Ameise1 (Barbara)'s first try (Part 10)

Welcome to my 10th thread.

After all those photos of our UK trip it's definitely time to make a new thread. This week at my hometown Zürich we hosted the European Athletics Championships. It was a gorgeous event and this afternoon the last finals will take place. I was lucky to be at the stadium every day. Also the weather was more like late autumn (wet, cold, stormy) it was a fantastic feeling and the atmosphere was fantastic.

Tomorrow, the new school year is starting, so I'll be back to work.

Here some impressions of the EAC (Cooly the cow, was fabulous. It was able to do all those disciplines in its costume):

__ (1.40m) _

January

# 1 Die Feuer von Murano by Giuseppe Furno ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
# 2 The Case Of The Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall (4 stars)
# 3 Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie (4 1/2 stars)
# 4 The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry (3 stars)
# 5 Nelson Mandela by Biography Series Member Giveaway (4 stars)
# 6 Beneath The Bleeding by Val McDermid ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 1/2 stars)

February

# 7 Even Money by Dick Francis (4 stars)
# 8 The Spy Game by Georgina Harding (4 1/2 stars)
# 9 Dark Vineyard by Martin Walker (4 stars)
#10 L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 1/2 stars)
#11 Table For One byDaniel Kelley Member Giveaway (4 1/2 stars)
#12 The Private Patient by PD James ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)

March

#13 Continuance by Marta Tandori Member Giveaway (3 stars)
#14 The Lost Diaries Of Adrian Mole, 1999 2001 by Sue Townsend (3 1/2 stars)
#15 Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear (4 stars)
#16 Digital Fortress by Dan Brown ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (3 1/2 stars)
#17 Blindman's Bluff by Faye Kellerman (4 1/2 stars)
#18 The Infinities by John Banville (4 stars)
#19 Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris (4 stars)

April

#20 Pitch Black by Alex Gray ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 1/2 stars)
#21 In The Kitchen by Monica Ali (2 1/2 stars)
#22 First Family by David Baldacci (4 stars)
#23 No Lovelier Death (DI Joe Faraday) by Graham Hurley ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
#24 The Associate by John Grisham (3 1/2 stars)
#25 Fear The Worst by Linwood Barclay (4 1/2)
#26 The Ritual by Darren Kirby Member Giveaway (2 stars)
#27 False Impression by Jeffrey Archer Audiobook (4 stars)
#28 NO HARD FEELINGS (A Kate Stanton Mystery) by Marta Tandori Member Giveaway (4 stars)

May

#29 White Jazz by James Ellroy ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
#30 Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (4 stars)
#31 Family Album by Penelope Lively (4 stars)
#32 Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (4 stars)
#33 The Poison Pen by Marjorie Owen Early Review (4 stars)
#34 Diver Down (Mercy Watts Mysteries) by A.W. Hartoin Member Giveaway (4 1/2 stars)
#35 The Templar's Quest by C.M. Palov ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)

June

#36 One morning like a bird by Andrew Miller (5 stars)
#37 The Aunt Paradox by Chris Dolley Early Review (3 1/2 stars)
#38 The Fire by Katherine Neville (5 stars)
#39 The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
#40 The Veteran by Frederick Forsyth ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 1/2 stars)

July

#41 Deception Point by Dan Brown ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (3 stars)
#42 Library of the Dead by Glenn Cooper ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
#43 Vanished by Joseph Finder (4 stars)
#44 Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories by Nancy Christie (4 1/2 stars)
#45 Open Season by C. J. Box ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (3 1/2 stars)
#46 Second Honeymoon by James Patterson (3 1/2 stars)

August

#47 Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare Stories) by William Shakespeare (4 stars)
#48 The Goldfinch by Donna Tratt (4 1/2 stars)
#49 Vulture au Vin by Lisa King Early Review (3 stars)

September

#50 The Winter Boy by Sally Wiener Grotta Member Giveaway (4 1/2 stars)
#51 The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse (4 1/2 stars)
#52 The Fifth Floor by Michael Harvey (4 stars)

October

#53 The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver (4 stars)

Take It or Leave It Challenge

challenges

January

7.: Read a book you received as a present (in-laws/Christmas 2013)
Die Feuer von Murano (2014-01-04)
8.: Read a book that has a glossary
The Case Of The Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall (2014-01-07)
11.: Read a book that has two of something in the title
Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie (2014-01-14)

February

3.: Read a book of short stories
Table For One by Daniel Kelley (2014-02-24)
5.: Read a book that is part of a series
L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy (2014-02-23)
9.: Read a book with a polar vortex related word in Chapter
The Spy Game by Georgina Harding
20.: Read a book with an object on the cover that starts with a letter in rolling alphabetical order (note)
Even Money by Dick Francis (2014-02-02)

March

1.: Read a book with a red-lettered title
The Lost Diaries Of Adrian Mole, 1999 2001 by Sue Townsend (2014-03-03)
3.:Read a book with a word in the title that starts with a vowel
Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear (2014-03-07)
9.: Read a book whose title's initial letter spells out DAYLIGHT, on a rolling basis
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown (2014-03-09)

May

1. Read a book which mentions a tree on any page with double numbers
White Jazz by James Ellroy (2014-05-06)
2./2.: Read a book with at least two words in the title containing an embedded word of at least three letters
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (2014-05-18)
The Templar's Quest by C.M. Palov (2014-05-30)
6./6.: Read a book with a title that looks like it has been designed in some kind of handwriting
The Poison Pen by Marjorie Owen (2014-05-24)
Diver Down (Mercy Watts Mysteries) by A.W. Hartoin (2014-05-25)
9. Read a book that is trade paperback-sized
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (2014-05-09)
10.: Read a book that is divided into chapters, with each chapter having it's own name
Family Album by Penelope Lively (2014-05-13)

June

1.: Read a book whose author’s first and last name end in the same letter
The Fire by Katherine Neville (2014-06-20)
9.: Read a book that doesn't have a person on the cover
The Veteran by Frederick Forsyth (2014-06-29)
12.: Read a book with a body part on the cover
The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen (2014-06-22)
17.: Read a book which has a "don" word on any page with the number 57
One morning like a bird by Andrew Miller (2014-06-07)
18.: Read a book that you can only read/find online or in E-book form
The Aunt Paradox by Chris Dolley (2014-06-09)

July
4.: Start a series and continue if you want
Vanished by Joseph finder (2014-07-18)
18.: Read a book of short stories
Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories by Nancy Christie (2014-07-20)
19./19.: Read a book whose author is from a country that competed in the 2014 World Cup
Deception Point by Dan Brown (2014-07-06)
Library of the Dead by Glenn Cooper (2014-07-14)

August
3.: Read a book with an animal in the title, which does not refer to an actual animal in the text
Vulture au Vin by Lisa King (2014-08-31)
6.: Read a book whose title contains an element (Gold)
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (2014-08-24)
22.: Read a book by an author who has no 9 in his birth year
Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare Stories) by William Shakespeare (2014-08-01)

September
2.: Read a book by a living author who is younger than you
The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse (2014-09-13)
5.: Read a book you didn't buy
The Fifth Floor by Michael Harvey (2014-09-15)
17.: Read a book which has a 'season' in its title
The Winter Boy by Sally Wiener Grotta (2014-09-10)

October
1.: Read a book with a species of bird named in the narrative (kingfisher/p 395)
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver (2014-10-06)

currently reading



currently listening

Happy New thread, Barb! And Happy Sunday. How are you coming with the Goldfinch? Are you hooked?

Happy New Thread, Barbara!

Nice new thread, Barbara! Thanks for posting the photos of the European Athletic Championships; did Cooly win any medals?

I hope you have an enjoyable day today, and a good start to the school year tomorrow.

My mother and I were just talking about what to do with the large harvest of tomatoes from their backyard garden. We'll probably try Bianca's roasted tomato soup recipe today, and make gazpacho tomorrow when the larger tomatoes that are still on the plants are ready to be picked.

My broken finger was quite sore and swollen yesterday after the mega-harvest, but it looks and feels better today.

Hi Barbara. Nice new thread. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hi Barbara, happy new thread my dear. The EAC have been fabulous and the Swiss people need commending for such a wonderful championship. I felt really sorry for the young lady in the 4 x 100m relay but Cooly has been a great mascot.

