Deborah (vancouverdeb) reads in 2024 Thread 7

I'm Deborah, 41years happily married to Dave, who retired March 21 2024. . We have two adult sons, Daniel, 39, and William, aged 34. William is married to Serenade, and they have blessed us with two grandchildren, Melissa, 6, and Miles, 4. Besides reading, I do love to do jigsaw puzzles, walk -with or without our dog, Poppy, likely a Poodle- Maltese mix . I've been here on LT for nearly 15 years, and I enjoy historical fiction and mysteries , as well as many other genres. I'm keen to read book prize contenders, lately mainly the Women's Prize for Fiction and the Booker Lists. Last year I read 41 books and I expect to read about the same number this year. In previous years I have managed to read 75 books, but my love of jigsaw puzzles has changed that.

January

1) Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Relationships by Nedra Glover Tawwab American, F, 4 stars library
2) The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, American, M, 3.5 stars off the shelf
3) Absolution by Alice McDermott , American, F, 3 stars library
4)The Little Book Of Icelanders by Alda Sigmundsdottir Icelandic, F, 3 stars New
5)Reykjavik by Ragnar Jonasson , Icelandic, M, 4 stars Library

February

6) Silas Marner by George Eliot , British, F, 3.5 stars , library book / audiobook
7) The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson , British, F, 4 stars my book.
8) The Road from Belhaven by Margot Livesey, British, F, 4 stars, library.
9) The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo American, F, library, 4 stars
10) The Book of Days by Francesca Kay, British, F, ebook, 4 stars

March
11) Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie , F , New, 4 stars
12) Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville,Australian F, library, 4 stars
13) The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright ,Irish, F, library, 2.5 stars
14) The Prey by Yrsa Sigurdardottir , Icelandic, F , New, 4.5 stars

April
15) Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, British/ Palestinian, F , library, 3 stars
16) Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan, Irish, F, New, 4.5 stars
17)The Maiden by Kate Foster , Scotland, , F, New 4.5 stars
18)The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher, F, UK. Library, 4 stars
19)The Brotherless Night by V.V Ganeshanathan , F , American ,new 5 stars

May

20)The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey, F,British, new, 5 stars
21)Soldier Sailor byClaire Kilroy , F, mine, Irish, 4 stars
22)Long Island by Colm Toibin , M, library Ireland, 4 stars
23)The Household by Stacey Halls, F, new, UK 4 stars

June

24)To Track a Traitor by Iona Wishaw, F , ROOT, 4 stars Canadian, 4 stars
25)River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure, F, mine, American, 4.5 stars
26) Lucy By The Sea by Elizabeth Strout, F, library , American, 3 stars
27)The Burial Plot by Elizabeth Neal, F, new, UK, 5 stars

July

28) The Framed Women of Ardemore House: A Novel byBrandy Schillace , F, library, 2.5 stars
29) The God of the Woods by Liz Moore F, American, library, 4 stars
30) The Coast Road by Alan Murrin, M, Irish, mine, 5 stars
31)The Briar Club by Kate Quinn, F, American, mine, 4 stars
32)The Spoiled Heart: A novel by Sunjeev SahotaM, UK, 5 stars

August

33) My Friends by Hisham Matar, M, American , mine, 4.5 stars
34)This Strange, Eventful History by Claire Messud, F, American, library 3 stars
35)The Safekeep by Yael van Wouden, F, library,Israeli/ Dutch, 3.5 stars
36)The Story Collector by Evie Woods,F, mine, Irish, 3.5 stars
37)Enlightenment by Sarah Perry, F, mine, UK, 2.5 stars

September

38) Death At The Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson, library, F, British, 3.5 stars
39)Stillwater by Darcie Friesen Hossack , mine, F, Canadian 4.5 stars
40)What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley , library , M, Canadian, 5 stars
41)The Laundryman's Boy by Edward Y. C. Lee library, M, Canadian, 3 stars
42)Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers, library, F, UK, 4 stars
43) In Winter I Get Up at Night, library, F, Canadian, 4 stars

October

44) Death at the Sanatorium: A Mystery by Ragnar Jonasson , mine, M, Iceland, 4 stars
45) Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, new, M, USA, 3 stars
46) Girls Who Lie by Eva Bjorg Aegisdottir, ROOT, Iceland, 3.5 stars
47)Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers, new, F, UK, 4 stars
48)The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke, new , F, UK, 4 stars

November

49)James by Percival Everett, mine, M, USA, 3.5 stars
50)Skippy Dies by Paul Murray , mine, M, UK, 3 stars
51)The Good Liars by Anita Frank, mine, UK , 4 stars
52)Snow by John Banville , ROOT, Ireland, 4 stars

December

53) April in Spain by John Banville, library, M, Ireland, 3.5 stars

spare - maybe more books

Prize Winners and Nominees

Silas Marner by George Eliot 1001 books to read before you die
Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie Womens Prize for Fiction Longlist 2024
Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville Women's Prize for Fiction Short List 2024
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright Women's Prize for Fiction Short List 2024
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, Women's Prize for Fiction Shortlist 2024
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 2024
The Maiden by Kate Foster Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 2024
Brotherless Night by V.V Ganeshanathan Women's Prize for Fiction Shortlist, 2024, Carol Shield Prize shortlist 2024
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy , Women's Prize for Fiction Shortlist, 2024
River West, River East by Aube Rey Lescure , Women's Prize for Fiction Shortlist, 2024
My Friends by Hisham Matar George Orwell Prize Winner 2024, Book Prize Longlist 2024
This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud, Booker Prize Longlist 2024
The Safekeep by Yael van wouden , Booker Prize Longlist 2024
Enlightenment by Sarah Perry , Booker Prize Longlist 2024
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers, Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist, 2021
In Winter I Get Up at Night by Jane Urquhart, Giller Prize Longlist, 2024
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finnby Mark Twain, 1001 Books to Read Before We Die
James by Percival Everett, Booker Prize Shortlist 2024
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray Booker Prize Longlist 2010

Currently Reading

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne: The captivating 1930s-set mystery of family secrets, lies and the darkest deception by Emily Critchley

Welcome all to my new thread! Please stop by and say hi, or lurk , delurk, it's all good!

>13 vancouverdeb: Happy new thread, Deb.

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread, Deborah. I loved Skippy Dies. I hope it works for you. From your last thread- I am glad Dave has settled comfortably into retirement. It certainly is the best.

Happy new thread, Deb. Love the topper. Looks like heaven!

Happy new thread Deborah, and wishing you a month of great reading and puzzles too.

Happy new one, Deborah!

Happy new thread, Deborah. You do really well with your prize list reading.

>1 vancouverdeb: Cozy!
Happy New Thread, Deborah!!

New-thread orisons, Deborah. *smooch*

Happy new one, Deborah.

Happy new thread, Deborah! I got a catalog of puzzles in the mail yesterday and thought of you. There were so many in there that looked like they'd be fun to do!!

Happy new thread Deborah!

>1 vancouverdeb: The perfect lovely cozy corner.

>14 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul!

>15 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita!

>16 msf59: Thanks Mark! I am about 100 pages into Skippy Dies and enjoying it so far. I think it will work well for me, as I gave 5 stars to Bee Sting last year by the same author. It's actually a shared read with Stasia, in honour of Anita , FAMeulstee .

>17 jessibud2: Yes, Shelley, that cozy room looks a very heavenly place to be.

>18 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel! I hope I will get some good reads in and I am in the midst of Halloween themed puzzle, which I did not complete in time for Halloween.

>19 katiekrug: Thanks Katie!

>20 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I got the idea of tracking my prize reading from Charlotte's thread. I do try to read from the Women's Prize list and the Booker list , but some are just coincidence.

>21 Carmenere: Thanks Linda! I did chose that image because it looked cozy.

>22 richardderus: Thanks Richard! *smooch*

>24 RebaRelishesReading: Oh, that catalogue of puzzles sound fabulous, Reba! Enjoy browsing -and buying.

