scaifea's thread #12

Hey, everybody!

From the Introductions Thread:
I'm Amber, a one-time Classics professor, turned stay-at-home parent/lady of leisure, turned part-time library assistant, turned once again Classics professor. I spend my free time sewing, writing, knitting, baking, and, of course, reading.

My reading life is happily governed by lists, which means that I read a healthy variety of things across various genres.

I'm 45 going on 12 and live in Ohio with my husband, Tomm; our son, Charlie, and Mario the Golden Retriever.

For those of you wanting a photo of me on my first day of teaching, well, I forgot, but here's one of me on my second day (you can tell that I'm Professional Amber here because my hair isn't, for once, in a messy bun):



Favorite Books from 2019
Next of Kin
The Book of Boy
Ficciones
Night Watch
The Name of the Wind
A Monster Calls
Check, Please! Book 1
Art Matters
The Heart's Invisible Furies

What I'm Reading Now:
-Titus Andronicus (Shakespeare re-read)
-The Queen of Attolia (series reread)
-Pit Pony (1001 Children's Books)
-Indigo (romance list)
-The Mill on the Floss (audiobook)
-The Thief (Charlie's bedtime book)
-The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob)
-How to Construct Achievement Tests (unread book from my shelves)
-Jill the Reckless (to fill a BingoDOG spot)

Books on Deck:
-Peyton Place (Banned Books)
-The House on the Borderland (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list)
-Lord Foul's Bane (BSF Award)
-The Experience of Insight (Buddhist reading list)
-Uncle Silas (books by year - 1864)
-Guard of Honor (Pulitzer list)
-(an unread book from my shelves)
-(a book from my Read Soon! shelves)
-A Likely Story (cozy mysteries)

The five-ish or so books I have going at once and the On Deck books nearly all come from the following categories and lists:

1. A book from the 100 Banned Books book (at least currently. As soon as I finish this list, I'll replace it with another, and oh, I've got tons of lists).

2. A children's book, for Charlie's library. I'm trying to collect books from various award lists, and I like reading them before reading them to Charlie or deciding to add them to Charlie's shelves. For this category, I’m currently working through three lists:
a. 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Die
b. The Newbery Honor books
c. Cooperative Children's Book Center list

3. A book from the Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List, in chronological order.

4. A list I'm working through together with my best friend, Rob: The Hugo/Nebula/WFA/Bram Stoker (and other) lists (combined, in chronological order)

5. For this category, I cycle through 9 different stacks:
a. Agatha Christie's bibliography (in chronological order)
b. Stephen Fry's bibliography (in chronological order)
c. John Boyne bibliography (in chronological order, sort of)
d. Neil Gaiman's bibliography (in some order other than chronological (don't
ask)).
e. Christopher Moore's bibliography (in chronological order)
f. Maggie Stiefvater's bibliography (in chronological order)
g. The NEH Timeless Classics list
h. The National Book Award list (in alpha order by title)
i. The Pulitzer list (in alpha order by author)

6. An unread book from my shelves.

7. A book from my Read Soon! shelves.

8. A book on Buddhism or from the Dalai Lama's bibliography.

9. Book-a-year challenge: Three years ago, along with a few others in this group (*cough* Paul *cough*), I made a year-by-year list to see how far I could go back with consecutive reads. I've since been trying to fill in the gap years.

10. A book from the couple of series that I'm reading together with my mom.

11. A full-on re-read through Shakespeare's stuff.

12. A read-aloud-to-Charlie-at-bedtime book (or two).

13. An audio book, which I listen to as I knit/sew/otherwise craft/drive.

14. A romance novel, using as a guideline an excellent list of authors and works curated by lycomaflower (I know virtually nothing about this genre, but I now work in a library where many, many lovely people come through to check out books of this genre, and I want to know something about it).

15. This slot is reserved for books that just grab me and shout that they need to be read Right Now.

Books Read
JANUARY
1. Still Life (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
2. Breaking Stalin's Nose (Newbery Honor Book, audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
3. The Golden Name Day (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
4. Lumberjanes #2: Friendship to the Max (series read) - 10/10 = A+
5. Lumberjanes #3: A Terrible Plan (series read) - 10/10 = A+
6. Lumberjanes #4: Out of Time (series read) - 10/10 = A+
7. Lumberjanes #5: Band Together (series read) - 10/10 = A+
8. Lumberjanes #6: Sink or Swim (series read) - 10/10 = A+
9. Lumberjanes #7: A Bird's-Eye View (series read) - 10/10 = A+
10. Lumberjanes #8: Stone Cold (series read) - 10/10 = A+
11. Lumberjanes #9: On a Roll (series read) - 10/10 = A+
12. Lumberjanes #10: Parents' Day! (series read) - 10/10 = A+
13. Lumberjanes #11: Time After Crime (series read) - 10/10 = A+
14. The Adventurous Eaters Club (Read Soon! Shelves/Christmas gift from Charlie) - 9/10 = A
15. The Black God's Drums (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
16. Call Down the Hawk (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
17. Mr. Justice Holmes (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
18. I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld) - 9/10 = A
19. The White Stone (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
20. The Corn Grows Ripe (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-

FEBRUARY
21. The Book of Essie (Alex Awards) - 9/10 = A
22. Lumberjanes 12: Jackalope Springs Eternal (series read) - 10/10 A+
23. Lumberjanes 13: Indoor Recess (series read) - 10/10 = A+
24. Lumberjanes: Bonus Tracks (series read) - 10/10 = A+
25. Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass (series read) - 10/10 = A+
26. Lumberjanes: The Shape of Friendship (series read) - 10/10 = A+
27. Mooncakes (recommended by Laura (lycomayflower)) - 9/10 = A
28. Vanity Fair (audiobook) - 7/10 = C
29. They Called Us Enemy (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A
30. The Rattle Bag (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
31. Queen of the Sea (impulse library checkout) - 8/10 = B-
32. Pumpkinheads (impulse library checkout) - 9/10 = A
33. Snuff (Discworld) - 9/10 = A
34. Agnes Grey (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
35. New Kid (Newbery Medal) - 10/10 = A+
36. Telephone Tales (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
37. Pawn of Prophecy (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A+
38. The Girl Who Smiled Beads (Alex Award) - 7/10 = C
39. Cranford (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+

MARCH
40. Best Friends (impulse library checkout) - 9/10 = A
41. Old Ramon (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
42. Bloodlust & Bonnets (impulse library checkout) - 9/10 = A
43. Raising Steam (Discworld) - 8/10 = B
44. The Terrible Two Go Wild (Charlie's nightly read-aloud) - 8/10 = B
45. If You're Reading This, It's Too Late (Charlie recommendation) - 8/10 = B
46. Me in the Middle (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
47. The King of the Copper Mountains (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
48. The Specter in the Magician's Museum (Charlie's bedtime read) - 9/10 = A
49. Green (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
50. Thistle and Thyme (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
51. The Fearsome Inn (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
52. These Old Shades (romance list) - 8/10 = B
53. The Wise Man's Fear (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+

APRIL
54. Mary Barton (audiobook) - 8/10 = B
55. The Slow Regard of Silent Things (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
56. Pride and Prejudice (Read Soon! Shelves) - 10/10 = A+
57. Read It and Weep (series read with my mom) - 8/10 = B+
58. The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare re-read) - 8/10 = B
59. Secondhand Souls (Moore bibliography) - 9/10 = A
60. Candyfreak (Unread Book from My Shelves) - 8/10 = B-

MAY
61. Yarn Over Murder (series read with my mom) - 7/10 = C
62. Henry VI Part 2 (Shakespeare re-read) - 9/10 = A
63. The Graveyard Book (Charlie's bedtime read) - 10/10 = A+
64. Shiver (Stiefvater bibliography) - 9/10 = A
65. Family Don't End with Blood (a gift from one of my favorite people) - 9/10 = A-
66. The Thief of Always (an unread book from my shelves) - 9/10 = A
67. The Art of the English Murder (a book from my Read Soon! shelves) - 8/10 = B
68. This Book Is Not Good for You (a series Charlie and I are reading together) - 8/10 = B+
69. On Borrowed Time (series read with my Mom) - 8/10 = B+
70. Henry VI Part 3 (Shakespeare re-read) - 9/10 = A
71. The Shepherd's Crown (Discworld series) - 8/10 = B+

JUNE
72. The Beast under the Wizard's Bridge (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud) - 8/10 = B+
73. Winter Wonderland (Romance list) - 8/10 = B+
74. The Silence Between Us (Schneider Award) - 8/10 = B+
75. Of Human Bondage (NEH list) - 9/10 = A
76. The Duke I Tempted (Romance genre list) - 8/10 = B+
77. Genesis Begins Again (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
78. This Isn't What It Looks Like (Charlie book) - 8/10 = B+

JULY
79. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Charlie's bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
80. Any Duchess Will Do (Romance list) - 9/10 = A-
81. Other Words for Home (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
82. Bleak House (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
83. The Folio Society Book of the 100 Greatest Portraits (unread book from my shelves) - 9/10 = A
84. The Tower at the End of the World (Charlie's bedtime book) - 9/10 = A-

AUGUST
85. Coraline (Charlie's bedtime book) - 9/10 = A
86. Frankly in Love (Morris Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
87. Potent Pleasures (romance genre list) - 7/10 = C-
88. I Kill Giants (impulse library checkout) - 8/10 = B+
89. You Have to Stop This (Charlie series recommendation) - 9/10 = A-
90. The Shop on Blossom Street (romance genre list) - 8/10 = B-
91. Tom's Midnight Garden (Charlie's bedtime book) - 10/10 = A+
92. Our Eddie (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+

SEPTEMBER
93. There Will Come a Darkness (Morris Award) - 9/10 = A-
94. The Demon Headmaster (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
95. Holding the Cards (romance genre list) - 8/10 = B+
96. Little House on the Prairie (Charlie's bedtime book) - 9/10 = A-
97. The Field Guide to the North American Teenager (Morris Award) - 9/10 = A
98. Lumberjanes #14: X Marks the Spot (Lumberjanes series) - 9/10 = A
99. So Anyway... (a book from my Read Soon! shelves) - 8/10 = B-

OCTOBER
100. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 8/10 = B+
101. Silver in the Wood (a birthday present from a best friend) - 10/10 = A+
102. Anpao (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
103. Sing Me a Story (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
104. The Many Ways of Seeing (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C-
105. Lumberjanes #15: Birthday Smarty (series read) - 10/10 = A+
106. Pet (Stonewall Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
107. The Thief (series reread) - 10/10 = A+
108. Homesick (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
109. Purl Up and Die (cozy mysteries) - 2/10 = F
110. Lawn Boy (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A-
111. Giant Days Vol. 1 (GN rec from...Micky? I think?) - 9/10 = A
112. One Hundred Years of Solitude (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C

NOVEMBER
113. A Thief in the Village (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
114. A Tale of Two Cities (audiobook) - 10/10 = A+
115. Lord of Scoundrels (romance) - 9/10 = A
116. Giant Days Volume 2 (comic series read) - 9/10 = A
117. Figgs & Phantoms (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-

Another of the Birthday Boy from last month (I'll soon have a Doctor Who photo, hopefully):



The Mario:



The first photo I ever uploaded to flickr, in 2007, the ever-serious, always-amazing Tuppence:

107. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (series reread, 280 pages) - 10/10 = A+
A thief taken out of prison, a magus, a couple of apprentices, a soldier, a king and two queens, and a journey to steal something precious.
A book in which the story is just a fabulously clever and wonderful as the eponymous character, and which is even better the second (and third) time round. Gosh, but I love this series.

