KatieKrug Reads in 2016 - Part 4

Illustration by Abby Wright. I wish this were me, but we've had no winter to speak of here...

Hello Old Friends and Welcome New Ones!

About me: I'm a New York transplant living in Dallas, TX with my husband and two cats and a dog. The cats are his; the dog is ours. He (the dog, not the husband) is a black lab mix named Louis and may just be The World's Best Dog. I work in association management, currently at a membership association for engineers and other professionals in the upstream energy industry. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling (my job usually takes me to interesting places but, sadly, my only overseas trip in 2016 will be to Dubai), snark, participating in shenanigans, and drinking wine. I have over 3000 unread books on my shelves and Kindle and a very understanding husband.

I have been a 75er since 2011. This year, I plan to participate in the American Author Challenge and the Nonfiction Challenge, as well as a few of the challenges in the Category Challenge group, where I will also be maintaining a thread. A few of my goals for the year are to read more of the Pulitzer winners on my shelves, to read more global lit, and to be more selective in my reading - both in what I pick up and in giving myself permission to put things back down if they are not engaging me.

Cheers!



This is often my view :) Not sure why it looks like the hand is making a rude gesture, though. I would *never* do such a thing.

CURRENTLY READING

(Kindle) (Kindle - year-long project)

BOOKS COMPLETED in MARCH
15. 40 Love by Madeleine Wickham (audio)

BOOKS COMPLETED in FEBRUARY
7. American Meteor by Norman Lock
8. How to Speak Dragonese by Cressida Cowell (audio)
9. A Night Like This by Julia Quinn
10. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (audio)
11. Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King (audio)
12. The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn (audio)
13. Cold Earth by Sarah Moss
14. Among the Missing by Morag Joss (audio)

BOOKS COMPLETED in JANUARY
1. Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
2. The Year of Reading Dangerously by Andy Miller (audio)
3. Kamchatka by Marcelo Figueras
4. The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez (audio)
-- Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh (DNF)
5. Chill Factor by Sandra Brown
-- Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz (DNF)
6. The Girl in the Blue Beret by Bobbie Ann Mason (audio)

Ratings: I've stolen my star scale from Ellen and slightly modified it.

5 stars = I connected with this book in a special way. It may not be perfect, but it was perfect for me.
4.5 = A great read, among my favorites of the year.
4 = A good read and one that I recommend; truly enjoyable and/or worthy.
3.5 = Pretty good, with a few things done very well.
3 = I don't hate myself for reading this.
2.5 = Average, and life is too short to read average works.
2 = A bit below average. A waste of time.

Anything worse I probably didn't finish and so wouldn't get a rating.

Monthly priorities (in order):

1) 100 pages in the Penguin History of the World
2) American Author Challenge
3) Nonfiction Challenge
4) GeoCAT Challenge

This is a reminder to myself so that I don't become overwhelmed with various group reads, challenges, monthly themes, etc.

I got in first? That doesn't happen often! I love the meme in >4 katiekrug:!

Happy weekend KAK!

Ooh! Second! Love >4 katiekrug:. It's so true.

Happy weekend. Ours is full of softball and it's sunny, so it's all good. Also, I am sitting here on LT while my kids are cleaning house, so no complaints.

Forgot to ask -- Has that plumbing charge disappeared yet? I'd be one of those OCD people checking every to minutes.

Sorry I am late. I was napping. Happy new thread, Katie!

Happy new thread, Katie. I like the wine. Of course I would never expect a rude gesture from KAK.

I'll check movie times.

>6 michigantrumpet: - Hi Marianne! Happy weekend to you, too!

>7 nittnut: - That's the way to do it, Jenn! LT while the children earn their keep. I like the way you think ;-)

>8 michigantrumpet: - It was still on there this morning, so I'm giving them until Monday (that will be the outer limit of the 7-10 days they said) before I go psycho on them.

>9 Crazymamie: - Oooh, napping! I'm jealous.

>10 BLBera: - Beth, to be honest, I don't think my hands would even know how to do that. Just totally alien to me. The only special formation they have is folded in prayer. *blinks*

Happy Friday, Katie! Happy New Thread! Love the topper and the wine/book/rude gesture image too.

I have been listening to The Girl With All the Gifts and it has been a pleasant surprise. Don't you love it, when that happens?

I am envious of your movie marathon weekend, Katie. That sounds like fun. We are going to have a quiet weekend as we are planning to head down across the border next weekend to visit in-laws.

>12 msf59: - Hiya Mark! I've got The Girl with All the Gifts on my library WL. Unfortunately, they don't have the audio available on Overdrive, so I'll be reading it in print.

>13 DeltaQueen50: - Where are your in-laws, Judy? Big road trip or just an easy drive?

Hi, Katie.

Folded hands. Riiiight.

Caught up with you Katie. I was going to answer your question about colleges on the last thread but then the posts just took off - perfectly understandable as there was cake involved!

We have colleges in BC that are community colleges and used to be for pre-university classes which could be transferred to universities which were the places where you would actually get a degree (or not depending on what type of student you were.) Now the community colleges also give out some degrees so they have muddied the waters. Anyway the colleges are kind of lesser institutions than the mighty universities.

That is the BC picture. Things are different all across Canada. When I lived in Nova Scotia there were no such things as community colleges but their Universities have been around for hundreds of years unlike BC. That is from one side of the country to the other (almost) and there are all sorts of permutations across the land (don't get me started on Quebec - their system is the reason I left Montreal to go to university in NS.)

Happy new thread, Katie! How's your PHW going? I rather liked the way that page 200 is an actual chapter break :-)

>4 katiekrug: That is a great post Katie - reason 6 being possibly that a love of reading has brought us all into this 75er community of friends.

Happy new thread.

Morning, Katie!

>15 weird_O: - Hi Bill! I need to de-lurk on your thread. I've been following your great reading year so far.

>16 BLBera: - :D

>17 Familyhistorian: - Thanks for that, Meg! We have community colleges here, too. They mostly award associate's degrees which many students then put toward earning a bachelor's. I had a friend in high school who went to Queens University and we thought it was the coolest thing that she was going to a whole different country for school :)

>18 susanj67: - Susan, I read the first section in the next 100 pages (India) and then took a break. I need to get back to it. I didn't realize page 200 was a chapter break - nice!

>19 PaulCranswick: - Very true, Paul.

>20 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie!

I'm quite sure that's a properly extended pinkie -- right Katie?

that's what I thought at first, Reba! But it looks like a really big pinkie. Maybe it's just the odd perspective? Yes, let's go with that ;-)

Happy Saturday! Thanks for the Romance recommendations on the last thread. My list is growing slowly but surely!

The only plans I have for this weekend are to read. I'm hosting a very causal readathon here, if anyone would like to join. So far I have read zero pages and it's the start of day two, so... yeah.

Happy new thread - before I get miserably behind again!

I hope you're enjoying your weekend movie marathon. It's freezing cold here (quite literally, with wind chills getting to 20 below tonight), so I once I get out of work I'll be running to the grocery store and happily ensconced with a book and hot cocoa for the afternoon!

Happy new one, Katie!

Movie marathon! Enjoy. I'm thrilled to get my husband to go to a movie theater once very couple of years. We just saw the new Star Wars movie on the big screen, so who knows when we'll do it again.

I didn't manage to comment on your last thread about the cake spam, but at least that one was creative in comparison to some of the others.

Hi, Katie! I just finished reading through your threads for the year - I thought I'd better catch up before traveling to your neck of the woods. What a treat! This joint is jumping.

Your movie marathon sounds great, although Jim (magicians_nephew) will laugh, since he always says he can't get me to the movies either. We do spend a lot of time at the theater (at least that's my excuse). But we usually catch up before the Oscars, and haven't done much of that yet this year.

How are you finding PHW? I've recently read some notes on the Transcendentalists and was shocked to realize that I had no sense of how they lined up chronologically with thinkers in Europe. So I need to refresh my historical perspective.

