vancouverdeb reads in 2016 - Thread #9

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vancouverdeb reads in 2016 - Thread #9

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1vancouverdeb
Editat: gen. 26, 2017, 5:17 pm

2vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 14, 2016, 3:55 am


3vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 14, 2016, 3:56 am

January
1)This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance! by Jonathan Evison 4 stars (US)
2Faith by Jennifer Haigh 4 stars ( US)
3)Mãn by Kim Thuy 3 stars (CAN)
4)Sleeping on Jupiter by Anuradha Roy 4 stars (India)
5)The Remains Of The Day Kazuo Ishiguro 4.5 stars (UK)
6)Annie Dunne by Sebastian Barry 4.2 stars (Ireland)
7)The End of the Wasp Season by Denise Mina 4.1 stars (UK)

February
8)Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai 3.7 stars (India)
9)Book Of Sands: A novel of the Arab uprising by Karim Alrawi 4.5 stars (CAN-EGYPT)
10)A Crime In The Neighbourhood by Suzanne Berne 4 stars (US)
11)Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear 4 stars (UK)

March
12)The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie 4 stars (UK)
13)The Widow by Fiona Barton (UK) 4 stars
14)The House at the Edge of the World by Julia Rochester 4.1 stars ( UK)
15)A Jest of God by Margaret Laurence (CAN) 4.1 stars
16)The Dog Who Wouldn't Be by Farley Mowat (CAN) 3.5 stars
17)My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout (US) 4.5 stars

4vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 14, 2016, 3:56 am

April
18)An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear (UK) 4.5 stars
19)The Book of Memory: A Novel by Petina Gappah (Zimbabwe) 5 stars
20)The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie (UK) 3.5 stars
21)A Girl at War by Sara Novic (Serbia) 4 stars
22)Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear (UK) 4 stars
23)Ruby by Cynthia Bond (US) 2.5 stars

May
24)The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear ( UK) 4 stars
25)The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway(CAN) 4 stars
26)Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen (UK) 3.7 stars
27)I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirby (CAN) 4.2 stars
28)The Piano Maker by Kurt Palka (CAN) 3.7 stars
29)The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson (UK) 4.25 stars
30)Blood on Snow by Jo Nesbo ( Norway) 3 stars

June
31)The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick ( UK) 4 stars
32)Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave (UK) 5 stars
33)Nora Webster by Colm Toibin ( Ireland) 4 stars
34)Still Midnight by Denise Mina ( Scotland) 3.6 stars
35)A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear ( UK) 3.8 stars
36)Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler (USA) 3.5 stars

July
37)Brooklyn by Colm Toibin ( Ireland) 3.7 stars
38)Hell Fire by Karin Fossum (Sweden) 4 stars
39)Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim (USA) 3.9 stars
40)The Reluctant Midwife by Patricia Harman (USA) 4 stars
41)Island of a Thousand Mirrors by Nayomi Munaweera (Sri Lanka)
42)Soft in the Head by Marie-Sabine Roger ( France) 3.4 stars
43)When the Moon Is Low by Nadia Hashimi (USA) 4.5 stars
44)Third Girl by Agatha Christie 3. 5 stars (UK) 3. 5 stars

5vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 18, 2016, 10:44 pm

August
45)What Lies Between Us by Nayomi Munaweera (Sri Lanka 4 stars
46)The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon ( UK) 4 stars
47)Instructions For A Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell ( Ireland) 3.8 stars
48) Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear (UK) 4.3 stars
49)Work Like Any Other b yVirginia Reeves (USA) 3.9 stars
50)Kay's Lucky Coin Variety by Ann Y. K. Choi ( Canada /Korean) 3.9 stars

September
51)An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor (Irish/ Canadian) 4 stars
52)Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien ( Chinese/Canadian) 4 stars
53) Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley ( Canada ) 4.25 stars
54)Born on a Tuesday: A Novel by Elnathan John (Nigeria) 3.75 stars

October
55)Leaving Everything Most Loved by Jacqueline Winspear (British) 4.25 stars
56)The Wonder: A Novel by Emma Donoghue (Canadian) 4.25 stars
570The Parcel by Anosh Irani 4.25 stars ( Canadian) 4.5 stars
58)Britt-Marie Was Here: A Novel by Fredrik Backman ( Sweden) 3 stars
59)Wenjack by Joseph Boyden (Canada) 4.5 stars
60)Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson (USA) 4 stars
Edit | More

6vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 22, 2016, 4:55 am

November
61)The Break by Katherena Vermette ( Canada) 5 stars
62) I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis ( Canada) 4 stars
63)Miss Jane: A Novel by Brad Watson( USA) 4.5 stars
64)I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh (UK) 4.2 stars
65)Death of a Nightingale by Lene Kaaberbol ( Denmark) 3.7 stars

