Chrissy

I have now had both my winter flu jab, and my covid booster. With both I just had a sore arm overnight, but was fortunate to have no other side effects, which I know can range from 'a bit yuck' to 'bloody awful' (< quotes from friends!) I hope that you and your wife enjoyed your Washington visit and that your annual physicals went well.

I have just completed the five young adult books that make up Rick Riordan's 'Trials of Apollo'. A rollicking romp through Greek and Roman myths, legends, gods and monsters, heroes and demigods. Perfect reading for me right now. Made a start on Jasper Fforde's 'The Last Dragon Slayer', the first of four books. Not sure I will carry on with it for now, as it's not holding my attention as i hoped it might. I need easy escapism at the moment, something with humour and a light touch. I shall have to rummage around on my kindle and bookshelves and see what grabs me.

This must be such a fascinating study, but hard work. What sparked your interest in learning it?

That's wonderful muggle not! What an achievement by her, and what an experience she will have.

It says they have drop boxes, so I would imagine they accept any glasses.

Specsavers take them in for charity. Info here

I have listened to a few audio books over the years, plus some full cast dramatizations of books, and enjoyed both. If I am gardening, then it has to be a light hearted listen, as I have been known to stop what I am doing and listen intently otherwise. The one I will always recommend is Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children read wonderfully by the late Lyndham Gregory. It is an experience to be savoured. Having read and enjoyed the the book many years ago, I couldn't resist seeing what the unabridged audio would be like. Just fab.

Is this still running? I would have thought someone would have won by now! Tut tut! 🙃 Hello itsmeagain! Good to 'see' you.

The only book that sprang to mind that might fit is Carpet Diem: Or How to Save the World By Accident by Justin Lee Anderson. It's a humorous tale. with a range of characters, both angelic and demonic.

I needed to reach out into the world a little, and the internet was the way to go. Only had to ponder for a little while to think about what my interests are, with books and reading at the top, so looked about to get a feel of different sites. I felt drawn to BCF, but also felt quite tentative about it. Our Poppy changed that by engaging with me in such a friendly way, I just HAD to stay. Over the years (I think I joined in 2008?) there has been an ebb and flow of people, and recent years have seen me far too absent as my reading takes an extended holiday. (dammit!) I don't think anyone other than Hayley could have re-opened the forum with such aplomb, keeping the best of the 'old' forum, while bringing a fresh, encouraging and welcoming vibe to the 'new'. Thank you Hayley.

Glad you are recovering. Covid seems to be sneaking up on people at the moment. I read the James Herriot books decades ago, and to this day there are scenes and events that I recall with complete clarity. In a reading slump AGAIN. So keeping busy with other things until that changes.

A Case Of You - Joni Mitchell

*mumbling* No! Not all of them, anyway......😐

Despite being in my 50's, I was ridiculously chuffed when my dentist gave me a well done sticker, for having no need of a scale and polish since my last visit! 😁 (< a toothy emoji)

Luna, they are so striking. Lovely stuff. Oh my! If you need me to toddle off to Heathrow and rescue the parcels, let me know!

Can't Stop Loving You - Phil Collins

I was laid up with it last week. I was lucky. This week I am fine, aside from feeling ridiculously tired. Every little thing I do requires resting afterwards. It was separate bedrooms and me wearing a mask indoors to prevent husband catching it. That was fun! Rest, rest, rest. Take naps, lounge about and let your body get on with fighting this horrible virus. I took paracetemol (tylenol?) before bed, and during the day when I needed it. What got me through was lots of drinks (all kinds except alcohol), ice lollies (do you call them pops or popsicles in the US?), jelly (jello?) lots of fruit, and one night, a plate of chunky chips (Thick cut french fries). I hope you all get better very soon. I will be thinking of you all.

Two great ones from the PI's PI, Phillip Marlowe; Neither of the two people in the room paid any attention to the way I came in, although only one of them was dead. (The Big Sleep) The girl gave him a look which ought to have stuck at least four inches out of his back. (The Long Goodbye) The second one makes me chuckle whenever I read it. I know girls like that, and the looks they throw!

I finished The Sweetness At The Bottom of The Pie. A wonderful read, with a terrific lead character. The second book of the series is lined up for me to read soon. A book I have owned for a long time was my next read, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It was an enjoyable tale to settle down with, and I can understand why it was so popular when it was first published. Meanwhile I have bought Signs & Symbols - An illustrated Guide To Their Origins and Meanings. About 30 years ago I borrowed a fascinating book on signs and symbols from my local library. It was the only time I have ever considered declaring a book lost, paying a small fee, and keeping the book. I didn't do that, but neither did I make note of the author or ISBN. So, over the years I have rummaged in second hand book stores, gazed at the bookshelves of others, and purchased books on the subject. One day I hope to find that book, but until then I am happy to keep looking in a haphazard way, and leave it up to the Gods of Reading..

I really loved Whispers Underground. Aaronovitch takes the fantastical and seems to render it ordinary, so within a few pages you are perceiving these extraordinary things as just another aspect of the story being told.

Northern Exposure! Gosh, that takes me back. I have been really busy of late, but with super hot weather due to hit the UK for a few days, I have tried to get ahead of my tasks lists a little, so I can take things fairly easy over the next day or two.

A hot day here. We went for a walk at 6 this morning, which was lovely, but you could feel the heat rising. We have been cave dwellers (indoors with curtains closed and windows open) since midday. We may have a cuppa outside maybe around seven, when it has cooled down again. Tomorrow and Tuesday are due to be much hotter, so we will follow the same pattern to hopefully keep the worst of the heat at bay.

I loved Whispers Underground, muggle not. I hope you enjoy it too. Very little reading taking place here, but I am just going with the flow of it. Been very busy, and when I have found time to sit for a while, I have not found my mojo to be awake. It will return, no doubt.

Haven't been reading much, as we were away (properly and for 4 nights!), and I was too tired in the evening to read. I have come home with a few guide books and a photo of a book my son had that I would love to have, Signs & Symbols Source Book. I have spent the past few days catching up with myself, so hope to be reading some more of the delightful Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie

I have been absent too often from the forum, despite feeling my heart ache at the thought of losing it. Sometimes socially communicating is somewhat beyond me, but it really is a case of use it or lose it for us all. I will have a proper think, and maybe a rummage on some of the old threads, and remind myself of some of the chattier threads and their subjects. I know we had a 'what are you up to' style thread, as a general chatter thread which was a nice way of staying in touch so that it didn't over flood the book activity thread. Oh, and the BGO arrivals, plus others? - I LOVE that you are here!