Amber's (scaifea) Thread #29

Hey, everybody!

I'm Amber, a one-time Classics professor, turned stay-at-home parent/lady of leisure, turned part-time library assistant, turned once again Classics professor. I spend my free time sewing, writing, knitting, baking, and, of course, reading.

My reading life is happily governed by lists, which means that I read a healthy variety of things across various genres.

I'm 46 going on 12 and live in Ohio with my husband, Tomm; our son, Charlie; Mario, the Golden Retriever; and the newest addition to the family: Agent Fitzsimmons, the Border Collie.

The haircut isn't all that new anymore, but, well, here I am:



Favorite Books from 2020
The Lumberjanes collected comic volumes
Call Down the Hawk
New Kid
The Wise Man's Fear
The Slow Regard of Silent Things
Pride and Prejudice
Silver in the Wood
A Tale of Two Cities

What I'm Reading Now:
-Timescape (Nebula Award)
-Show Me a Sign (Schneider Award)
-Ravensong (romance list)
-The Stress of Her Regard (audiobook)
-Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms (family bedtime read-aloud)
-The Prophet (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob)
-Death of a Red Heroine (AlphaKIT Challenge: X)
-Catching Fire (reread with Charlie)

Books on Deck:

-More Fool Me (Fry bibliography)
-Les Miserables (books by year - 1862)
-(an unread book from my shelves)
-(a book from my Read Soon! shelves)
-The World of Tibetan Buddhism (Buddhist reading list)
-Hitting the Books (cozy mysteries)
-Richard III (Shakespeare re-read)
-The Group (100 Banned Books)
-Conan (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books)

The five-ish or so books I have going at once and the On Deck books nearly all come from the following categories and lists:

1. A book from the 100 Banned Books book (at least currently. As soon as I finish this list, I'll replace it with another, and oh, I've got tons of lists).

2. 13 years ago I started working my way through a handful of awards lists for children's books. I've finished a fair few of those, but I'm still working through the 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Die list, and I try to stay up to date with several of the YALSA awards each year.

3. A book from the Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List, in chronological order.

4. A list I'm working through together with my best friend, Rob: The Hugo/Nebula/WFA/Bram Stoker (and other) lists (combined, in chronological order)

5. For this category, I cycle through 9 different stacks:
a. Agatha Christie's bibliography (in chronological order)
b. Stephen Fry's bibliography (in chronological order)
c. John Boyne bibliography (in chronological order, sort of)
d. Neil Gaiman's bibliography (in some order other than chronological (don't
ask)).
e. Christopher Moore's bibliography (in chronological order)
f. Maggie Stiefvater's bibliography (in chronological order)
g. The NEH Timeless Classics list
h. The National Book Award list (in alpha order by title)
i. The Pulitzer list (in alpha order by author)

6. An unread book from my shelves.

7. A book from my Read Soon! shelves.

8. A book on Buddhism or from the Dalai Lama's bibliography.

9. Book-a-year challenge: A few years ago, along with a few others in this group (*cough* Paul *cough*), I made a year-by-year list to see how far I could go back with consecutive reads. I've since been trying to fill in the gap years.

10. A cozy mystery.

11. A full-on re-read through Shakespeare's stuff.

12. A read-aloud-to-Charlie-at-bedtime book (or two).

13. An audio book, which I listen to as I knit/sew/otherwise craft/drive.

14. A romance novel.

15. This slot is reserved for books that just grab me and shout that they need to be read Right Now.

Books Read

JANUARY
1. Spinning Silver (Alex Award) - 10/10 = A+
2. Swamp Thing: Twin Branches (Stiefvater bibliography) - 8/10 = B
3. Manchild in the Promised Land (Banned Books list, AlphaKIT: M) - 9/10 = A-
4. The Wish Giver (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
5. Silas Marner (audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
6. The Story of Tracy Beaker (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
7. Thick as Thieves (series reread) - 10/10 = A+
8. Lumberjanes #16: Mind over Mettle (series read) - 10/10 = A+
9. Pilgrimage (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 7/10 = C
10. Each Tiny Spark (Schneider Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
11. The House on the Borderland (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 6/10 = D
12. Beyond Religion (books on Buddhism) - 9/10 = A
13. Outlander (romance list) - 6/10 = D
14. Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
15. Far Away Across the Sea (1001 Children's Books) - 10/10 = A+
16. The Daylight Gate (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-
17. The Queen of Attolia (family bedtime read-aloud) - 10/10 = A+
18. Works and Days & Theogony (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A-
19. The Book Thief (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 10/10 = A+
20. Return of the Thief (series read) - 10/10 = A+

FEBRUARY
21. The Bacchants (myth course reading) - 9/10 = A
22. Camp (romance) - 8/10 = B+
23. Song of a Whale (Schneider Award) - 8/10 = B-
24. Gardens of the Moon (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 4/10 = F
25. Oedipus Rex (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
26. Antigone (Myth course readings) = 10/10 = A+
27. Agamemnon (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
27. Upon the Head of a Goat (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
27. Volcano (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
30. A Promised Land (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
31. The Stone Book Quartet (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C+
32. The Libation Bearers (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
33. Eumenides (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
34. Electra (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
35. The King of Elfland's Daughter (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 7/10 = C
36. The Goalkeeper's Revenge (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
37. Conrad: The Factory-Made Boy (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
38. Medea (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
39. The Frogs (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
40. Metamorphoses (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
41. Iliad (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
42. Odyssey (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
43. Aeneid (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
44. The Histories (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
45. Till We Have Faces (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 8/10 = B-

MARCH
46. My Sweet Orange Tree (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
47. Lord Foul's Bane (BSFA) - 2/10 = F
48. Manolito Four Eyes (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
49. The Early History of Rome, Book 1 (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
50. Farmer Boy (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A-
51. The Henna Wars (romance list) - 8/10 = B+
52. Cursed (Schneider Award) - 9/10 = A
53. Heroides (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
54. The Apocolocyntosis (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A
55. Sandman: The Kindly Ones (Myth course readings) - 10/10 = A+
56. Tales of the Rue Broca (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
57. Far Away Across the Sea (family bedtime read-aloud) - 10/10 = A+
58. After the Rain (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
59. Ready Player Two (from my Read Soon! shelves) - 9/10 = A
60. The Moonstone (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
61. Memoirs of a Geisha (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 8/10 = B

APRIL
62. The Club Dumas (unread book from my shelves) - 9/10 = A
63. Good Night, Mr. Tom (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
64. The Liverpool Cats (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
65. The Ugly American (100 Banned Books) - 9/10 = A
66. The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
67. The Haunting (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
68. The Whistle, the Grave, and the Ghost (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
69. Sense and Sensibility (unread book from my shelves) - 8/10 = B+
70. Middlemarch (audiobook) - 2/10 = F
71. Ordinary Hazards (audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
72. Chaotic Good (Read Soon! Shelves) - 9/10 = A

MAY
73. The Beast Player (Printz Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
74. Another Country (100 Banned Books) - 8/10 = B-
75. Lumberjanes Vol. 17: Smitten in the Stars (series read) - 10/10 = A+
76. The Worm Ouroboros (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books list) - 4/10 = F
77. Where the World Ends (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
78. In the Beginning: Creation Stories from around the World (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C+
79. Max and Sally and the Phenomenal Phone (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
80. BUtterfield 8 (unread books from my shelves) - 9/10 = A
81. Nine Princes in Amber (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 4/10 = F
82. Stories: All-New Tales (books from my Read Soon! shelves) - 8/10 = B-
83. Visitors from London (recommendation from Julia) - 9/10 = A
84. Storm (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
85. Dig (Printz Award, audiobook) - 9/10 = A
86. The Crossover (reread with Charlie) - 9/10 = A
87. The Rose and the Ring (1001 Children's Books) - 6/10 = D
88. Guard of Honor (Pulitzer list) - 8/10 = B-
89. The Girl on the Train (Read Soon! shelves) - 9/10 = A-
90. Sunday's Child (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
91. Mrs. Dalloway (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C
92. Captive Prince (romance) - 8/10 = B+
93. High School (audiobook, Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
94. Scorpions (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
95. Children of the Alley (Banned Books) - 8/10 = B-
96. On the Banks of Plum Creek (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A-
97. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me (Printz Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
98. The Swallows (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A

JUNE
99. Steeple (impulse read) - 9/10 = A
100. Journey to Jo'burg (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
101. Dao de Jing (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 9/10 = A
102. My Friend the Painter (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
103. Drowned Country (from my Read Soon! shelves) - 9/10 = A
104. The Ruins of Gorlan (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
105. Captain Fracasse (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
106. The Dark-Thirty (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B-
107. Cards on the Table (Christie bibliography/audiobook) - 9/10 = A-
108. A Likely Story (cozy mystery series read) - 8/10 = B+
109. Gates of Fire (unread book from my shelves) - 7/10 = C-
110. What Katy Did (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C-
111. Red, White, and Royal Blue (romance) - 9/10 = A
112. Gargling with Jelly (1001 Children's Books) - 4/10 = F
113. Mister Impossible (Stiefvater bibliography) - 10/10 = A+
114. Somewhere in the Darkness (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
115. Crazy Lady! (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
116. Three Men in a Boat (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C-
117. Do You Dream of Terra-Two? (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
118. A Girl Named Disaster (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A

