Thread Number Four for Whisper1 (Linda) 2024

I recently finished a lovely illustrated book by Oliver Jeffers. Here We Are Notes For Living on Planet Earth, written in 2017 is a beautiful message to his two-month old son welcoming him to this planet we call earth. What an incredible book!!!

BOOK # SEVEN READ IN APRIL 2024

It's mid April and I haven't read many books. Two trips in the hospital, three visits to the primary care doctor, six various medications, and finally I am feeling better. I've talked to others who have this respiratory illness that doesn't want to go away, and all have noted the same issues.

Today is a good day. Spring is here. Today began with rain and for the last few hours, the sun is bright and highlighting the drops of water that stayed on the grass. I've planted lots of marigold and zinnia seeds and look forward to watching the green beginnings as they push up through the earth.
And, as Oliver Jeffers book notes, Here we are on earth -- life is good!

Happy new thread Linda!

What a gorgeous book!

Happy new thread, Linda. Good to hear you are (once again!) on the mend. Our rain has finally stopped (for now) and the sun is shining at the moment. My daffodils are up and after 2 solid days of rain, things are looking very green and ready!

So very glad you are feeling better Linda. That is a lot of medical trips you have had to do! I have just done a thumbs up on your review of Followed by the Lark. I am reading it now and enjoying it.

Another one chiming in happily that you are finally on the mend, Linda.
Happy new thread, dear lady.

Happy new thread, Linda! So glad to hear you're feeling better.

>4 quondame: Hi Susan. Many thanks for visiting here!
>5 jessibud2: Shelley I'm so glad you are experiencing sunshine and green. Daffodils are a flower that always make me happy.

I'm also happy to read you're feeling better! That really knocked the socks off of you, didn't it?!
Here We Are sounds delightful. I'll have to request it from my library.

Oh and happy new thread too!

Lynda, Our messages crossed. I sent a message to you, then immediately saw yours to me. How about that!

>11 Whisper1: haha Great minds....

I am so glad to hear you are finally feeling better!! Yay! And happy new thread. : )

Happy New Thread, Linda! I'm enjoying the spring weather too. I'm so glad that you are feeling better.

Happy new thread, Linda.

So glad you are finally feeling better!

Happy new thread, Linda! I love new threads!

Karen O

Happy new thread, Linda! So glad to hear you are feeling better.

Happy new thread! I'm close to a new one in one group. I seem to be way behind in posting and everything else this year.

Happy new thread, Linda! I am very glad to hear you are finally feeling better. I hope that bad bug is finally gone for good. And >2 Whisper1: another beautiful book!

Happy new thread, Linda!
And again a wonderful book.
I'm glad you're feeling better.
Spring is a wonderful time, the colors are all so fresh and intense.
Have a wonderful week.

Happy New Thread, Linda. Here We Are Notes For Living on Planet Earth sounds wonderful. We need more reads like this.

Happy new thread! I'm glad you are on the mend!

Happy new one, Linda!

Hi Linda, and happy newest thread.

>3 Whisper1: Wow, I’m so sorry to read about the respiratory illness but glad that you’re finally feeling better.

Spring has sprung out here, too, and it’s gorgeous.

>2 Whisper1: What beautiful and happy illustrations!

>3 Whisper1: I love marigolds. They are hardy and bloom all summer ( even in extreme heat).

Heres hoping that the rest of April is better for you on the health front

Happy new thread.

Checking in on the new thread, lovey, before I lose track of you again!

>1 Whisper1: I'm so glad to hear you are on the mend.

There's a supplement that I take, that my dh takes, and that my dad took for a while too, NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine). It's supposed to be good for respiratory issues and overall immunity.

From WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/n-acetyl-cysteine-uses-and-risks):

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is used by the body to build antioxidants. Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage.

You can get NAC as a supplement or a prescription drug.

As a prescription drug, doctors use NAC to treat acetaminophen overdose. It may also help break up mucus in people with some lung diseases, like chronic bronchitis.

As a supplement, some people use NAC to try to protect the liver. There's evidence it can help prevent kidney or neurologic damage caused by some drugs.

NAC might help prevent colon cancer in people with some types of colon polyps, but more research is needed to be sure. NAC does not seem to reduce the risk of lung cancer or head and neck cancer.

Dear Linda, there's no way I can keep up with you, but I hope that spring is going to bring you much better health. I'm awfully sorry about your respiratory distress. I hesitate to mention it for fear of jinxing myself, but I attribute my health in that area to daily sinus rinses. You Take Care of Yourself!

Many thanks for all lthe wonderful messages. I will respond tomorrow. For now, know that I am so happy that there are so many messsages.''

Hi Linda - Hope this turns into a Well Day - sent you a Jacquie Card...

Hi, Linda. You sold me on the Oliver Jeffers Here We are Notes. I requested it at the library.

I was sorry to hear about the respiratory illness and happy to hear that you’ve been improving.

Wejust visited the grandkids and six year old Rafa is reading on his own now. So great to see that love continue! He even reads sometimes to his four year old sister Fina. They both love the Daniel Salmieri Dragons Love Tacos books. Anything silly always tickles them.

I hope your week goes well.

Happy new thread, Linda. I am glad you are feeling better. I love Oliver Jeffries.

Hi LInda. Hope you are having a very good day! I steamed through many (all, maybe!) of the Oliver Jeffers books because I thought they were so wonderful. I sure love his illustrations too!

Thanks to everyone for your kind outreach and lovely messages wishing me well. I am not coughing or wheezing. I had energy to do so things around the house.

Today, April 18th, is the fifth year since Will died. He passed away during the evening. He did not die alone, Kayla, daughter Breanna, and close neighbors were here. I remember very well how much he was loved. I thought that as time went on, the sadness would abate. But, tonight is a sad evening, but remembering the neighbors and family and how they loved him helps the loss.

