Shelley (jessibud2) reads off her own shelves this year (fingers crossed behind her back!)

Well, that's the plan, anyhow.

A quote that can apply to the 75ers:

In the case of good books, the point is not how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you. -Mortimer J. Adler, philosopher, educator, and author (28 Dec 1902-2001)

My sleeping beauty. Such a little monkey!
(thanks to Madeline for tech help;-)



He looks so sweet and innocent when he is asleep. But he is still quite naughty when he isn't. If you were to ask him his name, I bet he'd say, "My name is No Theo!"

Currently reading:

Istanbul
Braiding Sweetgrass
The Vanishing Half
Women of the Pandemic
Before Green Gables

holding 4 (and one more, just in case)

I hope I'm not tromping on your system, Shelley. I can't wait for 2022!

Welcome back, Shelley! Glad you're joining us again.

Hi Shelley my dear, i have starred you ready to post in 2022.

>6 richardderus: - Nope, and welcome, Richard. I doubt I'll fill in any of those blanks just yet but wanted the place-holders in the meantime, till I get myself organized.

>7 drneutron: - Thanks, Jim, and thanks also for throwing the whole shebang together!

>8 johnsimpson: - Hi, John, and welcome.

Don't want to lose you. You've been starred! :D

I will be following along on your thread as usual Shelley. xx

>10 SqueakyChu:, >11 PaulCranswick: - Thanks, Madeline and Paul.

Dropping a star, Shelley. Hopefully I will do a better job of keeping up with you in 2022.

>13 Crazymamie: - Hi Mamie, thanks!

**starred**!

>15 kac522: - Thank you, Kathy. Do you have a new thread yet?

I just noticed that there are over 800 new posts for the 2022 75ers and it's still 2021! Are we an enthusiastic bunch or what?! lol!

Yes, we are!

>16 jessibud2: Yay for us!! :D

ed!!

Love your quote up top.

>16 jessibud2: Chatty, too!

I'll probably set up my 75ers thread over the weekend. My Category Challenge thread is up.

That's an aspirational title, Shelley, but I notice where those crossed fingers are hiding! I'd like to do that too but there's that pesky library habit. Have a wonderful New Year!

>17 drneutron:, >18 SqueakyChu: - :-)

>19 Berly: - Thanks, Kim!

>20 kac522: - I can't find that one, Kathy.

>21 Familyhistorian: - Yeah, well, I share that pesky habit but I put that *aspiration* in my title in the hope that it will hold me (somewhat) accountable! We shall see...

Dropping my star. Here's to a fantastic 2022!

>23 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita.

Dropping my star on your thread, Shelley. Happy New Year!

This is exactly what I should do!

>25 kidzdoc: - Hi, Darryl, good to see you here.

>26 lorimpalmer: - Hi and welcome!

This group always helps me to read; welcome back, Shelley.

Happy New Thread, Shelley! Happy New Year! I like the Adler quote. It fits. We have our first big snowstorm arriving tomorrow. Oh, joy!



-Downy Woodpecker

I hope that 2022 is going to be a good vintage Shelley.

>28 PaulCranswick: - I read and enjoyed the book that sign came from, Paul! :-) Thanks

>29 msf59: - We have no snow, Mark. None. We are above zero, gray and drizzly. I wouldn't mind snow. Hope you are staying healthy!! Love your Downy!

>30 Caroline_McElwee: - Me, too, Caroline, me too! Cheers to you!

Wishing you a happy new reading year, Shelley. I’m starring your thread, but I’m not starting my own until tomorrow.

Happy new year, and happy reading in 22!

Thanks you, Ella and Rhonda. And wishing you both a happy and safe new year, too!

https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/5d/02/5d029540654e5a9636b45767a774368422f7345_v5.jpg 3x">

Happy reading in 2022, Shelley!

Happy New Year, Shelley! I am looking forward to seeing what great books you encounter in 2022.

Enjoy your 2022 reads!

Starred. Happy new thread!

Happy New Year and happy first thread of 2022, Shelley!

>1 jessibud2: Good luck with the plan.

>16 jessibud2: I always wait ‘til January 1st to start my thread and start following threads. This morning when I had created my thread and started looking around there were already 1,034 posts for the threads I follow. Sigh.

Happy New Year, Shelley. I wish you a happy and healthy new year.

Thanks, John, Anita, Stasia, Lori and Vic (welcome!), Karen and Beth.

Slow start this morning. My cell phone is giving me fits and not allowing me to download any photos to my computer so I can't yet fill in anything of my top posts. I will give them a call tomorrow and have them walk me through it again. That's what I had to do the first time, and the second time but it's not working again and I refuse to waste time being annoyed on this first day of the new year.

I ended up with 80 books read in 2021. I will admit to reading 3 short books of poetry to get to that nice round number. Poetry is not a go-to for me but all three were by Judith Viorst, from her decade series and I do love how her mind works. Here is a sampling of her work though some of what I read yesterday, I liked better:
https://allpoetry.com/Judith-Viorst

In case her name isn't ringing a bell, she also wrote Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day, among many other kids' books. And incidentally, there is a grown-up sequel to Alexander, called Alexander and the Wonderful, Marvelous, Excellent, Terrific Ninety Days. But I digress. I do love her writing.

I plan to start my year with reading Orhan Pamuk's Istanbul, for the Asian Challenge. I am also doing another challenge of my own which will overlap with the Asian challenge somewhat. It's a challenge I attempted many years ago on Bookcrossing, called the 666 Challenge. The gist of it is, you read a book from each of 6 countries in each of 6 continents. Maybe it really should be called the 6-6 Challenge since it's 6 books from 6 continents, but only one from each country. Whatever. Jim (drneutron) helped me recreate the grid I used back then to track my reads. I would love to be able to post it here to give a sense of what I am doing but in the meantime, I will simply say I list the 6 continents across the top, then the 6 individual countries beneath each continent. I fill in each box as I read a book from that country. So Pamuk's book will give me a book for both challenges to start off the year! (I am easily amused ;-)

Happy new year!

Good luck with the 66 challenge and I will be reading My Name is Red for the Asian Challenge--here we go!

>42 jessibud2: So Pamuk's book will give me a book for both challenges to start off the year! (I am easily amused ;-)

...and this is what you also have to do going forward! :D

>22 jessibud2: Good luck with your strategy, Shelley. I know I need to do something about my piles of books too. Our strata has another offer on the table so I may have to end up moving them. We still have snow here, so strange. Your rain and drizzle is more our speed. We even had some sunny weather for more than one day!

I'd planned to read Like a Sword Wound today to start out the Asian Shindig but Godborn: Gods of Bronze grabbed my eyelashes and refused to let go of them. At least it made up for the truly *awful* "thriller" that London & I both foundered on earlier!

I will cross all crossable parts that you and Pamuk delight in each others' company.

>43 Berly: - You know, Kim, I KNOW I had that one but for the life of me, I cannot find it anywhere. It's either in a box somewhere or somehow, got moved on even though I had not read it. But I did find Istanbul when I was looking, so that's the one I will read. Looks good anyhow!

