
5. A Lear of the Steppes by Ivan Turgenev - Paul
6. Summerwater by Sarah Moss - Caroline - "Moss communicates the dark undertow of the ordinary through a group of characters confined by weather to their cabins in a Scottish forest." (acquired 1/11/21) read Feb. 2021
7. The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell - Ellen gave this the full 5 stars
8. Sidewalks by Valeria Luiselli - Charlotte
9. The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon - Judy (ffortsa)
10. The War Widow by Tara Moss - Meg
11. Blood and Oil by Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck - Susan
12. Childhood by Tove Ditlevsen - Käthe
13. A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler - Luanne (clue)
14. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls - Karen, and Richard liked this one, too (acquired 1/11/21) read Jan. 2021
14. The Bells of Old Tokyo by Anna Sherman - Charlotte - travel writing
15. Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar - Mark
16. Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry - Jennifer
17. Those Who Knew by Idra Novey - Beth
18. The Steam Pig by James McClure - Kerry - crime fiction series set in apartheid-era South Africa
19. Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines - Richard
20. Harriet by Elizabeth Jenkins - Rhian
21. Unfinished Business: notes of a chronic rereader by Vivian Gornick - Charlotte
22. The Historians: Poems by Eavan Boland - Charlotte again
23. A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris - Linda (laytonwoman3rd)
24. Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut - Julia
25. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones - because Ellen because Richard

The List, continued:

26. A World Beneath the Sands by Toby Wilkinson - Erik
27. Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu - Charlotte "...really clever (and funny) way of making a powerful point about stereotypes..."
28. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell - Leslie (leslie.98)
29. Milkman by Anna Burns - Richard
30. The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw - Chelle (YA)
31. The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer - Mark - memoir
32. Velocity Weapon by Megan E. O'Keefe - Jim (acquired 1/26/21)
33. Mystery, Inc. by Joyce Carol Oates - Jennifer
34. The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton - Jennifer (jpaul22)
35. The Man Who Walked Through Walls by Marcel Aymé - Pam
36. Telephone by Percival Everett - Kay
37. Monogamy by Sue Miller - Kay again
38. Destroyer by Victor LaValle - Roberta read April 2021
39. A Little London Scandal by Miranda Emmerson - Charlotte (this is the second in the series)
40. Written in Bone by Sue Black - Susan
41. The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville - Laura on Katie's thread!
42. A Natural History of Hell by Jeffrey Ford - Richard
43. Shooting Midnight Cowboy by Glenn Frankel - Mark
44. Pandora's Jar by Natalie Haynes - Helen
45. Dear Reader by Cathy Rentzenbrink - Helen again
46. Sicily by John Julius Norwich - Helen is on a roll!
47. The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith - because Richard said so

This should do it - next one's yours!

Happy new thread, Mamie. Your topper cracked me up; I have that as a 1000 piece puzzle. I never finished it as it was too hard!

Hi Mamie, and happy thread #5! Late Night Thriller is a riot.

>8 jessibud2: Thank you, Shelley! The topper makes me smile - I think a puzzle of it would be great, but I get that it would be hard - a lot of white!

>9 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen! Glad you like the topper!

Happy new one, Mamie. xx

Happy new thread, Mamie. The thread topper is fabulous, I can just imagine a cat doing exactly that. >:-)

*whew* That thing's awkward to wrangle, but the chair-and-a-half is the best idea since...um...a very, very long time ago.

Oh heck! Is there still room for the bubbly?

Happy new thread!

Happy Sunday, Mamie! Happy New Thread! We are in the low 70s here today. Yah!!

Happy new thread and happy Easter to you and your clan Mamie :)

Happy new thread, Mamie!

Happy new thread, Mamie. Love your topper.

Happy new thread!

I was by earlier today but got derailed by Patrick Stewart and forgot to leave my good wishes!

>1 Crazymamie: I looove this painting so much! :) Happy new thread, Mamie!

>11 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul!

>12 Helenliz: Thanks, Helen! I'm so happy to see all the love for the thread topper.

>13 richardderus: That looks like a most excellent reading chair, BigDaddy. Years ago we used to have an oversized chair, and it was one of my very favorite places - my niece fell in love with it, so I gave it to her. I need to get me another. And yes, there is always room for the bubbly.

>14 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>15 msf59: Thank you, Mark! I was thinking of you this morning as our bird feeders are the happening place right now. We have a Carolina wren that loves to sit on the fence and sing her heart out first thing.

>16 RebaRelishesReading: Thank you, Reba! Easter was lovely and lazy. Craig took everything out of the screened-in porch on Saturday and gave it all a thorough cleaning. Even put down a new rug, so it looks amazing now. Yesterday was perfect for sitting out there with the French doors open into the house. I love when we can do that.

>17 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

>18 BLBera: Thank you, Beth! Hooray for the topper love. *grin*

>19 quondame: Thanks, Susan! Well...Patrick Stewart. I totally get that. Thanks for dropping back in.

>20 PersephonesLibrary: Me, too, Käthe. And thank you.

29. Miss Treadway and the Field of Stars by Miranda Emmerson, Kindle, acquired in 2021, mystery/amateur sleuth - 4 stars (Anna Treadway, book 1) - recommended by Charlotte

Charlotte recently mentioned this series on her thread as she had just finished reading book two in the series. Book two is not available here yet, but I picked up the first book and gobbled it right down. I can see why people are comparing the writing to Kate Atkinson - it's thoughtful and there is much more here than just a mystery. Set in 1960s London, and it was really well done. I liked the cast of characters and look forward to reading the next installment.

DO y'all have a favorite recipe for overnight oats? Our favorite so far involves mini chocolate chips and bananas - we make them in Weck jars, and they are like works of art. Delicious but also beautiful. I love that they are yummy hot or cold - I mostly eat them cold. We have been trying on the weekends to have two decadent breakfast menus - one healthier and one not so much.

Speaking of recipes, here are the cookbooks I have been reading through lately:

..

Hi Mamie! I hope you have a wonderful day.

>25 Crazymamie: No overnight oats for me, but I do enjoy reading cookbooks and recipes online.

>26 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Thank you for those good wishes - hoping your day is also full of wonder.

I love cookbooks. I might have a slight addiction to them - I love reading online blogs and digital cookbooks, too, but there is just something about turning through the actual pages of a cookbook. I also like to write in them, so...

Morning, Mamie! Happy new thread, friend.

>25 Crazymamie: - I've only made overnight oats once, and it was pretty basic - vanilla almond milk and bananas, I think. I keep meaning to try it again, but then I forget. Oops.

I gave The Wayne a copy of SFAH a couple of years ago. The Netflix show based on it is worth watching, too, if you are so inclined...

>28 scaifea: Morning, Amber! Thank you!

>29 katiekrug: I really love them, but then I really love oatmeal, so...

I watched the first episode of the Netflix show, which is what got me to request the book from the library. I love her enthusiasm for her subject and her story.

I'm a hot-oatmeal-made-with-milk eater, and overnighter if one is using yogurt or non-dairy liquids like Silk to make them. The whole phytic-acid kerfuffle made me think of this as an indulgence not a staple.

>25 Crazymamie: Oh, the Nosrat book is gorgeous, no? I'll always love Cookwise and Bakewise the best of them all. Finally someone *explained* baking and cooking!

I get all gaga about book lists. I like that you credit the person who tipped you about a book. I should do that.

I don't have a sunporch, but it's a good day for one. We have a south-facing deck, and I did spend spend part of the day outside. Making lists...you know, To Do lists. Heh heh heh. Making the list is the easy part. And my speciality. (But I've checked off a couple of listed chores already.

>22 Crazymamie: A screened porch with french doors to the house sounds wonderful!

Happy new thread, Mamie!

The topper gave me a smile :-)

I've never tried overnight oats, but I can't work out how it would not just be cold porridge - and while I like porridge, I do like it hot. Made 50/50 water & milk, with a just a drizzle of honey.

>31 richardderus: Richard, we make ours with yogurt and almond milk. The phytic-acid kerfuffle is interesting but won't stop me eating oatmeal - I don't eat it every day and never have. My only every day breakfast thing is coffee - usually I just have coffee, but on the weekends it's nice to indulge.

Indeed, the Nosrat book is gorgeous. And thanks for those titles - I am adding them to my cookbook list!

>32 weird_O: I love me a list, too, Bill. I like keeping track of who hit me with what bullet. I have an Amazon list of book bullets, and I add who recommended it, what year, and anything else I think is relevant under the comments section there. That way, I can sort the titles by price and see if any of them are on sale each month. Very handy.

I am back on the screened-in porch this morning, and it's lovely out here. Our deck also faces South, and I love looking out at the pecan grove that occupies the land behind our house. The screened-in porch is in the back south east corner of the house, so it looks out over the deck into the pool area with the pecan grove behind that. Very full of fabulous, and I never tire of the view.

Good luck with your list making - I love doing that and also crossing things off of said list. Thanks for stopping in and sharing, oh Weird One.

>36 Crazymamie: I'm so pleased for you that the land is *still* a pecan grove! When y'all sell up and move on, they can do what the heck they please but the fact that it's still a lovely grove is a huge bonus.

Enjoy Shirley's books when you get to them! *smooch*

>33 RebaRelishesReading: It's one of my very favorite places, Reba. During football season, we can open up those doors and watch the game from there because the tv Craig bought for the living room is HUGE.

>34 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita! Always happy to share a smile.

>35 Helenliz: Helen, it is just cold porridge if you eat it straight out of the fridge, but you can also heat it up first. The overnight part is just to let the oats soften up so you don't need to cook them. If I make oatmeal on the stove, I like to make it like you with 50/50 mix of water and milk, but I use almond milk and then stir in a little brown sugar at the end. I love this recipe from the Iowa Girl Eats blog:

Copycat Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal

Ingredients:
serves 1 (for me it serves 2)
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk (I used almond milk)
1 banana, sliced and divided
1 Tablespoon brown sugar (or more or less)
1 Tablespoon gluten-free ground flaxseed (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds (or whatever you have on hand)
2 teaspoons dried cherries, dried blueberries, or dried cranberries (or whatever you have on
hand)

Directions:
1. Combine oats, water, milk, and half the banana slices in a saucepan over medium heat. Once
bubbling, stir and cook until oats are creamy and have nearly absorbed all the liquid, about 5
minutes, using the back of a wooden spoon or spatula to mash banana slices as they cook.
2. Remove pan from heat then stir in brown sugar, flaxseed meal, and vanilla. Scrape into a bowl
then top with remaining banana slices, nuts, and dried fruit.
(This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.)

You've inspired me to do overnight oats tonight. I have some frozen blueberries and sliced almonds which should be tasty...

Happy new thread, Mamie.

I enjoyed Miss Treadway and the Field of Stars when I read it too and was glad to know that there will be another one coming out. Charlotte alerted me to that too.

I'll just back away now while you all talk about bananas and oatmeal with milk *shudder*.

Happy new thread, Mamie!

I'm boring with my oatmeal. I get minute oats, cook it in the microwave with milk and add bananas (I also like blueberries or brown sugar, but I usually just add the one thing). I'll also mix an egg in it occasionally to have a little extra protein.