Hi Barb, happy new thread. It must have been amazing to watch all those athleets doing their thing!

Thanks a lot, Mark. Being first a special beer from Zürich.

>6 scaifea: Amber, thanks a lot.

>7 kidzdoc: Darryl, Cooly won everybodys heart. It was incredible how he could perform with this costume. He was able to cross the pole vault (3m), to run hurdles (and none was tipped over), to throw javelin and so on. Everybody was impressed.
We often fill the bigger tomatoes with ground meat, topped with chees and than in the oven. Served with rice it's marvellous.
I'm sorry to hear, that your finger hurt and is swollen. Get well soon.
Tomorrow, my pupils will start learning English. I'm looking forward to these first lessons.

>8 humouress: Nina, thanks a lot.

>9 johnsimpson: John, the EAC was absolutely gorgeous and also this afternoon session was very emotional. Well, Kambundji was really an unlucky girl. She came with her knee across the baton and therefore lost it. Indeed, Cooly was cool.

>10 connie53: Connie, it was a very intensive week but I enjoyed each minute.

Happy New Thread, Barbara! It always amazes me how quickly the summer flies by, and your thread reminds me that it is already back to school time!

Happy New Thread!

Oh, a Sprint, how fitting with the athletics. I guess Cooly was not unhappy with the not so hot weather last week...

Happy New Thread and also Happy New School Year! Can't believe those holidays are already over. The lucky Italian kids here have another 3 weeks ahead.

Congrats on the new thread, Barbara! Sounds like the EAC was a joyous experience from start to finish. I'm impressed with that mascot - highjumping in costume can't be easy.

>14 lkernagh: Lori, thanks a lot. The first day at school went well. There are always such a lot of administrative things to do. The pupils are all back and they behaved wonderful like little lambs. They had their first English lesson today. My name is . . . or What's your name? ot Good morning!, it was fantastic how motivated they were.

>15 thornton37814: Thanks a lot, Lori.

>16 Deern: Isn't it gorgeous what the brewer have done, Nathalie? Neither me can believe that my first school day is over. Time is running.

>17 jnwelch: Joe, Cooly was everybodys darling. It was really unbelievable how he could act. The EAC seeing live was a fantastic experience. I'm glad that I was a part of this event.

I missed your thingamadingy! I hope you had a happy one!

Yay! New thread and cool pictures :-)

Happy new thread, Barbara! I can imagine it is hard getting back into the pace of things after that wonderful trip. Such wonderful memories you'll have of this summer.

>19 connie53: Connie, never mind. I bought all my books in the UK.

>20 AuntieClio: Thanks a lot, Stephanie. With Cooly as the sujet it isn't hard to post lovely photos. ;-)

>21 michigantrumpet: Marianne, I definitely need the first week to get used to the new timetable at school. I alerady mixed up several days. Alas! But I hope that on Friday afternoon I definitely have a clue, which group is at what time in my classroom.

I just came back from the hospital. I had another biopsy this time in the right thenar. After the day surgery the doctor told me NO water for the next 12 days!!!. Well, I can have a very ironical gaze if needed. When he saw this he started to think about what he said. In the end he gave me a big box of gloves and said Try to do the best of it!!!.

I love doctors who are brilliantly in their subject but not so capable of daily life. :-D

My next appointment is on the 2nd of September. Then I'll get the results.

No water, as in no showers/baths? Good heavens!

I had to look up "thenar." Gracious. I'm certainly happy that you can drink water when you want to, and I'll wait eagerly to see your results. Do hope that everything is good.
I'll also be the first to wish you a happy weekend. I'm sure you're ready for it!

>24 AuntieClio: Stephanie, no shower/bath/washing hands . . . I told my hubster that he has to help me like a nurse would do.

>25 LizzieD: Peggy, thanks a lot, I'm looking forward to the weekend too. Yesterday evening/night It hurt terribly.

Oh dear... and for 12 days! I imagine while the gloves help avoiding contact with water, the hand also becomes sweaty and the wish to wash it increases. And I guess you're right-handed, can you work with the hand?

>27 Deern: Nathalie, you're right. I'm right-handed and yes, I'm working - trying to do my best. :-D

Hi Barbara, hope everything went alright with the biopsy and that having to wear a glove for twelve days doesn't cause you too much of a problem. Love and hugs to you and the family from the both of us.

Sending positive thoughts the biopsy comes back normal. No water for 12 days? My husband would have accused me of colluding with the doctor to get out of doing the dishes, laundry, etc.!

Very happy to see that the biopsy came back normal and I understand the "What?! thoughts around no water coming in contact with the are for 12 days. That is difficult/hard.

>29 johnsimpson: John, I only wear the gloves when I'm working or when I know there will be some water around. It doesn't hurt so much anymore like on Thursday. No painkiller could help then. I hope I'll get a lot of reading time this weekend.

>30 michigantrumpet: Marianne, thanks a lot for the positive thoughts. I have a fantastic husband who is doing all the laundry, cooking and washing without any accusations.

>31 lkernagh: Lori, thanks a lot. I get used to do everything left-handed. This morning I washed my hair so over the tub (the right hand was on my back with gloves etc.). It took me longer but I feel very good now.

Dear Barbara, wishing you a wonderful weekend and trusting that your hand continues to get better.

>33 PaulCranswick: Thanks a lot, Paul. I'll get the results on the 2nd of September.

9 days to go...... When I broke my ankle bathing became very difficult (although my husband fashioned an amazing waterproof leg bag that worked perfectly) - once the cast was off and I could shower freely again I was so grateful and it felt extra wonderful.

>35 sibylline: Lucy, my hubster will do something similar for my hand, so that I'm able to take a shower tomorrow morning. Years ago he made such a bag for my arm which was in a cast than.

Hooray for inventive husbands! Enjoy your weekend and rest, Barbara. I know how difficult it is to teach with any kind of impediment. Teaching is hard enough when you're 100%!

>37 LizzieD: True words, Peggy. I'm still reading The Goldfinch and I love It very much.

Hi Barbara, hope you have a wonderful reading weekend my dear and bless Thomas for sorting things out for you so that you can take a shower, we husbands do come in handy now and again, ha ha. Love and hugs to you and the family from Karen and I.

What a major inconvenience not washing is! Hope your biopsy results are non-cancerous.

>39 johnsimpson: John, I've got a pearl of a husband. Don't know what I would do without him. Yesterday, I was able to do some decent reading. I hope that I'll finish the book today.

>40 thornton37814: Lori, I had a shower today. Hand (in gloves and sealed) put up. It was like Birthday and Christmas together. I hope too, that the results will be on the bright side.

>41 Ameise1: I'm sure you enjoyed that! Going without has made you appreciate it that much more.

>42 thornton37814: Absolutely, it's incredible how used we are to take a shower when ever we like to. I feel like new born. :-)

book 48



Wow, what an enthralling reading. Even though with 868 pp it takes its time reading it, it's worth every minute. I dropped very quickly into the story and felt like being a part of it. Sometimes I had the feeling I would like to be Theo's guardian angel, trying to keep him away from bad moves. On the other hand all other main characters were challenging figures, too and the interactions among them were fascinating.

I am looking forward to reading The Goldfinch hopefully later this year so I am glad it ranks as such a great read for you, Barbara!

>45 lkernagh: Lori, I hope you'll like it as much as I did. It is a gorgeous reading.

Hi Barbara.

No water for 12 days?! *shudder* No contact with water is bad enough (especially in a humid climate like Singapore), but I initially thought the doctor meant no drinking - but we can't survive more than 3 days without water, so I was a bit confused. Best of luck for the results.

Enjoy the new year back at school!

I hope that you're enjoying your weekend, Barbara. Twelve days seems like a long time to have to refrain from getting your hand wet. Fingers crossed that your biopsy comes back normal!

I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed The Goldfinch; I hope to get to it after I finish the Booker Prize longlist.

>47 humouress: Nina, I'm sorry that I've confused you. That happens a lot that I don't write exactly because in my thoughts everything is clear and I don't remind myself that readers could have some gaps in the understanding. ;-) No, it's the hand which shouldn't get in contact with water and this is definitely not an easy task.

Well, we started good into the new school year.

>48 kidzdoc: Darryl, my thoughts, but they have been very firm about NO water for the hand. Anyway, I try to do the best of it. I'm a positive thinking person so I'm looking forward to the results without stress.