>44 SqueakyChu: - Well, we shall see how that shakes out, Madeline!

>45 Familyhistorian: - Yikes, good luck, Meg. If they do make the decision this time, how much time would you have to find somewhere else to live?

It has been gray and wet and warmish all day but we are expecting snow overnight. As I always say, as long as I don't have to drive in it, I'm ok....

Istanbul Memories and the City by Orhan Pamuk is one of my favourite books!

Hi Shelley! Your new year's thread is starting out a bit like mine: spaces held for photos to be posted later. ;-)

I'm making the rounds and dropping off stars, hoping to keep up a little bit better in 2022 than I did last year!

Happy New Year to you, my friend!

>48 torontoc: - Oh, good to hear that, Cyrel. So far, I am enjoying it. It's my first by him.

>49 EBT1002: - Hi, Ellen! I have some good new pics stuck inside my cell phone at the moment. I am hoping to get them out and up onto my thread one of these days, hopefully before the end of this thread! Happy new year to you, too!

Not book-related but if anyone is interested (North-American), at 9 pm eastern time, on CNN, there is a concert with James Taylor and Carole King. I can't miss that one!

Happy New Year, Shelley!

Do you guys have any snow yet? I couldn’t believe it when I saw “no snow” up there.

Hi Joe and happy new year to you, too. Yes, we finally got snow 2 nights ago. It's been very cold the last 2 days so it's still on the ground but our temps will go above zero tomorrow and if it rains, it may well wash it away. We didn't get that much. It just seems wrong for it to be winter without snow. Thanks, climate change!

>42 jessibud2: Hi, Shelley, and Happy New Year! I remember reading Judith Viorst from WAY back when she wrote a column in Redbook magazine (I had to go look it up). I would borrow my Mom’s copy. Boy, that’s a trip down memory lane! I will have to check out her poetry!

Karen O.

>54 klobrien2: - Hello, Karen, welcome! Happy new year to you, too. Judith Viorst is very prolific. She has written a lot of poetry books but her *decades* series are delightful. The 3 I read last week to end the year were Forever Fifty and Other Negotiations, Suddenly Sixty and Unexpectedly Eighty. I ordered and am waiting for the 70 one. (I had bought the 80 one for my mum years ago but when we moved her to her assisted living place, I took it home with me to add to my collection).

>55 jessibud2: Uh-oh, I think I’m in trouble when I visit your thread—you have so many BBs flying around! And I’m off to see if my library(ies) have any of those!

Karen O

I have resolved not to take umbrage at the utter absence of acknowledgment of >46 richardderus:.

Really. I have.

*noble profile*

>57 richardderus: - Oh dear. There is nothing to say...except...*smooch*

Forgiven? (bats eyelashes...)

>58 jessibud2: Well...you know, I suppose being forgiving is a net positive in the world.

*smooch*

>51 jessibud2: Sorry I missed that!

Happy Wednesday, Shelley!

>59 richardderus: - Yay!

>60 alcottacre: - Stasia, you could probably find it On Demand or maybe even on the CNN website. It was a really great doc/concert and worth seeking out.

Stopping by to say hello. Today was yet another overcast one. Tomorrow is bringing snow and ice. I am so very glad I am retired. The memories of my car spinning around in ice because I was so dedicated to my job, now seems foolish.

Hi, Shelley! I hope it's not too late to wish you a Very Happy New Year. Anyway, I've starred your thread and look forward to doing a lot of dodging and ducking to avoid getting his by too many BBs. (Although I'm afraid it may already be too late - those Viorst titles (>55 jessibud2:) are too wonderful to ignore!)

I also want to thank you so much for the calendar envelope package. I got it yesterday. It's so clever and cool! Can't wait to try it myself.

>62 Whisper1: - Hi, Linda. It's been quite cold here too and overcast. Winter, what can I say?

>63 Storeetllr: - Hi, Mary. The Viorst books are easily read in a single sitting but are loads of fun. I like the way she thinks! I finally found your thread - it took some sleuthing but it's now starred.

Well, feast or famine. I got myself on 5 or 6 waiting lists for a covid booster shot and last week, finally got an appointment - for next week. So here I am, watching Jeopardy when a text comes in. An appointment is available at one of the pharmacies whose waiting list I am on. I chose tomorrow but by the time I checked all the boxes, there were no appointments left for tomorrow. Oh lovely, here we go again. But I lucked out and managed to get a slot on Saturday, the 8th. Absolutely none of my waiting list holds or my original appointment for next week will be cancelled until that shot is in my arm. It can't come soon enough!

In other news, can I possibly be in a reading slump already? It's the 6th day of the new year and I am reading 3 books and can't seem to sit still long enough to focus on any. It will pass, I know, but sheesh.

>65 jessibud2: Weeelll...yes, it's good to have an appointment but it's also unsettling to have nothing certain and solid. Makes sense you'd feel less like settling into something quite yet.

>66 richardderus: - Yeah, that makes sense. Once I finish my first book I will feel better.

>60 alcottacre: - Stasia, I was watching CNN tonight and noticed they advertised for the James Taylor/Carole King concert to air again this weekend, Saturday I believe. Check your listings.

>65 jessibud2: Shelley, I'm having trouble reading, too. I have 3 books going and can't concentrate on any. I did finish one--a Miss Read book.

And I DNF'ed another thinking of you! This was Still Life by Sarah Winman, which everyone has raved about and which I waited weeks for my hold at the library. I only read 10 pages because: 1) too many references to cigarettes in the first 10 pages; 2) it starts out with 2 women who are passive-aggressive and exceedingly nasty to each other--no thanks--get enough of that in Chicago traffic; and 3) NO QUOTATION MARKS FOR DIALOGUE. I spent more time trying to figure who was talking and whether it was dialogue or narration than I spent time reading. It was SO frustrating, and I refuse to labor over 450+ pages.

Rant over. I wish I could read it, because the reviews sound like it gets better. I guess I'll wait for the movie, if it makes it that far. Apologies to anyone who loved this book.

P.S. hope your appt comes through.

Yay for your booster appointment Shelley.

Holding out for the pics up top!

>65 jessibud2: Good luck with the booster shot. I booked mine in the middle of December and am considered in the priority group. The earliest day I was able to get an appointment is on Jan 12th. * sigh* it's almost here.

>68 kac522: - Kathy, thank you so much for mentioning that. I was also looking forward to getting to the Winman book at some point because of all the warbling but, NO QUOTATION MARKS for dialogue?!! You just saved me a ton of time (not to mention, aggravation). Maybe if I can find it on audio, I will give it a try. I did that for The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue. That hard copy had no quotation marks but the audio, read by the author, was excellent.

>69 Caroline_McElwee: - Today is the day, Caroline. I have not yet called my cell phone company but it's top of my to-do list today. With any luck, I should be able to download my photos off my phone to my computer and once that's done, I can fill in my own blanks at the top of this thread!

