Mark's Reading Place: Chapter Thirteen

-Stone City, Iowa- Grant Wood



-Black-Crowned Night Heron. Juvenile.



“We need the tonic of wildness... At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

Audiobook:



Graphic/Comic:



May:

48) The Missing American by Kwei Quartey 4 stars
49) Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton 4 stars (audio)
50) Hard Light (Poems) by Michael Crummey 4.4 stars P
51) First Person Singular: Stories by Haruki Murakami 2 stars
52) Train by Pete Dexter 4 stars
53) My Body in Pieces by Marie-Noëlle Hébert 3.8 stars GN
54) The Jungle by Upton Sinclair 5 stars (audio)
55) Children of the Land: A Memoir by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo 3.8 stars (audio)
56) Anxious People by Fredrik Backman 3.6 stars
57) Poetry Will Save Your Life: A Memoir by Jill Bialosky 4 stars
58) Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro 4.2 stars E
59) And Now I Spill the Family Secrets: An Illustrated Memoir by Margaret Kimball 4.5 stars GN
60) The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin 4 stars

June:

61) Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu 4.3 stars
62) The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna by Walter Isaacson 4.5 stars (audio)
63) Strange Pilgrims (Stories) by Gabriel García Márquez 4.2 stars
64) Recollections of My Nonexistence: A Memoir by Rebecca Solnit 4.3 stars (audio)
65) The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem 3.6 stars
66) Taking Turns: Stories from HIV/AIDS Care Unit 371 by MK Czerwiec 4.4 stars GN
67) Dancing Fish and Ammonites: A Memoir by Penelope Lively 3.7 stars
68) Fat City by Leonard Gardner 4 stars
69) Sparrow Envy: Field Guide to Birds and Lesser Beasts by J. Drew Lanham 3.8 stars P
70) The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich 3.6 stars
71) Unholy: Why White Evangelicals Worship at the Altar of D. Trump by Sarah Posner 4.5 stars (audio)
72) Other People's Love Affairs: Stories by D. Wystan Owen 4 stars
73) Festival Days by Jo Ann Beard 4.2 stars

July:

74) The Armchair Birder: The Secret Lives of Familiar Birds by John Yow 4 stars (audio)
75) Joe by Larry Brown 4.7 stars
76) A Room With A View by E.M. Forster 3.7 stars
77) The Incognito Lounge by Denis Johnson 3.6 stars P
78) The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane 4.6 stars (audio)
79) Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty 4.4 stars
80) When Women Were Birds by Terry Tempest Williams 4.2 stars (audio)
81) Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson 4 stars
82) The Dangers of Smoking in Bed: Stories by Mariana Enriquez 3.8 stars
83) Patience & Esther: An Edwardian Romance by SW Searle 4 stars GN
84) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford 4.2 stars
85) The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 3.4 stars

August:

86) Gordo by Jaime Cortez 4.4 stars E
87) The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel 5 stars GN
88) The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen 3.8 stars
89) Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder & a Woman's Search for Justice by Sierra Crane Murdoch 3.7 stars (audio)
90) Second Place by Rachel Cusk 4.6 stars
91) Any Other World Will Do by Alex Lubertozzi 4.2 stars
92) Nature's Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy 4.3 stars (audio)
93) Afterparties: Stories by Anthony Veasna So 4.6 stars
94) Man Walks Into a Room by Nicole Krauss 3.8 stars
95) The Birds of Opulence by Crystal Wilkinson 4 stars (audio)
96) The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue 4.4 stars
97) Seek You: Journey Through American Loneliness by Kristen Radtke 4.2 stars GN

The Gods Watch Us Through the Window

We sit at the table with the fourth side open.
The perfect family show. Claire belts “Twinkle, Twinkle”,
How I wa wa (mumble) are!
We beam like stars. Isn’t she gifted? Isn’t life great?

What a large target we make.
The great dramas all begin like this:
a surfeit of happiness, a glass-smooth pond
just begging for a stone.

-Beth Ann Fennelly This is from her collection Tender Hooks: Poems

Hello? Tree Swallow in a bluebird box.

Happy new one, Mark. May this one have lots of *other* pics to share soon!

Happy new thread!

All new and shiny for infant pics!

Happy new one, Mark!

Ooo, Grant Wood! He was somethin' else, wa'n't he.

New thread orisons.

Me too, looking forward to the "other' photos! Happy new thread.

Just hangin' around, waitin' like everybody else! (Well, not like YOU are, I'm sure.)

>5 jessibud2: >6 quondame: Thanks, Shelley & Susan. Yes, there will be a flood of "other" photos. B.A.G.

>7 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie.

>8 richardderus: Thanks, Richard. Hooray for Mr. Wood!

>9 mdoris: >10 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Mary & Linda. We will see "Mama" tomorrow. Look forward to seeing how she is doing. Getting close...

Happy new thread, Mark!

Happy new thread, Mark.

I loved the Bechdel, a gem of a book.

Hope that you don't have to wait too long to see the grandchild! How exciting.

Hi Mark- I am about! And I just remembered that I though of you when we visited a local wildlife reserve last weekend (before the country shut down into a Covid lockdown). I saw a few kea up close, so close in fact that it jumped onto Little Lenny's arm, as well as his friend's! They are a native alpine parrot and are extremely inquisitive...I think I promised to take you to see some wild ones when you and your family visit NZ :)

Happy new thread, Mark!

Like everyone else looking forward to a first glimpse of your first grandchild :-)

>12 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg.

>13 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. I think everyone that is reading or has read the Bechdel memoir has loved it. It is definitely a gem.

>14 LovingLit: Hi, Megan. Always good to see you. Glad to hear you made it to the wildlife reserve and saw the kea. No definite plans have been made about NZ, but it still a place we want to get to.

>15 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita and yes the excitement continues to build.

...we are getting close.

Happy new thread, Mark!

>17 msf59: waiting with bated breath along with you - so exciting!

Morning, Mark and happy new thread!

Aw, I love the grandpa accessories!

‘Morning, Mark, and happy new thread!

>1 msf59: I love Grant Wood’s work. I went to the Grant Wood Festival with my grandmother one time and it was so much fun.

>17 msf59: 8-21-21 sounds like a wonderful birthday for the newbie. Is this the official due date or is he actually scheduled to arrive on Saturday?

Once he arrives, you can take a Sharpie and just black out the *to be* part of that mask, then you can wear it everywhere!

>18 bell7: Thanks, Mary. We are on Cloud Nine.

>19 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. We were also given t-shirts, which I will have to post a photo of.

>20 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen and Good Morning. I bet the Grant Wood Festival was wonderful. I think Bree's original due date was the 27th and they moved it up to the 21st.

>21 jessibud2: Awesome idea, Shelley. Thanks.

87) The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Bechdel’s memoir Fun Home and she delivers another absolute gem with this one. It looks at her life and her obsession with fitness, through the decades. It also covers her relationships and her fixation on Jack Kerouac and his for search for self-transcendence. This will probably be my favorite graphic novel of the year.

89) Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder & a Woman's Search for Justice by Sierra Crane Murdoch 3.7 stars

Lissa Yellow Bird was released from prison in 2009. When she arrived back on her reservation in North Dakota, she found it changed by the Bakken oil boom. When a white oil worker turns up missing, she decides to start investigating on her own, as a distraction to her own substance abuse problems. This is solid reporting and well-written but the narrative could have been tighter and the author focuses more on Lissa’s story than the actual crime itself, which might be a letdown to true crime enthusiasts.

