I've just finished reading A Dance with Dragons and I'm not happy. George R R Martin, I read each book as they were released, waiting 6 years for this last one, and I have this to say to you: A) Stop killing off the good guys- you're running out of them and B) Not everyone who appears to be killed in this book, better really be dead! (See A)
Back to reality, as my job coach said to me this morning when I went back to work after a lovely week and a half off. Not only is "winter is coming" the motto of the tragic and noble Stark family in the above mentioned book, it is the unofficial motto of Maine. It was dark all the way into work this morning. No lovely start of sunrise at 5 AM and the lightening of the sky that I have been used to. Sad face.
But we are prepared for the inevitable. We have our new oil tank, our new furnace and as of Saturday, we will have our new liner in our chimney. Oh yes, and a new bulkhead door for the cellar. We also have a new empty bank account.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
This and That
Despite traveling to a funeral last week, J and I had several funny moments, some many most of which were at my expense. Often when I get tired, my fibro can make it difficult to grab the word I want - sometimes I know the first letter and a few seconds wait gets the right word, but other times I think everything's going smoothly and the wrong word pops out.
Like while we were waiting in the car at the cemetery for the escort vehicle and I asked J if he wanted a 'bucket' of water from the cooler. He and Shoeshine thought that was pretty good, but really liked it when I asked him where (in the cemetery) his mother was 'parked'.
Later that night, we were recapping the day for my parents and described the nice wooden chest that the cremated remains were put in at the church for the service. J and his youngest brother had been asked to carry it up to the altar and did a great job, except that it was a little lopsided. T seemed to be lifting his end up and J had his (bad) arm straight. So I asked him if it was heavy. Without missing a beat, he said "no, he wasn't heavy, he's my brother"!
We talked about the plans for the next day, which included J hanging a screen door, and me cleaning the gutters. J asked if my parents had gloves. Now, he was facing away from my father, who has some hearing loss, which may explain why Pa promptly answered: "We do, but the skunks take care of them". After a quick mental picture of a skunk handing out work gloves, I explained it was "gloves, not grubs" that J asked about.
And speaking of gutters and doors, we enjoyed helping them out with that, as well a few other chores. My three sisters who live in R.I. do a great job of dealing with any house, car or medical issues that arise, so we are always happy when we can share some of that when we are visiting.
On our way home, we stopped at Ms. M and Mr C's house to drop off Shoeshine for his ride to the airport later that day. They had several questions about home and garden issues, so we answered the ones we could, and plan to go down in a few weeks to help with some repairs.
Then the plan changed and we packed up Shoeshine and took him a couple of exits further up 495 to Sectaur's house, and he drove him to a bus station later.We got to visit a bit and I borrowed a book from him so that worked out very well.
The book is Steven Erikson's The Crippled God, which is the final book of a very good, but long and complicated series. I have just started it and am trying to remember just where everyone fits in. Oh, and I recently read this book:
Like while we were waiting in the car at the cemetery for the escort vehicle and I asked J if he wanted a 'bucket' of water from the cooler. He and Shoeshine thought that was pretty good, but really liked it when I asked him where (in the cemetery) his mother was 'parked'.
Later that night, we were recapping the day for my parents and described the nice wooden chest that the cremated remains were put in at the church for the service. J and his youngest brother had been asked to carry it up to the altar and did a great job, except that it was a little lopsided. T seemed to be lifting his end up and J had his (bad) arm straight. So I asked him if it was heavy. Without missing a beat, he said "no, he wasn't heavy, he's my brother"!
We talked about the plans for the next day, which included J hanging a screen door, and me cleaning the gutters. J asked if my parents had gloves. Now, he was facing away from my father, who has some hearing loss, which may explain why Pa promptly answered: "We do, but the skunks take care of them". After a quick mental picture of a skunk handing out work gloves, I explained it was "gloves, not grubs" that J asked about.
And speaking of gutters and doors, we enjoyed helping them out with that, as well a few other chores. My three sisters who live in R.I. do a great job of dealing with any house, car or medical issues that arise, so we are always happy when we can share some of that when we are visiting.