I can strongly recommend The Goldfinch. It's a must-read.

>50 Ameise1: Yep. I also think that wearing a finger splint for my mallet fracture for 10-12 weeks is a long time, but I will be a good patient and follow the doctor's orders!

Ha! I keep you reminded if needed but as a doctor you should know how obedient patients can be.

When are you leaving for Europe?

>51 kidzdoc: >52 Ameise1: .... but they do say that doctors make the worst patients ...

;0)

>53 humouress: ;-)

Something to add for your defence, Darryl?

>52 Ameise1: I'm leaving for London next Monday night, eight days from now (wow, that's coming up soon!).

>53 humouress:, >54 Ameise1: Ha! That's certainly our reputation, which also applies to nurses. We know that, though, so I think we compensate by being nice and respectful to the doctors, nurses, patient care technicians/medical assistants and others who care for us and our children. The vast majority of the doctors and nurses whose kids I've taken care of are exceptionally nice and easy to work with.

Barbara, just wandering through. Happy to hear things with the "no water" are going well, and understanding of your new appreciation for clean hair. :-)

Stopping through to see how your are holding up. How are you handling the "no water" orders? Just a few more days now ...

>56 AuntieClio: >57 michigantrumpet: Stephanie and Marianne, I wouldn't make a super model for a shower ad because my right hand and forearm are looking more like something extraterrestrial - packed and sealed when taking a shower. But it works and that's what count.

During the day I try to be careful and put on gloves when needed. My pupils are fascinated by my behaviour.

Hello Barbara!

Hello Roberta, it's nice to have you here. I'll soon will go to bed (10.25pm here) because I have to get up early. I hope you'll have a relaxed late afternoon and evening. hugs xx

Glad you had such a strong, positive reaction to The Goldfinch, Barbara. Me, too - and my wife and daughter, seasonsoflove and walklover, also did. What a book. I wanted to be Theo's guardian angel, too.

Joe, it is a MUST-READ book. I already recommended it to my work colleagues. Ha, I guess Theo is a lucky guy with such a bunch of guardian angels.

Hi Barbara - thank goodness your husband has been able to help you. Hoping for good biopsy results.

>63 SuziQoregon: Thanks Juli, I'm a positive thinking person, so no stress. I do have a gorgeous husband. :-)

Sweet Thursday, Barb! Hope the week is going well.

>65 msf59: Thanks a lot, Mark. So far so good, I can't claim.

Happy new blog Barbara! I'm looking up at your "currently reading" books, and I notice that there's a pattern covers up there. You like a certain style, don't you? ;)

I hope your 12 days of "no water" are going well! Your "ironical gaze" made me think of about a week ago when my psychiatric NP told me he was sending me to the hospital. I glared at him and he started adjusting his wedding ring nervously. At least making him nervous gave me some sort of spiteful satisfaction. ;) Though, in the end, I suppose my NP was probably right. :)

>67 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel, thanks a lot. About the book covers: That's a real coincidence even though sometimes I've the feeling too, that everything is looking similar. Ha!

My hand is doing fine and I got used to the NO water staff but I've to admit that I'm looking forward to next Tuesday when the stitches will be taken out.

I know it's not always nice when doctors make some suggestions but I'm glad that after you've given it some thoughts you were able to take his recommendation.

I can't imagine not being able to wash my hands for 12 days! So next Tues. is the end of that? When will you hear biopsy results?

Terri, I will get the results at the same time. I'll work in the morning at school than I'll leave for the hospital and what ever result I'll get, I'll have a parents meeting (parents of my pupils) at 7pm. So I do really hope that there will be good news otherwise the parents meeting won't go smoothly.

Hi Barb. I hope your weekend is fabulous!!

Thanks a lot Connie. I just finished all the work which I'll need next week at school. So hopefully there will be only reading for the rest of the weekend.

Hi Barbara. Hope you're having a great weekend.

Thanks a lot for this lovely orchid. Yesterday, I've done the most staff which I'll need at school next week. So there is plenty reading time today. :-)

Happy Sunday, Barb! I hope you have an R & R filled day.

Thanks, Mark - just finished a book and there is still plenty of time to start a new one. :-D

book 49



This was an easygoing reading. A bunch of people were invited by a very rich and self-centred man for some wine degustations at his vast home. A journalist who is also an amateur detective and her friend as a photographer were there to make a big story for a wine magazine. Already before the degustation's weekend as well during and after the event there were several murders which soon made clear that they were related to each other. Half away through the story it was clear who the evil ones were and therefore the suspence was unfortunately broken. The second part wasn't so gripping anymore.

Congratulations on reading 49 books thus far!

>78 Whisper1: Thanks a lot Linda, I try to do my best to reach the target at the end of the year. The last two year it was a really last minute action. :-D

I'm so happy I don't have to do a lot of preparing at home for the work week, like you do, Barb. I'm was exhausted after the first few days as it is. Now I'm doing all right. I hope you have a smooth week at work and lots of reading while you are at home! The weather should be better next week!

>80 connie53: Connie, the forecast is promising. Can you ride the bike after your surgery? I hope the week ahead will be a good one for you with a lot of reading too.

Yes I can ride the bike. In fact I cycle better than I walk! But walking is okay too. I could ride my bike after 3 weeks or so. The tricky moments are getting on and off. Everything in between is much easier.

Glad to hear that you can ride the bike. The rest will come back too. xx

Stopping by with happy - and belated! - weekend, end of August greetings for you Barbara!

Hi Barbara. Sorry to hear about the hand. Hoping for good news for you.

>84 lkernagh: Thanks a lot, Lori. I love autumn, it's my favourit season so I'm looking forward to it.

>85 Berly: Waves Kim, thanks a lot for those wonderful flowers. I go to school this morning, than I'm going to the hospital and hoüefully will get good news. In the evening we have a parents meeting. So it's a pretty busy day ahead.

Well, I'm back from the hospital. The good news are, it isn't cancer. The 'bad' news, it's a rare kind of lichen planus (a very atypical one) and therefore a trial and error for an approppriate therapy is required. I've got several shots of a product which is based on cortisone and in three weeks will see what has happen.

That is good news. Hope the treatment goes well.

Autumn is my favorite too - followed very closely by spring. Hate the ice and snow of winter (drags on for months and months here in Baltimore) and the hot, humid days of summer (it will be in the 90's with very high humidity today - yuck.)

Thanks a lot, Catarina. Within three weeks I'll see if this kind of treatment will be the right one, otherwise they have to find another one.

I'm very glad that your lesion isn't a cancerous one, Barbara. Hopefully the ?steroid injections will cause it to resolve, or at least improve.

Thanks, Darryl. I hope it will improve. In 3 weeks I'll know more.
Wishing you safe travel.

Barbara, I'm so relieved to know it's not cancer. *hugs*

Thanks a lot, Stephanie. hugs xx

So good to read it's not cancerous!! Crossing my fingers now that the trial and error treatment will work at once and not produce any errors.

Good luck with the cortico product--hope it works. So glad it was not the big "C"!! Hope the parent meeting went well.

Whew! Big sigh of relief that it isn't cancer, Barbara! Here's hoping that you find a fast and relatively easy solution.

>94 Deern: Nathalie, me too. I've other skin parts which are camcerous and the therapies thete is going fine.

>95 Berly: Kim, thanks a lot. The parents meeting went very well.

>96 scaifea: Amber, many thanks. I'll take step by step because nobody knows how long the healing will take.

Hi Barbara. Adding my best wishes and feeling of relief to everyone else's.

Wonderful news that it's not cancer, Barbara. Cortisone is good stuff. I hope it takes care of the problem.

>98 humouress: Hi Nina, thanks a lot. I'm relieved, too.
>99 jnwelch: Thanks a lot, Joe. I wish you a gorgeous time in London. Would like to join everybody there but with my thoughts I'll be there, too.

This morning I went first to our gorgeous local market. Than I made a stop by our library and now I just made some jars of mirabelles jam with a touch of rosemary.

Oh, Barbara, it sounds like you're having a lovely day!

Happy Weekend, Barb! Enjoy!

Thanks, Amber, it will be a fantstic day due to the long night of Zürich's museums which we'll attend this evening and night :-D

>104 Ameise1: Wow! That looks amazing! Have fun!