JULY
119. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (100 Banned Books) - 4/10 = F
120. Dominicana (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
121. Getting Near to Baby (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
122. The Duke and I (romance) - 9/10 = A-
123. Uncle Silas (books by year - 1864) - 9/10 = A
124. Black Girl Unlimited (audiobook) - 7/10 = C
125. The House of the Scorpion (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
126. The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
127. Heart of a Samurai (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
128. When You Trap a Tiger (Newbery Medal Book) - 8/10 = B
129. The Cat, or How I Lost Eternity (1001 Children's Books) - 6/10 = D
130. Driftless (challenge read) - 9/10 = A
131. The Fifth Form at St. Dominic's (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
132. Halinka (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 - A-
133. Tashi (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
134. The House in the Cerulean Sea (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
135. The Sound and the Fury (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C-
136. Sick in the Head (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-

AUGUST
137. Three Times Lucky (Newbery Honor Book) - 9/10 = A-
138. All Thirteen (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
139. Black Sun (audiobook) - 8/10 = B
140. The Experience of Insight (audiobook/books on Buddhism) - 8/10 = B
141. Fighting Words (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
142. Seven Little Australians (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
143. Lumberjanes #18: Horticultural Horizons (series read) - 9/10 = A
144. Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
145. You Should See Me in a Crown (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
146. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
147. The Viscount Who Loved Me (romance genre) - 8/10 = B
148. Gender Queer (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
149. The Boy Who Was (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B+
150. Plain Bad Heroines (audiobook) - 9/10 = A

SEPTEMBER
151. Riot Baby (audiobook) = 8/10 = B+
152. We Dream of Space (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
153. The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
154. Vis and Ramin (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B+
155. Better Late Than Never (cozy mysteries) - 8/10 = B+
156. The Owl Service (audiobook/1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B+
157. A Wish in the Dark (Newbery Honor Books) - 9/10 = A-
158. Forever... (100 Banned Books) - 8/10 = B
159. Henry IV Part 1 (Shakespeare re-read) - 10/10 = A+
160. Never Let Me Go (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 7/10 = C
161. The Letter for the King (1001 Children's Books) - 9/10 = A
162. One Last Stop (romance) - 9/10 = A
163. Annie on My Mind (100 Banned Books) - 9/10 = A

OCTOBER
164. The Prisoner of Zenda (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B
165. In Waves (Alex Award) - 8/10 = B
166. Out of the Silent Planet (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books/audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
167. Rabbit, Run (100 Banned Books) - 6/10 = D
168. Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! (Schneider Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
169. Some Things I Still Can't Tell You (pre-ordered must read) - 9/10 = A
170. Beauty (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 8/10 = B+
171. Lumberjanes #19: A Summer to Remember (series read) - 10/10 = A+
172. Rosemary's Baby (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
173. A Darker Shade of Magic (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-
174. Wolfsong (romance) - 8/10 = B+
175. Winter's Tale (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 6/10 - D

NOVEMBER
176. The House in the Cerulean Sea (family bedtime read-aloud) - 9/10 = A
177. Middlegame (Alex Award) - 9/10 = A
178. Alanna (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 8/10 = B+
179. Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 1 (impulse read) - 9/10 = A-
180. This Is My Brain in Love (Schneider Award) - 8/10 = B-
181. The Hunger Games (reread with Charlie) - 10/10 = A+
182. Something Wicked This Way Comes (audiobook) - 10/10 = A+
183. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
184. Time and Again (audiobook) - 8/10 = B+
185. The Tigers of Mompracem (1001 Children's Books) - 7/10 = C
186. Death in the Stacks (cozy mystery) - 9/10 = A-
187. Ysabel (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 9/10 = A
188. The Treasure of Silver Lake (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
189. A Christmas Carol (audiobook) - 9/10 = A

DECEMBER
190. When Stars Are Scattered (Schneider Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
191. Lud-in-the-Mist (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 8/10 = B-
192. Arrows of the Queen (audiobook) - 8/10 = B
193. The Plague (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 8/10 = B+
194. Under the Whispering Door (impulse read) - 10/10 = A+
195. Catching Fire (reread with Charlie) - 10/10 = A+

Festive Mario:



Festive Agent Fitzsimmons:



(I'll try to catch Charlie by the tree sometime soon to post here, if permitted.)

Next one is yours!

Happy new thread, Amber!

How did the Latin cherubs take your Die Hard question?

>7 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky!

Oooh, YES! It was a showdown! I had one student in particular who apparently loves it and she was adamant in her defense, and another student who said that his brother once tried to get him to watch it by saying that somebody gets an icicle through the eyeball, "as if that would entice me in the slightest." HA! It was definitely a lively conversation.

We also had a fun conversation about how there are pretty much no happy endings in Greek or Roman myths and/or history anecdotes and I'm afraid I burst a couple of bubbles there. "What about Pygmalion?" Oh, really? That turned out happy for the statue, did it? HOW, exactly?! Good times.

188. The Treasure of Silver Lake by Karl May (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
An adventure set in the US western frontier, written by a European had not visited the area. But still somehow pretty good, despite now being a little dated and more than a little racist in parts because of that datedness. The bad guys are caricaturistically so, good guys are in the same vein, and the action is simple but fun. It gets a lower grade because the translation was kind of awful, as it seems to me.

Happy new thread, Amber!!

>10 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie!

Welp, after spending 45 minutes this morning on hold and then getting disconnected, then after teaching, another 40 minutes on hold and 20 minutes of the actual scheduling process, I now have a new-patient appointment with a GP. JFC. But, I get a cookie for doing the scary awful thing, right?

Happy new thread! Have as many cookies as you want; I hate scheduling appointments, and that's a heinous amount of wait time.

>13 foggidawn: Thanks, foggi! When they hung up on me after 45 minutes there may have been angry crying.

>14 scaifea: I don't think anything makes me more angry than getting disconnected after an extreme wait time. Well, it might be equal with trying to walk my parents through tech stuff over the phone.

>15 curioussquared: *snork!* I'd never even get that far with my parents - they flat-out refuse to believe they can understand any kind of technology created in the last 20 years.

>16 scaifea: My mother couldn't even handle email, alas.

Happy new thread, btw. Just as I caught up, I because uncaught. Oh well.

Well, at least one of your students deserves an A, for sure.

And you deserve All The Cookies! Scheduling stuff is the worst, and it is now my responsibility for both of us, and sometimes I just want to go back to working a regular job... :)

Happy new thread, Amber!

>9 scaifea: Yes, written in the 19th century, so indeed dated, and racist for present time.
All that completely went by me, when I read it as a youngster.

>12 scaifea: Well done for persisting until you got that appointment, Amber. That kind of stuff sucks, but some things are important and needs must.

>18 katiekrug: it is now my responsibility for both of us, and sometimes...
STOP RIGHT THERE! NO YOU DON'T KATIE! 😃
Seriously, I've taken on master appointment scheduler duties because it beats the hell out of nagging.

>17 ffortsa: Yep, my parents don't own a computer. And don't have any sort of internet access.

>20 lauralkeet: - Ha! You're absolutely right, Laura, especially about the nagging bit...

>18 katiekrug: *SNORK!* It was particularly funny when she said that, well, if it's not the best movie it's because it's a product of its time and I responded with, "excuse me? CHILD OF THE 80S HERE."

And thanks! I will present make myself of cup of hocho with lots of whipped cream on top, and allow myself a small pile of cookies to go with it.

>19 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! Yeah, I wouldn't have caught any of the racist or dated stuff as a kid, either.

>20 lauralkeet: >21 scaifea: Agreed, Laura! DO NOT DO IT. He. Is. A. Grown. Ass. Man. And. Can. Make. His. Own. Appointments. *firm headnod*

ETA: I do not make appointments for Tomm. Ever.

>25 scaifea: oh ... well yes, but I was referring more to Katie's threat to return to a life of paid employment.

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Amber!

And yay(ish) for Karl May! Someday I tell myself I'm going to binge-read his oeuvre. Maybe I ought to do it while I can still muscle through the cringey bits.....

Happy new thread!

>26 lauralkeet: *SNORK!* Well, yeah, that too, I suppose, although I can't actual throw stones in that glass house...

>27 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>28 swynn: Thanks, Steve! This was my first Karl May. I'm not sure if there will be a second one, at least for now, but I'd follow your binge with interest!

>29 quondame: Thanks!

Happy new one, Amber.

Re: the discussion in the last thread - have you read any of the M*A*S*H books? The first one is what the series was based on, MASH by Richard Hooker. The second is MASH Goes to Maine, and is just as good - both are very rich stories about doctors. And then William Butterworth joined in, and the series rapidly degenerated into comedy (about doctors). And sex, and drinking, and so on - the doctor bits increasingly become jokes, though there's still some rich, deep scraps (how to discuss the fact that an old friend is likely to die soon, with said friend, for instance). I do enjoy most of the series (though I have to be in the right mood), but the first two books are _excellent_ any time.