>25 quondame: Hi Susan! I talked with my sister today and she has already gone to the Lego shop and spent enough money to get me the cute book set of Lego! Oh what a good sister I have! Actually, I have two fabulous sisters and brothers.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

Happy new thread, Deborah! I love the topper. I wish I had a room like that.

Hi Deborah and a very happy new thread wishes to you!

>30 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>31 atozgrl: Hi Irene. I wish I had a room like that too.

>32 mdoris: Thanks Mary, and I hope I have some good reads ahead.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

Happy New Thread!

>27 vancouverdeb:, I finished my Halloween theme puzzle so early that we had already moved on. We did the Dracula themed puzzle from B & N. I enjoyed it but it was hard because pieces were cut so similar. What I really liked is it had different pictures for parts of the book and on the back of the poster it explained the scenes. Very literary. Have a great week Deborah.

>34 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg!

>35 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda!

>36 Kristelh: I'll look forward to seeing your puzzle on Instagram, Kristel, if not on your thread. I did a puzzle by the same company as you last year. It was a gift from my sister in law and it was Shakespeare. It was challenging too. But great in the end.

Still reading Skippy Dies in memory of Anita FAmaulstee, with Stasia. It's 650 pages , so it will take me a while to finish it. Very windy day here and a lot of rain earlier this morning.

Happy new thread, Deborah.

>1 vancouverdeb: So nice and cozy to sit there, reading.

650 pages, quite a lot, but maybe just the thing when the weather outside is bad?

That was quite the wind storm today. Were you affected by it? My power was out for about 3 hours. Power was on at Coquitlam Centre though, so I went over there after a while.

It was rainy here too. Again today. Happy new thread!

>1 vancouverdeb: I love your thread topper, Deborah! Happy new one!

>39 EllaTim: Well, rain or shine I have to get my walking in, Ella . Yesterday was sunny as is today. But no hiding out in the cozy for me, not matter what the weather. But of course some days I can do that! :-)

>40 Familyhistorian: It was quite a wind storm yesterday and I was out walking in it. It was not bad with the wind at my back, but windy as I walked into it, Meg. We were lucky that our power didn't go out. Other areas in Richmond did, but we were fortunate. I'm glad you live close to Coquitlam Centre to escape that darkness.

>41 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel. Thankfully it is sunny today and it stopped raining here yesterday around 9 am , after a long night of heavy rain. I think it was raining on Sunday ? And we will have lots of rain in our future.

>42 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne, and good to see you!

Hi Deb and happy new-ish thread!

I love that you walk every day. I was just getting back into daily walking last week but my hip and lower back rebelled. They are better now so I'm looking froward to a walk/hike in the mountains later today. It's sunny and supposed to be in the upper 40sF. I'd better enjoy that while I can.

I hope you enjoy Skippy Dies. It fell a bit flat for me when I read it.

>45 EBT1002: Thanks Ellen! I actually walk about 4 times a week, not every day. I walk about 3.5 - 4 miles 3 days a week and a little less on the fourth day. I'm glad you are feeling better. I am about 300 pages into Skippy Dies and it's not measuring up to The Bee Sting. I'm hoping it will improve.

Finally checking in on your new thread, Deborah. I hope you have a great visit with the grands tomorrow!

Enjoy your time with the grands, Deborah!

Enjoy the time with your grandchildren. Mine were with us last Tuesday and we had a lot of fun.
Happy Friday.

Hope you had a great time with the grand-kids!

Hi Deb my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend. I hope all is well with you, Dave and the family, sounds like you had a great time with your grandkids. We are both fine despite our aches and pains and enjoying having Elliott for his Wednesday night stays, certainly keeps us on our toes, the little monkey. Sending love and hugs from both us dear friend.

>47 alcottacre: We did have a lot of fun with Melissa and Miles, Stasia. Later today I hope to get some reading done with Skippy Dies.

>48 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel!

>49 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara. I did have a good day , I got out for a long walk, and it didn't rain, but it sure looked like it would. I bought some nice coffee for Dave and a Christmas present for my sister, so it was a productive day.

>50 figsfromthistle: We did have lots of fun with the Grand kids, yes, thanks , Anita.

>51 johnsimpson: All is well, yes, thanks John. We did have a great time yes, and I can imagine that Elliot keeps you on your toes with his once a week overnight visits. Dave and I pretty much needed a nap after having Melissa and Miles visit for 4 1/2 hours. They are busy little people. Love and hugs to you too, John and family .

Not my picture, as Mark would say, but it was taken nearby , and while the snow geese look exciting, they leave behind a lot of excrement. Ugh.

This is a picture of Melissa , aged 6 and Miles, aged 4 and my husband Dave and our dog Poppy from yesterday.

>55 vancouverdeb: What a great picture!

>55 vancouverdeb:, that is a great picture but also a horror. I understand completely because we have Canada Geese here and they are a plague IMO. But what wonderful photography!

>55 vancouverdeb: Great picture! The kids sure are growing up!

Have a wonderful weekend, Deborah!

>54 vancouverdeb: That is a great photo of the snow geese, despite the mountains of excrement.

>55 vancouverdeb: Great photo of Dave, Poppy and the grandkids. Adorable.

Happy Saturday, Deborah. Is Skippy Dies getting any better for you?

>55 vancouverdeb: They're so cute! Oh, the kids are okay, too. :-P

>55 vancouverdeb: Great photo, Deborah.

>55 vancouverdeb: Love this pic! Your grandkids are beautiful! Fun, they are each about one year older than mine. Cute doggie too!

Happy newish thread!

>55 vancouverdeb: Ahhhh -- how sweet. Good looking group (although I think Poppy would really like to be put down) :)

>56 quondame: Thanks Susan! I of course think they are cute too.

>57 Kristelh: Yes, Kristel. It's a spectacular picture and sight, but they do create a problem. We have Canada Geese too and so, double trouble for us at this time of year.

>58 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia! I think Melissa is going to be tall like Dave and William , our son. I don't think Miles will be quite as tall, but they are young , so hard to say.

>59 msf59: The birds are spectacular to see, but you know. Thanks with regards to the kids . They are growing up. Especially Melissa , now at age 6. I think that yes, Skippy Dies is improving. I'm on page 462, with another 200 or so pages to go.

>60 richardderus: I know, Richard, Dave and Poppy are so cute! And yes, maybe the kids too. ;-)

>61 BLBera: Thanks Beth.

>62 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary! So, my two are just a bit younger than your two grandchildren. It's a fun age! Poppy is cute too. I was just giving her a little kiss.

>63 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba! Yes, I am sure Poppy was glad to be put down on the ground. She likes a bit of snuggling, but we have to be careful she doesn't get fed up with it.

>55 vancouverdeb: Love it!

My hip and back have improved so I've been able to walk more this week. P and I have taken a couple of lovely hikes and we went for one bike ride. Depending on the weather, I hope I get myself out there. I like your 4-days-a-week plan.

I've started This Tender Land and I'm enjoying it so far.

>55 vancouverdeb: Wonderful picture of the family, thanks for sharing!

Such cute grandkids!

Great pictures of the grandchildren. And the dog, Poppy.

>68 atozgrl:
>69 banjo123:
>70 Kristelh:

Thanks Irene, Rhonda and Kristel regarding your kind remarks about my family and our dog, Poppy.

I hope you have a wonderful week, Deborah! I am looking forward to finishing our read of Skippy Dies.

>55 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. What a great photo of Dave, Poppy and the grandkids! Thanks so much for sharing!

>55 vancouverdeb: Grand kids are such a joy Deb and the joy is so evident of Dave's face. Thank you for sharing. xx

>72 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia. I should finish Skippy Dies later this evening. It's improved a lot. Have wonderful week yourself!

