John Simpson - Back to Basics in 2024 part Three

Please stop by and have a look to see what i am doing, have been up to and what i have read and am currently reading.

Hello everyone, this is my Thirteenth year being part of this wonderful group. I am John, 61 years old and married to Karen for 40 years and counting. We have two lovely children, Rob and Amy. Rob lives with his Fiancee Louise, daughter Hannah who will be 14 in February. Amy married Andy in 2015 and they now have a cat called Combie and Elliott who was born on Star Wars Day. We also have a mad Cat called Felix and we love him, he is Five.

Please come along and leave a message and let's see what fun we have.

I love books and currently have 3,254 books on my shelves, and this doesn't include my Cricket collection which stands at about 500 books. While reading I do enjoy the odd pot or two of tea.

CURRENTLY READING

I just love Big Books, these are my 1000+page reads so far with more to add.

1.Shogun by James Clavell, 1243 pgs
2.Gai-Jin by James Clavell, 1578 pgs
3.Noble House by James Clavell, 1435 pgs
4.War & Remembrance by Herman Wouk, 1171 pgs
5.Whirlwind by James Clavell, 1343 pgs
6.Centennial by James A. Michener 1100 pgs
7.The Covenant by James A. Michener, 1080 pgs
8.Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd, 1344 pgs
9.Homeland by John Jakes, 1138 pgs
10.Russka by Edward Rutherfurd, 1007 pgs
11.A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth, 1474 pgs
12.Love and War by John Jakes, 1019 pgs
13.Texas by James A. Michener, 1508 pgs
14.My Life by Bill Clinton, 1000 pgs
15.Child of the Phoenix by Barbara Erskine, 1086 pgs
16.Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, 1059 pgs
17.The Journeyer by Gary Jennings, 1219 pgs
18.Pandora's Star by Peter F. Hamilton, 1144 pgs
19.Judas Unchained by Peter F. Hamilton, 1235 pgs
20.Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, 1185 pgs
21.Wicked by Jilly Cooper, 1007 pgs
22.The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, 1412 pgs
23.London by Edward Rutherfurd, 1299 pgs
24.The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, 1076 pgs
25.A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, 1391 pgs
26.World Without End by Ken Follett, 1111 pgs
27.Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey, 1,015 pgs
28.The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer, 1,056 pgs
29.An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon, 1,065 pgs
30.New York by Edward Rutherfurd, 1017 pgs
31.Hawaii by James A.Michener, 1130 pgs
32.The Company by Robert Littell, 1281 pgs
33.The Reality Dysfunction by Peter F.Hamilton, 1225 pgs
34.Spangle by Gary Jennings, 1276 pgs
35.Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell, 1024 pgs
36.Alaska by James A. Michener, 1073 pgs.
37.Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson, 1180 pgs.
38.Chesapeake by James A. Michener, 1132 pgs
39. 4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster, 1070 pgs.
40. The Wheel of Fortune by Susan Howatch, 1156 pgs.
41. The Neutronium Alchemist by Peter F. Hamilton, 1259 pgs.
42. The Naked God by Peter F. Hamilton, 1244 pgs.
43. The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy, 1104 pgs.
44. The Source by James A. Michener, 1032 pgs.
45. Against The Day by Thomas Pynchon, 1220 pgs.
46. The Stand by Stephen King, 1325 pgs.
47. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, 1006 pgs.
48. Harlot's Ghost by Norman Mailer, 1401 pgs.
49. Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith, 1073 pgs.
50. The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith, 1221 pgs.

BOOKS READ IN JANUARY BY JOHN
1. A Column of Fire by Ken Follett, PB - 885 pages.
2. Last Day of School by Jack Sheffield, PB - 335 pages.

BOOKS READ IN FEBRUARY BY JOHN
3. The Bookshop Murder by Merryn Allingham, PB - 245 Pages.
4. The Noise by James Patterson, PB - 421 Pages.
5. Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, PB - 213 pages.
6. Date with Evil by Julia Chapman, PB - 451 pages.
7. All The Broken Places by John Boyne, PB - 367 pages.
8. The Inn by James Patterson, PB - 363 pages.

BOOKS READ IN MARCH BY JOHN
9. The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel, PB - 587 pages.
10. Murder Before Evensong by The Reverend Richard Coles, PB - 358 pages.
11. Private Delhi by James Patterson, PB - 383 pages.

BOOKS READ IN JANUARY BY KAREN
1. Murder at the Castle by Chris McGeorge, PB - 376 pages.
2. Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler, PB - 259 pages.
3. Murder Most Royal by S.J. Bennett, PB - 356 pages.
4. Theft of the Iron Dogs by E.R.C. Lorac, PB - 292 pages.
5. The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson, PB - 366 pages.
6. Hope of Innocence by Caroline Dunford, PB - 233 Pages.
7. Last Day of School by Jack Sheffield, PB - 335 Pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN FEBRUARY
8. Murder at the House on the Hill by Victoria Walters, PB - 345 Pages.
9. Fell Murder by E.C.R. Lorac, PB - 237 pages.
10. The Thirty-One Doors by Kate Hulme, PB -
11. Making It by Jay Blades, PB - 288 pages.

BOOKS READ IN MARCH BY KAREN
12. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, PB - 434 pages.
13. The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver, PB - 292 pages.
14. The Cherrywood Murderers by Penny Blackwood, PB - 437 pages.
15. Three Card Murder by J.L. Blackhurst, PB - 345 pages.
16. The Perfect Passion Company by Alexander McCall Smith, HB - 385 pages.
17. Suddenly at his Residence by Christianna Brand, PB - 240 pages.

BOOKS READ BY JOHN IN APRIL
12. Creature Comforts by Trisha Ashley, PB - 400 pages.
13. The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith, PB - 230 pages.
14. Close to the Bone by Stuart MacBride, PB - 542 pages.
15. Hidden in Plain Sight by Jeffrey Archer, PB - 318 pages.
16. A Wanted Man by Lee Child, PB - 524 pages.

BOOKS READ BY JOHN IN MAY
17. The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett, PB - 897 pages.
18. The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman, PB - 408 pages.
19. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, PB - 431 pages.

BOOKS READ BY JOHN IN JUNE
20. Cause of Death by Patricia Cornwell, PB - 370 pages.
21. Fifty Fifty by James Patterson, PB - 382 pages.
22. A Terrible Village Poisoning by Hannah Hendy, PB - 290 pages.
23. Family Album by Danielle Steel, PB - 400 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN APRIL
18. Once Upon a Tome by Oliver Darkshire, HB - 242 pages.
19. The Dog Sitter Detective by Antony Johnston, PB - 288 pages.
20. The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann, PB - 412 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN MAY
21. The Grey Mask by Patricia Wentworth, PB - 297 pages.
22. Murder on the Ballarat Tram by Kerry Greenwood, PB - 175 pages.
23. The Man who Got Away by Lynne Truss, PB - 287 pages.
24. Murder at Church Lodge by Greg Mosse, PB - 363 pages.
25. A Murder Inside by Frances Brody, PB - 305 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN JUNE
26. The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith, PB - 238 pages.
27. A Year in the Chateau by Sarah Levy, PB - 430 pages.
28. A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith, PB - 230 pages.
29. Blotto and Twinks and the Death of a Dowagers Duchess by Simon Brett, PB - 202 pages.
30. A Cast of Falcons by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, PB - 273 pages.
31. The Sound of Laughter by Peter Kay, HB - 250 pages.
32. The Vintage Shop by Libby Page, PB - 350 pages.

BOOKS READ BY JOHN IN JULY
24. The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith, PB - 1221 pages.

BOOKS READ BY JOHN IN AUGUST
25. Date with Justice by Julia Chapman, PB - 392 pages.
26. First of the Summer Wine by Harry Pearson, PB - 327 pages.
27. The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas, PB - 500 pages.

