Anita's ( Figs) reading path in 2023 #3

It is still cold here so I thought I would post a nice tropical picture.

My rating system is as follows:

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written (D)

3= Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed. Slightly better than average. (C+ or B- or B+)

Subdivided into: Shaky ( barely got there), loose ( average) and solid ( just not quite there for a 3.5 or 4) ( B+)

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The Pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on ( A -)

5= Absolutely perfect!

Books Read in January



The last beekeeper was a great read. A good debut novel and is still memorable from all the reads this month.

Books Read In February



Favorites: Foster and ghost music. Honourable mention: The sisters of auschwitz.

Books Read in March



Best 3 in no particular order: Kaykeyi, Half of a yellow sun, Hester

Books Read in April



Favorite of the Month: The White Hare

Comparative Reading list

1. Umberto Eco: The Mysterious Flame Of Queen Laona

Favourite Read of the past



Aleksander Solzhenitsyn: One Day In the Life Of Ivan Denisovich

Ivan, first person narrator provides insight into the daily routine of the prisoners of the Soviet labor camp. Through his eyes, the reader is able to better grasp how any human confined by routine, inhumane conditions and gruelling work is able to fight self disintegration under conditions of physics, spiritual and psychological hardship.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

Welcome!

Happy new one, Anita!

That topper pic is certainly enticing.

>10 katiekrug: Thanks Katie! I can't wait till the warmer weather hits :)

Happy new one, Anita. Great topper!
I own several of the books you show but haven't read all of them yet. One of these days...

Happy new thread, Anita

Happy new thread, Anita.

We're in the fun part of spring where you need 2-3 different coats over the course of the day, due to the temperature swings. But it's probably still fool's spring around here and a dash of second winter will show up yet.

Happy new thread, Anita!

>8 figsfromthistle: I hope to get to One Day In the Life Of Ivan Denisovich some day. Good to see you recommend it.

>12 jessibud2: Ha! I think thats a problem all of us have on here....too many books not enough time :)

>13 ArlieS: Thanks, Arlie. Nice to see you!

Happy new thread!

>14 MickyFine: Thanks! I think I was overexcited and prematurely celebrated spring when I saw that the robins were back. Hopefully the "second winter" decides not to show.

>15 jessicasimsms: Yup we all know about covid.....

>16 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! It was a good read. One I still remember from a few years ago.

>18 foggidawn: Thanks, Foggi!

>19 figsfromthistle: No robins here yet, although I swear I heard a Canada goose this morning (admittedly it was early so it could have been pre-breakfast brain conjuring things, lol).

The general theory is that there are 5 phases of spring in Alberta: fool's spring, second winter, a spring of deception, mud season and then true spring.

46. Patricia Cornwell: Spin

Second book in the Captain Chase series. Calli has some high tech inserted into her bloodstream and is able to communicate with artificial AI and have a wealth of knowledge at her disposal. The GOD chip is stolen and everyone knows who it is but cannot prove it. A mysterious object/satellite is flying around earth and Calli must destroy it.

3/5 ( C+)

Ending is a cliffhanger. It is clear that there is more for Calli to do.

>21 MickyFine: Oh No! five phases of spring!? Yikes! When do you end up getting spring flowers? Mud season does not sound too fun either.Canadian geese are here in Ontario and did arrive early this year, so maybe your hearing was right. I am not sure when they normally show up in Alberta though.

47. Emily Kato: Joy Kogawa - Originally published under a different title Itsuka

Sequel to the book Obasan. All about Naomi Nakane as an adult and has she became involved in the movement for governmental redress.

I admit that this one did not grab me as much as Obasan did but still was a worthy read.

48. Bill Browder: Freezing Order

A story about how Russia created a 230 million dollar tax scheme. Browder and a team of others faced an uphill battle to find proof and put their lives and others in danger doing so.

A great read that was quite an eye opener.

>21 MickyFine: - Oh, I have seen Canada geese here already weeks ago. I wonder if they ever even left.

>24 figsfromthistle: - I didn't know there was a sequel to Obasan, which I read many many years ago. Hmm, I was going to ask if this is new, but I think I may have read Itsuka, though I don't remember much of it.

>26 jessibud2: Itsuka was published in the early 90's. The first half was about Naomi growing up and coming back to Toronto as an adult. the second was about the fight for compensation from the government for the properties taken away from them.

>23 figsfromthistle: Well, the tulips I planted when we bought our house usually start sending up shoots towards the end of April and bloom early to mid-May.

Lovely to see thread number three whizzing along while I was asleep!

Happy new thread, Anita.

Happy new thread Anita!

>28 MickyFine: Oh wow! I quite enjoy tulips in the spring. Every year I plant a few more to compensate for the ones the squirrels steal ;)

>29 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Hope you had a good rest!

>30 quondame: Thanks, Susan!

Sweet Thursday, Anita. Happy New Thread!

>32 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

Happy new thread, Anita! 😊

>8 figsfromthistle: I have never read that and now it's on my list, thank you! Happy new thread Anita.

>11 figsfromthistle: Happy new thread, Anita!
The warm weather is back here, hitting with a vengeance. We're supposed to hit 88(F) tomorrow. It's just ridiculous!

>34 curioussquared: Thanks Natalie :)

>35 mdoris: Glad I was able to hit you with a BB!

>36 atozgrl: Thanks! What a jump in temperature. there seems to be no in-between.

Wordle 643 3/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟩⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

My last guess was so random and ended up to be just what I needed.

Happy new thread, Anita. I do love the photo at the top.

>37 figsfromthistle: Wow! Nice Wordle, Anita!
Happy Friday!
Thanks for >1 figsfromthistle:. A taste of what warm looks like is just what I needed.

>38 BLBera: Thanks! It was taken a long while ago when I was in Greece.

>39 Carmenere: Ah it was a lucky wordle guess today. How you have a great weekend!

Hi Anita my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.

>41 johnsimpson: Hi John! Thank you :)

Hi Anita. Happy New Thread!

>43 EBT1002: Thanks! :)

Wordle 644 3/6

🟨🟨🟨⬜🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Thanks for stopping by to visit my new thread, Anita! Happy new thread to you too !Glad to send you a book bullet. I did love Hester - that was a wonderful read! I have several of your 2023 reads in my TBR pile . Sleeping Car Porter, The Porcelain Moon, The Shadow Murders and Foster. Good taste, Anita ! :-)

>45 vancouverdeb: I am quite pleased that you are back! You and I have a lot of similar reads...great minds :)

49. Andrey Kurkov: Grey Bees

Sergey Sergeich and Pashka are the only remaining residents of little Starhorodivka. The region of Donetsk and Luhansk are controlled by the Russians making Starhorodivka a "grey zone". The two remaining residents are trying to cope with less than ideal conditions however, they believe that by staying, it will encourage others to come back when the war is over. However, when spring hits, Sergeich needs to leave with his six hives of bees to find new fields for them to collect pollen and create honey.

