Cheli's (cyderry) 75 thread for 2022

Hi, I'm Chèli, I've been a member of 75ers since 2009. I still need to visit my own thread more often, I will try but these books keep getting in the way!

Most of my time on LT is centered around the Category Challenge (which is what got me hooked on LT in the first place) and as the leader of the pack when it comes to ROOTing - Read Our Own Tomes - a group where we make a conscience effort to read the books that have been sitting on our shelves for too long - the shelves can be actual or virtual. So come and join us if your shelves are sagging under the weight of unread books!

I love to read and I better get to it! 2021 saw my TBRs reach 677. Totally out of control!!! I decided that it was time for a reality check so I went through and purged books that I agreed with myself I would never get to read. I did pretty well because my TBRs are now ONLY 408. Since I increased my reading rate (I read 174 books in 2021) I might be able to read all these in 3 or 4 years but only if I don't get any new books and ARCs. Fat chance of that happening. I guess I'll just have to keep suffering through, spending my time reading when not involved with family and friends.

2021 was my best reading year ever. I normally read about 10-12 books a month but in 2021 I was reading more like 15 a month. I was making a conscience effort to catch up on series that had been lagging behind and by targeting them, my reading numbers skyrocketed! I'm sticking to the same plan for 2022 just selecting different series and authors.

Wishing everyone a healthy, peaceful, and good book filled 2022.

This group always helps me to read; welcome back to the group, Cheli.

Welcome back! Wishing your 2022 is also healthy, peaceful, and good-book-filled!

Happy New Year, Cheli! I hope we can trade book bullets this year!

Happy reading in 2022, Chèli!

>2 PaulCranswick: I have actually learned to do several of these.

If I don't like a book by page 60, I abandon it - there are far too many books on my shelves waiting to be read.

I learned once when I ended up at the hospital with my Mom that not being prepared with reading materials was horrible. Now I always have at least 2 books downloaded to my phone.

Don't understand the one about airplane mode?

Once a week I visit NetGalley to replenish my books hopefully (not that I'm running out)

Talk with my reading friends frequently for more Book Bullets!

Hope you have a great year of reading! I think airplane mode saves your battery and causes fewer distractions (notifications, etc.)

Happy New Year, Cheli. Glad to hear that you had such a terrific reading year in 2021.

Finished my leftover from 2021 - Because of Miss Bridgerton. An enjoyable romance but lacking a bit of the steam from the original Bridgerton series. Maybe it will heat up in the next installments.

Usually on New Year's Day I take a few moments to thank God for the many blessings that had in the prior year and to ask HIM to watch over all my family and friends in the new one.

Today I found this poem and realize that it says what I feel.

Drinking from My Saucer
by John Paul Moore

I’ve never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow.
And as I go along life’s way, I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don’t have a lot of riches, and sometimes the going’s tough.
But I’ve got loved ones around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He’s bestowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, ’Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.
So God, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I’ve hoed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough.
I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

My only problem is in reality I usually use a mug. LOL

>11 cyderry: I first heard that poem when Michael Combs sang it some years ago. I found a YouTube video with him but I noticed many others have recorded it (and their versions may be more to your taste--or mine for that matter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLve5I3zW7Y

I'm very, very good at this!

>13 cyderry: I bet we could form a whole club of people who are very good at that! Oh, wait we have one - the 75ers.

>14 alcottacre: Yes we do.

>11 cyderry: What a wonderful prayer! Thank you my friend. All god wishes to you and your family. Much love to you.

>14 alcottacre: Chiming in to chortle! hee hee hee (is that what a chortle sounds like?)

Karen O.

>11 cyderry: Lovely prayer. LOL that you use a mug. ; )

>12 thornton37814: Procrastireading -- too true!!

Hope life is treating you well. And the books.

It was 21° this morning when I got out of bed. Then I saw that it was National Hot Chocolate - perfect!

Wow they look luxurious drinks. Can share? x

>19 cyderry: It was 21 here this morning too! It did, however, warm up into the 40s today.

Have a wonderful Sunday, Cheli!

Tim and I took a "vacation" to South Carolina the end of February. While we were there we took care of some "business". We were trying to decide where we wanted to move once Tim finally retired.