I'm looking forward to a face-to-face!

Happy new thread! I hope you're enjoying your movie weekend!

>25 LauraBrook: - I always have great intentions wrt readathons and inevitably I never follow through.... Hope you like some of those suggestions if you get to them!

>26 bell7: - A book and cocoa sound good, Mary! Movie weekend is good so far. We are taking a short breather before going to see 'Deadpool' at 8pm :)

>27 scaifea: - Thanks, Amber!

>28 laytonwoman3rd: - Linda, we seem to go in fits and starts. Right now we are enjoying it, but eventually, we'll go back to feeling like most things can wait for Netflix :)

>29 thornton37814: - Good point, Lori. I'll take cake any day!

>30 ffortsa: - Hi Judy! I just responded to your PM :) We are doing more in terms of attending events in Dallas, which is nice. You remind me that I need to check the schedule of the Wyly Theater to see if they have anything good going on.

PHW is ok. It's not the most riveting reading, and I'm not sure I'm retaining much, but I shall persevere :)

>31 cbl_tn: - Thanks, Carrie! So far, so good.

So far today we have seen 'Hail, Caesar!' which was great and 'Zoolander 2' which was meh. It had some funny moments but it was just all over the place. Still, my expectations weren't too high, so no disappointment.

We also had lunch at a great burger bar where I got an amazing lamb burger with feta, tzaziki sauce, pickled red onions, and cucumber. Delish!

Mmmm, I love lamb burgers, especially with all those fixings! Our trip next week is a short one, Katie. They are currently living just outside Mount Vernon, Washington which is about 35 minutes south of the border.

Movie marathons, in the theatre, have not been happening for me lately, but I did FINALLY go see the latest Star Wars with my Hubby and son--we all loved it. Zoolander is not on the top of my list.... LOVE your image topper with the wine glass--pretty sure it is the ring finger. Right?! ; )

>34 katiekrug: lamb burger with feta, tzaziki sauce, pickled red onions, and cucumber

Ooh...yes, please.

Happy Valentine's Day, Katie!

>35 DeltaQueen50: - A nice little jaunt then, Judy! Have fun!

>36 Berly: - But why is the ring finger out?!?! And who sticks their ring finger out like that? I can't even get mine to do it. Heh. Glad you liked the new 'Star Wars.' We did, too!

>37 kidzdoc: - I half-jokingly told The Wayne we should go back today :) We aren't, but it's so tempting.....

>38 Crazymamie: - Love it! Thanks, Mamie.

We saw 'Deadpool' last night - it was really good. But please, people, it is NOT child appropriate, even if your kids saw other Marvel movies... Seriously, I was really surprised by the number of kids there (and by kids, I mean around 10 or so).

But it was a hoot, though I liked 'Guardians of the Galaxy' more...

Happy Valentines Day Katie and Happy New Thread!

Going back to your previous thread, Yikes on the credit card fraud. So glad your card provider didn't give you any hassle but still... talk about a shock to the system. Oh wait... you said they haven't removed the charge yet. Hum.... interesting.

Congrats on your first 5-star read of 2016 and good job on sticking with your gym workouts!

Love the idea of a movie marathon on Valentine's Day. My other half has completely shocked - yes, shocked - me in wanting to watch "Shakespeare in Love" this evening at home. Did not see that suggestion coming.... ;-)

>39 katiekrug: I love lamb, and that lamb burger sounds delightful. It's become my preferred red meat.

>41 lkernagh: - Hi Lori! The good news is I got a message from the credit card company on Friday confirming that they are removing the charge I disputed. Yay!

Funny about your other half and SiL - my husband just surprised me by expressing interest in watching 'Much Ado About Nothing' which I have from Netflix right now :) Even better, he surprised me by doing a load of laundry while I was at the grocery store!

>42 kidzdoc: - Darryl, the funny thing is that I really only like ground lamb. Weird, I know. I think it softens the gamey flavor or something... I was traumatized as a child by a terrible leg of lamb my step-grandmother "cooked" for Easter one year. I should probably try something like your lamb stew to see if that's palatable given all the other ocmponents and flavoring. But straight lamb, I have a definite issue with!

even better, he surprised me by doing a load of laundry while I was at the grocery store!

Nice!

Okay, I am off to the gym because it has become strangely addicting to walk on a treadmill and people watch :) I also like the uninterrupted audiobook listening time!

>44 lkernagh: - Yep! I don't know what got into him ;-)

Congrats on the new thread, Katie!

Love that Abby Wright illustration up top.

Hope you've been having a great weekend.

>47 Thebookdiva: - Aww, super cute, Abby! Thanks!

>48 jnwelch: - Hi Joe - thanks for the new thread greetings. The weekend has been great so far. Going out now for an early and impromptu Italian dinner....

>40 katiekrug: I saw Deadpool over the weekend too and totally agree with you about not letting kids see it. I thought it was funny but so inappropriate for anyone under 18.

>43 katiekrug: the funny thing is that I really only like ground lamb. Weird, I know. I think it softens the gamey flavor or something...

Hmm. I haven't had lamb burgers that often, so I can't compare the taste of them to the lamb I've had in the UK, or the leg or shoulder of lamb I've made in Caroline's divine Irish lamb stew or the harira (Moroccan lamb, chickpea and spinach soup) that I made a couple of weeks ago. I'll have to see if my local Publix sells ground lamb (I suspect that it does), and give it a try.

I find lamb to be delicate and tender, especially in stew, and I've now become more fond of its taste, compared to beef.

I was traumatized as a child by a terrible leg of lamb my step-grandmother "cooked" for Easter one year.

Oh, that could definitely do it. I tried making Irish lamb stew for my parents last year or the year before, but instead of going to Reading Terminal Market in Center City Philadelphia to buy lamb as I had planned to do, I let myself get talked into buying it locally in the suburbs where my parents live. (Even though they live in a nice middle class area their supermarkets are considerably worse than my local Publix, Kroger or Whole Foods.) I found some lamb which didn't look particularly appealing, but I decided to give it a try anyway, and it was rancid and smelled awful when it was finished cooking. I didn't bother tasting it or serving it to them, and I just threw the stew away. If your step-GM's lamb was anything like that stew I could see why you were traumatized by it!

My mother used to make lamb chops on occasion when I was a kid, so I learned to love lamb way back then.

I should probably try something like your lamb stew to see if that's palatable given all the other components and flavoring. But straight lamb, I have a definite issue with!

You're far from alone. I've brought Caroline's Irish lamb stew to work, and some of my co-workers would easily try it, whereas others would recoil in horror at the thought of eating it.

>50 Oberon: - I'm glad I'm not just an old fuddy-duddy, Erik! My parents were pretty loose about what mys ister and I were allowed to watch, but I think if we had expressed interest in something truly beyond our years, they would have said no. That said, I could see some mature younger-than-18 teens seeing 'Deadpool.' A lot of the humor might be over their heads, though....

>51 kidzdoc: - Darryl, when I was growing up, a staple dinner was lamb patties, white rice, and lima beans. It was like a throwback to the 50s or something (or how I imagine the 50s were being a youngster myself ;-) ) Lamb patties were just ground lamb shaped into oval patties about 3/4 of an inch thick or so. They came from the grocery butcher case pre-shaped (I've never seen this since, though it's easy enough to find ground lamb these days). My mom would broil them so they got a tasty crust on top. I still remember that dinner fondly... I haven't tried to re-create it because I'm so bad in the kitchen, I'd just ruin it and thus ruin the memory!

>52 katiekrug: My parents were pretty relaxed about movies too so I saw plenty of things that were "advanced" for me. For my kids, I am pretty loose too but I make it a point to watch things first before I let the kids see it. For example I let the kids see the Martian yesterday. The language was a bit of a problem a few times but I thought the movie as a whole was fine for them.

Deadpool definitely not.

>52 katiekrug: I haven't tried to re-create it because I'm so bad in the kitchen, I'd just ruin it and thus ruin the memory!