Thanks, Amber, we'll definitely have it. :-D

So glad that it isn't cancerous! Even if it might be hard to get rid of, what a relief.

>107 sibylline: Thanks Lucy, I'm looking forward positively.

>101 Ameise1: - That jam sounds lovely! Have a wonderful weekend, Barbara!

>109 lkernagh: Lori, I love making my own jam. I was lucky to get some mirabelles because it looks like its season is almost over.

Hi Barbara, sounds like you have had a lovely day so far, at the market then the library then jam making, what are mirabelles by the way. Enjoy your museum visits my dear.

Hi Barbara, dropping by to wish you a happy weekend. We went out this evening with friends and all the kids to see the Mid Autumn festival at Gardens by the Bay. It's an event in the Chinese calendar, also known as (or linked to - I'll have to look it up) the Lantern Festival, so it was all about lights.


This is a large lantern, designed as a palace, floating on the lake.


And a lantern designed as a Chinese ship of old, also floating on the lake.

Hi Barbara! Just getting caught up here. I'm so glad that you aren't dealing with cancer. I hope that this treatment works the first time and your doctor doesn't have to come up with a "plan B".

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Those lanterns are fantastic! I'm happy that you aren't dealing with cancer too, and also I hope that they found the right treatment the very first time and that you're already seeing improvement!
Sleep well and enjoy your weekend!

>111 johnsimpson: John, mirabelle is a yellow plum sort not bigger than a thumbnail. The taste is very intensive. We like to eat them as a fruit but also for jam and sauces.

>112 humouress: Nina, those photos are gorgeous, thanks a lot for sharing them. This Lantern Festival must be beautiful. We do have Lantern Festivals, too, but they will be in November and they are looking completely different.

>113 cbl_tn: Carrie >114 LizzieD: Peggy: Thanks a lot. I hope, too, that they'll find the correct treatment soon. It's too early to tell if this one will work. At the moment it's just looking like this but I've no clue how it is underneathe.

Yesterday night we attended The long night of Zürich's museums. It started at 7pm and lasted until 2am. 46 museums and institutes took part. Our first stop was at focusTerra. There we sat in an earthquake simulator and we were able the get the feeling of some major earthquakes during the last ten years. The simulations were in the same magnitudes and length as it was in reality. It was very impressive and after this experiment I'm very happy that I never had to be in a real earthquake. Afterwards we could attend some experiments which were very informative and interesting.
A concert of Taiko drummers rounded this visit up.

The second stop was at the palaeontological institution and museum. In the underground where visitors usually can't walk through they showed different fossils of fish and saurians. It was very dark down there and with special light effects it was a gorgeous show.

___

The third stop we made at the Alterthümer warehouse which is a part of the Office for Spatial Development. There they conserve the cultural heritage of our canton Zürich. This warehouse is never ope for the public so it was a great experience to be there.

my husband and daughters but NOT our car ;-) ceiling panel _ my childhood memory of washing days _ door locks _ such a toilet like on the right hand side my grandparents had a their home - another childhood memory -sigh

The last stop of the night took us to the cemetery of Sihlfeld. It's the biggest park in Zürich with some fantastic graves and tombs and marvellous sculptures. There should have been a performance path. Unfortunately it didn't took place. Nevertheless, we took a wonderful stroll through the cemetery at midnight. It was so quiet and with the moon light and the candle lights the atmoshere was magical.

Last night's events were gorgeous and we'll attend it next year, too.

Barbara, what a great event! I have never heard of anything like that here, but it would be fun!

>122 susanj67: Thanks, Susan. It was indeed a fabulous night. The most difficult part was to choose the events. It was such a wide range of them. Next year we'll attend other events.

Wow, what amazing photos! Many thanks for taking us along with you, Barbara!

Amber, you're welcome.

Seeing your city late at night is always different; it shows you a different side of itself when most people are sleeping.

>120 Ameise1: I must say, I would be scared of sitting on those particular 'thrones' for fear of breaking them.

LOL Nina, from own experiences those 'thrones' are pretty safe. I would like to have such an exemplar at home.

Hi Barb, I feel I have to go and hide in shame somewhere in a dark and cold place!

I did not know about your hand and your fear it might be cancer. I feel like a very bad friend. I am so glad it al turned out okay and cortisone will get the job done.

Please accept my apologies. Hugs for you!

Love, Connie

Oh Connie, never mind. You have your own struggles to beat. I feel good, the only thing I would like to know is which treatment will cure my hand. Love and hugs xx

I'm so happy you say that! I hope they find something soon! Are you trying out medication right now?

Connie, they just gave me seven shots of a special 'cocktail' under the skin. Now I've to wait until the 23rd.

Those are wonderful pictures, Barbara, and I thank you for them. What a great city!
I must say that I would have been worried to have something that looked like that place on your hand. I certainly hope that at least one ingredient of those seven shots has a cure in it. NO FUN!!!!!

>132 LizzieD: Thanks, Peggy. I keep my fingers crossed that those shots will do there work.

Zürich is a lovely city and we have a lot to explore.

>118 Ameise1: I'm fortunate that all of the ones I've felt have been minor for my area.

Hi Barbara, I hope the cocktail under the skin works my dear, hope you and the family are all well and you are getting some quality reading time.

Lori, I guess that everybody who never had to experience a major earthquake is a lucky one. After being in this simulator I know that 1 minute can be a never ending one.

>135 johnsimpson: John, I try to get some reading time but I wish it could be more.
I've no clue if the cocktail works bu I hope it will do so. We are as always very busy. The weather is finally lovely so we can spend time outside.
I hope you and Karen are fine as well. Hugs xx

>136 Ameise1: Hi Barbara, I live in earthquake country. When family was visiting we went to the Tech Museum which has a simulator, and they all wanted to use it. I went with them and was so freaked out that I had to close my eyes and then be helped off of it. It was stronger than anything I've ever experienced but it was enough to remind me what they're like.

>138 AuntieClio: Stephanie, when I was in the simulator they made us feel how it is when you are on the ground floor (this feeling was worse) and the same when you are on the 10th floor. That one was always so terrible, almost unbelievable.

Wonderful pictures! I loved the Museum Night in Frankfurt! The one here in Merano is quite pointless though. The best museum of all (the Touriseum) doesn't participate which leaves just two small ones (Frauenmuseum and one for modern art) that would be worth a visit. No specials, as far as I remember. The one time I went I got a free apple at the Frauenmuseum. :)

The 3 you describe here sound all fascinating, especially that collection that's usually not open for the public. Wouldn't need that simulator though. I experienced some small real earth quakes, most of them here, and they felt bad enough.

Nathalie, last winter there was an earthquake 100 km from our place. It was in the night and I heard a big bang, nothing else. I was shocked because I hadn't had a clue what this bang was. Only in the morning they reported the earthquake in the news.

I love musuems and especially those with a load of objects of virtu. We have gorgeous museums here in Zürich.

Hi Barbara, from your posts you have lovely museums in Zurich, I am a bit jealous my dear.

Don't be jealous, my friend. You have wonderful museums and spots around your place, too.

All my colleagues had a gourgeous trip after school with canoeing and dinner whereas I had to attend a board meeting of the school parents. Isn't that unfair. I came home at 10pm and found Thomas with fever in bed. I hope he gets well soon.

# 50



What a wonderful reading. It's very difficult in which genre I should put it. Is it a fairy tale for adults or more a fiction? It could also be a very realistic story packed in a fairy tale. From the beginning the reader is put into another world, whithout a clue in which date he is landed and at what place. It could be almost everywhere on this planet. The central theme is the story between a young man and his female mentor who leeds the young man into adulthood. Amongst other things they are reading stories to each other. The meaning of those stories are very important to them but also for us because they show how people are living and working together and how peace among everybody could and should be and how it could be maintained or gained. At this so called peaceful place where this young man spends his special winter season, is smouldering displeasure among those wise women and there are some major conflicts which the young men shouldn't know about it. The outcome is a big surprise because finally the timeline where this story is set, is declared. I never would have guessed it.
I can strongly recommend this book because the central theme regards everybody.

This book will be released on the 6th of November 2014.

Good morning! Your museum night sounds fantastic, and the photos were great! I've only once experienced an earthquake, very far from the epicenter so that it was quite mild, and even that was unsettling. I'm not sure I'd like that simulation of a big one!