>39 katiekrug: That sounds like a perfect combo, Katie - I'm betting it was mighty tasty.

>40 Familyhistorian: Thank you, Meg! Miss Treadway and the Field of Stars was so good - she did a good job of capturing the 60s. I love books that have a sense of place like that.

Newest daughter cannot do dairy and hates bananas, so you are not alone. BUT, and this is funny because she finds it disgusting, she makes a fabulous banana pudding - it's her Mom's recipe. She makes it for us and brings it over without us even having to ask because Rae loves it so much.

>41 bell7: Thanks, Mary! I make Cream of Wheat like that all the time - in the microwave with almond milk added, then a spoonful of brown sugar stirred in when it comes out.

>1 Crazymamie: Oh my, I love that!!!!

Hi Mamie. I have not made good on my promise to keep up better this year. But here I am, making a cameo appearance. :-)

I love overnight oats with mushed bananas and either peanut or almond butter. But these days I'm just doing microwave oatmeal:

1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick or minute -- just rolled oats)
3/4 cup water
a generous sprinkling of dried fruit -- I love Trader Joe's Golden Berry Blend
Microwave on high for two minutes.
Add milk.
Enjoy.

It may not cook the oats as much as some people prefer. Certainly they are not as "done" as with overnight oats. But I like it even better.

Hi Mamie, I thought I would check in with you on this thread as opposed to the Category Challenge. I wish I did like oatmeal, it is so healthy but no, it makes me shudder!

>43 EBT1002: Ellen!! Hello there! I knew you would appreciate that topper. No worries about promises - I am not even keeping up with myownself this year. And I love your cameo!

I think of you every time we make overnight oats because your thread is where I discovered Weck jars. I have a slight obsession with them now and have them in multiple sizes and shapes. My very favorites are the small tulip shaped ones:



Thanks for sharing the oatmeal recipe - I will give it a go and report back. I am jealous of your Trader Joe shopping. I have never been to one, but it's on my Bucket List of things to do once the plague settles down and we are all vaccinated and good to go.

>44 DeltaQueen50: Hey, Judy! Thanks for tracking me down over here. My Category Challenge thread is a sleeper currently - I need to update over there. I just haven't been on the threads much. I don't know if you have read my scattered posts about Abby having CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). Dealing with it has been keeping us on our toes, but she is finally making some progress thanks to a pain management clinic. I am keeping everything crossed and holding my breath because I want so very badly for her to get some relief. I am constantly amazed by her - she has been handed a truly devastating thing to deal with, and she just takes a deep breath and keeps on trying.

30. Injury Time by Beryl Bainbridge, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/infidelity/dark comedy - 3.5 stars

"There was very little left for her to do. She'd peeled the potatoes, washed the lettuce, sprinkled herb things on the meat. Still, she wanted her daughters out of the way. Being constantly with the children was like wearing a pair of shoes that were expensive and too small. She couldn't bear to throw them out, but they gave her blisters."

I might have to bump this one up to 4 stars because it has stayed with me, and I keep thinking about it. Basically, it's a dinner party gone horribly wrong. The reader sees this coming - it is after all an intimate dinner party thrown by a man's mistress for two close friends that he is not really close friends with. In fact, he has never even met the wife of the colleague that he has invited. This starts off badly and goes downhill from there, and this part is so well done. The awkward dialogue rings true, and the 1970s setting is perfectly captured. It's dark comedy, and the ending I thought was brilliant.

*This is one of the books that made the list in The Modern Library: The 200 Best Novels in English Since 1950. I stumbled across this book list last year and was intrigued - the Amazon blurb says:

"For Colm Toíbín and Carmen Callil there is no difference between literary and commercial writing - there is only the good novel: engrossing, inspirational, compelling. In their selection of the best 200 novels written since 1950, the editors make a case for the best and the best-loved works and argue why each should be considered a modern classic. Enlightening, often unexpected and always engaging this tour through the world of fiction is full of surprises, forgotten masterpieces and a valuable guide to what to read next."

What I liked about it is that these were not the usual suspects. Oh, there are some books on the list that you have seen again and again on other lists, but there are also ones you might never have heard of. Intriguing, and so I decided to make my way through the list, although I readily admit that I will be skipping Red Dragon.

31. Passing by Nella Larson, hardback, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/race/1920s - 4 stars

Written in 1929, this has become a classic. The story is one of two friends who grew up together but with different family dynamics meeting again many years later in a chance encounter. They are both black, but one of them has been passing for white since she left the old neighborhood. It doesn't end there because Clare, the woman who has been passing, wants to reestablish ties. This is short and it moves slowly, and it feels like nothing much happens, but the emotions and complexity of the situation come through - it's interesting and I wish there had been more of it. The ending is abrupt but perfect, IMO.

'Morning, Mamie!

I'm so glad to hear that Abby's making progress. Thank goodness for the pain management clinic.

Boo hiss to allergies. I'm sorry you've been having such problems with them.

>46 Crazymamie: Yuck. Hannibal Lechter. I am beyond sorry that I ever read and watched The Silence of the Lambs. Puppy in the pit with Jodie still gives me the shudders.

32. Destroyer by Victor LaValle (writer), Micaela Dawn (cover art), Smith Dietrich (artist), Joana Lafuente (colorist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/sci fi/Frankenstein retelling - 4.5 stars - recommended by Roberta

After reading and loving Mary's Monster, Roberta mentioned this one over on my Category Challenge thread. It's very good, so a huge thank you to her. It's a Frankenstein retelling that takes the original story and runs with it. I love how LaVelle weaves Black Lives Matter and feminism into the mix, creating a stunning story arc that I wish had been longer. The gorgeous artwork brings it to life and is the perfect marriage to the narrative.

Morning, Mamie! I have seen you bouncing around the threads, so I am glad to see posting. Sorry about the dreaded allergies. Mine hit me, about two weeks ago, then abated. I am sure they will return. Happy to see you enjoying the books.

BTW- I LOVED Shooting Midnight Cowboy. One of my favorite books of the year so far. This is by the same author who wrote about The Searchers. The guy nails it. I also watched the film last night. A dark, unsettling masterpiece, IMHO.

>48 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! The pain management clinic has been a blessing. The doctor is wonderful, and all of his staff seem to really love working there.

Thank you for those allergy condolences - it is what it is, and I am hoping that the new med routine will make a difference.

Hannibal Lechter - yeah, I just can't go there anymore. I could handle it fine when I was younger, but now it just does not call to me. I don't want to be inside the killer's head. Books told from that perspective were never my favorite, but I have zero interest in going there now.

The Bainbridge sounds really interesting. I'll have a look around for it.

>50 msf59: Morning, Mark! Thank you, my friend. Glad to hear that your allergies have abated. I'm pretty sure mine has to do with all the pollen that is ever present here. Specifically the pine pollen.

Oh! Thanks by that tip about Shooting Midnight Cowboy - onto The List it goes! I loved Frankel's book about the making of The Searchers - my Dad loved that film and we watched it together many times. I have seen Midnight Cowboy, but it has been many years ago. Decades probably.

>52 katiekrug: Morning, Katie! I think you would like Injury Time.

33. Descender Vol. 1: Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire (author), Dustin Nguyen (artist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/space opera/AI - 5 stars - recommended by Joe

I loved this one! Jeff Lemire is a favorite of mine, and I have liked pretty much everything he has done. This might be my favorite, and that is saying something. It's space opera where AI has been outlawed because of a robot uprising years before. Tim-21 is a robot that had been specifically designed to be a child companion to a human child, and he went to sleep in a reality that he loved but wakes up ten years in the future to find that his way of life no longer exists. He now has to worry about bounty hunters and humans whose motives he cannot trust. And what happened to his family? The artwork here is just beautiful.

A good pain-management doc is a gift from the gods. So glad Abby has one. So *sad* that she needs one, though.

You're on a tear! Much good reading has been done while your life-maelstrom has kept you busy, so that is always a good thing.

Now on to the rest of the week! I've done my annual Poetry Month post. And the first Campion mystery is on sale today! *smooch*

Hey, Mamie, it's been a while since I've checked in, but sorry that your allergies are on a rampage, and many gentle hugs for Abby.

Lots of excellent reading there, Mamie. Boo to allergies, hurrah to them feeling better. And good news that Abby's pain management seems to be improving things. Hope that continues for her.

>56 richardderus: He is indeed, Richard. He says she is the youngest patient he has seen with this condition - she has definitely been the youngest person in the waiting room so far. What's great is that the staff is so happy and so warm and caring that it overflows into the waiting room, and everyone in it so far has been beyond kind.

The reading has been going great, and I am very thankful for it. Perfect weather down here right now for porching, which helps as that is my very favorite place to read.

Tuesday was a good one for me, too. We mostly did the lazy - stayed in jammies and in bed and binge watched Chopped while internetting. Today I should probably actually accomplish something. We'll see - I can't make any promises.

>57 ronincats: Hello there, Roni! I need to come catch up with you - I have been slowly getting back out on the threads. Thank you for those kind words and for the hugs for Abby.

>58 Helenliz: Thanks for that lovely post, Helen. I thought of you the other day when we got a box of tea we had ordered - Abby has been really into tea lately. We ordered a gingerbread tea from The Republic of Tea, but I have not yet tried it. I love the one from Teapigs so much, but it was just a limited edition. *sadness* Hoping they have it back again in winter.

The Wayne and I occasionally binge Chopped - such a fun show. I always threaten to buy random stuff at the grocery store and see what he can do with it :)

I hope you have a lovely Wednesday!

Morning, Katie! We love Chopped - one of the episodes yesterday featured popcorn jellybeans. I bet TW could produce something edible with your basket, and I know you would be very creative with choosing the content. Just the thought of it makes me smile. I feel like this is mainly how Craig cooks - grabbing some random items, usually leftovers, and making something new from them. Problem is, no one but him wants to eat it. Heh.

Hoping your Wednesday is also full of lovely.

Oh, yes, I'd be super creative in choosing the mystery ingredients. I mean, some might say diabolical, but.... *grin*

Now I want popcorn jellybeans...

And Birdy, Abby, and I could be the judges.

Right?! And I haven't eaten jellybeans in years. Abby used to adore them, which is why we call her Jellybean.

My spirit is boosted by all your posts in the last few days. I'm dodging the BBs, but all the ducking and twisting is good physical therapy. It is heartening, too, to hear that Abby is getting productive treatment.

Springtime needs flowers.

>64 weird_O: Bill, thank you for that. I am thrilled to have boosted your spirits - what a lovely compliment. The physical therapy part made me laugh. We are very thankful for the help that Abby is getting, and so happy that it is making a real difference.

>65 richardderus: Well, that is utterly charming and whimsical. Thank you kindly, BigDaddy! *smooch*

Have a great, relaxing weekend, Mamie.

Hi sweetiedarling, time to nosh yet?

>63 Crazymamie: Alas, unless you go to Jelly Belly®, which I'd prefer to avoid, good jelly beans, like gum drops and spice drops, have all been pushed aside by the candy mafia in these parts. And I'm off sugar treats, so I shouldn't complain, but!

Mamie, I am so sorry to hear about Abby's CRPS. Thank heaven you have a good pain management clinc nearby. Pleae let her know that I am thinking about her and I am hoping that a remission is on its way.