I had a similar conversation with our business operations coordinator earlier this week. Her husband is the cook in the family, and she gets discouraged because she can't make his recipes as good as he does. I suggested that she was setting herself up for failure by trying to duplicate his effort, and proposed that she try recipes different from his. I'll probably never make cornbread as good as my father does, or fried chicken to equal my mother's, but I've now come across at least a half dozen recipes that they both love, including the chicken and Andouille sausage Creole jambalaya I made earlier today.

ETA: I also think that, as in any endeavor, success in the kitchen is a combination of confidence that you can do what you aim to, and a willingness to accept mistakes and failures. It's easier for me as a single guy to try new recipes, as I'm not responsible for feeding anyone but myself and if I don't like what I've made I can always toss it out and select something I do like from my freezer or refrigerator.

>45 katiekrug: This is going to be me. I have been instructed to walk twice a day, 30 minutes each, and I figure audio books are going to make this possible. I'll walk some in the neighborhood but in winter I'll be at the gym for sure.

Happy New Thread and Happy Valentine's Day, Katie!!

>34 katiekrug: that burger sounds amazing. I cheated for dinner tonight, texted a friend and asked her what she was making and then copied! Mwa ha ha ;)
It was spaghetti and meatballs with slow cooked pasta sauce, btw.

It's still Sunday where I am and so...

>53 Oberon: - Agreed! I'm sure it's hard for parents to screen everything before their kids are clambering to see it, but I've seen a lot on the internet about the appropriateness of 'Deadpool' for children who might have seen, say, 'Captain America.' Seems to me there's been plenty of warning and yet there were at least a dozen kids in the showing I went to...

>54 kidzdoc: - I can make a few things quite well - pasta sauce, chili, various soups. Basically things I can put on and forget about for a while. Anything that requires a lot of preparation or careful timing of several steps - no thanks! I know lots of people find cooking to be relaxing and fun. I just find it to be stressful and a chore. That said, I am totally trying Cait's baked chickpea recipe because I love garbanzos and anything 'Mediterranean.'

>55 EBT1002: - Ellen, it's a really nice distraction while plodding along. Also, I get a sense you 'live' inside your head a lot, and it's good sometimes to just let things go and enjoy a story. I try to keep things fairly light - dense or challenging fiction doesn't work for me at all on audio. Mysteries, 'light' fiction, narrative non-fiction are my favorite genres for listening. Also YA if I'm in the right mood. And I tend to hold audios to a slightly lower standard than my other reading, because I know my attention is not perfect and I could miss some things that could influence my reaction. Also I find it hard sometimes to distinguish between problems I had with the story and problems I had with the reader.... Anyway, good luck!

>56 LovingLit: - Oooh, spaghetti and meatballs sounds good, Megan! We weren't going to go out for Valentine's Day but I had a hankering for Italian and there is a little place about a mile away where you can bring your own wine. So we went there and I had chicken parm with spaghetti. My increased healthy lifestyle must be paying dividends because I normally would have eaten it all right up but last night, I was quite content to bring half of it home. Go me!

(Granted, some will say I shouldn't have had any at all, but I'm not into depriving myself. If there is something I really want, I have it - just not a lot of it. I find a super-restrictive diet is a recipe for failure.)

>57 Berly: - Thanks, Kim! Happy Day After Valentine's Day to you!

Morning, Katie! Monday. Again.

>60 Crazymamie: - I don't understand why it keeps coming around! I don't want it!

I know, right?!

Sorry to hear this morning that Pat Conroy has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I have liked the three or four of his books I've read, and have a few unread on my shelves.

I highly recommend My Reading Life to anyone who hasn't read it. The audio, read by Conroy, is wonderful - and one you won't want to speed up and lose the cadence of his voice...

>58 katiekrug: It might be just the fact that the Marvel name is tied to it and parents are assuming it is similar to the Avengers and other such movies.

So sad. I hate cancer. Adding My Reading Life to your Dirty Dozen.

>64 Oberon: - I think that's exactly it, Erik.

>65 Crazymamie: - Yay! But do try to do the audio - he's not a polished reader, but I think memoirs like that are so much more affecting when read by the author. And his voice is wonderful.

Another vote for My Reading Life...and DAMN about the cancer.

Katie, I remember those pre-formed lamb burgers...we used to have them when we were first married. I haven't noticed them in the markets lately either. We love the taste of lamb in most all forms here, but I know it doesn't appeal to some people because of what they perceive as a "gamey" taste. Having grown up eating venison, pheasant, rabbit and even moose on occasion, "gamey" isn't a bad thing to my taste buds. In moderation, of course. A tough old sheep (read "mutton") -- or a tough old chicken, for that matter--is no taste treat.

>66 katiekrug: I have made a note of it so I won't forget. Thanks for that!

>67 laytonwoman3rd: - I thought MRL was such a special book. So personal and raw in places but ultimately a celebration of books and reading that one couldn't help but love. I have not read the 'follow-up' Death of Santini, though I have it saved on audio. Unfortunately, Conroy doesn't read it himself...

I've had both venison and pheasant (though not for years) and don't remember finding either particularly bad. I really think it was that terrible leg of lamb I encountered as a child that scarred me!

>68 Crazymamie: - My pleasure, Mamie!

The only Conroy I have read is the Prince of Tides, which was oh so beautifully written but also haunting. I don't think I could ever reread it because it broke my heart. Truly.

I haven't read that one. His memoir 'The Water is Wide' is wonderful, and I also liked 'Lords of Discipline' and 'Beach Music.' The latter was the first of his I read, I think. It's one of those fall-into-and-not-get-out-until-it's-finished books.

He had a messed up childhood with an abusive father and I think he carries a lot of that trauma into his writing.

Monday again? Already?! LOL. I love Conroy, but I have yet to read My Reading Life--added to the pile!!

This made me laugh.

>63 katiekrug: Pat Conroy is one of my favorite authors. I have all of his books and just love every word he has ever written. I wish there were more. I was just heartsick to hear the news this morning. Pancreatic cancer is so scary...

>73 Berly: - Oh, you'll like it Kim. It's Katie Approved!

>74 Crazymamie: - Awesome. And so true...

>75 Dianekeenoy: - Hi Diane! He said in his statement that he "owed" another book and planned to deliver, so there's some hope. But yeah, pancreatic cancer is pretty awful.

Hi, Katie! Nice to see all the My Reading Life love! I read and enjoyed it a few years ago. I bet the audio would be excellent.

I also thought it would inspire me to read more of his work but I never got around to it. I blame LT! I did read The Prince of Tides, way back, before the film came out, but that is it.

>77 msf59: - Hiya Mark! You should give Beach Music a try. I really liked it back when I read it ages ago. I have The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, The Boo, and South of Broad on my shelves to read....

I got back from the gym this morning to find the hubs awake and in the shower. This through my entire schedule off and now I'm running a little late. Oh well.

I finished an audio at the gym (listened to it on "fast" speed on my crummy little mp3 device so when I was logging it, I had to calculate how fast was fast so I could get the number of minutes I actually listened to correct (I may have some OCD tendencies). "Fast" turned out to be about 1.35 faster than normal speed). That speed really worked for this particular audio as the narrator was crazy slow - I'm grateful for the discussion earlier this year about listening speeds for audios as it encouraged me to experiment a little...

Morning, Katie! What was the audiobook - the Julia Quinn?

>80 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie! The audio was Please Ignore Vera Dietz, a YA novel. But I've kept the fast setting on the Quinn which is read by Rosalyn Landor who is also kind of slow, so it's working there, too. Hooray for more time for more books!

Amen, sister! I love that I can adjust the audio speed.

Book Riot's "Anatomy of a Scene" column took on three film versions of Darcy's first proposal from Pride & Prejudice. It's a fun read for anyone who is a fan of both the novel and the various adaptations...

http://bookriot.com/2016/02/16/anatomy-scene-darcys-first-proposal/

Morning, Katie! I liked that "Anatomy of a Scene" - really fun, and it's convinced me that I need to see Bride and Prejudice. How did I miss that one?