I thought of mnay good memories today and this evening. Manly, memories of how he made me laugh. A special memory comes to mind:

Before I moved in this house with him, we were sitting on the couch, looking at the moon through the sky light. He said "I'm so glad you are here. With others, I couldn't wait until they left. With you, I want you to stay a long time, and not go home." Will wasn't an overly romantic man, but that comment stayed with me and made me smile when I remembered it tonight.

>4 quondame: Susan, I've read most of Oliver Jeffers books. This is the best one! It grabbed me from the first - last page.

>6 mdoris: Mary, I've read a lot of Helen Humpreys books. The Frozen Thames is stellar, and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend that you do. Thanks for thumbs up.

>7 PaulCranswick:. Hi Paul. I always smile when I see a message from you! Thanks for stopping by.

>8 bell7:, Thanks for your kind words Mary.

>9 Whisper1: Hi Lynda. Thanks for stopping by. I think you will like Here We Are Notes For Living On Planet Earth. This one is special!

>13 Berly: Kim, I know you also struggle with health issues. I hope you are feeling better as well.

>14 vancouverdeb: thanks for visitng Deb!

>15 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita, Reading about all the walking you and Frank are doing, made me smile remembering how much I previously liked to walk every night. Periodically, I walk with a friend who has a little white dog. His dog walks faster than we do, and always brings a smile when I see her little legs go so fast.

>16 klobrien2: Thanks for stopping by Karen!

>17 curioussquared: Hi Natalie..I'm glad you visited here.

>18 thornton37814: Lori, Your story is the same as mine -- behind on the threads, and reading as well.

>19 atozgrl: Hi Irene. I appreciate your kind wishes. Today I started to cough again, and immediately grabbed the meds. By the end of the day, I felt better. I actually had energy to do some cleaning of kitchen cupboards and the freezer.

>20 SirThomas: Hi Thomas. Many thanks for your cheery message that made me smile.

BOOK #8 IN THE MONTH OF APRIL 2024


Eleanor, Quiet No More the Life of Eleanor Roosevelt written by Doreen Rappaport with georgeous illustrations by Gary Kelley

This is a re-read. Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my favorite historical people. Her tenacity of spirit amazes me. Here is the previous review, since I wouldn't change anything, I'll post it again:

A beautifully illustrated book which highlights Eleanor Roosevelt's life from her childhood wherein she was born into a life of priviledge, though as she proved, it is true that money cannot buy happiness. Treated with cruelty by her beautfiul, high-society mother, she consistently called her ugly and stupid. Her favorite name for Eleanor was "Granny." She carried this nastiness, and felt ugly and thought she would never belong. She overcame the death of her mother and her much loved father, and pushed herself to overcome the negativety and nastiness to become one of the best-known First Ladies of the United States.

Her future husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was drawn to her intelligence and innter beauty. They were married and became parents of five children. She suppored her husband throughout his presidencies, and after he contracted polio, she became his right and left hand. She traveled world wide, was at the forefront of American civil rights, and was a strong advocate of the poor and needy.

After FDR died, she continued to be a strong advocate of making the United States well known world wide. President Harry Truman appointed her to the United Nations. After two years of service, the committee framed a declaration of rights for people throughout the world. Stating "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Eleanor continued to represent the down-trodden and poor throughout her life. A strong advocate for civil rights and equality for all, she was quoted as saying "Decent housing is a basic human right that society is morally and politically obligate to provide all of its citizens.".""Very early I knew there were men and women and children who suffered."

She personally responded to thousands and thousands of letters received. Her high energy level enabled her to travel the world while making America better.

She continues to amaze me as I read many books both written by her, and biographies about her. I cannot think of another woman who had as much of an impact on this country as she did.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

Happy new thread, Linda. I'm glad you are feeling better healthwise. It's sad and also wonderful that you and Will were there for each other until he passed. He left you with happy memories which is good.

Thinking of you on this day, Linda.
It's hard when all you have left are the memories, but they are beautiful memories.

>37 Whisper1: Thanks Meg. Thre are many good memories. And, as with many relationships, there were some difficult times as well. But the good did outweigh the bad.

>38 Familyhistorian: It's good to see you here Tom. Yes, today and tonight, I am thinking of the many good memories. We had a beautiful grand daughter whom we loved very much. He spent hundreds of hours playing with her. I remember one day in particular when I was working from home. It was a snowy day and as I worked and watched the beautiful snow, I heard her teacher like voice from her upstairs bedroom, tell one on the stuffed animals that "Handy Manny needed to get his act together and straighten up!" "She knew he was smart and it was time he started to act like it!"

Will had a unique voice for each of the stuffed animal pupils. He and she placed them on small chairs and made a chalk board. She loved her Opa so very much. It makes me happy to remember how much time they spent together. When she turned 21 this past February, after she blew out the candles on her birthday cake she said that while she was happy for the times when she was little, now is the time she wishes he was her to guide her through young adulthood. I admit, I shed a tear.

Such lovely memories, Linda. Losing a spouse, so hard. It's not something I have had to do yet, but I recall the sorrow I had when my dad passed after a battle with cancer when he as 65, which is now 17 years ago. I know my mom still misses him very much, as do I, but of course my mom that much more. Wishing you a good day today.

>34 Whisper1: What a lovely memory of Will, Linda.

>21 msf59: >22 foggidawn:>23 >24 karenmarie: >25 figsfromthistle: Thanks to all of you for stopping by. I am so very glad I found this group in 2008! Not only did my reading genre grow, but I've met many wonderful people, like all of you!

>26 alcottacre: Stasia, How about it...We've been with the group since it began. This group would not be the same without you!

>27 fuzzi: Fuzzi, thanks for the information regarding N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is used by the body to build antioxidants. Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage.. I will ask my primary care doctor if she agrees that this would be a good supplement for me.