Hoping the weekend is treating you all well. And I can thank you for adding The Yellow Wallpaper to my recent book pile purchase.

'Morning, Mamie! Happy Sunday to you and all the denizens of the Pecan Paradisio.

So many visitors! How lovely!

>67 BLBera: Thank you, Beth - it was a nice mix of the lazy and the productive.

>68 richardderus: That looks gorgeous! And delicious. Thanks, BigDaddy! *smooch*

>69 quondame: I don't eat anything sticky like that anymore, Susan. I used to love sour gummy worms (the good ones) and chocolate covered gummy bears, but my mouth is full of dental work, so I try not to eat those these days. Too many crowns - I am afraid of losing my kingdom.

>70 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy. I have passed along your good wishes, and they were very much appreciated.

>71 Helenliz: The weekend was a good one, Helen. Hoping you like The Yellow Wallpaper when you get to it. I am thrilled to have hit you with a book bullet - goodness knows you have hit me many times.

>72 karenmarie: Morning, Karen, although it is not the same morning. Thank you for those Sunday wishes - it was a lovely day here at the Pecan Pardisio.

So, it stormed all of Saturday here - lots of lightning and rolling thunder and tons of rain. From beginning to end, the day was filled with it, and it was delightful to watch, although Mischief and Mayhem chose to do so from under the bed. We just sat back and enjoyed it. Did the lazy and read, played games, and re-watched some favorite shows. Sunday brought the sun back out with a slight breeze that actually made things slightly chilly. We got up and got some work done, and still managed to carve out some time for quiet pursuits. And today, the dreaded day of the week, has arrived with plenty of birdsong and sun. Once again I am on the screened-in porch with my coffee and laptop - so full of fabulous. No big plans for today except for baked potato bar for dinner. Tomorrow Birdy and I are getting our teeth cleaned in the morning, and in the afternoon the girls and I are getting our first dose of the vaccine, so hooray for that. The facility where we are getting our shots at is just a few blocks from the office where Rae works, so I can pick her up on the way and then drop her back at work on our way home - feels like solidarity for all the womenfolk of the Pecan Paradisio to go together, and I am thankful that we can share this moment that the whole world has paid so dearly to achieve.

On the reading front, I have finished three more books:


34. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, translated by Thomas Teal, Kindle, acquired in 2020, literary fiction/linked vignettes - 4.5 stars - recommended by Helen


35. Descender Vol. 2 by Jeff Lemire (author), Dustin Nguyen (artist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/space opera/AI - 4.5 stars - recommended by Joe


36. The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene, Kindle, acquired in 2019, literary fiction/Catholicism/religious persecution - 4 stars

My thoughts on these are coming...

>75 Crazymamie: Oh I love a good storm. I can sit and watch them for hours.

Yay for jabs! I had my first last week. Once they'd made sure I was me they asked if I minded which vaccine I got. I really didn't care, as long as it does the trick.

And glad you liked The Summer book. I'm always really worried when people say they'll read a book on the back of my review, so at least that one worked out for you. >:-)

The Summer Book was a delight, and I'm so pleased that you liked it as well.

Splendid new-week's reads, my dear.

love the womenfolk solidarity!

>76 Helenliz: Me, too, Helen!

I don't know which vaccine we're getting - it didn't matter to me, so I'll report back tomorrow after I find out. Craig got really sick from his first jab and still sick but not as bad from the second jab. Kaitlyn just had a bit of a sore arm, and that was it. Daniel had no reaction to the first jab and then felt tired and achy for about 48 hours after the second one. I'm hoping none of us gets Craig's reaction. *crosses fingers*

I loved The Summer Book - I keep thinking I might have to bump it up to the full five stars because it was kind of perfect for me. Sophie reminded me of our Birdy - precocious and quick and snarky and stubborn.

>77 richardderus: Delight is just the right word, and I was amazed at how well she captured both the six year old Sophie and the aging grandmother.

Thank you for those good wishes, BIgDaddy! Reading happiness to you, too.

>78 RebaRelishesReading: *grin* I am a very lucky woman, Reba, to be able to share adventures with them.

I peeped in fearing that you might have finished Tom Jones, Mamie, but it seems not! I've just finished Book XII but it's not my fault because all the library books are tempting me and I am weak.

Hooray for your shots tomorrow! I hope it all goes well and none of you gets side effects.

>80 susanj67: Susan!! It's SO lovely to see you here! And no worries about Tom Jones - I am close to finishing up Book XII, so we are at almost the same place. It's a very long book. It's a bit like a soap opera with all of the missed connections and misunderstandings, but at least it is also very humorous. I, too, have been drawn away from it by other things. I am running out of April and fearing it may run into May before I finish it up.

Thank you for those good wishes - much appreciated!

Hi Mamie! Congrats on your shots tomorrow!

I will also be getting my teeth cleaned tomorrow morning, so I'll be sure to gargle in your general direction... *grin*

I have a copy of The Summer Book on my shelf and keep meaning to read it soon. Maybe you have tipped me over the edge?

Fingers crossed for no side effects! The Wayne and I escaped pretty much unscathed other than fatigue and sore arms...

>73 Crazymamie: Oh no! I have crowns and wasn't given any cautions against the gummy hazards. Of course I'm not indulging in them now, I'm not!

I'm another fan of The Summer Book.

>82 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie!

>83 katiekrug: Birdy and I will gargle back, Katie!

You should read it this summer, Katie. I think you would like it - linked vignettes about summers spent on an island off the coast of Finland. I will warn you that Sophie's mother has died, but this is never directly mentioned except for a small sentence early on that states, "Sophia woke up and remembered that they had come back to the island and that she had a bed to herself because her mother was dead." The father is there, too, but he remains mostly in the background, and you are left with the shared adventures of grandmother and granddaughter; something almost as charming and evocative and honest as Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory. It's one I know I will read again.

Thank you kindly for crossing your fingers for us - most appreciated!

>84 quondame: I am just over cautious, Susan. The dentist didn't say I couldn't/shouldn't eat them.

Hooray for The Summer Book - I don't know who I loved more, grandmother or Sophie.

Nice to see you back to posting regularly, Mamie! I'm glad to hear your family's getting vaccinated, and hope you don't have a bad reaction to shot #2. I didn't expect to react as strongly as I did to #1 (I got Pfizer and basically had the same reaction as Daniel, but to my first shot), so now I'm a little nervous as to what the second has in store... Best of luck on the dentist, too.

Glad to see you've been reading some good books. I may have to add The Summer Book to the TBR list, but I've got to read down the stack of... hm, 15 library books I currently have out now before getting anymore.

>86 bell7: Hello, Mary! And thank you. Craig also got the Pfizer and reacted strongly to both doses. Kaitlyn got the Pfizer and just had a slightly sore arm. Both of them had had gotten Covid the year before and were very sick but did not need to be hospitalized. Daniel got the Moderna and had not previously had Covid. If it makes you feel any better, Craig felt worse after the first vaccine than he did after the second - his reaction to the second dose was not as bad and did not last as long.

Thank you for those good luck wishes at the dentist. I need it - last year I spent a lot of time at the dentist, and I would prefer to take it easy this year So would my pocketbook. Heh.

Hoping you do add The Summer Book to your list - it's a gem. Good luck with those current library books.

Hi Mamie!

>75 Crazymamie: Yuck to the dentist, but glad it’s only cleanings. Congrats on the first doses today, yay for the womenfolk. May you all have no side effects at all.

>88 karenmarie: Hello, Karen! The dentist is done and dusted, and Birdy and I have no cavities, so hooray for that. The vaccines could not have been easier or faster - we had all pre-registered, so we just had to check in and go back and get our injections. We got the Pfizer vaccine. I was impressed with their organization, and I even got a sticker. We go back on May 20th for the final dose. Thank you for those good wishes - much appreciated.

*smooch*
It's Murderbot day. I reviewed same. Perfect for a light and easy read.

>89 Crazymamie: - Yay for your first doses. I also got Pfizer and also got a sticker! Bright pink. :-)

My next appointment, though, isn't until August. We are having 4 month intervals here. Our province is a mess. Still, very relieved for the first one.

>90 richardderus: I LOVE Murderbot! I have read the first four novellas but not the novel yet - I have been hoarding that. Think I'm going to reread the novellas before dipping into it. I'll come check out your review. *smooch*

>91 jessibud2: Hello, Shelley! Four months?! Yowza. They are wrapping things up here - our return appointment is the very last day that facility will be offering the vaccine. Of course, A LOT of people in Georgia chose not to be vaccinated. Don't get me started.

I hope you're not suffering from any terrible side effects, Mamie. Nor the girls.

Hooray for no cavities! I also had a good check-up :)

Morning, Katie! Rae and I just have a bit of tenderness in the arm that got the injection, but Birdy and Abby have very sore arms - like they can hardly stand to move them. Still, that's it for the side effects for now, so we can't complain.

*happy dance* Look at us conquering the dentist!! I felt like I lived at the dentist last year, so it was a welcome relief to just be able to reschedule for a cleaning in 6 months. I am going back next month to have a mouthguard made - I clench my teeth in my sleep sometimes now, and I really do not want to break another crown. Speaking of crowns, here's a funny: When we were growing up my mom, who was not an easy or gentle person, used to say, "I'll crown you, and it won't be queen." That expression has always cracked me up for some reason, and so the girls are familiar with that story. Anyway, yesterday when we were coming back from the dentist, and I was saying that I wanted to protect my dental kingdom (I have ten crowns), Birdy says, "Well, I guess your mom was right." About what, I asked. "About your being crowned but not queen." "Yeah, but she said she would do it," I retorted. "Well, she got that part wrong," Birdy answered.

>94 Crazymamie: :)

I have a night guard, because I grind my teeth at night. It's not so bad, and I got used to it pretty quickly.

The dentist did notice a "shadow" beneath a crown I have where there is no root canal to match, and we'll be watching that in case it becomes sensitive or painful, in which case a root canal will be in my future. So far, it's not given me any problems, so fingers crossed...

>95 RebaRelishesReading: Hello, Reba!

>96 katiekrug: Craig wears one for the same reason, Katie - but he has one of the ones you buy from the store. He has replaced his multiple times, so I figured I would just go with the custom made one to start with and hopefully have better luck with comfort/fit and durability.

I also have a watch spot - a dark spot on my last molar without a crown. It has a huge filling in it, so I have always known that it would probably need a crown at some point. I have truly terrible teeth. *crossing my fingers for you that your tooth behaves*

Good luck with the mouth guard, Mamie. I hope you are like Katie and can get used to it. I also grind at night but over the years have tried 3 different types of guards and could not adapt to any of them. Not fun.

re >92 Crazymamie:. A friend just sent me this article and I swear, it is mind-boggling to me that anyone could be so ignorant. I hope there are at least some parents of the students who are intelligent enough to pull their kids out and find a better place for them to be *educated*. Geez:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/private-florida-school-won-t-employ-va...

>98 jessibud2: Oh, bummer, Shelley. Craig tried a bunch of different ones but has finally settled on one that works for him.

Off to follow that link.

>94 Crazymamie: Tomm and I had our second shots yesterday and we're both good for pretty much nothing today, so I'm giving up trying to grade and giving in to interweb surfing.