>70 figsfromthistle: - I got myself on the waiting lists for several pharmacies, Anita then, through the govt website, was able to book an appointment, also scheduled for Jan. 12. But one of the pharmacies notified me last night so I grabbed it. Tomorrow, high noon, I get *shot*. ;-)

>71 jessibud2: congratulations on getting an appointment for tomorrow. It is really disgraceful that more places for vaccination were not opened in Dec. The authorities knew that more people were eligible for the third vaccine.
Oh, I just ordered the Winman book!

>71 jessibud2: Shelley, the audio of Still Life is full of fabulous. Winman narrates it herself and does an excellent job. When I read it, I started with the print and switched to the audio.

>73 Crazymamie: - Oh, that's good to know, Mamie, thanks. I will make a note of that for when I am ready to get back to library borrows. My main goal this year is to read more off my own shelves and considering that we are barely a week into the new year, I really ought to give that a fair chance.... my house could be a library! (But those library books are so tempting, aren't they?)

>71 jessibud2:, >73 Crazymamie: Thanks for mentioning audio; at least with audio I'd stick with it a bit longer. I have to say I was rather put off by the first few pages--the women seemed so distant and nasty and not likeable. Does it get better? Do the characters actually speak decently to one another?

>75 kac522: It does get better, and that scene is mostly to give you background into character personality, so one of those characters pretty much disappears from the narrative in short order.

>76 Crazymamie: Thanks. I have to say that first scene (as well as the no quotation marks) had me slamming the book in short order. Did not draw me in, to say the least. I will give the audio book a try when the hold queue goes down at the library.

Hi Shelley,
Thanks for dropping by my thread (ending in December).

As promised, popping in a bit here and there on the Talk threads.
I'm enjoying A Rising Man ATM. I didn't note the BB source in my LT notes, but so far it is enticing.

Largely I have rewritten my profile to shorten the blah-blah and post my reading progress this year with succinct comments. This plan has worked out well so far because look at the threads! They're on fire.

Leaving you here with a laugh (I hope)

Fingers crossed all goes well with getting your booster, Shelley. I got mine at the end of December. The only concern was hoping the highway was okay to drive to get there given the snow.

On the latest offer there was a year rent free after closing so there would be time to look as long as there are places to be found. The real estate market here is crazy!

Good luck with your booster, Shelley. I had absolutely no reaction to my booster except for very minor tenderness at the injection site. Mine was Moderna. I hope you get yours quickly and without any troublesome side effects. Stay safe and healthy!

>78 SandyAMcPherson: - Oh dear. ;-p

>79 Familyhistorian: - That sounds like a fair deal, Meg, the year of rent-free to find something else!

>80 SqueakyChu: - My appointment is actually at 3 pm, not noon as I originally thought. I guess I am overly-eager....;-)

...and I came as soon as I thought was reasonable to find out if your arm had dropped off yet, or if Bill Gates was beaming stock tips into your brain, or....

Yes, how did it go, Shelley? Are you all boostered up?

>82 richardderus:, >83 Storeetllr: - No, I forgot to *read*. My appointment is at 3 pm, not high noon. Am I excited or what. I had no reaction at all to my first 2 shots other than the soreness at the injection site that always happens after any shot. Within 24 hours it always goes away.

I am left-handed and always choose my right arm for shots so no worries there, Richard, ;-). And hey, any and all financial tips won't be rejected! ;-)

>61 jessibud2: Good idea! I will have to look and see if I can find it. I am a big fan of both Taylor and King.

I hope the booster shot does not have any unintended consequences!

Apropos of shots in the arm, when I got jabbed for, I think, the flu shot, the nurse said that shaking the arm first to fully relax it and keeping the muscles loose would preclude soreness at the site. So, I tried it when I got the booster and it worked! I couldn't even tell I'd gotten the jab!

happy that you are getting boosted, Shelley, I think it does really help with milder symptoms if you do get the new variant.

Public service announcement (well, maybe not public service but an announcement anyhow). I would like to invite everyone (except Richard - you've been warned;-)
to go to >2 jessibud2: and see the collage a friend made for me. I will fill in the next couple of posts eventually (or not) but I had to share this one. He is such a monkey! So innocent and relaxed when he is sleeping. Not so much when awake.

>85 alcottacre:, >86 Storeetllr:, >87 banjo123: - Thanks, Stasia, Mary and Rhonda. As a kid who had allergy shots in both arms weekly for years, I have never been particularly bothered by injections. And luckily, never had any bad reaction to any. Today, I am just happy to have finally got the appointment!

Yay for uploading Theo's picture! :D

>2 jessibud2: He's a gorgeous one!

>2 jessibud2: Such a cutie (when he's asleep)! Our cat - who is likewise a sweetheart when sleeping but otherwise not - probably thinks his name is "WYNSTON, NO!!!! Dammit!"

>2 jessibud2: hahaha, great photos. Love the one with his head through the stair rails Shelley.

>2 jessibud2: oh, nice!

>2 jessibud2: Gorgeous kitty!

Karen O.

Thanks, all. He really is a goofball. And Caroline, that's probably my favourite, too. I nearly died laughing when I found him sleeping on the stairs like that!

Very cute photos, Shelley!

And have you gotten your booster shot?

I can’t remember, if I wished you a happy new year, so maybe this is the second time: Happy New Year, and happy reading!

Hi Ella. Yes, I got my booster shot this afternoon. We were somewhat delayed because a man ahead of me in line brought his 2 young daughters to get their shots but after being questioned by the pharmacist, turns out they only got their first shots a couple of weeks ago and were not yet eligible for their second. All of which should have been dealt with and caught online when booking. There is a fairly in-depth questionnaire to fill out before you get to book an appointment. The only thing I can think of is that he wasn't honest when booking, and thus, wasted everyone's time today. All our appointments were delayed by a bit more than half an hour. The lady behind me was mightily pissed off but I had my book with me so it didn't bother me as much. I managed to read several pages while waiting! The main point is that I got it and have spent the last little while happily cancelling my spot on all the waiting lists I was on!

And happy new year to you too! :-)

>98 jessibud2: I'm so relieved you finally got that booster. We're seeing that most patients who are hospitalized with covid here have not been vaccinated...plus the rest of them mostly (but not all) have not received a booster. The booster is most protective (but not completely) against omicron. Stay safe and healthy, Shelley.

Yay for being boostered at last!

I ain't see nuffink in >2 jessibud2:. Cuz I dint go.

>99 SqueakyChu: - Thanks, Madeline. It's the same here re hospitalizations and a very high percentage of those are non-vaxxed.

>100 richardderus: - Good boy! I love it when people listen to me! ;-) (not even a quick peek?)

>98 jessibud2: Congrats on getting the booster done, Shelley! Kerry and I still need to get ours. Hopefully soon!

>98 jessibud2: Yay! on getting your shot and on being able to cancel all those other appts and feeling a teeny less stressed.