>28 LizzieD: Daily sinus rinses sounds like a good idea. I will try this! Many thanks for the information.

>30 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne, thanks for the beautiful Jacquiline Lawson card..much appreciated.

>31 jnwelch: Joe, Where did the time go? Rafa and Fina aren't those little tots anymore. I hope you are able to obtain the Oliver Jefers book. I think you, and they will like it.

>41 vancouverdeb: How very sad that your father died at 65. That seems like such a young age. I think it is wonderful that you had loving memories of your father.

>42 BLBera: Happy Saturday Beth. I have a lot of good memories. There are some challenging ones as well, but overall there are many more positive ones.

BOOK #9 READ IN MONTH OF APRIL 2024



The Truth About Dragons written by Julie Leung with incredible illustrations of Hanna Cha

In this Caldecott award-winning book, a little boy loves his grandmother who one day told him about two cultures that she expressed in the form of two dragons, both different, and both important, representing the two cultures that belong to the boy.

The illustrations are very beautiful.

Hi Linda, Glad you are feeling so much better! Yes, I have read Humphreys The Frozen Thames and agree it was wonderful. I have read most of her books and jump any newly published ones. I'm sorry that this is a difficult day for you but good that it is one that is bringing back many wonderful memories.

It was a dreary day. The road in front of my house is being paved. It was going to take all last week, but unfortunately, it's running into the upcoming week as well. The good thing is that we need to park on another street, not too far from the house, and it is nice to walk even in the bit of rain.

I spent $545 this week for a filling on a front tooth. The dentist then told me he wants to put a cap ($1,500) and then a root canal, another $1,000 on the same tooth. I will look for another opinion. I hate to hit my savings that hard.

Living on one income isn't always easy.

Today, I made meatballs for pasta dinner tomorrow night, then I made chocolate chip cookies. The house smells so good. A trip to the library yesterday was very fun. Friends at the library highly recommended books by this author. Has anyone read books by Kate Quinn? I brought home the following:

>48 Whisper1: I REALLY enjoyed The Alice Network. Based on that, I also acquired the other two books (as yet unread). The author also wrote historical novels set in the ancient Roman empire, & a former coworker loves those.

Thanks for affirming this author's work. Thanks for visiting my thread.

Hi Linda, I liked The Rose Code and read it in 2021 for bookclub. There is lots about female friendship. I'm off to the dentist this week too. Ugh. They are finding lots of work to do on me too!

>34 Whisper1: I love that memory, thank you for sharing.

>46 Whisper1: Isn't that a beautiful book? I read it to several different groups of children this spring after it got a Caldecott honor.

>48 Whisper1: I've read all of those and really enjoyed them. The Rose Code was my favorite of the three. She has a new book coming out that I'm looking forward to.

I finished this book today. I really enjoyed it, except for the graphic description of all the killing the main character did as a sniper. In college, a Russian history professor was incredible. We studied a lot about the Seige of Leningrad. What a brutal battle that was. Hitler did not learn the lesson of Napoleon who lost an incredible amount of people when the winter arrived. I think Hitler underestimated the strength of the Russian people. The images of all the bloody bodies stack up was very graphic. I am not prone to nightmares, but a few nights ago, after eading the book before I fell asleep, I awoke from a nightmare.

>51 mdoris: a member of the staff at the library highly recommended The Rose Code. I brought this one home.
>52 fuzzi: Thanks Fuzzi. I am allowing the good memories to come through. Originally, it was too difficult to think of them. Now, after five years, I'm stronger, and I am so very glad for the happy memories.
>53 foggidawn: I think I'll read The Rose Code next. I'll visit the library site and see if I can reserve The Alice network

It is good to see how many enjoyed these books. Kate Quinn is an excellent writer I like that she noted the references in the back of the book. Looks like I have more to read!

BOOK #TEN IN THE MONTH OF APRIL 2024


The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

The original setting is a woman, forcefully used at 15, then married to the man who abused her phsyically, who then proceeded to abuse her emotionally. The small boy as a result of the union was very much loved by his mother, and grandparents, with whom he lived when his mother left his father, and then left him behind with her parents to join Stalin's defense of German intervention Russia in WWII.

This historical novel is based on some true-to-life occurrences, and part accompanying embellishment. Lyudmila "Mila" Lichenko becme an amazing sniper in her mid 20's. She joined Russia's war effort to stem Hitler's invasion of Europe, and in particular Russia, where the war was brutal. It is believed "Lady Death" was successful in killing 309 German soldiers as she moved through where ever most needed in the war as she trained more snipers to replace those tragically killed.

The writing is exceptional, and I had difficulty putting the book down. Recommended by a member of my local library who, in particular recommend, my next read in the series, titled The Rose Code which is often noted as the best. The description of the fighting and killing throughout Russia was brutal and at times I had dificulty with the sheer volume of death and gore.

Previous reading of Harrison E. Salisbury's The 900 Days: The Siege of Leningrad many years ago, and which I highly recommend, helped understand the vivid depiction of the brutallity of Hitler as he swept throughout Europe. Again, the sheer number of those killed or died of starvation on both the German and Russian sides of this overwhelmingly violent occurrence in WWII was vividly portrayed in The Diamond Eye.

Ludmila became a hero, not only for the amount of those she killed, but also because she was a lone young woman on the bloody battle fields among many men.

The book travels from before Ludmilla became a sniper and afterward when because of disability she was sent to the United States where she traved to the White House and was welcomed by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Five Stars! Highly Recommended!!!

>44 Whisper1: The group would not be the same without you either, lovey!

>48 Whisper1: I have read one of Quinn's books, The Rose Code, which I thought was a bit long but I still enjoyed it.

>54 Whisper1: >56 Whisper1: My local library has that one so I will see if I can get hold of it sometime soon.