90) Second Place by Rachel Cusk 4.6 stars

A woman invites an acclaimed artist to stay in a cottage, on her property, which she fondly calls the “Second Place”. This mysterious and somewhat frightening man will begin to shed light on her life and her marriage, in unsettling ways. The writing here is beautiful without becoming heavy-handed and the author deftly keeps the narrative from sinking under it’s weighty subject matter. A great introduction to this Cusk's work.

Happy New Thread, mi amigo. There are hints now that there may be a second season of Brand New Cherry Flavor. I hope so. Are you still liking it?

All is well here. I"ve got a pal coming in from NY today who's going to stay for a few days. We're going to the Cubs game tomorrow. They're woeful, but a Wrigley Field game is always fun.

Hench is an intriguing reverse take on super heroes and the damage they cause. I'm liking The Secret to Superhuman Strength so far.

Happy new one!

>23 msf59: Pretty darn good average...I'm happy for you to be so close to triple digits, too! I bounced hard off Cusk's books. Couldn't get past the Pearl Rule limit. I'm relieved that it's me, not the naked-emperor syndrome!

Happy Thursday.

>24 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. Sweet Thursday. I am 2 eps into Brand New and liking it. My son has been enjoying it too. I think he has watched 4 eps. Enjoy the Cubs game and your visit with your NY friend. Will you be masked up?

Hooray for Hench & the Bechdel GN.

>25 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>26 richardderus: Thanks, RD. The books have been treating me well. I have no idea what Cusk's other work is like, but I am sure I will check some of it out.

Afternoon, Mark! Happy new one!

>17 msf59: Love this!

>28 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Glad you like the mask. I now have a t-shirt too, that I will have to share.

^Duke & Cooper. Dog bath day, in preparation for arrival of baby brother. They were good boys. Sue did most of the washing. I did most of the drying and brushing. I do not miss dog hair.

Happy New Thread, Mark, Grandpa to be!

Great photo of Duke and Cooper.

Love your new mask Mark!👨‍🍼Times a ticking

Happy new one, Mark.

I'll be interested to see which one of us passes 100 books first as we are pretty much toe-to-toe.

>30 msf59: They look quite pleased with themselves Mark.

While we are all waiting, tells us what your new nickname will be. Grandfather? Formal, too stuffy for our Mark. Grandpa? Granddad? Gramps? How about Pappy?

Are you going to PM all of us a beer?

I hope Bree will have an easy time of it. I am sure that when the labor is over, she will be absolutely radiant with happiness (and accomplishment).

>31 tymfos: Thanks, Terri. Really good to see you. Yep, Duke & Cooper are happy boys, especially when treats are involved.

>32 brenzi: Thanks, Bonnie. It sure is. B.A.G.

>33 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. I should hit 100, in just 2 to 3 weeks.

>34 Caroline_McElwee: They sure do, Caroline and they smell much better too.

>35 weird_O: Howdy, Bill. I am going with Grandpa and Sue will be Grandma. That is what I called my grandparents and what my kids call theirs. I am not keen on all the other off-beat variations. Do you go by Grandpa?

I sure wish I could PM everyone a beer.

"Seamlessly transitioning between the absurd and the tenderhearted, balancing acerbic humor with sharp emotional depth, Afterparties offers an expansive portrait of the lives of Cambodian-Americans."

This spanking new story collection landed on my radar recently and after I saw that Richard gave it a hefty star rating, I immediately requested it. I will start Afterparties: Stories today.

Morning, Mark!

>37 msf59: I have this one on The List from Richard, too.

I only knew one of my grandparents - the others died before I was born, but I called my Mom's dad Granddad.

>38 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. I can't wait to jump into this collection. Hey, nothing wrong with Granddad either.

The Life of a Writer

the life of a writer is desire
i hammer into the page
i make up my mind: the streetlight

is not the moon, but anything can be
made beautiful under the ease
of my hammer

i wish you could see that i write in blue ink
the color of oceans & early mornings
& everything is clear like

tears rushing towards the chin
of my desire. i pen what i’m meant
to pen. how deep in love i am

& how silly of me to spend all morning dreaming
about love & not expect my
desire to set me free

the knives of my fingers tap
out the notion that if i turn the key
it will unlock.

admittedly, i am foolish
about love—a simple yes excites me—
‘cause i know that all that i require will be met

like water meets the tongue. it’s scary
desire, a small fan at my window in the summer,
a booklight lighting the pages of my life

-Jalynn Harris. From Poem-A-Day

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you. I hope the Trail Watch walk goes well today.

>23 msf59: I’ve just requested Second Place from the Library. Sounds like something I’d really like.

>30 msf59: Sweet looking boys. I wonder if they have a clue about how drastically their lives will change?

>36 msf59: Grandpa and Grandma are what Jenna called my parents. Bill’s Dad was Pop, Bill’s Mama was Gran, and Bill’s stepmom Kay was, as she requested and we loved, Kayma.

>41 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I hope we beat the heat on our walk. I think most of it, will be through the woods. I hope you like Second Place. I thought it was excellent. One thing is for sure, in regards to the dogs is, no one will get in that house, unwelcomed. I like the sound of "Kayma". Smiles...

>37 msf59: Yay! I hope you like it...signed, Papaw

>43 richardderus: One story in. Chuck's Donut Shop. I like it.

^Well, it looks like the hospital had a bunch of unexpected new babies today, so they re-scheduled Bree for tomorrow evening. No room at the inn. They are bummed and so ready to have this baby.

I thought she was scheduled for tomorrow in the first place. So, was it moved from am to pm? Could be worse. Is she being induced or having a c-section?

Just keep thinking, in 48 hours from now, everyone will be celebrating!

Hi Mark, you and Sue must be in a state of high anticipation what with the grandson so close to arriving.

My hubby and I were bemoaning the fact that our grandkids grew up too fast - so be ready to fall in love at first sight and enjoy all the time you get with him, as time does fly!

>46 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley. She was supposed to go in Friday night and be induced. They switched it to tonight at 6. This is not for a c-section but they feel that she is ready to deliver, especially with the size of the baby.

>47 DeltaQueen50: We sure are, Judy and we plan on spending quality time with this grandchild, knowing that they grow up so fast. I am definitely going to try and get him interested in the great outdoors, along with reading.

Morning, Mark!

So today's the day - so exciting!!

>49 scaifea: Morning, Amber. Bree goes in tonight, so most likely nothing will happen until tomorrow. Just hoping it is not a prolonged delivery. She is so ready.

^During my trail watch walk yesterday, at a nearby forest preserve, we went through a stretch and saw some of the tornado damage that hit our area back in June. Poor trees.

>48 msf59: Exciting Grandpa to be.

>51 msf59: On the one hand :-( On the other it will be good food for its sisters and brothers, and let light reach the soil in different ways.

Howdy Mark! The birdbrain is back! ;0). Have a great weekend!!

Morning, Mark!

>45 msf59: AW! Poor Bree! By the time you make it to the end you are just so ready to have that baby OUT. Wishing her a smooth and safe delivery.

Happy Saturday, Mark, and Best to Bree for a Beautiful Evening!

>52 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. And good point on the trees. This is a healthy stand of woods.

>53 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda. The birdbrain is back! The birdbrain is back! Good to see ya.