On our way home, we stopped at Ms. M and Mr C's house to drop off Shoeshine for his ride to the airport later that day. They had several questions about home and garden issues, so we answered the ones we could, and plan to go down in a few weeks to help with some repairs.
Then the plan changed and we packed up Shoeshine and took him a couple of exits further up 495 to Sectaur's house, and he drove him to a bus station later.We got to visit a bit and I borrowed a book from him so that worked out very well.
The book is Steven Erikson's The Crippled God, which is the final book of a very good, but long and complicated series. I have just started it and am trying to remember just where everyone fits in. Oh, and I recently read this book:
It looked so pretty and was such a hefty book, that I was afraid it wouldn't live up to its cover- but it did. I must say that a little way into it, I was afraid it was turning into a vampire romance (of which I am not a fan) but it turned out to be okay. Not your standard vampire or witch book- a nice solid read. However- Spoiler Alert-
It seems to be the first in a series- poo! I still recommend it, especially to anyone who likes Diana Gabaldon.
I think that's about it for the mish-mash in my head today.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Celebrate Earth Day
"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves." - Anna Quindlen
I saw this quote on Cid's blog today and totally stole it. All of my kids inherited a love of books and reading from me and packrat qualities from both of us. Results are homes filled with books and crowded cases. Sectaurs and Ro (I hereby give his ladyfriend her own blog name) are consolidating households and the biggest "problem" is finding a compromise with book storage in a small house. He likes all of his available to read at any time, hence will double stack his shelves. She alphabetizes by author and is strictly a one layer girl. Plus, who boxes up the duplicate copies they own?
Ms. M and Mr. C. bought a house with lovely built-in bookcases, promptly filled them up and needed more stand alone storage. Ameranth has books stored at Sectaurs and upstairs, and Shoeshine is a sucker for collections. I am content.
On to my original topic planned- Earth Day of course. I was in high school for the first Earth Day-is it really the 40th anniversary?-and my history teacher planned activities for us. My memory is hazy, but I believe it involved picking up trash. I'm not an activist and don't get involved in big ways or organizations, but I do not litter. We recycle, compost and try not to plant invasive species, at least not on purpose. Our children are also environmentally responsible, to varying degrees, so good for us! We read and we care about our world, two important character traits in my book. (Ha, no pun intended)
I am off to wander my yard and do some weeding if the mood strikes me. It's a beautiful spring day here, and I hope you get a chance to enjoy some outdoors where you are.
I saw this quote on Cid's blog today and totally stole it. All of my kids inherited a love of books and reading from me and packrat qualities from both of us. Results are homes filled with books and crowded cases. Sectaurs and Ro (I hereby give his ladyfriend her own blog name) are consolidating households and the biggest "problem" is finding a compromise with book storage in a small house. He likes all of his available to read at any time, hence will double stack his shelves. She alphabetizes by author and is strictly a one layer girl. Plus, who boxes up the duplicate copies they own?
Ms. M and Mr. C. bought a house with lovely built-in bookcases, promptly filled them up and needed more stand alone storage. Ameranth has books stored at Sectaurs and upstairs, and Shoeshine is a sucker for collections. I am content.
On to my original topic planned- Earth Day of course. I was in high school for the first Earth Day-is it really the 40th anniversary?-and my history teacher planned activities for us. My memory is hazy, but I believe it involved picking up trash. I'm not an activist and don't get involved in big ways or organizations, but I do not litter. We recycle, compost and try not to plant invasive species, at least not on purpose. Our children are also environmentally responsible, to varying degrees, so good for us! We read and we care about our world, two important character traits in my book. (Ha, no pun intended)
I am off to wander my yard and do some weeding if the mood strikes me. It's a beautiful spring day here, and I hope you get a chance to enjoy some outdoors where you are.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Droopy Dawg week
Well, another Friday has come and I have not done a whole heck of a lot. I did get good news today, in the form of an email from my book club informing me that they are sorry about the defective book I have and telling me they are sending a replacement today. So I got a few magazines and a romance from the library to fill the time until it comes. I can't read any other series until I get this one done.