I only came across it surfing Netflix once. I remember very little of it....

Well, my research is incomplete until I have tracked it down and seen it.

>78 katiekrug: If you enjoyed Beach Music you really ought to get to The Great Santini and Prince of Tides---I think Beach Music is one of his lesser works, and those two are masterpieces. Be prepared to be wrecked, of course.

Be prepared to be wrecked, of course. Truer words were never spoken.

>86 Crazymamie: - I kind of want to re-watch it now!

>87 laytonwoman3rd: and >88 Crazymamie: - I've heard this and wonder if that's why I've been avoiding them? But I own both so the time will come. Now probably sooner rather than later...

Can I just say that if I were not a married woman, the only motivation I would need to get to the gym in the morning is the very handsome and charming gentleman who mans the check-in desk? *fans self* Yowza!

Really enjoying my workouts (and not just because of Hot Guy) and the results of making better food choices. I still indulge occasionally (Italian on Valentine's Day), but overall, I feel so much better and the annoying little headaches I was getting a lot (probably from all the crap food) have disappeared. So yay!

(I should probably mark this post as a favorite so I can find it when my motivation deserts me... Heh.)

>83 katiekrug: This was fun. I like the Keira version. Emma Thompson wrote some of the speeches (I may have watched the director's commentary in an idle moment....)

>90 katiekrug: Impressive stuff (the health, not the attractive gym staff!).

>91 charl08: - I didn't know Emma Thompson contributed to the script of that P&P! No wonder I like it, though I think the description of it as an adaptation of an experience is pretty spot-on.

this lovely hardcover arrived in the mail today. I hope to read it fairly soon while my trip to Santa Fe and the O'Keeffe museum there is still relatively fresh in my mind!

>91 charl08: I like the Keira version too and like Katie thought "adaptation of an experience" was spot on. The film has sentimental value for me because I took my then-12yo daughter to see it and it was a huge inspiration for her, pretty much solidifying her desire to become a writer.

>94 lauralkeet: - What a neat story, Laura!

Morning, Katie!

Morning, Katie!

>96 Thebookdiva: - Morning, Abby/Mamie's daughter!

>97 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie/Abby's mom!

Are you two sitting side-by-side on your laptops?

>98 katiekrug: Ha! I'm looking forward to the answer to that one.

Good morning, Katie!

Good morning, Joe!

Hey y'all - BookOutlet.com is having a sale through tomorrow - 15% off everything. Their books are already deeply discounted, so the sale prices are pretty awesome. I ordered 14 books for about $34. I've had some luck searching for specific books, but it's also fun to scroll through and find some books you didn't even know you wanted ;-)

>93 katiekrug: What a beautiful book. I'm going to stop looking at it now...I still have books coming in...

>101 katiekrug: I need not to go look at BookOutlet...okay, maybe just a fast peek. I hope you're happy!

>101 katiekrug: Okay, I looked and now have four more books coming. You're right, great deals! Another Jane Smiley book, too! So, thank you for the info.

Glad I could "help," Diane!

Hi Katie! Just catching up here before I get too far behind. :-)

>63 katiekrug: Not good news. I also really liked My Reading Life. The other one of his that I loved was The Water is Wide. I think I like his autobiographical ones better than his fiction for some reason.

The Georgia O'Keefe book has a gorgeous cover. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.

Morning, Katie! It's my favorite day!

>106 cbl_tn: - I know the feeling, Carrie!

>107 nittnut: - The Water is Wide is wonderful, Jenn. I think that's the first of his I read. I have high hopes for the O'Keeffe book....

>108 DianaNL: - Wonderful, Diana! My weekend has already started, as it is my Friday off :)

>109 Crazymamie: - Hooray for Friday, Mamie!

This morning, I am getting my hair trimmed and my highlights touched up. Then maybe a stop at a used bookstore, followed by lunch at Lyfe Kitchen, a run to the library, and then a trip to the gym. We are trying a new restaurant tonight (Mudhen Meat and Greens http://www.mudheninthe.net/) which looks super yummy and very healthy. There are about 8 things I want on the menu, so I will have to make some tough decisions. Life is so hard.

>90 katiekrug: You go girl! Good to hear that you are enjoying the benefits of working out. When you keep it up for a long time you will not feel right if you slide into inactive mode for any length of time so it is a lifetime commitment!

Morning, Katie! How was the new restaurant? More importantly, what did you order?

Happy Saturday, Katie! Sorry, about snubbing you yesterday. I will offer a hug and a little Marky-Mark Love, (the innocent kind, of course).

Enjoy your day, my friend.

>112 Familyhistorian: - Hi Meg and thanks for the encouragement! Had a great workout this morning so the train keeps rolling :)

>113 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie! I ended up building my own bowl with bison-beef meatloaf, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and parsnip puree. And a nice sauvignon blanc. Or three :D

>114 msf59: - No worries, Mark! I wasn't even going to mention it since it was a pretty boring post, but I couldn't resist giving you a hard time :) Thanks for the love... I won't tell The Wayne...

Last night after dinner and a post-prandial cocktail, we came home and watched 'Much Ado About Nothing' with Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh. Love!

This morning I've been to the gym, just finished my Greek yogurt, and after I shower, I'll be off to get a pedicure and run a few errands. Tonight we are celebrating my nephew's 7th birthday, so that should be, um, fun. I guess?

The reading is still really slow. Not sure what my problem is. I read about 10 or 15 pages and then find something else to do. And I am really enjoying the book. Still plugging away at Nobody's Fool. I may have to set it aside for a bit, as my RL book group meets next Sunday and I need to read that book (Cold Earth by Sarah Moss). And I'm behind on my PHW reading... sigh. I will not stress about it. I will not stress about it. I will not stress about it.

Is that the version with Keanu Reeves? I had that on video at one point.

Hope you find the reading mojo. I am enjoying Girl waits with Gun, chosen in favour of lots of serious books I didn't feel like today.

ETA For some reason my phone thinks I am more likely to be talking about football (Roy Keane) than films (Keanu). I'm offended. Typo fixed.

>117 charl08: - Yep, that version. I had it on video, too! We watched it on DVD from Netflix... I am hoping that starting something new will kick-start my reading again...

>116 katiekrug: I am with you on Nobody's Fool, Katie. I am getting a bit more into the character of Sully and the interaction of the characters is interesting but I just don't know where everything is heading. That and the length of the book make it hard to read quickly.

So, what did you order, Katie?

It sounds like you are the workout Queen, now. Keep it up.

>119 Familyhistorian: - Meg, I think I'm going to give it a rest for a while and give something different a try. I'm sure I'll come back to it in the next few weeks, because I am enjoying it - especially the humor.

>120 BLBera: - Beth, I did a "Build a Bowl" where you choose from different proteins, veg, and starches. I got beef-bison meatloaf, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and parsnip puree.

Don't know about "Queen" but I am staying motivated which is good!

10. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
5 stars (I connected with this book in a special way. It may not be perfect, but it was perfect for me.)

This audio, masterfully read by Kenneth Branagh, brings a new dimension to this classic, a horrifying story of colonialism and brutality in which the very meaning of humanity is questioned. Highly recommended but, as always, with HoD, be prepared to be made uncomfortable, despite - or perhaps in part because of - the lush prose.

11. Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
3 stars (I don't hate myself for reading this.)

A slightly above average YA novel about friendship, first love, and betrayal. Vera and Charlie have been friends forever, but when Charlie takes up with a new group, Vera is left to sort out her feelings, the truth, and what it means to forgive. This was a smarter book than a lot of the examples of the genre, but there were still some big holes in the plot that I don't think King closed adequately, and when a novel depends on the supposed charisma of one of the main characters, it's incumbent upon the author to make that charisma come through clearly to the reader. For me, I didn't get why a smart and cool girl like Vera would be so invested in Charlie. But maybe that's just me. I never did have time for teenage angst - even when I was a teenager.