I wish you good fortune with your hand treatment, and was so glad to read that it definitely wasn't cancer!

Have a great weekend!

>145 tymfos: Terri, thanks a lot for stopping by. I just finished another book and will write about it soon.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

book 51



This was a very fast-paced gripping reading. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. A man trapped in the mourning of his brother is on a trip in the Pyrenees to consult a librian who should translate a letter which is written in an ancient language. Before the librian will translate this letter the man has to explain how he came across it. Kate Mosse is a master to put historical facts into a novella. In this case the background of this story is based on the Christian heresy now referred to as Catharism which took place in the 12th/13th century.
I read a lot of books about Catharism and this one I enjoyed very much.

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with issues re. your hand. Thankfully, it isn't cancerous, still, I imagine it to be very worrisome.

You are reading some great books lately. Hopefully, your reading takes your mind off health issues.

Thanks also for posting lovely photos of your museum tours!

Linda, thanks for stopping by. For my hand issues I only hope they find the correct treatment.

Indeed, I read some fantastic books lately and finally got some more reading time.

You're very welcome. I'm glad you like my weekend greetings.

Just a "Happy Weekend" stop. Hope your hand is showing improvement!
I'm trying to remember the one nf I read about the Cathars a long time ago. I was entranced with it at the time.............Oh! Just as soon as I checked out of LT, I remembered: Montaillou.

>131 Ameise1:. I hope it works, Barb. But seven shots is a LOT!!.

I love all books by Kate Mosse, including Wintergeest and De eskimokus (the last one is a totally different book in comparison with the Languedoc trilogy).

I hope you have a marvellous Sunday.

>150 LizzieD: Peggy, the history of the Cathars is very interesting but also very sad. The inquisition was a very bad and dark time in the history and unfortunately the humanity has nothing learned from it.

>151 connie53: Oh Connie, what a lovely Sunday greeting. Thanks a lot.
Unfortunately, I'm not able to say if those shots are doing their work properly because I can't see underneath. In ten days I have my next appointment than I'll know more.

I hope they do the job properly. Can't you see if the wound is getting better/smaller in a few days time?

>153 connie53: Connie, the problem is that those papules are deep underneath and the surface (which I can see) is changing frequently but the size is still the same. There are days when it hurts and itchs and on other days there is no problem.

Than you will just have to wait. And I will wait with you!

Thanks a lot, it makes it easier with your support. Hugs xx

Looks like you're on a good reading streak, Barbara. Hope you're having a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

Thanks, Joe, I do. I hope you are still enjoying London. :-)

>151 connie53:, Yes, I agree seven shots is a lot. I'm having minor hand surgery on the 25th. The surgeon would only allow two injections, then recommends surgery. My hand hurts from years of computer useage. The surgeon will simply go in and snip the connective band of tissue to allow mobility. He said it will be a ten minute procedure and my hand will be sore for about two-three weeks, after that it will be fine.

I hope there is a remedy for you Barbara. Your hand looks mighty sore.

>159 Whisper1: Linda, due to the papules they can't make a surgery and take them out because it's a kind of an infection. Those shots should help to stop this infection.

>147 Ameise1: Oh, that one sounds really interesting - thanks for the great review!

Amber, I guess you would like this one. There was a fantastic article in todays paper about a Swiss author who was at this place resently because he was looking for a tresor. There are such a lot of legends about the Cathares and the catholic church.

Hi Barbara, hope you are having a lovely Sunday my dear, love and hugs from Karen and I.

Thanks John, I'm reading a lot. Tomorrow I attend an advanced training at school whereas everybody in and around Zürich is off from work my dear family included.

Good luck with your hand, Barbara.

The photos of your museum trip are marvelous!

>164 Ameise1:, so tomorrow you will be at work and Thomas and everyone one else at home, that is not fair. I hope it is a good training session my dear, Karen is back at work tomorrow after two weeks off.

Thanks a lot, Lucy. The long night of the museums is always a tresor because one can be at places where one can't be during normal opening times. I'm already looking forward to next year's event.

>166 johnsimpson: It's the annual autumn fair in Zürich and therefore everybody hasn't to work. Our headmaster thought this would be a good occasion for this training session. :-(

Hi Barbara,
I'm way behind but wanted to swing by and say hello. I hope you end up getting good news about your hand. I have some pre-cancerous places on my forearms and I know someday the "pre" will likely be n/a. Sigh. Take good care -----

Oh, and you've been having a good run with recent books! I'm glad about that.

I hope your Sunday is restful and lovely.

Hi Ellen, thanks a lot for stopping by. My usual skin cancer is facial but my dermatologist is taking very good care of it..
Indeed I picked some good books and in my local library there are still more than 30 books on my so called wishlist which I should read before they remove them.

>168 Ameise1:, Does this mean you are missing out on a good day out and what is there going on at the autumn fair?

There is a shooting competion for the 12 to 16 years old and amusement park. When the girls were younger we went every year. In our family nobody likes guns so the girls didn't take part at this competition. Oh I forgot, Isa took part only once.

>172 Ameise1:, Barbara I am with you on the guns part but I do like an amusement park.

>173 johnsimpson: :-)

Popping in to say hi.

>175 thornton37814: Waves to Lori. Thanks for popping in :-)

Not my normal self around the threads these days but a very belated return visit is more than overdue. Thanks for never failing to drop by my place and paint a smile on my face every weekend. xx

>177 PaulCranswick: Paul, you're very welcome xx

book 52



This was a fast-paced reading about a private detective in Chicago. When he is hired from an old girlfriend he is stumbling across scheming in politic but also within the police. He has not only to solve the puzzle but also to keep himself out of all those feuds. His work is like a balancing act on a high wire with one foot always in the abyss.
It was a gripping reading.

Ducking from the book bullets flying at me... not yet sure if The Winter Boy will be for me, but the price is surprisingly low, so I WLed it for now to order once it's released. Wishing you a happy week!

Nathalie, I really loved that story. I hope you have a lovely week.

>179 Ameise1:. I enjoyed The Fifth Floor, too, Barbara. I got to meet the author at a book signing, and he was a very nice guy.

>160 Ameise1:
Barbara This all sounds so painful. I'm sending healing thoughts your way.

>182 jnwelch: Joe, it's so fantastic that you could meet the author. Have you read his other books, too?

>183 Whisper1: Linda, thanks a lot. In comparison how it's at home at the moment, my hand is the minor problem. I had to bring my husband to the ER with a major dizzy spell. They keep him under survey in the hospital until Sunday or longer. My younger daughter is with fever staying at home and I've to work at school. It's a bit like a tohubohu at the moment.

>184 Ameise1: Oh, no - when it rains it pours, eh? Thinking of you and yours, Barbara.

Thanks a lot, Amber. xx

Yikes on all the medical stuff!! Hope all of you are much better soon.

>187 SuziQoregon: Juli, I keep my fingers crossed that we've reached the bottom and that it will only get better now.

Hi Barbara, I hope things with Thomas are ok my dear and that he is able to come home on Sunday, you are having a bit of bad health at the moment what with your hand, Thomas's dizzy spell and Marina's fever. I hope things are well with school and Karen and I hope you manage to have a good weekend my dear. Love and hugs to you all and a special get well to you all.

John, thanks a lot. Marina's fever has dropped but not gone now. Thomas is steady and the doctors can reduce the medicine which helps him to calm down and to get some sleep. It could be probably Monday until he'll come home. Isabelle is coming home for the weekend. She is a great help to me now.

^Snorkeling in Oahu...

Happy Saturday, Barb! Hope everything is going well.

Wow, thanks a lot, Mark. It's just the place I would like to be right now. :-)

Happy Saturday, Barbara! I took this photo when Bianca and I walked through the Victoria Embankment Gardens in central London earlier this month.

Oh no; your family is really going through the wars, Barbara! I hope everything works out soon, and everyone feels better.

You've read some interesting books, but I'm not in a book bullet mood - so, missed me! ;0)

>193 kidzdoc: Thanks a lot, Darryl, for those lovely petunias. Usually we have some in our garden but not this year. I'm glad that you had such a fantastic time in London.

>194 humouress: Nina, it's indeed a stressful time and I really hope that we all can calm down.
Ha, I always see gorgeous books all over the threads but won't get in a BB mood. ;-)

Please, join Diana (Wilkiec)'s thread. She needs our support. Thanks a lot.