>73 mdoris: Thanks Mary! I hope the books are treating you well. Good old Poppy!:-)

>74 PaulCranswick: Grand kids are such a joy indeed, Paul. I hope you can see little Pip again soon.

>75 vancouverdeb: I should finish Skippy Dies tomorrow. I look forward to your final thoughts on this one.

My review of Skippy Dies has been posted, Deborah. I am glad to have done with it. I sure hope you ended up liking it more than I did!

Booker Winner for 2024 is Orbital by Samantha Harvey

So much for all the predictions, Deb. A British winner is this time a surprise.

>78 vancouverdeb: *whew*

>78 vancouverdeb: I heartily approve!

>78 vancouverdeb: I have only read a couple of the short list books so I cannot comment one way or another as far as whether she deserved the award or not, but it does not bother me in the least that a Britisher won!

>79 PaulCranswick: I really was not at all sure which book would win the Booker this , Paul. As I mentioned, I had heard that James, Orbital and The Stone Yard Devotional were favourites this year to win.

>80 richardderus:
>81 kidzdoc: I did catch the winner online as it was announced, but this year had proved a disappointing year for the Booker Prize for me, Darryl and Richard.

>82 alcottacre: Like wise, Stasia, I only read James and The Safekeep from this year's Booker Shortlist. From the Longlist, I read Enlightenment, My Friends, This Strange Eventful History . I took out Orbital out from the library and returned it unread. I don't think I will read it . I DNF'd Held at about page 25. My favourite , by a longshot was My Friends.

It does not bother me what country the winner came from.

I finished Skippy Dies last night, but have yet to create a review.

I started a new read that I think will be an entertaining contrast to Skippy Dies. It is The Good Liars by Anita Frank. I really enjoyed her previous book, The Lost Ones.

I also thought this was a disappointing year for the Booker Prize, even though Orbital was a joy to read. The author's country of origin is completely unimportant to me, and the only thing I was hoping was that James didn't win, as all of the other books were written by women and Percival Everett's novel is a candidate for the National Book Award for Fiction here in the US later this month.

I've decided that this will be the last year that I follow the Booker Prize with earnest, as I will completely change the focus of my reading to books I already own but have been putting off for years; that would be a much more satisfying and rewarding approach, IMO. I'll leave room for new books that sound particularly appealing, but I'll make it a priority to read a core of 20-30 books first.

Happy Wednesday, Deborah. I hope the week is going well. Glad to see you enjoyed Skippy Dies, even if it wasn't on the same level as The Bee Sting.

Hi Deborah. Orbital was the only book on the list of Booker nominees that I read, and I loved it. But since I didn't read any of the others, I really have nothing to compare it to.

>86 kidzdoc: Yes, I agree, Darryl. It was a disappointing year for the Booker Prize. I confess I have not read Orbital despite getting it from the library a while ago. Outer space just does not interest me. But since it is such a short book, maybe someday . I would not have minded if James won, because I at least read it , and while I didn't love it, it was alright. I can understand not following the Booker Prize in earnest in the future. I will still follow it and read what I think will appeal to me. But I do find more books that I enjoy with the Women's Prize for Fiction, so that is more my focus in the future. Good idea to read books you already own and ones that seem appealing. That is what I am doing now, since the Booker Prize is now over for the year.

>87 msf59: Thanks Mark! I hope to had a happy Wednesday as well. I got out for about a 3.5 mile walk in the rain, but it wasn't too bad and I like and need my walks, so all in all a good day.

>88 BLBera: I am glad you loved Orbital, Beth. I know others have too. At least you read the winner of the prize. Great choosing!

Skippy Dies by Paul Murray 3 stars

This was a shared read with Stasia , and a memorial read for Anita.

Unfortunately, Skippy Dies did not work that well for me. I gave Paul Murray's book The Bee Sting 5 stars last year, so I had high hopes. Skippy, ( Daniel Juster), is a student at an Irish Catholic Boarding school, along with many other characters, including chubby science wizard, Ruprecht, psychopathic Carl and girl named Lori. This is a male only boarding school, and the students are obsessed with sex, swearing , drinking and drugs. There were far too many characters, far too much about science , which did not add to the story or enjoyment.

The story did have heart, with mixed up, troubled Skippy, his close friend Ruprecht and a few others. Teachers at the school are involved with there own personal dramas. This is not a humourous, hilarious book as it is billed, but rather a quite a tragic read ( and much too long ).

Not recommended.

>90 vancouverdeb:. I’ve avoided this one and will continue to do so. Doesn’t sound like my cup of tea. But I might go for The Bee Sting. I have not read Orbital. I did not think James should win as it was too US centered. Have a great Thursday Deborah. Enjoy your walk. I can’t do those longer walks anymore. I am best at 2 miles or less. Miss my walking companion. She got me out there when I wasn’t feeling it.

>90 vancouverdeb: Much too long sums it up entirely, I think. Murray could have used an editor that would chop a couple of hundred pages, lol.

Maybe our next shared read will be better for both of us!

I had been following the Women's Prize for Fiction back when it was the Orange Prize, and since I did enjoy many of the longlisted books I'll pay more attention to your take on those books.

I'm sorry that Skippy Dies was a disappointing read. I bought a copy of it years ago (why?!) but it isn't one that sounds interesting, especially if it's 200 pages too long as Stasia said.

>91 Kristelh: I bet you miss your walking companion, Kristel. I think of your loss of Lucy quite often. It's so hard to lose a furbaby. I get out there in part because I found I have high cholesterol, so that drives me to walk more. I've always ran/ jogged and now walk , so it's sort of second nature to me. If you 2 miles every day, or less, that's still good too. I did really enjoy The Bee Sting, but not so much Skippy Dies. I'd skip if I were you.

>92 alcottacre: Yes, though I read that Paul Murray originally wrote the Skippy Dies as about 990 pages! But he felt it was too long. Unfortunately it was still to much longer. Yes, let's hope our next shared read is better, Stasia.

>93 kidzdoc: Great, Darryl. I do find a lot of good books from the Women's Prize list. Yes, indeed, Skippy Dies was a disappointing read, and much too long. Don't we all own books that we wonder " why did I think I would enjoy that ? "

>93 kidzdoc: & >94 vancouverdeb: I thought that the Women's Prize list was stronger this year and the winner Brotherless Night a very good novel.

>94 vancouverdeb:, In my past I ran just about every day. Actually completed 2 marathons but I think I was one of those people where running was hard on the body. Running no longer happens except in pickleball which doesn’t happen much either.

>95 PaulCranswick: I agree, Paul,this year's Women Prize was stronger than the Booker List,and yes, Brotherless Night an excellent read.

>96 Kristelh: Good for you, Kristel! I ran almost every day too, until I felt it was bothering my knees to much , when I was about 40 years old. But I have never run a Marathon. That is really something! The furthest I have run at one is 8 miles. Pickleball is excellent exercise too. I don't play pickleball mainly because I have osteoporosis and don't want to slip and fall and break another bone.

>90 vancouverdeb: hmmm. I don’t think this would be my cuppa. I will pass on it.

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

>97 vancouverdeb:.My last Marathon was in 2004 at age 51. My last runs were probably before my husband was diagnosed with his brain cancer. After that I wasn’t able to keep up with exercise. So my running probably stopped in 2020. I was not running far, maybe 3 miles most days. Now even walking can be painful. I think walking uses muscles in different ways. I used to think running was easier than walking.

Hi Deborah, I'd missed you had a whole new thread. Sorry you didn't have a better time with the Booker list. I do enjoy discovering new (to me) authors this way each year. Although I didn't read them all this time round, I'll still have a go next year. I'm reading some older ones at the moment though: one of my book groups has decided to go for Marguerite Duras so I'm trying to finish The Lover in time. The work group is reading Piranesi which I didn't like much the first time round, so hoping a reread will be more positive.

Lovely grandkid photos.

Nice photos up there, particularly the one with Dave and your grandkids. The geese one is spectacular but better knowing it isn’t close to home!