>54 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. Sue and I were just talking about that and praying for a "smooth and safe delivery". She has been having a tough time and now one of her dogs has a torn ACL. WTH?

>55 m.belljackson: Thanks, Marianne. The excitement continues to build.

This is an excellent article on Afghanistan. MDR posted it on FB. I agree, this is the first time in awhile I completely disagree with how the mainstream media is reporting this withdrawal. Talk about handing the crazy right a gift.

https://andrewsullivan.substack.com/p/two-men-falling-fa1?utm_source=substack&am...

'Morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you.

Hoping for a short, easy labor for Bree once she goes in tonight.

Wishing Bree good luck tonight!

So sorry that one of her dogs tore an ACL. I have had some of those through the years. Most needed surgery, and then needed a long time for slow rehabilitation.

>57 msf59: Thank you for sharing that brilliant article, Mark. There is so much truth in it.

And all the best for Bree & Co.; the waiting is the hardest thing!

>57 msf59: Thanks for the link Mark. Good read.

I'm sure Bree's ready to get the thirteenth month all over and done with. (Mama said the last weeks of pregnancy count as a month each, and I believe her.)

>58 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. Fingers crossed for a "short, easy labor"! Bree would appreciate it.

>59 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. We will all be rootin' for Bree. I don't know what it cost to repair a torn ACL for a dog in the Netherlands, but it is super expensive here and they say that when one goes the other will follow. Bree & Sean have some decisions to make.

>60 kac522: Thanks, Kathy. Much appreciated. Excitement continues to build. Glad you like the article. I think he nailed it.

>61 Caroline_McElwee: You are welcome, Caroline. Our media and the opposition are refusing to look at the big picture. This NEEDED to end.

>62 richardderus: Hey, RD. I am sure it feels like 13 months for Bree. Ugh! Hopefully we can wrap this up soon.

Oh no, Mark, re the pooch. Just the extra stress Bree doesn't need right now. How on earth does a dog do that? Poor thing. Is he in much pain? How old is he?

Sending calming vibes out your way

>63 msf59: ACL repair was indeed expensive, Mark.
It happened to three of our dogs, two were rather young when the first happened, they had the other ACL torn within months. The other was a bit older when it happened, his other knee stayed fine.

Very exciting day, Mark. When my sister's first baby (now age 20) was induced, it seems to me that it took nearly an entire day til she decided to come out.

>65 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley. It doesn't seem like Cooper is in much pain. We helped give him a bath the other day and he seemed fine. He will be 3 in October and is in pretty healthy otherwise.

>66 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. The vets here want $ 4,500 for each ACL tear. That is crazy. They are looking into alternative measures.

>67 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda. Good to see you, my friend. We are very excited.

'Morning, Mark!

>68 msf59: $4,500 for an ACL tear on a dog. Whew. Depending on their insurance, Sean and Bree will probably pay less for the baby being born.

Waiting along with all your good friends here for happy news today.

>68 msf59: That is a lot of money, Mark.
Our last one (over 10 years ago) was almost 2,000 Euro...
If the dog is calm by nature, keeping him confined most of the day for some weeks could work.

Morning, Mark! Keeping all of you and yours in my thoughts today and sending good vibes.

So sorry to read about Cooper.

Hoping your grand is all the way out by now....

Mark - While we all keep checking back in for your Good News, a friend successfully treated her dog's ACL with braces and relaxing.

Waiting to hear the news with bated breath!

What an exciting day! May everything go well with Mom and babe!

Thanks everyone for checking in. Bree is doing fine, moving right along. They are hoping for her to start pushing in the next couple of hours. Hopefully she is getting some rest in between. Come on baby!!

Congratulations, and welcome Jackson!!!

WOOT!

What fantastic news! Huge congrats to you and Sue and of course Bree and welcome to baby Jackson.

Great news, great name! Congrats and welcome to Jackson! (Eagerly awaiting first photos...)

>77 msf59: Welcome home, Young Jackson!

Good work, Bree!

Congrats to Sean, Mark, and Sue, and Uncle Matt!

Great news, Grandpa. Huzzah!

Congratulations to parents and grandparents!
Welcome in this world Jackson!

Taking a cue from the book I'm reading, The Whole World Over -

Welcome BOY HOWDY!

Welcome Jackson! Congratulations Bree and Sean!

Wonderful! Welcome to Jackson and congrats to the whole family! Well done, Bree!

Get out the Sharpie, Mark, for your mask and wear it proudly!

>77 msf59: Congratulations Mark! Best wishes to the new parents!

Wonderful. Congratulations to the parents and grandparents. Did Jackson come out with a book in hand...a Kate Atkinson maybe... welcome Jackson.

Congratulations to parents and grandparents!

Congrats!

^This group is the best! Sean took the photos of me and Jackson but has not shared them yet. He may be sleeping. I will share when I can.

Congratulations to your whole family, Mark! Jackson will make a wonderful addition. Lots of fun coming your way!

>77 msf59: Congratulations to parents and grands! Welcome Jackson, you lucky little guy!

How exciting! Congratulations, grandpa!

Congrats to you all!!!!!

Welcome Jackson!!!!!

Congratulations Mark to you and Sue and especially to the proud parents!

Congrats to you and Sue, and to the proud parents, too, of course.

-Jackson (7.3 lbs.) 8/22/21

>99 msf59: Aw!

>99 msf59: What a cutie.

He's perfect! Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations!! And welcome Jackson. How's it feel Grandpa? : )

So sweet...resting up for his first birding walk with Grandpa Mark.

Beautiful! How much did he weigh?

Awww, such a sweetie.

Thanks again everyone for your kind words. I only spent a few minutes with him but I all ready know he will be a life-changer. The family should all come home today. Bree had a bit of a fever last night, so I am hoping that it has subsided and does not prevent her from being released. Fingers crossed.

Thanks, Susan, Caroline, Mary, Kim, Kathy.

>104 kac522: I am hoping for a future birder too or at least an outdoor lover.

>105 jessibud2: He weighed 7.3 lbs. Bree swore he would be a hefty 8-plus. Smiles...

>106 lauralkeet: He sure is. Perfect features.

Aw, Jackson is such a cutie!! Congrats, Grandpa!!

'Morning, Grandpa! I'm happy for all of you.

Enjoy your solo birding adventure.

Firstly, Congratulations to you and your family on the new addition! Oh what fun you're going to have!! It's great to hear good news for a change.

Mark! the birds are gone again! Merlin didn't pick up anything yesterday. How are your feeders doing?

Congrats, Mark! I'm so happy for all of you. Welcome to the world, Master Jackson!

Nice! I think The Son had that same blanket some thirty years ago when he came home from the hospital. 😀

>99 msf59: Aww...look at that sweet little bundle. Sleeping like nothing amazing had just happened. I hope Bree is feeling fine this morning, and ready to be homeward bound.

Congratulations, Grandpa!

Welcome to the world, Jackson!

>99 msf59: Looking good!

Congratulations to Bree and Sean!

The photograph of Jackson gives us pure contentment.

Great choice of a name!

Congratulations on the morning of your first full day as a grandpa! It does have a ring to it, doesn't it?

Jackson is beautiful. Hugs to Bree and all of you.

>99 msf59: *baaawww* what a widdle punkin pweshus!!

Breathe deep; new baby smell is going to get rarer from here on. Unless Bree and Sean plan on more kids?

>109 scaifea: >110 karenmarie: Thanks, Amber & Karen.