12. The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn
3.5 stars (Pretty good, with a few things done very well.)

The third in a series by a favorite author. As usual, the humor carries the day.

Morning, Katie! Happy Sunday! Look at you posting reviews!! I need to do that. *sigh*

Katie, I hoped you survived the seven-year-olds. I assume it was LOUD. And I'm glad your dinner on Friday was good. I didn't like to say anything beforehand, but there were no fries on that menu. I checked twice. This is what happens when you think a country's whole cuisine is like Triple D.

>125 Crazymamie: - Happy Sunday, Mamie! I keep all completed but unreviewed books in my "Currently Reading" collection, and when it gets too messy, I try to throw something down so I can get it off that list :)

>126 susanj67: - Hi Susan! It was a tad loud, and three members of my family managed to annoy me within the first half hour, so that was fun :-/ Blerg. But my 2-year old niece, Abby, was there, and she and I played "catch" with a balloon, so that was entertaining. Ha! on the no fries. They did have fingerling potatoes, which I was tempted by but carbs are my downfall and I am really trying to limit them. Sad face.

>126 susanj67: neither the food nor the people are all like Triple D -- thank heavens!!

Nice reviews, Katie. Yum, especially the veggies.

*waves at Katie* Catching up. Slowly.

Morning, Katie!

>128 RebaRelishesReading: - Amen to that, Reba!

>129 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth :)

>130 MickyFine: - Take your time, Micky! We'll all still be here.....

>131 Crazymamie: - Neutral Monday, Mamie! Love that little girl's face :)

I started Cold Earth for my RL book group which meets next Sunday. It really caught me last night and I zoomed through 40 or so pages before conking out. Hopefully this change of pace is just what I need to jump-start my reading again.

Part of what has slowed me down is that at the end of the day, I am just more physically tired than usual - from getting up early to go to the gym to having a lot more energy to do stuff throughout the day, by evening, I'm just kind of zonked, so I sit down finally to read and can only make it through a paltry number of pages before falling asleep. It's all in a good cause, though, so I refuse to stress about it. And the increased gym time is giving me more audio time - that, plus my last couple of audios sounding okay on "Fast" speed - has allowed me to zip through them much faster than usual...

Hooray for a book boost!!

I am thinking that you are exactly right about what is slowing you down. When I first started the walking, I felt the same way - I had a burst of energy during the day and was a lot more productive, but by evening I was completely zonked. I am happy to report that if you can keep to it and let it become routine, the evening stuff will get better. Of course, I do not work full time outside the home, so you have a different set of parameters. But I did find that my body and my mind adjusted eventually, and I was a good tired but not completely zonked at the end of the day.

You are doing so great, Katie!!

Aww, thanks, Mamie!

i think sometimes I used to prioritize reading and books and LT above other things that in the grand scheme of things are actually more important. So yesterday, when The Wayne announced he was going to work on organizing the garage, I helped him because I know he does better with an external motivator (me) working with him and encouraging him. In the past, I would have told him to have fun and gone back to my book ;-)

I also meant to mention that my current audio book is excellent - this may be one for the Dirty Dozen. It's Among the Missing by Morag Joss. Not super far into it, but it's pretty gripping. And I love books that alternate perspectives/narrators...

Look at you being all supportive! Craig would probably love if I would do more of that - but he loves to work outside. My idea of outside is the deck...

I will stayed tuned to find out if Among the Missing qualifies for your Dirty Dozen - so exciting!

>133 katiekrug: I loved Cold Earth. It's one of those books that people seem to either love or hate.

Ohh, Morag Joss! I love her. Her books are usually dark and twisty. I haven't read Among the Missing yet but I really liked Half-Broken Things and The Night Following.

Cold Earth does sound good. Joss sounds familiar. Off to see if I've read anything by her.

>137 SandDune: I also really liked Cold Earth. I hope it continues to work for you, Katie.

Good luck with getting your evening zip back lol. I'm feeling the same. I joined a gym and between the start of school and the early morning class I teach and then going to the gym every day, I am toasted by 8 pm. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks it will sort itself out. Not that going to bed at 8 or 9 is a terrible thing, but I'm sure not getting as much reading done.

>136 Crazymamie: - Yeah, I didn't love working int he garage. It's all dirty and hot and the weather was humid and sticky. Blech! I will, of course, let you know how Among the Missing turns out...

>137 SandDune: - So far, I like it a lot, Rhian. I'm a bit nervous how the others in the group will receive it, as I think especially in the beginning, it's a bit outside their comfort zone.

>138 DeltaQueen50: - Judy, I've already added all her other books that the library has to my WL :)

>139 BLBera: - Beth, Cold Earth might be right up your alley. It's smart and rather tension-filled. I know you like a good intelligent suspense novel like I do!

>140 lauralkeet: - I hope so, too, Laura!

>141 nittnut: - Jenn, I know I need to give it more time. The good thing is I am not tempted to short-change the exercise in favor of reading, so that's progress :)

Ooof, long day today. Lots of prep for the upcoming Board meeting.

This struck me as funny: for Board meetings, we often organize airport transfers to have Directors met at the airport and driven to the hotel. In some places, it's a necessity for security reasons and in others, it's just a nice thing to do for people coming off overnight flights into an unfamiliar and sometimes chaotic/exotic/completely foreign to them place. As you know (thanks to my bitter complaints), this upcoming meeting was moved from Croatia to Dallas for budget reasons. We offered to organize a transfer if anyone felt it necessary but also provided plenty of information on rental cars, taxis, and Uber at the two Dallas airports. I had only TWO people ask for private transfer - one a gentleman flying in from Saudi Arabia and the other from.... Pittsburgh. As in Pennsylvania. I kind of wanted to email him and be like, "Seriously, dude? You can't get a taxi?!?!"

My job is an odd combination of project management, communications, and babysitting... But I love it!

>144 katiekrug: That's hilarious ... I wonder what he was thinking - how much of a hassle it would be to get a taxi after his 3 hour flight?

>144 katiekrug: ha ha that's priceless.

Morning, Katie! >144 katiekrug: That made me laugh!

>145 ursula: - Maybe Dallas just seems really scary and exotic?!?

>146 lauralkeet: - I mean, really!

>147 Crazymamie: - Glad I'm not the only one who found it amusing :)

>144 katiekrug: Katie, he probably saw "Uber" and made his request. But if your other taxis are OK then yeah, it's a bit silly. He'd even have the right currency and everything!

>149 susanj67: - Hey, I use Uber! But yes, our taxis are fine. I didn't even suggest anyone actually take public transportation, because, ooooh, scary :-P

Katie--Congrats for fitting in the morning workouts and I hope your energy picks up in the evenings. Also wishing you good book mojo, or at least an upshift in holding your interest. Laughing at the Dallas guy who couldn't fend for himself. And crying with you that it got moved to Dallas from Croatia, not that I don't like Dallas....

Happy Hump Day!!

Morning, Katie! Look at us moving right into Wednesday!

>151 Berly: - Hi Kim! It's okay, I don't really like Dallas myself... ;-)

>152 Crazymamie: - Go us!

I know, right?! We are so awesome!

I mean, it's not like it has anything to do with the inevitability of time passing...

No - it's all us.

Checking in again before getting on the big bird tomorrow. Katie, I'm right with you about doing more active things, but I haven't made it a ritual to get to the gym yet. Maybe there will be a gym at the hotel in San Francisco, and I can be all healthful in the morning. Of course, for reasons that are now invalid we are taking a really late flight to SF, so I assume I'll be toast in advance on Friday.

I've never read any Morag Joss. Are they mysteries?

>156 Crazymamie: - Because we rock.

>157 ffortsa: - Judy, this is my first Joss but I think she's more in the psychological suspense genre than mysteries. I'm really enjoying this one! Did you see my last PM? I just wanted to make sure I had the date right for our Meet-Up. It's next Saturday, March 5, right?