>99 Kristelh: Three miles a day is plenty of running, Kristel. I can understand not having much time or energy to keep up with running once your husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. That would have been a very difficult time. I'm sorry that even walking can be painful now.

>100 charl08: Good to see you Charlotte. I enjoy discovering new authors with Booker List , though this year was a disappointment for me. I've not read Piranesi , as it has not appealed to me. I hope your second read is better.

>101 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg. Yes, the pic of the snow geese is spectacular, but who needs them in the area ? I've been avoiding walking anywhere I think they might be, and that is a lot of places, unfortunately.

The Good Liars byAnita Frank 4 stars

This was an interesting murder mystery and somewhat of a gothic tale. It's also an excellent historical novel about WW1 and its' aftermath. In 1920, the Stilwell family of Darkacre Hall struggle with with the fallout of WW1.Leonard is in a wheelchair, while Maurice suffers with shell shock or PTSD. Maurice's wife Ida, longs for days gone by . Victor is a family friend, and continues to live with the family.

Things are further thrown into disorder when the police re -open a missing person case, and they find themselves being investigated by the police. Ida is happy when a new maid, Sarah arrives. But odd things are happening. Maurice wakes in the night, screaming and believing that their dead brother Hugo is in their presence. They all smell Hugo's cigar smoke. A nasty package arrives for Ida. What is going on ? Read it and find out.

Recommended.

Good review! Looks like one for me.

>105 Storeetllr: Thanks , Mary! Her previous book, The Lost Ones was also very good.

Happy Wednesday, Deborah. Sorry to hear that Skippy Dies did not work for it. I thought it was very good. I guess that is how it rolls in the book world. Of course, I also loved The Bee Sting.

Crazy, wild winds here Deborah but so far no power loss. It is still howling though!

Are you being affected by the power outages and crazy winds, Deb? It's on our news!

>107 msf59: It's true, Mark, YMMV with books. Yes, I too loved The Bee Sting. I am really enjoying my current read, Snow by John Banvillel.

>108 mdoris: I think you winds were probably worse than ours, Mary. It was windy yes, but we did not lose power and I don't think the winds were bad this morning. I'm glad you did not have a power outage either.

>109 jessibud2: Thanks for asking, Shelley! We are fine , no problems, just was very windy and rained a lot over night. My Brother in law from Ottawa contacted us today too, concerned about the so - called " cyclone bomb."

A puzzle snack, 500 pieces, Winter Village by Pieces and Peace

I finished Snow by John Banville and very much enjoyed it . I'll come up with a review in a day or so. I look very forward to reading more in this series.

I like John Banville’s writing. Nice puzzle. I am working on Owl Autonomy inspired by Madeleine.

>111 vancouverdeb: Looks like a fun puzzle—just lovely!

Karen O

More winds to come today! Batten the hatches! Loki and Poppy may not be impressed with their dog walks!

>113 Kristelh: I think this is the first book I have read by John Banville. I did really love it, Kristel. Yes, it was a fun puzzle, appropriate to this time of year, though thankfully we rarely get snow here in the Vancouver area.

>114 klobrien2: Thanks Karen. I enjoyed doing it.

>115 mdoris: Yes, I was reading about more wind not long ago, So far it's quite good weather here. Poppy went out with our dogwalker today and she enjoyed herself, but there are some rainy , windy days during which Poppy, and I'm sure Loki would just as well stay home. And we would too!

All caught up again, Deborah. I’m glad you are having some fun times with your grandkids. They are at such entertaining (and energetic) ages.

I’m another who is disappointed by the Booker Prize this year. There are quite a few people ahead of me on the waiting list for Orbital. I’m intrigued by the subject matter yet glad that it’s short as we are entering another busy holiday season. I miss summer!

Snow by John Banville 4 stars

I read both a physical copy of this book as well as listening to it on audio. The narrator of the audiobook was perfect. This was a great new to me series that I look forward to continuing. Detective Inspector St. John Strafford has been summoned from Dublin to County Wexford to investigate a murder. There it appears that a parish priest has fallen to his death, but it is quickly discerned to be an accident. DI Strafford is a Protestant in a largely Catholic small down and he is greeted with some suspicion and hostility . The takes place in 1957 and is very atmospheric.

While there is some humour in this story, that had me laughing at times, there are some very dark aspects it as well.

Recommended

>117 Donna828: Good to see you, Donna! Yes, they are at both entertaining and energetic age as you say. I can already see that Melissa is becoming perhaps a calmer sort than her younger brother, and her occasional scorn at Miles is quite funny - " He can't do Lego, just Duplo." " Those crayons are good for Miles , but I use fine tipped felt pens." It is funny.

I got Orbital out from the library prior to the the Booker Prize announcement, but it did not appeal to me. I hope you enjoy it. I miss summer too! Especially the long days compared to our shorter days now. I tell myself that as of December 20th, the days slowly start to get longer.

All of my pictures seem to have disappeared,. I dont' know why, but I will check it later on.

>120 vancouverdeb: I think LT is having a problem. Some (but by no means all) of my book covers are missing at present. I just added a book and wanted to look at possibly changing the cover, but when I went to do that none of the member-uploaded covers displayed. I presume LT needs to fix something, and then they'll be back.

>121 atozgrl: Thanks Irene. I did go and check the talk feature and found a thread that says, yes, LT has a bug/ problem. Yes, I hope they will all be back for all of us.

Happy weekend Deborah. Funny, I can see all the photos and book covers on my thread, but not on yours 🤔. Let's hope that the problem is solved soon.

>104 vancouverdeb: >118 vancouverdeb: Those sound like ones I might enjoy. Adding them to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendations, Deborah!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The only Banville I have read is The Sea, which I loved. I would like to read more of his work. I got some Jackson time in yesterday. He has a bit of a cold and I'm afraid I may have one now too. Bummer.

Happy Saturday, Deborah.

Happy weekend, Deborah!

I’ve got Orbital from the library and started to listen to it but had to stop as it was too soporific for me at the time. I’ll try it again when I’m relaxing and able to fall asleep of that happened. In the meantime, 20 people are waiting for it, so, if I don’t get back to it today, I’m going to return it early and borrow it again another time. Or not.

>119 vancouverdeb: I can see Ruby doing that in the next few months. Older sisters. It’s the other way around, though, as far as calm goes. Ruby’s all over the place, can’t sit still, while Rowan likes to sit on the couch and “read” a book or put together puzzles (yes, he loves puzzles!) and can focus on one thing for relatively long periods of time. He’s active, of course, but his moments of calm come more often than hers and tend to last longer.

>118 vancouverdeb: Good review! Thanks.

>118 vancouverdeb: Good review Deborah. I’ll be looking for it. I like to have both options too, reading and listening to a book. A good reader can do a lot for a book.

All children are so different!

>118 vancouverdeb: I know of no Banville anything that is not at least 40% dark/shady content. Nor do I hear one soul trumpet his jollity and mirthfulness. No one really complains, either, since he's so bloody good at it.

Happy Sunday ahead's reads!

>123 Ameise1: I checked your thread and I could not see your pictures, Barbara . But now LT has fixed the problem. Happy Weekend!

>124 alcottacre:Snow and The Good Liars were both great reads , Stasia. I hope your library has them . I hope you soon feeling better too. Happy Weekend , Stasia.

>125 msf59: I own an old second hand copy of The Sea , Mark, so perhaps I will get to it sooner than later. Do try more of John Banville. Sorry to hear that Jack has a cold and so now do you do too.

>126 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary! Happy Weekend to you. I can understand if you find Orbital soporific. I just flipped through the book briefly and decided it was not too my taste. Melisssa and Miles get along really well, most of the time, but it is a little funny , the comments she makes and the occasional glance of scorn. I'm an oldest sister, of 4 other siblings. I don't think I did that, but I might have to ask my mom . The sister closest in age to me is just 10 months younger than me and we were born in the same year , so I wasn't much older than her. But the rest, maybe I was scornful at times !:-) It's great that Rown enjoys puzzles! Melissa used to , but now she is more into books, Monopoly and Blokus , a board game. She has phases, Unicorns, Mermaids, it's hard to keep up. Miles is into construction vehicles.