BOOKS READ BY JOHN IN SEPTEMBER
28. 22 Seconds by James Patterson, PB - 355 pages.
29. Full Blast by Janet Evanovich, PB - 340 pages.
30. The Vintage Shop by Libby Page, PB - 348 pages.
31. Private Gold by James Patterson, PB - 135 pages.
32. Turn a Blind Eye by Jeffrey Archer, PB - 365 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN JULY
33. Death in Print by G.M. Malliet, PB - 299 pages.
34. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore, PB - 345 pages.
35. Death at the Dress Rehearsal by Stuart Douglas, PB - 397 pages.
36. A Frightfully Fatal Murder by Hannah Hendy, PB - 282 pages.
37. A Death in Marlow by Robert Thorogood, PB - 384 pages.
38. Mimi Lee Geta a Clue by Jennifer J. Chow, PB - 321 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN AUGUST
39. Fatal Crossing by Tom Hindle, PB - 450 pages.
40. The Washing Away of Wrongs by G.M. Malliet, PB - 278 pages.
41. A Very Lovely Murder by Katy Watson, PB -
42. The Case of The Screaming Beauty by Alison Golden, PB - 127 pages.
43. The Village Detectives and the Art of Murder by Fiona Walker, PB -350 pages.
44. The Clock Stopped Dead by J.M. Hall, PB - 327 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN SEPTEMBER
45. A Gravely Troubled Discovery by Hannah Hendy, PB - 283 pages.
46. A Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams, PB - 260 pages.
47. The Bingo Hall Detectives by Jonathan Whitelaw, PB - 273 pages.
48. A Wedding at the Beach Hut by Veronica Henry, PB - 370 pages.
49. Summer of Love by Katie Fforde, PB - 376 pages.
50. Murder in Merryweather by Jayne Bettany, PB - 300 pages.
51. A Night on the Orient Express by Veronica Henry, PB - 342 pages.

BOOKS READ BY JOHN IN OCTOBER
33. Full Bloom by Janet Evanovich, PB - 344 pages.
34. A Necessary End by Peter Robinson, PB - 372 pages.
35. The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths, PB - 388 pages.
36. The Maid by Nita Prose, PB - 340 pages.
37. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, PB - 478 pages.

BOOKS READ BY JOHN IN NOVEMBER
38. Death of a Bore by M.C. Beaton, PB - 242 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN OCTOBER
52. Death in the Parish by The Reverend Richard Coles, PB - 400 pages.
53. Murder in Chianti by T.A. Williams, PB - 271 pages.
54. Murder at Summer Fete by Victoria Walters, PB - 328 pages.
55. Murder in the Church by Victoria Walters, PB - 358 pages.
56. Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar, PB - 314 pages.

