John Simpson - Back to Basics in 2024

Welcome to my 2024 thread, after a terrible 2023, Back to Basics says it all, concentrating on my reading, tea drinking and stats. More to come from the 26th so come along after then.

Here's hoping that 2024 will be better than 2023, John!

Welcome back, John! I really hope 2024 is better for you all.

>2 Familyhistorian:, I think 2024 will be a better year and we have our Ruby Wedding Anniversary to look forward to.

>3 drneutron:, Thanks Jim, i am sure that 2024 will be better for us all.

>4 johnsimpson: I had to look up what a Ruby Wedding Anniversary is never having made it that far. Something to look forward to for sure!

Hello everyone, this is my Thirteenth year being part of this wonderful group. I am John, 60 years old and married to Karen for 39 years and counting. We have two lovely children, Rob and Amy. Rob lives with his Fiancee Louise, daughter Hannah who will be 12 in February. Amy married Andy in 2015 and they now have a cat called Combie and Elliott who was born on Star Wars Day. We also have a mad Cat called Felix and we love him, he is nearly Four.

Please come along and leave a message and let's see what fun we have.

I love books and currently have 3,089 books on my shelves, and this doesn't include my Cricket collection which stands at about 480 books. While reading I do enjoy the odd pot or two of tea.

CURRENTLY READING

I just love Big Books, these are my 1000+page reads so far with more to add.

1.Shogun by James Clavell, 1243 pgs
2.Gai-Jin by James Clavell, 1578 pgs
3.Noble House by James Clavell, 1435 pgs
4.War & Remembrance by Herman Wouk, 1171 pgs
5.Whirlwind by James Clavell, 1343 pgs
6.Centennial by James A. Michener 1100 pgs
7.The Covenant by James A. Michener, 1080 pgs
8.Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd, 1344 pgs
9.Homeland by John Jakes, 1138 pgs
10.Russka by Edward Rutherfurd, 1007 pgs
11.A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth, 1474 pgs
12.Love and War by John Jakes, 1019 pgs
13.Texas by James A. Michener, 1508 pgs
14.My Life by Bill Clinton, 1000 pgs
15.Child of the Phoenix by Barbara Erskine, 1086 pgs
16.Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, 1059 pgs
17.The Journeyer by Gary Jennings, 1219 pgs
18.Pandora's Star by Peter F. Hamilton, 1144 pgs
19.Judas Unchained by Peter F. Hamilton, 1235 pgs
20.Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, 1185 pgs
21.Wicked by Jilly Cooper, 1007 pgs
22.The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, 1412 pgs
23.London by Edward Rutherfurd, 1299 pgs
24.The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, 1076 pgs
25.A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, 1391 pgs
26.World Without End by Ken Follett, 1111 pgs
27.Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey, 1,015 pgs
28.The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer, 1,056 pgs
29.An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon, 1,065 pgs
30.New York by Edward Rutherfurd, 1017 pgs
31.Hawaii by James A.Michener, 1130 pgs
32.The Company by Robert Littell, 1281 pgs
33.The Reality Dysfunction by Peter F.Hamilton, 1225 pgs
34.Spangle by Gary Jennings, 1276 pgs
35.Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell, 1024 pgs
36.Alaska by James A. Michener, 1073 pgs.
37.Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson, 1180 pgs.
38.Chesapeake by James A. Michener, 1132 pgs
39. 4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster, 1070 pgs.
40. The Wheel of Fortune by Susan Howatch, 1156 pgs.
41. The Neutronium Alchemist by Peter F. Hamilton, 1259 pgs.
42. The Naked God by Peter F. Hamilton, 1244 pgs.
43. The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy, 1104 pgs.
44. The Source by James A. Michener, 1032 pgs.
45. Against The Day by Thomas Pynchon, 1220 pgs.
46. The Stand by Stephen King, 1325 pgs.
47. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, 1006 pgs.
48. Harlot's Ghost by Norman Mailer, 1401 pgs.
49. Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith, 1073 pgs.

BOOKS READ IN JANUARY BY JOHN
1. A Column of Fire by Ken Follett, PB - 885 pages.
2. Last Day of School by Jack Sheffield, PB - 335 pages.

BOOKS READ IN JANUARY BY KAREN
1. Murder at the Castle by Chris McGeorge, PB - 376 pages.
2. Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler, PB - 259 pages.
3. Murder Most Royal by S.J. Bennett, PB - 356 pages.
4. Theft of the Iron Dogs by E.R.C. Lorac, PB - 292 pages.
5. The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson, PB - 366 pages.
6. Hope of Innocence by Caroline Dunford, PB - 233 Pages.
7. Last Day of School by Jack Sheffield, PB - 335 Pages.

BOOKS READ IN FEBRUARY BY JOHN
3. The Bookshop Murder by Merryn Allingham, PB - 245 Pages.
4. The Noise by James Patterson, PB - 421 Pages.
5. Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, PB - 213 pages.
6. Date with Evil by Julia Chapman, PB - 451 pages.
7. All The Broken Places by John Boyne, PB - 367 pages.
8. The Inn by James Patterson, PB - 363 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN FEBRUARY
8. Murder at the House on the Hill by Victoria Walters, PB - 345 Pages.
9. Fell Murder by E.C.R. Lorac, PB - 237 pages.
10. The Thirty-One Doors by Kate Hulme, PB -
11. Making It by Jay Blades, PB - 288 pages.

BOOKS READ IN MARCH BY JOHN
9. The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel, PB - 587 pages.
10. Murder Before Evensong by The Reverend Richard Coles, PB - 358 pages.
11. Private Delhi by James Patterson, PB - 383 pages.