And speaking of that, the library had a new fantasy book that looks good- "Last Argument of Kings" by Joe Abercrombie. BUT, this is book three of a trilogy and the first two books are checked out. The nice librarian lad offered to reserve them for me- he said the person who has them is a fast reader and they should be returned soon. So, do I wait on the new book, and hope it's available when I get and read the others? Or do I take it and hope that I get the others before this one is due back. Because you're not supposed to be able to renew 'new' books. If you guessed I took it and said screw the poor person who is reading the first two, you win! Maybe he already read this one-yeah, like people read them out of order-who could do that?
The weather has been pretty wet and gray all week, hindering my intent to walk the dogs every day. Although I am not complaining about the (heavy) rain- just a few miles to the north and west it was a foot or more of snow. The sun actually came out today and it is 45. Then J came home and told me we're supposed to get up to 5 inches of snow this weekend! Bummer. He didn't have to tell me that.
EDIT- I just got a call from library lad and ran down to get the first 2 books. I don't even have to feel bad about keeping the 3rd, because the other person didn't want it. (I did ask)
And speaking of that, the library had a new fantasy book that looks good- "Last Argument of Kings" by Joe Abercrombie. BUT, this is book three of a trilogy and the first two books are checked out. The nice librarian lad offered to reserve them for me- he said the person who has them is a fast reader and they should be returned soon. So, do I wait on the new book, and hope it's available when I get and read the others? Or do I take it and hope that I get the others before this one is due back. Because you're not supposed to be able to renew 'new' books. If you guessed I took it and said screw the poor person who is reading the first two, you win! Maybe he already read this one-yeah, like people read them out of order-who could do that?
The weather has been pretty wet and gray all week, hindering my intent to walk the dogs every day. Although I am not complaining about the (heavy) rain- just a few miles to the north and west it was a foot or more of snow. The sun actually came out today and it is 45. Then J came home and told me we're supposed to get up to 5 inches of snow this weekend! Bummer. He didn't have to tell me that.
EDIT- I just got a call from library lad and ran down to get the first 2 books. I don't even have to feel bad about keeping the 3rd, because the other person didn't want it. (I did ask)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Coming to a Screeching Halt
You know how annoying it can be to be interrupted when you're in the middle of a really good book? Now imagine that you started reading the Wheel of Time series in 1990 when the first book appeared and have faithfully followed along through the next 11 books. Then the author dies (I know, I know, he didn't plan on this before finishing the books, but still) and you think you'll never see how it turns out.
Next, an announcement that another author has been asked to finish the series, based on outlines and copious notes. Yay! Even the news that #12 won't be the last book, but will be the first of three that will wrap it up is okay. I can deal with waiting a bit more, and I bought the new book when it came out in October.
Because I was working then, I decided to wait until after Christmas and savor the reading. Then, I decided to reread the previous books first, since it had been so long between volumes, and I would have all the names and places straight in my head. Did that, only to find that I had never bought #10 or 11, so had to run to the library last week to get them.
Finally, I started The Gathering Storm, and it is very good. The new guy is doing very well matching writing styles and character voices. I'm halfway through when I go from the left hand page to the right, and... it makes no sense. My book goes from page 528 to 631! AAAGGGHH!
I bought this online from a book club and I fired off an email last night, demanding a replacement. Haven't heard back yet and I am not a happy camper. So not happy.
Next, an announcement that another author has been asked to finish the series, based on outlines and copious notes. Yay! Even the news that #12 won't be the last book, but will be the first of three that will wrap it up is okay. I can deal with waiting a bit more, and I bought the new book when it came out in October.
Because I was working then, I decided to wait until after Christmas and savor the reading. Then, I decided to reread the previous books first, since it had been so long between volumes, and I would have all the names and places straight in my head. Did that, only to find that I had never bought #10 or 11, so had to run to the library last week to get them.
Finally, I started The Gathering Storm, and it is very good. The new guy is doing very well matching writing styles and character voices. I'm halfway through when I go from the left hand page to the right, and... it makes no sense. My book goes from page 528 to 631! AAAGGGHH!