This was very well written.

3.5/5 ( A)

Happy new thread.

>48 Kristelh: Thanks, Kristel!

Wordle 645 3/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜🟩
⬜🟨⬜⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Happy Monday!

Wordle 646 4/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟩⬜🟩⬜⬜
🟩⬜🟩🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wordle 647 4/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟨⬜⬜⬜🟩
🟩⬜🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Happy new thread!

>52 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda!

Happy mid week!

Boy it certainly feels like a whole week has gone by already but we are only half way there.

Wordle 648 5/6

🟨⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜🟨🟨
🟨🟨🟨⬜⬜
⬜🟩🟩🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Happy new thread! And happy Wednesday of a long week. At least you know you’re halfway there!

>54 figsfromthistle: Today’s Wordle was a tough one!

>55 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary!

Wordle was hard today. at least my streak of 202 is still alive :)

50. Melissa Baron: Twice in a Lifetime

Isla suffers from depression, low self esteem and is also plagued with social anxiety. Naturally, it comes as a shock to her when a mystery man texts her claiming that he is her husband from a future timeline. He urges her to change something and when she does his texts disappear. She tries to reconnect with him in the present and in doing so is able to recognize certain things before they get out of control.

A fast read that had me hooked. Trigger warning about depression/suicide

3/5 ( B-)

It's Thursday.....

We had a bit of snow yesterday afternoon. I think that we are on the way to spring.....the crocuses are blooming and all the spring flowers seem eager to jump right out. The green on the grass and trees/shrubs is beginning to come alive and are looking more vibrant.

Yesterday, I had homemade pierogis for supper. Today will be ribs and rice or if I feel like something lighter an egg frittata. I have individual cast iron skillet that would be perfect for a frittata for one.

I finished reading The cloisters which was ok. On the bonus side, my library has a track your reading program and this month's winner of 30.00 worth of "town money" was me! I am surprised as I am not one to win things. Now I can shop in the unique stores and treat myself to something I would normally not spend money on.

Wordle 649 3/6

⬜🟩🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟩⬜⬜🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>58 figsfromthistle: - Congrats! How fun to win that!

Hi, Anita! Your dinners always sound so good. And congrats on your win!!

Congrats, Anita! Always nice to be rewarded for something you were doing anyway :)

>59 jessibud2: Thanks! I was quite happy when I found out.

>60 scaifea: I do try to cook good meals. Sometimes I am less motivated to cook for myself but once I get into a routine I end up enjoying the process. I have gotten better at cooking for one. I really dislike having to eat anything more than twice in a row. If I make a roast, I usually invite my parents over so theres less leftovers.

>61 curioussquared: I know, right!?

51. Katy Hays: The Cloisters

After being rejected by most programs Ann Stilwell is thrilled but excited that the Met invited her to intern for the summer. However, when she arrives in New York, she is no longer needed. As luck would have it, another department ( cloisters) could make good use of her. She ready accepts and the gothic work environment certainly is a bonus. It is here where she becomes very close with another researcher Patrick and intern Rachel. They research something quite unique- 15th century tarot cards and the history of divination. Things get a little intense for this close group and a murder occurs.

If you enjoyed the cartographers then, perhaps this is a good one to read. It is a slow buildup but picks up in the last 3/4 of the book.

3/5 ( B-)

>63 figsfromthistle: - I'm interested in this one, solely because The Cloisters is one of my favorite museums :)

It's about time I visited and said hello. So I am here. "Hello."

You are breezing along right smartly, what with 51 books read in just the first quarter. I salute you, Anita.

>8 figsfromthistle: I've purchased One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich from Thriftbooks.com. It should arrive in about a week.

>63 figsfromthistle: The Cloisters is a great museum. I'm going to see if my local library has this book!

>64 katiekrug: I have to admit I have never been so I could not tell you if the description is accurate. In the book there was mention of a medieval garden that grows poisonous flowers and such....definitely a museum that I will have to visit next time.

>65 weird_O: Nice to see you here! Well my reading pace is ok but it will probably drop off to almost non existent when the warmer weather hits and I will be busy with the garden.

>66 Whisper1: I hope you enjoy the book. Not the easiest subject matter but a good read.

52. Harlan Coben: I Will Find You

David is sitting in a high security penitentiary for five years for being convicted of killing his son. Of course he is innocent but has no desire to fight. When his former sister in law comes to visit him in jail, she throws him a curveball. David's son is really alive. David must do all he can to break out of prison and find him before it's too late.

3.5/5 ( B+)

My husband is just reading I Will Find You right now. He's a big fan of Harlan Coben and I've read a few of his books. I've read several of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's books in my late teens, early twenties. My dad was a big fan he encouraged me to read them. I've read A Day in The Life of Ivan Denisovich, The Cancer Ward, and The Gulag Archipelago. That was so long ago, it may be time to revisit one of them.

Cloisters sounds interesting. I'll look into that one. Congrats on your win! Enjoy!

>69 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb! I have read most of Solzhenitsyn's books as well. Revisiting is always good. The Gulag Archipelago was one I could only take in small doses. A day in the life is a little bit easier to read and is a good starting point for the subject matter and the authors writing.

Wordle 650 4/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟨⬜⬜🟨⬜
⬜⬜🟩🟩🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

A belated Happy New Thread, Anita!
I wish you a wonderful weekend.

>71 SirThomas: Hi Thomas! Thank you :)

HAppy Saturday!

Well I managed to finish reading The Lindbergh Nanny yesterday and I also finished reading Half a Yellow Sun

Dinner today is going to be pork chop with a white wine reduction. I have some fresh mushrooms in the fridge to use up so I will probably saute some of those with onions to serve on the side.

Wordle 651 5/6

⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟩⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩
⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

What did you think of the Lindberg Nanny? I got about halfway through, put it down, and didn’t pick it up again before my loan expired.

Love the Cloisters! The whole place is magical and well worth a visit. I used to go there at least once every time I went to visit my daughter when she lived in NYC. Now that I live 40 mins. from the city, I haven’t been. I think a ticket to the Met includes a visit to the Cloisters, which is a great deal.

>74 Storeetllr: I quite enjoyed the read. the second half is the part where the child goes missing and the accusations begin.

It's funny because I have never been to the Cloisters but have been to the Met often. I will make sure I go next time. You are lucky to live so close to a gem like that!

Happy New thread , Anita! I very much enjoyed Half a Yellow Sun when I read it a few years ago. I'll have to get to Foster sooner than later.

53. Mariah Fredericks: The Lindbergh Nanny

1932, Betty Gow is hired to be be the nanny for the Lindbergh's son. Unfortunately, he is kidnapped and a ransom is demanded. Betty is the prime suspect and receives a lot of backlash.

