Mdoris (Mary) reads in 2024 WELCOME #2

This photo was taken on our walk today. The garden is amazing and changes frequently to showcase the blooms of the moment. I love it and we walk past every day and feast our eyes.

Hello, my name is Mary. I live in Comox, on Vancouver Island. I have been a member of LT since 2011 and I love it here. It is great to see what people are reading, to follow threads and to make new friends. I am a slow reader (it will be a miracle to reach 75!). Please don't kick me out of this wonderful group!

Almost all my books are from the library. I love cookbooks and do get lots of them too but do not list them in my grand total count. Most recently the cookbooks have been about COOKIES! YUM!

I have 4 daughters who have all flown the coop. They are all living far away and they now have little ones. Now I am Gramma to 9, 4 boys and 5 girls. I was passionate about kids' books when our kids were little and still read lots of the newly published ones too. I am a retired Speech/Language Pathologist and loving retirement.

WELCOME! Please come and visit!

Happy new thread Mary!

>3 Owltherian: Thanks Lily. Hope you are having a great day!

>4 mdoris: I am! I hope your day is going well!

Happy New Thread, Mary. Love the colorful garden topper. Glad to hear that you are healing properly. May the advances continue.

Followed by the Lark sounds like a fun read.

Happy New Thread, Mary! What a beautiful picture of the garden flowers .

Happy new thread dear Mary.

That is a wonderfully colourful garden!

Happy new thread, Mary!

>1 mdoris: Lovely sight, all those tulips. The tulips in my garden are gone now, we had an early spring.

Hi Mary! I lurked all through your first thread and decided it was about time I said hello. I love your thread topper.

Happy new thread, Mary. I love the photo at the top.

Love the >1 mdoris: Topper Mary.

>5 Owltherian:, Hope Lily that you are having another very good day!
>6 msf59: Thanks Mark. I think you would like Followed by the Lark and all the bird mentions!
>7 vancouverdeb: HI Deborah, that garden changes all the time but must be so much WORK!
>8 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul. Will you have a garden when you return to the U.K.?
>9 FAMeulstee: HI Anita. I am so surprised that your spring is already nearly over with tulips finished!
>10 lauralkeet: Hi Laura. I returned the lurk and must visit you more often. I love all your garden talk there!
>11 BLBera: Thanks Beth for the good wishes. Hope all's well with you !
>12 Caroline_McElwee: Hello Caroline. Perhaps I should take more pictures of this garden to show the changes over the seasons. It must be lots of work but with such results!

Happy new thread!

Thanks Jim.

Book #32
The End of Race Politics by Coleman Hughes p. 179 library



This very recently published and excellent book is written by a young man with such good ideas and insight. He presents so many arguments for a colorblind racial approach, such as the one that is consistent with the principles and goals from the civil rights movement instead of the present one in vogue promoted by authors such as DiAngelo and Kendi that Hughes calls "neo-racist" that just perpetuates discord, without solutions.

p. 176 "What better than affirmative action -what would truly benefit people of color-is an educational system that helps children develop the habits, attitudes, and skills they need to flourish in adult life."

>16 mdoris: The End of Race Politics sounds interesting , Mary. Yes, gardening is a lot of work. I stick to container gardening with out being in a townhouse. I had a great walk today, despite the wind and a light drizzle. I got about 3 miles in, and walked around Garry Point Park, where I can see out to the Ocean and the Fraser River. I listen to music with my ear buds when I walk without Poppy, and that just adds to the enjoyment. I guess you are close to the Ocean too, so plenty of birds to see and always a great view - maybe not on really overcast days.

>17 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah it is great weather for walks these days. We are a block from the ocean (a long city park) and then a walk along the ocean on a very natural beach. From there there is a view of the Comox glacier to be viewed on clear days and it is spectacular. There we can let Loki off the leash and she can sniff to her heart's content. Usually there are a pair of eagles on the tallest trees and often many sailboats about.After high winds a boat will get loose and swept up to shore, a drama no doubt for the owner. Sure sounds like we are lucky with our walks. Yours sounds very wonderful!

Happy new thread, Mary. It's nice to see the picture of spring flowers in the sunshine at the top of your thread.

Hi Meg, well you take the most wonderful neighbourhood photos so I thought I might give it a try too. Hope you are having a very good weekend!