>111 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. We are very excited. Sorry, to hear your feeders are so slow. Mine have been busy with the usuals- house finch, house sparrows, doves, a few chickadees and an occasional downy or cardinal. Nothing really spectacular. I also LOVE my Merlin sound app. I used it this morning.

>112 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. Hooray for Master Jackson. Can't wait to see him again.

>113 drneutron: Good memory, Jim. That is cool.

>114 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. Bree is dealing with some pain issues, so as soon as they can get that under control, they start getting ready to release them.

>115 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. You remember the excitement, with the arrival of your grandkids. We are feeling the same. Can't wait to see him again.

>116 m.belljackson: It sure does, Marianne. We have a long line of Jacks in my mother's family, so it will be tribute to her and that side, to add another Jack.

>117 streamsong: Thank you, Janet. He is nearly one day old, in just a few minutes. Wow!

>118 richardderus: I tried talking to him, while I was holding him but he was being fussy. He was hungry and barely 2 hours old. I can't wait to hold him again.

"A lyrical exploration of love and loss, The Birds of Opulence centers on several generations of women in a bucolic southern black township as they live with and sometimes surrender to madness."

The Birds of Opulence popped up on my radar, presented as an excellent audiobook. I have not listened to very many fictional titles so I thought I would give this one a try. I started it this morning and the narrators, do in fact, deliver excellent narration. Has anyone here, read this author? BTW- I LOVE that cover!

Cedar Waxwings. From Sunday's walk. They like hanging in small flocks. One standing guard, as the others preen.

I came back because I needed another look at that adorable Jackson, but also to say that he shares a birthday with Tomm! Very cool.

>123 scaifea: I completely understand, Amber. I can't stop looking either and you know more photos will follow. Hooray for Jackson sharing the same birthday as Thomm. Very cool.

Congratulations on Jackson's arrival, Mark! So happy for you and your whole family!

Congrats on your grandson, Mark. You will have a blast. He is a cutie.

>122 msf59: Beautiful! Such a vivid image, color and action and just Life!! all going on.

>121 msf59: I've never read any Crystal Wilkinson and can't recall ever hearing her name before. The cover's *gorgeous* and I'm really hoping the work is good, too.

Happy reading.

Congratulations! Jackson is a cutie.

>99 msf59: Awww, such a cute grandson. Much happiness to all.

>125 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky! Great to see you over here.

>126 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. We are certainly going to have a blast with this little guy.

>127 richardderus: Hey, RD. Glad you like the Cedars. They are one of our resident beauties. Not far into the Wilkerson novel, but I am enjoying it. Nearly finished with Afterparties.

>128 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda. He sure is.

>129 lindapanzo: Thanks so much, Linda. I hope they will be coming home soon. Waiting for a text.

-Bree & Jackson.

Oh my, what a sweet, beautiful baby Mark! Lucky lucky man

Welcome, Jackson! Congrats to you and your family!

>99 msf59: and >131 msf59: awwwwwww adorable!

>99 msf59: >131 msf59: Such love - what a cutie!

>131 msf59: Mama doesn't love him much, does she?

>132 brenzi: I sure am a lucky man, Bonnie and I hope to see him again tomorrow.

>133 bell7: Thanks, Mary. Much appreciated.

>134 Copperskye: This baby will be well taken care of, Joanne. Smiles...

>135 laytonwoman3rd: It sure appears so, right, Linda? Smiles...

^Yep, Jackson is home now. I LOVE the blanket. Bree is doing well too. I hope to see him tomorrow.

>131 msf59: Bree and Jackson photo is a Tie for Who's The Happiest!

>138 m.belljackson: I think we are in the running too, Marianne. Smiles...Looking forward to seeing him again today.

>137 msf59: Glad to read Bree and Jackson are home, Mark.
The blanket is lovely, what an awesome idea. I have never seen something like it!

>139 msf59: Enjoy your visit today, granddad!

>137 msf59: Lovely to see him homeward bound Mark. Looking forward to seeing him with grandpa.

>140 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. I was not aware of this blanket either and it looks like he slept in it last night too. Yah!

>141 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. Sean took a couple of quick photos with me holding Jackson at the hospital but never shared them with me. I plan on getting some shots today, with my own cell.

>137 msf59: Aw, so sweet!! And that *is* a cool blanket!

>143 scaifea: Morning, Amber! We love that blanket too. He will be a stylish kid.

"Samson Greene, a young and popular professor at Columbia, is found wandering in the Nevada desert. When his wife, Anna, comes to bring him home, she finds a man who remembers nothing, not even his own name. The removal of a small brain tumor saves his life, but his memories beyond the age of twelve are permanently lost."

I fell head over for heels for The History of Love, when I read it back in 2013 and immediately snapped up Great House, (which still sits on shelf) and Man Walks into a Room, which is her debut. I decided it was time and I will start it today. Has anyone read this one? I have not seen much talk about Krauss these past few years. I wonder why?

‘Morning, Mark! Have fun visiting with Bree, Sean, and Jackson today.

>131 msf59: New mom happiness – lovely picture.

>137 msf59: And thus the journey begins. Love the blanket, too.

Love the going home photo, but Jackson seems unimpressed. My daughter slept all the way home in the car, and then I swear didn't sleep for more than fifteen minutes at a stretch for six months! (I'm probably exaggerating---don't tell Bree and Sean this part.)

My cousin has a one-year-old grandson, and his parents had a room filled with blankets, plaques, and toys with his name on them for him to come home to...I think it's pretty cool.

>145 msf59: I have yet to get acquainted with Krauss's work, although I think I have two of her novels on the shelves. I see she did publish a collection of short fiction last year, To Be a Man, which made it onto a lot of "best of 2020" lists.

>146 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I can't wait for the visit. Isn't that blanket priceless?

>147 laytonwoman3rd: Morning, Linda. I sure hope Jackson has better sleeping habits than your daughter, for the sake of Bree & Sean. LOL. He did sleep most of Sunday night, which is good.

Thanks for chiming in on Krauss. I somehow missed that story collection. I appreciate the reminder. I love short stories.

Afterparties: Stories by Anthony Veasna So 4.6 stars

“When I tried articulating my feelings about home, my mind inevitably returned to these songs, the way the incomprehensible intertwined with what made me feel so comfortable. I’d lived with misunderstanding for so long, I’d stopped even viewing it as bad. It was just there, embedded in everything I loved.”

“Here is the part that seems like a revelation until it’s forgotten as life is lived, because nothing’s special about an adulthood spent in the asshole of California, which some government official deemed worthy of a bunch of PTSD’d out refugees, farting out dreams like it’s success intolerant. “

These beautiful set of stories take place around Stockton, California and it focuses on the Cambodian immigrant experience. The Khmer Rouge genocide still hangs over this community and it completely shades their lives, even decades later. These tales also looks at the queer experience, living in this environment. The author was in his 20s, when he wrote this collection and it is so impressive how deft and deeply intelligent his writing was. Sadly, he died at 28 of an over-dose, before this book was published. We were definitely robbed of an emerging talent.

*Richard also LOVED this collection. He wrote a much better review. It also is a perfect companion piece to Gordo, another recent story collection that I read earlier in the month.

Lovely photos of Jackson, Mark!

I did a quick spot of birdwatching yesterday morning - there was what seemed to be a large bird in a neighbours tree (judging by the amount of rustling it was making). I stared for a couple of minutes only to feel a bit stupid when I realised it was a black and white cat!