BOOKS READ BY KAREN IN NOVEMBER
57. Accidental Medium by Tracey Whitwell, PB - 283 pages.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN JANUARY
1. Making It by Jay Blades, PB.
2. Gifts by Laura Barnett, PB.
3. The Three Dahlia's by Katy Watson, PB.
4. The Piranhas by Harold Robbins, PB.
5. Cross Down by James Patterson, PB.
6. Out of Sight by James Patterson, PB.
7. Postcards from the Beach by Phil Tufnell, PB.
8. Cricketers of My Times by A.A. Thomson, HB.
9. University Tales by Jack Sheffield, HB.
10. Forty-Five Years of Ranji Trophy Vol II (1960-1979) Ed by P.N. Sundaresan, HB.
11. South African Cricket 1947 - 1960 Vol IV by Brian Bassano, PB.
12. The Wisden Book of Test Cricket Volume 1, 1877-1977 Ed by Bill Frindall, HB.
13. The Wisden Book of Test Cricket Volume II, 1977-1994 Ed by Bill Frindall, HB.
14. Hope for Tomorrow by Caroline Dunford, PB.
15. Cry Baby by Mark Billingham, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN FEBRUARY
16. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb, PB.
17. The Cherrywood Murders by Penny Blackwell, PB.
18. Steve Smith's Men by Geoff Lemon, PB.
19. The Girl from Cotton Lane by Harry Bowling, PB.
20. A Merry Mistletoe Wedding by Judy Astley, PB.
21. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, PB.
22. The Zig-Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths, PB.
23. The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths, PB.
24. A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee, PB.
25. The Late Train to Gipsy Hill by Alan Johnson, PB.
26. An English Murder by Cyril Hare, PB.
27. Death on the Trans-Siberian Express by C.J. Farrington, PB.
28. The Winter Guest by W.C. Ryan, PB.
29. The Wyndham Case by Jill Paton Walsh, PB.
30. The Widow of Bath by Margot Bennett, PB.
31. The Maid by Nita Prose, PB.
32. The Thirty-One Doors by Kate Hulme, PB.
33. The Hidden Years by Rachel Hore, PB.
34. Homecoming by Kate Morton, PB.
35. Countdown by James Patterson, PB.
36. Fire Sale by Sara Paretsky, PB.
37. Hard Time by Sara Paretsky, PB.
38. The Ice Child by Camilla Lackberg, PB.
39. The Broken Souls by Jack Kerley, PB.
40. The Death Collectors by Jack Kerley, PB.
41. Blood Brother by Jack Kerley, PB.
42. A Plague of Heretics by Bernard Knight, PB.
43. Behold, Here's Poison by Georgette Heyer, PB.
44. Thinking of You by Jill Mansell, PB.
45. The Traitor Queen by Trudi Canavan, PB.
46. The Love Child by Rachel Hore, PB.
47. Suddenly at his Residence by Christianna Brand, PB.
48. Three-Card Murder by J.L. Blackhurst, PB.
49. The Man Without Qualities by Robert Musil, PB.
50. The Novel by James A. Michener, PB.
51. Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas, PB.
52. A Death in the Parish by The Reverend Richard Coles, PB.
53. The Perfect Passion Company by Alexander McCall Smith, HB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN MARCH
54. The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts by Annie Darling, PB.
55. We'll Meet Again by Anton Du Beke, PB.
56. Killer Instinct by James Patterson, PB.
57. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas, PB.
58. The Murder Game by Tom Hindle, PB.
59. A Very Lively Murder by Katy Watson, PB.
60. The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann, PB.
61. One Summer in Tuscany by Domenica De Rosa, PB.
62. The Dog Sitter Detective by Antony Johnston, PB.
63. Once Upon a Tome by Oliver Darkshire, HB.
64. The Story Collector by Iris Costello, PB.
65. Death at the Chateau by Ian Moore, PB.
66. The Secret by Lee Child, PB.
67. Private Rome by James Patterson, PB.
68. The Tastemaker by Tony King, PB.
69. The Wedding Dress Repair Shop by Trisha Ashley, PB.
70. A Clock Stopped Dead by J.M. Hall, PB.
71. The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams, PB.
72. The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN APRIL
73. Lord Roworth's Reward by Carola Dunn, PB.
74. Rock with Wings by Anne Hillerman, PB.
75. One of our Minister's is Missing by Alan Johnston, PB.
76. Murder at St. Savior's by Merryn Allingham, PB.
77. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, PB.
78. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas, PB.
79. The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai, PB.
80. Date with Justice by Julia Chapman, PB.
81. The Winter of our Lives by Sara Barnes, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN MAY.
82. A House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul, PB.
83. The Time of the Transference by Alan Dean Foster, PB.
84. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, PB.
85. Agatha Raisin, Dead on Target by M.C. Beaton, PB.
86. The Book Share by Phaedra Patrick, PB.
87. MCC in India 1976/77 by Christopher Martin-Jenkins, HB.
88. Murder at Church Lodge by Greg Mosse, PB.
89. Murder at Bunting Manor by Greg Mosse, PB.
90. The Coming Darkness by Greg Mosse, PB.
91. The Coming Storm by Greg Mosse, PB.
92. The Dubrovnik Book Club by Eva Glyn, PB.
93. Death at Victoria Dock by Kerry Greenwood, PB.
94. The Green Mill Murder by Kerry Greenwood, PB.
95. Blood and Circuses by Kerry Greenwood, PB.
96. Tackle by Jilly Cooper, PB.
97. The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman, PB.
98. Murder at Maybridge Castle by Ada Moncrieff, PB.
99. Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall by Hannah Dennison, PB.
100. The Enigma of Garlic by Alexander McCall Smith, PB.
101. Three Women Disappear by James Patterson, PB.
102. Traitor's Gate by Jeffrey Archer, PB.
103. Alex Cross Must Die by James Patterson, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN JUNE
104. Sharpe's Command by Bernard Cornwell, PB.
105. Yesterday's Houses by Mavis Cheek, PB.
106. Sahara by Clive Cussler, PB.
107. Dark Winter by Andy McNab, PB.
108. Deep Black by Andy McNab, PB.
109. Ultimate Weapon by Chris Ryan, PB.
110. Land of Fire by Chris Ryan, PB.
111. Strike Back by Chris Ryan, PB.
112. Blackout by Chris Ryan, PB.
113. Who Dares Wins by Chris Ryan, PB.
114. Firefight by Chris Ryan, HB.
115. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, HB.
116. A Walk in the Park by Jill Mansell, HB.
117. Rumour Has It by Jill Mansell, HB .
118. Straight Talking by Jane Green, PB.
119. Mr Maybe by Jane Green, PB.
120. Jemima J by Jane Green, PB.
121. Desire by Louise Bagshawe, PB.
122. The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell, PB.
123. Things I Want my Daughter to Know by Elizabeth Noble, PB.
124. Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella, PB.
125. The Girl Next Door by Elizabeth Noble, PB.
126. All you Need is Love by Carole Natthews, PB.
127. Last Known Address by Elizabeth Wrenn, PB.
128. Valley of the Templars by Paul Christopher, PB.
129. I'll be There for You by Louise Candlish, PB.
130. Mother of Pearl by Maureen Lee, PB.
131. Eloise by Judy Finnegan, PB.
132. Any Way you Want Me by Lucy Diamon, PB.
133. Bad Heir Day by Wendy Holden, PB.
134. Azur like it by Wendy Holden, PB.
135. Pandora's Diamond by Julia Stephenson, PB.
136. Two for Joy by Patricia Scanlan, PB.
137. The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult, PB.
138. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picouly, PB.
139. Do not Disturb by Tilly Bagshawe, PB.
140. Beautiful People by Wendy Holden, PB.
141. Sun at Midnight by Rosie Thomas, PB.
142. The Model Wife by Julia Llewellyn, PB.
143. The Point of Rescue by Sophie Hannah, PB.
144. Loyalty by Martina Cole, PB.
145. The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes, PB.
146. Dear Neighbour by Jane Claire Bradley, PB.
147. Invitation to a Killer by G.M. Malliet, PB.
148. Death in Print by G.M. Malliet, PB.
149. The Ghost Ship by Kate Mosse, PB.
150. What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, PB.
151. 12 Months to Live by James Patterson, PB.
152. The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith, PB.
153. Playing it Safe by Ashley Weaver, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN JULY
154. The Village Detectives & the Art of Murder by Fiona Walker, PB.
155. Six Motives for Murder by Frances Brody, PB.
156. Confessions of the Dead by James Patterson, PB.
157. Death at the Dress Rehearsal by Stuart Douglas, PB.
158. Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum, PB.
159. Murder on Lake Garda by Tom Hindle, PB.
160. The Exchange by John Grisham, PB.
161. Mimi Lee Gets a Clue by Jennifer J. Chow, PB.
162. Murder on the Pier by Merryn Allingham, PB.
163. The Queen of Poisons by Robert Thorogood, PB.
164. Alley Urchin by Josephine Cox.
165. Below Zero by C.J. Box, PB.
166. A God in Ruins by Leon Uris, PB.
167. Holy Island by L.J. Ross, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN AUGUST
168. Murder at the Summer Fete by Victoria Walters, PB.
169. Murder at the Village Church by Victoria Walters, PB.
170. The Trial by Rob Rinder, PB.
171. A Gravely Troubling Discovery by Hannah Hendy, PB.
172. The Concert Hall Killer by Jonathan Whitelaw, PB.
173. The Case of the Screaming Beauty by Alison Golden, PB.
174. Holmes, Margaret and Poe by James Patterson, PB.
175. The Armour of Light by Ken Follett, PB.
176. Murder on the Menu by Alex Coombs, PB.
177. Long Range by C.J. Box, PB.
178. The Last Dance by Mark Billingham, PB.
179. Holmes and Sutcliffe, The Run Stealers by Leslie Duckworth, HB.
180. The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, PB.
181. Settling Scores Ed by Martin Edwards, PB.
182. Seven Dead by J. Jefferson Farjeon, PB.
183. Dark Sky by C.J. Box, PB.
184. The First 48 Hours by Simon Kernick, PB.
185. Crosshairs by James Patterson, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN SEPTEMBER
186. 1923, The Mystery of Lot 212 and a Tour de France Obsession by Ned Boulting, PB.
187. Tales from the Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, PB.
188. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson, PB.
189. Death of a Traitor by M.C. Beaton with R.W. Green, PB.
190. Murder at Maple Grange by Jane Bettany, PB.
191. Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams, PB.
192. Farewell to the Little Coffee Shop of Kabul by Deborah Rodriguez, PB.
193. A Discovery in the Cotswolds by Rebecca Tope, PB.
194. A Swarm of Butterflies by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, PB.
195. A Trace of Hares by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, PB.
196. A Generation of Vipers by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, PB.
197. Gin Palace by Tracy Whitwell, PB.
198. Blind to the Bones by Stephen Booth, PB.
199. Murder in Chianti by T.A. Williams, PB.
200. Murder in Florence by T.A. Williams, PB.
201. Murder in Merrywell by Jane Bettany, PB.
202. Murder at the Book Festival by Jane Bettany, PB.
203. Murder at Primrose Cottage by Merryn Allingham, PB.
204. Murder at the Priory Hotel by Merryn Allingham, PB.
205. The Illustrated Wisden Anthology 1864 - 1988 Ed by Benny Green, HB.
206. My A-Z of Cricket by Henry Blofeld, HB.
207. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths, PB.
208. The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths, PB.
209. The October Man by Ben Aaronovitch, PB.
210. False Value by Ben Aaronovitch, PB.
211. The Importance of Being Seven by Alexander McCall Smith, PB.
212. The Dark Side by Danielle Steel, PB.
213. The Proof in the Pudding by Rosemary Shrager, PB.
214. Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar, PB.
215. An Island Wedding by Jenny Colgan, PB.
216. Studies by Jenny Colgan, PB.
217. The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle, PB.
218. Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar, PB.
219. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Remarque, PB.
220. Inside the Third Reich by Albert Speer, PB.
221. The 24th Hour by James Patterson, PB.
222. A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas, PB.
223. The 12 Days of Murder by Andreina Cordani, PB.
224. The Ghost Cat by Alex Howard, PB.
225. Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree, PB.
226. The House Keepers by Alex Hay, PB.
227. The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller, PB.
228. The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna by Erin Palmisano, PB.
229. The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore, PB.
230. The Gingerbread Christmas Village by Kiley Dunbar, PB.
231. The Accidental Medium by Tracy Whitwell, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN OCTOBER
232. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, PB.
233. Smoke and Murders by J.L. Blackhurst, PB.
234. The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore, PB.
235. Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde, PB.
236. Memory Man by David Baldacci, PB.
237. Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah, PB.
238. Confetti at the Cornish Cafe by Phillipa Ashley, PB.
239. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, PB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN NOVEMBER
240. Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan, PB.
241. The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict, PB.
242. Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt, PB.
243. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, PB.
244. The Borrowdale Body by Rebecca Tope, PB.
245. Murder Most Antique by E.C. Bateman, PB.
246. Murder in the Bookshop by Anita Davison, PB.
247. The Cauldron by Colin Forbes, PB.
248. A Cotswold Christmas Mystery by Rebecca Tope, PB.
249. The Murder Road by Stephen Booth, PB.
250. Murder at the Christmas Carols by Izzie Harper, PB.
251. Mrs Sidhu's Dead and Scone by Suk Pannu, PB.
252. Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton, PB.
253. Murder under the Mistletoe by The Reverend Richard Coles, HB.

BOOKS BOUGHT IN DECEMBER
254. An Ideal Husband by Erica James, PB.
255. Raised by Wolves by James Patterson, PB.
256. A Death in Diamonds by S.J. Bennett, PB.
257. Night Angel Nemesis by Brent Weeks, PB.
258. Not Out at Close of Play by Dennis Amiss, PB.
259. The Expectant Detectives by Kat Ailes, PB.
260. More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, PB.
261. The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, PB.
262. How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin, PB.
263. Murder at Holly House by Denzil Meyrick, PB.
264. Death of a Spy by M.C. Beaton, PB.
265. Miss Austen Investigates by Jessica Bull, PB.
266. Vive Le Chaos By Ian Moore, PB.
267. The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, PB.
268. The Texas Murders by James Patterson, PB.
269. Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee, PB.
270. Return to the Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee, PB.