Happy Sunday, Shelley! Congrats on the booster. Any issues yet? I got mine over a month ago, with no problems, other than minor soreness in my arm.

Good morning Stasia, Kathy and Mark. A bit sore upper arm this morning but that is to be expected. It wasn't enough to prevent me from reaching up when I went out to hang up the bird feeder! I will take it a bit easy today but otherwise, expect nothing to be out of the ordinary. I have never had a bad reaction to a shot in my life and don't think I will start now.

Mark, I have noticed goldfinches at my feeder this week! I had been wondering where they were as they used to be regulars. I almost missed them as they are in their winter drab and look a lot like the rest of the crowd, except for the black and white tail. I guess the word is out! Still seeing lots of juncos and all the other regulars around here: nuthatches, cardinals, downies and sparrows. And one gray pigeon who is cruising for a bruising if he returns!

Hello, Shelley! I love the cat collage you posted up top - so fun. Your Theo is full of gorgeous.

Congrats on getting the booster! I get mine on Wednesday :)

>106 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie. I have often - OFTEN - thought that the names of 2 of your cats, Mischief and Mayhem, would be much more suited to my Theo. :-)

>107 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita, Good luck with yours soon!

I watched an interesting film yesterday from Hot Docs, called The Devil's Horn. It's the history of the saxophone and of the creator himself (whose own story is like something out of a book!).

Here's the trailer: https://boxoffice.hotdocs.ca/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=153923~fff311b7-cd...;

And the blurb: Discover the 160-year-old history of the saxophone and its alternately thrilling and troubling legacy. Once thought to be an "evil" instrument, the sax was banned and burned by both the Nazis and Pope Pius X, while the musicians who played it were jailed or exiled. Acclaimed filmmaker Larry Weinstein offers a fascinating look at this beloved and feared instrument alongside riveting tales of history’s greatest saxophone players. Follow Weinstein as he explores the origins of Adolphe Sax, the man who created the sax a century and a half ago, and traces the fascinating cultural role played by this "cursed" instrument over time and across borders.

Shelley, have you seen Bill's review of the new graphic/illustrated On Tyranny? The book looks amazing:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/337746#7719437

>110 kac522: - I did and I immediately went to my library's site to see if they had it, totally prepared to break my promise to myself to NOT borrow library books this early in the year. Thankfully (I guess), it's not in our system yet. But I do want to get my paws on that one! It DOES look excellent.

>110 kac522: >111 jessibud2: It really does look good! I found a digital copy of the GN the other day at the library and reserved it, but today I checked again and they have a print version of it! So of course I immediately reserved it. I'm even considering buying a copy, and I seldom buy books anymore (no room and can't afford it). But this one looks like I need it.

>110 kac522: Wow! That looks amazing. I have the original book and have read it multiple times. I have also given copies to my friends. It is so simple, yet so deep and thoughtful.

>109 jessibud2: When I was in grade school, I wanted to learn to play the saxophone because the boy in which I was interested did. I have loved the instrument since then. The documentary looks interesting. Thanks for sharing the link, Shelley!

Have a great rest of your week!

HI Shelley, I learned how to play the trumpet in early high school. Oh man, that's where I got my sex/ed as the rest of the trumpet players were young males full of thoughts and conversation that goes with being young males. I switched to french horn which was a better match for me. But there is an environment that goes with a musical instrument. I found that out!

Good to see that you finally got your booster, Shelley. I thought I would get away with no after effects too but that wasn't to be. At least they were short lived. The graphic novel of On Tyranny is on order at my library but after reading Bill's review (thanks for the link), I might just buy a copy.

>112 Storeetllr:, >113 SqueakyChu:, >116 Familyhistorian: - Mary, Madeline, Meg - I think our local libraries (smaller branches) are closed at the moment but once they reopen, I will ask them to order it for our library. They have taken my requests before!

>114 alcottacre:, >115 mdoris: - Stasia, Mary, I never learned to play an instrument though I did half-heartedly try guitar, as a teen. The film was an interesting look at the history of Sax and the incredibly controversial instrument he invented. I found it fascinating. I love the sound of the saxophone (though, I will admit ignorance and sometimes mix it up with the clarinet)

I had no side effects at all, Meg. Thankfully. I rarely have, in my life. I guess I am just lucky that way.

Can someone please give me a current link to the tickers? I just got a 404 not found when I clicked on the link I used to use. I was going to try to upload a ticker this year but maybe not...

Ugh. The dreaded 404. Try this; it's the one I use: https://www.tickerfactory.com/counter/wrrR7iW/

Good luck!

>119 Storeetllr: - Thanks, Mary. Unfortunately, that is the same one as I had. For some reason, when I click on your link, I do get in but it won't accept my choices. It shows my password in dots (and I see no way to change it to something new). I went through each selection of ruler and counter and numbers, etc, saved each step but when I go to finish, it says wrong settings and I have no idea how to fix that. I can't even find a way to start fresh as if for the first time and create a new password.

I think I will save myself the aggravation of last year's attempts and just do without a ticker and just keep count, myself, in my opening threads.

Instead of creating a new password, click on the button at the bottom that says "create your own ticker" because you're trying to make a ticker of your own, not modify Mary's!

>121 richardderus: - I did. That was my starting point.

Ugh. That's too bad. I know I've had issues with Ticker, but this year I did okay with it. Interesting that it links to my page. I went to the main webpage and grabbed that address, but I guess it defaults to my page. Weird.

Ok, I just tried something else. I went to the main page, the www.tickerfactory and tried to start fresh. So far so good; let's see if I can get back into it next time!

The html code. The one with the chevron signs at the beginning and end.

Edited to say sorry, I thought you asked which code to use. Also, congrats on figuring it out!

>125 Storeetllr: - Lol, I did, Mary, but then I found a note to myself in my book to use the HTML and it worked (see >4 jessibud2:) so I edited my post. You are just too fast! Thanks, though!

Glad to hear that the ticker situation has been resolved! Happy Thursday, Shelley!

>126 jessibud2: I always feel like a total genius when I figure out these techie things that seem like child's play to everyone else! Good for you!

Happy Monday!

Are you snowed in yet ?

-My backyard

Morning, Shelley. How are the feeders doing? Mine have been quiet the past couple of days.

Wow, yes, Anita and Mark. SNOW day here in Toronto. Of course, I am not teaching so it doesn't affect me but today was supposed to be the first day on back to in-person school after being online since Christmas. But not today, it's postponed at least one more day, as we are in the middle of a blizzard. A real one, not the 3 flakes that most Torontonians consider a blizzard, lol!

I went out to hang up the feeder and shoveled in front of my front door. By the time I came in, the shoveled part was totally filled in!

The birds are in a frenzy, so I am happy that I filled it and put it out. I just hope it doesn't blow down! There are goldfinches, juncos, cardinals. some sparrows and one fat opportunistic squirrel. It's fun to watch. Theo and Owen are enjoying *cat tv* too! ;-)

Morning, Shelley!