>54 Whisper1: Linda - Reading super fun light weight books before sleeping

(kc dyer, Abbi Waxman, Jenny Colgan, Donna Ball...)

helps offset the scary ones (Vercher's THREE-FIFTHS, MADAME FOURCADE'S SECRET WAR...

My daughter has a Falling Asleep Meditation that she recommends for balance.

Have a peaceful night!

Hi Linda my dear, a belated Happy New Thread dear friend.

>57 alcottacre: It is always wonderful to hear from you Stasia
>58 m.belljackson: Marianne, Thanks for the recommendations, and good wishes
>59 johnsimpson: Hello Dear John, Always good to hear from you.

BOOK #1 IN MONTH OF MAY


Melania and Me by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff

This is a tale of a relationship that left the author hurt and humiliated. Hopefully the lesson of being with someone who dominates your life and selfishly absorbs time and talent is learned to avoid at all costs in the future.

Basically, after a lot of self agrandizement and listing of her accomplishments, of which there are many, her relationship with Melania left her bruised and abused. Moral of the story, simply because you are talented does not absorb you from craving attention by a woman in power who consistantly used the author was a lesson hopefully used to never repeatedly walk down the lane with a narrcissist.

One Star

BOOK #2 READ IN THE MONTH OF MAY 2024


Sinatra And Me In The Wee Small Hours by Tony Oppedisano

A well written book outlining the character of Sinatra and his musical talents and ability to draw people to him and uphold a positive friendship.

The author had a long relationship with Sinatra right until the end of Sinatra's life. It was obvious the writer of this book held Sinatra in respect while outlining some of the mistakes Sinatra made in his life, while overall being a good person.

>61 Whisper1: Sounds like that one can be safely skipped! Oof.

Looks like your reading month is off to a good start. I hope you are taking care of yourself, lovey!

>63 alcottacre: Good to hear from you Stasia!

>64 Whisper1: Thanks!

I'm behind on threads--just glancing at what you've read. Frank Sinatra brings back memories.

The Diamond Eye sounds good, Linda. I read The Alice Network, which I thought was just OK. But a Russian sniper sounds interesting. I might give this one a try.

Happy Sunday.

Good luck with the dentist!

>66 thornton37814: Hi Lori, thanks for visiting here.
>67 BLBera: Beth, The Diamond Eye was a good book. I have the Alice Network on hold at the library. I'll give it a try, if I don't like it, I'll put it down. There are too many good books to waste on one that isn't up to standards.

BOOK #3 FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2024

The Seven Ravens A Fairy tale by Wilhelm Grimm with excellellent illustrations by Henriette Sauvant



Review to follow. The illustrations were outstanding. I've never heard of this illustrator, and will be sure to find more books that she illustrated.

I've never heard of the Seven Ravens fairy tale. Both the tale and illustrator and new to me! it is an incredible find.

Unfortunately, after searching for more than an hour, I was only able to find one illustration for this book.

To observe the beauty of the artistry, I highly recommend purchasing this book. I found this edition on Thriftbooks.com

-------------------------------------

This is a tale of a couple who longed for a daughter after having seven sons. When a baby girl was born, she was tiny, nonetheless, her parents were overjoyed even though she was hospitalized at once.

Her father sent one of the sons to fetch water for the baptism. Excited, the other six accompanyed him. In their excitement, the pitcher dropped into the well.

They were very afraid to go home. Waiting, the father assumed the sons forgot and were playing instead of obtaining water for the baptism. He wished they would turn to ravens, and alas the wind began to whirl and seven black ravens flew away.

When the spell could not be undone, they were sad, but found a lot of joy in their daughter. When she grew, she overheard mention of the seven brothers and that she was to blame for their curse. Her parents told her the spell was heaven's wish.

The beautiful daughter could not rest until she found her brothers and helped to undo the curse. She left her home and took a small ring reminding her of her parents, a loaf of bread and water. In addition, she took a chair to rest when she was weary.

Her travels took her to the world's end where so found the sun that was way too sorching. Fearing the sun would harm her, she continined on and found the wicked moon who told her he liked the flesh of human children. Again she fled. The stars that she found were kind and had their own chairs.

Finally, she found the morning star who gave her a chicken leg and told her her brothers would be found inside the glass mountion, but the chicken leg would be needed .

As the story progressed, she opened the cloth that previously held the chicken leg, but it was gone. Here is where the story gets a gory as the girl cuts her find with a knife to unlock the door to the glass mountain.

As usual, a fairytale, has to contain some type of nastiness. The little figer unlocked the door into the glass mountain.

Now, the long journey proceeds as she discovers a dwarf who tells her the brothers are ravens, and she should wait and eat a tad from eachof the seven plates placed before her.

Whirling back to the beginning, the ring she originally took, now is mistakenly dropped in a cup. In doing so, the raven flapped inside and much like the story of Goldilocks, the ravens asked "Who's been drinking from my cup. With that the ravens recognized the ring as belonging to their parents of lond ago.

Knowing now only their sister can break the spell, and the ravens became the seven brothers of long ago.

The ending is happy, and they all traveled home happily.

This story is new to me. As I journey through illustrated books with their exquisite illustrations, it again becomes abundantly clear that fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm all have much in common:

A longing for a beautiful, life, different than the one currently lived. A journey to a far away mountain, castle or woods where others are found to help unlock the spell wether it is a kiss, a ring, a glass slipper. Along the way there is either an individual or a group who will help, perhaps dwarfs or others who either assist to find the way to find the end where the spell is broken and the main character find his/her fulfillment.

The stunning illustrations made this tale special.

I really enjoyed The Alice Network, but that is the only book I have read so far by Kate Quinn. She's a very popular author, I seem to know a lot of people who enjoy her books. I hope you can get Brotherless Night soon from the library. It's intense and I suppose dark, but very good.