BOOKS READ IN MARCH BY KAREN
12. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, PB - 434 pages.
13. The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver, PB - 292 pages.
14. The Cherrywood Murderers by Penny Blackwood, PB - 437 pages.
15. Three Card Murder by J.L. Blackhurst, PB - 345 pages.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN JANUARY
1. Making It by Jay Blades, PB.
2. Gifts by Laura Barnett, PB.
3. The Three Dahlia's by Katy Watson, PB.
4. The Piranhas by Harold Robbins, PB.
5. Cross Down by James Patterson, PB.
6. Out of Sight by James Patterson, PB.
7. Postcards from the Beach by Phil Tufnell, PB.
8. Cricketers of My Times by A.A. Thomson, HB.
9. University Tales by Jack Sheffield, HB.
10. Forty-Five Years of Ranji Trophy Vol II (1960-1979) Ed by P.N. Sundaresan, HB.
11. South African Cricket 1947 - 1960 Vol IV by Brian Bassano, PB.
12. The Wisden Book of Test Cricket Volume 1, 1877-1977 Ed by Bill Frindall, HB.
13. The Wisden Book of Test Cricket Volume II, 1977-1994 Ed by Bill Frindall, HB.
14. Hope for Tomorrow by Caroline Dunford, PB.
15. Cry Baby by Mark Billingham, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN FEBRUARY
16. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb, PB.
17. The Cherrywood Murders by Penny Blackwell, PB.
18. Steve Smith's Men by Geoff Lemon, PB.
19. The Girl from Cotton Lane by Harry Bowling, PB.
20. A Merry Mistletoe Wedding by Judy Astley, PB.
21. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, PB.
22. The Zig-Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths, PB.
23. The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths, PB.
24. A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee, PB.
25. The Late Train to Gipsy Hill by Alan Johnson, PB.
26. An English Murder by Cyril Hare, PB.
27. Death on the Trans-Siberian Express by C.J. Farrington, PB.
28. The Winter Guest by W.C. Ryan, PB.
29. The Wyndham Case by Jill Paton Walsh, PB.
30. The Widow of Bath by Margot Bennett, PB.
31. The Maid by Nita Prose, PB.
32. The Thirty-One Doors by Kate Hulme, PB.
33. The Hidden Years by Rachel Hore, PB.
34. Homecoming by Kate Morton, PB.
35. Countdown by James Patterson, PB.
36. Fire Sale by Sara Paretsky, PB.
37. Hard Time by Sara Paretsky, PB.
38. The Ice Child by Camilla Lackberg, PB.
39. The Broken Souls by Jack Kerley, PB.
40. The Death Collectors by Jack Kerley, PB.
41. Blood Brother by Jack Kerley, PB.
42. A Plague of Heretics by Bernard Knight, PB.
43. Behold, Here's Poison by Georgette Heyer, PB.
44. Thinking of You by Jill Mansell, PB.
45. The Traitor Queen by Trudi Canavan, PB.
46. The Love Child by Rachel Hore, PB.
47. Suddenly at his Residence by Christianna Brand, PB.
48. Three-Card Murder by J.L. Blackhurst, PB.
49. The Man Without Qualities by Robert Musil, PB.
50. The Novel by James A. Michener, PB.
51. Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas, PB.
52. A Death in the Parish by The Reverend Richard Coles, PB.
53. The Perfect Passion Company by Alexander McCall Smith, HB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN MARCH
54. The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts by Annie Darling, PB.
55. We'll Meet Again by Anton Du Beke, PB.
56. Killer Instinct by James Patterson, PB.
57. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas, PB.
58. The Murder Game by Tom Hindle, PB.
59. A Very Lively Murder by Katy Watson, PB.
60. The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann, PB.
61. One Summer in Tuscany by Domenica De Rosa, PB.
62. The Dog Sitter Detective by Antony Johnston, PB.
63. Once Upon a Tome by Oliver Darkshire, HB.
64. The Story Collector by Iris Costello, PB.
65. Death at the Chateau by Ian Moore, PB.
66. The Secret by Lee Child, PB.
67. Private Rome by James Patterson, PB.

I will be along to share a pot or two of tea with you both in the coming year, John. I also hope to be able to see you again in person in the coming months.

Greetings from Kansas. I was treated to a White Christmas this year. Went to bed on Christmas Eve and it was raining and windy. Little reindeer hooves on the roof woke me about 5 AM and the ground outside my window was white. It kept snowing until about noon on Christmas Day. We got about 3 inches of snow. We got another 2 inches of snow today. The children in town have been out sledding for the last two days. I do have to say that the scenery outside our windows looks like a Christmas card scene.

Good to see you back. Best wishes for a good New Year.

Somebody with a larger TBR than mine! Good luck with your 2024 reading!

Starred for 2024!! Wishing you a better year and I'm hoping for more frequent visits here!! : )

And Happy Thingaversary!!

Lovely to see you John and hope you put some more Big Books under your belt in 2024!

Dropped a star, John and here's for a great 2024!

Happy New Year John!

>13 PaulCranswick:, >14 benitastrnad:, >15 Tess_W:, >16 Berly:. >17 kac522:, >18 vancouverdeb:, >19 SandDune:, lovely to see you all stopping by. Looking forward to seeing you all on here and i will be popping into your threads in 24.

Hope you and yours have a Happy New Year, John!

I think 2023 was a bad year for a lot of people. Even people not on LibraryThing comment on how little they managed to read this past year and how busy it was.

Happy New Year, to you and all of yours John!

Hi John!

Wishing you a great one!

I sincerely wish you health, happiness, contentment and many exciting books.

Happy New Year, John!

Happy new year and new thread, John!

Hi John! Happy New Year.

>1 johnsimpson: I do hope this year is better than last year for you.

Sending love and hugs to you, Karen, and Felix.

Happy New Year and new thread! Hope 2024 is kind to you and Karen

>21 Familyhistorian:, Hi Meg my dear, a Happy New Year to you my dear friend.

>22 thornton37814:, Hi Lori my dear, i have also seen posts on various platforms with folks saying they had a poor reading year in 2023.

>23 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, a Happy New Year to you and Marc my dear friend.

>24 quondame:, Hi Susan my dear, A Happy New Year to you my dear friend.

>25 Ameise1:, Hi Barbara my dear, a Happy New Year to you, Thomas and the rest of the family my dear friend.

>26 DianaNL:, Hi Diana my dear, A Happy New Year my dear friend.

>27 jessibud2:, Hi Shelley my dear, A Happy New Year my dear friend.

>28 karenmarie:, Hi Karen my dear, i really am hoping for a far better year in 24 than last year. Wishing you, Bill, Jenna, Inara, Wash and Zoe a very Happy New Year my dear friend.

>29 ChelleBearss:, Hi Chelle my dear, i am hoping that 2024 is far better for us than 2023, we have one really good highspot to look forward to when we go to Madeira in July and celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Wishing you, Nate, Chloe and Elissa a very Happy New Year my dear friend.

Hello all, time for a few stats now.

DECEMBER'S READING STATS

Books Read....................... 3

No of Authors.................... 3

New Authors...................... 1

Male Authors..................... 2

Female Authors.................. 1

Pages Read....................... 678

Daily Avg........................... 21.87

Book Length avg................. 226

Latest reading stats:

Books on shelves at 1-12-23 - 3067
Books added in December - 30
Books read in December - 3

Revised book total - 3094

Pages to read at 1-12-23 - 1,249,457
Pages added in December - 10,567
Pages read in December - 678

Revised total pages to read - 1,259,346

1st July 1995 to 31st December 2023

BOOKS READ..................... 1387
PAGES READ...................... 631,931 Pages
AUTHORS.......................... 400
MALE AUTHORS................. 229
FEMALE AUTHORS.............. 171
AVG BOOKS PER YEAR........ 48.7
AVG BOOK LENGTH............ 455.61 Pages
AVG PAGES READ PER YEAR. 22,173 Pages

This is the first year since 2008 that i have failed to read 20,000 pages, hopefully it will be another 15 years before it happens again.

I started noting down books bought on my thread in 2013, since then and up to 31st December 2023 i have bought 2,400 books. I appreciate it is a lot but in the case of Mr Cranswick, this is just two years purchases, lol.

Happy new year! A 40th wedding anniversary is certainly something to look forward to. Best wishes to the whole family. Give Felix a treat for me.

Happy New Year, John! Congratulations on your 40th anniversary this year.

Happy reading in 2024, John!

Happy 2024, John. I’ll be visiting your thread although I’m usually pretty quiet. Best of everything to you and your Karen and your family!

Karen O

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2024 filled with great books, conversation and company.

Happy New Year to you and Karen, John! I pray that 2024 is a better year for all of us.

Happy Saturday, John!

Karen O

I'll be following along again in 2024, John! Hope you have a great weekend.

>1 johnsimpson: John, I sincerely hope that 2024 proves to be better than last year was for both of us!

>7 johnsimpson: While reading I do enjoy the odd pot or two of tea. As do I. I drink tons of the stuff, of all varieties, throughout my days. I hate coffee.