Your conversation with Birdy sounds like it could be straight out of Gilmore Girls - I love it!

Just want to say "Good Morning, Mamie" while it is still morning. I slept in (ha ha). Working up to going out and finish the mowing. Trying to establish a habit of getting it done in two days instead of dragging the chore out. I'm also stalling on completing the small bookcase expansion.

Reading: One chapter to complete How Music Works by David Byrne, which will be done today. Also plan to complete Humans by Brandon Stanton. Today or tomorrow. I'm not far enough in Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell to maintain the falsehood that I'll be wrapping that up before the calendar flips to May. The books by the Davids form an interesting ensemble—one a nonfiction account, the other an imagined one.

Jealous of your dental accomplishment. I can only dream.

I've had a night guard for about 35 years. If I forget to put it in I have trouble going to sleep because my mouth just doesn't feel right. It has not only saved my crowns but has also pretty much cured my TMJ disfunction. When I wore my first custom one out I tried an over-the-counter one but that didn't work very well for me so I ordered another custom one. It cost a couple of hundred dollars but I've used it for nearly 20 years so that's really not too bad :)

Hi Mamie! Happy Friday to you.

I'm glad that you only had sore arms.

I had a custom night guard made once, but it turns out that I am allergic to the type of acrylic that they used, got disgusted with the whole thing, and have done without since.

>100 scaifea: Good for you for giving yourself permission to chill, Amber. Hoping the vaccine funk was short lived. Abby and I both ended up feeling chills/tired/achy the next evening. Luckily, it was very short lived.

I am completely charmed by your comparison of our conversation to the Gilmore Girls - LOVE them!

>101 weird_O: Morning, Bill, although it is not the same morning. How much yard have you got to mow? Daniel came by and mowed part of ours yesterday - left about 1/2 hour for work for Craig to do. It was mighty nice of him as Craig is out of town visiting his mom.

Book case expansion? I need to come see what you are up to - I have been bad about visiting around the threads. Your reading is always very eclectic to me - I like seeing what you pair together. I am a mood reader, so there is a lot of picking up and reading and then setting it aside for something different.

Wishing for you dental happiness - may the universe smile upon your smile.

>102 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I am so happy to read that your night guard lasted so long. Also that it helped your TMJ disfunction. I have been having wonky jaw issues lately - lots of cracking and getting slightly out of place. I had tons of dental work done last year, and my bite was off for several weeks after having a crown placed, and now my jaw feels exhausted - I think it is slightly put off by all the fuss and too many hours of being open. I am hoping the night guard will help to get things back to normal or at least lessen the cracking it is doing. I have to pay out of pocket for the guard, as our dental insurance is pretty much crap, but I am hoping it will be worth it.

>103 karenmarie: Hello, Karen! Happy Sunday! Abby and I ended up feeling chills/tired/achy the nest evening, but it lasted for less than 24 hours, so we can't complain.

Total bummer about being allergic to the acrylic used in the night guard. I'm so sorry about that.

I feel seen....

>106 richardderus: LOVE that! *smooch*

Hi Mamie, congrats on getting your final vaccine. I won't be getting mine until July some time. I just dropped by to let you know that I have read the first three volumes of Descender and I loved them - will be continuing on with the next three soon.

>105 Crazymamie: I had to pay out of pocket for both of my custom night guards but they were worth every cent.

>106 richardderus: 😂😂

>49 Crazymamie: Mamie I'm glad you liked Destroyer by Victor LaValle. Do I spy the Leslie Klinger annotated Frankenstein in your collection? Such a beautiful book. It's one of my treasures.

Happy ... day.... Mamie!

>104 Crazymamie: You asked about our mowing job. Just under 4 acres, but the majority of it sloping, a lot of that steeply sloping. Plus,we planted more than 2 dozen trees that have to be navigated around (and under). If I had to, I could do it all in a day. But it's boring and I get antsy to take a break to get all sloppy drunk and buurrrrnnn things. So getting it done on two consecutive days is my 2021 scam.

Bookcase expansion is underway, but I'm dragging it out. Because. That's what I do.

So here's a bit of the crazy from the Pecan Paradisio. Last weekend Craig went to visit his mother (who lives in Florida). He also has an older sister who retired there and keeps an eye on the mother, although mostly what she does is text everyone and tell them they need to call more. She is very much a child of the sixties, if you know what I mean. *cue songs from the musical Hair* Anyway, I digress. The mother is 91 (and I am firmly convinced she will outlive me just to spite me). When Craig visits, he usually ends up spending the entire time doing repairs and maintenance for her - she has a list. So, he comes home tired and a bit grumpy, and who can blame him. On Sunday, the day he has to drive the 5.5 hours back to us, we notice that the downstairs AC is not working. Not great, since it is in the 90s and very humid outside, but luckily, the upstairs has its own AC, and that unit is working fine. Craig gets in much later than he wanted because the mother kept asking him to do one more thing and then he ran into stop and go traffic on the drive home. I tell him about the AC but say it can definitely wait until Monday to check on it. He checks the breaker and sees that it has been tripped, but when he resets it, it just immediately trips again. Not good. So Monday. You know how I feel about Mondays - of course, when he gets home from work it is storming with loads of lightning and thunder. SO Tuesday, and now there is a bit of a stink in the house, more pervasive where the vents are located. Craig decides to check the crawlspace under the house. Good call. Something dead down there, and also something with tiny sharp teeth has crewed through the electric wiring that runs through there and...wait for it...the water line. So we are spurting water down there with a chewed through electric line - good thing the breaker did it's job! My husband is a genius, so he shuts off the water, runs to Lowes, comes home and repairs everything himself so that by 9pm we have AC and water once again. Amazing. However, the stink is also amazing. Between the wet and the dead, it's gonna take a bit to clear out the smell. And he doesn't want to say what the dead thing was, so I am guessing snake - YIKES!

*Be sure to tune in next time for Tales of the Healer, in which the previously mentioned sister offers to have her Healer reach out to Abby through the air currents.

>108 DeltaQueen50: Hello, Judy. I have not gotten my final vaccine yet - scheduled to get the second dose on May 20th.

I am so happy you are loving Descender as much as I am - I am currently ready for Volume 3, which I have on my Kindle Fire, and will probably read today.

>109 RebaRelishesReading: I am thrilled to hear you say that, Reba. I'm looking forward to getting mine made on the 11th of this month, so next week. I wonder how long it takes to get the finished product.

>110 drneutron: Agreed, Jim.

>111 luvamystery65: I loved Destroyer, Roberta, so thank you so much for recommending it to me. Just so well done. And yes, that is the Leslie Klinger annotated Frankenstein up top - another rec from you! I have it out from the library, and it is every bit as gorgeous and interesting as you said it was. I might have to get my own copy.

>112 karenmarie: Karen, your post made me laugh! Good thinking with the not naming of Monday - it was up to its usual tricks. I am happy to have made it to Wednesday.

>113 weird_O: Bill, thank for coming back and answering my question. Your post made me grin - Craig feels the same way about mowing, and our property is smaller than yours. And less trees. Daniel came over and mowed for him while he was away visiting his mother, and he was thrilled to come home to a mowed lawn. Good thing, too, since we had other issues to deal with.

I also like to drag a project out - it calls to me until I begin, and then I like to get in there and make a big mess and then take a break. Heh. I bet your bookcase expansion will be full of fabulous when you get around to finishing it up. Good luck, oh Weird One.

>114 Crazymamie: no-one needs a M**day like that one! Or even a Tuesday. Urgh to the dead thing, hurrah to the Craig having his superhero pants on outside his tights.

>114 Crazymamie: OMG Mamie -- so sorry!!

Before we bought our Washington house the crawl space had been home to a large family of raccoons. They had destroyed the vapor barrier (discovered when our home inspection was done) which cost the sellers $1000 to repair. We had a handyman (mine definitely isn't) put much sturdier covers on the vent openings to preclude any more creatures from taking up residence there. I wonder if that would work for your house.

Meanwhile -- hope it dries and airs soon

Oh goodness, Mamie! It's always something, isn't it? Good on Craig for figuring it out and taking care of it, but I am now shuddering at snakes that nibble on things...

>117 Helenliz: Agreed, Helen. And the idea of Craig in tights is giving me the giggles.

>118 RebaRelishesReading: It was a wild ride, Reba. Oh dear, to the raccoons - they make quite the mess. We had to deal with them a lot in Indiana, and their junk STINKS. I'll ask Craig about the vapor barrier. Part of the problem is that it is just so humid down here for about 90% of the year - it feels like nothing really ever gets the chance to dry out and stay dry. So smells tend to linger. He has a dehumidifier running under there, so I am hoping for better quality air within the next 24-48 hours. In the meantime, we have been Febreezing the vents, which seems to help. A bit.

>119 katiekrug: It IS always something, Katie! Life is funny like that. Craig thinks it was mice that chewed through the water and electric lines. Tiny sharp teeth he said. He has poison out down there, but... I asked him if he found the dead thing down there, and he said yes, but then quickly started talking about what he needed for the repairs. I have a THING about snakes which is what makes me think it was a snake - if it were anything else, I think he would have just said what it was that he found. It seems like a lot of stink for a snake, though, so... Anyway, I'm thinking if he didn't volunteer the info, I probably don't want to know.

>114 Crazymamie: - Yikes, indeed!! And I'm with you on the *critter*. I wouldn't want to know either! Hope the air clears soon!

>122 jessibud2: Thank you, Shelley. In this case, ignorance is not necessarily bliss, but it is nightmare free. I'll take it! And I SO appreciate those good wishes.

>114 Crazymamie:

Well, it's laugh or cry, so I choose "laugh" because.

>124 richardderus: Right?! I chose laughter whenever possible. And also wine. *smooch*

>114 Crazymamie: Full kudos to Craig. My idea of dealing with such things is to take full responsibility to call some guy to come quick.

>114 Crazymamie: Craig deserves a medal, maybe 3. It wasn't a snake.

>126 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Me, too, with the calling some guy. Craig grew up on a farm, and he knows a lot of stuff. He also loves to learn, so anytime we have had to call someone to do repairs, he shadows them and asks tons of questions. You would think this would be annoying, but almost every single person has been more than happy to share their knowledge. In this case, it probably would have cost us a small fortune as we would have needed an electrician and a plumber. And goodness knows how soon we could have gotten them out here. And they would probably have drawn the line at removing dead stinky animals from the crawl space. Heh.

>127 quondame: Agreed, Susan. He is getting cookies, and he is thrilled about it, so don't mention the medal to him. Also, I like your positive thinking. I do not need my very own Chamber of Secrets, thank you very much.

Well, I'm glad you were able to figure out what was causing the problem, sorry for the continued stink of critter.

Cookies sounds like an excellent reward :)

>120 Crazymamie: >121 Crazymamie: I didn't mean to suggest the vapor barrier as a solution just an example of the havoc critters can create if they can get inside and a possible suggestion for keeping them out. If they were tiny things though they could probably get in through anything that would allow enough air in to keep things good down there.

Anyway, I'm jealous you have your own private technician and glad he has things well under control.

Ewww, Mamie, that's an awful situation, brilliantly corrected by Craig. I don't think I'd want to know what the dead thing is either. I mean, what's the point? It's dead. It can't bother anyone anymore.