>130 msf59: Aw, my favorite bird! I know they're not rare or anything, but I've always loved cardinals.

>131 jessibud2: - Hi Amber. Yes, me too, and they just brighten up winter, especially the males!

>133 jessibud2: Right? The look so nice against the whiteness of the snow (when we're lucky enough to have the snow).

This pic is from a long time ago, when we had the ice storm, but it illustrates my point:

>135 jessibud2: Oooh, gorgeous!

>135 jessibud2: How gorgeous. Bad for the tree, not great for the human taking the pic, don't think the birb really cares, but it sure looks spectacular.

Thanks, Amber and Richard.

We are having a major snow event here at the moment. I love it, actually. I went out to shovel a bit but since it has only slowed down not stopped, I will wait and finish later. It's light, fluffy and not cold at all outside. The way the wind blows on my street causes drifts against my garage door so the snow on my side of the street is a bit above my knee level.

My feeder is experiencing a frenzy of juncos, goldfinches, nuthatches and I did have a cardinal earlier.

In fact, we have the same snow right now as it appear Cornell has (but they have better birds! lol):

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/cornell-lab-feederwatch/

Stay warm!

>135 jessibud2: That is a beautiful picture, Shelley, the cardinal really stands out.

So, Toronto got around 40cm of snow today, that's just under 16 inches. The city is going nuts. Growing up in Montreal, this was typical winter, year in and year out. Of course, climate change has changed that there these days but here, well, it's different. I am grateful I didn't have to drive in it today and the sun was out and it wasn't cold, making it very pretty.

Your snow made our news, Shelley. You got so much more than the 15cm of snow that would make us all go crazy - so much better than the snow in Montreal. Montreal snow fall has been burned into my memory! (probably because I was the one who had to shovel it all.

*stares at naked parking lot*

*happy, if inconsiderate, sigh*

Excellent article in the New York Times by Amanda Gorman and how she very nearly declined to be the inaugural poet:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/20/opinion/amanda-gorman-poem-inauguration.html?...

And, from last year, an essay by my favourite essayist, Margaret Renkl:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/05/opinion/poets-poetry-month.html?action=click&...

>143 richardderus: - Hi Richard!

>142 Familyhistorian: - Toronto is still digging out, Meg, and I am so glad I was smart enough to shovel a ton of the stuff away from the house and foundation in the back, to avoid another basement catastrophe once the melt comes - which won't be any time soon. We are at -17C right now, feeling like -25C with the windchill and no warm-up in sight.

Hey, Shelley, finally managed to stop by! Glad you don't have to be anywhere. Sounds like we are having similar temps today, but I don't have the snow to contend with!

All 8 books I've read this year have been off my own shelf. Unfortunately, they have all been rereads.

Hi Roni. My city is still digging out though my particular street is done. The temps remain quite cold though.

So, the first month of the year is not nearly done yet and I am already in a reading slump. Maybe better to get it over with early. I am reading 3 books and none of them is grabbing me. They are each good, very different from one another in every possible way and I am not ready to cast any of them onto the DNF pile but I think I just need something that will pull me right in and not let me go.

The first is Istanbul by Orhan Pamuk, for the Asian challenge. It's good but slow going for me. The second is The Vanishing Half and it's ok but for whatever reason, and despite all the hype I have heard on LT, I am finding it a bit of a slog. Also, a couple of niggly detail little things, like the mention of a colour tv in the 1940s? Really? I always notice things like that and sometimes wish I didn't...

The third book is called Women of the Pandemic by a Toronto journalist and it's fascinating and heartbreaking and very good but I need breaks.

Anyhow, I have also spent much of my afternoon today clearing papers from the shelves of my computer table. Decluttering. I will have to live a long time to completely declutter. It's a full-time job and paper seems to have a way of reproducing. I did watch a film on my computer while doing it so there was that. Still, I may scan my shelves later to see if any book calls my name and demands to be read Right Now.

Sorry to hear about your reading slump. it happens for sure and you will get back on the horse no doubt very soon. TVH I read as a bookclub read and the parts I liked others did not and vice versa You never know!

Hi Mary. I forgot to mention that I am also reading Braiding Sweetgrass and quite loving it. It's one of those books, though, that I feel I need to read slowly and savour so I try to read a chapter or so each night before bed. My cousin gave it to me and told me that's how she read it and I have to agree.

Last night I also started Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson. It's the imagined backstory of Anne, and so far, so good.

>135 jessibud2: I love this photo!

Happy Saturday, Shelley. I hope Braiding Sweetgrass pulls you out of your slump. It is a terrific read.

>150 msf59: - I took that shot, Mark, during the height of the ice storm in 2014. It's the fir tree in my front yard, the one I hang my feeder from. The feeder has been hopping this week, since our big snowstorm Monday. The most current regulars are the juncos and goldfinches, with the other regulars swinging by: cardinals, chickadees, sparrows. And the relentless fat black squirrel.

I have a funny update event to report. It's almost embarrassing how proud I am but yesterday, for the first time ever, I saw Owen chase and then jump on Theo, with Theo on the bottom, looking stunned. It's about damned time!

I wish I had had my camera ready but I just laughed and laughed and praised Owen. I'm a bad mom but hell, it was a long time coming! I guess Owen had just been on the receiving end one time too many... ;-)

>147 jessibud2: Pick yourself up an old favourite and reread it Shelley. I find that can help.

>152 jessibud2: That made me smile, Shelley.

>153 Caroline_McElwee: For me when I get stuck reading-wise, as I often do - I find it helps to revert to an author who I know never fails to deliver for me - a series read or a poet that stirs me or an author I always love (a Lively or Spark or Greene etc).

Have a good weekend. x

>152 jessibud2: Hurray for Owen!

>147 jessibud2: Keep picking up books until you get one that grabs you. I have tons of unfinished books here at home. I can either read them later or give them away, but I always like to have a book I'm *really* interested in be my "pick me up now" book. I hate to slog through books. Presently I only have one "stalled" book which I'll probably set aside to read at a later date. My "pick-me-up-now" book The Woman in the Window (which Jose just finished reading) is a real page turner so it just kicked my "stalled" book out of first place. :D

>153 Caroline_McElwee: - I have reread books on occasion, Caroline, but as a rule, I am not a rereader. I generally feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of books in my house that I have not yet read!

>154 PaulCranswick: - Thanks, Paul. I do like to read books by favourite authors or genres, and I turn to those when I find myself flitting aimlessly.

>155 SqueakyChu: - I am like you, Madeline. I have a pile of *later* books, ones I don't want to abandon altogether and intend to get back to. The *current* books are piled up on my dining room table and I have been cycling through them. But the Green Gables one so far is holding my interest and maybe later today I will sit down and get further into it.