I enjoyed this historical fiction. The first half is about the family, staff and the bond that Betty forms with the child. The second is about the kidnapping and the unraveling of secrets.

3.5/5 ( A-)

54. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Half A Yellow Sun

This one was read for March's Africa Novel Challenge. I think many are familiar with this one so I won't write a synopsis. It was a fantastic read and I will definitely be reading more by Adichie!

4.5/5 ( A)

>75 figsfromthistle: Hi Deborah! Thanks!

Stats For March

Books Read: 19

Male authors: 7
Female: 12
Total Pages: 7334
Longest book: 608
Shortest: 320
Average pages per book: 386
Average pages per day: 236

Sunday.....

I started and finished a crime/murder book yesterday. The Ice Hotel. The weather is rainy and grey so it was a perfect thing to do in the afternoon.

My hands/fingers are hurting quite a bit with this weather. I think I overdid it and pushed too far after work. I also started with my spring cleaning ( walls windows, blinds...) and organizing.

Today's dinner is going to be ribs with a homemade honey garlic sauce. I ended up having egg frittata on Thursday instead of ribs so I have to use the ribs up. I made the sauce yesterday and they are marinating in it so it will be easy peasy when I get home from work to just put in the oven and wait.

Wordle 652 3/6

⬜⬜🟩⬜⬜
🟩⬜🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>81 figsfromthistle: - A friend and I stayed at the real Ice Hotel in Quebec City several years ago. It was so unique and just magical. No murders were involved! (that we were aware of ;-)

>82 jessibud2: Oh that is so cool! I always see it advertised as well as the ice bar and it looks quite neat! Did you feel cold when sleeping or was it ok?

55. Hania Allen: The Ice Hotel

Mags and a few friends decide to take a different trip than usual and end up going to Sweden to stay at an ice hotel. However, when a famous guest/businessman is murdered the trip takes a different turn. Could it be the Stockholm killer or is it one of the guests staying at the hotel?

Beginning was ok. Middle was slow but the last half was action packed.Great twist at the end. Some things were a little irritating. How is Mags qualified to snoop around and "investigate"? Also, certain descriptions of some people were completely unnecessary and stereotypical.....some of the dialogue between the friends was also strange. Who calls their best friend "love or darling"? Also the author wrote in so many of the guests as being horny and wanting to hook up with random strangers...There are more irritating things that really did not advance he plot or add benefit to character development.

3/5 ( B-)

>78 figsfromthistle: I may be the last person on the planet to not have read this one. Putting it on my TBR list to give it a try.

>85 Storeetllr: It was a fantastic read. Hope you enjoy it when you get to it!

>83 figsfromthistle: - It was fine. Before going, we are given a list of clothes to wear (long underwear, hats, mittens, etc). Also, we are given an orientation on how to use the thermal sleeping bag that they gave us. The beds were made of ice but covered with fur pelts. That and the sleeping bag were great plus the walls of the hotel itself are made from ice bricks a few feet thick so there was no wind or cold air coming in. It was a bit pricey but an experience well worth it. The Ice Bar was great too. Our package included a drink (I had Bailey's) and the glass was a hollowed out square ice cube.

>87 jessibud2: Oh wow! That does sound like fun! One day I think I will try it :)

>86 figsfromthistle: I just borrowed the audiobook. There were two editions, one read by Robin Miles, who sounded like an American, and the one I borrowed, read by Zainab Jah, an actress of Sierra Leonean descent. I just thought it sounded more authentic.

>87 jessibud2: That sounds really cool (no pun intended), but not for me. My joints have enough trouble when my bed is cold and the mattress too hard. The Bailey's in an ice glass doesn't sound bad though. :)

>89 Storeetllr: I have to try an audiobook one time. It seems to be something that many enjoy. My cousin who is 92 is having difficulties seeing due to macular degeneration and she misses reading and discussing books with me. This seems like something fun to introduce her to.

>84 figsfromthistle: That sounds like an interesting book, Anita! Shelley's adventures staying an a real Ice Hotel are fascinating too. Wow to you reading an average of 386 pages a day! That's like a book a day, depending of the size of the book. I recommend Purple Hibiscus when you next decide to read Adichie. Sorry to read of your joint pain and what seems to be rheumatoid arthritis.

>91 vancouverdeb: Purple Hibiscus was the next one that I was going to read. I think I have a copy of it in a box uncatalogued. My reading pace it good so far but as soon as the nice weather hits I am bombarded with outdoor work and my reading will slow down a lot.

Hope you have a great start to the week!

Happy Monday!

As usual, I have Monday off. I have a lot to do but I am not going into the city to shop. I am staying home, do some household things. Depending on the weather I will do some outdoor things as well. I have to see how the fruit trees are and how the weather is. If it stays dry, I have to spray the trees with dormant spray. I also should get the outdoor chicken coop ready and make sure the fence is secure with no holes. Soon the weather will be warm enough to transfer them out of the heated barn.

Dinner today will be a ground beef with potato and noodles. It's a easy dish- fry off the beef with onion, add spices and then add in some sliced cooked potatoes. It looks a bit like this:


I also finished reading Ducks : Kate Beaton. It was the winner for Canada reads and I must say that Mattea did a great job defending this one.

Wordle 653 4/6

⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟨🟩⬜⬜🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

It's sunny here now, Anita but they say rain is coming this afternoon and for the next few days. But that's here in the city. I did a lot of backyard cleanup yesterday, cutting back my lavendar and Gaura plants I had left over the winter. Also, I swept up, I swear, 5 tons of pine cone cores and pieces. It's the squirrel equivalent of spitting sunflower seeds at a ball game. They use my yard as if it were the bleachers, lol! I don't even have a pine tree in the back but that doesn't seem to matter.

>93 figsfromthistle: I didn't realize you had chickens, Anita! You're one of the lucky ones unaffected by the current price of eggs :) Hope you liked Ducks -- I thought it was fantastic.

>90 figsfromthistle: Oh, yes, do suggest audiobooks to your cousin! AMD is one reason I listen to most of my books. A lot depends on the reader, of course, and for some it takes time to get used to listening to books, but it’s so worth it. If you need recommendations on really good audiobooks (or warnings about not so pleasant readers), let me know!

>94 jessibud2: I held of on spraying the trees just in case. So far no rain today but I can see something is brewing. Those pine cones this year are all over the place. I have never seen so many! I usually rake them up and mulch them and put them in my compost bin.

>95 curioussquared: Yes, I have chickens! It is funny because I sell eggs that I don't use to two people at work. They complain that I charge 4.50 a dozen for organic eggs. I told the complainers to go buy them in the store instead ;)

>96 Storeetllr: Oh thanks! I have an old iPod touch where I can download a few books for her ( she does not have internet) and I will see how she likes it.