Happy new thread, Amber.
>9 scaifea: In my childhood I read a lot of Karl May novels and was thrilled by the adventures.
At the time, I didn't notice the undertones.

>31 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.

>32 jjmcgaffey: I didn't even know there *were* books! Very cool. I'll have to look out for those first two, but maybe not bother with the rest... Thanks for the recommendation!

>33 SirThomas: Thanks, Thomas - I think most children very likely don't notice that kind of stuff. As kids we're in it for the story and don't generally sweat the details. I don't know if I would have picked up any of his books as a kid, though, were they available to me - I was always more of a fantasy reader even then.

Today's Agenda:
This morning I need to go out to pick up some meds at the vet's office (just routine monthly flea/tick stuff) and I'll stop by the grocery store to pick up bread and milk to get us through until I do the real shopping on Thursday. Otherwise I'll do some laundry and a bit of cleaning, then some writing, maybe some sewing, and hopefully some reading. But all this after another cup and a half of coffee...

On the reading front:
I spent some time with The Plague and When Stars Are Scattered yesterday, plus I listened to more of A Christmas Carol. I'm entering that sweet spot at the end of the year where the combination of the holidays and the excitement of a new year of lists and challenges makes reading even more cozy and fun than usual. It's one of my favorite things about December.

What We're Watching:
We finished up The Holiday (such a good movie!) and then watched Opus & Bill's A Wish for Wings That Work, which is possibly the weirdest animated Christmas special out there, and I love it.

Morning, Amber! Happy New Thread! I have an eye appointment and a couple of other quick errands, otherwise I am hanging low again today.

>38 msf59: Morning, Mark, and thanks! Good luck at the eye doc's!

>37 scaifea: The Holiday is one of our go-to Christmas movies too. Watched it this weekend with The Son when he was home. He's seen it so many times that he's not enthused anymore, so we got snark all the way through. Gotta love him - he gets it from me. 😀

Happy Tuesday, Amber!

>40 drneutron: Ha! I also love movie snark! I'd forgotten how good Jack Black is in it, too. So fun.

>41 alcottacre: Happy Tuesday right back atcha, Stasia!

>42 scaifea: This one was the movie that made me realize what a good actor he is - so much more than his comedic roles.

I obviously need to watch The Holiday again. I saw it ages ago - early 2000s maybe? - and remember not loving it. Tastes can change...

Morning, Amber!

Happy new thread, Amber! Congrats on getting the appointment scheduled - fellow hater of the stress of those phone calls and long wait times on top of that, here.

>43 drneutron: He's pretty great, isn't he? And I love seeing him on talk shows - so charismatic and funny and nice.

>44 katiekrug: Oh absolutely, Katie. I would think you'd like it.

>45 bell7: Thanks, Mary! Yep, and now I get to stew about the actual appointment for a month. Yay. Ha!

Well, here I am...can't believe some spammer got to your new thread before I did, but that's what popularity will do! Don't stew about the appointment...pretend you're interviewing doctor and staff to see if they suit you. 'Cause that's what you should be doing with a first-time visit.

>48 laytonwoman3rd: That's really great advice, Linda - thanks! The problem, though, is that I'm scared that they will discover that I'm dying, see. That's the anxiety for this particular situation. No logic or reason to it. Just...yeah. But also, yes, I wholly agree that I need to like this doctor. That's why I'm not going back to the last one I had a first appointment with. We just didn't...click.

Happy New Thread, Amber!

Please forgive me if I've asked you before, but have you read Instructions for Dancing? I've liked Nicola Yoon's other ones, but have heard very little about this one. I did read a very positive review of the newish Aristotle and Dante.

Yay for The Holiday! I still need to watch that one this year. I do have plans with my friend tomorrow to watch the new Netflix movie A Castle for Christmas, starring Brooke Shields and Carey Elwes, which looks delightfully cheesy.

>50 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! I haven't read that one and I don't think you've asked me before? I could be wrong, though - my memory isn't great. Ha! I do need to get to that A&D sequel, though...

>51 curioussquared: Ooooh, Carey Elwes! It would be worth it just for him!

189. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (audiobook) - 9/10 = A
A yearly favorite re-read. Tim Curry does a great job narrating this audiobook version.

Happy new one!

I have not watched The Holiday before. Perhaps this will be the year I will get to it :)

I know a lot of Christmas movies are cheesy but the holiday season wouldn't be the same without them.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

>55 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita!

The Holiday actually isn't all that cheesy, even. It's well acted and a nice story. I hope you love it if you get round to watching it this year!

Today's Agenda:
Class prep and teaching, menu planning and prepping my grocery list, a bit of laundry and a bit of cleaning, then possibly some work on the course proposal. Leftovers still for dinner tonight.

I did some online Christmas shopping yesterday, and I think I'm finished now except for the couple more sewing projects I need to do. Woot!

On the reading front:
I read a bit more of Lud-in-the-Mist yesterday, which is shaping up to be a fantastic fairy story, and more of When Stars Are Scattered, and I started listening to Arrows of the Queen this morning, which is my first Lackey.

What We're Watching:
It was DC Night again, so I watched Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas, which no one else in this house appreciates. *humph*

One of my Wisconsin friends sends me an advent box every year since we moved away. She curates and wraps and numbers a little package for each day, and they are filled with a couple of teabags, a little chocolate of some kind, and sometimes an extra little treat, plus each day has a a new joke typed up on a small square of paper. Brightens every day of December for me. I thought this year I'd share the silly jokes with you all, so, here's today's:

What is Jack Frost's favorite movie?

answer: The Blizzard of Oz

>58 scaifea: - Die Hard.

>59 katiekrug: HAAAAHAHAHA OMG, I nearly did a coffee spit-take!! But...no.

Happy new thread, Happy December!
Wow! Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas - An oldie but a goody.

>61 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! And yes, it's such a good one (or at least I think so - Tomm and Charlie don't agree. Philistines.)

>57 scaifea: I don't watch Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas every year, but I do like it.

>58 scaifea: That's the sweetest thing!

>63 foggidawn: I didn't discover it until a few years ago (thanks to Laura and Linda), but I've watched it every year since. I love it.

And yes! Sooo sweet. She's a librarian (because of course she is) and everyone knows librarians make excellent friends.

I’ve got Instructions for Dancing WL’d, so I’ll let you know if I get to it first. There are a bunch of intriguing new YAs out. I’m reading Last Night at the Telegraph Club next.

Thanks for the thumbs up on Lombardo’s Ovid.

so sorry! I thought I was still on my thread!

>57 scaifea: Your fellas don't love Emmett? Not even the River Bottom Nightmare Band?? *sigh*

*whispers*

I have never heard of Emmett Otter, nor his Jug Band.

*slinks away*

>68 katiekrug: Hey, Amber!! Ya think she'll have to check it out? *giggles*

>67 laytonwoman3rd: Nope. Weirdos. I'm content to watch it on my own.

>68 katiekrug: No whispering needed, but you should think about tracking it down. It's an absolute delight.

>69 laytonwoman3rd: Oooh, potential new club member...

>65 jnwelch: There's so much good YA stuff out there; sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by choice! I'll look forward to your report on the Yoon.

If you want to do a read-along on the Ovid, let me know...

>66 jnwelch: Ha! No worries! My casa is yours, and all that.

I am late to your newest thread, Amber. Love the festive dog photos - could they get any cuter?! I absolutely love that you watched Opus & Bill's A Wish for Wings That Work. I have big love for Bloom County, which was a favorite from my teen years - I have the entire comic now collected in beautiful hardback editions.

Your librarian friend is full of fabulous - what a thoughtful and lovely idea. Ima guess Frozen for the answer to the joke. (*a slight funny - apparently I cannot spell librarian, and spellcheck kept changing what I was typing to Liberian)

>25 scaifea: Same. That's a slippery slope.

>51 curioussquared: We have already watched A Castle for Christmas twice, and I can confirm that it is in fact "delightfully cheesy". It's Rae's new favorite.

>72 Crazymamie: Yay for the Bloom County love! Such a wonderfully weird comic. I love that you have the complete collection!

Oooh, Frozen is a great guess! But you have to remember that these kinds of joke require *bad* puns. The answer: The Blizzard of Oz

Hi Amber my dear, Happy new thread. I am so far behind because of recent Rl issues etc and then trying to update my thread whilst trying to read the threads i follow. I saw that you were suffering from anxiety and i am so sorry for that but have recent experience as Karen has been suffering from anxiety.

Karen took a couple of weeks off work and then work got Karen to talk to their Occupational health member, she suggested counselling and an appointment was setup. The counselling has taken place over the phone and has been 100% confidential and Karen was able to explain everything that has gone on since the beginning of July. The counselor rang Karen once a week for six weeks for one hour and it has really helped Karen, she has been able to discuss everything and has been given tools to help her cope when she feels a bit anxious, mainly breathing exercises which have worked and to take time for herself to actually do nothing if that was what she wanted to do.

Karen can ask at work to be re-referred if things get too much and i hope that you can find something like this that will help you my dear friend. Without wanting to interfere or anything but i am sure that if you private messaged Karen she would try and reply with positives etc if you felt that would be worth it, just a thought and no pressure to do this, just hoping it would be of some help.