We had a weird odor the other day that could have been a dead thing in the basement (where a snake has been spotted). We sort of "la la la'd" it all day and then the odor went away. Problem solved! Well, probably not ... but we decided not to go on an intensive search for the source of the odor. This time.

Hi Mamie!

>114 Crazymamie: Yikes. Gads, even. You’re very lucky to have such a handy husband. And lucky Abby! Air vent Healer offers are rare.

I’ve never heard of snakes chewing through things, so let’s just hope it’s mice or raccoons or possums, right?

>1 Crazymamie: I laughed right out loud when I saw your opening image!

>121 Crazymamie: I understand your "thing about snakes." Years ago, I worked in the Pocono Mountains at a retreat center. One summer day, I wore sandals to work. I drove to obtain the fliers for our upcoming events. As I was carrying a very large box, I felt something move across my toes...it was a snake. Even though it was a harmless black snake, it was creepy to feel it slither across my feet.

The box and fliers flew in the air.

>114 Crazymamie: You have a wonderful husband, Mamie. Glad he managed to solve the problems.
Neither Frank nor me are technical, and one trip to the crawlspace under our house, when we came to live here, was more than enough for me. Fraank is physical not able to do that... So we have to rely on payed workers to do the work. As far as I know there are no dead critters, leaking water, or chewed electrical lines there.

Oh, whoa, Mamie, you've had a bit of a week so far! Yoicks. But yay for Competence Craig! It's so lovely to have a handy person around.

>129 bell7: Mary, it is only 62F here currently, so I have the windows open, and I am hoping that will help the stink removal along.

The cookies were most appreciated - chocolate chip and toffee. Today he is getting white chocolate and macadamia nut.

>130 RebaRelishesReading: Craig says our vapor barrier is good - it's the edges next to the foundation where the builders put a smallish trench so water could get out that provides a challenge. Also the condensation from the AC units, which is why we have a dehumidifier under there. When the mice chewed through the electric they knocked out both the downstairs AC and the dehumidifier. Fun times.

And thank you. Craig is definitely very handy to have around.

>131 lauralkeet: SO true, Laura.

Okay the snake spotting in the basement freaks me out - I would have to have Craig and Daniel down there doing a thorough search. I always worry about a snake in the garage, and you would laugh if you could see me slowly opening the door and listening before I set foot out there.

"...we decided not to go on an intensive search for the source of the odor." I get this, I mean, why court trouble, right?!

>132 karenmarie: Hello, Karen! Yikes, indeed. And yes, I agree about the lucky. Apparently, the Healer has already reached out to Abby through the air currents, and he said that she should continue with the pain management guy. Heh.

Yeah, it was not a snake that chewed through the wiring and the water line - that was a separate issue. Definitely mice. I think the dead think was a snake just because Craig would not say what it was, and the only thing I can think of that would freak me out if he told me would be a snake.

>133 Whisper1: Glad you like the topper, Linda! SO great to see you here, my friend!

OH! The snake over the feet thing would send me! The closest I have gotten is once Rae and I were coming down the deck stairs into the pool area and we saw a snake slither on ahead of us and disappear into the container garden. No touching, and it still made my heart stop.

>134 FAMeulstee: I do, Anita. I do. Just thinking about going into the crawl space creeps me out - I have a claustrophobia thing. Tight spaces and me do not mix. rousing my fingers that your "no dead critters, leaking water, or chewed electrical lines there" continues. I am hoping it never happens to us again, either. Once is plenty.

>135 scaifea: Agreed, Amber. It would be fine for the rest of the week to be completely boring.

Morning, Mamie! Sweet Thursday. I am back from my trip and slowly catching up with the threads. I hope you and the family are doing well. Boo, on the stinkin' dead thing. Ick!

>139 msf59: Morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday to you. Welcome home. We are all doing fine here. Boo and Ick says it perfectly, I think. *grin*

'Morning, Mamie!

>137 Crazymamie: Apparently, the Healer has already reached out to Abby through the air currents, and he said that she should continue with the pain management guy. Oh, please.

This reminds me of a recent experience of a friend of mine, whose psychic friend told her that the dog's health problems were just stress. Friend finally took the dog to the vet, dog had end-of-life diabetes, and they euthanized her right then and there. Psychic had an explanation, of course, but I don't remember it and now only roll my eyes when my friend mentions her. Friend can't see this, of course, since she lives at the other end of the country. I've had at least one excellent psychic experience, but this was just pandering and saying what my friend wanted to hear.

Hello, Karen! To be honest, most of my conversations with this sister end in eye rolling. She is a bit much - very intelligent but also completely flakey. Too much inhaling. She is always on new journeys of the self that result in embracing something that she clutches to her bosom and wants everyone else to acknowledge and embrace until the next journey sends her in a different direction. It is slightly exhausting.

We made it to Friday! And oh what a gorgeous one it is here at the Pecan Paradisio - only going to 77F today with a slight breeze and bright sunshine. The pecan trees are in full bloom, and everything is so lush and green that it almost hurts the eyes. We have all the windows and the French doors open again, which is helping with The Stink. I am sitting on the screened-in porch, iced coffee at the ready, and I can hear the music that Abby has playing out by the pool. Fridays are half days for Craig and Rae, so we always get an early start on the weekend. The girls are I are planning on hanging out and soaking up the sun. Craig and Daniel will be off on a hiking/camping adventure that involves carrying every thing on their backs and roughing it, but it is a short excursion, so they will be back late Saturday.

On the reading front, I have finished two books this month - Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi and Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller. I still need to put my thoughts together and post on my final books of April, so I am hoping to get to that this weekend. I have been letting Burnt Sugar marinate - I finished it on the 1st, but there is a lot to digest, and on the whole I am not certain the novel is completely successful. More on that later. Swimming Lessons, on the other hand, is full of fabulous - I gave it 4.5 stars and immediately acquired another by her, Bitter Oranges, which I have already started.

Your weather sounds lovely, Mamie. We had a few days up in the 80s last week but then it dived back into the 50s and rainy, boo. Remind me I complained about this weather in a few months when it's been 10 straight days over 90. :-)

Swimming Lessons sounds intriguing — will have to look for that at the library.

Hi Mamie!

Swimming Lessons sounds like a winner. Amazingly, my small Library has it and I've placed it on hold.

Snakes bother me a lot less than mice or other rodentia...snakes travel solo, rodents move in clans and breed breed breed. *shudder* How I loathe their horny little hides.


Ugh. Let's scarf down something indulgent and forget the critterocracy.

>114 Crazymamie: *Be sure to tune in next time for Tales of the Healer, in which the previously mentioned sister offers to have her Healer reach out to Abby through the air currents.

I have no words Mamie, but do keep us posted. I love a good telenovela.

>146 richardderus: Those deviled eggs look great! Our local restaurant does ‘em where they batter and deep fry the egg whites, then stuff them and put a crispy bite of pork belly on top. To die for…

>142 Crazymamie: Your sister sounds like my deceased brother, Mamie. The "wants everyone else to acknowledge and embrace" was the final reason he broke with me, I didn't embrace his latest back then.
My (living) sister is the same, I broke with her nearly 20 years ago, as she was convinced anti-depressants (and any other non-herbal medicine) only harmed. Well, I am still alive, and would not be without anti-depressants. Luckely I don't need them anymore, but I am glad they exist, and would take them again when needed, even though I know they mess up my reading badly.

Morning, Mamie. Have a special day at the Pecan Paradiso!

>106 richardderus: This is so adequate!

I hope you are doing well, Mamie. I am currently catching up on all the threads and posts I missed.
The mystery of the dead thing in the crawlspace gives me shivers. I live on my own and I really have enough to do bringing spiders to the outside by myself - I don't even want to think about anything bigger.. and deader.

Have a lovely start of the week, despite it starting with a Monday.

Catching up with you Mamie and hooray for vaccines and fixed AC units! Really sorry to hear Abby has CRPS and hoping the pain management clinic continues to help. And chuckling over the air currents healer....!

>151 PersephonesLibrary: Thankyou. Thankyou verymuch.

>148 drneutron: ...to die *from* as well....


Lemon walnut biscotti with vin santo, Mamie darling?

Hey there! Just dropping by to say Hi! : )

Hi Mamie! I hope things are well at the Pecan Paradisio.

Thanks to you, I read and loved Swimming Lessons.

*waving*

Wishing you a merry weekend, Mamie.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, Mamie!

This is just a drive-by hello, Mamie, as I am hopelessly behind on threads.

I'm going to be a GREAT-grandfather this year. Late November-early December.

How 'bout that.

*eep*

Another quick hello, Mamie. Hope you are well.

>160 richardderus: congratulations to Richard! GREAT!

Mamie darling, I hope you're not suffering from the dreaded pain again/still....

>161 tymfos: It's sort of sunk in now...the idea that my genes are going on in the world...????

Hello Mamie!! I am back from being MIA...yet again. Hope you come back soon, too. Hugs.

Hoping you're all well in your little corner of the world.

Finally catching up with all the happenings on your thread, Mamie. I hope the stink disappeared and everything else is going well.

Stopping by to say hi and leave my good wishes for the family at Pecan Paradisio. Hope you're all well.

...permaybehaps leaving an entire buffet of brownies can lure Mamie to visit...

>167 richardderus: It got me here!

>167 richardderus: I do love me some brownies. *smooch* How very thoughtful of you, dearest.

>168 LovingLit: *grin*

Thanks, everyone for keeping the thread warm and for not giving up on me. Sorry for the long absence. May was crazy, and then in June I fell on my face - literally. Tripped in the post office parking lot over one of those cement parking things. Like this:



Managed to fall without catching myself - just the sensation of falling and then the thunk of my face hitting the concrete. I still don't know how I managed it. Hit my right knee on the pavement and my left shin on the cement parking thing. Face directly into the pavement- did not break my nose or my glasses, which is a minor miracle. But I did chip both front teeth, get a hairline fraction on another tooth, split my lip on the inside all the way from my nose to the bottom of the lip, took some skin off my nose and lip, and broke a couple of ribs. I'm still healing, but luckily my sense of humor remains intact. I wish I had a video of it because I honestly don't know how I managed it.

On other, more exciting fronts, we have a new furry addition to the family - Daniel and Kaitlyn adopted a golden retriever puppy in June, and he is full of fabulous. Also a bit bitey, which we are working on. A huge thanks to Amber who recommended the world's best dog bed - we all love it, and Birdy wishes it came in her size.


Daniel, Kaitlyn, and Griffin

He is already MUCH bigger than this, so I will have to get you a newer photo.