>127 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella. The narrator of Snow was excellent, I thought. I hope you enjoy the book when you get to it. Each child is so different , you are quite right.

>128 richardderus: Interesting, Richard. I'd not read anything by John Banville prior to this, so did now what to expect. I will say that the narrator of the audio book had a wry way of say some things and that I found funny. I do like him as author so far, and put in a request at the library for the next in the series, April in Spain. Thanks for the good wishes for tomorrows reads.

I've added the John Banville crime novel, Deborah.

I was definitely a "superior" sort of older sister. Or rather, I thought I was....

I've also added the John Banville book. Good detective novels are my escape hatches. Could you please look at the St John Strafford series page? Did he write the first under another name - or? Is it really part of the series? Thanks!

I've never read anything by him, either.

I'm somewhat interested in Orbital, but with the mixed reviews, it's not very high on my list.

>131 charl08: I hope you enjoy Snow, Charlotte. I really did and got Spain in April out from the library, the next in the series. I have to ask my sister and brother what sort of sister they think I am. My mom told me I was like a mother hen with my siblings. Always trying to look after them.

>132 streamsong: Yes, John Banville wrote under the penname Benjamin Black for his less " literary novels " earlier, and yes, it's part of the series. I have not read it though, and didn't feel I missed anything. I hope you enjoy the books, when you get to them. Orbital is not on my list of things to read, having taken it back to library after I leafed through it .

Sadly , our beloved dog Poppy passed away as Dave had a head on collision this evening. Dave is in emergency right now , possibly a rib fracture or possibly a bone is lower leg is fractured. He is concious and fine though . I am
sitting with Dave as we await x rays and a CT scan of his ribs . Poppy was in the car, and heartbreakingly , her neck was broken , and her death was blessedly instantaneous. ❤️

>134 vancouverdeb: What a dreadful thing to happen, Deborah. I hope Dave's injuries heal quickly and that you can be helped by the memories of the good times with Poppy.

Deborah, I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for Dave that he will have nothing serious and heal fast. So sad for your sudden loss of Poppy but glad she died without suffering.

I'm very sorry to read the awful news about Poppy and Dave, Deborah.

>134 vancouverdeb: Oh no Deborah. I'm so very sorry to read about Poppy. She was much loved and I know will live on in your hearts, always. I hope Dave's injuries are easily treated and his recovery isn't too difficult.

I am so sorry to hear about Dave's accident and Poppy's sudden demise. How tragic. Please keep us updated on Dave's condition. We are all hoping for the best. 🙏

Oh no, Deb! How awful! I hope Dave is not as badly injured as you initially mentioned. How long will he be in hospital? Thank goodness Poppy didn't suffer but still, such a sudden painful loss for you both.

Gentle hugs to you both.

Thank you everyone , so much . Your words are so comforting. ❤️We just got home , and other than soft tissue damage , Dave is fine . I’m going to bed soon , it may be a little while til I back on LT . Just the sorrow over Poppy’s passing. ❤️

I’m glad Dave is okay, Deborah. Take as much time as you need, we’ll be here when you’re ready. Sending lots of hugs.

((((((((❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️)))))))))

>134 vancouverdeb: Oh my! I am glad Dave is doing well but I am so sorry for the loss of Poppy ((hugs))

May Dave have a speedy recovery!

((hugs))

>134 vancouverdeb: Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Poppy. I hope Dave recovers quickly from his injuries!

((Hugs)) to you both.

My heart is breaking for you, Deborah. Such a sad and sudden loss of your sweet Poppy. I’m so sorry.💔🐾

Wishing Dave a quick recovery.

Please take care

>134 vancouverdeb: I’m so sorry to hear this. Glad that Dave is OK but so sorry to hear about Poppy.

I'm very glad that Dave is ok. I'm so sorry of the loss of your beloved Poppy. Thinking of you and Dave and sending lots of healing vibes.

So sad to read about this frightening accident and the loss of your beloved Poppy.
We all loved her photograph!
Sending Hope for quick healing to your husband...and peace to your Family.

>134 vancouverdeb: Oh NO Deborah!! So sorry about Dave and Poppy. I hope Dave's injuries heal quickly and well and am glad that Poppy didn't suffer...but still so sad for you. (((Deborah)))

Deborah, I am so sorry to read about Poppy. I know how much you loved her. It’s a relief that Dave’s injuries weren’t serious, though I imagine he was traumatized . I’m hugging Penny as I type this. We are grieving with you. 😞

So sorry to read about the car accident Deborah, and the loss of Poppy. I know you will miss her greatly. I will be thinking of you.

My heart goes out to you and Dave on the loss of Poppy. I hope Dave's injuries heal quickly. Take care.

So awful! I hope the pain passes soon, Deborah.

Deborah, I am so very sorry about Poppy. Glad Dave is not badly hurt (per your FB post?) but I know your heart is broken. 💔💔💔

>134 vancouverdeb: >141 vancouverdeb: I am so sorry about Poppy. What a ghastly day. I'm glad Dave's injuries are so limited, though I know healing from soft tissue damage is no picnic at all.

Hello Deborah. I am sure thinking of you with such sadness at the loss of your wonderful Poppy. She simply had the best life with you and Dave and I know how much you will miss her. i know she was a presence! What a horrible ordeal to deal with a car collision and worry about injuries for Dave and am so relieved that he is ok but no doubt it will take some time to get over this. I just want to say I am so sorry.

>134 vancouverdeb: Oh my poor dears! I am so so sorry and sending all the love and healing energy I can to you both.

I'm so sorry, Deborah.

Oh, I'm so sorry about the accident. Both Dave injured and Poppy passing! That's terrible news. But I'm glad Dave's safe.

Hugs!

I’m so so sorry for your loss. Glad Dave is okay, but what a terrible thing to happen.

So sorry to hear of your tragic news, Deb. Poppy has been a constant here with you in the group and so many of us enjoyed your descriptions of your perambulations together.

I hope Dave makes a full recovery from this trauma and I don't just mean physically - I am sure you are both heartbroken.

Hugs to you both.

Deborah, I am so sorry about Poppy and I hope Dave recovers quickly.

Oh, Deborah, I am so sorry to hear about the accident. I am very sad about Poppy. You wrote about her so often, I almost feel like I knew her. I know you are both heartbroken over this.

I am very glad to hear that Dave is OK with no broken bones. But I'm sure he is still in a lot of pain. My prayers that he can recover quickly, and that the Lord sends his comfort to you both at this time. Sending lots of ((((hugs)))).

So sorry to hear about Poppy, Deborah. I hope Dave recovers soon.

What a shock, Deborah. So sorry for Poppy. Glad Dave is doing OK. But it’s a real loss for the both of you.

Checking in on the state of things there, Deborah. I hope Dave's recovery is ongoing.

*smooch*

Hi, Deborah. Just checking in. How is Dave doing? I hope things are getting back to normal or at least part way. 🙏

Thanks to each one of you for your kind messages of sympathy to Dave, Poppy and me. It is so appreciated. I'm sorry I don't have the time to reply to each of you right now. We adopted an 11 month female Havanese puppy from the Vancouver SPCA. She is not yet house trained, but it very loving and sweet. She was spayed today ( now yesterday) so we are having very busy days.

Dave is slowly recovering. He went to the doctor on Tuesday, and his lower leg and foot is still very painful and swollen. The doctor says that is as expected and will heal over time. He feels he cannot hear as well in his left ear, from the shock sound waves or something from the left curtain airbag. I think it will probably get better over time, but the doctor is going to send him for a CT scan of his ear . Not sure when. Soon, I hope. Emotionally we are doing much better since the adoption of Muffin.