JUNE'S READING STATS

Books Read....................... 4

No of Authors.................... 4

New Authors...................... 0

Male Authors..................... 1

Female Authors.................. 3

Pages Read....................... 1,442

Daily Avg........................... 48.07

Book Length avg................. 360.5

POTS OF TEA...................... 293

Books on shelves at 1-6-24 - 3174
Books added in June - 50
Books read in June - 4

Revised book total - 3220

Pages to read at 1-6-24 - 1,288,889
Pages added in June - 22,534
Pages read in June - 1,442

Revised total pages to read - 1,309,981

Thread is now Open.

JULY'S READING STATS

Books Read....................... 1

No of Authors.................... 1

New Authors...................... 0

Male Authors..................... 0

Female Authors.................. 1

Pages Read....................... 1,221

Daily Avg........................... 39.39

Book Length avg................. 1221

POTS OF TEA...................... 297

Books on shelves at 1-7-24 - 3220
Books added in July - 14
Books read in July - 1

Revised book total - 3233

Pages to read at 1-7-24 - 1,309,981
Pages added in July - 5,044
Pages read in July - 1,221

Revised total pages to read - 1,313,804

AUGUST'S READING STATS

Books Read....................... 3

No of Authors.................... 3

New Authors...................... 0

Male Authors..................... 1

Female Authors.................. 2

Pages Read....................... 1,219

Daily Avg........................... 39.32

Book Length avg................. 406.33

POTS OF TEA...................... 290

Books on shelves at 1-8-24 - 3233
Books added in August - 18
Books read in August - 3

Revised book total - 3248

Pages to read at 1-8-24 - 1,313,804
Pages added in August - 6,066
Pages read in August - 1,219

Revised total pages to read - 1,318,651

SEPTEMBER'S READING STATS

Books Read....................... 5

No of Authors.................... 4

New Authors...................... 1

Male Authors..................... 2

Female Authors.................. 2

Pages Read....................... 1,543

Daily Avg........................... 51.43

Book Length avg................. 308.6

POTS OF TEA...................... 300

Books on shelves at 1-9-24 - 3248
Books added in September - 46
Books read in September - 5

Revised book total - 3289

Pages to read at 1-9-24 - 1,318,651
Pages added in September - 14,532
Pages read in September - 1,543

Revised total pages to read - 1,331,631

>2 johnsimpson: And, John, how many Hedgehogs now?!

Happy new thread, John!

Checking in on your new thread, John! Hope all is well with you and Karen.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread John!

Happy new thread, mate.

Great news for Yorkshire getting promotion back to the Division 1. Wharton looks like he could really kick on.

Got the moving date set for the Great Move Back. After 32 years in Alabama my stuff will be leaving the house here on October 25 and arrive in Kansas on October 30 or 31. That gives me time to get there and to be a resident in time for the November 5 election. So far I have packed 40 Bankers Boxes of books, and I still have 8 bookcases to go. Then I get to start on the other stuff in the house. The good thing is that winter's are long in Kansas so I will have plenty of time to unpack.

>27 m.belljackson:, Hi Marianne my dear, as far as i have seen, only one Hedgehog but possibly more than one pay a visit as i do put enough food down and it is all gone when i go to get the plate to clean and refill. The last three nights has seen the food still on the plate, this could be due to heavy rain we have been having. I don't think they have started hibernating as Hedgehogs can have a second litter of hoglets in September, they can have up to ten but a normal litter is usually 4 to 6 hoglets.

>28 drneutron:, Thanks Jim, mate.

>29 alcottacre:, Hi Stasia my dear, we are both fine, as i type this, we have Elliott for his overnight stay and he is tucked up in bed.

>30 figsfromthistle:, Hi Anita my dear, thank you.

>31 quondame:, Hi Susan my dear, thank you.

>32 PaulCranswick:, Hi Paul, mate. It was very good news, Yorkshire getting promoted and as you say Wharton looks to have a good temperament to bat long. Along with Wharton there is George Hill and Finlay Bean had second season syndrome but still averaged above 35. I think that new coach Darren Lehmann will have some good youngsters to work with along with the established figures. I was pleased for Ben Coad getting his 300th wicket and ended up with 302 career wickets so far and averages under 20 apiece.

>33 benitastrnad:, Hi Benita my dear, it is going to be a big move back after 32 years in Alabama. Like you, i would need a lot of boxes for the books alone especially as we added 46 in September alone. It sounds like you have everything under control and with the dates for the move and the arrival, making sure you are able to vote. I love the bit about the winters being long giving you time to unpack and to read, i think that is what i need at the moment, a nice long winter where i can't go out much and so would get some good reading done.

Finished book 31 of 2024 on 27th September, Turn a Blind Eye by Jeffrey Archer, PB - 365 pages.

Detective Inspector William Warwick is tasked with a dangerous new line of work: to go undercover and expose corruption at the heart of the Metropolitan Police Force.

His team focuses on Detective Sergeant Jerry Summers, a young officer living a extravagant lifestyle. But when Summers develops a personal relationship with a WPC on William's team, the investigation is left hanging in the balance.

As his undercover officers draw the threads together, William realizes that the corruption may go far higher than his initial assessment, and that more of his colleagues than he thought possible might be willing to turn a blind eye...

Finished book 33 on 2nd October, Full Bloom by Janet Evanovich, PB - 344 pages.

The temperature's on "sizzle" again in Beaumont, South Carolina, where peach trees are in season and ripe for the picking. So is its newest entrepreneur, Annie Fortenberry, who has inherited her grandmother's B&B (and its eccentric handyman Erdle Thorney). According to a local psychic she also inherited a spirit from its glory days as a brothel - not the kind of publicity the peach tree Bed & Breakfast needs if it's hosting millionaire Max Holt's upcoming wedding!

If rumors of a naughty, prank-playing ghost aren't stressful enough, a mysterious man has arrived with an eye on Annie and her master suite. Wes Bridges is all leather and denim, sporting a two-day beard, straddling a Harley, and sending the B&B's testosterone level through the roof. Annie's cool demeanor may be dropping as fast as Wes's jeans, but leave it to her missing ex-husband to dampen the passion! Turns out someone has done him in, and all evidence points to Annie! Wrapped up in a murder plot, Annie must find the killer, save her own neck, and get back to where she was - wrapped up in Wes's strong loving arms....

Happy new thread, John! And wishing you happy reading this fall.

>38 johnsimpson:
I am headed to Home Depot today to purchase more boxes. I packed two more this morning and am sure that I will need about 40 more!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, John. I hope all is well at your place.

Stopping by to say hi, John. I hope things are well with you and yours.

Hi John!

… I’m dropping a line in the sand and just rolling forward. Happy new thread.

>16 johnsimpson: Wow. 231 books acquired. Yay for you.

I am still entranced with you feeding the hedgehog(s). And… hoglets. So sweet.

Sending love and hugs to you and Karen, and special kitty skritches to Felix from Inara and Wash.

Happy new thread, John. I enjoy reading about your travels. You know, I've never read anything by Janet Evanovich and she has so many books out. You sold me on Full Bloom.

>41 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, thanks for stopping by dear friend.

Finished book 34 on the 11th October, A Necessary End by Peter Robinson, PB - 372 pages.

PEACE DESTROYED. LIVES IN RUIN. BANKS MUST RACE TO FIND THE KILLER.

Everyday life in Eastvale is shattered when a policeman is stabbed to death after an anti-nuclear demonstration turns violent. Detective Superintendent 'Dirty Dick' Burgess, Inspector Alan Banks nemesis, descends with vengeful fury on those he deems responsible.

Inspector Banks is uneasy about Burgess's mishandling of the case. But despite being warned off, he puts his career in jeopardy to continue his search for the truth, knowing that if he is to keep his job, he must beat Burgess to the killer....

Finished book 35, last night, The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths, PB - 388 pages.