Happy New Year! Happy New Thread! My best to both you and Karen.

Great December reading stats , John.

>36 johnsimpson: Hahaha John. I am trying to slow down with the acquisitions mate!

Have a great Sunday and give my love to Karen.

>37 witchyrichy:, Hi Karen my dear, Thank you, we are looking forward to our holiday and anniversary, 40 years, where has the time gone. Love and hugs dear friend.

>38 lauralkeet:, Hi Laura my dear, thank you dear friend.

>39 FAMeulstee:, Hi Anita my dear, Thank you.

>40 klobrien2:, Hi Karen my dear, Thank you dear friend.

>41 figsfromthistle:, Hi Anita my dear, thank you dear friend.

>42 kidzdoc:, Hi Darryl mate, I am sure 2024 will be a far better year for both of us.

>43 klobrien2:, Hi Karen my dear, thank you.

>44 bell7:, Hi Mary my dear, Thanks for stopping by dear friend.

>45 alcottacre:, Hi Stasia my dear, I am sure that 2024 will be a far better year for both of us. Tea is the best drink to have while reading.

>46 vancouverdeb:, Hi Deb my dear, glad you like the stats, you know i do love a stat or two, lol.

>47 PaulCranswick:, Hi Paul mate, i can see that your acquisition rate has slowed down, although you need to if you are coming back permanently and god knows how much it will cost to ship your library home.

Just keeping current here. : )

>52 Berly:, Hi Kim my dear, nice to see you popping by, you are always a welcome visitor my dear friend.

Hi John, I hope you are finding more time for reading and that your things to do list is less restrictive than in the past year.

Happy New Year, John!

Hi John! Missing you here.

John, where are you? : )

>54 Familyhistorian:, Hi Meg my dear, my reading time is not what i thought it would be so far this year sadly. The clock seems to be spinning too fast for me at the moment. Sending love and hugs dear friend.

>55 kidzdoc:, Hi Darryl mate, and a Happy New Year to you dear friend.

>56 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, my time seems to be so limited so far this year.

>57 Berly:, Hi Kim my dear, i need to get back on here, time is crazy for me at the moment my dear friend.

Hi all, i was doing so well for the first ten days or so and then last years chaos caught up with me. My time is so limited, on the days when i am up at 4.50am to take Andy to work and Karen is at work, i get back at 6.30am and so just make a pot of tea and catnap until Karen comes downstairs around 7.10am, therefore after i have taken Karen to work i get back and go back to bed for a couple of hours. This is cutting my reading time down and my tea drinking, especially when i have housework or other jobs to do. In the evening i have time to catch up with Karen and little time to fire up the laptop or read before i set off to pick Andy up at 8pm. I get back with Andy around 10pm and because i am getting up early i make Karen and I a pot of tea, go up to bed and get about an hours reading in before lights out for me.

Things will change but i don't know how long it will take and so this daily routine continues.

I will finish my first book of the year tonight, meanwhile Karen is on her fifth book, she is a faster reader than me and because she has not been feeling too well or there has been nothing much on TV, she has gone up to bed and read. I will try to get on here more often than of late.

I never got around to saying much about Christmas, we had Elliott staying on Christmas Eve and Amy and Andy came through very early on Christmas morning to see him wake up and start opening his presents. He was a little overwhelmed bless him as he opened presents from us and from mummy and daddy.

Christmas lunch did seem a little strange without Rob, Louise and Hannah, with Rob starting his new job in September as a call handler with West Yorkshire Police, he dropped the Christmas Day and Boxing Day shift along with New Years Eve and New Years Day.

The remainder of the Christmas holidays were as normal with both Karen and Andy working.

Good to see you posting, John. Your routine sounds really hard and time consuming. I hope that it eases up for you soon.

>35 johnsimpson: wow, your average book length is impressive at over 400 pages!
Happy reading and happy year of your ruby anniversary :)

Oh John, please take care of yourself too. You are so great at what you do for your family and Andy, but you are just a normal person who needs your down time. Thinking of you and yours and hoping there is light on the horizon soon. 😘💖

I hope you get a bit more time for yourself sometime soon!

John--Hoping that the schedule eases up soon! In the meantime, please take care. And we'll be here whenever you find time to say Hi and update us. : )

Stopping by to say hi, John . Oh, 4:30 am, that is very early. I hope that eases up soon. Take care, John and family.

Good to see you posting, John. Thanks for checking in with us. You're doing the right thing by taking care of yourself as you also care for your family.

Just got back from the recreation park with Karen and Elliott, he loved going on the slides, swings and mini climbing frame. I took an old towel with us to dry seats etc for him and there was another grandmother with her grandson there and they both ended up playing together, his name was Alfie. We had a good 45 minutes or so but although dry it was cold.

Once he had had enough, we went to the village coffee shop just 50 yds from the park entrance and we had a Latte each and Elliott had a nice Hot Chocolate with a little paper cup of mini Marshmallows, they made his drink cool so he could drink it straight away. Elliott was very good in the cafe and was catching the eye of the ladies having coffee, that's my boy, lol.

I am taking advantage of the laptop needing to do some software checks to have a look around the threads and will be back on tonight as i have a free night and no early get up tomorrow morning.

>62 Familyhistorian:, Hi Meg my dear, thank you for your lovely comment, tonight is the start of things easing up and i haven't got an early start in the morning.

>63 LovingLit:, Hi Megan my dear, even i am impressed that over such a long time period and the number of books read that i am still averaging over 450 pages per book although you know that i like big books. To this end i finished my first book of the year last night and it was 885 pages long.

We are looking forward to celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary in Madeira at the end of July, we fly out on the 26th and two days later it is our anniversary.

Adding my "good to see you" to the pile already here, John. You're really busy these days!

>64 Ameise1:, Hi Barbara my dear, i am looking after myself as much as i can but like everyone else i have got some jobs to do to make things easier for Karen as she does enough as it is.

Sadly i have had to take over the role of Dad to Andy, apart from his youngest sister, Helen, who has always been close to him and they have a lot in common, his family has basically disowned him, preferring to believe an online local rag rather than someone who was actually there and i have been called delusional. The sad bit of this is that Elliott has lost his grandparents although as Andy said last week, lost an old one but a new grandson has appeared on the scene.

There is a slight chink of light visible and over the next few months it will get bigger.

>65 quondame:, Hi Susan my dear, things will get easier as time moves on.

>66 Berly:, Hi Kim my dear, the schedule is a bit crazy but hopefully will ease over the next few months. I know that you will all keep my thread warm when i am missing in action and i am taking every chance i can to post on here if not on individual threads.

>67 vancouverdeb:, Hi Deb my dear, 4.50am is too early for me but as long as the 3.50 am alarm calls are done with, i can cope.

>68 lauralkeet:, Hi Laura my dear, it is so nice to be able to post and i will take every opportunity to post, if only on my thread, as often as i can until time is not an issue. I need to look after myself so that i can look after everyone else. At the end of all this i am sure that i will be looked after.

>72 scaifea:, Hi Amber my dear, so good to see you here, life is still a bit crazy for me at the moment but things will improve and my time will be my own again, eventually.

Finished first book of 2024 last night, A Column of Fire by Ken Follett, PB - 885 pages.

A WORLD IN TURMOIL
1558, and Europe is in revolt as religious hatred sweeps the continent. Elizabeth Tudor has ascended to the throne but she is not safe in this dangerous new world. There are many who would see her removed, not least Mary Queen of Scots, who lies in wait in Paris.