I bought this online from a book club and I fired off an email last night, demanding a replacement. Haven't heard back yet and I am not a happy camper. So not happy.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Reading again
I finished a great book tonight, the "Night Angel" trilogy by Brent Weeks. I got the 3 in 1 version, so it was a very fat book indeed. It's a very well- written fantasy novel too, with much more depth and character development than I expected.
So, zipping along happily, and got to the last 50 pages or so, and stopped. I wanted to know how it ended, but didn't want to rush through and have it be all over. I mentioned this to J, so he knew to leave me alone after supper and went off to watch his movie. I mentioned this to the dogs, and it had no effect whatsoever on Boomer. Rosie knew better. Down to the last 10 pages, and Boomer gets escorted to the back door, and out to solitary banishment. He came close to ruining the whole mood there!
I don't really expect Boomer to understand that I am reading and cannot be expected to pay attention to minor outside distractions (not yet, but we're working on it). However, how annoying is it when people come by in the break room and ask what you're reading? They don't really care, they just want to have a conversation because they didn't have the forethought to bring anything to amuse themselves.
I bought a bookmark that said SHH, I'm trying to read, and no one took it seriously. Well, that's not true. One friend did, and she would sit at my table with her book too, saying that she knew I wouldn't bother her and she wouldn't talk to me. That usually worked out well.
Hmm, it just occurred to me that maybe the interrupters thought they were being nice, seeing me sitting alone, and that's why they didn't approach the two of us? I am not a very social person, but I guess normal people might think that way? Not realizing that the social pressure is more uncomfortable/stressful than sitting alone with a book. And that when I was working, my breaks there were the only time I had to read sometimes. Great, now I feel like a jerk.
Well, this post took an unexpected turn but I guess I will leave it out there.
Oh, and I did take the dogs out for a walk after I finished the book, so I'm not a total jerk.
So, zipping along happily, and got to the last 50 pages or so, and stopped. I wanted to know how it ended, but didn't want to rush through and have it be all over. I mentioned this to J, so he knew to leave me alone after supper and went off to watch his movie. I mentioned this to the dogs, and it had no effect whatsoever on Boomer. Rosie knew better. Down to the last 10 pages, and Boomer gets escorted to the back door, and out to solitary banishment. He came close to ruining the whole mood there!
I don't really expect Boomer to understand that I am reading and cannot be expected to pay attention to minor outside distractions (not yet, but we're working on it). However, how annoying is it when people come by in the break room and ask what you're reading? They don't really care, they just want to have a conversation because they didn't have the forethought to bring anything to amuse themselves.
I bought a bookmark that said SHH, I'm trying to read, and no one took it seriously. Well, that's not true. One friend did, and she would sit at my table with her book too, saying that she knew I wouldn't bother her and she wouldn't talk to me. That usually worked out well.
Hmm, it just occurred to me that maybe the interrupters thought they were being nice, seeing me sitting alone, and that's why they didn't approach the two of us? I am not a very social person, but I guess normal people might think that way? Not realizing that the social pressure is more uncomfortable/stressful than sitting alone with a book. And that when I was working, my breaks there were the only time I had to read sometimes. Great, now I feel like a jerk.
Well, this post took an unexpected turn but I guess I will leave it out there.
Oh, and I did take the dogs out for a walk after I finished the book, so I'm not a total jerk.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
What a day!
This was my lucky day at the library. Our small town (pop. 3900) library is open just 25 hours a week, alternating mornings and afternoons. Remembering not to run out of reading material on Wednesday night is crucial, since Thursday is a closed day. Plus, since we have a seasonal swell in population of close to 1000, new books can be hard to come by in summer.
Jackpot today. First I nabbed Lee Child's latest Reacher novel, Gone Tomorrow, then saw John Sanford's Wicked Prey, the new Lucas Davenport book. Checking the new young adult books on the next shelf, I spotted the 4th in the Fablehaven series. I just read the first 3 last month. Yippee! With Always Looking Up, by Michael J Fox, I am all set for the next week.
To finish off my luck, I went to fill up the van, and found the price had dropped .11, to $2.44.9. [ Why do gas prices always end in .9? I realize the psychological value of not rounding up to the next whole number, but really. Do they think we don't notice what they do?]