108. Homesick by Jean Fritz (Newbery Honor Book, 163 pages) - 8/10 = B
Fritz's novelized autobiography of her childhood in China in the 1920s. Fairly interesting, and the glimpse at what was going on in China at the time through a child's eyes is well done. This Newbery Honor Book was written in the early 1980's, but I think it would still appeal to middle grade kiddos today.

Happy new thread!

>1 scaifea: What a pleasant stack!

Happy new thread!

>8 quondame: Isn't that lovely? I really like the colors.

>9 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

Happy new one, Amber, dear.

Hi Amber. I love your topper. Such dreamy colour ways.
I guess you are reading up a storm alright. Have a great time with all your plans. I'm impressed with how widely you read across genre.

Happy new one Amber!

>11 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul!

>12 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy: Yep, I'll read very nearly anything unless child or animal cruelty are involved. I also can't really handle horror anymore, although I used to love it.

>13 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba!

Happy new one!

>15 figsfromthistle: Thanks!

Happy Sunday, Amber! Happy New Thread!

Happy new thread, Amber!

>17 msf59: >18 katiekrug: Thanks!!

Today's agenda: Prep for class, keep an eye on Charlie's school work, office hours, class, and hopefully a bit of sewing. I'm nearly finished with the costume - I just have a couple more things to do on the pants.

On the reading front:
I started Lawn Boy yesterday and so far I don't really think it's my cuppa, but I'll keep on for a bit with it to see for certain.

What We're Watching:
Spooky Buddies last night (Mario's favorite movie and no, I'm not kidding) followed by a Gilmore Girls episode (the COPPER BOOM! one, which is one of my favorites).

Hi, Amber! I can't help but notice that you and Charlie have the same "Don't F*** With Me" look in your photos; perhaps they're a reflection of combined COVID and Trump fatigue? I have similar expressions in my recent driver's license and passport photos as well.

Happy new thread! I remember reading Homesick as a kid -- it may have been my first experience with memoir.

>21 kidzdoc: Hi, Darryl! *SNORK!!* No, that's just the Johnson Family Resting Angry Face, inherited by both of us from my mom. But also yes to the Trump Fatigue, and yes we both have it.

>22 foggidawn: Oh, that's an interesting thought: first memoir experience... I have no idea what mine was. I'll have to think about that.

>20 scaifea: That's a good episode. I love the endless moving of the mattress. :)

>24 MickyFine: Micky: *snork!* YES. Luke is so long-suffering with her. I love it.

Happy new thread, Amber!

>26 FAMeulstee: Hi, Anita! Good to see you!

Today's agenda: course prep for next semester, helping Charlie study for his science, social studies, and ELA exams this week, maybe a spot of reading.

I am very pleased to report that the costume is finished!! Photos to follow on Saturday, very likely. I'm taking a break today, but I'll probably get back in the sewing room tomorrow to tidy up and start thinking about next projects.

On the reading front: Purl Up and Die has gotten on my last nerve and I've pretty much decided that I'm finished with this series. Ugh. I'll likely finish up this book, but then, yeah, I'm done. The writing just keeps getting worse and the content of this one is pushing some buttons with me. *grumble* I also can't decide if I like or really really don't like Lawn Boy. I'll give it another few pages to see.

109. Purl Up and Die by Maggie Sefton (cozy mysteries) - 2/10 = F
Welp. Just, yeah. I'm done. I can't anymore with this series, and I couldn't even make it to the end of this one. The writing has gotten steadily worse and so has the editing. The dialogue is stale and trite, there are entire sections where she repeats herself...repeatedly...and there are ridiculously obvious plot mistakes, for sobbing out loud. WHERE is the editor?! Yoicks. But the thing that really broke the deal for me was the subject matter in this one: the son of one of the semi-regular characters is accused of sexual assault, but of course everyone assumes he's innocent and the woman is for some unknown reason lying because he's the son of their friend, so everyone jumps into action to try to sleuth out why this evil woman is lying. There is a small nod to the idea that of course there's a *chance* that he's guilty, but it's clearly a token nod. It's insulting and insensitive, and I'm done.

>28 scaifea: Good morning, Amber! Showing my age here: What is ELA?

>30 rosalita: Hi, Julia! ELA = English Language Arts

>31 scaifea: But of course.

>32 rosalita: Julia: Yeah, honestly, it's not that obvious and I should have spelled it out. It took me ages to get used to it. English, folks. It's English class.

>29 scaifea: barf. That sounds like a horrible book, Amber. I think you've made a sound decision.

>33 scaifea: Ha! When I replied I started to type "Back in the Olden Days we just called it English" but I'm trying to give up being grumpy for Lent so I skipped it. :-)

>34 lauralkeet: Laura: Barf is the correct response. It's annoying that that sort of stuff gets published at all.

>35 rosalita: Julia: Ha! I'm happy to be grumpy for the both of us.

Dang. Sorry you had a gross dud read, Amber. Hopefully whatever's on deck next is much, much better.

In my province when I was in school (how does that keep getting so much further away? eep!), English wasn't English until high school and for grades 1-9 it was Language Arts (LA). I think the reasoning was that for 1-9 there was at least as much focus on how language works as there was on studying literature but who even knows?

Good luck to Charlie on his exams! And congrats to you on finishing the costume with time to spare!

>37 MickyFine: Micky: Well, they can't all be good reads, yeah? It does feel good to be done and dusted with it, though.

See, English to me means grammar; English Lit means, well, English Lit. I also just think nomenclature is silly most of the time.

And thanks! It's such a relief to have it done!

>7 scaifea: Happy new thread! I read Homesick several times in 5th grade for a Battle of the Books type competition. I really liked it then, but haven't read it since, and I am not sure if I'd enjoy it as much now.

Hi Amber my dear, happy new thread dear friend.

>39 aktakukac: It holds up better than some, not as good as others.

>40 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

Today's agenda is much like yesterday's, and the one from day before, and...: helping Charlie with his school stuff, prepping for class, office hours, class.

My students wanted to costume up for class today so of course I let them twist my arm into it. I'm also dressed up today, and have offered an extra point toward their lowest quiz score if they can identify my costume. It's not an obvious reference, especially if you don't watch this particular show, so we'll see if anyone gets it:



On the reading front:
I spent some time with One Hundred Years of Solitude yesterday, which is slow to grab me, but I'll keep with it, and Lawn Boy, which I'm still not loving, but again, I'll keep chugging along for now. I'm still listening to A Tale of Two Cities, which is getting tense and I'm here for it!

What We're Watching:
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit. We're huge fans of W&G here at Scaife Manor, and we watch this one every October.

>42 scaifea: Love the Lumberjanes shirt!

>43 MickyFine: Right?!

Today's agenda: Course prep for next semester, Charlie school monitoring, menu planning and grocery ordering, maybe some holiday craft planning, hopefully some reading.

Class was a hoot yesterday: several students were dressed in costumes and clearly had fun with it: there was a cowboy, a stormtrooper (*that's* a hilarious sight: the head and shoulders of a stormtrooper in the zoom window), Winnie the Pooh, Spongebob, and a toga-wearing Roman. No one in my class got my costume reference, and I didn't think they would. Anyone here know who I was?

On the reading front:
I barely got a handful of pages read yesterday, but I did start The Queen of Attolia, dragged along with a few more pages in Lawn Boy, and listened to a bit more of A Tale of Two Cities.

What We're Watching:
The annual Halloween Movie Marathon is nearly complete for this year; last night was Shaun the Sheep: Little Sheep of Horrors. A favorite.

>42 scaifea: Nice photo!

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday. I remember liking Lawn Boy. I enjoyed the offbeat characters.

>47 msf59: Morning, Mark, and thanks!

That's funny, because I was thinking as I was reading last night that you probably would like this one...

>36 scaifea: My impression as well (Laura's response). As >38 scaifea:, Amber says, "done and dusted".
I'm getting really comfortable with that phrase and moving onto a new book. My previous incarnation was to get all bent out of shape, think about it too much, whine on LT (probably)... now I just move to the next book. No coronavirus angst in between book angst, thankyouverymuch.

>42 scaifea:, Love this photo. It's great, Amber. You have a lovely mischievous look!

And Wallace & Gromit: my grandson's absolute favourite. He threw a hissy fit a couple Decembers ago, when the visit to the cousins' was all about "Frosty the Snowman". He's grown up a lot since then but still likes W&G best. I personally think they're hilarious.

I have no idea who you are in the costume. We don't have a TV... the crossed axes look very "Asterix and Obelix" -ish...

>49 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy: I used to insist that I finish every book I started, too, but I've grown right up and out of that nonsense.
And thanks! That's called the Johnson Face (my mom's maiden name) and it's fairly famous in certain circles.
Wallace & Gromit - and really anything Nick Park has a hand in - are wonderful, aren't they? Your grandson has excellent taste.
Well, clearly I've stumped everyone with the costume, which is not surprising. The t-shirt is a reference to the Lumberjanes, which I love dearly and I lovelovelove that this character wears it. She's a semi-regularly recurring character on Supernatural, Charlie Bradbury:

Today's agenda: Grocery pickup, weekly bills, cookie baking (Peanut Butter Nutella Swirl), course prepwork, Charlie school help, office hours, maybe some reading.

On the reading front:
A few pages in Lord of Scoundrels and a few in Lawn Boy, plus a bit of A Tale of Two Cities listening.

What We're Watching:
GBBS Night last night: I was sorry to see Linda go, but I think it was the right decision. And I was so happy for Laura for doing so well! I love her.
We also watched an episode of Arrow and half a Mary Berry Show ep (That's what I'm calling it from now on).

Lumberjanes! Micky deserves a bonus point or two herself for getting that one. Didn't any student figure it out?

Happy Friday. We're on the verge of being all caught up on Midsommer Murders, which is our go-to when we're in the mood for a happy murder-solving show. Ha! Your bff is a big Supernatural fan, so she'd probably get the Charlie Bradbury reference.

>52 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I've heard so many good things about Midsommer Murders. I need to get round to that one at some point. And of course she's an SPN fan - she's awesome!