>70 vancouverdeb:..Hi Deb. I am going to the library to pick up a copy that's on hold for me. I hope to like The Alice Network. I know I'm reading the series outof order.

The day began with a lot of pain. I was stubborn and did something I enjoy. I had one large Christmas Catus that I divided into many. There's something good about working with soil and water and placing the plant in a pretty container.

Working in the yard most of the day was cathartic, but now it is time to shower, put pjs on and read. I've received many good suggestions lately, some of which I found in the local library.

Tomorrow I'll sit still and read the day away.

A good night to all!

>72 Whisper1: Beautiful plants! I’m glad that doing this activity brought some pleasure amidst your pain. You have a good plan for the rest of the weekend, I think!

Karen O

Linda - check email for a Jacquie Mother's Day card!

How do you get your Christmas Cactus to bloom so beautifully?

>73 klobrien2: Hi Karen. Yes, I love to garden and play with soil. Today I did some inside work. Tonight, I sat in the chair I use as my reading chair, and awoke two hours later without opening a book.

I will hope to read tomorrow. I know I over did it and I will pay a price for this tomorrow, but I do enjoy working in soil.

>74 m.belljackson: Thanks Marianne! I didn't check messages until now. I'll be sure to check this before I go downstairs to sleep. I hope you had a lovely day with Atala. She is a wonderfully sensitive daughter. I hope she made your day as special as you deserve!!!! You are a wonderful mother...AND friend!

Regarding the plants, I use fertilizer. The package is blue crystals that I place in water and use to feed the plants. A few weeks ago I fed the rose buses in the front and back of the house, and they are now blooming.

I fertilize once a month. I learned that the hard way by over fertilizing and killing some on my special plants.

I hope you had a lovely day.

I have a Christmas Cactus that I need to divide -- one of my husband's aunts wants a bit of it. I have several similar houseplant tasks to do soon, repotting and propagating. You're right, it is satisfying to get your hands in the dirt and smell the plants and the wet soil. Sorry you are having pain.

>72 Whisper1: Hoping today is a much better day for you!

>76 foggidawn: Christmas Cactus divide well. I hope you enjoy your task of repotting.
>77 mdoris: Mary, I hope today was a good day for you. I spent a lot of time cleaning inside. I'll pay a price for it tomorrow, but for now, I enjoy seeing the fruits of my labor.

BOOK #4 OF BOOKS READ MAY 2024



Small Gifts in God's Hands by Max Lucado with illustrations by Cheri Bladholm

Elijah and his mother live together in a small house. They have few resources. Each day Elijah goes fishing so that his mother can use the fish to sell and have a tad of income each day.

When Elijah hears of a man named Jesus who will be visiting their village, he fears he will miss the crowd if he fishes for his mother. After he cleaned their outside oven, his mother gave permission to visit Jesus the next day.

When he followed the crowds the next day, he knew there were too many people to be fed. Jesus looked at him, and he felt special. He offered his fish to Jesus who in turn used this to produce many fish and loaves of bread for the crowd.

This is a biblical story told by the author,

BOOKS CHECKED OUT FROM THE LIBRARY

All The Devils Are Here by Louis Penny
Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes
A Memory of Violets A Novel of London's flower Sellers by Hazel Gaynor
Bomb Island by Stephen Hundley
Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan
The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Satloffer

Currently Reading -- Started May 14, 2024


The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer

>81 Whisper1: - The title alone intrigues me but your touchstone for it (from the previous post) goes to a different book same title but different author. Intriguing, too! ;-)

Hope you enjoy your library books. I didn't like that Penny quite as much, but I think it was just a little too dark for me.

>72 Whisper1: My Christmas cactus is not doing well at all. It didnt' flower much this year and it is losing branches. Maybe I am overwatering it? Also I changed its location and the sun might not be enough where it is now. Sigh. I love this plant. : (

>81 Whisper1: That one sound interesting!! Let us know. : )

Linda - We'll be looking forward to the book you write:

How to Deal with, at Times Intense, Chronic Pain while Wielding a Sewing Machine!

>82 jessibud2: Hi Shelley..I fixed the touchstone from post 80 to reflect the right author and book cover. Thanks for pointing that out to me.

I'm reading it currently..It is very good.

>83 thornton37814: Lori. I haven't read the books in order. Have you read them? If so, have you read them from #1 to the current one?

>84 Berly: Kim, Periodically I add fertilizer to the plant. And, you are right, they do not like a lot of water. Mine are currently in containers on the deck where I recently took one large plant and made five babies. We've had a lot of rain and I am concerned that the roots will rot. If it looks like they are wilting, I will have to repot all of them again. The Christmas Cactus plants enjoy a lot of sun.

I started reading it and thus far, I am enjoying it. I've been doing a lot around the house lately and haven't read a lot, as my May and April books indicate. Plus, overdoing it around the house and out side in the gardens has netted two very sore knees and lots of pain. It's the price I pay for working too much. I have to go to the pain management office tomorrow to have them refill the pump. I am going to ask if I can receive a higher dose of mg in the pill form of dilaudid. I've also been taking Gaapentin, and the side effects are wicked. I think I need to stop this pill.

How are you?

>85 m.belljackson: Marianne, Your post made me smile. I enjoy making placemats. That's about it for my sewing these years. When the girls were little, I sewed a lot of their clothes, until they told me they were too big to wear the clothes I sewed.

I've dramatically cut back on sewing, but I enjoy making placemats. Your title of the book I will write is a good one. The one to follow will be:

How to tolerate intense pain brought via degenerative disk disease which 12 surgeries did not make better -- indeed they made the pain worse. There will be a chapter dedicated to Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia and the fact that large hospitals do not provide as good care as smaller.