The Womens Prize shortlist was announced today!

River East, River West
Soldier, Sailor
Enter Ghost
Brotherless Night
Restless Dolly Maunder
The Wren, The Wren

Well, you know what I think of some of the books on the shortlist, Mary! :-) At least I have read the two I disliked, and I just barely started on Brotherless Nights, but it seems promising. I own the two I have not yet read, so I will get to them. I was surprised that Ordinary Human Failings was not on the list. We had a nice out in Vancouver yesterday and today I just finished doing both of our taxes, so I am glad to have that behind me.

And -I know what an immersion blender is. I was just on Paul's thread. Dave got one with some points from work. I have not used it yet, but I think it will come in handy with making soup.

Hello Deborah, If you love soups you will love the immersion blender and good for you to remember the name, not my faulty/funny descriptions that got some press!

>23 mdoris: I did get a chuckle of that " bad press " , Mary!

>13 mdoris: I hope so, Mary. I am looking at a few places although my brother wants me to use his second home first which does have a garden albeit not a huge one.

>21 mdoris: I have read four of the six so far and am leaning towards Brotherless Night so far.

>22 vancouverdeb: / >23 mdoris: & >24 vancouverdeb: I think that Hani has one too (immersion blender, I mean!) and I am still wiping coffee from my laptop!

>24 vancouverdeb:, >25 PaulCranswick: Hi Deborah and Paul, chuckles are very good for our health and immersion blenders make very good soup. I love soup!

Book #33
We've Got Issues by Dr. Phil McGraw library p. 359



I have recently viewed Dr. Phil on a few internet interviews and he is on fire with his concerns so I thought I would read his very recently published book. I have not followed his TV show at all but I did know a little about him but now that I have read his book I know a lot more, his early and difficult up rearing, his career path and now his great concerns about family, faith and country. He has lots of tips/ advice to stear you in the right direction and gives an injection of courage to be honest and true to yourself and challenge what you think needs change. He bites off a lot with this book and he is fired up with concerns!

Book #34
Behind the Curtain: Inside the Network of Progressive Billionaires and Their Campaign to Undermine Democracy by Jeff Reynolds library, p. 173



I am not sure why I reserved this one from the library! Did I see it mentioned on someone's thread? It was an eye opener for one side of the aisle and I am sure there is a book to be written about the other side but it does give some insight into the Billionaire's Club and the pressure and results they get pushing their agendas as an unelected presence on government work. There is so much money behind the scenes! It boggles the mind with NGO's and non profits shuffling vast sums of money about.

Happy new(? - is it still new if I am weeks behind?) thread, Mary!

Have a fantastic Friday!

>1 mdoris: What a great variety of colours!

Happy new thread!

Happy Friday, Mary. I hope you are having a good week and enjoying those books. I got a little Jackson time in yesterday. He certainly loves driving the battery-operated vehicle Grandma got him.

I am enjoying the sunshine and nice weather , Mary! I got out for a nice long walk without Poppy today. I find I can actually walk faster and further without her . It was a great day too look across the Fraser River at planes taking off and just taking in the great weather. I think tomorrow I am walking Poppy as Dave is planning to go stunt kite flying, but I'll get Poppy to move along pretty quickly! I know you are enjoying the great weather too!

>27 mdoris: I don't know much about Dr. Phil either, Mary, but he seems to be quite a straight-talker and seeks to cut through some of the nonsense being spewed by some portions of the illiberal left and the conservative right.

>28 mdoris: Likewise, Mary, it is very concerning that the power of the purse is being used to manipulate the populace. Social media platforms are open to clear abuse and control by people with agendas. The 44 billionaires created out of the chaos and misery of COVID is also something that profoundly concerns me.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Mary!

>29 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, Hope you are having a very good week!

>30 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, If I can get my act together I will take more pictures as the seasons and colours change. Hope all is well with you! i will come for a visit!

>31 msf59: Hi Mark, Glad that you are getting some Jackson time. Love the pics of him in his little car. He must be in heaven!

>32 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I am loving this weather too. Doing lots of work outside, tidying up. Would much rather be outside than inside! Enjoy those wonderful walks!

