Wonderful Wordy Wednesday

We came out of the deep freeze of last weekend. Back to more normal temps which makes it nicer to be out and about. Which I have to be out doing things, seeing friends for Christmas lunches.  

It is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. Maybe I should re-read some of her books this coming year. Born December 16, 1775. I have a hard cover book with all of her novels inside, so I can do them anytime. I know for a while I was reading Pride and Prejudice every year after it hit 200 years after its first publication. 

Have to balance my book pile to read and the library hours with the holidays. Closed on both December 24 and 25 and I am getting close to being finished with my current check outs. So that means I need to get more books by December 23 to have some over Christmas and into early next year. Better put my requests in! 

The Late Mrs. Willoughby blends together characters from Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility along with the adult son of Elizabeth and Darcy, Jonathon. Invited to a house party of a former schoolmate, Jonathan arrives to find that a fellow guest is Juliet Tilney. When his schoolmate's wife is murdered, Jonathan and Juliet figure it out. 

The Merlot Murders is the first in a series set in the wine country of Virginia. Lucie comes back from France for her father's funeral. Accident but things don't sit right, she thinks he was killed. When her godfather is also killed she knows something is up. Will Lucie be the next victim?

The Business Trip - Jasmine and Stephanie meet on a flight from Madison to Denver and notice their physical similarities. Jasmine is running from an abusive relationship, Stephanie on her way to a conference for TV news directors. Lots of twists and turns and an unexpected ending. Of note is that the author is a TV news director in Milwaukee!

The Inheritance a family reunion to celebrate the parents 40th wedding anniversary on a remote Scottish island. The adult children are also anticipating the division of their father's wealth. Old issues surface, new ones created. One thing, family first. Even when it means murder. 

I can't choose just one!

 I think that would be Pride and Prejudice. I may have read books as a kid multiple times, like the Black Stallion series, but can't remember how many times for any of these books! 

Happy Reading. 

Crochet

More snow and cold. Since we have snow on the ground earlier than we usually have been getting it seems like a long winter. It isn't even Christmas yet and I want warmth, green grass, flowers!

Ducky got to meet the "green paper man" on Thursday. He forgot to have me initial something last week for an internal report on my invested money. So know Ducky knows who keeps us in treats and yarn and everything else.  

The latest finished project the yarn color is Candy Bowl, a Big Twist yarn. Another color from either my last huge order or the close out sale at JoAnn's. I haven't gone into Michael's yet to see what they are calling their "Knit & Sew Shop", there is a Michael's close to where I live. Not going in since I want to work down my stash some more. I probably have enough yarn to hold me for another year! I should take a picture of my shelves with the stash again soon. Maybe at year end.  

 

 

Happy Weekend. 

Wonderful Wordy Wednesday

Winter continues, below typical temperatures which are likely to continue. So the snow we have so far will likely stick around for a while. Which means a white Christmas for a change. Some people are happy with the colder weather, the local ski hills which can make snow. Then everyone can come out and snow board and ski. 

We had a successful night at trivia this week. We won with 64 of 84 points and the next closest team was 58. There were five teams this week. Got to keep those brain cells firing. Lots of laughs, fun talking with our favorite guy on the wait staff. Good guy, student and a responsible person. Maybe there is hope for the future. 

Not making much progress on Christmas stuff. I did carry up the small Christmas trees from the basement. Barely started on cards, I have at least printed out the mailing labels and got the box of cards out. Made sure I have enough stamps. One of these days I will sit down and finish. 

I did finish one thing which was making the last three batches of peanut brittle. Gave each of my trivia gang a quart size storage bag and some for the wait staff too.  

Orbital, winner of the Booker Prize, best fiction written in English published in the UK or Ireland. It also has the distinction of being the second shortest book every to win the prize. Story is of a day in the lives of six astronauts in the space station. 

Wild Houses I found this book to be confusing and I didn't read the whole book. A couple of brothers kidnap a drug dealers brother. Stash him at their cousin's house. Set in a small town in County Mayo Ireland. 

Offshore: Stealth Wealth and the New Colonialism or how the ultra rich get richer by using tax and investment havens. While the average person gets by and in some countries actually support the system of the rich. Author went through a two year training program to become a wealth management advisor which then gained her access to the people she wanted to interview. 

How to Read the Constitution and Why a timely book for this point in our history. A law professor lays out what is in the constitution and what it means now versus when it was written. Published in 2019 it draws heavily on examples from the more recent political issues. Also addresses if there is a need for a new constitution. 

 

 

I once read a non-fiction book of World War II written from the perspective of the German side. It was interesting but a bit weird.                               

 

 

 That is why there are book marks to keep you in place!

Happy Reading 

Work in Progress

After the snow, comes the cold. We are 15-20 degrees below our typical early December temperatures. More like January weather right now. Hopefully this will be a short dip of cold, then back to seasonal temps. Maybe it can get warmer is January too!

Woke up early Thursday AM and thought the room was bright, the huge, nearly full moon was shining in my bedroom window. Beautiful sight. 

One fancy picture during the snow, the snow covering the lights outside and making the snow glow.  

 

Also spent last weekend making peanut brittle, or at least the first three batches. I don't make cookies, I do brittle and give it away to my friends. Already gifted three of the people on my list, more to come this next week. 

Ducky helping to keep my lap warm and snoopervise the crow-shay! He seems to have perked up for now. Been joining me in bed for some cuddles at night. He hasn't done that in ages. He seems to prefer is heated cat cup! I don't blame him on these cold nights!

 

 

 

I met a friend for lunch this past Tuesday and visited a small yarn shop near her. Yes, I did make a couple of purchases. I got some yarn to make hats for me to go with my new winter jacket. The jacket is the background for the yarn. One softer, the other bright. 