On the reading front:

May Reads:
38. Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi, hardback, library book, literary fiction/mother-daughter relationships/dementia - 3 stars
39. Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/relationships/infidelity/grief - 4.5 stars
40. Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Joan Didion, Hardback, library book, non-fiction/essays
41. All Systems Red by Martha Wells, Kindle, acquired in 2018, sci fi/AI/space opera - reread
42. Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor, Hardback, library book, sci fi/death - 4 stars
43. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding, hardback and audio narrated by Kenneth Danzinger, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/classics/humor
44. Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/gothic/psychological thriller - 3.75 stars
45. Body in the Castle Well by Martin Walker, trade paperback, acquired in 2020, police procedural/France (Bruno Courrèges, book 12) - 4 stars
46. The Shooting at Chateau Rock by Martin Walker, trade paperback, acquired in 2021, police procedural/France (Bruno Courrèges, book 13) - 3.5 stars
47. The Sandman, Vol. 2: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman, Mike Dringenberg (Illustrator), Malcolm Jones Iii (Illustrator), paperback acquired in 2013, GN/horror - 3.5 stars
48. Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry, Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/noir/private detective - 4.5 stars - recommended by Jennifer (mstrust)
49. The Man with the Golden Typewriter edited by Fergus Fleming, narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt, audiobook, acquired on 2018, non-fiction/letters/Ian Fleming/James Bond - 5 stars
50. Restless by William Boyd, audiobook narrated by Rosamund Pike, acquired in 2015, thriller/espionage/WWII - 4 stars - recommended by Bonnie and Donna
51. Descender Vol. 3: Singularities by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen (Artist), Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/space opera/AI - 4 stars

June Reads:
52. Sandman Vol. 3: Dream Country buy Neil Gaiman, Kelley Jones (illustrator/artist), borrowed, GN/horror/mythology - 3 stars
53. The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire by Molly Harper, Kindle, acquired in 2016, paranormal mystery/romance (Half Moon Hollow, book 3) - 3 stars
54. Mediterranean Mood Food by Paula See, hardback, library book, cookbook
55. The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths, Kindle, acquired in 2021, police procedural (Harbinder Kaur, book 2) - 4 stars

July Reads:
56. The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths, Kindle, acquired in 2021, police procedural/forensic anthropology (Ruth Galloway, book 13) - 3.5 stars
57. The Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard, Kindle, acquired in 2021, historical fiction/WWII - 4 stars

WOW!!! On so many counts.
In order:
Hurrah to see you back!
ouch! ouch!! ouch!!!
awwwwww!

I'm not sure that catching yourself is necessarily any better. My mum tripped over a wonky paving slab in the high street, put her arm out to stop herself and snapped the ball joint off the arm bone, right in the shoulder joint. That took ages to heal, as it's a difficult joint to not use. I hope that you're recovering fully, broken ribs doesn't sound like a bundle of fun. Difficult to immobilise ribs, I suspect. And teeth means a dentist, and that's never enjoyable.

HI Mamie! Lovely to have an update from you but I'm so sorry about The Fall. Glad it wasn't worse but broken ribs are no fun at all...

>171 Helenliz: Thank you, Helen. I was very thankful not to injure my hands or my arms because I do all the driving for Abby to and from her appointments, so my hands and arms are very much needed right now. It was just so weird because it happened so quickly that I did not even have time to try to catch myself - by the time I realized that I was falling, I was hitting the pavement. Your poor mum - that sounds awful. The guy who cuts my hair tripped over his wife's shoe earlier this year and shattered his shoulder, which required surgery.

I lucked out in the dental department, as I had an appointment the next day - I was supposed to be getting a mouth guard made, but that is on hold for now. I kept the appointment, and the dentist said that we can just smooth the chips to the front teeth. The one with the hairline fracture will probably require a cap eventually. No work to be done until my lip heals fully - I have a very thick seam inside where it is mending, and I cannot move it properly yet. I also have a fat necrosis in there which feels like a pea inside my lip - very weird, but I am told that it will go away eventually. Fun.

>172 katiekrug: Hello, Katie! Thank you. Ribs do like to take their time mending, don't they? Still tender but much better, so I cannot complain.

Catching up with the thread:

>166 souloftherose: Hello, Heather. Thanks for stopping in. And for those good wishes. We are working hard at being well - apparently, it's not as easy as it looks. *grin*

>165 Familyhistorian: Meg, I am happy to report that The Stink has left the building. Thank goodness.

>164 Helenliz: Helen, thanks for those good wishes. We are working on it.

>163 Berly: Kim, we never seem to manage being present at the same times, do we? We will have to work on that. Sending good thoughts and good mojo your way, my friend.

>162 richardderus: Thank you, Richard. The carpal tunnel has been a bear this year, but currently it is on the down low. We are trying not to wake it.

>161 tymfos: Hello, Terri! So great to see you stopping in.

>160 richardderus: HOW full of fabulous, BigDaddy!! Congratulations! Of course, you were already great. Just saying...

>159 tymfos: Thanks, Terri. Me, too, with being hopelessly behind on the threads.

>158 bell7: Thank you, Mary.

>157 Helenliz: Thanks, Helen.

>156 katiekrug: *waves back at Katie*

Oh no! Wow, Mamie. You can stop having eventful happenings anytime now, friend. But yay for that adorable puppy! We've got one now, too, and are also enduring the very bitey phase, which will pass eventually. *hugs all around*

>155 karenmarie: Karen, you made me smile BIG to rad that you loved Swimming Lessons - so great! Bitter Orange was also good, but Swimming Lessons is my favorite so far. I am currently reading her Unsettled Ground - very good so far.

>154 Berly: Hello, Kim! Thanks for stopping by.

>153 richardderus: Hold the walnuts, please. I am very allergic to those. But yes to biscotti and always yes to wine.

>152 souloftherose: Glad we could give you a giggle, Heather. And thank you for those good wishes for Abby.

>151 PersephonesLibrary: Thank you, Käthe. The dead thing and it's stink are all gone now, so hooray for that.

>177 scaifea: You made me laugh, Amber! I would LOVE to stop having eventful happenings. I need to come see your new puppy!! I am assuming there are photos. And how fun - congrats! Thanks again for the dog bed advice - we are thrilled with our purchase and would not have found that one on our own. *hugs back from all of us*

>150 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

>149 FAMeulstee: Yep, Anita, she is a lot of work. She is Craig's sister, so I don't have to deal with her much, thank goodness.

>148 drneutron: Well, now I want those, Jim. They sound most yum.

>147 luvamystery65: Your post made me laugh, Roberta. I also have no words.

>146 richardderus: I would take the rodents every time. Snakes creep me out - just the thought of them creeps me out.

And YES to the scarfing of indulgent things and the forgetting of the critter talk. Good thinking.

>145 karenmarie: Hello, Karen!

>144 rosalita: Julia, I am guessing I could remind you about that weather now. We are in the 90s and SO HUMID. I am ready for winter, and it is only July, and summer lasts until October down here. *sigh*

I am hoping that you did snag Swimming Lessons from your library - I really loved that one, and I am still thinking about it.

Hurrah! Hiya, Mamie.

Great to have you back! Jeez, what an unexpected and scary fall. I"m glad you're okay.

What did you think of The Postscript Murders? Have you read The Night Hawks yet? She sure makes the pages fly.

Sorry to read about your nasty sounding fall, Mamie and the damage it caused to your teeth, etc.

Hope RD's, brownies made you feel better and that you have no discomfort in chewing on them!

Great to see you back. xx

Mamie. Now let's be very, very clear...you get to come and go at will, you're a grown-up lady. But you do NOT get to face-plant yourself into concrete surfaces.

It is Not Allowed.

Harming of the Mamie is a crime against Mother Nature and a Mortal Sin. It must not happen ever again. Capisce?

There! All settled. So glad to see you back, and after some truly delightful reading! *smooch*

Holy Samoly! That sounds like it *hurt*. Glad you're back with us again.

And yes, the grandpup is adorable.

>182 jnwelch: Hiya, Joe! Thank you. I hope never to do it again.

I liked The Postscript Murders, but I thought it was not as good as her first one in that series. I have read The Night Hawks - slightly disappointing as I wanted more of Ruth doing her thing. Hoping the next one gets back to that. The ending was interesting though, so I am eager for the next one to see where she goes with it all.

>183 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul. The lovely thing about virtual brownies is that it doesn't hurt to eat them at all. *grin*

Thank you for those kind words. It's lovely to be back. xx

>186 Crazymamie: The hint at the end that Ruth and Nelson's relationship may change certainly has me looking forward to the next one.

>184 richardderus: Thanks for clearing that up, BigDaddy. If only I had been aware of the rules sooner. Thanks for that - made me smile. *smooch back*

>185 drneutron: It did really hurt, Jim. After it happened, and I picked myself up off of my face, I was just sitting there on the ground, next to the parking thingy thinking that I hoped I could get all the way back up. I did manage it and made it back into my car and drove myself home - never made it into the post office.

The grandpup is most fun. We get to watch him while his parents are at work, which is full of fabulous. He is here now - sleeping off his most recent assault of the Pecan Paradisio.

>187 jnwelch: Yep. Me, too!

Holy Toledo! The post office is out to get each and every one of us, one way or another. I am sooo sorry.

On the other hand, welcome back. Reading your posts is just, well, Full of Fabulous. Keep on keepin' on.

Wow, Mamie, and yikes! Good that you are on the mend but you sure made the most of that fall, didn't you? Those concrete thingies are called, I believe, berms. I had an encounter with one once though it involved my car, not my body. First day of a road trip to Boston, via upstate NY. We stopped at the amazing Museum of Glass at Corning, NY. I parked. At the end of the day, I thought I was backing out of my parking spot and I guess I had parked a bit too *forward*. My front fender (or whatever it is) was overhanging the berm and as I back up, it remained hanging over the berm, while the rest of my car backed up. Thank goodness it was me driving and it was my car, not my friend's. We managed to hold things together with the bungee cords I keep in the glove compartment till we got to our hotel, then found an open garage the next morning (a Sunday of course, so no easy feat). We found a miracle worker. For $20, he glued it back together (that's what he told me) and we were on our way. That was 7 years ago and to this day, I have not had any issues with the front of my car! Wish a little glue would work for you!!

Oh, and Griffin is adorable!

>190 weird_O: Thanks, Bill - I am hoping to never do it again.

And thank you for those kind words - so sweet, and most appreciated, oh Weird One.

>191 jessibud2: I was very happy not to have broken my nose or my glasses, Shelley. Your story made me laugh - I bet that made a horrible sound when it happened. Yikes! And how prepared were you with those bungee cords in the glove compartment?!! The $20 glue fix that is still working seven years later is remarkable - that sounds like something Craig would come up with. Although he is usually a duct tape man.

I agree that Griffin is adorable. He is a very funny dog, and goes completely ballistic if you give him an ice cube. Cracks me up every time.

Mamie, OMG! I'm so sorry to hear about your fall. I know that sensation of falling - somehow time seems to slow down and you wonder if you really are, and then you can't quite believe you are, and then whack. I'm glad you didn't break your nose and that you could see a dentist the next day. I hope your ribs are on the mend too.

Your grandpup (I love that!) is adorable.

>188 Crazymamie: Oh, well, you know how it is...Rules must be Obeyed. I know you're by nature a very law-abiding

...ya know what I can't even type the rest of that sentence w/o risking a laugh-rupture somewhere vital...

Whoa, too much excitement by half. The puppy half is good.

OMG, Mamie!! So glad you're back but so sorry about your accident. That sounds awful! Sounds like you may be over the worst of it now, hope so.

Grandpup is adorable!!

I'm glad you're back, too, Mamie. Things are always wonderful in the 75ers, but just so much more wonderful when you're around.

Sorry about the fall, hope the healing and dental fixes go well.

Yay for Griffin.