>33 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul., I on a roll with lots of non fiction and deeply concerning books right now. Hmmm., might be good to switch but you seem to "get" my concerns so well! Yes, I have watched some recent interviews with Dr. Phil and he is not taking any nonsense!

>34 alcottacre: Hello again Stasia. i have been regulary visiting your thread but i guess keeping a bit silent! I do greatly enjoy reading your book reviews! Hope you are feeling well!

>35 mdoris: Thanks, Mary. I appreciate you coming by even if you are a 'silent' visitor. All is well here :) I hope the same for you!

I'm just now getting caught up on your newish thread, Mary. I missed out on the announcement as I am living under a rock these days. Haha. I don't spend much time on LT, but had to create my new thread and got hooked on catching up.

I look forward to more pictures of your scenic yard. Your walk sounds divine...wouldn't mind a few pictures of Loki at the beach. She sounds like Penny who has only two speeds: full ahead as fast as she can go and dead stop to smell...and smell some more. We don't have anywhere we can let her off leash which is a shame.

Book #35
Bad Therapy: Why the kids aren't growing up by Abigail Shrier home shelves p. 250



I am a sucker for books about parenting, kids and their challenges and this one was another winner along with Generations, Coddling of the American MInd, Anxious Generation (and more). When our kids were little I read Siblings without Rivalry and was teased that it was "Earth without Gravity"! Also years ago I read Bringing up Bebe about a mom moving to France and describing the difference between American and French childrearing and the ensuing results. Fascinating and very good to know! So this book looks at the very challenged present generation of children who are experiencing very significant mental health concerns and she examines parenting, education and therapeutic approaches.There are so many children diagnosed, in therapy and on heavy duty medications. She has a lot to say and really we must find the "adult in the room" to do a better job as children are not being managed well. The book is well researched with many interviews of experts in their fields and with further book recommendations and references to academic research.

>36 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia. More silent visits very soon!

>37 Donna828: Hi Donna, that is not my personal scenic yard but one that we walk past every day. It is small but powerfully grand! I will try and take more pictures throughout the summer. I will try also to get a Loki picture on the beach. (we are very bad at taking our cell phone on our walks!). Too bad you can't let Penny off the leash but I'm sure she must be getting lots of wonderful walks. You sound busy these days! Hope all's well!

I had another lovely walk today, along the dyke across from the Vancouver Airport.I always enjoy watching planes take off and land, and the float planes, helicopters etc. I read Siblings Without Rivalry when I was a young mom too, but what the secret is , I don't know. My two sons are not close, I think in part because they are 5 1/2 years apart, and then Wm is married with two children and Daniel is single and intends to stay that way. But as I am sure I have mentioned , me and my 4 siblings are all close. I don't think my parents did anything in particular, nor read a book. I have heard that having a sister in the mix helps with sibling bonding.

My copy of Long Island came in from the library yesterday , and I hope to read it after I finish Soldier Sailor.

>40 vancouverdeb: Deborah you are on a reading whirlwind, mighty impressive. I am hoping that soon I can get off the non fiction reading and get some ficiton done. My list is long. These days have been fantastic. I am off to brunch with a friend today. Can hardly wait. She is a new gramma and will have lots of stories to tell. Your walks by the airport sounds wonderful. My garden is exploding. It is such a great time of year when the weather co-operates!

>39 mdoris: Hi Mary, and many thanks for linking my threads. I will be on top of doing that if/when I have a Thread #3.

In regard to the scenic garden topper, I should have paid closer attention to your caption. It’s even better that you get the daily enjoyment without the upkeep. *Smile*

All is well in my world and wish the same for you.

Well, I don't think I read with much speed at all,Mary, but I did finished Soldier Sailor and have just started Long Island. I hope you had a lovely brunch out with your friend, the new gramma! That is exciting stuff. A friend of mine recently became a new grandma, and it is a little girl name " August" . As my friend said, she is struggling with the name August for a girl. The little one was born with a hold in her heart, but they knew a week prior to the birth, so wee August was taken by air ambulance at birth from Winnipeg to the Children's Hospital in Edmonton. The open heart surgery was done successfully and little August has been home for several months and is doing well.