The trip was a success! We've officially decided to retire to South Carolina and will be having a house built either in Myrtle Beach or Murrells Inlet. It all depends on the lot availability. We expect to move sometime late 2023 or early 2024. Now I have to start clearing out all the stuff/mementos/knickknacks in this house!

That is a big call, congratulations.

Have a lovely weekend, Cheli.

Been really busy this year, so far, I haven't been doing so well.

>22 cyderry: Enjoy getting ready for the move!

How is the "getting ready for the move" thing going? Hope we get an update soon....! : )

>26 Berly: Kim, right now we are waiting for the building permits to be issued. The sales person says it could be a few more months. Once that happens then they will break ground and frame the house out. I am scheduled to have my knee replaced on June 20th so I'm actually hoping that they don't get to far ahead so that I would have to miss the framing walk-through. This is what our "little" cottage will look like except the siding will be a spruce green.



In the meantime, up here in MD my husband, Tim and I have started the elimination of items that won't be going with us to SC. We've lived in this house for nearly 37 years and there is a lot to go through. I took 50 books to my sister a few weeks ago (she hurt her hand and can't work and had nothing to read) and Tim worked at clearing some items out of the garage so that we'd have a staging area for boxes.
Today we worked at cleaning out our walk-in closet of clothes that we probably won't need as much in SC. I kept a few sweaters and my fleece lounging PJs thinking that up here when it's really cold I usually don't go out anyway.

I've been inventorying the furniture, pictures on the walls, small appliances - that kind of thing and determining if it goes with us or if it gets donated, sold, or thrown away. Once I've figured out what's not going, then I'll check with family members to see if anyone wants freebies before I start disposing of what I don't need for staging.

Any furniture unclaimed will be going to either Habitat for Humanity or the Salvation Army. I don't really have any furniture that needs to be "trashed" just re-homed.

This week, however, the move activities for me are on hold because I need to get packed (make sure I have enough books with me) because Tim and I are hitting the high seas on a cruise to the southern Caribbean. We had it planned for last year but COVID made us postpone. When I get back, I'll be repacking for a long weekend with the grandkids in Richmond - it's dance recital time! I'll also get to spend my birthday with the kids for the first time in a long time. Then of course, I'll be doing the run around getting all the pre-op tests and appointments taken care of.

I actually think I'll be ready to take the time to let my knee heal and read some books!

Thanks for asking - I'll try to keep you up-to-date as things progress.

>27 cyderry: We'll have to find time to meet up in person when you get moved to South Carolina. I'm not exactly sure which city you'll be in, but I do vacation on the coast, and upstate isn't that far from me.

>28 thornton37814: We're moving to Myrtle Beach! Some time 2023!
Would love to meet up!

>29 cyderry: Sounds like a plan!

May was pretty busy for me - start of preparations for my knee replacement surgery (scheduling all sorts of appointments), 10 day vacation cruise to the southern Caribbean, a return to an anniversary celebration (48 years with the sweetest man on earth), a short road trip to see 2 granddaughters in their dance recital, my birthday celebration and finally home to more appointments!

I still managed to read 14 books! Not all great but I did enjoy most.

Finished book #75 this morning - A Colorful Scheme!

>32 cyderry: Congrats! You are ahead of me!

>31 cyderry: I hope the knee surgery went well!

Dear Friend! I apologize for lack of communication. Visiting here I note all the changes (good things in your life.) Wishing you all good results from your knee surgery.

>32 cyderry: Congrats, Cheli

>32 cyderry: Congratulations on reaching 75, Chèli!

Congrats!

Well done for reaching 75 already, Cheli.

Well, I'm in major recovery mode from my knee replacement.
Here's what I looked like after 4 days. The bruises are popping!

Needless to say my concentration is a bit off.

>

>40 cyderry: Wow! You poor thing. I hope you heal quickly!

Karen O.

>40 cyderry: OUCH! Hope you are able to withstand the pain enough to read a bit.

>40 cyderry: Oh dear. Rest up and get yourself better soon, Cheli.

Hi, Cheli! Oh, that knee looks ouchie! I can believe your concentration would be off. Congrats on reaching 75! Good luck preparing for your move, and your planned "cottage" looks lovely.