A NEW ORDER
Elizabeth determines to set up a new secret service: a group of resourceful spies and courageous agents entrusted to keep her safe and in power. As she searches for those who will make the difference, one man stands out.

A MAN WHO WOULD DIE FOR HIS QUEEN
For Ned Willard the opportunity to serve his queen is God-sent. He cannot stay in Kingsbridge and watch the love of his life marry another, and as fires burn and extremism begins to spark throughout Europe, Ned makes his choice. He will spend his life protecting his monarch from the tyrants who aim to destroy her or die trying....

Hi John! How busy you are right now! But it’s going to be better, glad to hear it.

>79 johnsimpson: I read his first in this series Pillars of the Earth. I loved that. Is this one as good?

Love to Karen, and best wishes, as she wasn’t feeling so well, you said.

I am right with you in not getting much time to read. I have been so busy since the first of the year that I have only read two books. That is way below my monthly average. Many things have contributed to that dismal number for the month. I will have time to read tomorrow and plan to take some time off this weekend to just sit and read. The relatives are going home and things will be quieter. So much has happened and so little of it having to do with reading. Family traumas seem to not be confined to just one side of the Atlantic. Just keep on keeping on. Perseverance.

>69 johnsimpson: It sounds like a lovely day with Karen and Elliott: just what is needed sometimes. Do take care of yourself, my friend. I am sending lots of good energy your way.

Hi John! I haven't read that Follett yet -- maybe because it's 885 pages!!! LOL. But congrats on finishing your first of 24. : ) Wishing you a great day my friend.

Finished book 2 of 2024 late on 28th January, Last Day of School by Jack Sheffield, PB - 335 pages.

Change is in the air for Jack Sheffield and the Ragley Village School.

It's 1987, and after a decade as Head Teacher at Ragley-on-the-Forest School, Jack Sheffield is looking to the future. He and his wife are expecting a baby and the school is preparing for the introduction of the new National Curriculum. And then there are the many everyday surprises that come with life in the village, like combing the church for an escaped pet mouse....

So when Jack is offered an opportunity that could change everything, he has a difficult decision to make. Endings are never easy, but perhaps the thrill of a new beginning is exactly what Jack needs.

>80 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, A Column of Fire is as good as Pillars of the Earth, the series is great and the next one for me is the prequel The Evening and The Morning and i am waiting for the next in the series to come out in paperback.

Karen is feeling much better now and i will pass on your best wishes my dear.

Love and hugs to you and Marc my dear friend.

>81 benitastrnad:, Hi Benita my dear, it does seem that we are in a similar position and this is affecting our reading time, like you i have only read two books in January. I got your yearly missive at the weekend and have only been able to skim read it but will be reading it tomorrow. Love and hugs dear friend.

>82 witchyrichy:, Hi Karen my dear, it was a lovely couple of hours with Karen and Elliott, he is growing up so fast and he is always good when we take him into cafe's. I am trying to make the most of the time i have to read and to come on here and thank you for the good energy that you have sent.

Love and hugs to you, Bob and Circe my dear friend.

>83 Berly:, Hi Kim my dear, the Follett book is really good but the length is an acquired taste and you know it is a taste that i like, lol. I am making the most of the time i have to read and to post on here.

Sending love and hugs to you and the family my dear friend.

*MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT*

We have decided to NOT purchase any books during Lent, now this is the 14th Feb to 28th March so we have decided to extend this to the whole of February and March. We have not lost our marbles and will be making a note of any new books that come out during this period, no doubt April and May could be an expensive period for us, lol.

In the past i have given up Chocolate for Lent three times and it is no challenge to me now, this will be a massive challenge for us. Karen has ordered and paid for a book but it wont be delivered until the end of February so this does not count as it was bought and paid for in January.

>89 johnsimpson: Good luck on sticking to your Lent plans, John! I'll have to think about what I should give up for Lent soon.

>89 johnsimpson: This is a new idea for me during Lent. Good luck with it.

>89 johnsimpson: Wooof. Good luck!!

I'll probably give up drinking alcoholic beverages for Lent, not just spirits, which I'm already trying to do, but also my usual glass of wine for dinner. I'll still use wine or spirits in recipes, as the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process.

>93 kidzdoc: I think I'll give up cilantro for Lent...

Hello again, John!

>89 johnsimpson:
I am not giving up purchasing books for Lent, but I resolved to get more of my books from the library this year instead of purchasing them.

The house has finally quieted down now that my sister's family has gone. I look at the list of things to do regarding finishing up the funeral details and I keep putting it off, but I know I will have to start it today. One major casualty of all the extra people in the house was my address book. It has been missing for 5 days and I have looked everywhere in the house for it. Today I will look in my car. If I can't find it, it will have a major impact on my live. It has ALL of my addresses and contacts in it. It will be worse than loosing my pocket address book that was inside my purse when my purse was stolen. That was a short version of my address/record book.

*FAIL*

Karen told me that she had not agreed to giving up buying books for Lent as we would end up spending far too much in April and May.

Yesterday we went to the market town of Otley and ended up buying books and today we went to the market town of Northallerton and bought books. It was a good idea in principle but i really should have given it much more thought. I need books as i need Oxygen to breathe. Oh well, i lasted until the ninth day of Feb and Lent doesn't actually start until the 14th until the 28th March.

Finished book 3 of 2024 on 2nd Feb, The Bookshop Murder by Merryn Allingham, PB - 245 pages.

BOOKSHOP OWNER FLORA STEELE ESCAPES THE SLEEPY ENGLISH VILLAGE OF ABBEYMEAD THROUGH THE ADVENTURES IN THE STORIES SHE SELLS. UNTIL ONE MORNING EVERYTHING CHANGES WHEN SHE DISCOVERS A BODY AMONGST HER OWN BOOKSHELVES...

The young man with the shock of white-blond hair lay spread-eagled on the floor, surrounded by fallen books. His hand reached out to the scattered pages, as though he was trying to tell her something.

But who is he? How did he come to be killed in Flora's ordinary little bookshop? Flora finds out he was staying at the Priory Hotel, and when the gardener suddenly dies in its beautiful grounds only a few days later, she is certain that something untoward is happening in her quiet village by the sea.

But are the two deaths connected? And is someone at the hotel responsible - the nervous cook, the money-obsessed receptionist, or the formidable manageress?

Determined to save her beloved bookshop's reputation and solve the murder mystery, Flora enlists the help of handsome and brooding Jack Carrington: crime writer, recluse and her most reliable customer.

As the unlikely duo set about investigating the baffling case, guilty faces greet them at every door. AND THEY SOON REALISE THERE'S MORE THAN ONE PERSON HIDING SECRETS IN ABBEYMEAD...

While I also will be buying no new books for Lent and cutting far back on Sugar,

a Friend is giving up Lamb (and all meat) in honor of The Lamb of God.

Finished book 4 of 2024 on the 8th February, The Noise by James Patterson, PB - 421 Pages.

TWO SISTERS HAVE ALWAYS STOOD TOGETHER. NOW, THEY'RE THE ONLY ONES LEFT.

In the shadow of Mount Hood in the Us Pacific Northwest, sixteen-year-old Tennant is checking rabbit traps with her young sister Sophie.