>42 Donna828: Donna this was taken today on our beach walk of Loki before she explored the beach. It wasn't an ideal day because of some overcast so the mountain views were not the best and Loki is all set for grooming tomorrow for her summer cut. It was low tide as you can see! I am about to post a picture of wistera, just down the block from >1 mdoris: picture!

And you are right, wonderful gardens are better on someone else's property. Way less work!

And here is another picture from our walk today, blooming wisteria. Isn't it amazing!

>43 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I think you are on a major roll with the Women's Prize fiction reading. i have so many titles that I want to get to but I seem to be stuck in this sort of disturbing non fiction writing about how our world is going. But like all things there will be an end to this reading! My friend's new grand-daughter is named Olivia so of course she got all the books about the sweet little pig with the same name. My former neighbour and great friend has a grand-daughter named Sparrow. My friend could not keep a straight face when she used the name and I coached her that she needed to practice in front of a mirror so her face would not give away her concerns. This next generation, I tell ya!!!!

I am very happy to hear that your friend's grand-daughter has a good result from her surgery. That must have been difficult.

Loki looks gorgeous, Mary. The highlight of the photo, I think. Beautiful wisteria as well. Yes, I'm very happy the little August's surgery went well . Olivia is such cute name for a baby. I had a great aunt names Olivia - it's nice to see the old names come back into style. I'm still waiting on the name Deborah: -) Sparrow is quite cute, but I think likewise I would have struggled with it. I agree, some of the names the new generation uses.

Hello Deborah, I will have a long wait until "Mary" might gain any popularity. Loki says "thank you=woof" for the compliment. She is now chewing on a raw hide bone and seems perfectly content. Yes the baby naming is all over the place with some traditional and then some very unique names. Interesting times!

book #36
When Kids Say They're Trans library p. 294



This is an excellent book written by 3 experienced psychotherapists with great information (research based) to support families experiencing challenges due to gender transitions of children. There are a lot of good references included.

I haven't had to deal with any one close to me deciding that they are trans, Mary. A very close friend of mine has a brother who at the age of 50, admitted that he had struggled with his - now her gender identity. He was on his second marriage and has four children. Ken, now Kaitlyn , had quite a struggle I think, as did his children and his wife . I guess it would be easiest to realize it at a younger age and go forward with that prior to marriage and children, but I guess it does not always happen that way, especially for people of my generation. My 1 st cousin has a daughter who uses the pronouns we /they , but Sarah's parent's seemed to have accepted it really well.

Enjoy your weekend.

Hello Deborah. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. We had a big air show here today and in the middle of the afternoon a major hail storm with freezing wind came. What a day!

>44 mdoris: Mary, Your dog is beautiful. Is she she a stamdard poodle?

I enjoy your images and your description of walking.

>52 Whisper1: Thank you Linda. Yes she is a standard poodle. We jokingly say she is a sub-standard poodle as she can be a bit contrary. She is our 5th standard in 37 years. We got our first when Claire our youngest was 3 and Claire has just turned 40. Yikes how did that happen? My husband grew up with standards for allergy reasons so we just continued. This one is called Loki, the mischief maker and of course we love her!

>44 mdoris: Beautiful setting. Loki looks majestic as she contemplates her adventure!

>45 mdoris: I am a fan of "other people's gardens" as I struggle with my own. The wisteria is gorgeous. I hope your recent hailstorm didn't decimate them.

What beautiful photos, Mary!

Nice pictures of Loki and the wisteria, Mary. It definitely isn't picture weather the past few days, here at least and I imagine there as well. It seems wrong to go from warm weather clothes to sweaters and sweatshirts. I hope it turns back the other way soon!

Like Meg, I'm looking forward to better weather, but I think we have rain for several days yet.

>54 Donna828: Hello Donna, I can't claim the wisteria as my own, just a wonder I see on our daily walks. You must see some wonders too when you take Penny for her walks. I know you have had a house full of dogs, dogsitting your grand-dogs!

>55 BLBera: Thank you Beth! I might have chosen a better day to take the pictures showing the mountains in the background. Oh well!

>56 Familyhistorian: Hello Meg. I know! The weather has been horrible, windy and cold. We have lost power and lots of branches down to clean up. Yes, back to wooly sweaters. Ugh.

>57 vancouverdeb: Big black clouds here today Deborah. Not great weather for a bit but we'll really love it when it arrives!