>137 msf59: - Adorable, Mark. What's his name again? ;-)

Morning, Mark! Charming photos - thanks so much for sharing. I love Jackson's blanket!

Oh, wonderful news! Congratulations (a little late) to all. I hope Bree has an easy recovery. I foresee lots of Jackson pictures in the future!

>149 msf59: I really enjoy the pleasure you got from this read!

>137 msf59: *baaawww* but you know, like >151 jessibud2:, I just can not for the life of me remember what he's called.

>131 msf59: What an amazing photo!

He's a beautiful boy, Mark, enjoy!

>150 SandDune: Thanks, Rhian. Glad to hear your birdwatching tale. No birds, only a cat? Grins...

>151 jessibud2: LOL. I don't think anyone is going to forget this boy's name.

>152 Crazymamie: You are welcome, Mamie. You know there will be more to share.

>153 ffortsa: Thanks, Judy. Great to see you. The parents are just trying to acclimate to their new situation. This could take awhile.

>154 richardderus: Hey, RD. Like you, I was completely smitten with Afterparties.

>155 streamsong: >156 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Janet & Judy. He is certainly beautiful.

^If you hadn't heard, Feral Creatures the follow-up to Hollow Kingdom is being released today. I know there are many fans here of that first one. A pure delight.

>158 msf59: OK, so that's requested/reserved at the potential sources.

>159 msf59: Even more Awww!

>159 msf59: - Great photos of you and Sue, Mark!

>159 msf59: Oh, the happy grandparents! Such smiles!

Fabulous photos!! Are your faces hurting yet, from so much smiling? ;-)

>159 msf59: Those photos are full of fabulous!

>159 msf59: Great pics of you and Sue, the happy and proud new grandparents.

>159 msf59: Now that's what I'm talking about. Yeah!

>159 msf59: *melt*
You guys look so happy, and rightly so!

I really appreciate the comments. You are making me teary eyed. I just texted Sean and they are doing fine. Bree managed a long well-needed nap and Jackson has been well fed and quite content. Whew!

>158 msf59: I didn’t realize it was released today. I had pre-ordered it, and it showed up on my front steps. I just added it to my catalog. Hollow Kingdom was so good that I’m itching to start this one.

>159 msf59: I was hoping to see more Jackson pics over here. Excellent pics, happy grandparents, sweet baby.

>159 msf59: Lovely to see the new arrival with his proud grandies.

>159 msf59: Congratulations, Grandpa. Lovely to see everybody doing fine and the little one looks adorable.

Hi Mark. I thought it might be baby news! Congrats. I love the pictures of your grandson Jackson and I'm glad everybody is fine

Aw! Congratulations.

>169 karenmarie: It looks like you will be one of the first to read Feral Creatures. Yah! You know there will be more baby photos forthcoming...

>170 Caroline_McElwee: >171 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Caroline and Paul. Much appreciated.

>172 connie53: Thanks, Connie. You know I had to share the news. We are very happy.

>173 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte.

^Nice rack, right? This beautiful white-tailed buck was rubbing those velvety antlers on those branches and munching on them, as well. This was from Monday morning, at a favorite preserve. Not a lot of birds seen that day but he made up for it.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you.

>175 msf59: Not a Lifer, eh? What a gorgeous buck. Jenna collected antlers for a while, and several are still probably upstairs somewhere.

A new grandkid *and* more S.T. You're just full of good news!

Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday!

>175 msf59: Well, he is full of gorgeous.

Good morning, Mark.

>137 msf59:, >159 msf59: Love the photos of Jackson and his happy grandparents. It's hard to believe that from such tiny acorns mighty oak trees grow.

With the addition of Baby Jackson, it looks like your favorite 3 B's have turned into the 4 B's.

>159 msf59: Wonderful photos!

and the buck in >175 msf59: is pretty darn nice, too.

>176 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. Not a Lifer but a beauty never the less.

>177 drneutron: Hooray for a new grandchild and a new S.T. adventure. B.A.G.

>178 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Glad you like the buck.

>179 jnwelch: Morning, Joe. I can not wait to watch this mighty oak grow. Go Jackson!

>180 streamsong: Morning, Janet. Hooray for the 4Bs! What a perfect fit Jackson will make.

^My OTS Challenge has taken a major HIT, after this recent library run. I had been doing pretty good but book greed and the warbling of others has got the best of me. I have wanted to read the Jemison story collection since it came out and finally requested it. Joe and several others warbled up a storm about the Klune novel, so how could I resist, even if I am not reading much fantasy these days. Seek You is a recent GN, that Nancy recommended. I needed to add a GN to the repertoire anyway. All that said, I will start The Pull of the Stars next, also a library acquisition. Sighs...

-Tom Stiglich

>183 msf59: What utterly stuns me is that he was 80. Eighty...years...old.

Someone with pull needs to have a word with Tempus to stop it fugit-ing.

>182 msf59: Enjoy!

>184 richardderus: Yep, Watts is one of the first aging big guns to go. I am sure more will follow. He was a class act.

^I got to see a very special bird yesterday, with the help of another kind birder- a barn owl, on Chicago's lakefront, near McCormick Place. It had been there for two days. It was roosting in a tree, in deep cover. The top photo is from a friend's camera. She arrived, just after I left. I saw a barn owl briefly while in Mexico a few years back but this is the first time in the US. They were common here in the Midwest at one time but due to habitat loss, have dwindled to very few. This will be a Lifer for many birders.

This was the best photo I could get, (the owl was alternately dozing and preening) and the birder buddy I was with, is an excellent photographer and he only got a slightly better photo:

>186 msf59: Congratulations on spotting a barn owl, Mark, it is a beautiful bird.
These owls are called (translated) "church owl" here, also named after the place they usually have their nest.

‘Morning, Mark, and happy Thursday to you!

>186 msf59: Congrats on the Barn Owl. Sorry the picture-taking opportunities weren’t spectacular, but the sighting is. I just listened to their call on allaboutbirds.org and it's a screechy sound. Did you hear the Barn Owl call?

Morning, Mark! Look at that barn owl!

I'll be interested in what you think of The House on the Cerulean Sea - I liked it but didn't love it, but I know there is BIG love for that one here.

>187 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Are there barn owls in the Netherlands?

>188 karenmarie: Morning, Karen and thanks. Yes, barn owls make a very eerie sound. No, this one was not calling, just dozing.

>189 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie. I thought everyone was loving The House on the Cerulean Sea. I guess will just have to see for myself.

Morning, Mark! Yay for the Klune! I loved it so much that we're not reading it as our evening family read-aloud.

>191 scaifea: Amber, look what you posted - I snorted my coffee.

>190 msf59: Yes, Mark, they live here too. Not on my list yet.

Morning, Mark!

Such happy photos - they brought a big smile to my face too.
And great Barn Owl!

Feral Creatures is next up for me, I think.

>191 scaifea: " I loved it so much that we're not reading it as our evening family read-aloud." Now, that is what I call an endorsement. LOL.

>192 Crazymamie: I chuckled too, Mamie.

>193 FAMeulstee: Like all owls, I am sure they are tough to track down, Anita but I am glad to hear they are located there. You may have to visit more churches.

>194 Copperskye: Morning, Joanne. Yes, I think smiles will firmly be attached to our faces, for some time to come. Are barn owls common to Colorado? Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Feral Creatures.

>186 msf59: Wow, lucky you, Mark!