>24 cyderry: Oh, that looks like my ratio of read/TBR books!

Just catching up after finding your thread later in the year. I hope your knee surgery recovery is speeding along. Best wishes for your retirement plans, too. How exciting to have a destination in mind in only a year or two!

Wow! Those are some bruises woman!! Hope they have faded a bit by now and that the swelling is under control. Ouch. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and your cottage looks absolutely beautiful. Happy weekend.

Well, it's been 6 weeks since my knee replacement and there still some tough, painful moments (like steps taken on the wrong foot) but the doctor today said that I was doing great and was farther along than most people at 6 weeks!

Other good news is that house has been started! The slab was poured last week and now we are waiting for the trusses so that framing can begin!

on the reading note, I just realized that I have not posted any of the books that I have read this year. I will remedy that immediately.

Hope everyone is staying cool.

1. Because of Miss Bridgerton
2. The King Falls
3. Caramel Pecan Roll Murder
4. They threw us Away
5. Renewed for Murder
6. Jane Seymour, The Haunted Queen
7. Reserved for Murder
8. Lost Apothecary
9. Rationing
10. Murder at the Bake Sale
11. Ritchie Boy Secrets
12. They Stole Our Hearts
13. Mystery of Albert E. Finch
14. Night of the Assassins
15. Antique Auctions Are Murder
16. Arsenal of Democracy
17. Wedding Bell Blues
18. Vanishing Type
19. French Paradox
20. Lost Restaurants of Baltimore
21. Attack on Pearl Harbor
22. The Burning Pages
23. Peril at Pennington Manor
24. The Bridge Ladies
25. Pope at War
26. Death by Gravity
27. Dark Prophecy
28. Put Out to Pasture
29. Body in the Beauty Parlor
30. Three Tainted Teas
31. Fatal Family Feast
32. Closet Confidential
33. Lost Coast Literary
34. Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor
35. Death Among the Stars
36. Leaving Everything Most Loved
37. Murder by the Bookend
38. Busy Woman’s Guide to Murder
39. a Dangerous Place
40. Last Princess
41. Murder At the Lighthouse
42. Sentenced to Death
43. Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride
44. Evil Woman
45. Journey to Munich
46. Hint of Mischief
47. Curious League of Detectives and Thieves 1: Egypt's Fire
48. Murder on the Half Shelf
49. Diva Wraps It Up
50. Tony's Bread
51. Double Chocolate cookie Murder
52. Batten Down the Belfry
53. Simmering with Resentment
54. Half Baked Alibi
55. Once Upon A Seaside Murder
56. Murder with Darjeeling Tea
57. Thursday Murder Club
58. Dewey Decimated
59. Death by Chocolate Snickerdoodle
60. Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss
61. Absence of Mallets
62. The Other Side of the Coin
63. Death by Chocolate Chip Cupcake
64. The Wicked Wit Of Queen Elizabeth II
65. Queen Elizabeth II
66. The Last Queen
67. Queen Elizabeth II: A very peculiar history
68. Death a Sketch
69. Colorful Scheme
70. The Queen’s Spy
71. Bitter Roots
72. Tuesday Night Survivors' Club
73. Murder on the Poet's Walk
74. Dangerous Collaboration
75. Murder Spills the Tea
76. Three More Months
77. Big Trouble in Little Greektown
78. Not the Killing Type
79. Seven Threadly Sins
80. Book Clubbed
81. Hammer of Thor
82. Art of Theft

Lost Coast Literary was my first 5 star book in 6 years!
I also loved Three More Months which I gave 4½ stars.

You are doing well. I'm behind you, but not as far as I could be!

Hi, Cheli! Glad the knee is coming along well. Belated happy National Book Lovers Day!

Tuesday is NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY! I can do this!

Well, I was progressing in my recovery pretty well, until I took a ride (1500 miles total in 5 days) to pick out all the finishes and options for the new house. Needless to say, I was hurting by the time I got home. My sweet husband was brilliant in that he brought an ice bag along on the trip so whenever he could get it refilled, I had ice in the car. My knee was swelling again and fortunately, I had no PT scheduled for several days. I spent most of them with my leg elevated with ice. Saw the doctor again last week, and he advised I not make the trip again for awhile. Tim went back this weekend without me. Thanks to technology I was able to be on the framing walkthrough remotely.