RUTH SHIVERS, NOT ENTIRELY FROM THE COLD. WHO WOULD BURY BODIES HERE, IN THIS INACCESSIBLE SPOT? THE BODIES ARE BOUND, THEIR HANDS TIED BEHIND THEIR BACKS.

When bones are unearthed at the foot of a north Norfolk cliff, forensics expert Ruth Galloway and DCI Nelson are put on the case. The skeletons have lain there for decades, possibly since the war, and for all that time a hideous crime has been concealed.

When a body washes up on the beach, it becomes clear that someone wants the truth of the past to stay buried, and will go to any lengths to keep it that way. Can Ruth and Nelson uncover the truth in time to stop another murder?

>42 benitastrnad:, Hi Benita my dear, it sounds like you need to make a bulk order for boxes dear friend. Hope the packing is going well for you or is time going through things going too fast.

>43 witchyrichy:, Hi Karen my dear, thanks for stopping by, dear friend.

>44 Ameise1:, Hi Barbara my dear, thanks for stopping by dear friend, we are quite well.

>45 vancouverdeb:, Hi Deb my dear, thanks for stopping by dear friend. We are quite well, we both have aches and pains and Karen is now back at work.

>46 karenmarie:, Hi Karen my dear, thanks for stopping by dear friend. The book purchasing this year has got out of hand, since your post we have added five more books.

It would seem that the Hedgehogs have gone into hibernation, we have not had any visitors for two weeks now, i kept putting food down and changing it every three days as it was starting to deteriorate and nothing was eaten. I am still feeding the Goldfinches and have put out fat balls so that the other birds can stock up and build reserves.

>Hi Meg my dear, i am glad that you like the descriptions of the places we visit, it is always nice to see the market towns change throughout the seasons. We began reading Janet Evanovich books through a pack of the first three Stephanie Plum books from the Book People, sadly that went under a few years ago. During the time we used the Book People, we started reading many series' as they sold them in threes, fives and even tens, always the first few in the series.

>51 johnsimpson:
Time is going by too fast and I have accumulated too much stuff. I have finished packing most of the bedrooms but not all of it, and I am taking time to go through some boxes of stuff that I don't want to move. I now have 7 days to gather all the stuff to move. Time is what is short.

>56 benitastrnad:, Hi Benita my dear, we are at an age where we have accumulated so much, when it comes to moving, we finally realise what we have. The problem with time is that it is constantly moving and so every second is vital to us. You have come to the point that we all arrive at, let's have a look at what we have got, unfortunately time is ticking by and yet there is more to pack, it is a conundrum. if you stop and get on with packing, thinking that when you unpack, you will go through things, it rarely happens and yet if you continue looking at things, the packing is not being done and it needs to be done. All i can say is good luck, i cannot imagine going through what you are going through. Sending love and hugs dear friend.

In the last two weeks we have had our Covid jabs and Flu jabs, so hopefully we are fully covered. As the weeks pass while i am waiting for an outpatient appointment to see the Surgical Spine specialist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, my condition seems to get gradually worse. Jobs i could do easily are now taxing me, when i last cut the lawn, i had to stop twice as the pain in my hip and thigh was excruciating.

On Monday i went to my Podiatry appointment, i took my trainers and socks off and as i lifted my right leg onto the treatment bed i had to stop as the pain in my thigh was bad, i took it off, gave it a rub and managed to get it on, tried with my left leg and the same thing happened. Since Monday it has got worse, in the last two days the pain in my right hip and thigh has also moved down to my knee, also i am in pain from getting up until i drop off to sleep. I am getting frustrated and that is affecting my reading and all the book notes etc that i do.

To be quite honest i will be glad when this year ends, apart from celebrating out Ruby wedding anniversary and our Madeira holiday, it has been my Annus Horribilis. My lack of interest in things has been bad, never had anything like this before and to an extent Karen has been the same. It has been a combination of family issues, and these are not fully resolved and we have both been in pain although Karen will say that compared to what is happening with me, hers have been extremely minor in comparison. At times throughout the year i have not been in a good place and it is getting me down, things seem to be a chore rather than a pleasure. I am hopeful that some things will be resolved before year end BUT i will make sure that by the start of 2025, i am in a good headspace and raring to go.

>58 johnsimpson: John - So sorry to read about even more pain - what are your doctors recommending
for now and the future? We'd all like to see you going strong into 2025.

I thought about you yesterday in the Half Price Bookstore where they had displayed a large

2025 HEDGEHOG Calendar!

Hi Marianne my dear, i had an MRI scan in March and at the beginning of May a doctor from the practice rang me to say that the nerves coming off my lower spine at three levels, had been previously classed as getting gently squeezed, were now being crushed. He was not an expert but was very concerned and would write to Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Surgical Spinal unit for them to see the scans and hopefully determine what if anything could be done. He rang me at 2.30pm on Thursday, the following day i got a text message to say they had received the letter and i would be added to the out-patient waiting list. While on holiday i got a text message from the Trust to ask if i still wanted to be on the waiting list and if so would i want to be seen there, or at a hospital up to 50 miles away, at a hospital up to 100 miles away, or one up to 200 miles away. I opted to be seen in Leeds, if i were to have surgery, at least i would be able to have visitors. Since then, i have heard nothing, i am thinking of going back to my doctors to say the pain is getting progressively worse and can they possibly speed things up a bit.

We have had no Hedgehog visits for a month now, think they have gone into hibernation mode and are keeping close to their home, wherever that is.

>60 johnsimpson: John - Sure hope that you have heard from your doctors by now! And with more promising news...

^^^^^^^

While reading Criticisms at the conclusion of WAR AND PEACE, there was an essay by I. Berlin
which brought up The Hedgehog Concept, which I'd not heard of:

"The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing."

>60 johnsimpson: John, I hope you are Karen are ok and the pain has been treated. The NHS is not what it was.

>58 johnsimpson: I am sorry to read about your hip and thigh pain. I hope it gets better with a good soak in epson salt bath and rest!

>63 figsfromthistle:, Hi Anita my dear, sadly i am well beyond Epson Salts and rest, even my Fentanyl patches, Naproxen and Duloxetine tablets are not helping in any way although they were prescribed for my original back pain and have barely given me any respite.

Once i am up and about in a morning, i am in pain until i manage to drop off to sleep apart from sitting on the sofa and even then the pain arrives as soon as i have to get up to make a pot of tea, go to the toilet etc. I told the doctor in March when i demanded another MRI that the way things were progressing, i would possibly need a pair of crutches or two sticks by Christmas. The pain in the hips feels like i am being skewered, the pain in the thigh is torturous and now it is going into my knees, meanwhile i am still waiting for an outpatient appointment. I am thinking it will be 2025 before i am seen and then if surgery is the only option, i would not be surprised to have to wait until 2026 for it. Meanwhile, i am in pain effectively 24/7 and it is not helping me psychologically, hopefully i can alleviate this if i get my reading mojo back to what it used to be, at the start of 2025.

>64 johnsimpson: Hi John - sent you a Hedgehog note in #61 for Cheer.

Can you go to an Emergency Center to get immediate pain relief and a referral for an immediate specialist appointment
or entry into the hospital?

Hi John! I’m so sorry to read that you are in such pain all of the time. I hope you can talk to your doctors again about your situation, as you definitely need help.

Marianne may have hit onto it, John. Would A&E not have to deal with it surely you could say treatment of constant and acute pain is an emergency?

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. I hope you can find a way to faster treatment!

>65 m.belljackson:, Hi Marianne my dear, thank you for the bit of Hedgehog cheer, hopefully they are now bedded down for the winter. Sadly the meds i am on are as far as they will go, the referral that was sent was in reference to the damaged nerves, the added pain due to this damage i am having to deal with. The hospital contacted me on Monday to say that i am currently on the waiting list and a text message asking me to fill in an online form to confirm that i still need the appointment. I am going to see my Doctor to get him to hurry them along as he will carry more clout than me. All this is due to Covid, Junior Doctors strike action and an upsurge in Accident and Emergency visits, whereby Ambulance crews were stuck at hospitals to offload patients for up to 16 hours, waiting lists shot up across all areas of the NHS and at the moment there are Seven million people waiting to be seen for either an outpatient appointment of for surgery.