We have had tremendous amounts of rain this spring, early summer. The grass grows taller than usual, The outside plants are soaked and there are streams of mud in portions of the driveway. however, next month the posts will most likely indicate it is too hot and too dry.

When I return from the pump infusion tomorrow, I will sit still and do nothing but read. I am so far behind in my reading and I miss it very much.

While we have had a lot of rain, tonight the sunset was stunning. This is a previous sun set taken six-seven years ago when Will and I chased the sun set near our house and parked the car while simply saying "WoW! What a good day to be alive." This brought back many good memories. It is the good memories that seem to make me sad, longing for more days like those when we enjoyed time together.

The sun set tonight was similar, but I saw it alone. Still, I am glad to still be living in this house where the skies are lovely.

Linda--What a beautiful sunset and a touching memory. I totally agree that some of the best memories are the ones that can make me the saddest, but I wouldn't give them up for anything and they bring me joy at the same time. Hope the pump infusion goes well tomorrow and I wish you happy reading. And I still love the placemats you sent me years ago!

"WoW! What a good day to be alive" is a wonderful motto for life.
Thank you for sharing your memories and the picture.
I wish you all the best for the pump infusion and a wonderful weekend.

Gorgeous photo, Linda. I am also lucky that I can see the sunset from my window and have witnessed (and photographed) many over the years.

Good luck with the infusion and good that you know how to pace yourself.

{{hugs}}

>89 Whisper1: Linda - Great New Inspiring Title! Harrowing surgeries and big hospitals!

Good you found a smaller hospital that helps - all we have here are the gigantic U. of Wisconsin ones.

Sure hope the pump dose works A Lot better...you deserve to be Out of Pain.

Re: Sewing - if all your girls have enough placemats, maybe they'd enjoy those aprons
that tie & only go below the waist? Kind of a longer rectangle than the placemats...

My sewing efforts ended with inability to thread a bobbin correctly.

Hi Linda, as usual, I enjoy looking at your beautiful illustrations. Thank you for sharing them. I'm also glad to hear that your health has mostly stabilized. I salute you for taking good care of yourself!

>48 Whisper1: I have read and enjoyed all three of the Kate Quinn books you posted. They are not for the squeamish but are interesting looks into fairly recent history.

>72 Whisper1: My mother gave me a Christmas Cactus way back in the 1980s. Somehow I've managed to keep it alive even after moving it back and forth from Colorado. I desperately need to divide it and share with my children. It is in a huge pot and the last time we transplanted it (over ten years ago), we said "no more". I fertilize it lightly with Miracle Grow once a month. A few times when it was looking woebegone, I added a bit of sugar to its twice a month watering and it perked right up!

Like you, I enjoy working in the yard this time of year. Stiffness and pain is the price we pay at our age. I have really tried to pace myself, but when hot weather comes, I go into watering mode only. I am a big fan of air conditioning. *Smile*

BOOK #5 OF BOOKS READ IN MAY 2024



The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer

While there is a host of characters seeking this painting, thought to be stolen from the paintings exhibited during Vincent's service when he died, the book begins with two people, Luke and Alex (Alex is a female( and the book rapidly spills out of control shortly thereafter.

The story begins when Luke made a sudden purchase, and later that night it was noticed that the covering may be hiding another paining behind. When the outer layer was slowly, carefully chipped away, the excitement built when the face of Van Gogh was seen.

To discern if this is indeed a true painting, they contact a long-term specialist in finding art work, an acquaintance, Interpol Agent, John Washington. While it originally assumed it would be an easy job, it soon became very challenging.

Two main characters are the original ones seeking to obtain the precious painting, Luke and Alex, but, from then on, the book spirals out of control. While there are many wonderful pages outlining the story of Van Gogh's life, his work, and why his paintings are so very expensive in the art community, the author adds characters, and too many of them simply renders the book very difficult to continue.

I did finish it, but with the exception of the descriptions of Amsterdam, and the Anne Frank hiding place, and the museums visited by the main characters, it simply was way to difficult to follow.

I rate this a low 2.5

BOOK #6 READ IN THE MONTH OF MAY 2024



Meet Patricia MacLachlan by Frances E. Ruffin

This is a book that chronicles the life of Patricia MacLachlan, one of my favorite children's and YA book authors.

When reading Sarah, Plain and Tall an early book writen by Patricia MacLachlan, Sarah, Plain and Tall that became a Newbery Medal Award-winning book, and spurred and my desire to read all of the Newbery Medal and Honor awards.

After reading a lot of Newbery books, I segwayed to reading more and more young adult books.

Patricia MacLachlan was born to a book-loving family.
She was the only child bon to She was an only child who when was bored, her mother told her to read a book to see who she was. In reality, she was many things: She was a daughter, friend, a wife. She was involved with Children's Aid and Family services, a teacher and she is an author who uses real-life experiences to weave stories of life fullness and joy.

>91 Whisper1: Lovely sunset ,Linda. I hope the pump infusion has gone well and your pain has lessened.

>91 Whisper1:, >93 SirThomas: I've just finished my favourite book again - Fool on the Hill - this sentence is the last one before the epilogue.
All the best to you, Linda

>98 Whisper1: So neat that they have a series about authors like MacLachlan.

>99 vancouverdeb: Thanks very much Deb. When visiting your recent thread, I found a lot of books to be added to my TBR pile. You are reading some great books!

Thanks for stopping by.

>100 SirThomas: Hi Tom. I think the last sentence of the book is missing. Can you please send it to me? Many thanks. I'll be sure to read Fool on the Hill by Matt Ruff

I have three all-time favorites:

To Kill a Mockingbird
Jane Eyre
Prayer for Owen Meany

While I've read hundreds since reading those, they remain my favorites.

Thanks for sharing your favorite book.

>99 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb. The area where I live in Easton PA, has tremendous multi-colored bands of beautiful sunsets.