I didn't get to the gym this morning, and I've felt like crap all day, so I think I'm officially hooked!

Are you going every day Katie? That's impressive stuff. I'm havering over a new yoga class tomorrow. More convenient time, bit whole new bunch of people and new venue...

Charlotte, my goal is to go 5 times a week. Right now, it's more like 4 times a week that I'm there...

>158 katiekrug: March 5 is right!

Morning, Katie! Four times a week is great, I am thinking. And yes, we do rock!

>161 ffortsa: - Excellent! Looking forward to it, Judy.

>162 Crazymamie: - I went this morning and wasn't totally feeling it but I think that was due to lady other issues. I still went :)

Hi, Katie! Sweet Thursday! Hooray for your gym routine. You feeling any better or is it to soon?

Well, you get bonus points for that.

>164 msf59: - I feel great, Mark. Loads more energy and a happier (!) disposition in general :)

>165 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie. I will take my bonus points in wine, please.

Any of those bonus point left over to be shared with the group? No? Shame. I'll just have to pour my own.


4x week sounds good.
That's the goal with the swimming. Hasn't worked yet!

Wow! That sound makes it worth it, right?
Go Katie! Go Katie!

>167 charl08: - Oooh, mama want! How brilliant is that?

>168 msf59: - Thanks, Mark :)

I'm sitting in my office, waiting on the hubs to pick me up. For various boring reasons, we decided to car pool today. I hate being at the mercy of someone else... And now he's gone radio-silent so I feel forgotten. Woe is me.

His cat, Molly, is very sick. At first, the vet thought she probably had cancer of some kind, but now it looks like feline infectious peritonitis (I think I got that right) which is a virus. Not much to be done for her really, so we'll take her home and try to make her comfortable. Not sure what kind of timeline we are looking at, but she's obviously not well... Poor Wayne. And poor Molly. I'm not much of a cat person, but still...

Oh, Katie, I'm sorry to hear about Molly. Did the vet give her pain meds, and you have to keep her away from Lisa, right?

And I am also sorry that you are still sitting at the office.

Aww, I'm sorry to hear about Molly. Hugs to Wayne too.

>171 Crazymamie: and >172 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Mamie and Laura. Turns out it probably is cancer after all. Without a sonogram to see where the tumor is and how large it is, we won't know if there is anything to be done. But she can't get a sonogram right now because of fluid build-up in her abdomen, so she is on a diuretic to try to get that down. She's at home now.

>170 katiekrug: So sorry to hear about your cat. I can imagine that kind of waiting is tough on everyone.

>170 katiekrug: Sorry to hear about Molly.

Sorry to hear that. Hope she's not in pain.

Katie, I'm sorry to hear about Molly.

Oh, poor Molly, and poor Wayne. I'll be thinking of the lot of you.

Morning, Katie! So sorry that it is cancer. Crossing my fingers that the diuretic works quickly so you can know what you're dealing with - I always do better when I know, even if there is nothing I can do about it. Keeping you and The Wayne in my thoughts and sending hugs.

Thank you, Ursula, Heather, Charlotte, Diana, Amber, and Mamie!

Other than various accidents and the abdominal bloating, she seems ok. She's still eating and doesn't vocalize any pain when we pick her up or gently squeeze her tummy. We have had to isolate her because of the aforementioned accidents. I feel bad for her and realize it's not her fault, but I can't have an incontinent and randomly vomiting cat roaming my house....

Sorry to hear about Molly, Katie, and poor Wayne.

Sick cat is no fun for anyone. Sending sympathies to everyone in your house.

More sympathy here...a sick fur baby is such a sad thing. My own Molly-cat sends her special kitty vibes to Wayne's Molly.

>181 SandDune: - Thanks, Rhian :)

>182 MickyFine: - Appreciate it, Micky!

>183 laytonwoman3rd: - Aww, thanks, Linda. Molly seems to be a popular cat name around here! Suz has one, too.

Came by to wish you a good weekend, Katie, but am sorry to read about Molly.

Happy Friday, Katie. Sorry to hear about Molly.

Morning, Katie!

>185 DeltaQueen50: - Thanks, Judy. I hope you have a good weekend!

>186 BLBera: - Thank you, Beth!

>187 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie!

Sorry about Molly but glad she doesn't seem to be in pain. I hope it can be quickly resolved.

I'm sorry to hear about Molly, Katie. I hope that she remains comfortable.

Me, too, Katie. Hope you're having a decent weekend.

Hi Katie--Sorry about Molly. : (

Hi Katie, cats do grow on you when you aren't looking. I am sorry to hear about Molly and hope you had plenty of #167 to cope.

Best wishes for the kitty Katie and to you of course.

>167 charl08: Does look very enticing just at the moment.

Morning, Katie!

>189 RebaRelishesReading:, >190 kidzdoc:, >191 jnwelch:, >192 Berly:, >193 Familyhistorian:, >194 PaulCranswick: - Thank you, Reba, Darryl, Joe, Kim, Meg, and Paul! She is about the same and still doesn't seem to be in any pain which is good.

My weekend has been good so far. Friday night we went to dinner with friends and then we all hit up a fairly new brewery that was open late and had a stand-up comedy show scheduled. It was a lot of fun - mostly thanks to our friends and the good beer. The comedy was pretty lame... Yesterday I ran a bunch of errands and then we went over to our friends Liane and John's house for dinner and good conversation. They have a Wheaton terrier, and I am in love. I think Louis may need a friend!

Right now, I'm in the office trying to get some stuff done ahead of a very busy week, and then I'm meeting my book group for our first-ever discussion later this afternoon. This is the group I read Cold Earth for - what a great book! I'll be interested to see what others thought of it, as it's kind of a non-traditional psychological suspense novel.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Ooops, almost missed, Mamie! Morning (it still is here), Mame-ster!

>196 katiekrug: How horror-y is it Katie? One of the tags says horror. Don't really go for that, but the Arctic, psych side of things sounds good (as does the author of course).

Hope the book group goes well.

>198 charl08: - I wouldn't say it is horror-y at all, Charlotte. A little creepy in parts, but there is no gore or anything. I think you would really like it!

Ooh, a new brewery. How was it?

Happy Sunday, Katie! I am just kicking back with the books today. I have been looking forward to it.

I can't wait to hear your comments on Cold Earth.

>196 katiekrug: Glad your friends were along to provide the laughs and I can't wait to hear about the book club discussion! Yay!

Howdy KAK! I'm catching up on your current thread. Lots going on. First, let me say how impressed I am with your gym and healthier eating. Way to go! Second, I am really sorry about Molly.

I also love that you are changing up your priorities. It's something I'm working on but my balance is still way off. I'll still keep trying and I love hearing when others do this. Inspiring.

Thanks Katie. I'll add that Sarah Moss to the wish list then! Have a good week.

Glad to hear you enjoyed Cold Earth Katie. I enjoyed it a lot too and think Sarah Moss deserves to be more well known as an author.

>196 katiekrug: Hi Katie. We adopted a 9 year old Wheaten, Annabelle, about 5 years ago. She was the most beautiful and sweet dog we've ever had! Sadly, we only got to spoil her for two years before she got cancer. Her previous owners kept this wonderful dog tied to a tree for nine years. She was so afraid we wouldn't let her back in the house, we didn't close the door ever when she went out. One thing about Wheatens is that they have to only be with the opposite sex. So with Louis, you could only get a female Wheaten. We would love to adopt another Wheaten but we have 2 females and a male already. I will look up the Wheaten adoption website and send you the link later. They are just wonderful!

Happy Leap Day, Katie!

Behind on my own thread, and let's not talk about everyone else's, m'kay?

>200 msf59: - Hiya Mark! The brewery (Oak Highlands) was good. The Wayne seemed happy. I was too stuffed from the Mexican and margaritas we had for dinner to drink much... Hope your Sunday was as relaxing as you intended!