Ok, so generally, the subject of marketing holds little to less than no interest for me. I mute tv commercials when watching tv because most are dumb, at best, or downright obnoxious, at worst and most magazines seem nothing more than a few articles sandwiched between glossy ads. I can barely think of a single reason I could be persuaded to listen to an entire radio program about marketing. Unless it's Terry O'Reilly's show, Under the Influence. I have been listening to him for years. He is brilliant, funny and has a real talent for making even someone like me interested in marketing.

So, why am I bothering to post this here, you ask? Who cares? Well, today's episode is all about books and libraries and creativity. And even those of us LTers who are not librarians will find this worth a listen!

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/the-earliest-known-elvis-signature-wa... Click the listen button. You're welcome.

:-)

>149 jessibud2: Hi Shelley. i have Braiding Sweetgrass waiting in the wings. it is an April bookclub selection and I am looking forward to reading it. I must read many books slowly to hear the music of language. i am right now continuing my reading of Niall Williams books and he is so gifted with language that slow for me is the very best way. History of the Rain. I am on a run with his books as I think he is so amazing!

Yeah Owen. Glad you showed Theo a thing or two.

>149 jessibud2: Oooh, Shelley--just found Braiding Sweetgrass at a library sale today for $2! I couldn't believe it, since I had just added it to my Wishlist! Plus the Friends of the Library volunteer who sold it to me had read it, and raved about it, too. Probably won't get to it for awhile, but it was just so cool to find it.

>157 jessibud2: Thanks for that, Shelley.

>147 jessibud2: I reading slumps! I hope yours goes away soon, Shelley!

Please send some snow my way. We have yet to have gotten any this winter.

Happy Sunday!

I have heard a lot of good things about braiding sweetgrass. It's on my WL. Hopefully it brings you out of your reading slump.

Hi Shelley!

Yikes. I’m way behind.

>98 jessibud2: Congrats on your booster shot, sorry for the idiot man ahead of you. Glad you had your book. I’ve stopped taking books places but play around on my cell phone.

>105 jessibud2: Nice to see you putting out feeders again. Good luck keeping the pigeons away.

>135 jessibud2: Beautiful picture!

>147 jessibud2: I’m very sorry about the reading slump. I’m fighting my way out of one, too. I’ve got too many books going, alas.

>152 jessibud2: I’m glad to read that Owen thumped Theo.

>163 karenmarie: - Hi Karen! Did you catch my addition to >2 jessibud2:? I think it will make you smile ;-)

>157 jessibud2: That was a hilarious half hour...LOVED the trash-talking librarians, and "Dr Jekyll's Pharmacy" the best!

>157 jessibud2: Thank you Shelley.

>152 jessibud2:. Go, Owen!!

Hope you find something to read that piques your interest. I am trying to incorporate more page-turners in my reading this year.

>152 jessibud2: Must have been writing at the same time. Ata boy Owen. I love Theo too, but he needs to be given a bit of his own medicine.

>158 mdoris: - Thanks, Mary. Owen is so much more laid back now than I could ever have imagined last year at this time. I will also check out Niall Williams, at some point, thanks.

>159 kac522:, >162 figsfromthistle: - Yay, Kathy and Anita. I think you will enjoy it. It's not even a book I think I would have picked up on my own but my cousin (who has similar reading tastes as mine) really loved it and ended up buying me a copy. And she was right.

>160 PaulCranswick:, >165 richardderus:, >166 BLBera: - I am glad you enjoyed it, Paul, Richard, Beth. He is really fun and almost all the episodes are as good.

>161 alcottacre: - Stasia, stay tuned. I have photos for you. You may regret your request, lol!

>167 banjo123:, >168 Caroline_McElwee: - Thanks, Rhonda and Caroline. Owen is mellowing and standing up for himself and who knows, maybe Theo is growing up (he will be 2 years old next week!) :-)

Last Monday's snow storm was a biggie for Toronto. It was like a normal winter in Montreal when I was growing up but still, there is no getting away from the fact that it was a lot.
Looking out my front door, on Tuesday morning, this is what it looked like. To the left of the shovel, under all the snow, is my driveway:



The front was less of a problem for me. After 3 major basement floods in under 2 years a few years ago, my big task on Tuesday was to shovel the snow away from the wall and foundation of my house in the back, and off the window well covers, so when the big melt comes (not any time soon; it's freezing here!) it can hopefully not end up in the basement.

Here, I was trying to open the back door. I really had to lean my shoulder against it to push it open enough to get out:


The snow was up to the window ledges:

The brown blob under the snow is a canvas covering of my patio table and chairs. The blob against the fence is hiding an orange canvas cover for my air conditioner.



An hour or so later, I have made progress. I should add that on Tuesday, the snow was still very light, fluffy and easy to shovel. By Wednesday, with the overnight freeze, it would have been like shoveling bricks. SO glad I did it when I did!


I am happy it's done, and the truth is that I like shoveling. But I am not getting younger and this is enough! ;-)

I didn't do my walking exercises on Tuesday, I think I got enough exercise!

Oh, Your snow looks like my snow! Very high! I have a lot on one part of my roof and am using my roof heating wires ( if they are working- hard to tell) during the day.

Wow! You really did get a hefty snowfall! We've had some snow here in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York, but nothing like that. It's mostly the below freezing temps making for icy roads and walkways that are making our lives miserable. Even my energetic 3-year old granddaughter doesn't want to play outside in it.

Having had the basement flood three times this past year (the last time was last week), I definitely empathize with your need to try and make sure it doesn't happen again.

>172 torontoc: - Roof heating wires? What is that, Cyrel, I've not heard of that! At my place, there are icicles hanging down from the roof and window overhangs. You take your life in your hands when you walk under them, praying not to be impaled!

>173 Storeetllr: - It is snowing again now, Mary, but not enough to have the impact of last week. And with the freezing temps, the roads and walkways are indeed treacherous. Though salt is necessary to help prevent slip and fall accidents, I really do worry about the impact of all that salt on the roads, and lawns and water (it eventually ends up going down the sewers, once the melt and rain come). It can't be good for the environment.

It ploofed a dust of snow on us last night, but it's so warm it's turned into whitish patches of sludge. This has been a winter a lot like the Austin winters of my childhood.

>175 richardderus: - They said on the news tonight that last Monday's snow totaled more than the combined accumulation of Jan, Feb and March of last year. It has been coming down here all day today, and still is but it won't match last week. Thank goodness. I have already been out to shovel once this afternoon and expect it will take at least one more go-through but I will wait till it's done, this time. I do like shoveling at night when everything is super quiet and sparkly.

Oh, can we do a trade? Please? We haven’t had any snow here at all this winter. Just rain and grey skies and more grey skies. I’d love some snow at this point.

Praise to Owen, for standing up for himself, well done!

>174 jessibud2: Roof heating wires- I had installed on the lower part of my roof near the eavestroughs a set of wires in a zig zag pattern . When there is a lot of snow I turn them on and they emit a low level of heat- it helps to melt the snow and prevent big build ups and icicles. (although in this snowfall , the snow was heaped on one part of my roof so I did get icicles.