December
66)Kit's Law byDonna Morrisey (Canada) 5 stars
67) Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin (Scotland) 4 stars
68)Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin ( Scotland) 3.9 stars

7vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 22, 2016, 4:54 am

Stats for far

68 books read

female authors 48
male authors 20

CAN authors 16
CAN-EGYPT authors 1
India authors 2
UK 21
Ireland 4
US authors 12
Zimbabwe 1
Croatia 1
Norway 1
Sweden 2
Sri Lanka 2
France 1
Nigeria 1
Denmark 1
Scotland 2

fiction 67
non-fiction 1

8vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 14, 2016, 4:00 am

just in case

9vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 14, 2016, 5:31 pm



I finished Miss Jane by Brad Watson a couple of days ago. Just the briefest comments about an excellent book.

In 1918 Mississippi, Jane is born to somewhat older parents. At her birth, the kind Dr. Thompson notes that baby Jane has a genital defect that he does not quite understand, but as time goes by he is gradually able to gently explain to Jane in more detail what the problem is. Due the genital defect, Jane is incontinent and cannot control her bowels. This does not pose too much of a problem in the first few years, but as Jane wishes to go to school and enlarge her life, wearing layers of clothes and a diaper- like garment makes life very much of a challenge for spirited and intelligent Jane. Jane's older sister, Grace, finds herself responsible for much of Jane's care in the first few years.

We follow Jane through life, her first love for a boy, attempting to work, trying to fit into her farming community, and later on , endeavoring to fit into city life.

Jane has a variety of people around her, some very sympathetic and caring, others quite harsh. This is a touching, contemplative account of a quiet , lonely and emotion-filled life. A beautifully told story that calls to mind the style of Kent Haruf and perhaps Laura Pritchett.

Highly recommended .

4.5 stars and maybe even 5 stars

10vancouverdeb
nov. 14, 2016, 3:45 am

Just in case

11vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 22, 2016, 4:21 pm

Currently reading I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh. I'm about 150 pages in and the story is proving to be a interesting mystery/ suspense story.

12vancouverdeb
nov. 14, 2016, 3:47 am

Welcome to my new thread! Please stop by and visit and drop a star!

13scaifea
nov. 14, 2016, 6:50 am

Happy new thread, Deb!

14drneutron
nov. 14, 2016, 12:02 pm

Happy new thread!

15jnwelch
nov. 14, 2016, 12:30 pm

Happy New Thread, Deb!

Miss Jane sounds good. Calls to mind the style of Kent Haruf? Sign me up.

16charl08
nov. 14, 2016, 12:41 pm

Happy new thread! Love the cover of >9 vancouverdeb: and it sounds like a lovely read to match.

17FAMeulstee
nov. 14, 2016, 3:25 pm

Happy new thread, Deborah, I would like to join the reading animals in your threadtopper :-)

18johnsimpson
nov. 14, 2016, 3:47 pm

Happy new thread Deb, hope you had a lovely weekend dear friend, sending love and hugs.

19vancouverdeb
nov. 14, 2016, 5:35 pm

>13 scaifea: Thanks Amber! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

>14 drneutron: Thanks Jim! A good day to you too!

>15 jnwelch: There is so much of the natural world and the spare but touching prose in Miss Jane , that yes, It definitely called to mind Kent Haruf .

20vancouverdeb
nov. 14, 2016, 5:37 pm

>16 charl08: Thanks Charlotte! If you can get your hands on Miss Jane across the pond, I think you would love it. The story is much more beautiful than the cover of the book, though the book cover does represent the book quite well.

>17 FAMeulstee: I am a fan of the whimsical when it comes to images or pictures. I should quite like to join those animals reading too! :)

>18 johnsimpson: I did have a lovely weekend, with Dave at home. I trust you too have a lovely weekend, John. Love and hugs to you and Karen.

21BLBera
nov. 14, 2016, 7:26 pm

Happy new thread, Deborah. I know Donna also loved Miss Jane; I will check to see if my library has it.

22vancouverdeb
nov. 14, 2016, 7:35 pm

>21 BLBera: Yes, Beth, Donna wrote such a lovely review of Miss Jane. I did not do it justice with my comments. Do look for it! It is a beautiful read!

23PaulCranswick
nov. 14, 2016, 7:37 pm

>22 vancouverdeb: Happy new thread, Deb.

I would agree that Donna always writes exceedingly good reviews.

24ctpress
Editat: nov. 14, 2016, 8:02 pm

Happy new thread, Deborah. I like the cosy reading in the thread topper :)

A beautifully told story that calls to mind the style of Kent Haruf. I'm all ears. I also like your description a touching, contemplative account of a quiet, lonely and emotion-filled life. I have a feeling I will like this one very much.