  

 

 Happy Weekend 

Wonderful Wordy Wednesday

In regards to the library budget reduction, yes there was lots of community reaction to this back at the start of the budget process several months ago. However our current village board isn't one that supports the library, at least not like they have in the past. Based on the people on the board, most of whom I didn't vote for. They want to control the library, have a say in what books are on the shelf. Very conservative people. 

Winter arrived with a bang this past weekend. I had nine inches of snow to take care of. So everything is white for now. Streets plowed and clean so no issues to get anywhere. 

Made three batches of peanut brittle on Saturday. I've already started to give it away! I do brittle versus cookies. Here is a pic of one of the batches. 

 

On to the books for the week.  

The French Ingredient a delightful memoir of an American in Paris. Author started working in banking and was assigned to an international role, first in London, then Paris. While in Paris she decided to start a cooking school conducted in English. Not for professionals but for the average person, local and tourist. While there have been many ups and downs, La Cuisine Paris is still in business. 

Golden Years a deep dive into the system of being old in the United States. The evolution, even revolution, of aging in the US in the 20th and 21st centuries. From the creation of Social Security, Medicare, development of communities aimed for those over 55, assisted living and nursing homes. Not sure I want to get old!

If Something Happens to Me is a great thriller. Action from Kansas, Philadelphia, Italy, England and France. Ryan is haunted by the man who attacked him and his girl friend five years ago in a car in Kansas and he spies him in Italy. Back in Kansas a rookie sheriff's deputy is working the revived cold case when the car is discovered. Massive page turner!

Why I Cook author is Tom Coliccchio who is the head judge on Top Chef. He recounts his journey of becoming a chef from cooking at home as a teenager, on through his professional development by working in various kitchens. He did not go to culinary school. Includes lots of recipes. 

 

Based on this I would say I am a B and E reader. I have gotten so I check books and authors to see if they are a series. Then I test out the first book. If I like it I will add the rest of the series. 

 Happy Reading 

Crochet Time

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving for those who are US based readers. If you are shopping on this Friday, I hope you find what you want. I will be snoozing in bed as I don't do early Black Friday sales. Heck I rarely even shop on Black Friday. 

I do have to go out, acupuncture appointment in the AM and I really should peddle a few miles at the Y as well. Anticipating a significant snowfall on Saturday, around 6 inches. 

Lots of crochet time on Thanksgiving, three football games to watch and I was staying home and not having to drive anywhere for dinner. I could fix myself a nice simple meals, stuff I can eat while watching TV and then get back to my project. First time in five years I was at home and I didn't mind the year off from being a social butterfly.  

Work in progress from last week is done. Yarn is from Lion Brand, Ice Cream Roving Divagation, color is Razzle. I really liked this yarn and when I went to look the yarn has been discontinued. BOO. They have other Ice Cream styles but they are a lighter weight yarn than what I normally used for my blankets. Oh well. Nice mix of blues, white and a lemon-lime color and soft. 

 

 Happy Weekend  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wonderful Wordy Wednesday

Happy Thanksgiving Eve here in the US. Hope you have all of your food shopping done. I went for groceries on late Monday AM. A little bit busy, but not bad. No lines waiting for cashiers. As I was leaving two men arrived with 8x10 inch paper, lists that the wives probably sent them to get stuff.  

Library hours for holiday, closed on Thursday, but open again on Friday and Saturday. Not to worry, I have a nice stack of books to read. We may be getting snow so will be nice to curl up with a good book or two this weekend. 

Library changes are coming for next year. The village board reduced the library budget by $300K, moving it to the police department. They have announced open hour reduction, closing at 8 PM instead of 9PM Monday to Thursday. Now I have been in the library that late and it is usually super quiet. Most likely affect those who come to use the study rooms. They may also have fewer programs, especially in the evening since the building will closer earlier. Programs usually started at 6:30 and ran for 90-120 minutes. No evening moves now either. Not sure if staff will be affected. For me personally I don't think these changes will affect me much. Bummed that they took away the funds. When I was on the board I was amazed at what they were doing with what I considered minimal dollars. 

 

Sonny Boy is a memoir by actor Al Pacino. He relates his early life and how he got into acting. Recounts getting some of his iconic roles during his career including Michael Corleone in The Godfather series. Unlike some recent celebrity books I have read recently, Pacino gave you enough information without boring you. 

The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an age of Extremism. A deep look at how the religious movement of evangelicalism has been taken over for political purposes. The polarization of religion and faith to secular needs. That the United States should be the new ordained kingdom of God. The author is the son of a clergyman so he is very knowledgeable on what he writes.

 

Hmmm, I don't buy books but I do find authors that I will then read all of the books they have written. I look for book series, then I know I will have lots of books to read. Just wish they would write faster! I want to know what happens next! 

Happy Reading.   

Work in Progress

Yes, working on something, but not that hard. While I normally crochet while I watch TV, especially sports, I have been watching the PBS shows on the American Revolution. Those require actual watching paying attention. So no trying to multi-task.  

Friend Dan was over yesterday to do some minor chores that I can't do myself. Up on a ladder to fix the gutter screen, re-caulk the bath tub, and carry up the old dehumidifier from the basement.  Hauled off an old dehumidifier to a electronic recycling place and they didn't charge for it either! After my haircut and library run I was going to do more yard work after, but it was damp and misty. Saved the yard stuff for another day.

 Ducky trying to be helpful and sitting in my lap. Sometimes more of an obstacle than a help. 

Which is why I do one giant blanket and not little squares. I did make a granny square blanket a few decades ago. The only one I made. I think I still have it stashed away somewhere. 

 

Happy Weekend.