>97 figsfromthistle: OMG! And that's Canadian dollars? That's a deal!! The cheapest I see a dozen organic eggs here is usually about $5-5.50 US dollars and that's if I buy free range. I try to get pasture raised when I can and that's closer to $6-7.

>98 curioussquared: It is a deal! Here in the store organic eggs are 6-9 dollars a dozen. So now I just give my extra to a friend of mine instead. I usually don't have too much extra eggs because my parents use quite a few but now they are on vacation and it leaves me with more than usual. Initially the eggs are not really cheap for me but I have my own chickens because I can control what they eat and the environment they are in( they run around in the forest). A day old chick is about 4 dollars and you have to wait 6 months until they lay an egg. I also do not feed them lay mash so I don't always get the same amount of eggs each day.

Congratulations on your winnings Anita.

>78 figsfromthistle: A fine novel, I agree. I've read it twice so far, and may give it a reread later this year.

>100 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you :) I can't wait to peruse the unique stores and find something to buy with my winnings!

>93 figsfromthistle: Oooh, dinner sounds good. Do you have a recipe?

Stopping in, trying to catch up with everyone since I was terrible at reading threads in the lead-up to the move.

Love Solzhenitsyn. I've read Ivan Denisovich and Cancer Ward, Gulag Archipelago is in a box somewhere waiting to arrive here from Istanbul.

It's cold here too, freezing (literally) overnight and not warm during the day.

>102 atozgrl: There are many versions of this dish but it is quite simple. You can use ground beef or ground lamb ( even pork). In a pan fry off your meat, add finely diced inion and garlic, put in spices such as rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Set it aside. In a pot boil some potatoes and in another pot some noodles.. When cooked peel the potatoes and cut into slices. Put the potatoes into the pan with the meat and start to fry again. When the dish is almost done ( 5 min before) add in the noodles.

You don't have to put noodles in. Yesterday I made it with just potatoes and beef. You can also use different meats - chorizo sausage or pancetta would work really well. Too make things go faster you can have your potatoes and noodles already cooked and sliced before you glaze the onion and fry the meat. Just be careful, do not overcook the potatoes in the pot. They need to be firm so that they hold the shape when slicing into rings/squares and also they become slightly browned and cook more when added to the meat. Hope that helps :)

>103 ursula: Hi Ursula! I am glad to see you! the move was quite a big one and now you can have fun arranging things in your new place :) I hope the cats are getting used to it.

Wordle 654 5/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟩⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟩🟨🟨⬜
🟩🟩⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>104 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita! I'll give it a try. I'm one who always uses recipes, so trying to figure out how much or what spices to use is the trick. It sounds good, and I'm always looking for recipes that are easy to make.

>105 atozgrl: I hope it work out for you this was how mine looked like without noodles ( I don't know why but the picture loaded upside down and I have no idea how to fix it)

Hi, Anita. Just checking in after my trip to NOLA. We had a good time, which is no big surprise. I hope all is well on your end.

56. Claire Keegan: Small Things Like These

Bill Furlong is married and have five daughters all healthy and happy. It is Christmas time and when Bill delivers coal to the convent he encounters one of the teenagers living there. The encounter unsettles him and he is left to think about his christian values.

I love Keegan's writing. I just wish it would not end so quickly.

4/5 (A)

57. KAte Beaton: Ducks

A graphic memoir about the two years Kate spent in the oils sands working in the tool crib. While there, she faces isolation, assault and unwanted male attention.

There has been a lot said about this memoir. It was a finalist and winner of Canada reads on CBC and was well defended by Mattea Roach.

>107 msf59: Hi Mark! I have to go over and check out your pics. Welcome back.

Wow, Anita, what an amazing pace of reading you manage! I’ve read Small Things Like These bad while I enjoyed it , I wanted more depth , more information about the Magdalen Laundries . I have Foster in my TBR pile . Ducks is one my wish list . Enjoy your delicious dinner . I am heading out shortly and taking my mom out for dinner at Nando’s , a casual Portuguese place . She’s 81, and my dad passed away of cancer when he was 65 , so I like to make sure we get out together.

Anita, You are reading at a fast clip. Congratulations on all the great books you have read!!!

>111 vancouverdeb: The pace wont last long when the outdoor work starts. I read a lot mainly because I do not watch a lot of TV.

How was the dinner? I am sure you both had a nice time together.

>112 Whisper1: Thanks! My reading comes in waves. Sometimes I read all the time or noting at all. Happy mid week!

Happy Mid week!

It's rainy and windy here. Apparently potential for tornado as well. Yesterday, I finished reading The White Hare.

I'm not sure what I am going to make for supper. I have a day off and I may just do a late brunch. I have some cooked potatoes leftover and perhaps I will make them into hash browns with fried egg an bacon.

I have quite a bit of "chores" to do and will see what I can finish today.

Wordle 655 5/6

⬜⬜🟩⬜⬜
🟨🟨⬜⬜🟨
⬜⬜🟩🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Clearly I was not paying attention!

Happy Wednesday, Anita! Storms will be here tonight but since it’s warm prior to it, I’ll get started on much needed yard work.
The weather has been wonky all over. Hope tornadoes stay away from your area.

>97 figsfromthistle: Good idea! If she has trouble concentrating or just doesn’t like audiobooks in general, she could try listening to an old favorite. I know that listening to a book I’ve read adds new depth to the book, and it should make it easier to transition. Good luck to your cousin! Not being able to read is one of my worst fears with AMD, but at least I can listen to audiobooks.

>115 Carmenere: I suppose it's the season for storm and rain....April showers and all. So far so good. I took the rainy day to make something time consuming....quiche with homemade crust, bacon and caramelized onions and ham. It turned out really well except I think my crust is a little messy and really fattening ;)

>116 Storeetllr: She is still able to read but its a magnifying glass and it is a real strain for her. I am going to Toronto to visit her next week so I will see how she likes it. The last two years her eyesight has really declined. I am amazed that at 92 she is still able to do all the things she needs to do in her home. She is also stubborn and insist on doing everything herself and claims she does not need any help. Anyhow, happy Wednesday!

58. Jane Johnson: The White Hare

Magdalena, her adult daughter and granddaughter decide to move away from London to start fresh. They buy a huge house in Cornwall and begin to fix it up in hopes of turning it into a B&B. However, the house comes with a lot of history and superstition. Granddaughter Janey, becomes attached to the land and finds out secrets passed on by a ghost who communicates with her via her stuffed toy rabbit. Of course there is a local man who comes to help out with repairs and such. Some of the community is welcoming, and others refrain from speaking with the new owners.

A nice read with some magic, history, and romance. It is also a great story about the bonds of family and forgiveness.