Sending very special love and hugs to you, Tomm, Charlie, Mario and Agent Fitzsimmons from both of us and Felix my very dear friend.

>74 johnsimpson: Thank you so much for that, John! And I'm so glad that Karen has found the counseling helpful. It's lovely to know she's there to talk, too. Big hugs to you both, friend!

>58 scaifea: Sheesh (>73 scaifea:).
Well, still smiling . Also, I *did* laugh.

I think that advent box thing is great, with edibles and best of all, jokes. Very inventive.
I used to make a 25-things box for my daughters after they moved out and took up other homesteads a long ways away.

I'd usually wrap sample bottles of fancy bath and personal care items. That idea has since tanked since we've all agreed to do our bit and not fill our homes or give gifts using non-recyclable plastics. I somewhat miss the advent box fun, though. We haven't made a big deal of Christmas gifts either.

Like me and the hubs, they and their partners are now old enough not to want "stuff". We're all decluttering. Hence the Vanilla Pecan Ovals cookies and biscotti I make this time of year for giving. I confess it is actually easier than the advent 24/25-things, but still, I loved when they were young and it was exciting to open a sparkly little door on the calendar every day.

I moved back to the old thread to peruse the posts I missed.
And forgot I was on #28!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I still want to ask/comment about your Gavriel post...
>249 scaifea: scaifea: I am going to try this GGK. I've been wanting to read The Lions of al-Rassan, but "now" doesn't feel like the right time for that one.

I used to have quite a few of Gavriel's books. Did you know he's originally from Saskatchewan? Adds to the allure of having Canadian authors on my shelves.

I outgrew my love of the Fionavar Tapestry trilogy as well as Tigana. Then after seeing Sailing to Sarantium reviewed awhile ago on Lucy's thread, I gave that a whirl but it was slow and I never connected with it.

So ~ is Ysabel very like any of the above, slow moving, hard to engage?
The characters sound intriguing and the plot feels time travel oriented. I like the comparison to Susan Cooper's Over Sea etc. *dither, dither*. I'm trying to hit good choices so that I can find pandemic escapes.

>76 SandyAMcPherson: We've cut way down on our own gift giving, too. My family doesn't really exchange gifts anymore (although I've broken that rule last year and this - last year because I wouldn't see them so I sent a care package to my parents, and this year I've made a blanket for them because last year's package included a lap quilt and they've joked all year about how my dad immediately claimed it, so I thought I should make one for my mom to claim) besides my parents getting Charlie something, and I've convinced Tomm's brother to stop exchanging except for the kiddos (no luck with Tomm's parents who insist on present still. Ugh.) Tomm and I get one or two things for each other, but focus mostly on Charlie. It's nice because it seriously reduces the stress of the season, not needing to worry about organizing and carrying out present plans. I make things for a few friends because I love making things for people, but I don't really count that.

>77 SandyAMcPherson: This is the only Kay I've read but I loved it and no, it wasn't slow-paced at all. It's not *really* a time travel book at all, although some of the characters are from a different time... If you read it, you'll see what I mean. I think it's worth a go.

Today's Agenda:
Grocery shopping, including a Target run, a little laundry, a little cleaning, probably some sewing, probably some writing, hopefully some reading. Tomm and I have appointments to get our booster shots this afternoon and we'll pick up dinner to bring home while we're out. No idea what yet, though.

Yesterday was one of those days in which it seems like I'm doing something constantly but at the end it doesn't seem like I've accomplished anything. So, awesome. Maybe I'll feel more accomplished today?

On the reading front:
I'm still trying to settle into Under the Whispering Door, which seems so slowly paced. I think that's part of the point, but still, I'm impatient with it. I did read a section yesterday that had me laughing right out loud, so I'm far from unhappy with the book; I just need to relax and let it take its time.
I also read more of When Stars Are Scattered, listened to more of Arrows of the Queen, and read another two chapters in Catching Fire (Charlie had taken a break with this one - and so I did too - while he's reading Red Badge of Courage for school, but then decided to switch out his bus book for it, which I think he's explained over on his thread).

What We're Watching:
Charlie had a hefty amount of homework last night, so we didn't get round to watching until almost bedtime, but we did manage about half of Elmo Saves Christmas, which we'll probably finish on Friday. Tomm and I watched the first challenge of the GBBS final during out lunch yesterday, too.

Today's advent package had a mini bag of M&M's, two different kinds of mint tea plus one bag of English Breakfast (one of my favorites!), and of course, the joke.

I've added the answer to yesterday's joke up in >58 scaifea: and here's today's:

What do Santa's helpers post online?

Answer: Elf-ies

Morning, Amber. Sweet Thursday. I am hoping this is a rebound day for me. I have Jackson duties tomorrow and want to be ship-shape. I will probably mask up anyway. I hope those books are treating you well.

>81 msf59: Morning, Mark! I hope you're feeling better soon!

>59 katiekrug: Bahahaha!

>80 scaifea: I'm going to go with ELF-ies for the punchline.

Adding myself to the chorus of people who really enjoyed A Castle for Christmas. There's a group of Scottish knitters who serve as Brooke Shield's sassy BFFs, if you need more enticement.

>83 MickyFine: Yep, that's the answer!

I'm probably going to pass on that one - I've never been a huge Brooke Shield fan. But I'm glad others are enjoying it.

>84 scaifea: All right. More Cary Elwes in gorgeous sweaters for me. LOL

>85 MickyFine: *snork!* I don't think that's how it works. He's not pie.

>78 scaifea: I put in a hold request! Thanks, Amber.

Re the lack of success in getting family on board with the presents thing, we had that problem too. It only worked when we made a blanket statement to all family using an undisguised "to" list (for those on e-mail) and making a very strong appeal for *all* gifts to cease. We doggedly persisted by simply sending only Christmas cards. Solved now :D

>87 SandyAMcPherson: Ha! If only. I don't think I'd find support here for that kind of firm action, I'm afraid. *sigh*

>88 scaifea: We were so frustrated with needless (and generally inappropriate/unsuitable gifts) that we did it despite.
Everyone got over it in the hubs family ~ my family was totally on board ftom the get-go and relived.

The amusing thing was that a couple years later, the extended families were recognizing the attributes of this plan and declaiming how glad they were to have shopping cut back. Turns out the philosophy was widely adopted. One grandma wasn't included in e-mail (no tech) and we spoke about it in person. She reserved the right to send cheques to her grandchildren. Overall, it was a win-win.

Edited to say ~
Myself, the mere savings in postage not to mention gift costs was brilliant.

>89 SandyAMcPherson: Ooof, yeah, postage. That can get bananas, especially these days!

Today's agenda:
Welp. I think I lost part of a filling yesterday evening, so I spent the night not sleeping because of a toothache in addition to the muscle aches of the booster. Faaaantastic. So I need to call my dentist this morning and hope he can get me in sometime today. Depending on if/when he can see me, I may have to cancel class this morning. My usual Friday baking will also depend on the possible dental appointment. Gah. I don't like not knowing my schedule. Anyway, today's off to a great start! Not sure what else will get done today, of course. We'll see.

On the reading front:
I started Death of a Red Heroine yesterday, which seems to be going okay so far. I also listened to more of Arrows of the Queen and I'm nearly finished with When Stars Are Scattered.

What We're Watching:
Tomm and I finished the GBBS finale and then we all watched 30 Rock before bed.

Today's advent package includes:
Be Kind Green Tea (chrysanthemum & lychee)
Lunar New Year 2021 Tea (black tea, toasted rice, coconut pieces, sesame seed, coconut flavor, caramel flavor)
Blueberry & Aloe Herbal Tea
A mini 3 Musketeers bar
and, of course, the joke:

Why does Rudolph's nose shine at night?
Answer: He's a light sleeper

Oof, sorry about the toothache. You have my sympathy!

Morning, Amber! Happy Friday! I am so sorry about your tooth. Bummer. I take pretty good care of my teeth but those old cavities do come back to haunt you. Jackson time today. Yah!!

>92 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Don't think I wasn't thinking of you last night. Ha!

>93 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I have terrible enamel so I've long had teeth troubles. Never gets any less annoying, though. But yay for Jackson time!!

I have an appointment with the dentist at 1pm today, which means I can teach and still make it in time. Good new all around, I guess...?

All the best wishes for your date, Amber.
Have a wonderful weekend!

>96 SirThomas: Thanks, Thomas! I suspect the quality of my weekend will greatly depend on the outcome of today's appointment...

So, did I mention that I started class off sometime in the last week with my 'review' of Die Hard as not only not a Christmas movie but also not a terribly watchable one? It sparked a pretty funny conversation (I was hoping it would), with one student vehemently defending the myriad qualities of the film and another one good-naturedly scoffing all the way. Well. Today I think Katie would be proud of The Great Die Hard Defender student: one of their new vocabulary words today is fenestra, which means "window" and so I was explaining how "defenestration" is wholly Latin and one of my favorite words, "the act of throwing someone out a window." She chimed in with, "THE BAD GUY IN DIE HARD GETS DEFENESTRATED!!" and the scoffer retorted, "Still doesn't make it a Christmas movie." And I laughed and told them I loved them all to bits. Such goofs, those cherubs.