25mdoris
nov. 14, 2016, 10:16 pm

Fabulous new thread Deborah. So many reading ideas.......

26lit_chick
nov. 14, 2016, 10:31 pm

Woot! Great review of Miss Jane, Deb. Thumbed! Just started this one: I am hooked after the first chapter. Beautiful writing, and you know me and Kent Haruf ... I am, like Carsten, "all ears" whenever I hear that comparison.

I added I Let You Go to my list a short while ago. Can't remember who's wonderful review I read that prompted same, but look forward to your thoughts.

27lit_chick
nov. 14, 2016, 10:32 pm

Duh me, I forgot: happy new thread!

28vancouverdeb
nov. 14, 2016, 10:51 pm

>24 ctpress: Thanks Carsten. I do think you would enjoy Miss Jane. I think practically everybody would enjoy Miss Jane. Okay, maybe not everybody, but I do think if you enjoyed Kent Haruf , you enjoy Miss Jane. It takes place mainly during the Great Depression, much of the natural world is featured ( aka nature) and it has the same sort of simple story that says so much about humanity, good and bad. Spare elegant prose, just like Kent Haruf . Such a beautiful tale, based on the authors great aunt.

>25 mdoris: I'm hoping that your little Independent Island Library is coming through for you, Mary. Thanks for your kind words.

>26 lit_chick:>27 Nancy, thanks for noticing my new thread. While no one can be Kent Haruf , it sure brought him to mind. I hope you will enjoy as much as I did. Like you, I'm not sure what caught my attention with I Let You Go . I think I'd read something about it being one of those new great suspenseful novels and I thought I'd like a change of pace with my reading. I'm enjoying it so far, but what can follow The Break and Miss Jane and not suffer by comparison?

29msf59
Editat: nov. 15, 2016, 7:50 am

Happy New Thread, Deb! Good review of Miss Jane. You earned a Thumb! And comparing anything to Mr. Haruf, is encouraging enough for me. It looks like you are on a nice reading roll.

30karenmarie
nov. 15, 2016, 9:06 am

>28 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! When I finish an absolutely stunning book, I switch genres entirely. That usually breaks up expectations.

31brodiew2
nov. 15, 2016, 2:39 pm

Happy new thread, Deb! Haruf's Plainsong is on my must read list for 2017. Joe and others have sung its praises at length. I look forward to it.

32vancouverdeb
nov. 15, 2016, 5:01 pm

>29 msf59: So kind, Mark! Thanks! Yes I have been on a great reading roll. I think you would enjoy Miss Jane. Just sayin' ;)

>30 karenmarie: Great idea, Karen, changing genres and that is what I have done. This suspense novel , I Let You Go is excellent, but you could never compare it to The Break or Miss Jane. I've had it around for a few weeks, so it was ready to go and good choice.

>31 brodiew2: Hi Brodie! Plainsong , as well as anything written by Kent Haruf is really excellent ( but you likely know that already ). I think I noticed on Mark's thead that someone is creating a film/ movie of Plainsong. I'm not sure how that story would work in movie - form, but maybe.. ?

33lit_chick
nov. 15, 2016, 9:26 pm

I will happily watch anything of Kent Haruf's that comes to the big screen. Oh happy days! Any details on when this will happen?

34vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 15, 2016, 10:46 pm

>33 lit_chick: Nancy, here is what I able to google about Plainsong being adapted to the " big screen" or something. Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/09/14/robert-redford-our-souls-at-night/

Here is another - looks like it will a netflix production if it comes to fruition. I can't find the link on Mark's thread, but here is another . http://www.themountainmail.com/free_content/article_27886d02-6f8e-11e6-85f8-2f84...

35lit_chick
nov. 15, 2016, 11:21 pm

Oh, thank you Deb. That second article beautifully recollects the process of Haruf writing Our Souls at Night as he was dying. I misunderstood that it was Plainsong coming to the big screen; I see what you mean about being uncertain how OSaN will translate to a movie. But it is amother reason you need Netflix! (and The Quuen is SOOOO good ... can't wait for you to watch). But The digress ...

36Familyhistorian
nov. 16, 2016, 12:45 am

Happy new thread, Deb.

37vancouverdeb
nov. 16, 2016, 4:04 am

>35 lit_chick: Nancy, I'm afraid it was me who mixed up Plainsong with Our Souls at Night . In my mind I had Our Souls at Night which I think might be challenging to transfer to the big screen , but I typed out Plainsong. My apologies for getting you mixed up. Oh, yes, I will get netflix, but when ? I just need sort out the Internet 15 , 25 or 50 and also the WiFi booster. I've purchased a new computer, just waiting for it to be delivered and then I will the sort the rest out.