3/5 ( B+)

So here is a picture of my quiche. I made it with heavy cream but next time I think I will just use milk because it is too rich. I never know why I make things that will take me days to eat. I am going to take half of it to work and hand it out to some to my co workers.....

>106 figsfromthistle: It looks good, even upside down! :-) I will definitely give it a try.

>120 atozgrl: Hope you enjoy it, Irene!

>118 figsfromthistle: The White Hare is on my wish list . Great review ! Your quiche looks delicious! Please send a piece my way . And yes , my mom and I had an enjoyable dinner together and did a little Easter shopping . It was nice for both of us .

>122 vancouverdeb: I am glad that the two of you had a nice dinner and were able to go shopping.

Wordle 656 5/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟨
⬜🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

59. Amy Stuart: A Death At The Party

From the beginning the reader knows that a death happens at a lavish party thrown by Nadine for her famous mother's 60th birthday. It is also the anniversary of someone else who died years ago. What lead to this scene at the beginning and why becomes clear as the author plunges the reader into the details of the beginning of that day. As the day progresses, Nadines anxiety grows as more is revealed.

It was a very slow burn but I enjoyed it. It has been advertised as a thriller-but I would not go that far. A good read that was perfect for a rainy afternoon.

3/5 (B+)

>124 figsfromthistle: - I might have a look for that one. I like a slow burn, in the right mood...

Hi Anita - Great looking quiche. I have the same problem with making way too much food. Usually I can find a home for it. I love Adichie and will read anything she writes. I think my favorite is Americanah. I also loved Small Things Like These, what a beautiful book. I've read it a couple of times, and it holds up on rereading. Ducks is great as well.

>125 katiekrug: Hi Katie. It was an ok read. I do recommend getting it from the library rather than buying it

>126 BLBera: I have to try Americanah I will see if the library has a long hold on it or not. It is always difficult to cook for one person and I really dislike eating anything more than twice. I was just at the grocery store getting a few items and one of the stores is quite annoying. You have to buy two to get it at a certain price. What am I going to do with two loaves of toast bread! I usually avoid that store because of it and go somewhere else. Anyhow hope you have a lovely weekend.

Wishing you a Happy Easter a few days in advance, Anita!

>128 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah! Same to you :)

Happy Friday!

I am working all weekend but I did get two days off this week so I suppose I can't be greedy. It's a holiday weekend here and the majority of stores are closed on Friday and Sunday. To those who celebrate- I wish you a happy Easter.

Yesterday I managed to spray the fruit trees, rake and clean up part of the yard and get the outdoor chicken coop prepared. I still have to fix the door on it though as the wood has a few holes.

I finished reading Heart Bones. I have not read anything by this author before and am tempted to start the popular book, it ends with us.

Cooking- Nothing new. I am still eating Quiche. I did take out half a chicken and will probably roast that this weekend.

Wordle 657 5/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟨🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>106 figsfromthistle: Here you go Anita:

Happy Friday, Anita. I hope your work week is going well. Hooray for Small Things Like These & "Ducks". I also loved both.

>131 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks! How did you do that?

>132 msf59: Thanks! Hope you are off to a good start for the weekend!

60. Colleen Hoover: Heart Bones

Baya is 19 years old, living in a trailer with her drug addicted mom. When she gets home from a shift at McDonalds she receives devastating news and is forced to live with her absentee father for the summer. It is here where she bonds with her stepsister and the handsome boy next door. Things are not always as they seem and complications arise. Will Baya accept her new family or will she shut them out?

A great casual kinda read.

3/5 ( B)

Saturday......

I finished reading Umberto Eco's Flame Of The Queen which I am still digesting. I don't think it's my favourite by him but I appreciate what he was trying to do.....

Well off to work I go!

Wordle 658 4/6

⬜🟩⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟩⬜⬜⬜
🟨🟩🟨⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>133 figsfromthistle: If you just make a minuscule edit on the photo, it should work Anita. I've no idea why some photos require it.

>136 Caroline_McElwee: Ah I see. Thanks :)

Wordle 659 5/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜🟨
⬜⬜🟨🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Yikes!!

Happy Monday!

Lots of work for me to do today. The weather looks nice so I better finish getting the outdoor chicken coop ready and the fence in order. I started the task a few days ago but ran into a few problems with the chicken door. The chickens are getting restless and they are looking for ways to escape the barn. They are most happy in the outdoor chicken coop where they can run around in the forest.

I have some garden work to do. Some leftover dead things to cut and raking up the mulch from the side of the garden beds. I already sprayed the fruit trees so I can cross off that chore from my list.

Supper today will be a roast chicken. I took out a half chicken since it's just me. I hope to make the skin nice and crispy/brown with a natural gravy/juice drippings. Rice and probably long green beans with it.

I am hoping to get some cleaning/laundry done as well.

Yesterday, I watched The Karate Kid (2010 movie). I also read a little bit on my lunch hour at work but I did not manage to read at home because I was on FaceTime phone calls with relatives.

Wordle 660 5/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟨⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

61. Umberto Eco: The Mysterious Flame Of The Queen Loana

Giambattista Bodoni ( Yambo) wakes up from a coma and cannot remember anything except for the books that he has read. He recovers at a summer home where he goes through and reads books from his childhood. In doing so, he regains memory.

Interesting idea and interesting narrative technique. Lots of illustrations in this one. I appreciate how Eco approaches memory, and interweaves some history about Italy in the second world war.

Hopeless behind on your thread, but congrats on #61 already. Good luck on the chores and your dinner plans made me hungry! LOL.

>141 Berly: Nice to see you! I was able to most of the chores done ( at least the ones I planned). I certainly worked up an appetite from the outdoor work!

Pat yourself on the back and enjoy dinner!

>143 Berly: Thanks! I will enjoy it today as well because theres leftovers.

Happy Tuesday!

It's my long day at work ( 6AM-8PM) Hopefully the day goes better than my wordle result.

Wordle 661 5/6

⬜🟨🟩⬜⬜
🟨⬜🟩⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟩⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟩🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Your dinner pictures are making me hungry, Anita! It's 6:30 pm here and I am just about to make dinner. Dave works long days like you do, up at 5:30 am this morning , and he should be in the door between 7 pm and 7:30 pm. It's marinated Indian Chicken Breasts, carrots and some sort of a starch, not sure yet. I'll be off shortly to get that cooking. Dave's days are 9 :20 am to 8:30 pm, but lately he has been able to get off early.

>146 vancouverdeb: Oh your dinner sounds delicious!

The early days are ok for me because most of the time I can get home earlier. There are days where I do a double shift which ends up being quite long.
Dave's day shift seems quite long!

Wordle 662 4/6

⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟨⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟨🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Happy Wednesday, Figs. Just checking in. I hope your work week is moving along smoothly. We are enjoying a beautiful stretch of spring weather.