>98 scaifea: - Love it!

Not unrelated: my favorite event in European history is the Defenestration of Prague. I only later learned there was more than one.

>99 katiekrug: Yup. So weird but also weirdly cool, yeah? (And awful, of course.)

Oh, and I asked my students today's joke and one of them responded, "I haven't the foggiest" and if I don't have the funniest, most clever little Latin nerds ever. I do, in fact, love 'em to bits.

Hi Amber, and happy new thread!

>25 scaifea: I don’t ever make appointments for Bill, either. And I rarely nag, because I’m not his mother.

>58 scaifea: So nice to get an advent box from your friend. I liked the joke, too.

>80 scaifea: Another good joke.

>91 scaifea: 0 for 2… booster reaction and losing a filling. *hugs*

Not holding my breath, but am curious about why Rudolph’s nose shines at night.

>95 scaifea: Glad you can get in to see the dentist today.

>98 scaifea: lLove it! How great for the class. Debbi LOVES the Die Hard movies and gets a kick out of the first one being considered a Christmas movie. I hope there’s a meetup where you two can explore this important topic.

>103 jnwelch: They're a great, fun group. But somehow I always get those kinds of groups. People who want to take Latin are naturally just the coolest.

Excellent news, everyone!!

It was just a chip in a filling and my dentist fixed in in five minutes and didn't even have to numb me! WOOT!

>105 scaifea: - NOICE!

>102 karenmarie: Sorry, Karen - I missed you up there earlier!

I'm glad you are enjoying the jokes - I'll have a new one every day until Christmas! Ha!

>106 katiekrug:

>107 scaifea: - Love him.

Though, if you were really my friend, you would have told the dentist to pull the tooth in solidarity with me. But that's ok. I forgive you.

>102 karenmarie: Re Rudolf, the hint was blatantly in >101 scaifea:

>108 katiekrug: Ha! Well, he *did* say that since it's a wisdom tooth, if anything else goes wrong with it he'll recommend just pulling it...

>109 SandyAMcPherson: Maybe, but not really? The student was just being beautifully punny but the actual answer doesn't have to do with fog...

So glad the tooth situation was fixed so easily. Yay!

>111 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura - me, too!!

I am glad that your tooth problem was so easy to solve.

Hi Amber - You just reminded me of a fun read I had forgotten: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. It's even free as an ebook download from the library. I haven't been much around LT this year, but getting started reading again.

>113 SirThomas: Thanks, Thomas! I'm *so* relieved! I was worried it would be another tooth that needed a cap and I was dreading that whole process.

>114 ctpress: Hi Carsten! It was definitely a fun read, and I downloaded it as a library audiobook, too!

Today's Agenda:
I'm going to bake a Butter Cake, get through some laundry, then probably divide most of the rest of my day between sewing and reading. The fabric I had to order (because the shop didn't have it) finally arrived yesterday, so I'm hoping that in the next couple of days I can finish up the last of my Christmas present sewing projects. Charlie and Tomm are going Christmas shopping this morning, so it'll be just me and the gals for a couple of hours; they'll help me make the cake, I'm sure. Honey Soy Pork Chops for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front:
I made some progress with Lud-in-the-Mist, listened to more of Arrows of the Queen, and finished up When Stars Are Scattered (review to come). Oh, and I read another chapter in Catching Fire now that our mini book club is back up and running.

What We're Watching:
We finished Elmo Saves Christmas last night and then watched the second episode of Hawkeye and a couple of 30 Rocks.

The answer to yesterday's joke (Why does Rudolph's nose shine at night?): He's a light sleeper.

Today's advent package:
There's a theme with the teas this time: Peaches & Ginger Black Tea, Ginger & Peach Herbal Tea, and Sunny Orange Ginger Tea. Plus a mini package of sour gummy worms, and, of course, the joke:

What do gingerbread men do before they go to bed?

>117 scaifea: Hope you have some lovely solo time today, Amber. What is a butter cake though is all my brain is wondering.

>118 MickyFine: It's a basic vanilla cake, but they you make a butter/sugar/vanilla syrup to pour over the still-warm cake and let it soak in.

Hi Amber!

>105 scaifea: So glad it was only a chip in the filling. Whew.

>117 scaifea: He's a light sleeper. Groan.

>120 karenmarie: Morning, Karen!

I was actually almost lightheaded with the relief that the tooth problem had such an easy fix - a Christmas miracle!

Oh, these will *all* be groan-worthy jokes. That's pretty much the name of the game. I love it.

So glad your tooth problem turned out to be an easy fix!

My mom makes a Kentucky Butter Cake in a bundt pan that we all love -- is yours similar?

>122 foggidawn: Yup, that looks like a similar recipe to mine. It's delicious, isn't it? My favorite kinds of cakes are these really simple-but-tasty ones.

>123 scaifea: Now I'm hungry for cake. ;-)

>120 karenmarie: >117 scaifea: Groan is right. I liked the foggiest notion answer❣️

>117 scaifea: OK. My turn for goofy answers...
What do gingerbread men do before they go to bed?
make the bed with cookie sheets

(I have a smary-pants granddaughter, so can't claim groan credit)

>124 foggidawn: It was delicious!

>125 SandyAMcPherson: The 'foggiest' comment was so clever, no? My students are the best.

>126 SandyAMcPherson: Your granddaughter *is* a smarty - she got it right!

Morning, Amber. Happy Sunday. We are having a birthday dinner for my FIL today. Bree & the gang are coming over. More Jackson time. Yah! BTW- I am really enjoying Matrix. Keep this one in mind. It might be a good fit for you.

Today's agenda:
More of the same as yesterday, minus the baking. I managed to finish up sewing all the presents I need to get in the mail, so I may do some packaging this afternoon. Otherwise, sewing and reading, mostly. And laundry. Always laundry. Beef & Broccoli over rice for dinner tonight.

On the reading front:
Still plugging along with Lud-in-the-Mist; I'm enjoying it but it also seems slow going, for some reason. *shrug* Also still listening to Arrows of the Queen and really enjoying that one.

What We're Watching:
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and Frosty last night, followed by a couple of 30 Rock episodes.

Today's Advent Packet:
Three different Chai teas, a Reece's Take 5 mini bar, and, of course, the joke:

What did the gingerbread man do for his sprained ankle?

The answer to yesterday's joke ("What do gingerbread men do before they go to bed?"):
Change their cookie sheets

>128 msf59: Morning, Mark! Ooof, sounds like you'll have to share your Jackson time today. Good luck with that. Ha!

Matrix is solidly on the list - so many good reviews here lately!

>129 scaifea: - Morning, Amber!

What did the gingerbread man do for his sprained ankle?
Iced it.

>131 katiekrug: Morning, Katie! And yep, you got it!

190. When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed (Schneider Honor Book) - 9/10 = A
A graphic novel memoir based on Omar Mohamed's childhood in a refugee camp and his resettlement in the US. It's very well told and an important read. Recommended.

191. Lud-in-the-Mist by Hope Mirrless (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 8/10 = B-
A strange but sweet little fantasy novel about a town in which all things Fae or even slightly impractical are taboo, and so when evidence crops up that fairy fruit is being smuggled in from the neighboring faerie land, various kinds of heck start breaking loose.
There are some beautiful turns of phrase in here, but the plot is plodding and the characters mostly flat. It's...a mixed bag. If you prize language over story, go for it, but otherwise, YMMV.

>134 scaifea: I have stalled on Lud-in-the-Mist. It just never calls to me. Plodding is a very good word for it. I will probably abandon for now and maybe try again later. Or not.

>135 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie!

I've been wondering about you and that one. Darn, I was hoping you were enjoying it more than I did. Oh well. I don't think you'll find that it picks up much more, although there are a few lovely passages throughout. *shrug* I think I'm most disappointed because clearly Neil Gaiman and I have very different tastes in books (he, apparently, loves this one).

Today's Agenda:
Folks, I have an acute case of The Mondays this morning. UGH. It was *so* hard to get out of bed and now I have absolutely zero motivation to do anything. But here we are. And I need to grade a virtual pile of quizzes, prep for class, and teach. The actual teaching part I love, but the rest? Ew. Not today, Satan. Except of course today, Satan. *SIGH*

Anyway.

Hopefully by the time I'm finished teaching I'll have found some get-up-and-go somewhere. If so, I may work on that course proposal. We'll see. Leftovers for dinner tonight, at least, so no cooking needed, unless Charlie and I get hungry for spaghetti and we leave the leftovers to Tomm...

On the reading front:
After finishing Lud-in-the-Mist I read a few more pages in The Plague and tried to start Tarka the Otter, but thankfully there was a mini summary at the beginning that clued me in on how it's about the life *and death* of the otter, so NOPENOPENOPE. I'll be returning that one unread.

What We're Watching:
A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie last night, plus a 30 Rock episode.