>66 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, i am hopeful that by seeing my Doctor and telling my latest situation, he will be able to contact the hospital Trust to hopefully advance my appointment.

>67 PaulCranswick:, Hi Paul, Marianne's suggestion is a good one but having been in a similar painful condition due to my back some years ago, they will look at what i am on and do nothing. At that previous time i was on less powerful meds and they gave me nothing after examination and sent me home, Karen had to contact our neighbour who had an estate car so that i could lay down as i could not sit at the time, i was left stood up for 90 minutes when i got to A&E until i was seen after i told them i could not sit down. Sadly this is the state of our NHS at the present time.

>68 drneutron:, Hi Jim, i am hoping for some speed to be put into this situation so that i can be seen quicker, i am worried that the nerve damage that has been found will be exacerbated with the pain in my hips, thighs and it is going down into my right knee. In the meantime i am trying to keep it in check as much as possible, if i am sat on the sofa or in the car i am ok but as soon as i am upright, withing five minutes i am in pain. Add to this lot the pain in my neck is also getting worse, on the left hand side i am getting sharp pains down my shoulder blade and down my arm to just below the elbow. Basically i am a wreck, if i was a Pit Pony they would have shot me and sent me to the glue factory, lol.

Finished book 36 of 2024 on 21st October, The Maid by Nita Prose, PB - 340 pages.

IT BEGINS LIKE ANY OTHER DAY FOR MOLLY GRAY, SILENTLY DUSTING HER WAY THROUGH THE LUXURY ROOMS AT THE REGENCY GRAND HOTEL.

But when she enters suite 401 and discovers an infamous guest dead in his bed, a very messy mystery begins to unfold. And Molly's at the heart of it, because if anyone can uncover the secrets beneath the surface, the fingerprints amongst the filth - it's the maid....

Finished book 37 of 2024 on 31st October, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, PB - 478 pages.

THIS IS NOT THE STORY OF SAM AND SADIE. IT'S NOT A ROMANCE, BUT IT IS ABOUT LOVE.

When Sam catches sight of Sadie at a crowded train station one winter morning he is catapulted back to the brief time they spent playing together as children. Their unique spark is instantly reignited.

What comes next is a story of friendship and rivalry, fame and creativity, betrayal and tragedy, perfect worlds and imperfect ones. And, ultimately, our need to connect: to be loved and to love.

Finished book 38 of 2024 on 4th November, Death of a Bore by M.C. Beaton, PB - 242 pages.

THE INK IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD.

Famous writer John Heppel is a bitter, self-important man who cruelly belittles the scribblings of the locals signed up for his writing course. So when Lochdubh constable Hamish Macbeth finds Heppel murdered, his mouth filled with ink, it seems like a fitting fate. Suddenly, Macbeth's idyllic life of walks with his dog, Lugs, and afternoon tea disappears as the media descend on the village - along with Detective Chief Inspector Heather Meikle, a maneater with a taste for bachelor constables. Desperate to escape her clutches, Macbeth rekindles dangerous passions of auld lang syne with his former girlfriend Elspeth. Now with Heather's hot breath on his neck, he must draft a plan to capture a mad, mad killer - one crazy enough to strike again.

OCTOBER'S READING STATS

Books Read....................... 5

No of Authors.................... 5

New Authors...................... 2

Male Authors..................... 1

Female Authors.................. 4

Pages Read....................... 1,922

Daily Avg........................... 62

Book Length avg................. 384.4

POTS OF TEA...................... 307

Books on shelves at 1-10-24 - 3289
Books added in October - 8
Books read in October - 5

Revised book total - 3292

Pages to read at 1-10-24 - 1,331,631
Pages added in October - 3,389
Pages read in October - 1,922

Revised total pages to read - 1,333,098

Oh, I replied to your health update over on Jim's thread!
It must be some relief to have progress in addressing your pain. I hope it continues swiftly and steadily.

A very belated happy new thread, my friend. Glad to see you enjoyed Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. I enjoyed it when I read it earlier this year as well.

Sorry to hear about your continued pain, and hope that your doctor is able to help you speed up the process so you can get some relief.

>75 johnsimpson: This sounds like fun John! Number 20 in a series, so maybe read number 1 first?

Hope you are doing a bit better? Jim’s thread?

I hope that something can be done quickly for your pain situation, John. It sounds very difficult , to say the least. We did have fun with Melissa and Miles yesterday and it's great that you and Karen are so involved in Elliot's life. He'll never forget that. My grandparents were very involved, in fact we lived with them until I was 3 or 4 years old as my parents were very young and did not have much money. We did move far from them, about a 3 1/2 hour flying time, but we stayed very close . We wrote letters, phoned at least once a month, and fortunately since my dad was eventually an airline pilot, we could fly back and forth from Vancouver to Winnipeg several times a year for long visits. So I know how precious grandparents are and how they stay with your the rest of your life.

Checking in on you, John. I am sorry to hear about the pain that you are in and hope that a solution can be found quickly for you!

>78 quondame:, Hi Susan my dear, i was scrolling through the threads and saw Jim's and replied, forgot to put it on my own thread, doh. I will just have to see if anything makes a difference and that i move up the waiting list.

>79 bell7:, Hi Mary my dear, hopefully taking an extra dosage will help with the pain and that the form i filled in online and the Doctor's e-mailing the hospital will move me up the waiting list. Unfortunately, it is a specialized area and it covers most of Yorkshire, we have a population of two million so a lot of patients with spinal issues could be waiting as i am.

>80 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, they are a nice light read but i would start with number one as references are made as the books go along to previous things that happen to Hamish Macbeth and the villagers.

As for the pain i am hopeful that an extra dosage may give me some relief and that by contacting the hospital, i may move along the waiting list a bit quicker.

>81 vancouverdeb:, Hi Deb my dear, it is always nice to be involved with the grandkids, sadly Elliott is missing interacting with one set but we make up for it.

I am hopeful that the new dosage will give me some relief and by them contacting the hospital, i may move along the waiting list a bit quicker. I do appreciate there are others and we are all in some pain but we do feel our pain more acutely.

>82 alcottacre:, Hi Stasia my dear, thanks for popping by, i hope i can get some relief whilst i am waiting to be seen, fingers crossed.

Checking in here. I hope the prescription adjustments will provide relief.

>88 thornton37814: What Lori said John.

How are you doing John?

Dropping in to say hello. I hope you are doing OK

Hello, thank you for stopping by to see how i am doing, to be honest, since the 11th November it has been horrible. The day started reasonably well, after having a week off, Andy's shifts had been altered and so he was not back at work until the 13th. I took Karen to work and then took Andy home, on my way back home i called at the post office in Crofton to pay November's Council Tax installment and then got home and had a pot of tea.
The plan was to finish my book before it was time to pick Karen up from work at 3pm, this was curtailed as i began to feel unwell and my bowel and bladder issues began to come into force. I picked Karen up and we came home and had a nice pot of tea. We had a chat and another pot of tea and then we had a visitor. Rob arrived and as he came into the living room and sat himself down, it was obvious he had something on his mind. He then proceeded to say he had some things to say and forcefully said not to bring Louise's name into things. Basically he said he did not believe the Andy situation, was not happy that i was taking him to work and that he was staying here. To calm myself down, i took myself outside and had a cigar before coming back into the living room. To me it was obvious that this had been rehearsed with Louise and that their minds were made up, i mentioned something that he didn't like and then when i continued to stare at him, he flounced out, Karen burst into tears. A minute or so later he came back in, i said not to blank his mum but if he had issues with me, then fair enough. Rob and his sister didn't have much to do with each other and that has now gone completely. I didn't like his attitude and as for "POOR" little Louise being devastated, Karen said how did he think we were, it is always about Louise and the fact that she seemed to have cut us off completely and i wanted to know why, Rob got vocal and to leave her out of things. In the end we accepted his point of view even if we think it is flawed and he left having thrown everything up in the air.

By this time we didn't feel that hungry but really needed to eat, we had cheese on toast before i got ready to go and pick Andy up. I kept quiet about what had gone on and everything was as it usually is.