Jackpot today. First I nabbed Lee Child's latest Reacher novel, Gone Tomorrow, then saw John Sanford's Wicked Prey, the new Lucas Davenport book. Checking the new young adult books on the next shelf, I spotted the 4th in the Fablehaven series. I just read the first 3 last month. Yippee! With Always Looking Up, by Michael J Fox, I am all set for the next week.
To finish off my luck, I went to fill up the van, and found the price had dropped .11, to $2.44.9. [ Why do gas prices always end in .9? I realize the psychological value of not rounding up to the next whole number, but really. Do they think we don't notice what they do?]
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Very random
I logged on because I wanted to write something down before I forgot it and I waited too long. Hmmm, what was it?
It wasn't Boomer, although he is doing well. Off the antibiotics and the honeymoon is over. I became a little lax about watching him and he has peed on the rug a few times. My fault, he had been wandering and I ignored the signs. Of course we have carpeting in only one room, and that's the one he chooses.
It wasn't work, because why would I want to do that? It wasn't the weather because that's been nothing new- just another 10 inches of snow on Monday.
Ah ha! I remembered! And it was nothing earth shattering. Just that I have been re-reading Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. We saw an episode of The Legend of the Seeker on TV and Ameranth and I are not pleased with the casting. Kahlan is ok, but Richard is not. He is not tall enough and too soft-looking to carry off some of the decisions he makes. And Zedd is just, just, too much. Too loud when he does spells, and not the right look, in my opinion.
So, I decided to go through the series again to see where the show was taking liberties. I own the first 7 books, and had read Phantom when that came out. Sectaurs said he thought the series had been finished, so I checked online and saw there are 11 books! I checked my library yesterday and they have let me down, owning just 2 of the books. I counted on them to get each one as it came out but no. There was a major change in personnel there a few years ago which may account for it.
Now I am waiting for inter-library loans to arrive and hope that Chainfire doesn't arrive last, since I must read them in order. These books are very good, with social commentary woven in the excellent fantasy story. I have been getting through one book a day, but that is only because I have read them before and skimmed certain parts this time.
Boomer just wandered in and looked like he needed to go outside. This time I noticed and let him out. Good dog. I think Rosie finally caught his cold- she is moping about on her chair and doesn't want to go out and play. No sneezing though. I wonder if I can get Boomer out for a walk alone without hurting her feelings.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
It wasn't Boomer, although he is doing well. Off the antibiotics and the honeymoon is over. I became a little lax about watching him and he has peed on the rug a few times. My fault, he had been wandering and I ignored the signs. Of course we have carpeting in only one room, and that's the one he chooses.
It wasn't work, because why would I want to do that? It wasn't the weather because that's been nothing new- just another 10 inches of snow on Monday.
Ah ha! I remembered! And it was nothing earth shattering. Just that I have been re-reading Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. We saw an episode of The Legend of the Seeker on TV and Ameranth and I are not pleased with the casting. Kahlan is ok, but Richard is not. He is not tall enough and too soft-looking to carry off some of the decisions he makes. And Zedd is just, just, too much. Too loud when he does spells, and not the right look, in my opinion.
So, I decided to go through the series again to see where the show was taking liberties. I own the first 7 books, and had read Phantom when that came out. Sectaurs said he thought the series had been finished, so I checked online and saw there are 11 books! I checked my library yesterday and they have let me down, owning just 2 of the books. I counted on them to get each one as it came out but no. There was a major change in personnel there a few years ago which may account for it.
Now I am waiting for inter-library loans to arrive and hope that Chainfire doesn't arrive last, since I must read them in order. These books are very good, with social commentary woven in the excellent fantasy story. I have been getting through one book a day, but that is only because I have read them before and skimmed certain parts this time.
Boomer just wandered in and looked like he needed to go outside. This time I noticed and let him out. Good dog. I think Rosie finally caught his cold- she is moping about on her chair and doesn't want to go out and play. No sneezing though. I wonder if I can get Boomer out for a walk alone without hurting her feelings.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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