>51 scaifea: Agree with your GBBS comments. Linda had a REALLY bad week! New episode tonight, for us -- we've been watching them on Fridays, the day they are available in the US.

>54 lauralkeet: Laura: She was so gracious about it, too. So sweet. Yeah, I know we're a week behind, but Thursdays just are our GBBS days for, well, reasons. *shrug*

I need to check if there are any new Midsummer Murders. A few months ago we reached the end of those that were available at the time and I miss them.

>56 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: I have the hardest time remembering to check for new episodes of shows we get caught up on. I should make a spreadsheet...

>50 scaifea: Ah! We haven't made it to seasons with Charlie yet but I'm excited for her arrival. Among the episodes of SPN we watched last night was the wishing well episode. Funny although I felt bad for that poor teddy bear.

Also, I want to try your cookies. Recipe?

>58 MickyFine: Oooh, you'll LOVE her! And YES! The wishing well! I agree that the teddy bear was...disturbing, though.

Here's the recipe:

https://www.creationsbykara.com/nutella-peanut-butter-cookies/

>59 scaifea: Thanks! Printed for future baking days as I just made a bunch of chewy ginger cookies last weekend so I'm set for a while. And of course, my next round of baking will probably be Christmas cookies. But then these. Definitely.

>60 MickyFine: Dean...*sigh*...what were we talking about?

Cookie are done and they're pretty tasty, if I do say so:

>62 scaifea: That looks so good! I was going to make lemon bars this weekend, but those look awfully tasty...

>62 scaifea: They look delicious. Plus, as I've said before, I love those plates. I'll blame my Dutch heritage. ;)

>63 foggidawn: Do it! They're good!

>64 MickyFine: I do love my Blue Willow plates so much. They're really old and some of them are chipped, but I don't care. I love 'em.

Today's agenda: Weekend baking (cinnamon rolls for this week's breakfasts, and Spumoni Cake), some time in the sewing room to get organized for my holiday projects, and hopefully some reading. Trick-or-treating was Thursday here, so we'll just settle in tonight to watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown to wrap up our Halloween Movie Marathon. Charlie's going to hang out in his costume for a bit, so hopefully he'll cooperate for some photos.

On the reading front:
I finished Lawn Boy and will post a mini-review later today.

What Were Watching:
After our Family Game Night games (several rounds of Nintendo Land matches), we watched an episode of Agents of Shield and a Graham Norton.

>66 scaifea: A relaxing agenda, Amber.
Our day's plans are not very ambitious.
I love the idea of cinnamon rolls. We have been making all our own baked goods since last March, but I've done the fancy breads only a few times.

I finished a book last night (Horse of a Different Color), so I'll write that review and then tie off the October thread, I think.

Here, we have a plan to deliver mini-chocolate bars via a plexiglass tube. It might be a forlorn hope of Trick 'r Treaters, though. The weather has turned really foul (rainy-snow and howling winds; promising clearing later however).
With Mr. Virus handing out infections left, right, and centre, we have no way of knowing if the families on our street will venture out.

Looking forward to seeing Charlie all costumed-up! Have fun.

>67 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy: My mom taught me to bake when I was just a kid and I've been making my own breads and rolls and cakes et al. ever since. I'm one of those regular bakers who were frustrated last spring by the sudden dearth of yeast in the stores when everybody else decided to start baking, too. Ha! I usually try to bake something every weekend that we can have for breakfast for the coming week, and cinnamon rolls are one of Charlie's favorites.

Good luck with the trick-or-treaters tonight. We opted out of participating this year because we live in an area with lots of Trump signs and little respect for mask-wearing, so we were nervous that people wouldn't respect the socially distancing thing.

110. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison (Alex Award, 312 pages) - 9/10 = A-
Mike Muñoz is in his early twenties, lives with his mom and his special needs brother in a rented trailer on the res, and works a minimum-wage landscaping job. When he quits his job out of protest for mistreatment (he didn't sign on to pick up yards full of dog turds), his bleak prospects for the future get even dimmer. So he spends the book on a rollercoaster of promising job leads and rotten luck, struggling with old friends and making new ones, all the while trying to suss out who he really is, who he wants to be, and realizing his own self worth. Think Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London for a different time and a different kind of outsider.
I struggled through the first two thirds of this one, forcing myself to read on despite being annoyed at most of the characters and the dismal tone of events, but I was caught up just enough in the main character that I needed to know how things turned out for him. And I'm so glad I stuck with it, because it turned out to be one of those rare novels in which the last 100 pages turn everything around and transform the story from generally disagreeable to one of my favorite reads so far this year.

111. Giant Days Vol. 1 by John Allison (GN rec from...Micky? I think?) - 9/10 = A
A comic about three first-year college friends and their adventures.
I loved it. Will absolutely be tracking down the other volumes.

>70 scaifea: A BB for me to explore!

>71 SandyAMcPherson: I hope you like them! This first one was a hoot.

Happy Halloween, everyone! Here's Charlie as the 10th Doctor:

>73 scaifea: Good looking!

>73 scaifea: Oh that's fabulous, Amber, and you can tell Charlie enjoys the costume. He looks so dapper and grown up!

>70 scaifea: Yay! That was me although I discovered it via Laura so ultimate credit to her.

>73 scaifea: Ah blue tenth Doctor! Very nice!

>75 bell7: Thanks, Mary! He *does* look good in the suit, doesn't he?

>76 MickyFine: Micky: Aha! I've already had words with Laura for not telling me directly about this series...
And yeah, it had to be the blue suit because I looked everywhere for brown fabric with blue pinstripes and couldn't find it. Frustrating. This works, though.

Today's agenda: We'll be taking down the Halloween decorations and putting up the Thanksgiving ones, then I'd like to split the rest of the day between the sewing room (planning holiday crafts) and reading. At the moment, I'm happily having cake for breakfast - the Spumoni Cake turned out lovely, very light and fluffy. Paul Hollywood would definitely tell me it's a good bake, as long as I could hide the fact that I started with a cake mix...

On the reading front:
I read some One Hundred Years of Solitude, which I hope picks up at some point because, to be honest, it's a bit of a slog right now, and I started A Thief in the Village, which is a collection of short stories and usually I stay clear of those, but this is for a list, so...

What We're Watching:
Last night of the Halloween Movie Marathon last night, so we watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and followed that up with a marathon of all the Halloween Heist episodes of Brooklyn Nine Nine. So fun.

>73 scaifea: :)

112. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob, 458 pages) - 7/10 = C
Follows the story of the town of Macondo, via several generations of the founding family.
Well, yes.
*ahem*
I really don't like it when I don't like a classic, but...I just didn't like this one. I think, maybe, it's two things: 1) I don't like it when the narrator does *everything* and there's little to no dialogue helping to move the story forward. I don't like being so far removed from the characters. 2) I think I just don't like this kind of magical realism, in which the magic is so very much an undercurrent and is never looked at directly and never explained.
So, yeah. I think I'm just not a fan. Apologies to the world of Good Literature.

>77 scaifea: Not quite everywhere - there's some in my stash, but then a friend and I crawled through many, many stores in the LA fabric district to find it - and at that only got enough to trim a coat we never got around to making.

>80 scaifea: *whispers* I was underwhelmed, too.

I rated it just 2.5 stars, and credit it as the book that taught me I don't really care for magical realism. I read it because it was on the 1001 Books to Read Before you Die list, and still feel like I should have appreciated it more, but I would probably need to read the book as part of a course to really "get" it.

>81 quondame: Ah, well then.

>82 lauralkeet: Laura: That makes me feel a bit better! And don't sell yourself short - just because we didn't like it doesn't mean we didn't 'get' it.

>83 scaifea: well that's an interesting perspective, Amber. I'm guessing there are probably themes and symbolism in the work that I just didn't pick up on. That's what I meant by "getting" it. But I don't think that insight would make me love or even like the book!

Morning, Amber! Hooray for Lawn Boy & Giant Days. I am a fan of both too. Sorry, to hear about your lack of love for One Hundred Years of Solitude. I plan on still giving it a shot, next year and see what I think.

>73 scaifea: Love this photo of Charlie.

>84 lauralkeet: Laura: Sure, there probably are. But that's going to be true, to a certain extent, with nearly everything we read, right? I just wanted to point out that there should be a separation of understanding and taste, which is a stance against literary snobbery more than anything else ("Oh, if you didn't like it then you just didn't understand it" type thing).

>85 msf59: Morning, Mark! I was so happy with how Lawn Boy turned itself around for me in the end - I love it when that happens! And yes, I'm an instant fan of Giant Days and have already requested the next volume. I think you will love the Márquez, in fact; it seems right up your street.

And thanks for the photo love! It's a rare one caught of him smiling (he doesn't like to smile for photos, for some reason).

Today's agenda:
Class prep, course prep for next semester, office hours, supervise Charlie's school stuff. Same. Same.

Charlie has a math test on Wednesday but his math teacher (our least favorite of the bunch - the rest seem lovely) doesn't really provide very good review materials. So if I can find a moment somewhere, I want to try to come up with some sample questions to help him study. Yoicks. Ratios, though, so it's not difficult at all, really.

I also want to try to get into the sewing room to do some work today. Yesterday I mapped out my holiday gift plans and they're ambitious (shocking, I know), so I need to start the hustle, like, now. (When I told Tomm that I wasn't sure I'd get everything done in time, his response was, "Oooooh, good. I'll pencil in the crying jag for about six weeks from now?" So supportive, that one.)

On the reading front:
I polished off A Thief in the Village yesterday and made good progress with Lord of Scoundrels, which is a fun one so far.

What We're Watching:
A couple of Gilmore Girls episodes last night. Enter Digger Stiles, one of my least favorite characters. Ugh.

>86 scaifea: there should be a separation of understanding and taste, which is a stance against literary snobbery more than anything else
Thanks for clarifying, Amber. I totally agree with you! Even if I *understood* One Hundred Years of Solitude I still wouldn't like it or want to read other similar books.

>87 scaifea: - Tomm's response to your ambitious plans made me snort. The Wayne would have said something similar - always with the smart remarks, that one...

Have a good day, Amber!

>88 lauralkeet: Laura: I admit that I'm a little sensitive to the issue, having come up against it so much in grad school. Snobbery bothers me, especially intellectual snobbery. I'm glad I read the Márquez, just so I know what it's about, but yeah, I'd be okay not reading similar stuff again.

>89 katiekrug: Katie: Well, the thing is, he's...not wrong? In about 6 weeks I will very likely have a minor breakdown about getting everything done. *self eye roll*

>90 scaifea: - Oh, yeah, those sorts of comments are always spot on here. Which makes it impossible to be mad at them, if I were the type who got mad easily.

>91 katiekrug: Katie: Ha! Right? Same, here. Plus, he's so stupid charming about it, too. Unfair, really.