The following day i felt awful and was starting to lose my voice and had a chesty cough, i did the same routine as Monday morning and then went and had my eye test at Asda. I have lost a little bit of sight in my left eye and my right has been compensating for it, i picked a couple of frames and left a message for Karen to meet me at the store entrance when she finished. I met Karen and showed her my choices and then ordered them, i arranged to pay for them on Friday as it was staff double discount weekend. I did manage to finish my book.

The rest of the week was not good for me as i felt achy all over, i had no interest in things, i barely read at all and i was tired. It seemed as if i had got he new cold bug that has been doing the rounds, i tried to do some housework but the slightest effort was too much and i was in pain with my hip and thighs and my bowel and bladder issues meant that between trips to the toilet, i was getting between 60 to 75 minutes sleep and then trying to function. On the Friday i managed to do the bit of shopping and paid for my new glasses.

The beginning of last week and everything was still the same, my body felt heavy and lethargic, my cough was more tickly than any thing else but i was constantly sniffling. I managed to get through the week and on Friday Karen made me do a Covid test, this came back negative and later in the day i picked up my new glasses. Over the weekend i thought things were starting to pick up but things have regressed a little bit, more on the bowel/bladder side. I finished my latest book on the 25th November and may finish another before month end.

There are 34 days left of 2024 and i will be glad when the year is over and hope that 2025 is a far better year, we are hoping for some good news on the 16th December and if it goes to plan, my driving and getting up early days will be over. As far as we are concerned, we want to keep contact with Rob but Louise can do one and i think she has sown some seeds of doubt with Hannah. If i don't see or talk to Louise again, it will be too soon, the family is split and fractured on both sides although it does seem that Andy's mum is wanting to get back into their life, she has written twice to Amy and Karen wants to write to Pat and Pat is aware of this.

I will try and post as much as i can over the next 34 days before getting set up for 2025, hopefully things will be sorted all round and i get my mojo back.

Thank you all for keeping my thread warm, i know where my friends are and i am so grateful to you all for this, it means a lot to me and keeps me going.

>92 johnsimpson: What a grueling time you've had. I do wish that both your health and family situations find a better place.

John - your Health does not need that extra Family stress!

Can they now and in the future work things out without involving you?

We all want to hear that your doctors are taking full charge of All your Health problems...

Sorry to hear your news update John. When we are not feeling well, the last thing we need is family squabbles.

Hope everything works out for you mate. Give my love to Karen.

John, reading your message regarding the rent in family, brought tears. As Marianne said above, your health does not need extra family stress!

I hope your health improves and you have an outlet for all the stress you and Karen are going through.

I'm sending prayers, and lots of love!

Hugs, John.

Sending love and healing energies to you and Karen.

>92 johnsimpson: Oh my! What a turmoil. I hope things get on a happier track for you and your family. What a stressful situation.

I’m so sorry to hear about this stressful situation. You were already in pain, and not feeling well!
Hang in there, John, and all the best to you and Karen!

>93 quondame:, >94 m.belljackson:, >95 PaulCranswick:, >96 Whisper1:, >97 kac522:, >98 witchyrichy:, >99 figsfromthistle:, >100 EllaTim:, Thank you all for stopping by with lovely messages, they mean a lot to me. My latest situation is, fingers crossed, much improved. My head cold has cleared up, i am still a bit croaky when talking and the bowel/bladder issue is much improved, i am hoping for more improvement over the next few days.

The usual aches i am dealing with are still with me but i have still not heard from Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust regarding an out-patient appointment with the surgical spinal team and it would seem that it is going to be sometime in 2025 when i will be seen. I saw a report on the waiting list problems at LTHT and it did not fill me with a lot of confidence in how long i will be waiting. If i get another online form to fill in from them, i may opt to be seen elsewhere to try and be seen quicker.

We had Elliott yesterday for his mid-week overnight stay and today we went to Harrogate to have a look at their Christmas market. Elliott woke up at 6am and after nudging Karen he went back to his room and played with his toys quietly until 7am when he came in to wake me up. We got washed and dressed and got downstairs and sorted everything out, i made us a pot of tea before i put the buggy in the car, put Elliott's bag and cuddly dinosaurs in the car and then we got in and set off to Harrogate. We got parked up just a short distance from Betty's and we went in to treat ourselves to breakfast. We were a little disappointed as the prices had gone up quite a bit for what we had and we may look at some of the other nice cafes in future.

Once we were finished and paid, we left and headed over to the wood cabins with their wares and produce but first Elliott went on a ride, he really enjoyed this. We had a good wander around and picked up a few small items. We had another coffee break in Costa Coffee before finishing off our wandering, we popped into Waterstones and after Elliott took me up to floor one and Two, with Karen on the ground floor with the buggy, i found a book i have been looking for and then we came down in the lift. While Elliott went to find grandma, i went into the crime section and spotted the fourth book in the Her Majesty the Queen investigates series. After paying for the books, we left and made our way back to the car. We found our way to where i needed to be to leave the town centre and made a stop at Waitrose supermarket so that Karen could go in and get a couple of things for Christmas that she had seen advertised. Once she was done we made our way back to Selby to see Daddy and wait for Mummy to come home from work.

Last weekend i went to the Yorkshire Pen Show at the Village hotel in North Leeds, i got there for 10 am leaving Karen at home to decorate the Christmas tree. I was handed a lovely cotton tote bag when i paid my entrance fee along with some ink samples and then had a wander around. My first tour of the room was to see who was in attendance and then i began to have a better look at the stands to see what was on offer. On one stand, the owner was chatting with a fellow stand owner so i was greeted by his ten year old daughter, she was delightful. She asked how i was and if i was looking for something special, i replied that i wanted something that i hadn't already got and i had to look for something form Amy and Andy. She said if i needed any help to just ask and left me to have a look at the display of pens. The owner came back and i said his assistant was very good and helpful and he said shush, if she hears this she will want a raise, i just laughed.

I had a good chat with a few of the stands owners who i have met before and i received a compliment from every stan regarding the Christmas jumper i was wearing. In the end i selected a nice Penlux pen to be from Karen and a Think pen from Amy and Andy and then went to the nine Bespoke Pen stand and treated myself to one of his pens. I was well pleased with my purchases and made my way out of the room and hotel and back to the car, i set off for home and got back at 12.15pm. Karen rang me to ask where i was as i said i would be home by noon, as it happened i was just passing the pub so she said she would put the kettle on. Within five minutes of being home, i had a nice pot of tea and some toasted fruit teacakes. Karen had done a good job of decorating the tree and there was not much left to do once i had finished eating.

I have two or three books to add to my thread and then will peruse the threads to see what i have missed, i will try and post on mine and other threads during the rest of December but i am getting ready for the start of a new year with a little more renewed vigor and i hope this will improve with some good news in a week or so's time.

I think we all have a bad spell with real life taking precedence but the books will always be waiting for us and this has been my bad spell, sadly it seems to have been a year long one but i am feeling more excitement for 2025.

Hi, buddy. Sorry to hear about your health issues and the family tumult. I’m glad your health has improved; everything is harder when you’re feeling lousy. Has the family tumult eased up? We had a lot of that when my father died; luckily time passing has made us all wonder what we were so heated up about. (It was a bit of family history hanging on a wall that my dad promised to my son, and my late mom apparently had promised to a sister’s daughter).

Book question: what is the Her Majesty investigates series you mention? Sounds interesting.

I hope you can put your bad spell behind you, mate, and enjoy 2025.

Sorry things have been so stressful lately, John, and hope 2025 brings some peace.

I have moved back to Kansas. I left Tuscaloosa on November 15 and my household goods arrived by truck on November 23rd. It was a Saturday and so several of my cousins and their children and a couple of neighbors pitched in with the unloading and placing of the furniture in the house. Everything fit where I thought it would so that made me happy. My boxed items are out in the carport and undercover, but it will take me months to move them into the house.

The weather here has turned Christmasy. Today the high was 30 degrees Fahrenheit and right now we are under a winter weather watch. It is to rain and turn to freezing rain later tonight and until 9 AM tomorrow. It is perfect reading and baking weather, so tomorrow I will start a new book and bake a gingerbread cake.

I am not going anywhere for Christmas and plan to spend a quiet holiday unpacking my belongings and sorting things to take to the local thrift shops.

I am quite happy with my move, but it cost me an arm and a leg. And of course, since it is the end of the year I have to pay taxes and get the insurance paid up. And --- clear out the junk in the house so I can sit and knit - or read.