The girls are suddenly overcome by a strange vibration rising out of the forest, building in intensity until it sounds like a deafening crescendo of screams.

From out of nowhere, their father sweeps them up and drops them through a trapdoor into a storm cellar. But the noise only gets worse...

>97 johnsimpson: We need books, like we need oxygen to breathe! So hard to go without. Yes, to thinking it through again. And enjoy your new books!
I think I could give up sweets and candy for Lent.

Wishing you and Karen a nice weekend.

Good call NOT to give up books for Lent. ; ) Seems like your reading is picking up!

>85 johnsimpson: I read The Evening and the Morning last year and really enjoyed it. Nothing like sinking into a Ken Follett. I bought an old one, Jackdaws, at a thrift shop and used a gift certificate to buy the The Armor of Light, the sequel. Saving it for a hoped-for snow day.

>89 johnsimpson: I started the new year with the same idea and it did not last long.

>97 johnsimpson: Aaah..the voice of reason!

Hope all is well.

I'm not sure that I will give up anything for Lent. I never have, and I don't think I could give up chocolate for Lent and certainly not reading. I think maybe add something for Lent , more prayer time, give more. I think I could give up cilantro for Lent as I don't like it anyway. Amber has the right idea. I don't drink either. John, how about giving up tea for Lent? Just kidding! :-)

>89 johnsimpson: Good luck!

>97 johnsimpson: Ha! I don't think that this would work for me either......did you find something else to give up?

>90 kidzdoc:, Hi Darryl mate, it sounded like a good idea at the time but it lasted only 8 days before Karen said she had not agreed to this and so i bought some books. Oh well, i did try, giving up Chocolate is far easier.

>91 Ameise1:, Hi Barbara, it sounded good but only lasted 8 days.

>92 scaifea:, Hi Amber, it lasted a mere 8 days, seems like i need a lot more than good luck.

>101 EllaTim:, Hi Ella, it sounded a good idea but i love perusing books and so it was no wonder i only lasted 8 days. I am happy now and giving up Chocolate is far easier.

>102 Berly:, Hi Kim, it was a good call, i like buying books too much although it is Karen who is purchasing most of the books so far this year, seven have turned up over the last two days.

>103 witchyrichy:, Hi Karen, i do like Ken Follett's books, i will be getting to The Evening and The Morning next month. We are both fine my dear.

>104 vancouverdeb:, Hi Deb, giving up Chocolate was so easy as i am one of those lucky people who can self-regulate when it comes to eating. If i need to lose a few pounds, i just skip lunch, as long as i have a pot of tea, i am fine. I could neither give up tea as giving up breathing, what a horrible thought, that was just evil, lol.

>105 figsfromthistle:, Hi Anita, it sounded good but turned out to be just too good. At least i gave it a go, 8 days is not to be sniffed at and when we go on holiday in July, neither of us will purchase a book for 14 days as it is hard to fine English language books in Madeira although one or both of us will have purchased some to take on holiday rather than picking something off our groaning shelves, lol.

JANUARY'S READING STATS

Books Read....................... 2

No of Authors.................... 2

New Authors...................... 0

Male Authors..................... 2

Female Authors.................. 0

Pages Read....................... 1220

Daily Avg........................... 39.35

Book Length avg................. 610

POTS OF TEA...................... 233

Books on shelves at 1-1-24 - 3094
Books added in January - 11
Books read in January - 2

Revised book total - 3103

Pages to read at 1-1-24 - 1,259,346
Pages added in January - 3,474
Pages read in January - 1220

Revised total pages to read - 1,261,600

Finished book 5 of 2024 yesterday morning, Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, PB - 213 pages.

In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a cafe which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than One Hundred Years. But this Coffee Shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time.

In Before the Coffee gets Cold, we meet four visitors, each of whom is hoping to make use of the Cafe's time-travelling offer, in order to confront the man who left them, receive a letter from their husband whose memory has begun to fade, see their sister one last time, and meet the daughter they never got the chance to know.

But the journey into the past does not come without risks: customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the Cafe, and finally, they must return to the present before the Coffee gets cold.

Toshikazu Kawaguchi's beautiful, moving story explores the age-old question: what would you do if you could travel back in time? More importantly, who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time?

Karen had a few days off so we decided to take advantage of some time together and last Friday we set off to the market town of Otley. We got parked up and had a wander, we wanted a coffee but there were no tables free in Costa so we popped across the road and went and had a look in the Kirkgate arcade. All the times we have been to Otley and we have never had a look around this arcade. There were some lovely, quirky shops and antique and collectables shops, sadly they had nothing to tempt us.

Once we had done looking around, we made our way back across the road and managed to get a nice seat in Costa and had a coffee and a cake. Once we were done we wandered back along the street and ended up in a couple of charity shops and that was where i broke the Lent project. I found a couple of books that i couldn't leave and Karen picked up some Christmas lights that were on sale and a little wooden Kangaroo stacking game in its wooden box, Elliott loved it when he saw it on Wednesday.

We ended up at the market square and bought some fancy socks before i went into a bookshop and Karen went and got some sweet Italian delicacies before she joined me in the bookshop. I found a couple of books in here as well and added them to the others in the shopping bag. We continued our wandering but the weather wasn't good and before long we decided to go and get some delicious Fish and Chips from Wharfe fisheries and then went back to the car to eat them.

The Fish and Chips were divine as usual, Karen had a chat with the owner and said she knew that he used dripping from the smell as we passed on the way into the town centre and he said he fried the fish to order rather than have them on the heated shelf, drying out. the first time we had Fish and Chips from there, i gave a review that was read nearly 2,000 times, credit where it is due is my motto. We couldn't finish them as last time and we both had enough left for our tea on Saturday. The prices may have gone up but we both got two meals out of the generous portions you get.

>112 johnsimpson:
This sounds like a lovely day for the two of you. I rarely buy things from shops but I love to wander and look. It is a good thing to have quirky shops in a market town.

>112 johnsimpson: You made me jealous with tales of book expeditions and fish n chips, John. I don't think that I have ever been to Otley.

Third test ended up being a bit of a fiasco and we need to bring Harry Brook back into the starting line up.

>98 johnsimpson: I do love the cover and description of that one. I'll have to seek it out!

>111 johnsimpson: I've heard good things about that one. I don't remember if we kept that one from leased books or returned it, but if we kept it, I should read it.

>112 johnsimpson: I wish we could get really good Fish and Chips around here. The fast food ones don't cut it, and very few chain restaurants make good ones. The better non-chain restaurants are either ethnic-focused or Southern-focuses rather than offering the British pub grub.

>112 johnsimpson: A nice day John! And fish and chips, yes! Buying books from Charity shops is a good idea anyway.
Have a nice reading week.

>79 johnsimpson: This sounds like a great read. I have read Pillars of Fire and liked it. Don't know why I didn't follow it up. Oh wait, I do, thousands of other books! Taking a BB for this one.

Finished book 6 on Monday, Date with Evil by Julia Chapman, PB - 451 pages.

EVIL IS STALKING THE STREETS OF BRUNCLIFFE...

From stolen washing to inheritance investigations, Bruncliffe's Dales Detective Agency is being inundated with cases.

But with Samson O'Brien still in London helping the Met Police clear his name, and the newly appointed member of the investigations team, Ida Capstick, distracted by her brother George's insistence that their farm is haunted, Delilah Metcalfe is struggling to meet the mounting demands for the agency's services.