Hi Barbara, hope you are feeling ok my dear and that Thomas is getting better and that Marina has got over the fever. Sending love and hugs to you all my dear.

Thanks John, Thomas could leave the hospital today but has to start an ambulant therapy. Marina is fine and back to school. I was at the hospital today due to my hand issue. I got a new therapy and my next appointment will be on the 17th of October.

Hi Barbara, hopefully things are moving in the right direction now my dear for everyone, we are always here for you if you need to chat my dear and obviously you chat with Karen on FB.

Thanks a lot my friend. We keep in touch on several channels :-)

We certainly do my dear, so nice to extend our friendship beyond LT.

I accidentally unstarred your thread because I thought there had been a continuation already, so I am a bit late with comments.

I am sorry that you're all having a difficult time and I hope you'll all be well again soon! Has there been a diagnosis re. Thomas' dizzy spell and has this happened in the past? This must be a scary experience for him.

Thank you so much for informing us about Diana!

>203 Deern: Nathalie, he has a prostration depression. He left hospital yesterday and starts an ambulant therapy.

I'm so glad to hear that things are starting to look up with you and your family, Barbara.

Thanks a lot, Amber. Our path is going up, indeed.

Happy Mid-Week, Barb! Thanks for the heads-up on Diana. I really appreciate that.

Stopping by to see how things are and glad to see that everything is going in the right direction for you and the family.

>207 msf59: Mark, you're very welcome. Wishing you a lovely day, too.

>208 lkernagh: Thanks a lot, Lori. All your positive thinking helps us. :-)

Glad also that things are improving in your family's health!

Happy weekend, Barbara!

>210 sibylline: Lucy, we're moving up slowly but steadily.

>211 humouress: Nina, wishing you a wonderful weekend, too.

Wishing you a Happy Sunny Weekend, Barbara

Thanks a lot Nathalie. The same to you, too.

Hi Barbara, hope you have a lovely weekend my dear.

Barbara I am thinking of you this weekend. I hope you are all mending. I am sending you positive thoughts. Tomorrow I head back to work after being off for the month. It will be good to get back into a routine.

>215 johnsimpson: Hi Johne, thanks so much. I hope you have a lovely one too. xx

>216 luvamystery65: Roberta, thanks a lot for your positive thoughts. hugs xx

Happy Weekend, Barbara!

Happy Sunday, Barb! Hope you are enjoying your day!

>218 scaifea: Thanks Amber, I just took the Thurgauer Apple Cake out from the oven. It smells heavenly.

>219 msf59: Thanks Mark, after making the cake I've got still plenty of time for R&R.

Barbara - Thanks so much for the good wishes every weekend. I think it has worked. Yesterday I went to the Baltimore Book Festival. The venue was changed from the usual due to construction and was held this year at the Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore, right along the water. It was sunny and warm and there were books all around. A wonderful day.

>220 Ameise1: Apple Cake?! I'll be right over...

>221 catarina1: Catarina, that sounds gorgeous. I would have liked being there, too.

>222 scaifea: Amber, in this case you should beam yourself over to my school, tomorrow at 10am. It's for my work colleague because it's my birthday tomorrow. You're very welcome to join us. :-)

Just a glimpse of my Thurgauer Apple Cake

>224 Ameise1: That looks like art work. Did it take a lot of time? I hope your husband is better, and I'm glad your daughter is better.

October seems like a long time away for an appointment re. your hand if you are in pain. Last week I had minor surgery for carpel tunnel in my hand. The stitches are removed in a few weeks. Overall, it will be a great success and will eliminate the pain from a very tight connective tendon.

I continue to think of you and your family. You are going through a lot right now.

I send gentle hugs and all good wishes.

Linda, it's an easy making cake and in autumn I make it very often due to the apple harvest.

I'm thinking of you and hope your hand will get a speedy recovery and hopefully everything will turn on the bright side when the stitches are removed.

Tomorrow Marina is leaving for a one week class camp in Germany. This will give us some quiet time we definitely need.

Thanks a lot for your well wishes. xx

That apple cake looks delicious!

it's my birthday tomorrow.

Really?! Happy Birthday, Barbara!

Thanks a lot, Lori. A good night sleep and tomorrow morning I'm one year older ;-).

Hi Barbara, the Thurgauer Apple Cake looks absolutely srummy, hope you have had a good weekend my dear.

Thanks John, we took it very easy no stress.

Love the look of your apple cake, Barbara!

Thanks Rhian, it won't last long as always ;-)

Happy Birthday, Barbara! Hope you're having a wonderful birthday weekend.

Ohh, Barb! I' missed such a lot of things. Your husband getting ill and in the hospital. Your daughter home with a fever! And your birthday!

I hope everything is going up and getting better.

Happy Birthday!

>233 jnwelch: Thanks a lot Joe, also I've to wait another one and a half hour until my birthday will be.

>234 connie53: Thanks so much Connie. It's slowly but steadily going up. I have one week to work until my autumn holiday begins. I hope that Thomas and I can go then away for a couple of days.
I love your birthday gif - it's gorgeous. :-)

Could you translate the words that are Dutch?

We are having our autumn break at the end of October (18-26) so I will have to wait for three busy weeks! Peet and I are planning a couple of days away in that period and I have a wedding to attend to on the 20th of October.

Barbara, the Happiest of Happy Birthdays to you!!! I do hope that your own personal new year will be a happy, healthy one for you and all your family.
That apple cake is gorgeous! So professional!!! (I looked up the recipe on line and there are many - and all of them with ingredients weighed instead of measured. Oh well.)

>236 connie53: Connie, that wasn't difficult to translate ;-).
When you have to wait another three week for your holiday, the time between autumn holiday and Christmas won't be as long as I have.

>237 EBT1002: Oh Ellen, what a gorgeous Birthday card. Thanks so much.

>238 LizzieD: Peggy, thanks a lot for the well wishes.
Here we make everything weighed and not measured. I hope you'll try to make such a cake one day. I can strongly recommend it.

Happy Birthday!! May this be an excellent year for you. And thank you so much for bringing joy to so many people with your kind words and beautiful pictures. I hope life continues on an upward trend for you and yours.

>241 Berly: Thanks a lot Kim for your kind words and well wishes.
You must be a night owl that you are still posting. What time is it at your place?

You are more than welcome. It's only 10:16pm here. What time is it there?

Oh, so we are 9 hours apart. Now we have 7.50am and in half an hour classes start. Where do you live?

I am a bit late for the weekend but wishing you all the best for the week ahead and chiming in with a slightly late HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish.

>224 Ameise1: The cake looks delightful.

Paul, it's not late. My Birthday is only 10 hours old :-).
Thanks a lot for the well wishes. Indeed, the cake is delicious. We're just eating it.

Hi Barbara, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Barbara, Happy birthday to you. If I had a good singing voice I would have rung you and sung the above but I do not want to spoil your day with my bad singing. Have a super day even though you are at work but only four more days to go after today before the Autumn break and I hope you and Thomas manage to get away for a few days. Love and hugs from the both of us on this special day.

OH, Happy Birthday, Barbara!! I hope it turns out to be the best one yet! And that cake looks amazing!

Happy Birthday, Barb! Hope you had a lovely weekend. I want some of that apple cake. Yum!

Yeah, I want some of that cake too... Happy Birthday!

Belated birthday greetings, Barbara!

Wishing you a great week!

>247 johnsimpson: John, what a wonderful troubadour you are, I can hear it clearly. Finished work now and will go home soon. Isabelle is coming from Lucerne.

>248 scaifea: Amber, thanks so much. It's a fantastic sunny autumn day just the way I like it.

>249 msf59: Mark, thanks a lot. I spent a quiet and relaxed weekend. Sorry, but there is no apple cake left.

>250 drneutron: thanks a lot, Jim. Sorry, to tell you that my work colleagues have eaten the whole cake. My elder daughter promised to bring a cake over at our place this evening. I'll try to save a piece for you.

>251 tymfos: Terri, you are just in time. My birthday will be for another 8 hours :-). Thanks a lot for the well wishes.

>244 Ameise1: Happy still your Birthday!! I live in Portland, Oregon, USA. We are 9 hours apart, so you are just finishing work and I am just leaving for it!! Are you doing anything special for dinner?