I want snow here too! We have not had any. You did a great job clearing it out, Shelley. Pack some up and send it to me, OK?

>179 alcottacre: Be careful what you wish for! Four feet of snow is not a happy place when you have to shovel it! But it doesn't look nice sometimes.

That's a lot of snow, Shelley. You're lucky that it's the fluffy stuff. We mostly get the heavy wet stuff here (heart attack snow) but our snow is all gone now.

Owen turning the tables on Theo brought a smile to my face. Is Theo treating him differently now?

>177 EllaTim: - Be careful what you wish for, Ella. It's icy underneath and not fun anymore.

>178 torontoc: - Sounds like a good idea but here, it depends what side of the street you are on. My side (in front) gets sun in the afternoon, which melts the ice down to the pavement on the driveway. My neighbour, across the street, has icicles melting down and has a very thick (and very dangerous) patch of ice on the exact portion of the driveway between her garage and her front door. She is elderly and doesn't walk well. I just went over to try to chop the ice with my shovel but it's too thick even for that. I put a lot of salt on the ice but it's still treacherous. And while I don't have much in the way of icicles from the roof in the front, you should see them in the back! EEK! I'll try to add a pic if I can.

>179 alcottacre: - See my note to Ella, Stasia, lol!

>181 Familyhistorian: - Well, it's not so fluffy today, Meg. I just went out to the back to try to clear what fell yesterday and it's all ice.

Owen's show of bravery may have been a one-off, I'm afraid, if their antics this morning are any indicator. We shall see. Things are usually peaceful until Theo gets a burst of energy, if you get my drift... ;-)

Wow! That is a lot of snow!! Being from MN I recognize the opening-the-door dilemma. Good job shoveling out. Sorry Owen's bravery seems a one and done. I think it means that he can and will but only now and then. You'll have to see. Love the cardinal in the ice photo. : )

I put cat litter on heavy ice on my driveway- it works for me!

>183 Berly: - Hi, Kim. Good to see you pop in. I did get lucky with that cardinal pic. I just checked and it was the ice storm we had in 2014. I will go correct that date in my previous post.

>184 torontoc: - I used to keep a bag of cat litter in the trunk of my car, Cyrel, for that purpose when I was out and about. Don't really need it for the driveway. My driveway is flat, no slope, and gets full sun all afternoon so the melt usually is dependable.

Ok, who watched Jeopardy tonight? Just WOW!!!
Amy seemed a tad off her game tonight, not as quick on the buzzer as she usually is but I was very surprised at the outcome. It's rare that she misses a thing!

I am happy for the new guy, though, if I am honest, he doesn't seem like *long streak* material, but who knows. (And, ahem, those glasses!! lol)

>186 jessibud2: I did. I knew the answer for the final today and yet Amy did not! I can't believe it! I yelled out Noooooo! I shall miss Amy :(

>187 figsfromthistle: - Well, she will be back for the Tournament of Champions, that's for sure.

-Harry Bliss

Happy Friday, Shelley! It looks like you can use a little smile after all that snow. How much did you get? It looks like our east coast, especially New England is about to get hammered. I wish them luck.

>189 msf59: - It's freezing here, Mark, but (for now), the snow accumulation has stopped. Enjoy your escape to exotic climes! Make sure your camera is charged!

Hi Shelley!

>164 jessibud2: Yes, and I love the collage. He looks so much like our Wash and I especially love the paws in front of him photos – that’s just like Wash, too.

>170 jessibud2: Wow. Just, wow.

>174 jessibud2: They brine our major roads out here, and that’s only getting 1” or so. We did get 3” last weekend, and have another 1” or so coming this weekend. Everybody’s in a tizzy because we’re getting snow Three Weekends In A Row!

>191 karenmarie: - Hi Karen. They really are funny, aren't they. I may just use that collage again on the next thread I start, which should probably be sooner rather than later...

Just stopping by to thank you for stopping by my thread while I have been sick, Shelley.

Have a wonderful weekend!

>186 jessibud2: It seemed like Amy was running out of steam the longer her wins went on. She did really well with the final questions until recently. I was shocked that she couldn't pull out the answer to the question she was defeated on, though.

Is your snow getting to the disappearing stage yet?

>193 alcottacre: - Hi, Stasia. Glad that you are out and about. That means the worst is behind you!

>194 Familyhistorian: - Hi, Meg. Nope, no melt here yet although today was *warmer* than it's been all week. Only minus single digits, lol. This entire past week has been brutally cold.

Yesterday I bought an ice pick. It looks like an axe with one wider blade and one pointy blade. I bought it because my elderly neighbour across the street had a huge ice build-up outside her front door and was afraid to go out, even the tiny space from the garage to her front door was treacherous. I tried chopping it with my shovel but it was too thick. Anyhow, an ice pick is something I will likely use again, in my back patio area, so I am happy to have purchased it. A few years ago, I borrowed an ice pick and mallet from another neighbour but he never replied to the email I sent him a few days ago asking to borrow it again so I just bought my own. It took me about half an hour this morning to chop that ice and now it's nearly all clear. Enough for her to get to her car safely, at any rate.

Today I caught Theo pawing furiously at the mirror. Maybe he thought I had brought home another cat? HA! Do cats even see images in the mirror? No idea...;-)

>195 jessibud2: My cats are funny when they see their reflections in something. I have one who will actively try to attack said reflection and another who flees from it!

Seriously Shelley I get cold just visiting your thread with snowfall and icepicks in abundance!

Stay warm and I hope your reading slump is done and dusted.

>195 jessibud2: Wow, that sounds pretty serious, an icepick and chopping through that much ice. Good for you, helping your neighbour out.

Oh, yes, cats can see a mirror image. But what they make of it? No smell, no sound, it looks like a cat? Theo wanted to know more, I guess.

Hiya Shelley!

Don't let all the unpleasantness and demonstrations get you down too much, Shelley.

Here's to a wonderful February. The disappearance of COVID and a world in more harmony.

>196 alcottacre: - Sort of like birds *seeing* their reflections in windows, right, Stasia? lol

>197 PaulCranswick: - I think we may get above zero C today, Paul. I will take advantage and clear more snow from the back patio area, because they say that starting tonight, more snow is on the way!

>198 EllaTim: - He is nothing if not curious, Ella! And he is now officially 2 years old!

>199 richardderus: - Hi, Richard! :-)

>200 PaulCranswick: - Thanks, Paul. It is difficult not to be discouraged and appalled about the behaviour of humans, sometimes. Often, even...

And now for something completely different (as Monty Python once said ;-)

Well, we have all heard about self-publishing. But probably not like this! I LOVE this story!

https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/i-always-be-sneaky-boise-eight-year-...

I think I am getting more cranky and contrary as I age. Take wordle. I tend to bristle and turn my back on anything *trendy*, just because. I don't want to do what *everyone* is doing just because it's trendy. (yeah, that was repetitive, I know). But I have always been this way, all my life. Different drummer....