>149 msf59: Hi Mark! The weather here is nice and warm now. I am beginning to see more birds around and of course, the trees are beginning to bud. Happy mid week!

>140 figsfromthistle: I read this one back when it came out and it was my first Eco. I don't think it was the right place to start, as I was totally unprepared for the Eco-ness of it. (About 10 years later I got around to Foucault's Pendulum.)

>151 ursula: Yes, I can see how it would not be the ideal starting place. I have to admit I have been trying to read Foucault's Pendulum for years now. I always start and then put it aside and restart. I must get to that one and read it all the way through. It looks like an interesting one.

Happy Thursday!

I took a vacation day today because long story short my 92 year old cousin had a bad fall. I was going to drive to Toronto but she told me that she would prefer me to come next week when she needs me more to get groceries. She has a home care nurse in once a day....I just wish that she would not be so stubborn and accept help. I also offered to have food/groceries delivered but she refuses that. She would rather that I make a 350km trip one way to do this. *sigh*

At least I can stay home and enjoy this 25C weather. I will get some outdoor work done this morning- I have to create a support system for the raspberry canes and prepare the garden beds. Later I have some indoor chores to do. My parents are coming back from Europe at the end of the month and I was foolish enough to be nice and do a deep spring cleaning of their whole house ( including organizing). I thought it would be a great surprise for them as when they get back there will be lots of outdoor things to do. Perhaps when I go on vacation, they will clean my house in return heh!

I have been reading but no energy/desire to post about it. Perhaps tomorrow.....

Wordle 663 4/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜
⬜🟩🟨⬜⬜
🟩🟩⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Happy Thursday to you too!
It's wonderful that there are people like you who care about others.
And reading is allways the better choice...

>154 SirThomas: That's nice of you to say. What we do for our family.... :)

>153 figsfromthistle: Cleaning your parents' house sounds like a huge undertaking but that also sounds like such a nice gift! Coming home to a clean house after a long trip is always lovely.

>153 figsfromthistle: Ouch! I hope your cousin will be basically OK. The grocery thing seems weird, unless she's had bad experiences with deliveries, or heard stories of same; is it possible she's not good at revealing emotional neediness, as in "I really want to see you, but when I'm feeling enough better to enjoy your visit", and is using the groceries as an excuse?

Just got in from doing some yard work. It is quite warm outside now and I will likely go out later in the evening to put my tools away. I transplanted a lot of strawberries. They were beginning to take over the garden leaving little space for vegetables. Now it looks all better. I put in a trellis thing for the raspberry canes, loosened up some mulch and planted some summer bulbs.

>156 curioussquared: It is a huge undertaking as they have 5000 square feet of living. I decided not to clean the finished basement because I really don't have time and it does not look too bad. I did this because I know they have a lot of projects lined up when they get back. My dad is also supposed to have both knees replaced ( who knows when he will have the surgery). He has difficulties walking and will probably want the major house tasks done before fall. My parents do a lot for me and so it is nice to do something for them :)

>157 ArlieS: She has IV antibiotics every day. She has some kind of bag with the antibiotic bottle that she has to carry around. She says it's annoying and always beeps. The tear on her leg was too far apart to stitch and she ended up with a cyst and a blood infection ( how, I have no idea). For her the main thing is that it is very painful. She sounded much more cheerful on the phone this time. She has never tried a grocery delivery...I hate to say it but she is just one of those people who want others to bend over backwards for her and if you don't even if she says not to it will be held against you at a later date. Oh well what can I say she is old so I just shrug it off and try my best to please her :)

Wordle 664 4/6

⬜⬜🟩⬜⬜
⬜🟩🟩🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩⬜🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

We were talking about your friend the lightning artist's pieces, and this morning I get this in my Twitter feed:

https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/never-before-seen-crystal-like-...

>160 richardderus: It is good to see you here, Richard!

What an interesting article. I will forward the link to my friend :)

62. Alka Joshi: The Perfumist Of Paris

1970, Radha is living in Paris with her husband and two girls. She is successful at her job mixing particular ingredients together to create unique scents. Unfortunately, her husband feels that she is working too much and should focus more dedication to her home life. When a mysterious client wants a specific scent made based on a painting, Radha is given the rare opportunity to take the lead. However, this leads her on a trip back to India where old wounds and memories surface.

3/5 (B-)

I don't think that it was as interesting as The Henna artist but it was a light read. The author relied on a lot of stereotypes........although Radha's mother in law's behaviour in the last part of the book surprised me in a good way. Her story would have been more interesting than Radha's.

Wordle 665 3/6

⬜⬜🟨🟩⬜
⬜🟨⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Hi Anita! Belated happy new thread, twice. I’ve mostly skipped to here.

>140 figsfromthistle: I read The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana in 2017 and loved it.

>164 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Thanks! It's nice to see you :)

It was a good read. The more I sit with it and think about it the more I like it. One of those reads that you have to let settle in for a bit.

Hope you have a splendid Sunday!

Hi Anita! Wishing you a nice Sunday.

>166 EllaTim: Hi Ella! Thanks, I hope you are having a good Sunday as well!

Wordle 666 3/6

⬜🟨⬜🟨🟨
⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>147 figsfromthistle: Yes, Dave's shifts are very long! 11.5 hours. He's an aircraft mechanic on the ramp at YVR and such is life. Long shifts, 5 on, 5 off etc. I'll be very glad when he retires next year.

>153 figsfromthistle: You are very kind to your cousin, as well as cleaning your parents place! Kudos, Anita.

>168 vancouverdeb: Dave's job sounds quite interesting and challenging. With the long hours I can see that it will be nice when he retires next year!

>118 figsfromthistle: Anita, The White Hare looks too good to pass up. On the TBR pile it goes!

>170 Whisper1: It was a good read! Oddly enough I did not have o wait at the library too long for it either :)

Happy Monday!

Day off today after working all weekend. The beautiful hot weather has taken a reprieve and it is now quite a chilly 5C. It should be perfect cloudy weather for cleaning windows. I will eventually have to head into town for some basic groceries.

Today I am thinking about a pan seared pork chop with fried cabbage and noodles.

I am not sure how many household things I will get done but I have a massive migraine and tension headache that has not eased with Tylenol 3. My hands are completely swollen so I shall see what I can get done.

My cousin had to go back to emergency yesterday so I will most likely have to go up on Wednesday and get her groceries and cook her some food. Her wound is not healing and only getting worse.

I have been reading different books...based on my mood. Most are close to completion

Wordle 667 5/6

🟩⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟩⬜⬜⬜🟨
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Sorry you aren't feeling well, Anita. Hope the tylenol kicks in soon.

Oh , sorry you are feeling so unwell , Anita. Have they sorted out whether you have rheumatoid arthritis or not ? And a migraine headache. I hope you are soon feeling better!