>36 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg! Hope all is well in your corner of GVRD!

38karenmarie
Editat: nov. 17, 2016, 7:32 am

Good morning, Deborah!

Another good reason to switch genres is when the newest Jack Reacher you ordered from Amazon arrived damaged and you returned it and glanced at your shelves and saw The Naked Mole Rat Letters.

I try to not compare books unless they are the same genre, so I can give 4 stars to a Regency Romance, a book about American History, and a Jack Reacher thriller without hesitation. It's always whatever my first thought is upon finishing a book.

edited for spelling

39Crazymamie
nov. 16, 2016, 11:29 am

Hello, Deborah! Happy new one - you always find the sweetest images for your topper.

40jnwelch
nov. 16, 2016, 11:52 am

I'd love to see Haruf translated to the screen, too, Deb. We saw a small theater's play adaptation of Plainsong that knocked us over. I could see a movie based on one of his books being really powerful.

41vancouverdeb
nov. 16, 2016, 5:25 pm

>38 karenmarie: Yes I understand that idea, Karen. I've finished I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh and it was a fabulous read. A great bit of psychological suspense and I'm torn between 4 and 4. 5 stars. Much better than The Widow or The Girl on a Train. Those were okay, but this was definitely superior, I think.Sorry about your damaged book.

>39 Crazymamie: Thanks for popping in Mamie. I like " cute" and 'fun" , so I look around for my topper. So many brilliant toppers in the 75's.

>40 jnwelch: How cool, Joe, to see Plainsong as a play. A small theatre sounds like the perfect venue.

42mdoris
nov. 16, 2016, 7:29 pm

Hello Deborah,
Yes, I thought that Atwood's Hag-Seed would not necessarily be on your list for future reads. She is very clever though and an amazing writer. and she does express some "attitude" and insight in her characters which I greatly enjoy. Thanks for the feedback about Vinegar Girl. I think I will read more of the Hogarth series but have lots of imminent pressure facing me, stacks and stacks of books. Why do I do this?

Good luck with your new computer and all the associated technology. You are a brave girl!

43FAMeulstee
nov. 17, 2016, 12:08 pm

>37 vancouverdeb: I've purchased a new computer, just waiting for it to be delivered and then I will the sort the rest out.
You lucky woman :-)
I returned my computer for the third time today, it still did not work :-(

44charl08
nov. 17, 2016, 2:29 pm

Hope the new computer turns up soon Deborah!

I just read Miss Treadway & the Field of Stars. I think you might like it. Sweet and funny. Not due out until early next year, but I will try and remember then too.

45vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 17, 2016, 7:47 pm

>42 mdoris: I hope you enjoy Vinegar Girl when you get a chance, Mary. It is a light and easy read and also quite short. I keep seeing the eye on the cover of Hag-Seed scolding me for not reading the book, and the name is intriguing. Sometime I'll pick it up just to have a gander, but yes Atwood and I don't get along well :)

>42 mdoris:>43 FAMeulstee: I'm hoping that not much brainpower will be required of me once the computer arrives. :) According to my son, Windows 10 is really difficult, so they have brought back Windows 7 , which I ordered from Costco. My son will install it for me and so that should be easy. The more difficult part will be installing a Wi-Fi booster which my son says he doesn't know much about.

>43 FAMeulstee: Oh dear Anita! Do you have more than one computer ? I only have the one computer, aside from my I tablet mini, which I don't use that much owing to this computer being easier to work with. Costco has a very good return policy,so if there is problem with it, I should be able to send it back.

>44 charl08: Yes, I hope it turns up fairly soon to, Charlotte. No big rush as this one is working okay. It is just getting quite slow and the search engine that I use " crashes " a couple of times a day, or has trouble with videos etc. That has been going on for a while, but I am really weary of that, so we are getting a new one. Miss Treadway & the Field of Stars. I'll have to check into that one.

46msf59
Editat: nov. 17, 2016, 6:43 pm

You know I am crazy about all this Plainsong love, Deb! Can never get enough.

And hooray for a new computer! Hope it arrives soon. Fingers crossed.

47vancouverdeb
nov. 17, 2016, 7:49 pm

>46 msf59: Well, Mark, I am 50/ 50 about the arrival of the computer. I know I'll love it, but all the hassle of moving stuff from one computer to the other and inputting passwords into my new computer is a hassle. I'm okay with it taking it's time :) Just not a month or so.

48PaulCranswick
nov. 17, 2016, 10:54 pm

Plainsong was one of my picks for the Great American Novel last year when Joe asked for nominations. Obviously pleased to see it lauded.

49banjo123
nov. 17, 2016, 11:47 pm

Happy new thread!