Yesterday late afternoon we were walking the dogs up the country lane next to our house and a whole bunch of wild turkeys crossed the road, both adults and juveniles. It was so cool and I tried to get video. Unfortunately I messed up, the video wasn't actually on, and when I turned it "off" I ended up recording the next 15 minutes of sky, road, and my pocket. Sigh.

Hooray for the barn owl! Are you teaching Jackson about the birds yet? The bees can wait.

I’m reading another Biafra/Nigeria book, Under the Upala Tree (Imust have the title wrong). Good so far. I hope to finish that Diane Seuss collection today.

Hope you have a good one, buddy.

>196 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. Hooray for the turkeys, boo for the video mishap. We have turkeys here but they seem to avoid the urban areas and are incredibly secretive when we do venture out.

>197 jnwelch: Hi, Joe. Not instructing Jackson yet on the birds but that will come in time. I could always use a new birding buddy. Are you still really enjoying the Seuss collection?

Mark and Joe - while you're holding off on Birds and Bees, here, from The Whole World Over.
is Birds and Babies...

"Covering most of the opposite wall was a bird-watcher's map of the world.
It made the birds look like conquerors, their colorful shapes crowding
every continent like game pieces or markers on a battle plan.

Birds had such wonderful names, Saga thought as she let her eyes roam the map.
Way down in Australia, Rainbow Lorikeet, Satin Bowerbird, Tawny Frogmouth;
in Africa, the Green Wood-Hoopoe, the Sacred Ibis, the Fulvous Whistling duck.

(Fulvous?! Was that an ordinary word with an ordinary meaning?
A word swollen and tender, like a nursing breast...)

In Europe, her favorites were the Chiffchaff, the Fieldfare, the Stonechat,
the Capercaillie; to the far north, Oldsquaw and Parasitic Jaeger."

>190 msf59: I thought The House in the Cerulean Sea somewhat flat. Mildly amusing and interesting, but not exceedingly special in itself.

>199 m.belljackson: I love the quotes, Marianne. I want to see a Rainbow Lorikeet. Thanks for sharing. I was not familiar with The Whole World Over or the author.

>200 quondame: I know you are a tough critic, Susan but it fell a bit short for Mamie too, so I will just have to find out for myself. Thanks for chiming in.

Yay for your FoY barn owl!

>202 richardderus: Thanks, RD. That FOY barn owl was sure special. He is still being seen there today.

91) Any Other World Will Do by Alex Lubertozzi 4.2 stars

The story begins quite conventionally, with an Indian author, Vikram Bhat, meeting an eighteen year old British boy on a train from Paris to Barcelona. They strike up an immediate friendship and end up meeting at a hotel in Barcelona where Bhat has taken up residence. The boy also becomes smitten with Anna, a young bartender at the hotel.
The novel then begins to take some unexpected left turns, as Vikram, a man of unlimited secrets and powers, recruits the boy and Anna. This mission could take the pair a thousand light years from home.
I am not reading much fantasy or science fiction these days but I have to admit, that I was immediately drawn into this book and it became a delightful journey of magic and discovery.

*A shout-out to Marianne for sending this novel to me. Much appreciated.

>204 msf59: Now it sounds interesting. Alas, the description as a bird book did not immediately catch my attention. Also alas, not only do none of my libraries have it, Overdrive can't even see it.

>204 msf59:
I have that one in my gigantic Books of Interest file. I may have to push it up and see if our public library has a copy of it. Sounds like my kind of SciFi/Fantasy. The reviews of it were good, so that is why it was on my list to start with. Good to see that they were right.

>205 quondame: Bummer, Susan. I thought Any Other World Will Do would be available in most areas.

>206 benitastrnad: Well, I hope you move it out of BOI File and move it to the official TBR pile, Benita. I think you would like it.

"Dublin, 1918: three days in a maternity ward at the height of the Great Flu. A small world of work, risk, death and unlooked-for love. In an Ireland doubly ravaged by war and disease, Nurse Julia Power works at an understaffed hospital in the city centre, where expectant mothers who have come down with the terrible new flu are quarantined."

What took me so long to get to this one? Wow! I ask that question a lot. I am a fan of Donoghue too. Well, I will finally start it tomorrow. Better late...

Donoghue wrote an excellent book, The Wonder, and a craptastic dumpster fire, Room. Frankly, I don't dare wade back into those waters absent trusted ciceroneing.

Get readin'!

'Morning, Mark, and happy Friday to you.

Too early for birds, too late for the frogs that have been visiting on the outside of the Sunroom glass door every evening. Kitties are staying quiet so Bill can continue to sleep, nice and quiet here in central NC.

Are you planning on visiting the new grandkidlet and his parents any time soon? We (well, I) need new photos. *smile*

>209 richardderus: I like The Wonder too, along with Room. "ciceroneing"?

>210 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. You are the early bird today. Nothing happening at my feeders yet either. Yes, I plan on stopping over at the house later this afternoon, visit with Bree and the baby and then take Sean out for a couple of beers and possibly dinner. Yah!

^Seeing this precious bundle again today.

>212 msf59: *baaawww* Enjoy it, Grandpa!

>211 msf59: I need you to act as my cicerone, hence ciceroneing.

Hi, Mark. How are the dogs reacting to the new member of the tribe? And how is the pooch with the injury these days?

>212 msf59: So sweet!

Morning, Mark! Sounds like your Friday will be full of fabulous.

>212 msf59:. He’s already a good-looking guy!

Happy Friday, Mark! I imagine your weekend plans include Jackson. Too bad you have to wait so long for him to drink beer. But you can start him on birds much sooner.

I’ll take a look at that GN you mentioned, Seek You, and Any World Will Do is on the WL. I’m glad you’re going a go to House in the Cerulean Sea.

>213 richardderus: I was not familiar with "cicerone", as you know I don't get out much and I was just a simple mailman, after all. Cool word, though.

>214 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley. It sounds like Jackson fits in well with the dogs and NO ONE will get into that house without an invite. Cooper is managing the best he can. An injury like this doesn't get any better. Not sure what course they have decided yet.

>215 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. Looking forward to visiting the baby boy in just a few hours.

>216 jnwelch: Happy Friday, Joe. He IS a good-looking guy all ready! We plan on spending some time with Jack later today and then we will turn him over to Sean's folks for the weekend. They all still work. Sadly, I will be on my late 70s before I can have a beer with Jack but I can certainly "bird" with him at a much younger age.

I have a copy of Any World Will Do saved for you.

>217 msf59: ...but...wait...mailmen are *always* out by definition...::confused::

>212 msf59: He seems to be a quiet sleeping baby Mark. How do the dogs feel about the new arrival?

>217 msf59: >218 richardderus: Well I didn't know what it meant either, and RD is being enigmatic as usual, LOL. So I had to look it up.

Cicerone is an old term for a guide who conducts visitors and sightseers to museums, galleries, etc., and explains matters of archaeological, antiquarian, historic or artistic interest. The word is presumably taken from Marcus Tullius Cicero, as a type of learning and eloquence.

:)

>220 mahsdad: I had to look it up, too!

*Whoops, wrong post number - fixed now

>221 Crazymamie:, >220 mahsdad: Oh! I thought Mark was funnin' me! Oh well...not the first clanger I've dropped...I'm sorry I didn't pick up on the easy answer.

But Mark, don't miss this wonderful interview with Kira Jane Buxton in the Chicago Review of Books: https://chireviewofbooks.com/2021/08/26/we-survive-when-we-are-seen-an-interview...