Kim, yes I just arrived at home. Our elder daughter is coming from Lucerne. She is bringing a cake and Thomas is cooking 'Filet Stroganoff' which I like very much.
Wishing you a lovely day.

Happy Birthday, Barbara!

Thanks a lot Darryl, so far it's a good one. I'll celebrate the dinner with my family.

Belated birthday greetings! I'm playing catch-up at the moment, which is becoming quite common for me. That cake looks absolutely yummy!

Happy birthday Barbara! Thank you for being a part of my life, and for always posting lovely pictures which cheer me on my post.

*hugs*

>258 thornton37814: Thanks a lot, Lori. In the evening we had another cake (pumpkin/chocolate) which my daughter made. It was really delicious.

>259 AuntieClio: Stephanie, you are very welcome and thanks a lot for your kindly wishes. :-) hugs

How was your day, Barb. Did you get presents?

Connie, I had a busy day at school but a lovely evening at home. I got a lovely card from John and Karen and therefore I called John and had a lovely chat with him. Sometimes I wish we could live closer, it's great to talk with him and Karen. My in-laws and my husband spoiled me with generous presents. My Dad called from Thailand where he stays many weeks a year.
So indeed, it was a fantastic birthday.

Hi Barbara, glad you had a lovely birthday, it was so nice to hear from you, what a nice surprise. I also wish we lived nearer so we could meet up more but you never know, someday we may get to Zurich to see you all.

Thanks John, it was great to chat with you. I've read on FB that Karen got her surgery date. Keep my fingers crossed that nothing will come inbetwee. xx

>264 Ameise1:, Hi Barbara, I hope nothing compromises her op date but it has meant that she won't be able to go to the Disney on Ice show that she has booked with work so now it means that I am going along with Robert and the girls which should be fun.

What a lucky boy you are. :-D

I'm so glad to hear that you had such a nice birthday!

>267 scaifea: Amber, it was indeed a lovely birthday. Another two days of work and than two weeks autumn break. I'm really looking forward to it.

Oh, that sounds wonderful!

Happy Mid-week Barb! Hope it is going well. Sorry to hear about the cake. Sad face.

>269 scaifea: :-)

>270 msf59: Mark, Isa made a chocolate-pumpkin cake. There is still some left. I beam a piece over at your place.

Hi Barbara. I'm so sorry I missed your birthday. It sounds like it was a great one!



That is (was) an interesting cake.. I'll try it sometime.

>272 humouress: Waves to Nina. This cake I can strongly recommend. It's very delicious.
I hope everything is fine at your place.

Chocolate-pumpkin cake?! I'm coming over...again...

>272 humouress: Ha, Nina, what a lovely card. Thanks a lot.

>274 scaifea: Amber, my daughter Isabelle made the chocolate-pumpkin cake and it is DELICIOUS!!!!

Chocolate-pumpkin cake...... ooooohhhhhh.

>275 Ameise1: You're welcome.

Hi Barbara. I hope your weekend is going well.

Nina, my hubster and I are leaving tomorrow for a wellness holiday in the Black Forest (Germany) until Friday. Massages, other lovely treatments, delicious food and a lot of reading time.
I spent five days in spring there, too.

Barbara, I'm very happy that you and your husband are getting that wonderful holiday. Enjoy! I'm sure that you will. Can't wait to hear about it and about your reading.

>278 Ameise1: Wonderful! What a nice way to celebrate your birthday. I hope you thoroughly enjoy yourselves.

>279 LizzieD: Peggy, will do so. I'll try to post what we do.

>280 humouress: Nina, I only have to fix the luggage and then we are on the way. It's 70 minutes from our home by car and the weather looks good.

Have a lovely holiday, Barbara! I look forward to seeing photos from your trip.

>282 kidzdoc: Darryl, I just came back from a massage (energetic reflexology). It was heavenly :-)

Happy belated birthday and I hope you have a restful wellness holiday. And I want to thank you for the cheerful photo wishes every weekend. You are so kind.

>284 catarina1: Thanks a lot, Catarina and you're very welcome. I love this wellness hotel very much. When I was in spring here I posted a lot of food pics. I'll try to do the same this time.

I missed your birthday! Hope it was a lovely day.

>286 sibylline: Lucy, I had a lovely day, especially the evening.

So sorry I missed your birthday, but while it's too late for the "Happy Birthday", I can still wish Alles, alles Gute !!
The Thurgauer Apfelkuchen looks SO delicious, no wonder it was eaten so quickly!

Have a great time at the wellness place. You totally deserve it!

Hi Barbara! I hope you enjoy your holiday. The Black Forest area is lovely.

>288 Deern: Thanks a lot, Nathalie. I take it also a couple of days later :-)

>289 connie53: Connie, thanks a lot - we really need this break at this wellness place.

>290 cbl_tn: Carrie, this is my absolutely favourite wellness hotel and it's always like coming back home. The staff is very friendly and I don't have to tell them what I like or dislike, everything is perfectly clear.

Tonights dinner was marvellous. We had as a starter grilled king prawn on an apricot-pepper confit followed by a boletus soup, salad from a fantastic buffet. For the main cours I had zander saltim bocca with peppercress pesto, king oyster mushrooms and noodles. Thomas had beef filet with leek and sweet potato mash. Then we had some cheese and for dessert a simphony of Lemon with mousse and ice cream. Now our bellies are more then full ;-)

___

Hope you had a lovely weekend, Barb! That dinner looks wonderful.

>293 msf59: Thanks a lot, Mark. So far we had a lovely weekend.

Barbara, your photo's are making me feel really hungry, glad you are having a nice restful time up to now my dear.

>295 johnsimpson: Thanks a lot John. I had a facial treatment this morning. It was very relaxing.

We are worried about my FIL (82 years). Yesterday night we got the bad news that he has broken his wrist when he played badminton and tripped over. My in-laws were on holiday with my BIL and his daughter in France. There the doctor told my FIL that he needs a surgery when they are back home in Switzerland today. We are waiting for further news.

>296 Ameise1:, Hi Barbara, I hope things go ok with your FIL'S wrist and that he is not too shook up or has any other injuries my dear. We will be thinking about him and hope everything goes well with the surgery.

book 53



It was a very interesting reading but not so fast-paced I'm used to. It's a kind of a diary about the live of an American-Mexican citizen which describes his life with Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Lev Trotsky with all the busy and turbulent time during communism and how the USA was thinking about it. Also it's a fiction the historical part of thoses events are true. It took me in the maelstrom of the historical facts and therefore I loved the reading also at some times I had the feeling that it was too protacted.

My in-laws came back to Zürich in the late afternoon. My FIL was brought to the hospital directly where he had the surgery this evening. We don't have news at the moment how it went.

Tonights dinner was terrine of smoked trout with apple salad followed by a carrot-ginger soup with baked rocks, next the salad from the buffet. For the main course I had veal with a Pommery mustard sauce, mash and carrots. Thomas got monkfish on champagne risotto with mushrooms and leek. Than we had some cheese and for dessert pancakes filled with prune plums on custard.

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I love the menu rundown and the photos you have been posting, Barbara. You are giving me some interesting new ideas for meals, although I was a but surprised to see "carrot-ginger soup with baked rocks". I had to as my other half what "baked rocks" are and he said they are a type of bun, and not stones that I can pick up off the street, like I was thinking. ;-)

Lori, I'm glad my photos give you some inspiration. I have to admit that I made a terrible spellung mistake I meant rocket and your other half is correct. Sorry, that sometimes I'm so bad with my English vocab.

No need to apologize! I have seen mention of stranger things than rocks as part of a menu item and I love things that catch my attention, even if it is done unintentionally.

I'm loving your meals! Keep them coming, please! I also hope that your father-in-law has come through his surgery successfully. If he was playing badminton at 82, he will surely have the grit to do the physical therapy and be good to go again.
Glad you liked that Kingsolver. I loved it!

>303 lkernagh: :-)

>304 LizzieD: Peggy, around midnight we got the call that my FIL's surgery just had finished and went well. To stabilize the wrist they put three metal plate there. The surgeon told that the insury was much more worse than he thought first but now everything should be fine.

Good to hear that your FIL is all right after his surgery, Barb.
And he is playing badminton still, so he must have a very good condition.

Sending my good wishes to everybody in your family!