The infusion went well. I admire the Physcian's Assistant, There is an area at the pump, located in my abdomen, that has a strong, flexible band where it is possible to find the area to both remove dilaudid not used since the last infusion, and a second process to insert the newiinfusion. This is usually done within a two month period of time.

Thanks for visiting!

It's a hot day and some of the plants in my gardens are wilting, so I need to take care of that today, ad well as clean up a messy downstairs of my house.

I hope your day is a good one.

>96 Donna828: Hi Donna. I apologize for not responding to your message. Lots of inside cleaning and outside gardening have left me energy deprived, and a consequence of that is being spacy. How wonderful that you kept the plant all these years! That is an amazing feat. I've never heard of giving a plant a bit of sugar, but certainly, I'll try this.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my thread.

>103 Whisper1: I found an English edition of the book and looked it up.
The last sentence before the epilogue reads:

“Jesus,” George whispered. He did not know how he had come to be here in the early hours of the morning, with the breeze from the gorge tangling his hair with Aurora’s, but it surely felt grand. “Jesus, what a day to be alive.”

I hope you will enjoy it.

I also like your favourites, but I have read other books by John Irving, this one is higher up on my reading list now...

Number 2 and number 3 for me are The Little Prince and The Stand.
However, I have rated a total of 46 books with 5 stars - so there can always be changes in places 2 and 3.....

I am glad that the infusion went well and wish you all the best, Linda!

>69 Whisper1: This looks stunning, Linda.

I'm glad your infusion went well. Good luck with reading; I think we all go through slumps from time to time.

>106 SirThomas: It is always good to see you here Tom. I also like The Little Prince. The Stand was the first Steven King book I read. I found it scary.

Thanks for your kind words regarding the infusion.

>107 BLBera: Beth, As always, thanks for stopping by.

BOOK SEVEN OF MAY 2024


SMALL in the CITY by Sydney Smith

The illustrations are stark and lovely. The text is spare. A little person rides the bus in a large city. She looks contemplative and admits she knows how it feels to be small in a large city, The buildings are high and overshadow her as she carries a large cloth bag.

She is giving advice, but it isn't until the end of the book that the reader understands she is morning the loss of her cat and is giving her precious animal ways in which to navigate a large place.

"People don't see you and loud sounds can scare you, and knowing what to do is hard sometimes."

See goes on to note streets are large, taxis are loud, and sirens come and go in all directions.

The sadness is understood when the reader notes that advice is being given.

"Alleys can be good shortcuts, but don't go down the dark ones.
In a specific yard there are three big dogs barking and biting...avoid this space.
The good places to hide are high in a walnut tree of under a mulberry bush."

As the caring continues, the little girl tells her lost cat that a dryer cent is a good place to stay warm, the fish monger is nice, and maybe he will give you something to eat. Don't go into the empty lot that has bushes that call get stuck to your coat.

As the snow comes down fast, hard and cold, the little girl talks again to her lost beloved cat and tells the cat the place there is a favorite bench and that her friend might pet the cat if she sits on her lap.

As she places lost signs throughout places where it is hoped someone will see it, the snow is now coming down furiously as the little girl is pelted hard by the gusting wind.

And, I admit to shedding a tear when she tells her lost cat that

"home is safe and quiet; the food dish is full; the blanket is warm; and "IF you want, you can just come back."

As she approaches home and sees a loved one, she sadly notes that she knows the cat will be alright. As she is held, the inference is that if the cat comes home, it will be hugged and welcomed.

4.5 Stars for the very special words and illustrations.

Highly recommended.



As noted:

"Small in the City has received several accolades, including the Governor General’s Literary Award, being named an ALA Notable Children’s Book, and being recognized as a New York Times Best Children’s Book. The stunning artwork and contemplative storytelling make it a memorable read for both children and adults alike."

BOOK #EIGHT READ IN MONTH OF MAY 2024


Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin

Claude Auzello runs the Ritz, from the sparkle of the chandeliers to the crease of the napkins, the luxury is evident. His wife Blanche, is American with very different values than he. Their marriage is analogous to walking on a tight rope. In 1920 the Ritz is at its best. The cream of society walks through the doors, including "the bitch" Coco Chanel, the Duchess of Windsor, Scott Fitzgerald, and Cole Porter.

But by the time the Nazi's have taken over the hotel, the danger is evident, leaving the glamour a thing of the past.
Claude tries his best to hold it all together, while his American wife is known for her acerbic tongue and isn't all that afraid of those with the shining boots, sharp guns and eyes that see what they wish in order to subjugate.

I very much like previous books written by Melanie Benjamin. However, this book was too wordy, and contained far too many pages to hold interest.

I was very disappointed. It was very difficult to wade through it.

Two Stars

>109 Whisper1: Ooh, Small in the City looks good! I’ve requested it! Thank you, dear lady!

Karen O

>109 Whisper1: Linda you did a very good sales job on Small in the City. i will pick it up this week and thank you!

>111 klobrien2: Karen, and >112 mdoris: Mary. I keep my favorite illustrated books, and this will be one I'll retain. The story is lovingly told, and the accompanying illustrations are lovely. Anyone who lost an animal, can relate to this story. Happ Memorial Day weekend.

BOOK #NINE Read in Month of May 2024


The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Ruth Sanderson

The illustrations carry this book. The tale is an old one by the Brothers Grimm. The illustrations are lavishly stunning. The story consists of princesses, magic spells, castles, quests, a poor man who longs for more.

The twelve dancing princess have beautiful gowns and lovely shoes to match. Each night they have beautiful shoes and each morning, the soles are worn. The King cannot understand what happens to the shoes. He makes an announcement that if any young man can discover why their shoes become worn, he has the hand on a princess. A young common man named Michael who was told by an older woman that she should look for a gardener position at the castle, she also gave him a clock that when worn, He became invisible.