50Carmenere
nov. 18, 2016, 6:02 am

Happy newish thread, Deborah!!

51vancouverdeb
nov. 18, 2016, 6:23 pm

>48 PaulCranswick: I think I'd laud all of Kent Harfuf's work's, Paul.

>49 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda! I hope all is well with you!

>50 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda! Just off to walk the dog in the grey of the day! :)

52mdoris
nov. 18, 2016, 8:50 pm

I'm loving the ferry naming boat talk that you had over on Charlotte's thread. Well done B.C. folks! Fun.

53mdoris
Editat: nov. 18, 2016, 11:16 pm

Deborah, started The Crown and I think you're going to love it.

54Familyhistorian
nov. 19, 2016, 3:49 am

Good luck with your new computer, Deb. I have a new lap top and it has Windows 10 which seems ok since we set it up to look similar to Windows 7. I am lucky in that I still have my desk top so lots of my stuff is still on there. I bought a separate hard drive to put my photos and stuff on as a security measure especially as I am not sure how long the desk top will last.

55FAMeulstee
nov. 19, 2016, 7:27 am

>46 msf59: I am using Franks laptop and he mostly uses his desk-top, so we don't have to fight for computer time ;-)
We bought an external hard-didsk last year, so all my important stuff is safe. First time I got my own laptop back I started with re-installing everything and then found out some things were not right... so second time I first checked everything and found trouble again. Well if they don't manage to repair it this time, we should get our money back.

56vancouverdeb
nov. 19, 2016, 10:15 am

>52 mdoris: Yes, Mary, I thought it was quite fun too! Fortunately for me , I don't have much occasion to travel by B.C.Ferries ( oh the the cost!) but yes, at least British Columbians gave B.C. Ferries a run for the money. I used to travel B.C. Ferries a lot in my younger days, as my husband had family on the Sunshine Coast. Many a Christmas day / Christmas Eve etc did we ply the waters via B.C Ferry! :) The trip to Victoria is a really beautiful! Dave and I need to take a trip sometime soon.

>53 mdoris: Oh I know I will love The Crown, Mary! I'm just biding my time.

57vancouverdeb
nov. 19, 2016, 10:20 am

>54 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg. I chatted with my "techie" son and he advised getting Windows 7 as he felt that would easier for us to adapt to . I have a desk top too and will be keeping my computer as a desktop even though my son floated the idea of a laptop. We have room for a desk top and it suits me to a desktop. I think my son will know how to keep my stuff from my old desktop - he has done that for me in the past.

>55 FAMeulstee: Dave hardly uses the computer, Anita, so we don't do too much fighting over the computer, but sometimes, yes! :) Hmm - I'll ask my son about the idea of an external hard drive. Thanks for the hints.

58karenmarie
Editat: nov. 20, 2016, 9:13 am

>57 vancouverdeb: I have a laptop but have a large external monitor, an external keyboard, external speakers, and a wireless mouse so that the hardware doesn't matter. Plus, I have an external drive for backups. So, during my every day activities, it is, in effect, a desktop. However, being a laptop gives me the flexibility of using it as a laptop when I want to use it in another room or take with me on trips. I don't even look at the laptop screen here at my desk.

59johnsimpson
nov. 20, 2016, 2:46 pm

Hi Deb hope you get used to the new laptop my dear, I think I could do with a replacement as it is starting to have a few problems but one of Rob's old school mates and fellow cricketer lives a few doors away and he is the local high school's techie so I just text him and he sorts it out for me and it only costs me a beer for him. I can't believe I have read 100 books so far this year with more to add and talking of more books I am going to start Messenger of Truth the fourth Maisie Dobbs mystery as my bedside book. I am looking forward to reading a few of these over the next few months.

Hope you, Dave and the family have had a good weekend my dear and send love and hugs dear friend.

60cbl_tn
nov. 20, 2016, 4:23 pm

Hi Deborah! Happy new-ish thread! Adrian and I just got back from the Humane Society's open house where we had our picture made with Santa. He didn't tell me what he asked Santa to bring him for Christmas, but it shouldn't be too hard to guess. I'd say either treats or a squeaky toy.

61EBT1002
nov. 20, 2016, 6:35 pm

Happy Newish Thread, Deb!

>9 vancouverdeb: Both you and Beth have recommended this one and I have put it on my wish list. Now I must remember to add your name and hers to the comments box (I get a bit tired of getting a book and wondering which of my reliable LT buddies recommended it!).

I hope you have had a restful and wonderful weekend.