So when the mother of a local estate agent arrives at the offices insisting her son is missing, Delilah is relieved to have Samson return to help. Little do the detective duo know that several of their cases are about to collide when identifying the whereabouts of the missing man becomes something far more sinister.

Something that will finally expose the network of evil that has been infiltrating the Dales town over the past decade, and in doing so place Delilah in the utmost danger.

Checking in on you, John, as it has been a while. I hope all is well with you and Karen!

>118 johnsimpson: That looks like a series I might enjoy. Thanks for the mention, John.

Hi John!! Happy weekend my friend.

>113 benitastrnad:, Hi Benita my dear, we love our little jaunts out to our lovely market towns, we never go with the intention of buying anything apart from books obviously, lol. We just like to have a wander around and it is even better if it is market day as our market, which used to be so good, is pathetic now.

Occasionally we find something different and if it fits or they have our size then we may make a purchase and we do like to go in the run up to Christmas as we usually find something special either for each other or for a gift.

>114 PaulCranswick:, Hi Paul, we do like our little trips out as they invariably end up being book expeditions. The fish shop in Otley is really nice, they have a restaurant around the corner as well but the fish and chips are fabulous and he doesn't stint on the size of the portions.

>115 thornton37814:, Hi Lori my dear, both The Bookshop Murder and Before the Coffee gets cold are well worth a read my dear.

As for the Fish and Chips, you really need a traditional Fish Shop to get the best fish and chips and they must use the right ingredients. Karen's Dad had a fish and chip shop for many years and it still is a fish shop under the original name of Chippy Woods and then he was a fish merchant supplying local fish shops. He always swore by using Yorkshire Beef Dripping to fry the Fish and Chips in and fry to order even if it means a queue forms. Once you have a good name, people will queue as they know they are getting quality.

>116 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, it was a lovely day out in Otley, books and Fish and Chips, what could be better.

>117 Tess_W:, Hi Tess my dear, i love Follett's books, they are always a good read.

>119 alcottacre:, Hi Stasia my dear, we are both fine my dear, just plodding along as you do. The Dales Detective Agency series of books are fabulous, even better for us as we can picture the area. The fictional town of Bruncliffe is based on the Dales market town of Settle even though originally the author said it wasn't. I am just waiting for April 4th when book 9 comes out and i will go to Settle to visit Limestone Books for the launch and book signing.

>120 Berly:, Hi Kim my dear, happy weekend to you and the family my dear friend.

On the 16th of Feb i went to collect our prescription from the pharmacy and then i wandered over to the doctors to try and get an appointment to see a dcotor as i was fed up about my neck pain and the fact that i am getting little pain relief from my meds. I managed to get an appointment for 3.25pm that day, result.

I went to the doctors for my appointment, he was running behind and i got in to see him at 3.55pm. I told him everything and asked for an MRI on my neck, he told me that without pain in my arms, they would not do one. What he did say was that i could do with a fresh MRI on my lower spine to see if the nerves that are too large to go through the tube off the spine have got tighter, therefore causing me problems eleswhere in my body. He also checked my feet and said that the pulse in my left foot was less than my right foot and would send a letter to the Vascular department to be seen.

Imagine my surprise when last Wednesday i got a hospital letter to inform me that i have an appointment for my MRI on the 25th March, result.

The neck pain is constant and it is forever clicking it is like having Tinnitus, from getting up to going to bed it is forever clicking at the slightest movement.

John, I am sorry to learn that you have severe neck pain. I know how that feels. I'm glad you have an upcoming appointment.

That with Tinnitus as well, must be horrific.

Thinking of you!

>128 johnsimpson: I hope the MRI will be helpful, John! At least your doctor is taking some action. That neck pain sounds awful.

Morning, John!

It's great that you've managed appointments so soon! Fingers crossed that they find a quick and easy solution.

>129 Whisper1:, Hi Linda my dear, i first clicked my neck about 20 years ago and it has caused me slight issues over the years. This current issue started about nine months ago when i noticed that trying to turn while reversing the car, i had pain on both sides. After about a couple of months it got really painful and then the clicking started. Since just before Christmas it click from waking up to going to sleep and is so annoying.

I am hoping that the MRI on my lower spine will show that the nerves going through the tubes has tightened and that it is causing the problems. I am hoping that either there is some chance of surgery being able to be done although i am aware that this type of surgery can be dangerous and i will put up with some pain to be on my feet or that there are other medications that can give me some relief as at the moment i am getting no benefit from what i am taking.

Sending love and hugs from both of us my dear friend.

>130 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, i must admit that the doctor(Pep Guardiola lookalike) took me seriously and could hear my neck clicking. I am just waiting on a Vascular appointment about my feet now. I just hope that this doctor stays at the practice. The neck pain and constant clicking from morning until night is so annoying and getting me down.

Sending love and hugs to you and Marc my dear friend.

>131 scaifea:, Hi Amber my dear, i was very surprised to get an MRI appointment so soon and am just waiting for the Vascular appointment about my feet now, The doctor took me seriously and got on with things and i hope he stays at the practice.

Sending love and hugs to you, Tomm, Charlie, Mario and Agent Fitzsimmons my dear friend.

>134 johnsimpson: Having a doctor actually listen and take you seriously is SO important! I hope the MRI can help lead to some pain relief for you.

I hope you get some relief from the pain!

>135 witchyrichy:, Hi Karen my dear, i went into my appointment determined to get something done, it was obvious i was in pain and he did say that he could hear my neck cracking. I was really surprised to get a letter to say my MRI was on the 25th March, just five days after seeing the doctor. I am still waiting for my Vascular appointment.

With regards to my feet, i have been having a lot of trouble with Corns on the sole of my left foot beneath the little toe that crosses. I saw the podiatrist on Tuesday and she sorted that out taking three corns out. She also looked at the inside of my left foot, i had what looked like a blood blister but eventually after i had safely pierced it the skin got wet and came off when i dried my foot after a shower, sadly it developed into a wound. It has been treated but the last time i saw the podiatrist, he didn't really do anything, this time the young lady said it had developed two corns, i was gobsmacked. She also looked at the ball of my right foot where a blood blister had occurred and then became infected, gradually it has slowly healed but the skin is thicker and has left a thin cut but it is 2mm deep. The podiatrist dressed it yesterday and i have to keep it dry until i see her next Wednesday. Today i got a phonecall from the Podiatry department asking me to see the senior Podiatrist about my feet on the 18th March, i am wondering if this is something to do with the letter to the Vascular department. Whatever it is, my feet are getting some serious action taken.

>136 thornton37814:, Hi Lori my dear, i will never be pain free, i understand that but i would just like some relief if possible. The cracking of my neck is so annoying, it is from waking up until going to bed.

Finished book 7 of 2024 on the 25th February, All The Broken Places by John Boyne, PB - 367 pages.

Gretel Fernsby is a quiet woman leading a quiet life. She doesn't talk about her escape from Germany seventy years ago or the dark post-war years in France with her mother. Most of all, she doesn't talk about her father, the commandant of one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps.

But when a young family moves into the apartment below her, Gretel can't help but befriend their little boy, Henry, though his prescence brings back painful memories. One night, she witnesses a violent argument between his parents, which threatens to disturb her hard-won peace.

For the second time in her life. Gretel is given the chance to save a young boy. To do so would allay her guilt, grief and remorse, but it will also force her to reveal her true identity. Will she make a different choice this time, whatever the cost to herself?