113. A Thief in the Village by James Berry (1001 Children's Books, 148 pages) - 8/10 = B-
A middle grade collection of stories set in Jamaica.
Meh. These were okay for me, but I always have trouble slogging through short story collections, so they'd likely work much better for other readers.

>87 scaifea: TOmm's response sounds about like something I'd say... 😀

>94 drneutron: Jim: *snork!* Must be a scientist-spouse thing.

😂

Hi Amber. I've been lurking and trying to get caught up on my library loans.
Be well and hope that this election stuff doesn't go off the rails.

PS. What are you making for the sewing gift plans?

>97 SandyAMcPherson: Hi, Sandy. I'm grumpy and stressed and anxious today because of the election. So much on the line. So I'm trying to focus on other things. We'll see how well that works.

Right now I'm working on a lap quilt for my parents made from cut up old flannel shirts. It has a crazy-quilt vibe, although there is a definite pattern to it, and it will hopefully be homey and cozy.

Today's agenda is full of the usual with the added notion of trying to stay away from election coverage and therefore lessen the anxiety. I'll put in some time on course prep work and then maybe head into the sewing room for a bit.

On the reading front: I started Jill the Reckless yesterday, which already reads just like a Jeeves and Wooster novel, so of course I love it. I also started Like a Love Story, which seems promising so far, and I made a bit more progress with A Tale of Two Cities as well.

I have had 100 Years of Solitude in Mt. TBR for a few years now but it never seems the "right" book when I go there. I also "should" cull some books before the move so maybe I'll just donate it and not have to look at it any more.

>100 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Ooof. Don't give up on a book just on my account, though. Gives me book guilt. Ha!

>101 scaifea: Gives me a nice sense of relief :) One drop less of guilt

>102 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: *snork!* I'll take it!

Publisher's Weekly have released their list of best children's books of 2020:

Best Books 2020

I've added several to my list already...

Today's agenda: The usual, plus constant background anxiety about election results. Ugh.

On the reading front:
I started a reread of Titus Andronicus, because nothing says Comfort Read During a Stressful Time like a bleak and bloody tragedy. Like a Love Story is going okay, although I wish I liked the characters more than I do. And I'm on the home stretch with A Tale of Two Cities and I know what's going to happen, yet it's still thrilling and perfectly heartbreaking. I love it.

What We're Watching:
NOT election coverage. My anxiety-riddled brain couldn't handle that. So we watched a couple of Agents of Shield episodes and a couple QIs.

>105 scaifea: nothing says Comfort Read During a Stressful Time like a bleak and bloody tragedy

Ha! Interesting reading choice, Amber. Take care of yourself my friend.

>106 lauralkeet: Laura: Well, yeah. I do love this play, though, especially for it's nods to Ovid's version of Procne and Philomela, which is one of my very favorite myths.

And thanks. I think we all need some self-care right now, whatever form it takes.

>105 scaifea: My reading choice was a YA novella, Heirs of Locksley. I was totally narked and grumpy about its ending.

Today I start a Tana French, In the Woods. Nothing like a good murder mystery !!

>108 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy: I haven't read the Vaughn book, and I *know* I need to get round to French at some point.

>109 scaifea: I like Carrie Vaughn's 'take' on the Robin Hood folklore.
I believe she aimed for the 9 to 12-yo audience but I read those books with an eye to finding suitable stories for my grandchildren.

They were also comfort reads (at night) but as novellas didn't take long.
I have never read of Tana French's work so In the Woods will be my first taste.

Sending best wishes and hoping you progress happily with course prep work. Is it all by zoom? I think you said that way earlier.

>110 SandyAMcPherson: Yep, everything is zoomed for my classes.

I love folklore and myth retellings, so I may have to check Vaughn's stuff out.

I guess you're familiar with the original tale of Robin Hood? I was thrown off of Vaughn's retelling, because it made such a different development to "what came next" in comparison to my childhood reading.

Do you know these titles?
Spindle's End
The Outlaws of Sherwood
Beauty

All by Robin McKinley.
I love her folk lore retelling, although I didn't particularly admire the ending she developed for The Outlaws of Sherwood. I thought it was rather unjust. My review can be found in the list for the book (but may have spoilers... just to warn you).

>112 SandyAMcPherson: Yep, I know Robin Hood. Thanks for the list; I have a hit-or-miss reaction to McKinley, but I'll keep them in mind.

>105 scaifea: Just sending you plenty of hugs today. I don't even live in your country and waiting for news makes me anxious. Hang in there. Seems odd to say enjoy Titus Andronicus but since you do, I hope it brings all the comfort you need.

>114 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky. We need all the comfort and support we can get down here right now.

Today's agenda:
Menu planning and grocery ordering, course prep and keeping an eye on Charlie's school work. Maybe some sewing. Hopefully some reading.

On the reading front:
Not much reading time yesterday, but I did manage a bit of Like a Love Story, although I'm still not very invested in it. A Tale of Two Cities continues apace (sort of. I mean it continues, at least) as well.

What We're Watching:
We revisited the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie last night, which is one of my all-time favorites. Definitely a good comfort watch.

I still giggle a lot when watching PotC even though I've watched it many, many times.

>117 MickyFine: It is so, so good. And so, so clever.

Somehow while placing my grocery order for tomorrow, I managed to add four different kinds of cookies to the list. That decision probably has nothing to do with my current state-of-the-world stress levels. Nah, definitely not.

I printed the peanut butter and Nutella cookie recipe and can't wait to try them. Baking sounds like a stress reducer right now. In a way. Because my toddler always wants to help, and sometimes that is fun and sometimes it is a hassle. Do you have a good recipe picked out for tomorrow's afternoon snack?

>120 aktakukac: Hi, Rachel!
Ohmygosh, I remember those toddler-in-the-kitchen days! Ooof. Charlie has loved to help me bake and cook from almost Day One, it seems, and some of those early times were...trying... He's an excellent help in the kitchen now, though, so you have that to look forward to! I hope you all love the Nutella cookies - we sure did. Tomorrow I'm taking it a little easy and making brownies from a box mix, I think. They're better than any recipe brownies I've ever tried anyway, and it just feels like the time for brownies. With ice cream. And some whipped cream. Possibly a cherry on top.

>119 scaifea: - Yes, but what *kinds* of cookies?

If I had to choose 4, I'd go with Oreos, Fudge Grahams, supermarket bakery chocolate chip, and Nilla wafers. Now I'm hungry.

>119 scaifea: I see nothing wrong here. Nothing at all.

>122 katiekrug: Oooh, I almost added Fudge Grahams to the list but already had Fudge Stripes on and didn't want to go *too* nuts. The others are Amaretto Hot Cocoa Milano Cookies (I mean, WHAT), Pizzelles from the bakery, and Orange Milano Cookies. Plus, as stated above, I'll be making brownies tomorrow. Also, I LOVE grocery bakery chocolate chip cookies and nearly got some of those, but I thought Charlie might like to try pizzelles. Also, we already have Nilla wafers in the house because of course we do.

>123 MickyFine: Micky: *snork!* I appreciate your enabling behavior.

>124 scaifea: - Mmmm, Milanos.... I love those orange ones especially.

I'm fascinated by the different cookie options on your side of the border. Oreos is the only one I'm positive I could get here - and have you seen some of the new flavours for those lately? It's strange we don't have a lot of those American cookies but I can get more international treats like stroopwafels and Walker's shortbread super easily.

>126 MickyFine: - Not my thread but I have strong cookie affinity, so..... Stroopwafels and Walkers are both pretty widespread here, too. I am anti-new fangled Oreo flavors. Why mess with perfection? Fudge grahams are a favorite of my childhood. Very simple but super tasty.

>124 scaifea: - I forgot to mention: I made a pan of brownies on Election Night. It lasted exactly one day. *sigh*

>127 katiekrug: A whole day? That's a longer than average life for a pan of brownies anywhere near me.

I agree with Micky, there's nothing wrong with having four kinds of cookies on your grocery order! My husband likes the EL Fudge cookies, so those are on our grocery lists quite often. Brownies have sounded good lately. Maybe we'll make some and I'll have the boy pour in some chocolate chips and add some on top. He's a pretty good helper for his age. Apparently he is decent at cracking eggs, as my aunt let him do that when they made cookies and said he wasn't bad. I haven't been brave enough to let him try that with me!

>127 katiekrug: I have to admit, I prefer golden Oreos to the original. Mr. Fine and I tried the chocolate peanut butter ones recently because he we like all things chocolate peanut butter.

My weakness this week has been all the leftover Halloween candy. We were prepped for a normal volume of kids just in case (our neighbours tell us 80-100 is the norm for this area) and had only 30 so there's lots of candy in my house.

>126 MickyFine: Micky: Ooof, well then, as much as Canada has been looking pretty good lately, that may be a deal-breaker. I do love stroopwafels, though.

>127 katiekrug: Katie: I wouldn't say that they're widespread here in the midwest, but you *can* find them if you're passionate about it. I kind of like trying the Oreo flavors, but admit that they're hit or miss.
And yeah, if your brownies last more than a day, there's something off.

>130 MickyFine: Micky: Oh, I do love the golden Oreos! I haven't tried the peanut butter ones, though.

Also, it's adorable that you had leftover Halloween candy. We ate all of ours *days* ago.

>128 quondame: - Oh, okay, that makes me feel better! Except I've gained back 5 lbs of the weight I've been working so hard to lose, so really, I never should have made the damn things. But they were yummy.... C'est la vie!

>131 scaifea: We do have some great cookies up here. Maple creams are great (think Oreos but with maple cookies and maple cream filling). And we probably have equivalents for most of the other ones, just with different names. :)

Be right back ... have to go add Fudge Grahams to my online grocery order ...

>130 MickyFine: - How are we even friends, Micky?!?!?! I don't hate the golden ones, but they should have a different name :)

We ignored Halloween, so no candy here. Usually, I over-buy on purpose to have "leftovers" but I knew we wouldn't have any trick-or-treaters so I couldn't justify it. Sad face.

>131 scaifea: - Huh. Walker's are in our regular cookie aisle and at CVS and places like that. Stroopwafels not quite as prevalent, but I saw them the other day in a 7-11 of all places.

>129 aktakukac: >128 quondame: >129 aktakukac: I missed you up there earlier!

>128 quondame: Yep! Same.

>129 aktakukac: Ha! The eggs! Charlie still wants me to do those because he thinks they're gross.

>135 rosalita: Julia: *snork!* I'm a Keebler influencer! Must immediately go set up an instagram account...

>136 katiekrug: Katie: Was that the case in Texas, too? I wonder if it's a coastal thing?

>138 scaifea: - Walker's were definitely pretty common in Texas. I am unsure about stroopwafel, as I like them but don't LOVE them.

>138 scaifea: Sadly, the Fudge Grahams are not available online from my store for some reason, but I was able to console myself with some Keebler Grasshoppers, which are perfect dupes for the original Girl Scouts Thin Mints (back when they actually tasted like chocolate).