62vancouverdeb
nov. 21, 2016, 5:55 am

>58 karenmarie: Sounds like a great set -up , Karen! For now, we will take what we get, as we have already paid for our new computer from Costco. According to the website, "they are making it to our specifications" . Sure, sure! :) As it just one I picked out from the Costco Computers that are online. It should be fairly soon that we get it - but we ordered it through our son, who has a membership from Costco, on the understanding that we would pay for it right away. So far the cheque that we wrote is gathering dust - I have a feeling that he and his wife might have decided to hold it back a week for my husbands upcoming birthday.

>59 johnsimpson: Congratulations on the 100 books, John! I hope you and yours also had a wonderful weekend! Do enjoy Messenger of Truth :)

63vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 22, 2016, 6:00 pm

>60 cbl_tn: Sounds fabulous, Carrie!How fun that Adrian has his photo taken with Santa! At our local family owned pet food/ supply store they are having a day or two to have your dog/ cat take a picture with Santa, but Poppy being Poppy, I am afraid she'd give Santa a good chomp on his fingers for his troubles. :)

>61 EBT1002: Ellen, Donna also wrote a great review about Miss Jane, and I really loved it! I'm sure you can't go wrong with the book and wonder of wonders, my library actually had it!

64vancouverdeb
Editat: gen. 26, 2017, 5:17 pm

I've had quite a dreadful weekend. We have some fairly new neighbours in our townhouse complex and the couple have a large black dog. You know I am a big fan of dogs and we have one ourselves. The poor dog is an" outside dog" and it howls, cries and barks around the clock. This weekend the people went away for the weekend and left the dog entirely on its own in it's small back yard. As a result, Dave and I barely got any sleep. Early yesterday afternoon we went into the small backyard and the dog was desperately friendly, but without any water, or food. So we fed the dog and filled a bowl with water, and then made a report to the SPCA, as well as writing our condo board about the noise issues. We took a several pictures of the state of the backyard and the dog. The people that neglect this poor dog are the sort that we would expect retribution from had we not done it anonymously. ( like getting our cars keyed - or who knows what ) . Anyway, it really threw off my sleep for the weekend. Tomorrow I plan to phone the city re the noise bylaws as well as the local animal shelter to see if more can be done for the poor neglected dog. ( and to ensure that we can sleep) .

It's been a challenging weekend. :)

Kind of like this , though the shepherd turned out to be friendly but badly neglected.



65vancouverdeb
Editat: març 4, 2017, 10:57 pm

And Poppy and our neighbouring dogs felt like this :



and so to bed, to sleep I hope! But I feel very badly for the poor neglected dog.

66FAMeulstee
nov. 21, 2016, 8:44 am

I am sorry you missed out on needed sleep by this poor dog. Some people shoudn't be allowed to own a dog... :-(

67karenmarie
nov. 21, 2016, 8:49 am

How awful, Deborah! Both for your sleep and for that poor abused animal. I hope your actions have positive results.

68charl08
nov. 21, 2016, 9:55 am

Oh that's terrible Deborah. Poor dog! Hope the rescue people are able to find him a new home.

69jessibud2
nov. 21, 2016, 10:09 am

Wow, I can certainly sympathize. That poor dog. I hope the people are fined for animal neglect and abuse and I hope that dog is removed and found a better home with people who are more caring and responsible.

70lit_chick
nov. 21, 2016, 10:42 am

Oh, Deb, so sorry to hear about the poor dog in your townhouse complex. I had similar idiot neighbours a few years ago, but with a small dog -- locked inside (windows open) and barking until I thought I would go mad! I do hope SPCA will rescue the poor animal. Such people do not deserve to own a pet.

Exciting that you and Dave are getting a new computer. Handy to have a computer-guy for a son : ). hehe

71johnsimpson
nov. 21, 2016, 3:31 pm

Hi Deb, how awful to have neighbours who are so idiotic and the poor dog. I hope the SPCA can do something for the poor animal as it deserves better and hopefully something will be done about these neighbours who don't deserve to live near good folks.

72mdoris
nov. 22, 2016, 12:26 pm

Deborah, what a horrible situation with the greatly neglected dog and barking. i hope it gets sorted immediatiately. That boggles my mind that anyone could leave a dog for a weekend let alone without food or water.
There are anonymous animal rescue associations that will come in and "steal" a dog, nurse back to health in adoptive homes and then re-home them. Not exactly legal but greatly needed. I do not know the names but a little reseatch might be in order........

73vancouverdeb
nov. 22, 2016, 3:52 pm

>66 FAMeulstee: You are exactly correct, Anita, some people should really keep not own a dog. It's quite heartbreaking listening to the dog cry and howl. I wonder why they bother to keep the dog? So sad.

>67 karenmarie: Thanks Karen. Last night was much better, just a half hour of barking between 5 am to 5:30 am and so far today, no sounds. I called I contacted quite a few agencies, and I am not sure which of them made the difference as yet.