Dave was able to replace his vehicle on Saturday.

I have not read a single book since the accident as my concentration has not been great, and I've also been very busy. Not sure when I will get a chance to read . I hope soon.

I'll post a picture of Muffin for those who don't know me on Facebook.

Thanks again for your concern and love.

Muffin prior to her spaying . ( She still looks the same, but is very weary this evening ) .

"

It's so nice to hear from you, Deborah. I'm glad to see that Dave is healing. Muffin is adorable and I know she will do as much good for you, as you will do for her. I guess Havanese are pretty small dogs but has she reached her adult size?

> 171 Thanks , Laura . Getting bed rather late as I have to be up in 5 hours . Muffin is 18.5 lbs , and is most likely full grown. She may fill out a little yet, but yes , she is small dog .

Good to see you posting again, Deb. Muffin is adorable! Hope Dave's recovery moves quickly.

Sweet Thursday, Deborah. Muffin looks adorable. I am sure she will be a perfect fit and hopefully a perfect walking buddy. Good luck to Dave. Looks like he will have a long road to recovery. Give him our best. ❤️

Deborah, Muffin is so sweet but she is like a new child in the home so I can appreciate your being busy but also such a nice distraction from your current sorrows. Glad you were able to get on line and home you can even read a little soon. And prayers for pain relief and hearing to return to normal for Dave.

>170 vancouverdeb: Poor little love had no idea what was about to happen! She's totes adorbs, as you know, and the news about Dave is so good, that I'm smiling ear-to-ear.

All is progressing in the proper direction, so let yourself ease out of DU=distraction mode, please, and release the worry of reading to a goal.

hugs and smooches

How wonderful of you to adopt a rescue! Little Muffin was just holding out for the right family and she’s finally found it. Wishing you all many cuddles and happiness!!

Muffin is adorable! A dear friend of mine has a Havanese and always says how sweet and loving they are. I think you got a good one :)

I hope Dave's healing continues, even if it will likely be slower than either of you would prefer. Take care!

>169 vancouverdeb: I'm glad to hear that Dave is recovering and that he has already replaced the car. I hope the pain lets up soon, and that his ear also improves.

That's great news about Muffin! I know she will be good for both of you.

There's a lot to deal with after something like this, so it's very understandable that you haven't been able to concentrate enough to read or to spend time here. Don't feel guilty about any of that, and just take care of yourself and Dave right now.

(((hugs)))

Muffin is glad to be Rescued!

>170 vancouverdeb: A very sweet picture, Deborah. Give her a hug.

>170 vancouverdeb: How adorable!

Glad Dave is well on his way with his recovery.

Muffin is a cutie, Deborah. Good news about Dave's recovery being on track and that he was able to replace his vehicle. Hopefully you'll be less busy soon but it's not exactly the season for that!

How wonderful that you have a new dog! Muffin looks adorable. And, it is great news that Dave is healing!

>173 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley! Dave says his lower leg is " murdering him". I hope that will feel better soon.

>174 msf59: Thanks Mark. She is a good walking companion, very active! Yes, it seems Dave's lower leg and foot is bothering him quite a bit.

>175 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel. Muffin is indeed lessening our sorrow, but is very busy. Thanks for the prayers re Dave and healing. I managed about 15 pages of reading this evening, and maybe I will get more done.

>176 richardderus: Thanks for the good advice, Richard , on not feeling the need to complete a book or goal. Hugs and smooches to you too!

>177 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda. She was the only small dog available in the Lower mainland that was not quite old already, so we feel very lucky to get Muffin.

>178 katiekrug: Thanks Katie! As your friend says, it seems the Havanese breed is indeed loving and sweet. We feel really blessed with her.

>179 atozgrl: Thanks Irene. It has been a lot to deal with emotionally and physically., but I am really glad that we managed to adopt dear Muffin and also replace the vehicle. There is such a shortage of vehicles for sale - unless you are going to buy a really expensive one, we lucky to get this Toyota Corolla Cross, a small SUV. Apparently the last on in stock . I sure hope that the pain for Dave heals quickly. He is in quite a bit of pain and that is no fun for anyone.

>180 m.belljackson: I think yes, that Muffin is glad to be adopted into a stable home. She is really sweet.

>181 EllaTim: Thanks Ella! I will give her a hug for you! One of many she has received since we got her.

>182 figsfromthistle: Dave has a ways to go with his recovery, but considering it was a head on crash , he is doing well, Anita. She is adorable!

>183 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Yes, I am hoping we will be less busy soon. I think Muffin may have separation anxiety, so we'll see how we cope with the Christmas activities. We may decided that just one of us will go to Christmas Eve , or Christmas dinner etc.

>184 Whisper1: Muffin is adorable and wonderful to have, Linda. She has kind of rescued us, emotionally. Dave is recovering, but not as fast as either one of us would like.

>188 vancouverdeb: we'll see how we cope with the Christmas activities
We adopted our pup Ellie about a year ago, which upended our Christmas plans. The family was staying with us, but we couldn't go anywhere because she was only 8-10 weeks old and nowhere close to housebroken. Friends invited us over for New Years Eve and we brought Ellie with us, along with her crate. That worked well! I hope you find a way to enjoy the season.

Muffin is adorable, Deborah. I hope Dave starts to feel better soon. Take care!

>187 vancouverdeb: Can a little Seat belt be found for Muffin?

>189 lauralkeet: I can imagine how a new puppy upended your Christmas plans, Laura. I suspect we find the same with Muffin. We do have crate, so that is a possibility to her in a her crate, She is not yet crate trained as yet, though she walks in an out of it. Thanks for you ideas.

>190 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. She is adorable! Yes, both Dave and I hope he starts to feel better soon. His lower leg and foot are still very painful. I hope that will heal soon.

>191 m.belljackson: There is no such thing as small seat belt for dogs, Marianne. But what we use is strap attached to the seat belt , and then we put our dog in a harness and attach to the strap. Unfortunately it is not perfect in all accidents.

>192 vancouverdeb: - Deb, is your car a hatchback? If so, you might consider what one of my friends does, once you get Muffin crate-trained. She keeps a crate in the back of the car and whenever they go anywhere, her dog Bella just hops into the crate. Bella is about the same size as Muffin looks, maybe a tad bigger but not much. My friend did this right from the beginning when she got Bella and she says it makes Bella feel snug and safe in the car and it's much easier on the driver, too! ;-) Just an idea.

>170 vancouverdeb: OMG she's adorable!! I'm glad Dave is healing, even if slowly, and wish you all the best in recovering from the accident and its physical and emotional impacts. I can only imagine how difficult it is but it sounds like you're moving forward well.

Slow healing > no healing, but the test of y'all's patience is the most annoying bit. Muffin should, I hope!, make it all easier to bear.

Sending hugs!

>193 jessibud2: Shelley, no, both Dave and I have 4 door sedans. Thanks for the idea though! We use the harness and seat belt strap arrangement as I mentioned about. We do have a crate, but she is not crate trained, and it would not fit in our cars.

>194 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks so much Reba! She is adorable indeed. Yes, Dave is healing but not as fast as we would like. A lot of pain in his lower leg and foot, which keeps him a lot at night.

>195 richardderus: Well, slow healing, I would say, Richard. And yes, it it test of our patience, but yes, Muffin makes all so much easier. She has healed our hearts.

You must be getting lots of walks in if Dave has a sore leg, Deborah. Nice that the weather has been less rainy than predicted.

>197 Familyhistorian: Yes, I am getting a lot of walks, in Meg. 8:30 in the morning and I am just about to leave on another walk. Yes, the weather has been overall good. . I hope will heal soon.

So sorry for your loss, and for Dave’s injuries.

Muffin IS adorable.

>199 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda. Muffin is adorable, yes!