I'm sorry there is so much going on for you with swollen hands, horrible headache and much to do on your "to do " list. Hope your cousin is okay. Take care!

I hope your visit to your cousin goes well Anita.

I'm sure your patents will be grateful for your cleaning their home too.

>173 curioussquared: Thank you! The Tylenol did not help a lot but made my day more manageable. I think migraine triggers are usually when it is damp and dark outside.

>174 vancouverdeb: Yes apparently, I have arthritis but they are thinking that my swollen and stiff hands may be due to something else but they are going to try some medication first and see if it helps. I always think that being in my 30's is too young for arthritis but it's apparently quite common in earlier stages of life.

>175 mdoris: I am just about to phone her now and see if she is still in the hospital. That will determine what day I will go down to see her and bring food and see if there is anything she needs from me.

>176 Caroline_McElwee: I hope so too! I know that my parents will be surprised and probably relieved that the majority is done and they won't have to do it when they get home. They will have plenty to do outdoors with planting the garden. I may also need to cut the grass before they get home. With all this rain and warmer temperatures before, it's starting to look long!

>172 figsfromthistle: I do hope you are feeling more the thing quickly. And I'm sorry about your cousin's troubles. She is lucky to have you to help with what must be done.

>178 quondame: Thanks Susan. I'm just glad that she accepted my help...

Happy Tuesday!

Long work day for me today. It's supposed to be another day of rain, cold and snow so no big deal.

Wordle 668 4/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟨
⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟩⬜⬜🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wordle 669 4/6

⬜⬜⬜🟩🟩
⬜⬜⬜🟩🟩
⬜🟨⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Happy-Humpday *smooches*

>182 richardderus: Hi Richard! I can't say that my hump day was happy but it was productive.

* smooch * back at you!

63. Carson Morton: Stealing Mona Lisa

Loosely based on a true event. Not a bad read and there was more than art crime in this book. Last 100 pages were the best.

3/5 ( B-)

Wordle 670 4/6

⬜🟨⬜🟨⬜
🟨⬜⬜🟨⬜
⬜⬜🟩🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

64. Detroit Resurrected: Nathan Bomey

A look at how Detroit was bleeding in debt, how the politicians over the years failed to do good for the people of Detroit and how the city was able to turn itself around after decades of mismanagement.

If you like a lot of detail about corruption, and finances-this is a book you will enjoy.

>186 figsfromthistle: I think the topic is urgent but I fear I have no bandwidth for the read just now...

>187 richardderus: It's a good idea to wait on that one, Richard. Happy Thursday!

Yes, being in the thirties does seem young for rheumatoid arthritis, Anita. But there is even juvenile onset rheumatoid arthritis, which I am sure you already know. Just does not seem fair, does it. I hope the medication will help. I hope you enjoy The White Woman. It sounds like you need an escape what with working long hours, helping out your cousin, and your pain.

Yes, we have a rainy , blustery day today here too.

Happy Friday!

My two apricot trees have been in bloom for two weeks



Yesterday, I cut the grass. Looks much nicer and fresh.

Wordle 671 4/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜
⬜🟩⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟩⬜⬜🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>189 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah!

I really need to put reading into my routine more. Lately I have been stressed, wound up and busy that I just can't sit and read longer than an hour. I'm sure this phase will pass. At least I am able to watch a bit of TV. I have been watching a few episodes of Frasier.

>191 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita! I hope your cousin is doing better. I hope you are also feeling better and that medication helped your hands. As someone older, I've been through multiple stressful stages, and I can say that it always does pass. Best wishes, and hopes that it will pass quickly for you.

I ran across Frasier by accident just a couple of days ago and watched two episodes. I haven't seen any in years. I enjoyed it. I always did like that show.

Hope you figure out what it going on with the hands -- and despite that you've been doing house and yard work everywhere! Hope your cousin is doing better and that your parents appreciate your efforts. Happy weekend!

>192 atozgrl: My cousin was released from hospital on Friday. Apparently there is no change and she is waiting to see if the new round of antibiotics will help.

I used to love watching Frasier after school! I forgot that there were so many episodes after Daphne and Niles get together.

>193 Berly: Thanks! It is something that comes and goes but what is most annoying is that playing piano ( at least at concert level) has become increasingly difficult. It takes longer to "warm up".

I was unable to get everything done but the majority is finished. I pick them up at the airport on Thursday. I know they will be quite happy ( especially my mom!). I have to figure out what to cook for them. Perhaps chicken cacciatore or shepherds pie......

Happy Saturday!

Rainy yesterday and so far today. Glad I cut the grass before it became really long and then I would have to rake.....for once my timing was perfect :)

My wordle skills have been quite lacklustre of late. I better start paying more attention. Well at least I found all 12 quills in the poetry treasure hunt!

Wordle 672 5/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩
⬜🟨⬜⬜🟩
⬜🟩⬜⬜🟩
⬜🟩🟩⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>195 figsfromthistle: Congratulations for all.
Have a wonderful weekend, Anita!

>196 SirThomas: Hi Thomas! Hope you have a great rest of your weekend!

>190 figsfromthistle: beautiful blossom time!

Happy weekend ahead's reads, Anita.

>198 richardderus: Spring is a wonderful time!

Wordle 673 5/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜
⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟩⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>190 figsfromthistle: Looking so nice! Apricot trees? Isn’t it too cold for them, where you are?

I’m sorry about your hands, I hope you can find out what’s happening there.

I listened to a podcast on the effects of stress on the brain, yesterday. Lack of concentration is one of the results. And moving (like in gardening, or taking a walk) is one of the helpful things, they said.

Have a nice Sunday.

>201 EllaTim: Hi Ella!

It's not too cold for apricots as I live in south western Canada. The only problem is that they are always the first to bloom and over eager as soon as it gets a little warm and then a wave of frost hits. So far this year, no frost. Maybe I will get some apricots after all.

Gardening and light physical activity is always a mood booster for me.

Hope you had a great weekend!

65. Cynthia Harrod: The Secrets Of Ashmore Castle

Lord Stainton dies unexpectedly and his eldest son is called back home. In order to stay out of bankruptcy, he must marry a rich young lady. It becomes problematic when he ends up falling for the "wrong" lady. Will he risk the estate or will he do what is necessary for him to survive?

This is the first in a series. I found that I did not care for most of the protagonists. I expected a different story with grand secrets. Alas I wanted something different.

C-

Happy Monday!

Wordle 674 4/6

⬜🟩⬜⬜🟨
🟨🟩⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

It's Tuesday....


Wordle 675 4/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟨⬜⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

A lot of green to see - I like it.
Have a wonderful day!

>206 SirThomas: Thanks Thomas! Also a lot of daffodils :)

Have a fantastic Tuesday!

Beautiful daffodils, Anita! Happy Tuesday. Wordle was challenging for me today . Took me all six tries .