Sorry to hear about your fall, Mamie. That so sounds like something I would do. I hope your healing is fast and uneventful!

Holy s**t Mamie, you've been through the wringer. I'm glad you're doing better now and hope for continued healing.

Griffin is adorable, of course.

I echo Laura- "Holy s**t Mamie!" I am so glad to see you post but I am sorry to hear about your fall. I hope you have recovered. Hooray for Griffin. What a cute addition to the family.

I was super pleased to see the flurry of posters here but "oh no" re the fall. Hope that you are taking it easy. I fell over my dad's foot as a small person and still have the scar on my forehead to prove it.

So sorry to read about your fall and injuries, Mamie.
Griffin is adorable.

MAMIE! So good to see you back... and so sorry to hear about your fall. (Gentle hugs) I broke my arm once bracing for a fall, so here's hoping it's better for you that you didn't? In any case, may your recovery be swift and smooth.

Griffin looks sweet, and I look forward to updated pics :)

Oh, so good to have you back, and such an ouchie story! When my mother tripped on a curb years ago and couldn't get her hands up in time, she DID break her nose, and was very indignant about it. So glad you didn't. Falling is very scary, and as >193 susanj67: said, it puts you in a whole other dimension of time. Although from your description, I suspect you were really stepping out when it happened.

Here's to rapid healing of all of it (especially the ribs!).

>193 susanj67: Susan, that is it exactly. It was a very surreal experience. The ribs are much better but still reminding me that they are not yet completely healed.

The grandpup has been a gift. Puppies are so full of wonder - he makes us laugh all the time.

>194 richardderus: I am sure I don't know what you are talking about. *blinks*

>195 quondame: Succinct and yet oh so accurate, Susan. *grin*

>196 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba. Definitely over the worst of it. Just waiting out the rest of the mending - I am thinking I might end up with a scar on my face between my lip and my nose where I got a cement burn.

I need to get you guys some more recent photos of the grandpup - he is so much bigger now.

>197 karenmarie: Thank you, Karen, for those kind words. Much appreciated. And for the good wishes.

Griffin is da Bomb!

>198 BLBera: Thank you, Beth. I did a good enough job of it for both of us, so don't be getting any ideas.

>199 lauralkeet: That sums it up nicely, Laura. Ha! And thank you.

>200 msf59: I am working on the recovery part, but so much better than right after it happened.

Griffin is the perfect pup because we get all of the fun without any of the decision making or responsibility - we just do what they tell us. It's awesome. He is very smart, and had already learned so much. And he loves the pool.

>201 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. I am definitely taking it easy. The first few ventures out were weird because I was afraid of falling again - so far, so good. Oh dear, about the scar on your forehead - I'm thinking I am going to have one on my lip for sure and maybe another on the bridge of my nose.

>202 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita.

>203 bell7: Thanks, Mary. Gentle hugs are most appreciated. It probably is better that I didn't have time to catch myself, just so weird. Not even a scratch on my hands or arms and the rest of me so banged up.

I will try to post some more recent photos of Griffin later today.

>204 ffortsa: Judy, I am VERY thankful not to have broken my nose. I hit hard right where my glasses sit on my nose, and they took the brunt of the impact. The bridge is dinged up and the lenses got scratched, but they remained in one piece, which is good because I would not have been able to drive myself home otherwise.

It was a weird fall - I had literally only taken a couple of steps and then went down and landed very badly. It could not have been pretty. I honestly don't know how I did it - we figured I must have tripped over the parking berm because my left shin got a bone bruise all the way down it, but on the right side, I bone bruised my patella. The ribs I broke are on the right side as is the cement burn on my face. The whole experience was very surreal, and Susan described it perfectly in her post above (>193 susanj67:).

Thank you very much for those good wishes!

>169 Crazymamie: >184 richardderus: Ouch! Falling like that! Ouch ouch ouch. Not allowed!
I had a basketball hit my face/glasses the other week and was surprised at exactly how much even *that* hurt! I sulked for quite a few hours and made a big deal of it in front of the kids, who were not that impressed with my tiny injury ;)

>209 LovingLit: Ouch, Megan! When Daniel was little, he broke his nose that way, so I'm glad you didn't break yours. Sorry the boys were not more impressed. It does hurt so badly when something hits you right on the nose.

Friday orisons, Mamie darling.

Elevenses?

>211 richardderus: Yes, please! That should tide me over nicely until our usual Friday treat of Mexican takeaway for dinner. Thank you kindly, BigDaddy!

>211 richardderus: Oooo, Could I have a bit of a nibble?

It's great to see you posting, Mamie, but what a horrible accident you had. A slight mis-step and wham - you spend months paying for it! I am sure, however, that a new puppy in the family helps.

>169 Crazymamie:...ouch, what a nasty fall. Chipping both front teeth, lip split, and broken ribs, and taking some skin of your nose and lip. That is a major fall, and cannot compare to my misjudging a few steps and landing with the wash basket over Sheltie Lilly's head.

There were some sore spots, but nothing like your fall. Those division concrete partitions are dangerous. I remember years ago, I drove forward in a parking lot, not accounting for the partition. My car was right on the top. I felt so ignorant. I won't forget that and now, I always check to see if they are in place.

I hope you are healing. I am way behind on the threads. I'm glad I found yours, and I really am so very sorry that you were hurt to the extent you were. Yes, it could have been worse, but that rings hollow compared to all the harm.

All good wishes for an uneventful healing.

>213 weird_O: Help yourself, Bill!

>214 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy. It is shocking how quickly things can change, but I am very thankful not to have done any more damage to my face than I did. And not to have broken my glasses - I would not have been able to drive myself home if I had.

The new puppy is a boon. Now if we could just get him to stop biting.

>215 Whisper1: Linda, I am sorry to read that you have suffered a fall, too. However you do it, it is No Fun. Agree that those concrete partitions are dangerous. They are only on the handicapped spaces at the post office, and I usually don't park next to one of those, which is probably why I tripped over it. Needless to say, I have developed a slight phobia about walking in parking lots these days - I am VERY careful. I have never driven over one of them, but I have seen more than one person do just what you described, so you are not alone.

Thank you so much for your kind words and good wishes. Much appreciated, my friend.

I finished two books this weekend!



58. Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller, hardback, library book, literary fiction/poverty/grief - 3.5 stars

This is my third novel by Fuller this year - I just love how she writes. My favorite is still Swimming Lessons, followed by Bitter Orange, and then this one. This is one of those books where nothing much happens and yet everything happens. It centers on grief and poverty and family secrets. More of a character study than a plot driven novel, and parts of it didn't work for me. Fuller is good with building tension that makes you dread turning the page, and yet you can't not turn the page. I didn't really like any of the characters here - the main character Jeanie kept making choices that made absolutely no sense to me. She wants answers but doesn't want to listen to them when people are ready to share - why?! And the ending was tied up too neatly and too quickly after we invested so much time watching things slowly fall apart. So, not my favorite of her novels but still worth the read for the fine writing and the deeply flawed but carefully crafted characters. She did an excellent job of capturing Jeanie's shame at not being able to read or write and the helplessness she feels because her poverty severely limits her choices.



59. Descender Vol. 4 Orbital Mechanics by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen (Artist), Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/space opera/AI - 4 stars

Another good entry in this series. Not as good as the previous volumes - the action picks up, but I felt like the character development was too rushed. I have the next two volumes of this ready to go and cannot wait to see how it all wraps up.

Heya Mamie my sweet...what a weird thing it is to get Noticed for my review of The Plot because of Jimmy Fallon! Blog traffic's huge, which makes me happy. I didn't do anything except have accidental good timing, but I will gratefully take it.

Spend a splendid, um, week ahead reading and NOT FALLING.

Hooray for the huge blog traffic!! I will have to go and read your review - I have that one on The List because of Katie, but I need to update her Dirty Dozen to reflect that.

Excellent advice which I intend to take. *smooch*

Welp, I guess I need to read some Claire Fuller!

>220 katiekrug: Yes, ma'am. If you only read one, make it Swimming Lessons.

Yay! That's the one I have on my Kindle.

*happy dance*

Unsettled Ground was my first Fuller, Mamie, and I loved it. I will be reading the others soon.

>224 BLBera: Beth, I loved the writing. There were parts of it that didn't work for me. What she did brilliantly was to create tension that slowly grew - there were parts where I almost couldn't bare to turn the page. And the title is just so perfect.

Morning, Mamie. It is so nice to see you posting around again. We are in a hot weather pattern at the moment and it is keeping me off the trails. Hopefully later in the week. Hey, more book time, right?

Morning, Mark! Thank you - I am slowly trying to catch up on the threads, but it is daunting. The heat is completely YUCK here, too. VERY humid out there. I miss my screened in porch time - I can only take it for about 45 minutes at a time right now. I am ready for winter, or at least what passes for winter down here. I hope the books are treating you right.

Mamie, I can't believe I was 3 months behind on your thread! All caught up now. Hope you are well-recovered from the fall--I have been there but managed to either break a wrist bone or a hand bone both times. Luckily only the first required surgery.

>217 Crazymamie: As you say, the level of tension in the Fuller novel was remarkable. But not a favourite of mine, partly for that very reason. Made me want to read it through my fingers!

>228 ronincats: Roni, so lovely to see you here! I am three months behind on almost everyone's thread - slowly catching up. I am hoping not to have another fall any time soon - ouch to the surgery. I had not a scratch on either hand, so I obviously did not try to catch myself. It was a very weird experience. And painful.

>229 charl08: Charlotte, I had to take breaks from it a few times because I was really worried about the dog.

Daniel and Griffin hard at work

Yesterday was good. I got my hair cut and colored, and now I feel full of fabulous. No photo because my face still does not look great from The Fall, but I am in love with both the cut and the color. We had takeaway pizza for dinner last night which was delicious. I have no idea what's for dinner tonight - whatever looks good at the market, I guess. Lately items at the grocery have been hit and miss, so I make my menu plan on the fly once I get there and see what they have in stock that looks fresh. They are remodeling the local Publix, so the last time I was there you could not go down the aisle with the bread, breakfast meats and cheeses which was frustrating, You had to get in a queue to request the item that you wanted and then wait for the employee to fetch it for you. Not great if you want a particular item but don't recall the name brand. And I always squeeze the bread, so I like to pick that out myownself. What's weird is they are just moving stuff around in the same aisle - so now I have to relearn where everything is, and it makes no sense to me when they kept everything the same except which items are placed in which locations.

On the reading front, I will finish Up in Honey's Room today - why does the touchstone want the title to be Hitler's Day?! Anyway, not Elmore Leonard's best, but still fun. I love how he writes dialogue. I am also hoping to finish listening to Dead Man in a Ditch - I just have a few hours left.

Aw, lookit that adorable Griffin! Such a helper dog, I see.

Woot for new hair! It feels so good, doesn't it?

And oof to grocery store reorgs. Gross.

Morning, Amber! Griffin is getting so big so fast - I tell him to slow down but he isn't listening to me.

The new hair is so awesome - I left a ton of the old stuff on the salon floor, and I feel so much lighter. It is very happy making.

Right?! Why do they insist on changing things up like that - they were literally moving the breakfast sausage from one end of the case to the other.