CURRENTLY READING



Finished book 8 of 2024 on 28th February, The Inn by James Patterson, PB - 363 pages.

BILL ROBINSON IS STARTING OVER.

The Inn at Gloucester stands alone on the rocky New England shoreline. Its seclusion suits former Boston police detective Bill Robinson, novice owner and innkeeper. As long as the dozen residents pay their rent, Robinson doesn't ask any questions.

Yet all too soon Robinson discovers that leaving the city is no escape from the dangers he left behind. A new crew of deadly criminals move into the small town, bringing drugs and violence to the front door of the inn.

Robinson feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His sense of duty compels him to fight off the threat to his town. But he can't do it alone. Before time runs out, the residents of the inn will face a choice.

STAND TOGETHER? OR DIE ALONE.

>89 johnsimpson: We have not lost our marbles
Phew! That is an admirable goal...no book purchasing! A real and honest commitment to give up something special. Good for you.

>128 johnsimpson: that is not great news re: the neck issues, but promising to have an MRI booked. We have terrible wait times here for medical imaging these days under the public health system...only if it is funded from private insurance or through ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) can you get a quick appointment.

>141 LovingLit:, Hi Megan my dear, i was shocked to get an appointment so soon after seeing my GP, the only thing i can think of is that he saw how much pain i was in that he made a point of that in his letter to them.

>1 johnsimpson: funny, I absolutely love a good coffee, vanilla latte single shot decaf, BUT my reading of books is always accompanied by a huge mug of tea!

So sorry to read about all your trouble with your neck and feet, John.
I hope the MRI reveals some that can be treated. Good you have also an appointmet with a podiatrist.
Sending love and hugs from both of us.

>144 FAMeulstee:, Hi Anita my dear, it is all related to my spinal problems and with the thigh and hip problems, i am hoping that the MRI will show something. It could be that what was shown in the 2017 MRI, where i have a thick nerve going through a narrow tube, the nerve is being tightened more. If it is something else, i hope that some sort of surgery could be done.

I saw the Podiatrist this morning and the wound on the right foot is slightly infected and i will see a senior Podiatrist, Fiona, on Monday i the wound clinic.

Sending love and hugs to you and Frank my dear from both of us, my dear friend.

FEBRUARY'S READING STATS

Books Read....................... 6

No of Authors.................... 5

New Authors...................... 2

Male Authors..................... 3

Female Authors.................. 2

Pages Read....................... 2060

Daily Avg........................... 71.03

Book Length avg................. 343.33

POTS OF TEA...................... 237

Books on shelves at 1-2-24 - 3103
Books added in February - 38
Books read in February - 6

Revised book total - 3135

Pages to read at 1-2-24 - 1,261,600
Pages added in February - 15,908
Pages read in February - 2,060

Revised total pages to read - 1,275,448

>145 johnsimpson: I'm sorry to hear your besieged with all these health problems. I do hope treatments are available to let you get back to enjoying more of life.

>146 johnsimpson: That is a lot of pots of tea -- over 8 per day!

>148 quondame: Hi Susan my dear, i think that i knew things would get worse after the 2017 MRI scan revealed the problem with my back. Six and a half years later i didn't expect to have so many extra issues because of what it showed. The neck problem has been with me for quite a number of years but not to the extent it is at the moment, the current thigh and hip problem has gone from just a sharp pain in the thigh that brought me to my knees and then occurred every few days or so and alternated from thigh to thigh to this morning when i could barely stand and walk, it took four hours to stabalise. I am hoping that the MRI scan on Monday will show the underlying issue, i think that the nerve issue of 2017 has got progressively worse, i just hope that i will be given some hope for some improvement. I will let you know what the outcome is as soon as i know.

>149 thornton37814:, Hi Lori my dear, the last time i monitored my tea drinking, it showed that over the year i was averaging 10 pots of tea a day. Five of the seven days i also have 4 pots of coffee when i am driving and collecting Andy. Whilst i am drinking around 8 pots of tea per day, the evening driving is probably costing me three pots of tea a day.

i finished book 9 of 2024 on the 15th of March, The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel, PB - 587 pages.

35,000 years ago, when the earth was still a place of huge glaciers and moving land masses, and the two species of man were locked in a battle for survival, a young Cromagnon girl is separated from her family by an earthquake and adopted by a roaming Clan of Neanderthals. Before long, Ayla has inspired the Clan with a mixture of fear, suspicion and admiration. Cared for lovingly by Iza, the Clan's old medicine woman, and Creb the wizened holyman - two people whose wisdom and magical powers set them in high esteem - Ayla finds that her independence and ambition have earned her the lasting hatred of the Clan's future leader, Broud.

Finished book 10 earlier today, Murder Before Evensong by The Reverend Richard Coles, PB - 358 pages.

Canon Daniel Clement is Rector of Champton, where he lives alongside his widowed mother - opinionated, fearless, ever-so slightly annoying Audrey - and the two Dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.

When Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in the church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided, threatening to destroy the apparent calm of the village.

And then Anthony Bowness - cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton - is found dead at the back of the church. As the police move in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his community together.... and catch a killer.

>152 johnsimpson: I very much enjoyed these books and remember waiting with baited breath for Plains of Passage to come out. Will you be reading any more of them?

>150 johnsimpson: I also hope that there is a straight forward path to improvement for you. Spinal nerve issues are so frightening.

Eight pots of tea a day, that is amazing , John! I drink two cups a day, one when I get up, and one after dinner. I hope your are able to find improvement with your painful back issues . That has to be very hard.

>152 johnsimpson:
I recently found the entire set of these books at a used book store and bought the lot of them. I had read the first three many years ago (pre-LT) but thought there were good enough to reread and then continue with the story.

There are lots of pages in each book, so if you love big books you will like reading the rest of the series.

>152 johnsimpson:, Hi Robyn my dear, i have had the books on my shelves for some years and decided to make a start on them. I am not sure if i will manage to read them all this year but aim to finish by the end of 2025.

>155 quondame:, Hi Susan my dear, all i want is some pain relief one way or another. I must say that if the nerves are being tightened and there is some way of easing things, i do feel a bit frightened if surgery is possible. If a decision is to be made, i will have to consult with Karen as whatever the outcome, it will affect her and the family.

>152 johnsimpson: >154 elorin: >157 benitastrnad: > 158 I remember loving these books! The kind you could sink into for a long weekend of reading!

I hope you are doing better, John! Bob and Circe and I send our love.

>156 vancouverdeb:, Hi Deb my dear, when i monitored my tea drinking a few years ago, i averaged 10 pots of tea a day. Currently i am drinking between 7 and 10 pots of tea a day and depending on whether i am dropping off or collecting Andy and picking up Karen, i have four travel mugs of coffee a day.

I have my MRI scan tomorrow morning and hopefully it will show whether the nerves that were being trapped when i had a scan in 2017 are worse and if that is the case i hope that there is some possibility for surgery or a fresh set of drugs can be prescribed to try and give me some relief. The main problem is the multiple issues that i have, what with my back, i now have problems with my hips and thighs, my feet are being sorted out but i keep losing feeling periodically which is not good when coming downstairs with my hands full of Elliott's toys and then there is the neck issues, the constant clicking is a bit like Tinnitus.

Sending love and hugs to you, Dave, Poppy and the family from both of us my dear friend.