Michael fell in love with Lina, one of the humble princesses. The other men who tried to solve the riddle were given a potion which rendered them silent.

One night Michael followed the princesses and hid under twelve beds. Eventually, the magical doors were opens and the 12 young girls were clothed in stunning outfits and beautiful shoes.

They went down to a small chamber, where they progressed to rooms of silver, gold and diamonds. Lina suspected she heard someone, but no one else did. A large lake with white swans transported the ladies to a magical palace where they danced with partners throughout the entire night until the soles of their slippers were worn through.

One night Michael took a gold-sprinkled branch. Lina confronted the garden boy Michael who confessed to learning their dancing secret. Later that night, Lina gave him an invitation to the palace where he danced with her. Her did not drink the potion in the cup. The next day they approached the King and were given permission to marry. Instead of a gardener, Michael eventually became a King.

BOOK NUMBER TEN READ IN THE MONTH OF MAY 2024


Gorilla Walk by Ted & Betsy Lewin

Ted and Betsy Levin tried numerous times to make a trek with a guide to travel high into the Impenetrable Forest in southern Uganda to visit the mountain gorilla . Because of political wars and civil unrest, it was not possible to allow a group into the forest, Now titled Bwindi National Park. The best estimate of the the total mountain gorillas in Bwindi is approximately 300.

The small group making the trek with highly skilled trackers, enters the area of the mountain gorilla knowing this group they hope to see are "habituated," which means they are made comfortable in the presence of humans. Though, habituation is not complete because the gorillas, which accustomed to Africans, they are not yet comfortable with white people in small groups. This process first became successful in Rwanda in 1978.

A group of six visitors are allowed in the area for only one hour. It is strongly believed that ecotourism is the only way to save the gorillas. And these trips with skilled trackers and necessary for the ongoing survival of the mountain gorilla population.

This arduous journey is fraught with slipping down the jungle, drinking your water too early, leaving you with none the remaining trip, and the need for extreme stamina to climb throughout the jungle. It is easy to slip down the muddied and slimy steep areas.

Trackers lead the way and hack and slice the way up the slope. It is exceedingly hot ad humid. But, every person in the group states it is an incredible experience, and to have a mountain gorilla look you in the eyes is a spiritual experience. The trackers are very careful when near the gorillas and they make the same sound as the goriillas --"ahumn."

All participants note it is a life-changing experience, to come so very close to these huge animals.

BOOK #11 READ MAY OF 2024



The Sea King's Daughter by Aaron Shepard with illustrations of Gennady Spirin.

In the Russian city of Novgorod, Sadko, a young musician lived with his twelve-string instrument called a gusli. Sadko loved to play his instrument to townspeople, yet was lonely.

One evening as he plucked a sad tune on his gusli, and as huge waves grew, a large man with a crown of pearl and seaweed, invited him to go underground of the sea where he would meet his beautiful daughters.. He gave young Sadko a golden fish. Sadko sold the fish and the next day met the king and the beautiful sea Queen

Sadko sank to the bottom of the sea with the King . Standing by the Sea King, were his beautiful daughters. The fish were so excited by the music Sadko played, the waves of the ocean became violent and tossed ships like toys. Tempted to be with the Sea Queen, when she told him if he kissed her, he could never return to Novgorod.

Sadko took money remaining to him, did not marry the Sea Queen, but rather became a successful merchant and married a fine young woman.

BOOK #12 READ MAY OF 2024



The Umbrella by Jan Brett

A young boy named Carlos went on a journey throughout the Costa Rican rain forest. Taking an umbrella with him, he help it open to avoid drops of water from the rain forest. Instead, as he walked along, various animals, one by one plopped into the umbrella. As he closed the umbrella, all the animals, except for the frog, exited the umbrella.

Because he did not see the animals that hitched a ride inside the open umbrella, he thought that next time he would see creatures.

As always, Jan Brett's artistry is detailed, lush and beautiful.

Just stopping by to say hello. Sorry to hear that you were ill, hope you continue to mend!

>118 tymfos: HI Terri. Thanks for stopping by. I've been lax in visiting threads. Both April and May are slow reading months for me. I hope all is well with you.

BOOK #13 READ MAY OF 2024



The Boy Who Held Back the Sea by Thomas Locker

The illustrations are of old masters paintings. The setting is in a small town that has a beautiful wind mill and a dyke that holds back the water. Peter is a small boy who has a large way of getting into trouble. When Peter asked his mother to avoid Sunday morning church service so he could visit and read to a blind man, Mr. Schuyler, who lives five miles up the canal. She gave him a lunch and a pie for Mr. Schuyler.

Barely out of his mother's sight, Peter ate the pie. He didn't like the lunch, so he killed and had a fire to grill the squirrel. Peter discovered a small leak in the dyke. Knowing even a small leak can cause a big problem, he wrapped a handkerchief around his finger to stop the leaking. Finally, it the night, the water was stopped.

Now Peter needed help getting home. Along came the most wicked man of the small town. Captain Blauvelt went back to town and gathered a group of men to help. Peter was now known as a hero, rather than a trouble maker.

BOOK #14 READ IN MAY 2024

Michael Rosen's Sad Book by Michael Rosen with illustrations of Quentin Blake

This beautiful book written by the author who lost his son. It is hauntingly beautiful, with wonderful illustrations of Quentin Blake. And when Michael Rosen is sad thinking about his son, he remembers things that remain, including Eddie waking along the street simply laughing, laughing and laughing.

While it is difficult to capture grief, the combination of Rosen and Blake do a very credible job of depicting sadness, and ways used to cope with overbearing sadness.

Highly recommended.

Hi Linda - Last two book reviews quite sad - sent you a cheerful nighttime reading via Abe = EIGHT HUNDRED GRAPES...