>139 katiekrug: Katie: Ha! Well, I'm the same about Walker's (I don't like 'em at all), so they could be everywhere here and I'm just not looking.

>140 rosalita: Julia: WHAT. I love those Grasshoppers, though.

>142 drneutron: Jim: *SNORK!!* I said that to Charlie's grade school PE teacher at a parent/teacher conference while standing next to him at the refreshment table and he did an actual spit take! Charlie was half mortified and half giggling, so I called it a win all around.

I made some of the peanut butter nutella cookies, and they were good! Then, last night, I made a batch of lemon bars. Baking is excellent stress relief. I support everyone's efforts along that line.

>144 foggidawn: Oooh, lemon bars! Yum.

Tomm just walked into the room and said, "You didn't happen to make a flourless chocolate torte today, did you?" So I'm not the only one craving desserts!

Today's agenda:
Grocery pickup, weekly bill sorting, quiz grading and office hours, brownie baking, some sewing, some reading.

On the reading front:
The Queen of Attolia is just as wonderful the...fourth? I think?...time around; I'm about 1/4 through it so far. Still plugging away at Like a Love Story and still not really liking the characters much. A Tale of Two Cities is making up for it, though, in being possibly my favorite Dickens so far.

What We're Watching:
GBBS last night: I was worried for Laura there for a bit, but relieved that she's still in it. She and the kiddo are my favorites.

>146 scaifea: Good morning, Amber. I agree with your GBBS comment although I suspect Laura may be the next to go home. But wasn't it sweet the way Noel comforted her when she was having a meltdown? I nearly cried myself.

>147 lauralkeet: Laura: Yeah, I suspect as much as well. *sigh* And yes! Noel is the sweetest thing and I would follow him anywhere.

Today's agenda is just baking and sewing and reading. Sounds lovely to me.

On the reading front:
Lord of Scoundrels continues to be a hoot, A Tale of Two Cities is nearing the finish and is still wonderful, but I do think I may call it quits with Like a Love Story, because I just can't get into the characters or the story.

What We're Watching:
A couple of Graham Nortons and a couple of QIs last night. I haven't laughed so much in a long time.

Morning, Amber! Happy Saturday. Have a great weekend at the Scaife Manor and enjoy this gorgeous weather.

Ooh, Lord of Scoundrels is a classic.

>150 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

>151 katiekrug: Katie: It's so good so far! Perfect escapist reading for right now.

Morning, Amber! I have not read Lord of Scoundrels, and I am trying to read more of the classics. *blinks*

>153 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie!
Ha! I've recently started dipping into the romance genre because it's one that I didn't know much about before, and I'm having a great time discovering new favorites. I think this one will make that list.

I will add it to the list on you and Katie's say so. I do love me a good romance!

>155 Crazymamie: Mamie: Woot!

Catching up---really enjoyed the interchange with Laura over "understanding vs. liking" when it comes to literature. I may be a bit more inclined to enjoy magical realism than you two, so I am keeping One Hundred Years of Solitude on my TBR stack for, y'know, one-a-these-days.

Hi Amber. I took a news and LT break ~ having suffered copious melt downs.

I like your plans: baking and reading.
Here it is snowing, probably going to be the first major snowfall of the season.
We're making hearty soup with biscuits for supper tonight. I'm definitely going to be reading (In the Woods).

>158 SandyAMcPherson: Oh Sandy, we need you Canadians to keep a distanced calm so when we go to pieces you're there to sweep our fractured psyches back in the bag. And even though the election pressure may be relieved, you know how the land quakes after the glaciers are gone.
Biscuits are a great comfort in this world.

>159 quondame: Trying my best be "distanced calm".
The really big concern (looking from afar) is the rampant surge in the coronavirus infections. I know the past administration has been utterly ignorant in the denial of its severity.
My Mom and family are American and I have loads of relatives in the USA. And friends, too, from when I worked at WSU. So, I feel very connected and engaged in the American destiny.

Yes, nothing like baking powder biscuits and homemade soup for comfort-dinners.

>157 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: I suspect you *would* enjoy the Marquez.

>158 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy: The baking is done - there's now a Chocolate Cream Pie chilling in the fridge - but no reading just yet. I've been hanging out in the sewing room for the last couple of hours.
Soup for dinner sounds lovely, as does the snow; it's approaching 70F here today and that's an absolute abomination, to my way of thinking. It's November, for cripes' sake.

>159 quondame: I sort of suspect much of the world has been on mental and emotional pins and needles about this election. Well, it looks like we can breathe a sigh of relief, although what antics the clown will attempt before getting dragged out of the Oval Office are yet to come.

Hi Amber my dear, i hope that you, Tomm, Charlie and Mario are having a good start to the weekend, sending love and hugs to you all from both of us and Felix, dear friend.

>162 johnsimpson: Thanks, John! Today's election news has made it a pretty fabulous weekend so far, I have to say.

>163 scaifea:, Hi Amber, i am so happy from Biden and Harris and hope that they can bring the Country back onto a safe, firm footing, the America that we overseas knew before the curse of the Tango man Drumf.

>164 johnsimpson: John: It'll be a rough road, but there's definitely hope.

>165 scaifea:, there sure is.

>163 scaifea: Boy, did it ever!

>167 London_StJ: Right?! My anxiety levels haven't been this...moderate...in a long, long time.

Today's agenda includes vacuuming (blech), then sewing and reading (yay!). I made French Toast for breakfast from the leftover cinnamon rolls from last weekend and I think it may be some of the best I've ever made, second only to the time I made it out of leftover cake. I told Tomm and Charlie this morning that if I ever opened a restaurant, I would only serve French Toast and I would make it out of all kinds of things. I'm confident it would be a complete success.

On the reading front:
I spent my reading time yesterday with Lord of Scoundrels and I'm still loving it tons, plus I started Figgs & Phantoms, which is strange so far, but in a good way, I think.

What We're Watching:
Charlie's pick last night, so a couple of Gilmore Girls episodes (including the Living Statues one, which is a favorite) and a QI.

114. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (audiobook) - 10/10 = A+
Set during the French Revolution, the story follows a French doctor, wrongfully imprisoned for years, who reunites with his daughter and moves to London. There, they settle into a comfortable life, the daughter happily marries and starts a family, all unknowing that they will be pulled back to Paris and into the horror of the revolution.
This is Dickens at his finest, weaving various threads into such an intricate pattern and only hinting here and there at the final dramatic design, in which all the characters play a surprising part in relation to one another. Thrilling in parts and tender in others, this ticks all the right boxes for me. I loved it.

>170 scaifea: My husband just bought a copy of A Tale of Two Cities. He's currently nearing the end of War and Peace and I think this is next up on his TBR. I don't think I've ever read it myself, but you are tempting me.

>171 lauralkeet: Laura: It's my second favorite after A Christmas Carol, so far at least. So I'd definitely recommend it!

>171 lauralkeet: On a completely frivolous note, Laura, your husband reading W&P (admirable!) reminds me of a famous (in our family) joke: my father used to say to my mother and I (when we needed the Ladies Loo at the theatre or intermission at the ballet), that he'd be able to finish W&P while he waited for us.

Always got my mom cranked up because, of course, the line up for the women's toilets was 20x longer than the men's. And we had to faff with clothing in a way that he didn't.

OK. sorry Amber, not exactly appropriate for a book Talk thread... (except it's still funny to me).
I've never read W&P. Is it actually readable? I struggled with Russian novels, especially Anna Karenina and Dr. Zhivago, so I am not drawn to W&P.

RE: T of 2 C, I liked that book. I quoted a line from it in my Dissertation acknowledgements (no, it wasn't an English Lit Diss, it was hard science): it was the best of times, it was the worst of times... (continues as it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, but I didn't want to carry the allegory any further).

To clarify: 'hard' does not mean difficult when one speaks of a field of scientific study. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy etc. are the "hard sciences"; whereas the social sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, etc.) are usually described as 'soft'). Yeah, y'all probably knew that...

>173 SandyAMcPherson: War and Peace is definitely readable and worth it effort. Sometime when I'm not needing to get up and start dinner prep in a minute I'll retell the story of how Charlie checked it out of the library at age 5 and had grand plans to read it (and managed a few chapters, even!), which then led to me reading it for the first time.

And yep, being married to someone with a PhD in astrophysics means that I know my way around hard vs soft science, since he scoffs at the latter all the time.

>174 scaifea: We cannot live without the arts and social sciences.
I told my students that all the time: that scientific research needs creativity. That they would never prosper in a lab (for example) if they didn't learn how to cook. They needed to embrace creativity to be able to solve the questions that inevitably arise in any kind of research.

I bet you know that, too.
Tell Mr. Astrophysics (from me) that thinking outside the box can be well-facilitated by scientists having classes in Philosophy, Critical Thinking, and English Literature courses ~ by reading existentialist literature (for example). IMHO :D

>173 SandyAMcPherson:, >174 scaifea: I'll offer second-hand agreement with the readability question. Chris (the aforementioned husband) has exclaimed multiple times, as he nudges an 1100-page doorstop in my direction, "This is not difficult at all. You'd like it!"

It's not high on my priority list, but I might give it a go. Meanwhile we are re-watching the excellent 2016 TV adaptation and that's good enough for me.

>175 SandyAMcPherson: As someone with a PhD in Greek and Latin Languages and Literature, yep.

>176 lauralkeet: Laura: He's right, it's not difficult at all, but it *is*...long.

>170 scaifea: Interesting. I tried reading Tale a couple years ago, and could not finish the first page. I found something incredibly awful in the sentence structure, as I recall. I know I read it in high school, and was keen to revisit it, but it wasn't working.

>178 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Huh. I wonder if having Simon Vance read it to me helped?

Well, it's Monday (blerg), but Biden/Harris (WOOT!), and Four Seasons Total Landscaping (*SNORK!!*). So, overall, not a bad morning. Course prep and Charlie school stuff and office hours and teaching for me today. Plus a bit of sewing (Christmas Project #1 is coming along pretty well, I think), and maybe some reading (although that's not terribly likely today). I *will* carve out 5 minutes to pop to the library to pick up some holds, though.

On the reading front:
Still reading and loving Lord of Scoundrels, plus Figgs & Phantoms is still weird but good. I started listening to The Mill on the Floss yesterday and I'm half expecting not to like it, but so far I don't hate it.

What We're Watching:
Agents of Shield last night. Wooof, but this show is nuts. Frustratingly so sometimes, but I still love it.

>180 scaifea: The Four Seasons Total Landscaping thing cracked me up. Since it's in Philly, I had to look it up on Google Maps. It's only about 7mi away, but let's just say in an area I would never have reason to visit. Street view shows a very unappealing industrial road with clearly visible crematorium across the street. Too funny.