I think the author photo is worth the click all by itself. She looks *exactly* like Shit Turd's creator...exactly!

>222 richardderus: Oh, that's a great pic! Decent article too...

>223 drneutron: It is! And it is.

>209 richardderus: >211 msf59: >213 richardderus: >217 msf59: >220 mahsdad: Heh, spending decades immersed in the English Regency has some side benefits.

>218 richardderus: I tried a dual quip and it failed, RD. I am glad the cicerone reference caused some interest.

>219 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. Jackson, as a newborn, he is still feeding every two hours, so it can be challenging. The dogs have been great.

>220 mahsdad: Thanks for the cicerone definition, Jeff. That comes in handy.

>222 richardderus: Thanks, for sharing the Buxton interview, RD. I will check it out tomorrow.

>223 drneutron: Hooray for English Regency, Susan!!

Brown Girl Creed

I believe in my mother, the mother almighty,
mover of heaven and earth,
creator of daughters and dinner,
all that is always unseen,
I believe in my mother, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Pulmano,
who dreamed an American dream,
who suffered barely making ends meet,
who suffered giving everything unto everyone,
who suffered, died, and was buried;
she descended into this American earth,
while wailing women recited novena,
she ascended into heaven,
and is seated somewhere comfortable now,
she’s watching the Niners game now,
she’s wearing her Jerry Rice jersey,
she’s got a Diet Pepsi and a plate of Panda Express,
she’s watching reruns of Murder She Wrote and Matlock
if the game isn’t going the way she’d like,
I believe in my mother, in the most sacred of sisterhoods,
in kapwa with the kumares, the forgiveness of fear,
her transcendence from a tumorous body,
her pink jasmines and rose bushes in bloom. Amen.

-Barbara Jane Reyes From Poem-A-Day

>195 msf59: >192 Crazymamie: *SNORK!!* OMG. What a dummy. We *are* reading it, but I'm leaving that post as is - it's too funny to change it!

>174 msf59: Of course you had to share with everybody especially with other grandparents! They know exactly what you are feeling.

>182 msf59: Very good choices. I loved the Cerulean sea book. The pull of the stars is also high on my list.

>212 msf59: Ohh, **melt** so cute and tiny!

‘Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday to you. I hope you have a good reading day since it’s too hot for birding and you got your Jackson fix yesterday.

>222 richardderus: Excellent interview, and she absolutely does look like S.T.’s creator.

>226 msf59: Yup, newborns will take their toll on sleep, not that I know personally, as I opted out of parenthood.

So how have you enjoyed your first grandpa days Mark? Already planning Jackson's first birding expedition in one of those baby backpack thingies? Him, not you, don't think Sue could carry you!

>229 scaifea: We sure got a kick out of that, Amber. Happy Saturday.

>230 connie53: Hi, Connie. More photos coming soon...Glad to hear you also enjoyed the Cerulean Sea. I plan on starting it soon. The Pull of the Stars is off to a fine start.

>231 karenmarie: Morning, Karen. I have a lazy day planned. We might visit friends later.

>232 Caroline_McElwee: Hi, Caroline. I am LOVING my first week with Jackson. He is amazing. No birding plans with the little guy. That might be awhile but taking him on his first hike would be very special.

^Cooper looks sad here but he seemed mostly happy during my visit yesterday. Both dogs are very watchful, with Jackson. Funny, if he cries and starts to fuss, Duke will come over and check on him.

Aw. Cooper does look sad there. Dogs' eyes are so expressive. Morning, Mark! Hoping Saturday is kind to you.

>222 richardderus: That is a great photo!

>229 scaifea: Gave me a giggle, Amber!

>234 msf59: Aww! It's okay, Cooper, the ugly bald puppy will sleep more soon.

Happy Saturday, Mark.

Hahaha, it looks as if Cooper's saying "Don't you dare mess with me"
Have a relaxing day and aren't you the happy one not having to deliver mail on a day like this ;0)

>235 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Cooper is generally a content dog, despite his injury.

>236 richardderus: Happy Saturday, Richard.

>237 Carmenere: Hi, Lynda. I think about not having to work in this hot, soggy mess, nearly every day. Hope we get a reprieve next week.

>234 msf59: It's a great photo though.

Congrats on the new addition, Grandpa. He’s a cutie!

>212 msf59: Belated Congratulations! Quite adorable.

>208 msf59: I am quite a fan of Donoghue's writing. I have this one on my coffee table waiting to be read as well. I have read The Wonder and Frog Music and loved both. I have not had the desire to read Room though.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Happy Sunday Mark!

>239 Caroline_McElwee: He is a handsome boy!

>240 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. He is definitely a keeper.

>241 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Figs. We are very happy. I am really enjoying The Pull of the Stars. I also really liked The Wonder.

>242 connie53: Happy Sunday, Connie.

ONE WEEK...



Jackson checking out Grandpa...



Jackson, with Cooper on guard

>244 msf59: AHHH. One little wonder!

>244 msf59: So wonderful!

Morning, Mark! Great photos - especially the one with Cooper in the background. He does look like he is on guard.

Aw, those tiny features! What a cutie that Jackson is!

Hi Mark, and happy Sunday. I hope you enjoy your bookish day.

>244 msf59: Sweet pics for sure.

>245 connie53: >246 alphaorder: Thanks, Connie & Nancy.

>247 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. Glad you like the pics. I wish we could have Duke in the shot with Cooper. I am sure he was nearby.

>248 scaifea: He sure is, Amber. Thanks.

>249 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. Enjoy your Sunday too.

Wonderful photos of your beautiful grandson. A couple of the image links were broken, perhaps if I go to your gallery?

>196 lauralkeet: We have so many wild turkeys here in Maine now that they are almost as much a danger as the Canadian geese. Flocks of 20-30 will saunter across the road stopping traffic in both directions. I'm not sure why the population has exploded so.

Heart-warming, Mark...and yes, Cooper's got his "I'm listening" face on, doesn't he. Enjoy the books today!

>244 msf59: Great pictures. What a darling!

>244 msf59: Mark, it looks like he might be saying: " you talking' to me??? Lol

Wonderful pictures of your new grandson Marc. There’s one above where you are holding him. The contrast, he is so tiny in that picture! But he will grow.

I can finally brag a bit about birds, as i have seen barn owls, plural. As in a nest with chicks. In a barn of course, in the attic. The chicks watching from the small attic window, waiting for their parents to come home with Food! Four heads sticking out from the window.

>251 labfs39: Thanks, Lisa. Sorry, you can't see a couple of the photos. No one else has reported having any issues. Bummer. You should be able to see a few of them in my gallery. Glad to hear you get to see plenty of turkeys. They breed here but are hard to find.

>252 richardderus: >254 brenzi: I can't wait to start reading to him, Richard & Bonnie! All ready collecting books for his shelves. Gotta start early, right?

>253 quondame: Thanks, Susan.

>254 brenzi: Thanks, Ella. He is pretty small at the moment but with Mama's milk, he should start filling out soon. I think that is awesome that you have seen barn owls and chicks to boot. That is special. How long ago was this?

>256 msf59: It really was ages ago Marc. On holiday on Schiermonnikoog. Somewhere in the eighties? And after that i did see other owls, but no barn owls. They are so beautiful, would love to see one again.

>257 EllaTim: That is quite all right, Ella, at least you got to see them. Special memories, right?