>68 charl08: The bar for taking a dog from an owner is very high, Charlotte, as I have found out. However, Richmond Animal Protection Services assured me that they had sent out an officer yesterday. Whether they were able to do anything, I'm not sure. Perhaps they got a warning. We are keeping an eye on the dog surreptitiously, to make sure it does not come to any harm.

74vancouverdeb
nov. 22, 2016, 3:59 pm

>69 jessibud2: Again, as I have found out, the bar for seizing a dog seems to be quite high, but something happened yesterday, because the amount of barking and crying have gone down hugely, Shelley. Not sure what who put pressure on the owners.

>70 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. I very nearly did loose my mind over the weekend and yesterday. Feeling better today after a decent nights sleep. Yes, Dave and I would be lost without the " techie" son! :) We'd have to call the in the "Geek Squad' in to help us. In years past. I relied on my brother , who has a degree in Computer Science from SFU, but went on to fly airplanes and now lives in another city. He was a bit more sarcastic when helping me than my son is. :) But not much. You know I kind of believe in raising kids that speak their mind, which might have been a mistake, in retrospect :)

75vancouverdeb
nov. 22, 2016, 4:07 pm

>71 johnsimpson: So kind, John. Unfortunately our new neighbours own their place, just as we do, so no getting rid of them in short order. Fortunately they do seem to have responded to something over since yesterday. It's very nice that in our townhouse complex we have a lot of lovely neighbours - but not these new ones, so far.

>72 mdoris: I know Mary, leaving a dog home alone, outside all by itself it is hard to believe. With Poppy we are so careful that she only goes to our dog walker that she knows well and is so careful with Poppy. Surely these people , caring so little for their dog, could have at least dropped their dog off at a $50 buck a night boarding facility. There are plenty in our area, and these new neighbours drive a Range Rover, so it is not like they are wanting for money. Hmm- I'm going to keep your rescue dog ideas in mind.......

76vancouverdeb
Editat: març 4, 2017, 10:58 pm

For a quick update on the dog that has been barking and crying, I called The SPCA, local Animal Humane Society, contacted our Strata and the Property Manager, all of whom promised action . Something must have happened because last night , the dog was mostly quiet. Not sure which of the above was able to take action. I heard the fellow that owns the dog cursing quite vilely at the dog a few times. We will continue to keep and eye on the dog's welfare and pray that the noise stops. Much better last night. Fingers crossed.

77vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 22, 2016, 5:59 pm

Finished an excellent psychological suspense book a few days ago and I'm to exhausted to review, other than to say I thought it was much better than The Girl on a Train or The Widow.

Recommended. I'd seen it around and read a lot of great things about it, and for me, it lived up to it's hype. Torn between 4 and 4.5 stars, but I am giving it 4 stars, Just be warned it starts out a bit slowly. More info about it on the main page .

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh . 4.2 stars

78vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 29, 2016, 11:57 pm

Currently reading another suspense book . I have read the first two in the series by Lene Kaaberol and enjoyed them. They are translated from the Danish and this third in the series is better than the other two. Interesting psychological thriller that pulls together both 1934 Stalinist Ukraine and current day Denmark. It is gripping!

Death of a Nightingale by Lene Kaaberbol

79msf59
nov. 22, 2016, 5:57 pm

Hi, Deb! Sorry, I did not realize you were dealing with that neglected dog. I hope the problem is resolved. People can be such scumbags, right?

Looks like you are still on a nice reading streak! Yah!

80lit_chick
nov. 22, 2016, 9:45 pm

Woot! I've got I Let You Go in my library list, Deb! Sounds excellent.

So glad to hear the dog near you was quieter last night. But I don't like the sound of the owner cursing at the poor animal ... makes me hope the dog isn't abused physically. Honestly! Someone should lock up the owner and find the dog a new home: that's my two cents.

Oh, this made me laugh: You know I kind of believe in raising kids that speak their mind, which might have been a mistake, in retrospect :)

81banjo123
nov. 22, 2016, 11:59 pm

That's sad about the poor dog. Hope the owner is educable, though that sounds unlikely.

82thornton37814
nov. 23, 2016, 10:16 am

Hope the dog situation improves.

83BLBera
nov. 23, 2016, 3:58 pm

Poor dog.

Death of a Nightingale sounds good. I read the first one and really enjoyed it. It sounds like I should get back to this series.

84charl08
nov. 23, 2016, 4:02 pm

>78 vancouverdeb: Sounds good Deborah. Will see if I can hold of it here.

85vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 23, 2016, 4:53 pm

>79 msf59: Sad to say, yes, Mark, some people really can be scumbags and has nothing to do with income or anything else. Just plain scum.