I concur with your assessment of Monday, Amber. Love the thoughts shared on Tale of Two Cities and War and Peace. I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed War and Peace. And Tale of Two Cities was one of my very favorite books for a long time after reading it in high school. Then I attempted a reread a few years ago when there was a GR here on LT, and it fell flat for me. It was slightly heartbreaking, if I am honest. No more Dickens for me - I no longer have the patience for his writing style except for A Christmas Carol, which I LOVE and reread every year.

>181 lauralkeet: Laura: Right?! It feels like an episode of Arrested Development. So hilariously weird. Okay, so someone makes that crazy booking mistake, but to go through with it anyway!? HOW does that seem like the right decision?! It feels so good to be in a position to laugh about his idiotic antics without all that anxiety, finally.

>182 Crazymamie: Mamie: Dickens is hit or miss for me, I admit, but this one was a big hit. I think I also have to be in the proper mood for him? But also, this one was shorter? I have been known to run out of patience for his longer ones.
And yes! I've been thinking about a Carol reread this year! Charlie has read it every year for the past, I think, four years, and I *love* that.

Yay for A Tale of Two Cities! Good, enthusiastic review. I thought the "they look just like each other" part was a bit fetched from afar, but why quibble in the hands of a master storyteller?

Jeez Louise, Lottie made a mess of the ice cream cake, didn't she? Becca came over and we all watched that episode of GBBS. The two of them, regular fans unlike moi, were sorry to see her go, but it was hard to say she didn't deserve it after that fiasco.

I'm feeling blue in a good way these days. I hope all is well at Scaife Manor.

>184 jnwelch: Morning, Joe!
I loved that bit of Two Cities, actually. I mean, if Clark Kent can just put on glasses and get away with such a flimsy disguise, when can't Dickens get away with such a bait-and-switch?

Ope, we don't watch the new GBBS until the next Thursday, so I won't look at those spoilers just yet. The Jeeze Louise is intriguing, though...

>185 scaifea: I agree with >184 jnwelch: 's spoiler, but yeah Amber, you shouldn't look at it until you've seen last Friday's episode.

>186 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. You agree with the Jeeze Louise-ness, eh? Yoicks. I sure hope my sweet Laura and Peter are okay...

Hi Amber
Since I know that you are a Lumberjanes fan - I have a question. I was having a discussion with my local librarians who are amazing and ordered Lumberjanes graphic novels 1-10 when I inquired about them. However they said they will stop there because there are over 60 of them and they don't have shelf space. I don't think that is accurate and according to LT there are 14 listed on the series page. But I was thinking that there are 16 or so? The librarians mentioned that they turned the GN into a chapter book for middle grades so I am wondering if they are getting confused about something here.

Can anyone help?

>188 jayde1599: Could be they're looking at comics issues rather than the collected volumes. Lumberjanes is available as a monthly comic but they also release collected volumes of the issues 2-3 times per year. Your library would likely only want to purchase only the collected volumes, which currently sits at 14.

>188 jayde1599: >189 MickyFine: Yep, Micky beat me to it. I even have to be careful when requesting them from my library system because the numbering can be confusing, apparently, so I've had better luck getting the collection I want when using the collection titles (ex, Volume 1 is called Beware the Kitten Holy). I've been using this wikipedia page to keep track, and it seems to be pretty accurate:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumberjanes

>189 MickyFine: and >190 scaifea:
That was what I had suspected. I will let them know that the current number is 14 and jot the titles down. They have been great getting books when asked. We may just need to ILL the last four.
Thanks for your help!

>191 jayde1599: Glad to help. Good luck tracking them down!

Today's agenda: More course prep (I should be able to finish up what I'm working on for Latin for next semester and move on to the myth course today), Charlie school help, and maybe some reading and sewing. I'm really starting to think I'll not be able to get all my Christmas gift projects done and I'm annoyed. We'll see.

On the reading front:
Only a bit of The Mill on the Floss listening to report from yesterday, since I spent my non-work and non-Charlie-school time sewing yesterday. *grumble* I *am* enjoying the Eliot more than I thought I would so far, at least.

It's supposed to get up to 78F here today. WHAT. Rude. Where is my sweater weather?! Where are my chilly walks followed by hocho and graham crackers?! *GRUMBLE*

>193 scaifea: - The weather isbeing similarly rude here, Amber. It was nice for a day or so, but I LIKE autumn, and would like some more of it, please and thank you.

>194 katiekrug: Exactly! I have this feeling that we're just going to go crashing into winter without those nice, crisp fall days.

It's going to 80 here with 94% humidity. We had about 5 days (consecutive days, even!) of cooler weather here where I actually got to wear long sleeves and have the windows open. I am worried that this was our Fall and Winter.

I have only read Middlemarch by Elliot, but I did really like it.

>194 katiekrug: >195 foggidawn: Katie & foggi: Right?! We are *so* going to get cheated here, aren't we.

>196 Crazymamie: Mamie: Oooof. I hope you get more cooler weather!
I've only read Adam Bede and that one didn't work for me at all, but I'm beginning to have hope for this one.

Yeah, given our weather, I'm gonna have to mow one more time. 🙄

>198 drneutron: Jim: Oh, dang. That's The Worst!

We got over a foot of snow here on the weekend. Mr. Fine and I shoveled our driveway three times in 24 hours. Be careful what you wish for.

>200 MickyFine: Nope, still completely jealous.

Hi Amber. Checking in to see how life is going.
I'm deep into a Tana French novel and finding so many evocative passages, I had to copy some of them out!

For example, this description very much resonated with me ~
"...I had come to think of my memories solid, shining little things, to be hunted out and treasured, and it was deeply unsettling to think that they might be fool's gold, tricky and fog-shaped..." (p. 281, In the Woods, 2018 paperback ed.)

>200 MickyFine: We had about 30 cm. And the wind scoured the drifts into amazing natural sculptures. I love it. My garden needs a thick, insulating blanket.

I even wished for this because one year we had mid-20's (Celsius) into late November and next spring about 80% of our herbaceous perennials hadn't been dormant enough to survive the drop to -30 with no snow about the first week of December.

>203 SandyAMcPherson: There is that upside. However, the tulip bulbs I ordered (back in the summer) showed up the Monday after all this snow so no chance of sneaking them into the ground. Now I have to figure out how to store them.

>202 SandyAMcPherson: That *is* a nice passage. I'm glad you're enjoying your current reading.

>203 SandyAMcPherson: >204 MickyFine: Bah to bulbs, I say. (Not that I really do *any* gardening at all, like, ever. That's Tomm's Domain.)

Hey Amber,

Allow me to hijack your thread for a moment. Just wanted to spread the word. The Christmas Swap thread is up. To anyone that's interested, come on by...

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

Well I've caught up and escaped with only two books added to the TBR (as lumberjanes was on there already) a craving for brownies and biscuits/cookies and a nudge to find something to watch/rewatch with David Tennant in it. (Love Charlie's suit!)

I just looked up DT's lockdown series with Michael Sheen (Staged) to find they are making a new one, so looking forward to that.

>206 mahsdad: *waves at Jeff*

>207 charl08: Hi, Charlotte! I've seen a couple of clips of Staged and really, REALLY want to watch it. We just haven't gotten there yet. I love them both so much, though.

Today's agenda:
Fight this headache for the second day in a row (I blame the temperature fluctuations), course prep, Charlie school stuff, possibly bake some banana bread, office hours, teach.

On the reading front:
Lord of Scoundrels is due in a couple of days, so I spent some time trying to get close to finishing it yesterday. I just may get it done before it leaves. Am loving it still, too. I'm also still enjoying The Mill on the Floss and am still pleasantly surprised that I'm enjoying it. It'll take me forever because I'm managing only about 15 minutes a day, but I'm okay with that.

What We're Watching:
Last night was Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. I hadn't watched it in years and I had forgotten just how wild the island fight scene gets. So much fun. It was Charlie's first time watching this one, but he pretty much already knew everything that happens from playing the Lego video game!

Ohmygosh, these are amazing:

https://www.pajiba.com/web_culture/twitter-makes-four-seasons-total-landscaping-...

Morning, Amber!

>210 scaifea: This made me laugh out loud - thanks for sharing!

>210 scaifea: Brilliant! I am proud to say that I used Four Seasons Total Landscaping as my Zoom background for staff meeting yesterday, to widespread acclaim:

>212 rosalita: - I love that. I saw that they were offering a Zoom-appropriate sized background. I'll have to see if it will also work for MS Teams :)

Hi Amber!

>211 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Yay! I'm glad you liked it. It definitely made me laugh, too.

>212 rosalita: Julia: *SNORK!* That's fantastic!

>213 katiekrug: Hi, Katie! Report back on if you could make the background work, please.

>209 scaifea: I've had a headache yesterday and today, too. I blame stress, but I hadn't considered that the weather might be a factor...

>215 foggidawn: Oh, well, sure, stress and anxiety, too. Pretty much a constant. I'm sorry you've been suffering with a headache, too - I hope yours clears up soon!

Headache is nearly gone this morning (woot!), so fingers crossed that it's definitely on the way out and not just taking a quick breather.

Today's plan: Menu planning and grocery ordering, course prep, possibly some puttering around with the Category Challenge CATs for next year, maybe some sewing, hopefully some reading.

On the reading front:
I'm racing the due date for Lord of Scoundrels and I'm hoping to get it finished today. The Mill on the Floss is still coming along slowly but I'm really enjoying it so far.

What We're Watching:
It was Charlie's pick last night, so we watched some Gilmore Girls.

Glad you're feeling better today, Amber. I hope it allows you to have a good day.

Note to self: I really have to get hold of some of George Elliott's work. I confess I've tried (not hard enough, though) Middlemarch but maybe Mill on the Floss would be a better one to engage me.

Morning, Amber! Hooray for no headache - hoping it stays gone.

>218 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! So far so good today.

>219 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy: I haven't tried Middlemarch, so I can't comment on a comparison, but I'm enjoying Mill so far.

>220 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! And thanks - me, too!

115. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (romance, ebook) - 9/10 = A
Historical romance in which a self-loathing, filthy rich, scandalous, scowling bad boy meets his match in a tiny, whip-smart, non-nonsense lady. A perfect romp, with great characters and a predictable but who-cares-because-it's-good-anyway plot. Definitely recommended if you like this sort of thing.

I love when a romance novel does one of my favourite tropes well. Glad this one hit the spot for you.

What's next on your romance educational list?

>223 MickyFine: Micky: Yes! It definitely hit the spot. Next up is Indigo. Have you read it?

Today's agenda:
Grocery pickup, weekly bill sorting, Charlie school monitoring, Friday after-school snack baking (Malted Milk Cookies, as long as the Whoppers come with the groceries today; otherwise, probably chocolate chip cookies), course prep, office hours, maybe some reading?

On the reading front:
I spend the reading time I had yesterday finishing off Lord of Scoundrels, and I listened to a bit of The Mill on the Floss, too. Oh, and read half a page (seriously) of Figgs & Phantoms. Yoicks.