I've not done much reading at all. I'm trying to read April in Spain as I recently really enjoyed Snow by the same author. It's good, but I'm just not finding a lot of time lately. Muffin is adapting really well and we really love her! She is a busy body, but we love it. Dave is still in a lot of pain with his lower left leg , but I think it is slowly improving. Dave goes on December 27th for a CT scan of his left ear, as he seems to have a lost some hearing in his left ear due to the airbags. I did watch the new Netflix series " Black Doves" . It held my attention, but I did not love it.

I have read your posts with a mixture of sadness and positivity, Deb. Muffin is lucky to find such a loving family to become a part of. What a brilliant name for a dog, by the way!

I'm sure that Dave will make a full recovery and that the pains in his legs and ringing in his ears will abate over time.

Thanks for stopping by Deborah. I did enjoy Demon Copperhead very much. I felt it was much better than Trust and not sure that it should have had to share the Pulitzer that year. Glad Muffin is settling in and that Dave is slowly healing.

Hi Deborah. Oh my, Muffin is precious. Thank you for choosing a rescue dog. I can’t wait to see more pictures. So sorry that Dave is still in recovery mode. At least he has a sweet little lap dog to keep up his spirits.

You will get back to reading in due time. You’ve had recent trauma and you need to move at whatever pace works best for you. (((Hugs)))

>201 vancouverdeb: I hope Dave's leg and ear both heal soon and glad Muffin is capturing your hearts.

>201 vancouverdeb: I have Black Doves in my queue. Might not rush to watch it...that review doesn't make me champ at the bit.

*smooch*

>202 PaulCranswick: We can't take the credit for Muffin's name, Paul. Originally the other owner named her " Simple Soap" , but the SPCA changed her name to Muffin once she came into their custody. We liked it and we didn't want to further confuse by changing her name again.I read that about !5 % of people get permanent hearing loss from airbags going off and I am hoping Dave is not once of them. His leg should heal fully, as far as I know. It seems to be improving.

>203 Kristelh: Hi Kristel! I've not read Trust, so I can't say whether it is better or worse than Demon Copperhead, but I've been drawn to Trust. Thanks re your good wishes for Dave and yes, Muffin is settling in really well.

>204 Donna828: Hi Donna. Yes, Muffin is precious! We were very fortunate to get her from the SPCA. Five other potential adopters also wanted her , so we feel very blessed . I'll post more pictures of Muffin soon - we have lots! Yes, Muffin is raising Dave's spirits , and he is out for a short walk with her right now.

>205 RebaRelishesReading: Me too, Reba! I'll be very glad to have Dave back to !00 %, and yes, Muffin has captured our hearts.

>206 richardderus: You might enjoy Black Doves more than me, Richard. It was good , just not fast paced enough for me. I'm currently watching a Movie of Netflix called Doubt with Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman and I'm finding that more interesting. *smooch*

I'm off to the vet at 3 pm. The previous owner did not get a rabies shot for Muffin, so that's what we are doing . She will be a year old on December 27, so it should have been done at 16 weeks , I think and I need it done to get her dog license in my city.

>201 vancouverdeb: We have 'Black Doves' on our list as well.

Sweet Thursday, Deborah. I hope you get Muffin all squared away and enjoy those "milder" temps. Is Muffin liking her walks?

Lucky and adorable Muffin. Lucky, because she found a new home with you and Dave! More pictures please once she has recovered from her recent surgery. Best wishes to Dave for continued and prompt healing. You two are troopers recovering from this!

>208 vancouverdeb: ...I doubt it...now I've got a better idea of its point, I think it's not that appealing. I added it because Ben Whishaw's in it. But now I see he's the GBFF and, well, *yawn*

>210 SandDune: I hope you enjoy Black Doves, Rhian. It was not bad, just a little slow for my liking.

>211 msf59: Oh yes, Muffin loves her walks! She has me out at about 8:40 am for about 1 1/2 - 2 miles and then again another 2 miles or so in the afternoon, and the another couple of miles in the evening. The milder temps are nice , but it is raining today, and will for the next many days. I'm not sure. Muffin is not fully house trained, so we up twice in the night for a bathroom break.

>212 mdoris: She is adorable, Mary! We and Muffin are very lucky and blessed. I shall be glad to upload another picture or two of Muffin later today. Thanks for the good wishes to Dave. His lower left leg continues to cause him a lot of pain. But , yes , emotionally we are well recovered thanks to Muffin.

>213 richardderus: Well, yes, Ben Wishaw is the GBFF. Maybe you are right to skip in, Richard.

Hi Deborah, did you loose power today? The wind brought down lots of trees.

>215 vancouverdeb: I'm not down for that kind of character counting as "representation" any more so I'll skip.

Have a lovely week-ahead's reads, and schmoozle Muffin's ears from me.

>216 Familyhistorian: No, we were fortunate to not loose power yesterday, Meg. I hear a woman died due to a tree falling on her in Surrey. Very sad. I was watching for branches and trees while I was out walking the dog.

>217 richardderus: I don't think you'll miss much by skipping Black Doves, Richard. Thanks for the good wishes re the week ahead, and I'll be more happy to schmooze Muffins ears for you. I spend a lot of time doing that myself , kissing her and playing tug of war and walking her. Can't keep my eye off Muffin! :-)

Deb, Global News had a piece tonight on the landslide and the downed trees and the weather in general in your area. Looks very scary! Glad you are all safe.

Deborah, so glad that things are starting to fall back in place for you. Take care my friend.

Congratulations on Muffin, though the reason is tragic. I'm glad she likes her walks.

>219 jessibud2: Our area - or I should say , Richmond , was fine , other than some power outages, which did not affect us, Shelley. But yes, it was bad for some.

>220 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel. Things are getting back to normal, gradually. Dave was back at the doctor today and will be referred to a ENT specialist because the hearing in his left ear is still not what it was. He has a CT scan for that on December 27th. Things are falling back in to place, yes.

>221 The_Hibernator: Thanks so much, Rachel. Muffin is a wonderful dog, though we miss Poppy of course. She is very energetic on her walks and inside our place since she is just about to be 12 months old later this month.

My reading is going rather slowly, very slowly, as life gets back to normal . I'm still reading the book I started at the beginning of December, but I got a book from Amazon by Emily Critchley, The Undoing of Violet Claybourne: The captivating 1930s-set mystery of family secrets, lies and the darkest deception , so I am looking forward to that. She wrote One Puzzling Afternoon which I read either last year or this year and really enjoyed it.

If you like the Chelsea Detective, there is a new Christmas special on Brit Box that I have just started watching.

A couple more pictures of Muffin, our Havanse mix puppy ( almost a year old ) .

Muffin is such a cutie pie!
I'm glad things are slowly getting back to normal and hope the ENT is able to help with Dave's hearing.

Love the Muffin photos. Glad to see hear that she is giving you both emotional support, when it was well-needed. Sorry to hear that Dave is still struggling with pain.

Happy Wednesday, Deborah. Our Jackson calendars arrived yesterday. Yah!!

Muffin is so cute. She is blessed to have you and Dave.

>225 vancouverdeb: *baaawww*

Cute li'l puppydawg!

I feel cheered up, thanks!

>224 vancouverdeb: strong wind? (adorable photos)

Muffin is a cutie.

>226 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. We have yet to hear from the ENT doctor or our family doctor as to when Dave will have an appointment. I think we will wait until after Christmas to hear anything.

>227 msf59: Thanks Mark! Muffin is indeed offering us a lot of emotional support , as well as keeping us very busy! She is a very active dog, but she not quite yet a year old . I'm glad you got your Jackson calendar. Dave's pain is much improved, mainly it is hearing that is bothering him now.

>228 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel! We think Muffin is very cute too. It's been very busy with her. We are blessed to have Muffin too.

>229 richardderus: Thanks RD! Glad to cheer you up with the cute dawg, I feel the same way.

>230 RebaRelishesReading: It was a strong wind that day, yes, Reba. She is a cutie!