>161 johnsimpson: Hello, John! Say, I’ve always meant to ask you, what volume of tea do you get in one of your “pot”s? When I think of a “pot,” I imagine 4 cups worth of liquid. Is that your meaning?

I hope that your situation improves, and that you’re feeling better soon!

Karen O (most of the time, I lurk)

>157 benitastrnad:, Hi Benita my dear, i first read the first two books around 1992, a colleague of Karen's at the time when she worked in catering at Wakefield College thought they would suit me. Since then i have picked up the books again, the first four were easy enough but like everyone else, we were waiting for books five and six to be published. I aim to read three this year and finish the series off by the end of 2025.

As for the books being long, you know that i like a really big book and still have over a dozen 1,000+ page books left on my shelves to get to.

Sending love and hugs to you from both of us my dear friend.

>160 witchyrichy:, Hi Karen my dear, i read the first two in 1992 when a colleague of Karen's at Wakefield College where she worked in the Catering dept said she thought i would like them. Later i started picking them up and then like other readers, had to wait for books five and six to be published. As you know, i do like a Chunkster so these fit the bill.

I have my MRI scan tomorrow morning and hope it will show up what is going on with the trapped nerves and whether anything can be done surgically or a fresh set of drugs to give me some kind of relief.

Sending love and hugs to you , Bob and Circe from both of us and Felix my dear friend.

>159 johnsimpson: Recovering from surgery does stress the family, but the debility of living with pain does as well, so maybe the overall effects of treatment will be less stress, though it may take a while to get there and in the now the demands of today are the most intense.

>165 quondame:, Hi Susan my dear, that is well put and says it all my dear friend.

Finished book 11 of 2024 this afternoon, Private Delhi by James Patterson, PB - 383 pages.

Santosh Wagh quit his job as head of Private India after harrowing events in Mumbai almost got him killed. But Jack Morgan, global head of the world's finest investigation agency, need him back. Jack is setting up a new office in Delhi, and Santosh is the only person he can trust.

Still battling his demons, Santosh accepts, and it's not long before the agency takes on a case that could make or break them. Plastic barrels containing dissolved human remains have been found in the basement of a house in an upmarket area of South Delhi. But this isn't just any house; this property belongs to the state government.

With the crime scene in lockdown and information suppressed by the authorities, delving too deep could make Santosh a target to be eliminated.

>161 johnsimpson: Hi John - any chance of setting up a first floor bedroom?

Good luck with the MRI today, John. I hope it leads to a treatment plan that gives you some relief.

>168 m.belljackson:, Hi Marianne my dear, sadly we have no room downstairs to set up a bedroom, at the moment i prefer to climb the stairs as it keeps me going.

>169 lauralkeet:, Hi Laura my dear, the MRI went well and now it is just a matter of waiting for the results, they told me that it could be up to 3 and a half weeks before my Doctor gets them.

As you say, i hope it leads to a treatment plan to give me some relief.

Best wishes for some helpful MRI results, John . I hope they can find a medication (s) that can help, or if surgery is a better option , that it is something straightforward.

>159 johnsimpson: John, as someone who suffers from nerve damage (in my right arm, not nearly as bad as the neck and back regions), I can empathize and know exactly what you mean when you say "all i want is some pain relief one way or another." I hope you get it soon!

I hope the MRI gives your doctor some direction for treatment!

Thinking of you today! Hope you get some good news that can lead to relief.

>162 klobrien2:, Hi Karen my dear, the mugs i use for my pots of tea hold 350ml of fluid, based on this i consume anywhere between 2.8 and 4.2 litres of tea per day. I do have a pint pot which i sometimes use, when i worked at Sharlston Colliery, i always had my tea in a pint pot and had between 3 or 4 per shift.

>172 vancouverdeb:, Hi Deb my dear, i had my MRI scan on Monday and before i left, they told me it could be up to 3 and a half weeks before my doctor gets the results. Fingers crossed that it shows something that can be done, i dare say that i will have to see a pain specialist at the hospital to see what meds could be of use to me if there is no option for any surgery.

>173 alcottacre:, Hi Stasia my dear, it seems that we are both suffering nerve damage, i hope that the results don't take up to 3 and a half weeks to get to my doctor. I hope that it shows that something can be done but i think i will have to see a pain specialist at the hospital to look at what meds could give me some pain relief.

>174 witchyrichy:, Hi Karen my dear, i hope that the MRI shows that surgery might be possible but i think i will have to see a pain specialist at the hospital to look at a pain relief regimen of meds.

John - 3-l/2 weeks is a long time to wait for relief - I hope they have given you good strong medicine to get you through this interval.

>179 m.belljackson:, Hi Marianne my dear, i am just on my normal meds, currently i have a Fentanyl 100mcg patch and a 12 mcg patch, these are changed every three days, i have two Naproxen 500mg tablets, one on a morning and one at night and a 60mg and 30mg Duloxetine tablet at night.

I hope the MRI will suggest a way that might bring some relief.

Hi John--I am glad that you got the MRI done and I hope it brings a clear diagnosis with hopefully a somewhat easy path to a fix. I know you have been dealing with this for a long time. You need a break! Sending hugs your way. : )

John - For cheer, Check Linda (Whisper's) thread for The Hedgehog of The Snowy Nap!

Hi John, I hope the MRI results give some new options, as you are on an awful lot of meds to kill the pain.

I will give a short update on our life, like you asked on my thread.
I am struggling with my thyroid meds again. Turns out all tests since January 2023 were wrong, and the doctors lowered my dose way to far. This resulted early February in returning phobia's, anxiety and panic attacks. I also got separation anxiety, so Frank has retired early to be with me. We were glad to find out he was able to do so. The two months notice could be filled with all his vacation days and etra hours, so he could quit hisjob mmediately.
Now I am waiting for an appointment at the endocrinologist early May.

>181 thornton37814:, Hi Lori my dear, so am i my dear, just got to wait for the results to get to my doctor.

>182 Berly:, Hi Kim my dear, hopefully the MRI will show what the state of play my nerves are in and if anything can be done. If it is a no go then i hope they can come up with a better set of meds to give me some relief of sorts. I am hoping that now we are in April, the weather will pick up and we get some nice dry and warm days which helps a bit. A nice reasonably hot summer will do nicely and the two weeks in Madeira with 30c temperatures and a nice pool to pop into will be ideal.

>183 m.belljackson:, Hi Marianne my dear, i will check this out.

>184 FAMeulstee:, Hi Anita my dear, it is an awful lot of meds i am on at the moment and this is with trying to lower the Fentanyl dose and the Duloxetine added to make up for the Fentanyl loss.

I will probably stay on this Fentanyl dosage but i would imagine they will look at alternatives to Naproxen and Duloxetine, i hope.

I am sorry that you are struggling with your Thyroid meds and it is no wonder you are suffering because they made errors and lowered it too much. I can imagine that February was not good for you with anxiety and panic attacks and separation anxiety. It is good that Frank could retire early to be with you on a 24 hour basis, this will no doubt help you greatly, he is a good man.

I hope the appointment to see the Endocrinologist comes through quickly for you to be seen in May my dear, fingers crossed that it comes through in the next few days.

Sending love and hugs to you and Frank, from both of us my dear friend.

Time to start a new thread seeing as it is the 1st of April, pop along and pay a visit in about 20 minutes.