What We're Watching:
Thursday night = GBBS! Oh, Lottie. WHAT. But my sweet Peter and Laura are safe for another week (or, well, for half a day for normal people, but we'll not watch again until next Thursday. Weirdos, I know.) Also, Noel was extra-Noel-y this time and I am HERE for it.

>225 scaifea: Amber, I love your GBBS comments. I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to second your love for Noel. I'm looking forward to watching tonight's episode. This is a spoiler that's okay for you to read: I think Laura is still on the bubble, but so is the man you love to hate, Dave. Maybe he'll get the boot this week! I think the competition will come down to Peter, Marc, and Hermine. Hermine hasn't wowed us too often, but she's been consistently good.

>226 lauralkeet: Laura: Ha! Nope, it's no secret, really, that I'm in love with Noel and his antics.
I always forget to talk about Hermine, but I do love her to bits and would be really happy to see her win, too. And yes, DAVE, needs to go. Ugh. And what's with that weird little shoulder shake he's always doing?

Morning, Amber! So here's a funny about Lord of Scoundrels. I have an Amazon list that I use to keep track of titles that I want to watch for sales on - it's great because you can sort the list by price making it really easy to check for bargains. Anyway, I went to add Lord of Scoundrels to the list, and Amazon tells me that I purchased that title back in 2009. This is before LT and before I kept a list of books read each year; I started reading it last night, and yep, it's familiar - I must have read it back then. So thanks for helping me to rediscover it - I will definitely finish the reread because as you say in your book report, it is a perfect romp.

>228 Crazymamie: Mamie: Ha! I love that I'm not the only one with memory issues like that, and I'm so glad you're enjoying your reread!

>224 scaifea: I haven't but I know it's a biggie in romance lit. I'll look forward to your report. :)

This week's Friday After-School Snack: Malted Milk Cookies

>231 scaifea: - Yes, please!

>231 scaifea: ooh yum. I'm guessing those similar to choc chip but made with crushed malted milk balls? I'm about to make some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies myself. I don't have a school-age child (although sometimes it feels that way), but we need a little something for dessert tonight.

>231 scaifea: YUM!

>232 katiekrug: Katie: I wish I could share! They're really tasty.

>233 lauralkeet: Laura: Sort of? There's hot cocoa mix in there, but no chocolate chips. So, yeah, sort of. They're thin and chewy, too, which is excellent. And who says there needs to be kiddos around to make cookies?! That is not a rule I can support.

>234 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! They really are yum.

I'm getting a sort of slow, lazy start to the day, with my coffee and my interwebs puttering. Headache is still hanging around, but I'm going to do my best to ignore it today. I'm going to bake a Chai Berry Pie and then spend as much of the rest of the day as I can sewing.

On the reading front:
Not much to report beyond about 20 minutes of listening to The Mill on the Floss and maybe 10 pages of Figgs & Phantoms. I suspect my reading will remain pretty slow for the rest of the year, because I need to focus on Christmas projects and course prep. We'll see.

What We're Watching:
Family Game Night yesterday, so we played a few rounds of MarioKart and then watched a couple of Graham Nortons and a QI. Lovely and comfy.

Happy Saturday, Amber.

>210 scaifea: LOL! So good.

>212 rosalita: Brilliant, Julia.

Love the spoiler discussion of GBBS. I'll have to ask Debbi about Dave.

>237 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I hope you're having a good start to the weekend.

GBBS: My annoyance at Dave is that he has a pregnant partner at home and he just flounces off to do this competition?! Go home to your partner, DAVE. YOICKS. (Although I have been wondering if maybe partner is with him there? Clearly Marc and Hermine have their kiddos with them in isolation, so maybe? But I'm already committed to despising him; there's no turning back.)

116. Giant Days Volume 2 by John W. Allison (comic series read) - 9/10 = A
Female college antics continue and I love these girls to bits. So clever and fun.

Happy Saturday, Amber! I have finished my reread of Lord of Scoundrels and it was very fun, so thank you.

>240 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Aw, yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed your reread!

Yesterday was pie baking (it turned out a little soupy but tasty) and sewing, and today will be still more sewing. Perfect day for it, since it's blustery and rainy outside.

On the reading front:
I made a little progress with Figgs & Phantoms, finished one Giant Days and started the next.

What We're Watching:
It was Tomm's pick, so we watched three episodes of Agents of Shield and are almost up to the last season. So crazy, that show. I have a feeling that one of my favorite characters isn't going to make it through the season finale, and honestly, between that and Supernatural ending this coming week, I'm suffering from some serious emotional strains.

>242 scaifea:

Morning, Amber! Abby made pie yesterday, too. Pumpkin buttermilk with streusel topping, and it was most YUM.

>243 lycomayflower: Aw, thanks, DeanDean. *sigh*

>244 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Oooh, that pie sounds wonderful! Charlie has been missing Dairy Queen's Pumpkin Pie Blizzards this year, so I was thinking of making a pumpkin pie and freezing it so we could try to recreate one...

>245 scaifea: Oh! That's a good idea - let me know how that turns out.

>246 Crazymamie: Sure thing!

>242 scaifea: We just finished the last season of Agents of Shield. I really enjoyed it and felt it wrapped up nicely. Which character are you referring too? I just started watching Agent Carter and while good, it is not the same. I really liked the time travel piece In season 7

Whew! So much to catch up on here, Amber, but I've done it!!

>248 jayde1599: We still have the last episode of the penultimate season left before we get to that last season. Such a wild ride, that show. I haven't watched Agent Carter; Tomm likes it, but I don't really have any interest (the Cap'n America stuff is my least favorite bit of the Marvel world right now).

>249 ronincats: Good job, Roni! You deserve a cookie!

Welp, our power was out from about noon yesterday until 10pm. So there went my sewing day right down the Crappy 2020 Drain. So irritating. I was feeling pretty good about my progress on Saturday and now I'm right back to panicking. Blerg. Anyway. Could be worse: we could still be without power and scrambling to figure out what to do about Charlie's online school day and Tomm's and my workdays. So, yeah. I'll stop complaining now. (*grumble*)

On the reading front:
The good news is that I spent the afternoon sitting near a window and reading, so I finished up Figgs & Phantoms and nearly finished The Queen of Attolia. I also listened to a nice chunk of The Mill on the Floss. So good book progress was made, at least.

Morning, Amber. I hope you had a fine weekend at the Scaife Manor. I did not realize there was a second volume of Giant Days. I will have to request that one.

>252 msf59: Morning, Mark! Well, I mean, power outage, but sure, great weekend. *snork!*

I think at this point there are, in fact, 8 volumes of Giant Days...

Morning, Amber! Total bummer about the power failure. That was a chunk of time. Hoping Monday is kind to you.

>254 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! And thanks! Wishing you and yours the same, despite it being a Monday.

Our lights flickered a bit last night, but stayed on. It was very windy here, so much so that weird moaning noises were coming from the fireplace. Creepy!

117. Figgs & Phantoms by Ellen Raskin (Newbery Honor Book, 152 pages) - 8/10 = B-
Mona Lisa Figg is full of teenage angst against her village weirdo family, all except her Uncle Florence. When she realizes that she's going to lose him, things fall completely apart for her, and she decides on a desperate search for the lost island of Capri, to which the more eccentric members of her family believe they go when they die.
This one started out strange in a quirky and good way, but once Mona embarks on some strange fever dream quest, the quirky and good starts to fade and we're left with just plain strange. Disappointing, really: Westing Game this is not.

>256 katiekrug: Katie: I'm glad you didn't lose power! Ugh, so annoying. The wind was bonkers here; I enjoyed watching our neighbor's obnoxiously large trampoline fly through the air past our house. Very Wizard of Oz esque.

>257 scaifea: Yeah, I didn't care for that one, either.

>259 foggidawn: I'm sorry it didn't work for you, either. I was excited about it, too, because The Westing Game is so, so good.

>250 scaifea: Let me just say that the first Captain America is my least favourite of the Marvel movies and I LOVE Agent Carter. Peggy is smart and sassy, the show is the perfect blend of superhero-esque action, mystery, and a dash of funny, and the 1940s costumes are GORGEOUS. Give the first episode a watch. If it doesn't snag you, I'll stop nagging you. I swear.



>253 scaifea: *whispers* There's 14 volumes of Giant Days.

>261 MickyFine: Micky: Ha! Fair enough. I'll add it to the list. Tomm will be please.

And 14?! My information is clearly faulty. Wow. I need to get reading...

>262 scaifea: Yay! I look forward to your report on how you like it. :)

>261 MickyFine:: I agree with Micky. Agent Carter is definitely worth a try the first episode. I initially dragged my feet about it with my husband and I am hooked. It has the smarts that AoS did but a different vibe.

>263 MickyFine: Don't do any breath-holding, because I'm not certain when I'll get to it, but I have definitely added it to the list.

>264 jayde1599: Well, if it hooks you on the first episode, it's already doing better than AoS, which took me an entire season to decide it was okay.

>265 scaifea:

>265 scaifea: *SNORK!!*

Well, I'm feeling a little bit better about my Christmas projects this morning, since I made some good progress last night on one of the quilts. We'll see how long that feeling lasts. I may try to squeeze in some sewing time today, although mostly I'll be working on course prep while keeping an eye on Charlie's school work. I think I'll also throw together a pot of Brown Rice and Lentils - one of Charlie's and my favorites - for dinner, since it has finally turned back to chilly here. And I somehow managed to twist my knee on our walk last night, so I'm not sure whether I'll be participating in today's walks or not. Yoicks.

On the reading front:
I started Pit Pony last night, but otherwise have no other reading to report. Blerg.

>268 scaifea: It's a good day for lentils, apparently -- that's what I'm planning to make for supper, too!

>269 foggidawn: WOOT!!

>267 scaifea: From what I hear you might need to watch Agent Carter before the last season of Agents of Shield because there's a character crossover. Just sayin'... ;)

Good luck with the sewing projects. I'm on to my own stocking for my cross-stitch project but am under no illusions about it being done by Christmas. I've told Mr. Fine that we'll just hang a bag for me this year and clothespin my cross-stitch to it. His and my step-daughter's are done, which is what I was hoping for, so anything beyond that is gravy. :)

>271 MickyFine: Ha! I'll risk spoilers, I guess.

Funny how our own projects always get put off for last, yeah?

>268 scaifea:, >269 foggidawn: Yesterday was Lentil Day chez moi. I made a soup in the slow cooker with Italian sausage, lentils, spinach, some diced tomatoes, etc. Just the thing for a chilly day.

>271 MickyFine: Those Christmas stockings sound really nice!

>273 lauralkeet: Laura: Oooh, that sounds really good! Mine just involves cooking lentils, brown rice, green bell peppers, and some seasonings, but the key is how to eat it: havarti cheese on a Stone Wheat Thin cracker, then use cheese-and-cracker combo to scoop up the rice & lentils. So. Good.