Today's advent packet:
Cinnamon Apple Chamomile tea, Strawberry Lemon Orange Blossom Cold Water tea, Hot Apple Spice tea, a mini Hershey's milk chocolate with almonds bar, a pair of Fa La La La Llama socks (!!), and the joke:

What did the Christmas tree say to the ornament?

The answer to yesterday's joke (What did the gingerbread man do for his sprained ankle?):
He iced it.

Morning, Amber! That's the thing about Mondays - they suck. made me laugh - a perfect gift on a Monday!

>136 scaifea: I think if I had read it when I was younger, it would have felt magical to me. Jenny (lunacat) also loves it - it was a BB from her, and it ws also one of the books from the list I made while reading Square Haunting. Oh, well, not every book works for everyone, and thank goodness for that or we would not be so spoiled for choices. You are right about there being some lovely passages.

>138 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie!

Some Mondays are worse than others, and this one just seems rotten, for some reason. Gah.

You made me laugh because I think I would have liked it even less as a kid! Back then I needed all story all the time and the pretty language would definitely not been enough for me.

Too funny - I was thinking of my teenage years when A Tale of Two Cities was my very favorite book.

>137 scaifea: What did the Christmas tree say to the ornament?
(I can't seem to resist trying to answer these)... Nice to have you hanging around here.

In true Canadian prairie custom, it is currently -26°C (-14°F) with a wind chill you don't want to be out in (-38°C). But hey, it is supposed to sunny (whenever the sun deigns to peek over the horizon).

>140 Crazymamie: *snork!* Okay, but AToTC has a pretty great story, too...

>141 SandyAMcPherson: HAHAHAHA omg, Sandy, you're so close, but you're too nice! The answer is meaner...

Believe it or not, I envy you your temps right now - we're sitting at 50 and rainy, and that's just wrong for December. Gah.

>142 scaifea: Yes, but I read it as a senior in high school and fell in love with the story, then ruined it by rereading it a few years ago and realizing that Dickens makes me slightly crazy now.

>144 Crazymamie: Ha! Oh no! That's too bad. I love him to bits, mostly.

Hope your Monday has improved, Amber. I might be too nice also as my guess for the joke is How's it hanging?

>146 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky. I still don't have much motivation, but it's not been a bad day generally.

Yep, you're too nice, although again you're in the right ballpark.

>148 katiekrug: *SNORK!!!* A little too mean, maybe, but I LOVE IT.

Today's agenda:
I don't have anywhere I have to go today, which means it's a Comfy Pants Day! Woot!! I'll probably do some sewing and some present wrapping, then maybe some writing. Hopefully some reading. Chicken Noodle Soup for dinner tonight.

I actually ended up finding a sliver of motivation yesterday and finished a first draft of the course proposal. Go me.

On the reading front:
Under the Whispering Door is such a slow burn, but 2/3 through and I'm finally fully engaged and loving it. Patience is the key with this one, but it's starting really to pay off. I'm also still listening to Arrows of the Queen and getting close to finishing.

What We're Watching:
Mickey's Christmas Carol, followed by a couple of 30 Rocks.

Today's advent packet:
A couple of kinds of cranberry tea, a bag of Titanic Tea (keemum, assam, ceylon, and oolong all together), a fun size Snickers Peanut Butter, and the joke of the day:

What's a Christmas tree's least favorite month?

The answer to yesterday's joke (What did the Christmas tree say to the ornament?):
"Quit hanging around"

Morning, Amber! Hooray for Comfy Pants Day! And with the temps staying in the 20s today, the chicken noodle soup sounds great. I am tending to Jackson early this AM. Yep, pure torture...

>151 msf59: It's *so* cold today - 20's here, too! Another reason to be happy about not going anywhere. And yes, I'm looking forward to the soup!

Give Sweet Jackson a squeeze for me!

Morning, Amber! YIKES to 20s temps. Georgia does not know it is December and so we are still in the mid 70s to 80F range.

I am enjoying your advent calendar with you, so thanks for sharing.

>153 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! NOPENOPENOPE to those 70s and 80s temps. I both love that it's in the 20s today and happy that I don't have to go out in it. I have a space heater currently pointing at my legs and it's heaven.

>154 scaifea: I know, right?! It's just wrong. I am craving cold weather but maybe not highs in the 20s - my body would probably go into shock after 9 years in Georgia.

>155 Crazymamie: Ha! Yes, that might be a bit of a shock. Apparently we'll be back in the 60s this weekend and I'm insulted.

We are doing 80s this weekend, which is nauseating.

>157 Crazymamie: Ooof, yeah, that's gross. My sympathies.

Excuse me while I snicker over the twenties in Fahrenheit being cold. We're headed back that direction today and it's going to feel pretty balmy after our weekend temperatures around -18C (0F). And that's it for my regular, "You think that's cold? Come to Canada" segment lol.

Have an excellent comfy pants day!

>159 MickyFine: So you'll be sending posting photos of you standing outside in shorts later today, then?

>160 scaifea: Snort. No but I will be out in my lighter coat (I was going to call it my fall coat but really it makes appearances in 3 out of 4 seasons) instead of the down parka. :)

>161 MickyFine: Aha! See, 20F is still cold. I've lived through 7 Wisconsin winters so I've been through significantly colder weather too. But yeah, 20F is cold.

>162 scaifea: I think it's all about what weather you're transitioning from. Because yes, in September when 20F shows up, it feels nippy. But in December when you're going from 0F to 20F, it's totally warm.

Not even trying to catch up after a week+ away, Amber. Just here to wish you a Happy Tuesday!

>159 MickyFine: Canadians might be okay with 20F in the winter but I heard you all melt if it hits 80F in the summer. :P

Hi Amber! I've been using a space heater in my living room the past couple years as my furnace has started to give out, and it's been a life saver!

>160 scaifea: >159 MickyFine: Of course she will, Amber. Even if it's only briefly.

and

>164 alcottacre: I was going to say the same thing - I was AWOL for a month and missed ... six? threads?

I hope I didn't miss any of the holiday baking...

>163 MickyFine: Well just in case you're not quite warm enough yet, you'll find some friendly roasting just downthread, I think...

>164 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia!

>165 Ape: Hi, Stephen!! So good to see you!

I *love* my space heater(s - there's one right next to my side of the bed, too)! I enjoy being toasty to the point of almost broiling, if I'm honest, and they do the trick.

>166 SandyAMcPherson: *snork!* Hi, Sandy!

>167 London_StJ: Good to see you!! Oh, there's always some kind of baking going on here, so more will crop up soon.

Today's agenda:
I'm a little later than normal checking in because I had an oil change appointment first thing this morning. And of course there was snow on the ground when I woke up, on the day I have to leave the house. The roads were okay, though, and I got in a few other quick errands, too, so yay! Things Already Accomplished Today! For the rest of the day, I'll do some writing probably, and I may also start working on rewriting my department's Latin placement exams, which are...not great. I'll also get my final exams printed and ready to go for next week. Baked Potatoes for dinner tonight, I think.

On the reading front:
I finished listening to Arrows of the Queen and started The Oathbound (completely random coincidence that I'm listening to two Lackey books back to back - that's just what was available on Libby from my lists right now). I spent my print reading time yesterday - and this morning in the garage waiting room - with Death of a Red Heroine.

What We're Watching:
DC Night last night, so I watched a bit of It's a Wonderful Life on my own (Tomm & Charlie aren't huge fans of that one).

The advent packet today:
Stash Organic Cascade Mint tea, Bigelow Turmeric Chili Matcha green tea, Ralph Lauren tea (!!), a mini Twix, and the joke:

What falls at Christmas but never gets hurt?

The answer to yesterday's joke (What's a Christmas tree's least favorite month?):
Sept-timber

>172 scaifea: Glad you got things accomplished already today! We had a little snow here, too, and it made for a beautiful drive to work -- our roads were not too bad, either. The answer to your riddle is, appropriately, snow.

Hi Amber!

>172 scaifea: Yay for Things Already Accomplished Today. Sorry you had to go out into snow though.

Jenna and I love It's a Wonderful Life, but like Tomm and Charlie Bill's not a huge fan.

>169 scaifea: Yes! I'm a fan of cold weather and a toasty house myself. I saw a very relatable social media post a month or 2 ago: "I don't want to be warm, I want to be cold and then made warm." My thoughts exactly!

>173 foggidawn: I'm glad your drive wasn't scary this morning! And yes to the loveliness. I'm happy to have the snow as long as I don't have to go anywhere.

And yep, you got the answer!

>174 karenmarie: Morning, Karen!

Maybe it's a guy thing? But come on, it's such a good movie! Jimmy is so good.

>175 Ape: Oooh, YES! That's it exactly!!

While I greatly enjoy other Capra films, the small child in It's a Wonderful Life sets my teeth on edge and I just can't do it. I appreciate why other people love it but it's not for me.

Glad your oil change trip was uneventful.

I will pipe up as another non-fan of IaWL. Blech.

I love days where I accomplish things early...

>179 MickyFine: >180 katiekrug: Wow. I didn't realize I was living amongst so many grinches. Yeesh. (/kidding)

>180 katiekrug: Yes! But the thing is, I now have ZERO motivation to do anything else today...

192. Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey (audiobook) - 8/10 = B
A young, underappreciated and abused girl suddenly finds herself living out her best daydreams when she's chosen to become a Herald to the queen.
Written in the 80s, this is clearly an early-days entry in the Strong Young Female Heroine Who Is Super-Talented in Various Ways but Has Trouble Believing in Herself genre and I assume it's probably one that broke ground in that particular area. It does some things really well - it doesn't feel the need to give her a love interest, and it also introduces a couple of LGBTQ characters in a way that's NBD - so I was happy about that and grateful for the groundbreaking bits, but otherwise it didn't grab my interest enough to make me want to continue with the series.

193. The Plague by Albert Camus (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob) - 8/10 = B+
I have long been interested in plague literature, so I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to get round this example. It's a great entry in the genre, too. It does some of the things that most plague lit does (describes the various kinds of reactions people have to the disaster and uses those reactions to examine human nature, for example), but Camus goes farther and gives us more detailed character studies, using the plague as a backdrop for their reactions and interactions. It's a particularly fascinating - and in several ways troubling - read right now; both the parallels and some of the divergent points are sad-making when compared to how our society is handling our current outbreak.

>172 scaifea: Count me in amongst the not very big fans of It's a Wonderful Life. I just read Connie Willis' short story, Miracle, which is about fans of both that movie and Miracle on 34th Street. If you have not read it, I recommend it.

>184 alcottacre: Thanks for the recommendation, Stasia. I'll keep that one in mind.

Today's Agenda:
Grocery shopping this morning, then I'll settle in for some sewing and some writing, probably. I just have to finish up Tomm's pajama pants and then I'll be all finished with my Christmas sewing projects. I've also decided here at the last minute to change up my final exam - I've changed my mind about the passage I've picked and think I could find something better. So, I've got that to do today, too.

On the reading front:
I'm getting close to finishing Under the Whispering Door, so I may wrap that one up today. Maybe. I've also decided to abandon The Oathbreakers; the audio just wasn't working for me, but I may someday come back to it in print. We'll see. Instead I'm moving on to The Stress of Her Regard. I also read a couple more chapter in Catching Fire, to get caught up to where Charlie is.

What We're Watching:
Last night was Down with Love, which isn't actually a Christmas movie, but for some reason somewhere along the way Tomm and I started watching it every Christmas. Charlie wasn't super-interested until the end, and he loved the twist ending.

Today's advent packet:
Scottish Morn tea (one of my favorites!), Tower of London tea, Organic Very Berry tea, Acai Berry tea, a mini Payday (also one of my favorites!), and the joke of the day:

What do polar bears eat for breakfast?

The answer to yesterday's joke (What falls at Christmas but never gets hurt?):
snow

Morning, Amber. Sweet Thursday. Glad you enjoyed The Plague. I really should do a reread of that one, along with The Stranger. It has probably been a couple of decades.

ETA- It looks like I reread The Plague in 2010. Hey, it is worth rereading again, right?

'Morning, Amber!

Sounds like a nice day for you.

I'm loving the jokes, by the way.

>186 scaifea: Congrats on being almost done your Christmas sewing. That's exciting!

What do polar bears eat for breakfast? Seals.

Morning, Amber! I have to admit that, like Katie and Micky, none of us here at the Pecan Paradisio have big love for It's a Wonderful Life, in fact, we kind of really dislike it. I have never seen Down With Love, so maybe I should correct that.

>188 msf59: Morning, Mark! I read The Stranger, oh, yonks ago. I remember enjoying it, though.

And yes! The Plague is definitely worth a reread! Especially now...

>189 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! I'm glad you're enjoying the jokes! They're silly but still fun, I think.

>190 MickyFine: Yep, it's now officially done! I don't know that I've ever been finished this early. It's nice, as long as I don't get a wild hair, as my mom would say, and find some other last-minute project...

And ha! Um, nope.

>191 Crazymamie: You poor souls who don't like Jimmy and Donna. And how can you not love Bert & Ernie?! I'll keep you all in my thoughts...

But oooh, YES, do watch Down with Love. It's a sort of tribute to all those 60s "zany sex comedies" but also with a fantastic twist. I predict you'll love it.

>196 laytonwoman3rd: Frozen waffles? Fishsicles?

>196 laytonwoman3rd: Nope and nope. Needs to be punnier...

I forgot to say that I do share your love for Down with Love.

>198 MickyFine: Such a fantastic movie.

Ice Krispies.

>200 johnsimpson: DINGDINGDING, you got it, John!

>185 scaifea: The short story can be found in Willis' book Miracle and Other Christmas Stories. I am not sure if it has been published elsewhere or not.

Happy Thursday, Amber!

Wow, thanks Amber for that, as soon as you said pun, it came to me.

>195 scaifea: You were so right, Amber! Abby, Birdy, and I watched it and loved it. Thank you very much for the nudge. Now I have to make the girls watch Pillow Talk, so they will get the graphics and the homage to all those 60s movies that I grew up watching. SO great, and we LOVED the twist.

>202 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia!

>203 johnsimpson: Puns are generally the key to these kinds of silly jokes. Tomm said "eskimo pies" for this one, and even though it's not a pun, I still think it's a better answer! Ha!

>204 Crazymamie: Oh, YAY! I love that you all loved it! And YES to Pillow Talk! One of my favorites.

Today's Agenda:
Last day of classes for the semester, so one last Latin class before next's week's marathon of final exam meetings. This afternoon I'll bake some Snickerdoodles to take with us to Indiana, and then pack for the trip to my parents'. Frozen Friday for dinner tonight.

On the reading front:
I didn't find much reading time at all yesterday, but I did manage to stay caught up with Charlie in Catching Fire and then read a few pages in Under the Whispering Door. On audio, The Stress of Her Regard is pretty interesting so far.

What We're Watching:
The Shop Around the Corner, which is a contender for my favorite movie of all time, and then a couple of 30 Rocks.

Today's Advent Packet:
Two different kinds of blueberry tea, a sachet of Safari Breakfast Tea, a travel sized hand lotion, a mini Crunch bar, and the joke:

What do you call a cat who gives presents?

Morning, Amber. Happy Friday. I also love The Shop Around the Corner but have not seen it in many years. I am going to try and see if for the holidays. We are going to Grand Rapids for the weekend, with a group of friends. Yep, brewery-hopping will be on tap. Have a good weekend.

>209 msf59: Morning, Mark! Oh, do try to track the movie down (we have it on dvd) - it's *such* a good movie! Have a great weekend trip!

>208 scaifea: Good morning, Amber! I have Under the Whispering Door on hold at the library - I can't wait until my turn.

Today is also my last day of lecture. Cheers to the end of the semester!

>211 London_StJ: Morning, London! This Klune was slow to get started for me, but here at the end, WOW. I hope you love it, too.

I'm excited about the end of classes, but dreading next week, which is crammed full of one-on-one exam meetings. My own fault, of course, but still. Ugh.

>208 scaifea: - A purr-senter?

Morning, Amber! Good luck with all the end of semester stuff! And safe travels to your parents'.

>208 scaifea: Santa Claws Hmm?? Hmmm?

>214 laytonwoman3rd: - Oh, that's a way better guess than mine!

>213 katiekrug: *snork!* Nope, but I kind of love it anyway.

And thanks! I'm dreading the drive there and back.

>214 laytonwoman3rd: Yup, that's it!

>215 katiekrug: Nah, I love yours, too!

>216 scaifea: I KNEW I'd get one of these right eventually!

>213 katiekrug: I like yours too.

>217 laytonwoman3rd: Ha! We 75ers are a pretty smart group, so of course you did!

Happy last day of class, Amber!

Have a wonderful weekend, Amber!

Oh I watched The Shop Around the Corner for the first time a few years ago (I started working my way through a RottenTomatoes list of Christmas movies, though I won't watch them all), and it quickly became one I would repeat.

This year's "new to me" titles are going to be Gremlins, Trading Spaces Places, The Holiday, and Meet Me in St. Louis.

Happy weekend to you!

(And yes, as Katie pointed out in >222 katiekrug:, I did mess up the title... that would be that old house-decorating show, wouldn't it?)

>221 bell7: - Trading Places (I think that's the one you mean?) is one of my very favorite movies, Mary. I hope you like it!

Hi Amber!

>208 scaifea: Tim Powers' type of weird is really my thing.

>221 bell7: The Holiday is one of my favourites, I hope you like it.

BB for The Plague. I like stories like these. I read Station Eleven a couple of months ago, I think it's one you would like Amber.

>220 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia!

>221 bell7: Yay for TSArC! So good.

I don't remember Gremlins being a Christmas movie, but then again, it's been many years since I watched it. I *love* The Holiday and Trading Places, though!

>222 katiekrug: Ha! I used to love Trading Spaces, too!

>223 quondame: This is my first Powers but I'm really enjoying it so far.

>224 fairywings: I loved Station Eleven when I read it a couple of years ago. The Plague is...different from that one, but I hope you'll still love it.