But it's a word game. I am a nerd. I succumbed. Two days ago, I attempted my first wordle. I guessed it but it took all 6 tries. Yesterday I got it in 5 tries. Today, I got it in 3 tries. I guess I am hooked. Good thing it's only once a day or I'd probably be there all day...

;-p

>203 jessibud2: Heh! Yep. The very BEST thing about it is that it's not a time sink.

Hah! I'm a latecomer (for the same reason you resisted doing it) Wordle fan too (for the same reason you did it anyway), although now that the New York Times bought it, I think my days of Wordling are numbered.

Happy Lunar New Year, Shelley!

>203 jessibud2: Yes, I just "discovered" Wordle last week. What is (was?) great about it is that it's free, you don't have to register, and there's a new one every day. But now that the NYT swooped in, I suppose it won't be free for long and/or you'll have to register. You won't be able to just play.

In the meantime, I'm playing as many as I can on Wordle Archive--don't know if they've bought that, too:
https://www.devangthakkar.com/wordle_archive

>203 jessibud2: I just found the Dutch version of Wordle today, Shelley, waiting for the next one ;-)

>204 SqueakyChu:, >205 Storeetllr:, >206 kac522:, >207 FAMeulstee: - Good to have company. But wait, what does that mean, that the NYT has bought it? Will it no longer be available at the site it's currently on, only on the NYT website, in their games section? Kathy, how do you operate the archive. I just went there but have no idea how to go to other (previous) games.

Anita, is it also 5 letter words in Dutch, or do Dutch words have different configurations, longer words?

What a change in weather! From so much snow to plus 6! We have more snow on the way tomorrow though. *Sigh* It did not last long.

I am going to try Wordle out while it's still free!

Lucky I already subscribe to the NYT!

>209 figsfromthistle: - Yesterday and today felt like spring, didn't they? I think we only got up to +3 but it felt lovely. I took advantage and tried to clear away more of the ice that has accumulated from the roof melt. I got most of it at my neighbour's front stoop though there is still a patch that is stubbornly thick and just won't crack. Then this afternoon I spent a good half hour or more trying to chop away the thick ice from my back patio area and window well covers. The icicles from the roof are massive! One broke off and dislodged my metal trellis. I took some pictures and will try to upload those here tomorrow. Here, too, there are places where the ice is just too thick to break up, even with my shiny new ice pick/axe. I have never chopped wood in my life but I can't imagine it is much harder than chopping ice!

And yes, apparently, we are in for another dump, starting tonight/ tomorrow and possible continuing to Friday, though they say it won't be as much as 2 weeks ago. I did a quick grocery shop today so I don't have to be on the roads for the next few days.

>210 PaulCranswick: - So do I, Paul, online only. :-)

>212 jessibud2: We are peas in a pod!

>213 PaulCranswick: - Do you do any other of the NYT games, Paul? For awhile, I was doing a few of them daily but have slacked off somewhat.

>195 jessibud2: You are a good neighbor, Shelley.

>214 jessibud2: Not these days, Shelley. I used to love crosswords and sudoku but I am trying not to get distracted. I used to go on Sporcle.com all the time with its enormous array of games and quizzes.

Name all England cricket test debutants since 1960 in 20 minutes (300 of them and I could do it in about 16 minutes)
Name all the countries of the world (197 of them and I could do it easily)
Click 1-100 from a jumbled grid in 4 minutes (I could do about 3:15)
Click on a map of the USA without state borders highlighted - all 50 states I could do in a few minutes.

Very addictive.

>208 jessibud2: Shelley, on Wordle Archive, you'll see across the top (today):

Wordle Archive 226
where "226" is the number of the game. That is, they have archived 226 games, numbered 1 through 226.

Underneath you'll see 5 buttons:
FIRST = Wordle game #1 (this is where I started with the archive; it keeps track of ones you've done--on the same computer--with a red check next to the number of that game)
PREVIOUS = takes you back one game previous to the one you're on
CHOOSE = lets you choose which number game you want to play
NEXT = take you forward one game to the next game
LAST = Takes you to the last Wordle Archive (in this case, 226)

And we got snow like you did last week, Shelley, and today got so warm it rained, so much of the snow is gone now. BUT--the temps are starting to drop and we're supposed to get hit sometime after midnight through the morning, and then AGAIN sometime Wednesday evening. Depending on where you are in Chicagoland, north sections will get about 4 inches and southern sections could get up to 12 inches.

The thing I hate about Chicago snow is that we have "dibs" here in the city. When it snows more than a couple of inches, people put out old chairs, boxes, literally anything, to "hold" their shoveled-out parking space in front of their house, so that nobody else parks there when you move your car (go to work, school, store, etc.). It's tiresome and annoying (and illegal, but everybody does it):

https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/check-out-photos-of-chicagoans-getting-crea...

>208 jessibud2: It is the same, Shelley, 5 letter words are as common in Dutch.

Hmmph. I have a problem with Wordle. Are there written rules anywhere that I have missed? Because today's word really bothered me, and I am crying foul. I won't say more now, for spoiler purposes (and I don't know how to make spoiler alerts invisible here) but there is something just not right about today's game.

Pout. Trying not to be a sore loser.

Hi, Shelley. Debbi and I now have others shovel for us. She decided she didn’t want me retired only to keel over. But, like you, we enjoyed doing the shoveling before that. Something about a quiet snowy day and working the muscles to clear a path . . .

>220 jessibud2: I played today's game, Shelley, so you can send me a private message.

>215 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth. It's no big deal for me, really and I do worry about her.
>216 PaulCranswick: - Too bad you don't get the game show Jeopardy there, Paul. You be aces at it!!
>217 kac522: - I will have to go explore, Kathy, thanks. I think... ;-)
>218 kac522: - It rained enough here this morning for me to go out and pretty much finish up chopping and removing ice. Good thing, too, because I just looked out the window and the snow has started. It's gonna be a messy few days here...
>219 FAMeulstee: - It's so interesting - and cool! - that such words games can translate to other languages, isn't it, Anita?
>221 jnwelch: - Hi Joe! Well, I am glad to hear that you are handing over the shovel to others. Today, we are getting, in this order: rain, freezing snow, then snow. In other words, wet, heavy messy snow. Heart attack snow. Better the younger, stronger, faster deal with it! :-) You can cheer them on from the sidelines!
>222 kac522: - Done, thanks, Kathy.

>223 jessibud2: Sounds like we are a day ahead of you with weather--we got the rain yesterday and now the snow today.

And sent you a reply.

I should get an ice pick! Today, with the warm weather, I have been chopping at the ice on my porch. I actually removed about half of it. However, at this time, my eavestrough decided to spring a leak( a big one) so I put a bucket on the porch to collect the water that is streaming down- I empty the bucket every half hour. I hope that the upcoming freeze this evening will stop the leak. I have to decide whether to patch or plan for new eavestroughs. And reading...I am getting some nice reads in.

Hi Shelley, happy Humpday, and I hope the world treats you well today.