I am still on the icing regularly schedule after having meniscus repair surgery last Friday. I feel you. Glad the house is coming along nicely. Take it easy!! : )

>54 Berly: had surgery twice for meniscus tears, I understand what you are going through. Take it easy and it will heal.

Oh, this is #3 for me and I am sure I will face the knee replacement thing at some point. Oh well, at least that's an option, right?! : )

Been super busy with prep for the move and selections for the new house. But that doesn't mean I haven't been reading. (Thank God for Audiobooks!)

New House updates
The rough-ins have all been completed - plumbing, HVAC, electrical. We are waiting on the inspections. Once inspections are approved, then insulation and drywall! Timeframe for delivery still looks like March! Looks like I will have two houses for a while! We are hoping to get our current home on the market by February 1st.

reading list continued:

83. A Margin for Murder
84. Three Debts Paid
85. Behind the Frame
86. Murder at Wakehurst
87. A Fatal Booking
88. Marlow Murder Club
89. Fatal Chapter
90. Peanut Butter Panic
91. Mischief, Murder and Merlot
92. Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder
93. Death Plans a Perfect Trip
94. Measure Twice, Murder Once
95. Burning Maze
96. Scent of Murder
97. Diva Serves High Tea
98. Killer Words
99. Diva Cooks up a Storm
100. Getaway With Murder
101. A Trip with Trouble
102. Diva Sweetens the Pie
103. Paper Caper
104. Diva Spices It Up
105. In a Garden Burning Gold
106. Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit
107. Diva Says Cheesecake!
108. Death in the Margins
109. Only the Good Die Young
110. Bookclubbed to Death
111. Dark and Stormy Tea
112. Vacation to Die For
113. Along the Shore
114. Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous
115. Angel's Verdict
116. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
117. Secrets in the Stacks
118. steeped in secrets
119. Bound By Murder
120. Body in the Book Drop
121. Big Shot
122. Proposal to Die For (A Lady Alkmene Cosy Mystery, Book 1)
123. Christie Affair
124. Title Wave
125. Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder
126. A Flicker of a Doubt
127. Unlikely Heroes
128. Guide to the Norse Worlds
129. The Midnight House

I have also been looking at some of my challenge goals and realized that I have 1 more book to read to finish the challenge of reading a book set in all 50 states! North Dakota here I come!

Hi There Friend. Thinking of you and hoping all is well. I hope to talk to you via phone over the holidays. In the meantime, I send lots of good wishes for a smooth transition to your new house and new location.

Much Love!!

Thank you as always for books, thank you for this group and thanks for you. Have a lovely day, Cheli.

Wishing everyone the happiest of holiday seasons!

Cute!!! Hope the house stuff is still progressing well. Happy holidays!

I finished my final book purge for 2022 with a total of 224 - donated, given away, or erased.

Nicely done.

I had a very good reading year in 2022 despite a few bad months where I read less than 10 books.

Total books checked off as read - 152
Here is how they broke down.

15 Series Started
13 second in the series
13 third in the series
75 deep into the series
30 series current as of 12/31/22

15 abandoned books - either couldn't get into it or bad writing
8 new purchases $49
77 new freebies - NetGalley and BookBub

52 audiobooks
99 ebooks
1 paperbook - old secondhand book about rationing in WWII. I really need to try to finish some of those paper books I still have.

Those I did read were ranked as follows:
1 ★★★★★ star book - hadn't had one since 2016
4 ★★★★½ star book
58 ★★★★ book
48 ★★★½ star book
21 ★★★ books
20 less than ★★★ stars

BEST OF THE YEAR

Lost Coast Literary
Evil Woman
Three More Months: A Novel
The Arsenal of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an Epic Quest to Arm an America at War
The Darkest Year: The American Home Front

Only the Good Die Young would have been a 4.5 star except it was too short! I wanted more!

Now on to 2023 and more books!
Wishing everyone great reads in 2023!

>65 cyderry: You did have a good year.