You seem to have forgotten my name Mark lol

-White Faced Ibis- juvenile. (NMP)

^ I got another LIFER today. Only 15 minutes from my house. The ibis was feeding in a marsh with great egrets and snowy egrets. They are usually found on the west coast and span down to Mexico. They have red eyes, but I could not quite make out the color through my scope. Nice wading bird.

>254 brenzi: >259 brenzi: Sorry, Bonnie! I included you in my post with Richard. You are correct- You should always stand alone. You have earned that right. Grins...

>260 msf59: That's a bird to inspire myths!

>260 msf59: Beautiful! Ibises are spectacular when in adult plumage. Interesting to see the contrast.

Jackson looks to be a very contented baby, Mark. It's great to see you enjoying him - and it only gets better and better!

>260 msf59: Congratulations one a lifer so close to home, Mark.

>244 msf59: Love the picture with Cooper in the background. He clearly keeps an eye on Jackson.

>263 richardderus: I am hoping to see a couple more different ibis but most likely I will have to leave the country. I did get a white ibis in Mexico.

>264 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy. Jackson seems to be a pretty good baby so far. I hope to see him again soon.

>265 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. It is always a joy to see a rare bird. Duke, Bree's German Shepard is even more attentive, but haven't got him in a photo with Jack yet.

‘Morning, Mark! I hope you enjoy your birding buddy adventure today and yay for cooler temps this week.

>260 msf59: Congrats on another LIFER. What a beautiful bird.

Morning, Mark!

>260 msf59: Nice. I have never seen one of those.

>260 msf59: Nice shot of that Ibis!

>267 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. Nice to get the ibis. I had a very nice walk with my birding buddies this morning. Over 3 hours. We saw a couple of different warblers too, which is always a treat this time of year.

>268 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie. I am sure most non-birders have not seen or heard of an ibis.

>269 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. That is not my photo, if that is what you meant. I could not get off a clear enough shot. I try to designate a NMP (not my photo), whenever possible.

"The Vagabonds is 'a portrait of America’s burgeoning love affair with the automobile' (NPR) but it also sheds light on the important relationship between the older Edison and the younger Ford, who once worked for the famous inventor. The road trips made the automobile ubiquitous and magnified Ford’s reputation, even as Edison’s diminished."

I love Guinn's nonfiction and when I stumbled onto The Vagabonds: The Story of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison's Ten-Year Road Trip, I knew I wanted to read it. I started the audiobook today and it grabbed me immediately. If you have not read Guinn's NF, give him a go.

>272 msf59: Or someone who works Tuesday-Friday... moi!

>272 msf59: HA! That's so very true, isn't it.

>273 Caroline_McElwee: Good point, Caroline. Monday was my favorite day of the week to be off. Just not enough of 'em.

>273 Caroline_McElwee: >274 richardderus: Can you believe that tomorrow will be ONE YEAR? Boy, that went fast. Slow down a bit, will ya?

>275 msf59: The days drag, the years fly...just like childhood.

>275 msf59: And what a year it has been Mark. Happy first retirement year anniversary.

>272 msf59: Love it!

>271 msf59: Yep, looks like one for me!

Hi Mark!

Cooper does look a bit sad but what a sweety!

And Jackson is, of course, just precious!

Congrats on the lifer! That's quite a beak! I had a lifer myself just last week. A Mississippi Kite. I spent 10 minutes or so walking around the light pole it was sitting on (just at dusk so the light was bad, Skye on her leash was so patient) and then came home and consulted my bird books but couldn't find it. The next day, in a FB Colorado birding group, someone posted a photo of a kite they had seen nearby and sure enough, it was my bird (or a relative). I couldn't find it in my Colorado bird books since they aren't normally here, but it was in my Sibley Western States book. I didn't think to look under "Kite".

eta >272 msf59: Monday? What's a Monday? :)

>244 msf59: Lucky you! Jackson is completely adorable, so healthy and perfect.

>276 richardderus: Good point, RD.

>277 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline.

>278 BLBera: Soon?

>279 drneutron: I think it is too, Jim.

>280 Copperskye: A Mississippi Kite is a fantastic bird, Joanne. Congrats on the Lifer. I have not seen one yet but they do stray in to Illinois from time to time, so you never know. A friend of mine was in Hilton Head a few weeks ago and saw a kite there.

>281 mdoris: Thanks, Mary. He is special. We are lucky.

Yep, I retired one year ago. Hard to believe how fast that time went. Other than gaining more weight than I expected, (I am working on curbing that) it has all worked out great and we were blessed with a grandchild at the end of it. Of course, I wish Sue was still not working but that time will come.

>244 msf59: Oh my goodness! How sweet is that?! Jackson is a cutie! Any plans for the first book you'll buy him?

Happy one year retirement anniversary! Wishing you a gazillion more!

Happy One-Year Retirement Anniversary, Mark!

>285 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. Jackson is definitely a cutie. We bought him several books all ready but I can not recall the first one we purchased. Regardless, I can't wait to start reading to him.

>286 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. A special milestone.

Happy anniversary, Mark! I can't believe it's been a year already!

Hi Mark, and happy Tuesday to you.

>272 msf59: Yup. It’s usually my favorite day of the week for just that reason.

>284 msf59: Congrats on being work free for one year!

Happy anniversary of getting the job you've always wanted: Being.

>281 mdoris: Handsome devil! Very elegant, that greyscale feather look.

>272 msf59: Delusional.

Morning, Mark! Happy One Year Retirementness!

Wow, that year went fast!

>244 msf59: Perfect little person! Image is missing from >212 msf59: for me, as are several others above that one (>175 msf59:, >182 msf59: and others).

Happy Retirement Reading, Mark, and hope you can fit a copy of FERDINAND into Jackson's stocking,
along with FERDINANDO for an early bilingual entry.

>288 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. Time flies...

>289 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. If Sue didn't have to still work on Mondays, it might be my favorite day of the week too.

>290 richardderus: Thanks, RD. And hooray for just "Being"! Were your referring to the A Mississippi Kite up there? If so, I agree. An incredible looking bird.

>291 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. I like your "delusional" answer too. Grins...

>292 drneutron: It sure did, Jim.

>293 laytonwoman3rd: Sorry, about the missing pics, Linda. Not sure what is going on there. Bummer.

>294 m.belljackson: Thanks, Marianne. I will add Ferdinand to the Jackson Reading List. I had not heard of that one.

>293 laytonwoman3rd: This is the photo from #212. Can you see it now, Linda?

^Jackson keeping an eye on Grandpa. Cooper keeping an eye on Jackson.

Can everyone see the image?

Congratulations Grandpa!!!! What a lovely baby boy!

>283 msf59: Yep, that’s my bird! Handsome dude! And the right size, but so obviously not a Cooper or Sharpie.

>296 msf59: >297 msf59: Aw! ❤️

>297 msf59: How wonderful. Such a serious person.

I used to say that I was shocked that my brand new daughter was illiterate. She did get over it though.

>297 msf59: Lovely photo.
(And how can it be a year? Where did that time go?)

>298 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda. He is indeed lovely.

>299 Copperskye: Hooray for Jackson & the Mississippi Kite, Joanne.

>300 quondame: LOL. I am so glad your daughter got over it, Susan. Smiles...

>301 charl08: Thanks, Charlotte. It sure flew by, didn't it?

>296 msf59:, >297 msf59: Nope and nope. (I'm not behind at all.)