>201 BLBera: - Hi Beth! Short version is that I thought it was really well done. I'll try to put together something more verbose when I can :)

>202 Berly: - Hi Kim! Book club went pretty well... Everyone had something to say and there was some good back and forth. Except me, everyone was a but frustrated by the book - they wanted a nice tidy resolution and that's just not the kind of book Moss was writing. I thought she did a great job with it.

>203 luvamystery65: - Hi Ro! I've missed you (but will get lots of f2f Ro time soon!!!!). My gym and eating habits suffered a set back this weekend, as I was slothful and wanting to eat All The Food. But it could have been worse and I'm back on the wagon now :) I'm having trouble with my priorities, as I'm cutting back on my LT time but don't actually seem to be reading more, so not sure where the time is going... *sigh*

>204 charl08: - Excellent, Charlotte! Can't wait to hear what you think (but I'll be patient as I'm sure your TBR list is as long as mine :) ).

>205 souloftherose: - Heather, I totally agree about Moss. I am looking forward to exploring more of her work. Good to see you, btw!

>206 Dianekeenoy: - Thanks for that great information, Diane! Jess (my friend's Wheaten) was just so sweet. They have another dog -a female labradoodle - and they seem to get along ok, but the other dog is a bit of a hyper spaz. Louis is nice and calm and would, I think, fit well with a Wheaten. Not sure I'm ready to commit to another dog right now, but I'm definitely keeping my eyes open :)

>207 Crazymamie: - Puppy! Thanks for that, Mamie. He made me smile :)

______________________________

In case anyone is interested, this is a Wheaten terrier:



Cute, no?

>210 katiekrug: Very cute! There is a Wheaten terrier who takes his owner for a walk every morning through the village green which is adjacent to where I wait for my carpool ride to work. He is super adorable and always looks like he wants to come to work with us. One of these days ...

>210 katiekrug: Awww. I'm not sure I could resist that face. He'd get away with murder in my house.

Morning, Katie! That Wheaten terrier is adorable! ADORABLE.

>211 rosalita: - I won't tell on you, if you dognap him, Julia!

>212 charl08: - Charlotte, I know.. that face. It's hard enough resisting Louis' sweet mug :)

>213 Crazymamie: - I know! Such a cute fuzz ball, and apparently they really don't shed much which would be a bonus!

We have friends who had a Wheaten. He was a love. I would love to have a dog but with our lifestyle it would be hard -- still, I look at that photo and want to go looking for the Wheaten rescue site

 

Bridie is our 9-year-old wheaten. The photo at top left is about an hour old; she's a furry mess right now, but Thursday she's going to Sparkey's and should come home with a do (as at right) that's "short but not bald." She's a great dog. Loves everyone, well behaved but a runner. Does not climb on the furniture. Not yappy. Wants to go along; if either Judi or I run an errand without her, she mopes by the door until she or I return. But if left alone in the house, even as much as 6 or 7 hours, she's fine.

>216 weird_O: Bridie is a doll, in either her "natural" or "couture" state.

>210 katiekrug: I showed the pic of Jess to Judi, and she said, "Is that Bridie?"

I failed to mention in >216 weird_O: that wheatens don't shed. We had an English bulldog 10 years ago--before Bridie--and she shed with a vengeance. Dog hair everywhere! When Bridie's hair gets long, as it is now, she leaves clumps of hair here and there. Pick 'em up. No mopping and dusting and vacuuming.

>215 RebaRelishesReading: - Reba, it would be hard to have a dog with all the traveling you do. Maybe once you've been everywhere (surely you are close by now?!?!)... :)

>216 weird_O: and >218 weird_O: - Oh, what a sweet girl! Not that I was really unsure, but Bill you've convinced me! And I love that they don't shed. Louis, our lab mix, is a shedder, and as much as I love him, I HATE his hair.

(That wasn't a photo of Jess, just of a cute Wheaten I found on the internet :) )

>217 rosalita: - A-GREED!

Morning, Katie! It's Wednesday!

Hey, Katie! Wheaton terrier-too cute.

Loving all the doggies. Although we are currently the property of a C.A.T., we have in the past been repeatedly enslaved by loving Shelties, and the mere sight of one at a distance in the park reduces us to a wobbly-kneed state.

>219 katiekrug: Actually we do talk about slowing down with the travel. We'll see. Every year for the past several I've told people here that "I'm going to be gone a lot this year but next year I'll be gone less" and then the following year is the same or more...so we'll see. It would be easy to take a dog to Chautauqua, though (many people have dogs there) and easier to care for one in our place there than here (it's a town house with yard around it, here we're in a 6th floor city condo) but cruises and/or air travel abroad would mean finding someone to care for the dog... so, "maybe someday"

*wave*

So many fun doggie photos. I took my two oldest over to HUHA (NZ animal rescue organization) and we walked 5 dogs. We walked a staffie named Otter who is about a year old and the most exuberant pup I have ever met. If I could have a dog where we live, I'd take him home toot sweet. We walked two puppies which only confirmed my desire to never own a puppy, and then two gorgeous dogo Argentinos who were hilarious. Both are deaf, and they chased leaves, shadows of butterflies and my shadow, and it was so entertaining, and so much fun to just laugh with my kids. So therapeutic for all of us.

Morning, Katie!

>220 Crazymamie:, >225 Crazymamie: - I missed two mornings with Mamie. I suck.

>221 Thebookdiva: - Hi Abby!

>222 laytonwoman3rd: - Too funny, Linda! Labs remain my favorite but those wheatens are a close second, I think.

>223 RebaRelishesReading: - It would be hard to have a dog in a condo like that, Reba. But think of all the steps you could log taking him for walks!

>224 nittnut: - I love that you and the kids went to walk the dogs, Jenn! I keep trying to get my husband to volunteer at the no-kill shelter where we found Louis, but so far, no dice.

I was going to apologize for being so absent, but that's rather presumptuous of me... As if you all care that much ;-)

Work is busy, and now I seem to be coming down with something. I had a low fever this morning and thought I might have strep but the test came back negative. So I've been trying to take it easy while still getting ready for my four fun-filled days of Board meetings starting this weekend...

I had to cancel my meet-up with Judy (ffortsa) which I feel terrible about, and I've been cranky and short-tempered all day. A true joy to be around - heh.

Most of your threads are now in the triple digits of unread messages, so I feel hopelessly out of touch. But I'll eventually claw my way back into the land of Caught Up.

And I'm in some kind of reading funk, which may just be tiredness and stress, but I find it VERY annoying!

Oh Katie, it sounds like you need a break! Hope you get through these next busy days at work and then can take some time for yourself.

>227 katiekrug: when I feel like I'm on the verge of an illness I take an effervescent vitamin drink. My lovely other, the stressor that he is, takes one every day! But I find if I have one or two a day for a few days, it can sate something off.
The crankiness is a sure sign with me. My poor kids wore it yesterday. :/ I yelled. Bad mother. But really, they were being atrociously ungrateful.

Morning Katie. Hope you have had a chance to pause a bit and recover soon. Feel better.

Poor Katie -- hope you feel better soon!

Hi Katie! I hope you can get some rest before the conference. Will you get some time off next week when the conference us over?

Sorry you're not feeling well, Katie. I hope you get some rest, manage to get through your working weekend, and then take some well-earned time off.

I'm glad the test was negative, but sorry you're not well. This conference planning sounds really stressing.

With any luck, I've made this trip so economical that my boss will let me come back for a week sometime and we can reinstate our plan!

Happy Friday, Katie! Hope you wake up, feeling more cheery today. Fingers crossed.

I am LOVING King Leopold. Some Luck, not so much...

*raises hand like Hermione* I do! I care if you are here or not!! And you do NOT suck. I hate that you are feeling poorly and are a bit overwhelmed with work and life right now and are in a reading funk. Poor, poor baby. Here's my unsolicited advice - take a deep breath and do something just for you that will make you smile. You do not have to report back about what it is - and it can be something big or little, but I find that the little things are what make me smile the most. You just need a moment. Or two. Or five. Whatever amount of moments you need, take them.