>231 BLBera: Thanks Beth! We think so too.

I'm still getting very little reading done. Muffin keeps us very busy, for now and soon it is Christmas. I imagine most folks are busy this time of year.

Good to see that Dave is on the mend and that Muffin is helping with the family recovery. I hope the other issues from the accident come to a good resolution soon so that you are able to enjoy Christmas time, Deborah.

>232 vancouverdeb: Glad to hear Dave's pain is "much improved" and hope the hearing recovers soon too.

Solstice cheer, Deborah!

>236 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I am also glad that Dave is on the mend, and yes, Muffin is helping us with the emotional recovery. Dave got an appointment for the ENT doctor for Mid March, so I hope his hearing is better by then. The CT scan is on Dec 27. I am hopeful all will sort itself out.

>237 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba. Dave's pain is indeed much improved . Up until about 4 nights ago he was taking a small dose of morphine at night to manage the pain. He's been able to discontinue that, so that is a big improvement pain wise.

>238 richardderus: Why , thank you , good sir! Beautiful ornaments, and winter solstice is a good time, as daylight begins to increase in length rather then shorten each day.

I am fond of winter solstice because of the promise of more daylight hours. Hurrah for solstice. I leave for Florida soon which has more daylight this time of year than Minnesota so looking forward to that as well.

I thought I had just posted here on your thread, Deborah, but my post seems to have vanished. I am very glad to hear that Dave is feeling so much better, and that Muffin is giving you so much joy.

I wanted to drop by and send you holiday greetings, since we will be leaving town early Monday, and I don't expect that I will be on LT again until after the new year. So I will wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Have a great time with your family!

Happy Winter Solstice, Deborah! Happy to read of Dave’s improvement and the joy you both have in your new puppy.

Hi Deborah. Muffin is adorable! Thank you so much for posting pictures of her adorable self! xoxo

Hi Deborah, I’m so glad to hear that Muffin is settling in well with you! She is such a cutie. I hope Dave is doing better each day and you are well. I’ll send my Holiday good wishes to you now since I’m around so infrequently. Merry Christmas to you!

We really liked Black Doves. Also, No Good Deed, also on Netflix, was fun.

>241 atozgrl: Exactly my thoughts about winter solstice, Kristel. The days can only get longer - until next fall. Florida will be a nice change in winter , compared to Minnesota. Enjoy, Kristel!

>242 Storeetllr: Thanks Irene! It's a busy time of year for the most of us, visiting with family, travelling , wrapping etc. Merry Christmas to you too! I'm glad the Dave is feeling better and Muffin a great source of happiness for us.

>242 Storeetllr: Happy Winter Solstice to you too, Mary! Indeed, is great to have Dave feeling better and Muffin cheering us up.

>243 mdoris: Hi Mary! We think Muffin is adorable too! We met a dog day care centre owner and my niece the newly minted vet , and both think Muffin maybe Havanese mixed with Tibetan Terrier, but who knows for sure. Merry Christmas!

>244 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne! Yes, she settling in well. The first day we had her , she had 5 episodes of diarrhea. That is now gone, knock on wood! She also has separation anxiety, and has been sleeping in bedroom or on the floor our bedroom. Last night though, she choose to sleep downstairs by herself for most of the night. I'm glad she is feeling at home with us. I'll look for No Good Deed on Netflix. I'm in the midst of watching Van Der Valk, some police / crime show on PBS I think. Merry Christmas to you also.

Hi Deborah, just stopping by to wish you a happy holiday season. I'm so glad Muffin is settling in.

Hi Deborah! I just started watching Black Doves, very intriguing! Have you watched Ted Dansen's new show, Man on the Inside on Netflix. I think it's a hoot!

Merry Christmas to you and yours. I'm so happy Muffin is celebrating in a loving and caring new home.

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

Nadolig Llawen, Happy Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas Deborah. Best wishes to you and your family and a special Christmas for Muffin with her new found family.

>247 lauralkeet: Muffin is settling in very well, but she has extreme separation anxiety, so either Dave or I has to be at home. We are trying brief exits - like 5 minutes at a time and will gradually increase that as time goes by. We are also going to try a half day of doggie day care Jan 15, and I hope that will work out for her so we can get away from her occasionally. We love her, but it's a challenging for one of us to home all the time, Laura.

>248 Carmenere: Hi Lynda! I enjoyed Black Doves and watched it all, though at times it was a little slow paced . I'll look into the show you mention, Man on the Inside. Merry Christmas!

>249 Ameise1: Merry Christmas, Barbara and family!

>250 SandDune: Happy Christmas to you, Rhian and family!

>251 Kristelh: Thanks, Kristel! Merry Christmas to you too!

>252 johnsimpson: Merry Christmas, John , Karen and family!

I finally finished a book, the first this month, April in Spain by John Banville. No comments or review as yet. I have to get ready for Christmas Eve, but Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays , everyone! Tomorrow I may have more time on line as I will be with Muffin for Christmas day , though I still will have a lot of walking the dog on the rain on my plate.

Dropping in to wish you a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Deborah, to you and your family.

>253 vancouverdeb: We've had our share of dog issues, Deborah, so I can relate. You know you'll get through it but when you're in the middle of it, it can be pretty tough. Hang in there.

Merry Christmas, Deborah. Have a wonderful day with Dave & Muffin.

Thinking of you at this time, Deb.

>256 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita! I hope you had a great Christmas too.

>257 Whisper1: Thanks Linda! It has not been peaceful, but joyful.

>258 ctpress: Thanks Carsten! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas too.

>259 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. Yes, every dog comes with it's issues, or most do. At least Dave and I are both home full time, so that helps a lot.

>260 msf59: Thanks Mark. We did have a good day.

>261 PaulCranswick: Seasons Greetings to you too, Paul. Thanks for thinking of me.

Hi Deborah!

Those separation issues are tough but hopefully it will get better as she settles in and gets more comfortable. She's a lucky girl.

>246 vancouverdeb: Van der Valk is great!

Sending early Happy New Year greetings!

Muffin is just adorable! Congratulations on adopting a rescue dog!

Hi Deborah!

>55 vancouverdeb: Sweet pic.

>134 vancouverdeb: Oh, Deborah. I am so sorry about the accident. Poor darling Poppy. I’m sorry too about Dave’s injuries.

>141 vancouverdeb: “Just soft tissue damage” is still bad enough. I’m glad it wasn’t worse, though, and am sorry to read about the (hopefully temporary) hearing loss.

>169 vancouverdeb: and >170 vancouverdeb: Muffin, such a cute name for cute little girl puppy.

>224 vancouverdeb: Oh, I just love that pic of Muffin.

>264 Copperskye: Separation issues are indeed challenging, Joanne. We've been so busy we've not had a lot of time to work on them. Muffin is definitely settling and getting very comfortable with us. Glad you enjoy Van der Valk too. Happy New Year to you too!

>265 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia, we were lucky to get her. Happy New Year, Stasia!

>266 karenmarie: Thanks Karen! It was a tough time , going through the loss of Poppy, and Dave's injuries and a totalled car. We are very glad to have Muffin. Dave's hearing loss is ongoing , at least for now. He had a CT scan last night of his ear and I guess we await the results from our doctor. He has an appointment with an ENT doctor, but not until mid May! Perhaps a trip to an audiologist for testing might be quicker, but I guess we'll see what the doctor says . Muffin came with her name, so we can't take credit for it.

April in Spain by John Banville 3.5 stars

After reading Snow by the same author, I was somewhat disappointed in this novel. This was a fairly slow read, until the end when things wrapped up quite quickly. There was too much focus on Quirke, a Dublin pathologist. I preferred the main character of Detective Strafford in Snow. While Quirke is on holiday in Spain, he runs into a physician , Dr April Latimer. But she looks very like another woman whom Quirke believes to have been murdered. A hit man is on the trail and who might be the next victim ?