>208 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! I quite enjoy daffodils and have quite a few dispersed in various flower beds. Now the tulips are beginning to bloom.

Wordle seems to be challenging for me every day. I used to only need three tries and now my average is 4. Ah well at least out streak is still alive :)

>205 figsfromthistle: - Beautiful, Anita. Do you mulch the bed in spring or is that from the fall?

>210 jessibud2: The mulch is still from fall. I rotate which beds to mulch each season. Last year I had 30 yards of cedar mulch as a sprinkling on top. Each season, a different bed needs base mulch. During the summer months I loosen the mulch up to freshen it up. I always try to mulch during tulip blooming season as it is easier to navigate around other plants. This year I am behind but will begin mulching in a few weeks.

So pretty, thanks for sharing.

>212 Kristelh: Nice to see you! Hope you have a great rest of the week.

Happy Mid week!

Wordle 676 3/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟨⬜🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wordle 677 4/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟨⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩⬜🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wordle 678 4/6

⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜
⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜
🟨🟨🟩🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wordle 679 4/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟩⬜🟨⬜⬜
🟩⬜🟨🟩⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wordle 680 4/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Hi Anita! Wishing you a nice Sunday!

Happy Sunday Anita. Try and do some catching up today. Your apricot tree looks terrific. I want one so badly but I can't even find one to purchase. I won't be defeated still on the hunt

>218 EllaTim: Hi Ella! Thank you :) I hope you have a great start to the week.

>219 Carmenere: They are quite hard to come by. These two came from a special fruit tree nursery years ago. Good luck with the hunt :)

66. A.K Larkwood: The Unspoken Name

Csorwe is fourteen years old and is ready to be sacrificed to the unspoken God. However, when a peculiar wizard comes seeking knowledge, he gives her an an opportunity to run from her duties and join him on a different quest.

It was ok. All the elements were there....torture, magic, revenge, romance and battle. Something just did not fully grip with me. I wanted more of certain things and less of others. Some things were rushed and others dragged on too long. It could have been I was not in the right mood for the read......

First in a series.

3/5 ( C )

Anita, I've always wanted to create a line of the covers of my books for my month's reading like you do. I finally succeeded!! This actually the first time I tried. Nearly blew out my brain cells, but I did it!!! I'm so pleased!My cover pixel size is much bigger, but I am still learning and I only read 5 books, so that's okay. I did not dare trying to put anything else in that post, like my favourite book of the month. Maybe next month?
Wishing you a great week ahead!

>222 vancouverdeb: Ooh I will have to come over and take a gander. Glad you were able to figure it out and set it you the way you like.

Happy Monday!

Oh it's Monday.....

Rain, rain and more rain. It's supposed to stick around until Thursday. That would be one solid week of drab weather.

Today is filled with errands. The car needs an oil change and a set of new tires.
Grocery shopping day today. Thankfully I don't need a lot so it will be a quick trip. I was hoping to go to a few other stores for certain items and then to the library to return some books.

Dinner today will be easy. Haddock filets pan fried in a butter, lemon and caper sauce.

Perhaps I will have time to read in the afternoon.

Wordle 681 3/6

🟩🟩⬜🟨⬜
🟩🟩⬜🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Morning, Anita. I hope you can get some reading in today, after your errands. Our weather is cruddy too and we hope it rebounds in a couple of days. I have birds to see. 🐦😁

>225 msf59: Hi Mark! I am just about to sit down and read a bit now. You certainly had a great birding experience on your trip...so many lifers!

>221 figsfromthistle: Pity this wasn't a better read. Larkwood is such a great pseudonym! Can't all be winners but it woulda been keen for that one to be.

Happy new week's reads, Anita!

>227 richardderus: Hi Richard! I hope you are having a great start to the week.

Stats For April

April was not an ideal reading month. I should have easily reached the 75 book mark but alas other things got in the way.

Books Read: 12
Female author: 9
Male: 3
Total Pages:4057
Average pages per book:338
Average pages per day:135

I think you did really well with your April reading, Anita. Errands, never fun. I have do some further decluttering to make room for some new living room furniture that is arriving on Thursday. It's almost embarrassing to admit, but our new couch and two chairs will replace our 33 year plus couch and loveseat. We've been looking for a few yeas, but either a new expense would come up, new furnace, son crashed his car and needs financial help etc.

I was a little disappointed in my April book lineup. Not that much, but on my desk top computer, the books showed up as a horizontal line of books, which is what I hoped for , but on my Iphone, the book line up was vertical . Any tips? Do you just use the html code here on LT, or do you have a template on your computer that you use for your books? Thanks Anita.

>230 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb! I looked over at your thread and saw your nice book line up. You may want to adjust the size. I don't have a template as I just use the html code here on LT. Do you have the LT app on your phone?

How exciting that you are getting a new furniture set. I am amazed at how expensive furniture has gotten over the last 5 years. I was looking for a desk for a while and ended up ordering a custom built one that will last me for years.

Wordle 682 5/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟨⬜🟩
⬜🟩⬜⬜🟩
🟩🟩⬜⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wednesday.....more rain

Wordle 683 4/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟨⬜⬜🟨⬜
⬜🟨🟨🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Thursday....another rainy day. Hopefully the last for the week.

Finished reading the Gambler and The White Lady

Wordle 684 3/6

🟩⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟩⬜⬜🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

>234 figsfromthistle: - It's been pretty relentless, hasn't it? I forget what the sun looks like!

>235 jessibud2: I know! It's been a whole week. I think it's supposed to get better starting tomorrow. Crossing my fingers for some sunny weather :)

Hi, Anita!

It's been chilly and rainy here for so long, too, it seems. Blech.

>236 figsfromthistle: Hoping for your sunshine fix to come soon from rainy Long Beach. *smooch*

>237 scaifea: >238 richardderus: I suppose the rainy weather belongs to the spring season. Come the weekend it's supposed to look better. Hopefully dry out long enough to cut the grass.

>231 figsfromthistle: I do now have the LT app on my phone, but have not used it. Any advantages to it? I'll try changing the pixel size next month on my books. Thanks for the tip. Well , I hope you found The White Lady to be okay. Midnight News by Jo Baker just came in for me at the library. I had a hold on for a while. I really loved her book, Longbourn. so I hope this will be good too. Just waiting for the new living furniture to arrive. Dave's is off today, so he is heading out the library to get my hold and his hold from the library.

>240 vancouverdeb: I have to admit that most of the time I just open a web browser on my phone and log in that way. I really should start using the app as the graphics and shortcuts would be much more convenient on the phone.

I really enjoyed the White Lady. It was not quite what I expected but was just the type of read that I was in the mood for.

Hope the furniture arrives on time so you can enjoy it soon!

Please join me over at my new thread:)

I don't think the app has Talk access, which is why I don't use it very often.