>103 jnwelch:, Hi Joe, the aches and pains have sadly increased over the last five days and the family tumult needs to be resolved, certain issues need to be got to the bottom of.

The Her Majesty Investigates series sees that the Queen has been leading a double life ever since her teenage years as "Lilibet", she has an uncanny knack for solving crimes. It is a lovely series and as you read, you can imagine the late Queen solving crimes unbeknown by her close staff and the public.

John--Just checking in to see what you've been reading. I see you are just about as behind in posting as I was though. I finally got caught up, but I'll probably finish another two or three between now and the end of the weekend. I'll be heading to my brother's home in Mississippi for Christmas. Sounds like their Christmas traditions may be a little different this year.

Solstice cheer, John!

I'm sorry to read of the family trouble, John. You and Karen are doing your very best. Sorry to hear about your ongoing pain and the long time until your appointment. I hope 2025 will be a better year for you, John. Love and hugs, Deborah .

Hi, John.

I’ve been absent from LT for most of this year, but did want to stop by and say how very sorry I am that you have had so much trouble this year. Pain and assorted health issues, with family issues thrown in for good measure—it must seem as though you’ve been drowning. Much love to you and Karen from Gail.

>Hi Gail, apart from having Elliott for his Wednesday overnight stays and our 40th wedding anniversary in Madeira, it has been bad year, my Annus Horribilis. A nice bit of good news on 20th December means that my chauffeuring duties are now redundant although i am still retained for Elliott's overnight stays, lol.

Sadly my pain issues have taken a turn for the worse since the 13th December but i am just going to have to grin and bear it until i get an outpatient appointment to see the Surgical Spinal unit.

I hope that all is well with you my dear, i have missed our little chats and your lovely visits.

>109 vancouverdeb:, Hi Deborah my dear, thanks for stopping by. A bit of mixed news so far this month, my pain issues have increased since 13th December and then on 20th December we got the good news that my chauffeuring duties are now redundant although i am still retained by Elliott for his Wednesday Overnights stays, lol. The family issue with Rob still remain and Karen needs to have her say but will wait until the new year as she doesn't want to spoil Christmas. These issues have been added to when Rob popped in to drop off Christmas cards, no grandma and grandad card for us from Hannah, and Karen passed on presents and some money for Hannah from both us and Amy and Andy but nothing in return for Elliott, this has annoyed the pair of us.

I am now more hopeful of a better 2025, i will get back to normal reading levels and be on here more as i have gained back time to come on here.

>112 johnsimpson: Hi John! I’m sorry for your family troubles. Wouldn’t you want people to just see the light and stop being silly?

I hope your 2025 will be lots better, with way less pain.
Best Christmas wishes to all.

Hi John! Did you just message me on FB? i was just checking if that was really you! :)

I wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed festive season.

Nadolig Llawen, Happy Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Joyous Holidays, John!

With the terrible time you have been having this year, I don't wonder that you are wishing it over, John. I hope that you and Karen have a Happy Christmas in spite of everything and a much brighter 2025!

Hi John! Merry Christmas.

>58 johnsimpson: I’m so sorry to hear about the pain getting worse for you, all day, every day. It’s so draining and depressing. I see from reading further down that you haven't gotten an appointment with the Surgical Spine specialist yet.

I devoutly hope your Annus Horribilis gives way to the better headspace you want and that you will discipline yourself into getting.

>69 johnsimpson: All this is due to Covid, Junior Doctors strike action and an upsurge in Accident and Emergency visits, whereby Ambulance crews were stuck at hospitals to offload patients for up to 16 hours, waiting lists shot up across all areas of the NHS and at the moment there are Seven million people waiting to be seen for either an outpatient appointment of for surgery. Mind boggling and so sad for everybody needing services, you most especially.

>93 quondame: I am desolated to read about your fractured family, John. You and Karen deserve so much more because you are such good, loving, caring people. I missed what’s going on with Amy and Andy so was surprised to read that he’s staying with you.

>101 johnsimpson: I have obviously been a bad LT friend in that I didn’t realize how much Elliott had grown up – enough to have his own room and play quietly with toys to let you get more sleep.

>102 johnsimpson: … books will always be waiting for us… Such a relief for us bibliophiles.

>111 johnsimpson: Just having to grin and bear it is horrible. I know from my medical adventures this year how draining, debilitating, and depressing that is. Hugs.

>112 johnsimpson: Bringing children into the family issues is despicable. Shame on Rob and Louise.

We can always, hope, though, and



Love and hugs to you both, skritches to Felix from Zoe and Wash. We got your Christmas card and thank you for sending it.

Thinking of you at this time, John and Karen.

>113 EllaTim:, Hi Ella my dear, when something happens involving a court case, things can happen with your family and friends. Once we got back in the car, the first thing i said was that you will find out who your friends are, i just didn't expect things to happen so quickly. Obviously Rob and Louise have their thoughts on what happened but i am disappointed that Louise has got Hannah to blank us, them i am not bothered about. So last Christmas we didn't get a thank you (pardon my language as it is an old Yorkshire saying or certainly within the mining areas) or kiss my arse. The same happened when we sent her birthday card and gifts/money. This happened recently when finally Rob came and took Hannah her holiday gift and money and then today, nothing once again. We feel that they are lacking in parenting skills by not making sure that she said thank you, it doesn't take much to text that to one of us along with a lack of grandma/grandad card that we usually got.

>114 SqueakyChu:, Hi Madeline, it was me that contacted you via FB.

>115 Ameise1:, >116 SandDune:, >117 quondame:, >118 Familyhistorian:, >119 Whisper1:, Thank you for the Christmas messages.

>120 karenmarie:, Hi Karen my dear, no way are you a bad LT friend, i have been missing for numerous periods throughout the year due to various issues. Amy and Andy's marriage is fine, things have been strained due to the issues relating to the court case and that is why Andy had to stay overnight with us, the nights were reduced and finally this was resolved last Friday. They have found out who their friends are and which family members still love them. I can understand why this was done due to the nature of the issue where all this has stemmed from BUT there are things that they do not know and how low and being in a bad place Andy has been in for most of his life, luckily Amy understands him. As she said at the time, he is my husband and father of our child, he has been misunderstood all his life and at time badly treated, even by family. It is not an issue that can be taken lightly BUT if i thought either myself or Elliott were at risk, i would have left or would leave now. We are both of the same opinion but others have taken the online article as gospel even though i was in court along with is Dad BUT i was classed as deluded, i might as well have hit my head against a brick wall trying to discuss it with them. There is no way i would have put myself through all the early morning get ups and late arrivals back at home if i thought ill of him BUT in no way do i take things that occurred flippantly.

Having to deal with the above whilst my pain issues gradually got worse and the MRI scan showed up major damage was not fun but i have to run with the medical system that was starved of money and resources during the 14 years of the Tory government.

Ron and Louise's decision about Hannah is a real low and we are both so annoyed about it, Karen has things to say to Rob that will be dealt with in the New Year and after this, our relationship with our son, Louise and our granddaughter may diminish, hopefully not.

You, like everyone else on LT have been very supportive to both of us and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, you have kept me going through bad spells i have been in.

>121 PaulCranswick:, Thanks Paul you are a very good friend to both of us, the presents that Yasmyne dropped off for us and Elliott are lovely.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season, John!

>127 alcottacre:, Hi Stasia my dear, thank you my dear, i hope your day has been a really good one dear friend.

>123 johnsimpson: Great! I'm so suspicious of all things online! :) I'll go back to confirm our friendship. Hope you and your family are enjoying this merry holiday season.

>129 SqueakyChu:, Hi Madeline my dear, it was lovely yesterday with the little man opening all his presents. He then wanted to pull the crackers before we had our lunch, we had to pull one with him to try and pacify him, lol. I hope that you had a good day yesterday my dear.

>130 johnsimpson: It was a very quiet day for me yesterday. In previous years, I always enjoyed attending Christmas gatherings of my in-laws, but now I enjoy more gathering at home for Chanukah. This Sunday, I’ll have family and friends here to light candles, sing songs, play my own version of the dreidel game and eat my latkes.

I see you know how holidays are extra special with kids!