It looks like you are having some wonderful meals on your wellness holiday. Sorry to hear about your FIL injury but that is still wonderful that he is playing badminton at age 82.

>306 connie53: Thanks a lot, Connie. We were able to phone with him this afternoon. He sounded still a bit dizzy but on the other hand he could explain us what has happened. I will probably stay another four days at the hospital.
Yes he is still playing tennis regulary and badminton from time to time.

We had a relaxed day. It was raining and cold but we stayed inside with our books. First thing this morning, I went to the aqua fit to 'earn' the rich breakfast. Later I had a lovely Ayurvedic massage.

Dinner tonight was cantaloupe with Black Forest ham followed by a champagne mustard cream soup and the daily salad buffet. For the main course we had chicken breast with a Riesling vegetable sauce and noodles. To finish the meal we had cheese and strawberry ice cream and mousse.

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>307 catarina1: Catarina, we enjoy our holiday very much and the meals a very delicious. I guess my hubster could 'roll' me home. ;-)

Yes, we are happy that the surgery went well and we hope that he is recovering soon.

Happy Belated Birthday!

Thank you very much, Linda.

I'm happy to hear about the successful surgery. My mom has a huge plate for her elbow (which she broke when she was 90). A man who is playing tennis and badminton will work his way through the pain of physical therapy and function again well, I'm sure. It's hard to keep the good ones of that generation down.
Those meals! Those meals!!!

Peggy, thanks a lot for your lovely words. We are sure that he will recover well. He is right handed and surly has broken his right wrist. Therefore he was very proud that he was able the roll the spaghetti on the fork with the left hand without doing any mess. :-)
We only feared about the anaesthesia because he resently shows a mild form of dementia. So we hope it won't get much worse after the anaestesia.

I can tell you that the food her is not only looking good it is absolutely delicious.

Your wellness holiday sounds wonderful - and keep posting those meals please!! Black Forest is such a great region for foodies, partly influenced by both France and Switzerland, and also the landscape of the Hochschwarzwald and the Ortenau are so beautiful, not to forget Freiburg of course. Where are you exactly?

Good to hear that the surgery went well. Sending good wishes for a quick recovery!

Hi Barbara! It sounds - and looks - like you're enjoying your holiday. The food looks delicious! I'm glad your father-in-law's surgery was successful. The granddaughter of one of my coworkers was involved in a car accident last week. Her wrist was badly broken by her car's air bag, and she had surgery last Friday to insert a pin in it. She won't be able to work until it heals.

Hi Barbara, hope you and Thomas are having a good day my dear, the food pictures keep making my mouth water, keep posting them please.

>315 Deern: Nathalie, it's in Schluchsee. Tomorrow we are going to Freiburg doing some shopping and so ;-)

>316 cbl_tn: Carrie, thanks a lot, we are enjoying it very much. I'm so sorry to hear about the accident of your cowworkers' granddaughter. I hope she will recover soon.

>317 johnsimpson: John, more food pics will follow. So watch out! :-)

This afternoon we were with a horse-drawn carriage on the way. It was a lovely trip and the coachman was a very funny guy.

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Goodness, Barbara, I thought you were going to a health spa. Those meals can't be healthy - they look too delicious! (I find that deliciousness varies inversely with how good something is for you.)

Please don't worry about your spelling mistake. You write beautifully, especially for someone whose native language isn't English. But every language has its idiosyncrasies (for instance, I can never remember how to say "I've stuffed myself silly" in German - I just know that "Ich bin voll" is a faux pas) and English, with its hodgepodge of influences (Norman, Celtic, Scandinavian, Latin, Greek etc etc etc) is worse than any other.

Good for your FIL for coming through surgery successfully. I wish my dad would play badminton. He's a bit younger than your FIL, but claims a bad back. Wishing you FIL a speedy recovery.

>320 humouress: Nina, thanks so much for your lovely words and encouragement about my English spelling. I love the expression 'I've stuffed myself silly in German you would say after you have eaten too much Ich platze nächstens. (it refers to a balloon which will burst soon).

No, I'm not at a health spa but it's a wellness hotel where I can relax and book very nice treatments and massages. Today I had a gorgeous Siam Herbal Stamp massage. It was sooooo relaxing like floating.

My FIL feels much better today and it looks like he will be leaving hospital on Friday afternoon.

Tonights dinner: Starting with smoked mallard breast and mallard terrine with an apple-celery salad and a fig-walnut chutney - followed by a cauliflower soup with shrimps and the daily salad buffet. For the main cours we had prime boiled beef with a lemon-caper sauce, leaf spinach and potato pyramid cake. Then some lovely cheese and for dessert Bavarian cream.

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Another wonderful meal, even if I am unable to get my hands on any mallard meat except by rather nefarious means that would not go down well with our local animal conversation officers. ;-) Beef with a lemon caper sauce intrigues me. I tend to limit my lemon caper/dill sauces to fish.

Lori, we have a lot of wild ducks and only eat those which are coming from the hunt.
I love fish too.

Coming from someone who has managed sort of to learn, in one form or another, seven or so languages, but who still can't seem to conquer German even on the most basic level, I'm in awe of your mastery of English, which I suspect is even more difficult to pick up as a secondary language than German is. You have absolutely no reason to be shy about any small mistakes you may make here and there - your English is amazing, lady!

Sweet Thursday, Barb! Hope the week is going well. How is that current reading going?

>325 scaifea: Amber, thanks a lot for your encouragement and lovely words. I try to do my best in writing English so that no one is too much confused what I would like to tell. It helps so much, that you tell me, that my English isn't bad. As you know, as a teacher I have always the feeling to be perfect. I no nobody is perfect but I try to do my best.

>326 msf59: Hi Mark, nice to see you here. I've done some reading but lately I'm reading books with 500 pages, so I'm not so quick as I'm used to. The reading itself is fantastic.

Today we went to Freiburg im Breisgau by train for sightseeing and shopping (I bought some book chunks - ha). Freiburg is a lovely town especially the historic centre is gorgeous. Here some impressions:

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>328 Ameise1: Wow! Beautiful, Barbara. Great photos.

>329 jnwelch: Thanks a lot, Joe. It was a great day, indeed.

The food and the buildings are making me drool!

Lovely pictures of Freiburg. My son had a school trip there about three years ago, but we never saw any photos of what it actually looked like.

>331 thornton37814: Ha, thanks Lori. We are leaving for home today. So back to life B ;-)

>332 SandDune: Rhian, it's a pleasure that I could help with my pics so that you got an idea what he saw.

Beautiful photos!

Great photos from your holiday, Barbara! I'm glad that you had a lovely time.

>334 scaifea: Thanks a lot Amber

>335 kidzdoc: Darryl, we enjoyed our holiday. We just arrived safely back home.

Hullo and wow, what a holiday.

>337 AuntieClio: Hello and welcome to you Stepanie, too. We had indeed a wonderful relaxed holiday.

Hi Barbara, welcome home my dear, the week seems to have flown by. I love all the photo's and we both send our love to you both.

>339 johnsimpson: John, time has indeed flown by. Thanks a lot for the warm welcome and love and hugs from both of us to you both. xx

What incredible photos!!!!!! Thanks for sharing these. My partner lived in Germany for a number of years. When he returned to the US, he regretted his decision not to stay in Germany. I showed him your photos and he loved them.

Love the photos of Freiburg, Barb! My last name is Freeburg, so I hold a special fondness for the place.

I love all your travel photos and the food, too (although I am hungry now!). I hope your FIL heals quickly and I want to wish you a wonderful, wonderful weekend. : )

>341 Whisper1: Linda, it's a pleasure to share my photos.

>342 msf59: Mark, were your ancestors from Germany or Switzerland because your last name could be related to both. I'm glad you like the photos.

>343 Berly: Kim, you're welcome. It's a pleasure to share photos. My FIL is back home since yesterday. He will have to wear the cast for the next 7 weeks. He'll start an occupational therapy next Tuesday especially for the fingers.

My grandfather was Swedish and German. I don't know the exact origin of my last name. There is also a town in Illinois called Freeburg.

I've never been to the USA but I know that a lot of town or village names are related to places in good old Europe.

Please, join me on my new thread.

The food and Freiberg both look scrumptious (*despondent sigh of longing*)

>332 SandDune: *snort* (literally, though it's not very ladylike)