WHEN you come back to my thread, go directly to the bottom - I will let you know if you missed anything good. I promise a recap just for you.

About the reading funk - I have hit a snag, too. Yesterday I finished up Empire Falls, which you were right about - very good! Anyway, I opened and started several other books, but I was feeling headachy and out of sorts, so I ended up going directly to a romance reread - Julia Quinn and Jennifer Crusie and Eloisa James are great go-to authors for me because I don't have to think hard, and they make me laugh.

Sending you all of my love and keeping you in my thoughts. Feel better, Katie.

Oh, dang it, Katie. I hope you're already feeling much better!

Poor KAK! I hope you kick that fever to the curb and get back to your usual marvelously snarky self soon.

"coming down with something"... dreaded words. No wonder you're in a temper. But in them is a bit of advice...the "down" part means you need some down time. Hard to manage, I know. But I hope you can get a bit of it.

Hope that this most welcome Friday helps offset a bit the lousiness you're feeling, Katie. I like what Mamie says up there.

My recent reading probably wouldn't be much of a pick-me-up, but I hope you can find something fun.

Feel better, Katie.

>227 katiekrug: A couple of continents apart but feeling similar. Have a bit of an itchy throat and Yasmyne is down with flu-like symptoms that we are watching in case it is Dengue fever. I am also in a bit of a reading funk although I am seeting light at the end of the tunnel. Hope the light finds you out too Katie.

Have a weekend filled with recovery, reading and relaxation. xx

Morning, Katie! Thinking of you today and wishing you well.

KAK I hope you feel better. We all get hopelessly behind so please take Mamie's advice and start at the bottom of everyone's threads. Rereads are great for reading funks.

Oh, what nice messages you all have left me! I so appreciate it. I'm feeling a bit better, just tired but that will pass once I get through Wednesday and can catch up on rest.
__________________________________

>228 DeltaQueen50: - Hi Judy. Thanks for your good wishes and sound advice. I plan to take next Friday off and have no social obligations all weekend, so that should be some good time to myself :)

>229 LovingLit: - Megan, atrociously ungrateful children usually deserve to be yelled at. I didn't have an effervescent vitamin drink but I am drinking lots of water and seem to have fought off whatever it was that was trying to bring me down.

>230 charl08: - Thanks, Charlotte. I am feeling better, though the pause and rest will have to wait :)

>231 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba! I am!

>232 cbl_tn: - Carrie, I'm having a quiet evening tonight and a lazy morning tomorrow before things ramp up Sunday in the late afternoon. I will probably take Friday off, as yesterday was my official Friday off and I ended up working most of it :-/

>233 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura. That's pretty much the plan :)

>234 ffortsa: - Judy, I hope you do get back here so we can try again!

>235 msf59: - Hiya Mark - yesterday was not too bad and today has been even better. Good to hear about KLG and I'm surprised about SL. I've been looking forward to that one...

>236 Crazymamie: - Ha! Thanks, Hermione Mamie! Your advice is spot-on, as usual. I'll come by for a visit soon... Good thinking about the romance re-read. I've been forcing myself to read PHW which is probably not the best thing right now...

>237 scaifea: - Thanks, Amber. I am feeling better!

>238 rosalita: - Thanks, Julia! I am on the road to recovery, which we all know is paved with snark ;-)

>239 laytonwoman3rd: - Thank you, Linda. I'm sneaking in down time when and where I can. After Wednesday, it will be much easier.

>240 jnwelch: - Hi Joe! Friday was a bit annoying because I ended up working most of it, despite it being my 9/80 day off. But the weather was beautiful and I was running a bunch of errands, so at least I wasn't tied to my desk all day!

>241 BLBera: - Yes, ma'am! Done and done :)

>242 PaulCranswick: - Paul, I hope you and yours get off as easily as I did. The ick feeling never organized into anything major, thank goodness.

>243 Crazymamie: - Mamie, thanks. It worked! Almost back to myself...

>244 luvamystery65: - But, but, but what if I miss something good on someone's thread!?!?! I live in fear of missing out ;-) Hey guess what? Our reading retreat is less than a month away! Woot!

Last night, we went out with my cousin and his wife to see 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.' We all really enjoyed it. It was a lot better than I was expecting. I don't think it's getting great reviews, but I really thought it was a solid film.

I went shopping this morning and am now putzing around the house trying to get myself organized for tomorrow. One of our Board members had to cancel his trip suddenly, so we were on the hook for his hotel room so I'm going to take it. I don't live all that far from the hotel where the meetings will be, but I have to get there ridiculously early each day, so this should at least help me get a little more rest each night, so hooray for that!

WahHOO!! You're back! I missed you, Katie.

Using the abandoned hotel room is brilliant - good thinking.

>227 katiekrug: Katie, I completely and absolutely resonate with the feeling but I'm with Mamie and others -- I want you here! Real Life takes over sometimes and we fall behind. Trust me, I know from personal experience that most LTers will wait patiently for your return and won't even mind if you skim their threads in the interest of "keeping up." Of course, this doesn't take care of the "what if I miss something good?" issue. Sigh.

And, another "what Mamie said" moment: using the abandoned hotel room is brilliant. It will make your work for the meetings just a bit easier and that is a good thing.

I saw that "Whisky Tango Foxtrot" is playing at the SIFF Cinema Uptown. Hmm.

I hope your week goes relatively smoothly and that you keep feeling better and better!

Smart move to use the hotel room - it takes so much off the table and you can just plunk yourself down and sleep.

Our plan to avoid whatever it is that you are suffering with didn't really work. I took today as a sick day - felt awfully congested and sneezing since Sunday morning. A little better today, and I'll probably go in to work tomorrow, but today there was no oxygen left for my brain, so no point in working.

The hotel room will definitely be convenient for you.

Waving hi and sipping vitamin C drinks while reading your thread... hoping you get a nice relaxing day Wednesday.
My kids have been sick, my early morning religion class has involved people sneezing in my face, and I am determined not to give in to the fuzzy head feeling I've got.

>229 LovingLit: Lol Megan. I know how you feel. Only my atrociously ungrateful child is 17. Today after he was vilely uncivil to his little sister, I cursed him with six daughters (synchronized menstrual cycles included, of course) all Drama Queens. No regrets. *grin*

>250 katiekrug: Ooh. A hotel room. Sounds marvelous.

>255 nittnut: synchronized menstrual cycles included, of course
That line nearly made me spew my coffee all over the keyboard!
I don't know if you can watch "Modern Family" in NZ but there's an episode from several seasons back where Claire and her two daughters were synchronized, much to the dismay of her husband and son.

"synchronized menstrual cycles included, of course" On the other hand, with six daughters (and presumably a wife), someone could be "on" all the time...

>255 nittnut: Ha! I am a sixth daughter!!

Morning, Katie! Hoping you are feeling much better today. I am thinking of you, my friend and wishing you well.

Morning, Katie. This made me think of you:

>236 Crazymamie: Mamie -- try Bridge of Sighs by Russo. It has many of the characters from Empire Falls and is a great read.

Katie -- glad you're feeling better.

>260 RebaRelishesReading: Oh, thanks for that, Reba!

Hellooo Katie - hope your event went well and that there is a bottle of something nice in your future.

Morning Katie! Just checking in on my pal. Hope you are doing well and that you are keeping the shenanigans down to a minimum.

Morning, Katie! I brought you some snark:

>264 Crazymamie: Oh I LIKE THAT!!! Mine would be to make them slap themselves.

Hi Everyone! My meetings are over and I'm back in the office cleaning up and doing follow-up. Fun, fun!

Would you all forgive me if I didn't respond individually to your lovely messages? I appreciated each and every one of them, but I want to start a new thread and begin anew... I hope you'll join me over there (once I get it up and running)!

Special shout out to Mamie for her regular pop-ins and special delivery of snark!

Heh. No.