Whew. There and back again from Indiana. It was a good visit - my mom was feeling better than she has been, although she gets tired very quickly and her short-term memory is, at this point, nearly nonexistent. But I love spending whatever time I can with them, even though the trip is getting rougher every time for me. And Charlie's an absolute darling with my mom. I'm amazed that a 13yo has such empathy and patience and understanding. She asks him the same question over and over, repeating it about every five minutes or so, and he answers her every time as if it's the first time she's asked, with no impatience and showing no frustration. I know it must be hard on him to see his grandparents get older like this, but he's handling it very well. The kid deserves all the kudos.

Today's Agenda:
Today starts Exam Week for me, which means 20 individual zoom meetings with my Latin students for 1-on-1 oral exams. Hectic but worth it. I only have one student signed up for today, though, which means I'll be able to ease into it, I suppose. I also need to pop round to the library to pick up holds, call the music shop to arrange a trade-up from alto to tenor sax for Charlie (check his thread for details), and clean out the fridge because while we were gone this weekend something must have crawled in there and died - there's a...smell...

On the reading front:
I finished Under the Whispering Door (review to come at some point), read more of both Catching Fire (Charlie and I are nearly to the end of this one) and Death of a Red Heroine, and listened to a nice chunk of The Stress of Her Regard.

What We're Watching:
Dragons Holiday, I think it's called? It's the Christmas special for the How to Train Your Dragons movies. Toothless is amazing and we all adore him. Then we watched a couple of 30 Rocks before bedtime - Charlie was excited to see Michael Sheen. Like Toothless, we all adore him, too.

The advent packet today:
Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea, Blueberry Citrus Basil Tea, a little cinnamon apple scented candle, a Reese's Cup, and the joke:

Where does Santa keep his money?

Morning, Amber. Yep, back from our beery misadventures but it sure was fun. Now, I NEED to get back to healthy ways. On Jackson duty this AM, so he will certainly keep me out of trouble.

I am glad your visit with your folks went well and that Charlie has been a comfort to your Mom. That is special.

Morning, Mark! Ooof, I need to get back to some semblance of healthy habits, too, but I don't see that happening until after the holidays, to be honest. Ha!

I know I'm a broken record when it comes to that kid, but Charlie amazed me every day.

Enjoy your Jackson time!

Glad you had a good visit and made it there and back safe and sound!

Good luck with your crazy week.

>231 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

As a concession to how many meetings I have this week, I'm allowing myself to dress down: hoodies and yoga pants. Woot! (Technically I could get away with comfy pants all the time since zoom hides you from the waist down, but I can't think about dressing half professionally and half like a hobo without shuddering. It's all hobo or all prof for me - no in between.)

Oh, and when Charlie and I got home yesterday, the first thing Tomm said to me was, "So, the bad news first: the dryer is dead." *sigh* So it's back to Pioneer Days of hanging everything to dry until Dec. 29th, which is the first available delivery date for our new washer/dryer set. Totally worth the Little House vibes for a couple of weeks, though, in exchange for new appliances! Woot!

>229 msf59: re: riddle -- In a snowbank?

>233 scaifea: Ugh to the dryer dying! We're having some electrical issues, and can't get a repair person until next week, so I'm in complete sympathy about living with inconveniences.

Hi Amber!

Glad the trip went well, and Charlie's empathy and patience are definitely something to be proud of.

Ugh to the dead dryer - yay for new appliances, even if you have to revert to Pioneer Days until they arrive. We got a new washer and dryer in May of 2019, and they are so much more water and energy efficient.

Lots of sympathy re the delay in getting anything delivered or repaired these days....holidays on top of a pandemic and supply chain issues = disaster in that regard.

ALSO lots of sympathy regarding the stresses of visiting your Mom in her present stage of life. I know how hard it is to watch that, and to try to be cool with it. (I failed more than I succeeded, and I didn't learn a singled damned thing worth passing on to help anyone else in the same situation.) I wonder if it's easier for Charlie...or any kid...because they have a shorter history with the woman YOU think your mother ought to be. In any case, mega hugs to all of you.

>234 foggidawn: Yep, right answer!

It's awful when you're at the mercy of repair people's schedules, isn't it? I don't mind so much the inconvenience, though, since fancy new appliances will be the reward.

>235 karenmarie: Hi, Karen!

Charlie is a crazy-good kid, and came out of the womb, it seems, with the personality of a sweet old man. It's sometimes hilarious, but always wonderful.

Tomm asked me if I had any preferences or demands for the new appliances. I don't. Anything will seem fancy to me, honestly, so I left the decision up to him.

>236 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda, for the sundry sympathies.

I'm kind of surprised that we'll get the appliances that quickly and I'm sort of waiting for the other shoe to hit me on the head with an announcement of further delays. We'll see.

Charlie and my mom have had such a special bond from Day One, and I know it must be hard for him to watch her change. But I also know he can still feel how much she loves him. One of the questions she repeatedly asked him was about moving up to the new saxophone in band, and every time she'd tell him how proud of him she is. It was equal parts wonderful and heartbreaking.

194. Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune (impulse read) - 10/10 = A+
When Wallace dies suddenly of a heart attack, it's evident that no one will miss him much. He wasn't the nicest person on the planet, not by a long shot: selfish and entitled, with not a drop of empathy anywhere in his (disem)bod(y)(ied soul). When a reaper takes him to a sort of way station between worlds that doubles as a small-town tea shop, Wallace spends his time ranting and raving at the shop owner/ferryman, Hugo, until, gradually, he becomes more aware of what's happened to him, what it means to be dead, and what it means really to live.
It started out slowly for me, but I'm *so* glad I stuck with it because by the end it has become a definite favorite. This book is a heartbreaking hodgepodge of zen-like dialogue, hilarious hijinks, a warm-and-fuzzy love story, and gut-wrenching self-discoveries. It's about death and love and grief in many forms, but it's not a sad read, overall. Honestly, it's difficult to fit this novel into any particular category, so I'll just shelf it under Books I Love with All My Heart.

Happy start to the week, Amber. Good luck with the exams. I’m with you in recommending When Stars Are Scattered. Well done and important, as you say. Lud-in-the-Mist often comes up as a favorite old-timer of folks. I thought it was all right, but plodding is a good word for it.

Good review of Under the Whispering Door. It’ll be a while, but I’ll give it a go.

>240 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! I think you will absolutely love Under the Whispering Door when you get to it. I can't wait to read your review when you do.

RIP dryer. I have this vague memory that you had it repaired previously or am I thinking of some other appliance? I hope Pioneer Days aren't too bad (reminds me of a Phil Dunphy line from Modern Family: "our long Amish nightmare is over!")

We just decided to replace our hot water heater, not because it's broken but because it dates to ... wait for it ... 1982. So one of these days it's just going to give up and we'd rather not be in that situation. To my astonishment I was able to schedule the work for this Friday.

>242 lauralkeet: Yep, you're remembering correctly, Laura - a couple of months ago we had Pioneer Days with the dryer for, like, 3 weeks while we waiting for the repair service to be available and then waited for the part to get ordered and arrive. We decided not to put anymore money into it this time, though.

We're assuming we'll have to replace our hot water heater soon, too, but wow, 1982 is impressive!

(I *love* Phil Dunphy!)

Today's Agenda:
Five exam meetings today, so that's pretty much all that's going to get done. I may get a few pages read in between; we'll see. Tomato Soup for dinner tonight, because it's easy to throw together.

On the reading front:
I finished Catching Fire yesterday (I suspect Charlie will finish today), read a bit more of Death of a Red Heroine, started Show Me a Sign, and listened to some of The Stress of Her Regard.

What We're Watching:
Arthur Christmas - a much-overlooked Christmas movie from the folks who do Wallace & Gromit. It's fantastic and one of our favorites.

Today's Advent Packet:
Strawberry Pomegranate Tea, Father's Day Tea, Mother's Bouquet Tea, a Snickers Peanut Brownie square, and the joke of the day:

What did the big popcorn say to the little popcorn?

Morning, Amber. Good luck with your busy day and I hope that dryer arrives on time.

>245 msf59: Morning, Mark, and thanks!

>244 scaifea: - That's a lot of exams for one day! Good luck.

>247 katiekrug: Yep, it sure is. I have 5 exams each day through Thursday, then 3 on Friday. Yoicks.

195. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (reread with Charlie) - 10/10 = A+
Such a great sequel. All the tension and twists and cliffhangers of the first along with a solid new path for the story. I loved it just as much this time as I did the first time.

>244 scaifea: good luck with all the exams! What's in a Father's Day tea?

>250 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie! Two down, three to go today. *sigh*

The tea is, apparently, black tea, oolong tea, bergamot oil, & bourbon.

I love Arthur Christmas! It's on our schedule for this coming weekend.

>252 MickyFine: It's such a sweet and funny movie. We love it. But we love all Aardman stuff.

>253 scaifea: I have a big crush on James McAvoy that contributes to my love of the film for sure. But it's also so darn cute. And relatable:

>254 MickyFine: McAvoy is easy on the eyes, but I've seen him in a couple of interviews and he makes me uncomfortable for some reason. It's funny because I can hear his voice in Arthur, but can't mesh the two characters.

New thread is up:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/337497