One of our local supermarkets is doing a major renovation/addition, and I refuse to go in there because it's confusing and disorganized. I'm sure it will be really nice when it's done, but in the meantime, I go to the one a little farther away (if I have to go; I usually make TW go). I really miss Texas supermarkets - they were all new and giant and airy and well-lit. Here, because there is no space, they are small and cramped and dim. At least in comparison.

Anyhoo, happy Wednesday to you, Mamie!

Hi Mamie! Happy Wednesday.

Yay for the cut'n'color, >231 Crazymamie: cute pic of Daniel and Griffin.

>233 Crazymamie: I hate it when our grocery store moves things. For 6 weeks I thought they weren't able to get Neese's Hot Sausage. Bill went grocery shopping one day, came home with 6 packages (thank goodness it freezes well!), and told me they'd moved it to the top shelf of the case. I don't look up and never assumed they'd move it.

>234 katiekrug: Happy Wednesday to you, too, Katie! So far so good. Not a lot of marketing choices here, so even with the remodeling the Publix is my destination. Still, I will be very happy when it is all finished. I hear you about missing supermarkets - still miss the ones from my days of living in Indianapolis. I have a funny story from when they first started this remodel - they started in the produce section where they rotated all the produce tables in the middle of the section by 90 degrees, and then switched up what was located where on said tables. This older lady comes up behind me at the tomatoes, and I hear her say, "Sweet baby Jesus in a manger" in this long southern drawl which made me laugh. She then raises her voice and inquires, "Excuse me, but what have you done with the strawberries?" Everyone is looking around, and then someone stocking produce points to the new location and says, "Over here, Ma'am." She says thanks and then asks where is the manager. The manager, it turns out, is standing just a few feet away, and he comes over and she starts out with, "I am most unhappy with this turn of events. I mean, what exactly was the matter with leaving the strawberries where they belonged? Were they misbehaving? Y'all are turning the tables and moving the merchandise, and the direct result is that you are wasting my time." She continued with how she was no longer a spring chicken and she did not have time to be hunting up the strawberries every time she came into the store. She was funny and witty and completely charming because she kept her tone light and teasing. I was actually surprised that she did not get an "Amen" from the audience when she finished. She did, however get a "Sing it, sister!" from somewhere over in the lettuce.

>235 karenmarie: I was just over at your place, Karen! Happy Wednesday!

I understand moving stuff when it is an actual remodel and they are changing the layout to make room for new product or to install new cold cases or something like that. But just literally moving the sausage from one end to the other end of the case seems like such a waste of time and energy.

>236 Crazymamie: She did, however get a "Sing it, sister!" from somewhere over in the lettuce.

Giggling at my desk :-) I like the "Over here, Ma'am" - is politeness a southern thing or would people get Ma'amed in other places? I hope they finish the remodel soon, Mamie. Having to queue for things you can't remember the name of must be frustrating. I went to the giant Tesco over the river from me a couple of weeks ago and they had also moved things around but not too terribly. Plus I seldom go there so it doesn't really matter. They had all the usual aisles - "Cereal", "Tea and coffee", "Crisps and snacks", "World Food" (i.e. anything with spices in it) - but then one just called "Ingredients", which cracked me up and also made me think of you for some reason. Everything is an "ingredient", after all, so I'm not sure what made the things in that aisle stand out. Maybe they just ran out of ideas :-)

Hello, Susan! Ma'am is very prevalent in the Deep South. I didn't hear it much in the Midwest. They also say, "Have a blessed day" A LOT. Blessed with two syllables.

I will report back on the remodeling progress after my adventures today. The "Ingredients" aisle made me laugh out loud. And I am completely honored that it made you think of me.

Even though it wasn't from me, somehow or another Jenna internalized Ma'am and Sir.

Not technically Deep South, here in NC I also hear a lot of 'Have a Bless-ed Day', and it irritates the crap out of me. I want to say something like "Have a there are many ways to God day, not all of them Christian' but it's not worth it. Who knows, some evangelical may attack me.

I had never heard it before moving down here, Karen. Your response to it made me laugh - I would love to hear that response. I guess I never give it much thought. They also bless people's hearts a lot, but that, as you know, is not a compliment.

>236 Crazymamie: I *love* that story! So funny. I would have been the "sing it, sister!" person - that phrase is in regular rotation for me.

"Have a blessèd day" would make me laugh every time; my family tends to use that word as a stand-in for curse words (ex: "every blessèd time" for "every damn time"), so I would inevitably hear it as "have a f*cking day!" *snork!*

>231 Crazymamie: What a great-looking team, Mamie. I bet they get a LOT done.

Good on Elmo Leonard! (Yes, yes. It's Elmore, but Elmo always pops in there.) At a recent book sale, I discovered a kids book he wrote, A Coyote's in the House. Who knew? Maybe I need to read it now.

>241 scaifea: *grin* I was very pleased to have been present for that moment.

Okay, now I'm going to think of it that way every time! Too funny.

>242 weird_O: Yes, and they are also both great nappers, Bill.

I love Elmore Leonard - Elmo cracks me up. I have a big stack of his stuff just waiting for me to get to it. My favorites so far are Pronto, LaBrava, and Get Shorty. I just finished with Up in Honey's Room - it features Carl from The Hot Kid which I have not read, so that may have to be my next one. I'm hoping you do read A Coyote's in the House - I have not heard of that one, so you can let me know what you think.

Hoping your day is full of fabulous, oh Weird One.

>231 Crazymamie: I love the photo, Mamie. Dan is such a handsome young man and well...so is Griffin. Adorable.

>244 msf59: Afternoon, Mark! Glad you love the photo, and thank you for those kind words. Currently Griffin is napping at Birdy's feet on the sofa - we get to watch him M-F from 8-3pm, which is fun. Luckily for us, he has big love for the Pecan Paradisio.

>231 Crazymamie: *baaawww* pweshus widdle poopie!

Hoping your Publix will listen to The Old Crone. We all know those Ladies are sacred in the South.

I loved The Library of the Unwritten and think you will, too. *smooch*

>245 Crazymamie: Come on, Mamie. We all have "Big Love" for the Pecan Paradisio!

>231 Crazymamie: Love the photo. Sorry Publix is being a pain, bless their hearts, but hope you have a bless-ed day :) Seriously, hope you're feeling better each day and glad you have a fabulous new hair do.

>243 Crazymamie: Having taken your advice, I'm halfway through A Coyote's in the House. Coyotes, dogs, crows, cats talking to each other in the presence of unaware humans. I just finished a Freddy the Pig story. In that series by Walter R. Brooks, animals talk to each other as well as to humans. Brooks' best-known creation was Mr. Ed, the talking horse.

But about Elmo. At the book sale I hit several weeks ago, I found this kids book he wrote, as well as Djibouti and Raylan. I tried using the LT app to make sure I didn't already have the two novels, but the best I could do was load a matrix of cover images of the 39 Elmo books I have cataloged. Thirty-nine teeny-weeny cover images on a cellphone. !!?!

>249 weird_O: So I stayed up and finished with the coyote and the heroic movie dog and the lovely show dog.

>246 richardderus: Well, the pweshus widdle poopie was a nutter this morning running in circles through the house as fast as he could for what seemed like forever and then collapsing at my feet thoroughly exhausted. Goofy dog.

So true about those Ladies being sacred in the South.

Making a note of Library of the Unwritten Thank you, kindly. *smooch*

>247 msf59: Aw, shucks! Thanks, Mark!

>248 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, your post made me laugh! I a feeling better each day, thank you.

>249 weird_O:, >250 weird_O: I am honored that you took my advice and then came back to report that you had finished it. Look at you go! I actually have Freddy the Pig in the stacks - three of them in hardback with charming cover art. I have not read them yet but remember buying them because I could not resist those covers. Plus, a pig as a detective - I mean, who could resist that?! I did not realize that the author also created Mr. Ed. I am always learning fun facts around you!

I have both those Leonard titles - I have read Raylan but not Djibouti. Daniel is watching his way through the Justified series, and was asking if I had the books because he wants to read them. *happy dance* Raylan is one of my all time favorite characters, so I was thrilled to pull them from the shelves for him. He wanted to read Fire in the Hole, and I had to tell him that it was a short story in the collection When the Women Come Out to Dance. That's how I have it anyway; I think since the show's popularity they have retitled the collection to make it easier for folks to find.

I have only used the LT app to load books into my library, but YIKES to the 39 teeny-weeny cover images. That makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

>251 Crazymamie: Yes, I have the retitled Fire in the Hole story collection and I really should read it one of these days. I love Elmore Leonard. I've also not seen the Justified series

>252 rosalita: Hello, Julia! Yes, do read that collection - it's a good one. Me, too, with the Elmore Leonard love. What is your favorite? And you need to watch the Justified series - SO good. Timothy Olyphant is the perfect actor to portray Raylan. He nails it.



He is also very easy on the eyes. Just saying...

Hi Mamie. I am checking in to see how you look...and mainly how you feel. What a nasty fall you sustained.

Saw you posting around the threads, Mamie, and realized you were back. That was not a good way to make yourself absent though. Was there no one around to witness your face plant? Sounds like you just picked yourself up and drove away after you figured out what had happened.

That Griffin is a cutie!

Sunday, Sunday...can't trust that day...you *know* what comes next.

Chicken and waffles with a mimosa to take away the sting?

>254 Whisper1: Linda, thanks for checking on me. I am feeling better every day, and looking less scary. I am surprised at how long it is taking my lip to heal - how do boxers do it? I would go in the ring one time and get my lip split, realize how long it takes to mend, and that would be the end of my career.

>255 Familyhistorian: Hello, Meg! That post office is usually very busy, so it is weird that I fell just when no one much was around. A lady driving through the parking lot saw me sitting on the ground just after it happened. She stopped her car and rolled down her window and asked if I was okay. I said I thought so. She asked if I fell. Yes, I said. Can you get back up? I think so I said. She did not get out of her car, but I noticed that she did pull into a parking spot and wait to make sure that I got up and into my car okay. I was very thankful for that. I did have my phone on me, so if I could not have gotten up or driven myself home, I could have called Daniel, and he would have dropped everything and come to get me because he is like that.

I agree that Griffin is a cutie. Now if we could get him to be less bitey. *sigh* We are working on it.

>256 richardderus: Now I'm gonna be singing that song all day, BigDaddy. Heh. At least it's a good one. Yes, please to the chicken and waffles with the mimosa. Yum. SO very thoughtful of you. *smooch*

>257 Crazymamie: That is always difficult with puppies, Mamie, the puppy-teeth are so sharp! And we lack the thick fur ;-)
Try to redirect to toys he can bite, and wait until the real teeth come.

>258 FAMeulstee: Thank you for that, Anita. We have only ever had toy poodles, and they liked to chew on things that were not toys when they were puppies, but never on us. Griffin is much larger and really wants to bite on sleeves and hands - usually when he gets over excited.

>259 Crazymamie: Long ago I had one like that, Mamie.
I teached her to get her small floss when she got exited. At first I tried to have the floss in my hands, when I thought she might get over exited, and put it in her mouth when needed. In a few weeks she started to get the floss by herself, when she got like that.

That's really interesting, Anita. I hadn't thought of always presenting him with the same toy to redirect his attention - we will try that. Thanks so much.