>274 scaifea: - Welp, that sounds delicious. *makes notes*

My current favorite snack is stoned wheat thins (Red Oval Farms brand), with a spread of horseradish cheddar and a little dollop of apple butter.

ETA: Laura's soup also sounds really good! I love any sort of soup, as long as no mushrooms are involved...

>275 katiekrug: Red Oval Farms YES! That's our brand, too. The only way to eat lentils and rice. My recipe, if you're interested:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup brown rice
• 21 oz. chicken broth
• 10 oz. water
• red pepper sauce, to taste
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped

Saute onion, garlic and green bell pepper in butter until onion is tender. Stir in lentils, rice, broth, water and pepper sauce. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 50 minutes, adding water if necessary, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Easy peasy. You could add some salt if you like; we're not heavy on the salt here, plus the crackers and cheese add just enough, I think.

>276 scaifea: - Thanks! I'll put the fixings on the grocery list.... (including havarti!)

Afternoon, Amber!

>276 scaifea: This sounds most yum - I'm going to try that, and I made a note of how to eat it. Thank you, kindly!

>277 katiekrug: >278 Crazymamie: Woot! I hope you all love it!

>274 scaifea: havarti cheese on a Stone Wheat Thin cracker, then use cheese-and-cracker combo to scoop up the rice & lentils.
OMG that sounds delicious.

>274 scaifea:, >275 katiekrug: The soup is a NYTimes recipe. In the comments, lots of people mention using a pressure cooker or instant pot instead of a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Sausage and Greens

>280 lauralkeet: Thanks for the recipe, Laura!

You're welcome Amber!

>280 lauralkeet: - That recipe looks great, Laura, thanks!

>283 katiekrug: YW, Katie. It makes a ton of soup which is great if you want leftovers for lunch the next day or whatever.

Today's agenda = same, same. The lentils and rice turned out great and so, so tasty. Very satisfying for a chilly day.

On the reading front: Again, not much to report, since I've been so busy with course prep, helping Charlie with his school work, and sewing when I can. That doesn't leave much time for reading these days.

What We're Watching: Continuing our way through the Pirates movies, we watched At World's End last night, which I'd only seen once before. After this one, we venture into Here There Be Monsters territory (I've not seen the rest at all).

Morning, Amber! Hoping that your sewing goes quickly and smoothly.

>286 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Yeah, well, that's a pretty tall order. We'll see.

Not an order - just good wishes. Sending you good sewing mojo.

>288 Crazymamie: Mamie: Ha! I meant that it's a tall order for the Well Wishes Goddesses. We'll see if they pull through. And thanks! I'll probably get about an hour of sewing time in today during office hours. (I'm such a good professor that I hardly get any takers for OH...*eye roll*)

Oh, my these cold weather soups sound so inviting. I'm fresh out of lentils, but I do have a bag of Bob's Red Mill soup bean mixture (which includes lentils, so I'm wrong, aren't I?) and a smoked ham hock on hand... It hasn't reached 30F on my front porch today, and the wind was howling (seems to have calmed down now), so I could really go for a hearty bowl of something.

>290 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: It's definitely soup weather. Although, to be fair, we have soup all year round here.

Mmm, soup. I'm going to make Broccoli Cheese tomorrow, I think. A friend sent me a recipe for a white bean soup with rosemary that I want to try soon, too.

>292 foggidawn: You know, I love Broccoli Cheese Soup but I've never made it myself. I should give it a go. That bean soup sounds good, too!

>291 scaifea: Oh, yes, we eat soup all year round too. (My husband eats soup for breakfast nearly every day.) But there are some varieties that we only seem to do in the cold weather. I have the beans/lentils soaking now for tomorrow's pot.

>294 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: I pretty much just rotate through my soup recipes all year without paying attention to seasons/particular soups, although I agree that some are more satisfying in fall/winter, especially chilis, I think.

Also, soup for breakfast? I'm listening...

More of the same today, plus menu planning and grocery ordering. Still not much reading going on at all. Gah. We did watch a handful of Gilmore Girls episodes last night, which was cheering, along with a cozy cup of tea after our *brisk* evening walk.

Morning, Amber! We are also soup lovers and eat it year round. Your agenda for today is reminding me that I need to put together my grocery list for Thanksgiving.

>297 Crazymamie: Mamie: I decided that next week's soup will be Mulligatawny Soup. Yum.

I got most of what we need for Thanksgiving last week (I always worry that they'll run out of turkey and pumpkin), but I still need...a wand (sorry, couldn't resist) potatoes. Our is pretty simple and traditional: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, and pumpkin pie. On the Saturday after, we always have a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving meal: toast, jelly beans, pretzels, and popcorn.

SO what is in Mulligatawny soup?

We always have: turkey (and sometimes ham, too), mashed potatoes and gravy, corn casserole, dressing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry orange relish, and some kind of pie. We also always do a charcuterie tray and loads of fresh veggies (which is how we sneak in just a bit of healthy). This year I am going to add a roasted carrot salad that we have fallen in love with to even out some of the carbs. I have purchased everything that I can ahead of time, and the turkey is being delivered. I like to wait to get the fresh stuff and the dairy closer to the actual day - produce does not have a long shelf life here in the Deep South. I'm thinking of going to the market very early on Monday morning to pick up the rest of what I need, and hoping I can get everything on the list. Craig has offered to go on Friday afternoon, so that is also an option. I can't decide, so first I will make the list.

I love that you do the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving meal - we have done that, too, although not every year. So fun!

>299 Crazymamie: Mamie: It's an Indian soup with chicken, curry spices, apple, green pepper, et al. This isn't quite the recipe I use (I don't add rice), but it's pretty close, I think:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/13087/mulligatawny-soup-i/

Your Thanksgiving meal sounds amazing! There's only three of us, so we don't go too crazy, but I love the sound of all that food!

Thanksgiving chez Krug this year: smoked turkey breast (meat purchased yesterday, will be smoked day of), stuffing, cheddar and bacon mashed potatoes (this will be a first...), roasted veg (onion, carrots, brussels sprouts), gravy, and apple crumble (unless I totally eff it up).

We've only done Thanksgiving on our own once before, and after all the cooking, neither of us was very hungry, so I think we may do some cooking on Wednesday.

>300 scaifea: Oh, that sounds most yum! Thanks for the link.

I totally get not going crazy with just three of you. Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday, so I would probably go crazy even if it was just Craig and I, but it's really lovely now that the kids are grown and we make it happen together. Abby and Birdy love to cook just as much as I do, and we have a lot of fun preparing it all.

>301 katiekrug: That sounds excellent, Katie!

>301 katiekrug: Katie: Oh, yum, that all sounds amazing! My mom used to do a ton of the cooking and baking the day before, back when we did huge family Thanksgivings, and I think that makes a lot of sense. It's exhausting, isn't it?

>302 Crazymamie: Mamie: You're welcome! It *is* really tasty.

Thanksgiving is Charlie's and my favorite holiday, too, although for reasons that will be missing this year (visiting my family). I love the thought of you all in the kitchen together getting the meal ready! Sounds so homey and comfy.

Catching up before you set up new digs, Amber.

All this talk of food is making me hungry!

All this food talk makes my pants tight just reading about it...

(Nah, I didn't really think you would buy that)

>305 PaulCranswick: >306 SandyAMcPherson: *waves*

Fridays are always busy here at Scaife Manor: grocery pick-up, weekly bill sorting, cookie baking (sugar cookie cutouts, Thanksgiving themed), keeping an eye on Charlie's school work, quiz grading, office hours, course prep.

On the reading front:
I started The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and so far so good there. I'm also almost finished with The Pit Pony, and I'm still plugging away at The Mill on the Floss on audio.

What We're Watching:
Thursdays are, of course, GBBS Night for us. Sweet Marc is gone, and DAVE is still in it. Gah. There were a few near heart attack moments in this one, watching everyone almost drop their jellies. Yoicks. I do love Laura, but dang woman, clean up your station!

GBBS: Gah indeed. Perhaps tonight? We'll see. By this point in the series I feel like I'm BFFs with everyone except that person.

>309 lauralkeet: Laura: The closer to the end we get, the more I worry that he'll win the whole darned thing. If that happens, I've already warned Tomm that I'll flip a table. Pru seems so enamoured of him; she was practically flirting with him over that stupid jelly thing, which was the worst of them all, honestly. And that stupid shoulder shimmy he does. WHAT is that?!

Oh, also, sorry, all, for how long the thread is getting. I don't know that I'll get to it today, but hopefully by tomorrow I'll get a new thread up and running.

GBBS: Marc was my favorite *tear* I'm now rooting for Hermine or Laura to win it all.

>310 scaifea: shoulder shimmy LOL!

>312 katiekrug: I agree with everything you said there, Katie. This is the subject of some debate chez nous. Chris spent many years working in public television, and while he was on the development side not production, he picked up insight about producing programs like this. Plus he's a cynic. So, he believes the producers have an outcome in mind, in fact may have had it in mind for quite some time, and that outcome is Peter. Hmmm. C'est possible.

>312 katiekrug: Katie: I do love him, but I'm rooting for Peter or Laura. Or Hermine. Essentially at this point anyone but DAVE.

>323 scaifea: Laura: Ooh, that's a really interesting perspective. I wonder. I also like to think that British reality is more real than our brand. I could be wrong there, though.

>313 lauralkeet: - Interesting about Chris' perspective! I often wonder about things like that.

Peter's fine, I just think he's kind of boring.

>315 katiekrug: Katie: How DARE. He's a sweet little walnut who bakes gluten free stuff for his brother he is an ANGEL.

(I may have strong feelings about this program.)

>316 scaifea: - I know, I know. He's just TOO good and sweet. Makes my teeth hurt ;-)

>317 katiekrug: Katie: You jaded soul, you.

This should surprise exactly no one!

>319 katiekrug: *Snork!!*

>315 katiekrug: - >320 scaifea: LOL, I enjoyed reading this exchange.

>317 katiekrug: I haven't been watching GBBS (I really only enjoy the master class stuff, tbh), but I know exactly what you mean, and now I think I can almost picture this guy!

>321 lauralkeet: Laura: *grins*

>322 laytonwoman3rd: Linda! Nope! Do not fall under Katie's jaded view of the world spell! He's just young and doe-eyed, but he's not that completely syrupy! I'm convinced there's a stubborn streak in there somewhere...

(Okay, off to work on a new thread. Sorry for letting this one get so long, folks.)

>323 scaifea: Glad to see you out and about this morning, Amber. I was a bit worried about you after yesterday's viewing of you-know-what.

And, the new thread is up:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/326511

>325 laytonwoman3rd:: Linda: Well, as you know, I have an excellent support system/best friend in you-know-who, so that has helped a lot. It was rough, though, I can't lie. *grumble-sob*

>327 scaifea: Yes...she's also taking it hard.