>80 lit_chick: I think you won't be disappointed in I Let You Go. Yes, indeed, it made me quite sad to hear the fellow shouting and cursing at the dog. The dog is quite quiet lately, just the odd bark and cry. I don't know, but I suspect perhaps that the owners have put a shock collar on the dog. That is the only way I can figure that suddenly the dog can go from being so noisy to being fairly quiet a couple of days. Unfortunately Animal Protect Services can only remove an animal if there is evidence that the dog is physically abused - as in injuries, near starvation, or if we were to witness one of the owners actually kicking the dog, or beating the dog. Apparently it takes quite a bit to be able to remove a dog. Sad that, Nancy.

86charl08
nov. 23, 2016, 4:27 pm

>85 vancouverdeb: A shock collar? Oh no. I'm glad you're getting more sleep but the poor dog.

87vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 24, 2016, 5:30 am

>81 banjo123: I suspect that no, the owners are not educable, Rhonda. Why do such people keep a dog, is my question? Locked in small backyard, never or rarely to come inside, no attention paid to the dog, except for leaving kibble out and righting the knocked over water dish and filling it.

>82 thornton37814: I hope the situation improves too, Lori. In addition to our Strata planning to begin fining the owners for nuisance noise, we will also begin fining the owner for the destruction of their back yard, due to the dog digging so much that it puts the townhouse structure at some risk. It will a weekly fine until the problem is resolved starting in early December, so perhaps then the owners will decide to surrender the dog to the humane society, rather than pay the fines . It really is a nicely behaved dog, in desperate need of good owner who will lavish it with love and care. Our local humane shelter is a no - kill shelter, so I hope the owners will consider giving up the dog, though I wonder why they have not already done so.

>83 BLBera: Oh, I know, Beth. Death of Nightingale is really good! It might be best to read first and second in the series, first, but then again, it has been so long since I read them , I'm not sure that is necessary.

>84 charl08: Again, Charlotte, you might like to read A Boy in Suitcase and Invisible Murder first. Not sure if it is necessary, but I am glad that I did. Apparently there is one more book in the series.

Here is a link to review in the Independent http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/death-of-a-nightin...

88vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 23, 2016, 4:53 pm

>86 charl08: I'm not sure, Charlotte, but that is my concern. I am a bit comforted to hear it barking for the past ten minutes. We are keeping an eye on the dog, as best we can. It is behind a 6 foot tall fence and the only way to see what it going on is to actually enter the small back garden. Not that easy .

89vancouverdeb
nov. 24, 2016, 4:20 am

I earned the coveted 500 miles fit bit "Serengeti badge "today. Don't ask me how long it took me to walk that many steps :)

90ctpress
nov. 24, 2016, 4:54 am

Well, congrats, Deborah :) Splendiferous, indeed. I use an app called "Moves" to see how long I've walked each day, but they don't give out badges - I'm envious :)

Have been follow your dog-story - I wish you a quiet weekend coming up - hope they don't take off again and leave the dog. So unfeeling.

91charl08
nov. 24, 2016, 5:56 am

>89 vancouverdeb: Looks good Deborah!

92The_Hibernator
nov. 24, 2016, 10:04 am

Nice badge! lol. You guys make me miss my fitbit. I gave up on it when I realized how much my arm movements affected it.

93lit_chick
nov. 24, 2016, 11:04 am

Woohoo! Nice badge, Deb!

94vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 24, 2016, 4:44 pm

>90 ctpress: Those badges are far and few between ,Carsten! :) LOL! I was quite surprised to see that pop up on my computer when I synced my fit bit with the fit bit app!

>91 charl08: I've got to take what I can, Charlotte! :)

>92 The_Hibernator: Rachel, I just have the fit bit that attaches to a belt loop, so my arm movements don't affect my fit bit. It is a bit of a bother as the clip is so tight it is a real bother to move from one pair of pants to another.

>93 lit_chick: I thought so too, Nancy! :)

95Berly
nov. 24, 2016, 6:22 pm

I know you guys already celebrated your Thanksgiving, but



Sending good thoughts to the dog.

96BLBera
nov. 24, 2016, 10:36 pm

Every step is a good step, Deborah!

97vancouverdeb
nov. 25, 2016, 12:52 am

>95 Berly: Thanks Kim! I needed some cheering up today! Hugs to you!

>96 BLBera: Thanks Beth. Yes, every step is a good step. Those silly badges actually make me happy! :)

98karenmarie
nov. 25, 2016, 10:01 am

Good morning, Deborah! Happy Friday to you.

99johnsimpson
nov. 25, 2016, 3:27 pm

Hi Deb, hope things are getting better with the neighbours dog my dear and that you are having a really good Friday. Sending love and hugs to you all from the pair of us.

100vancouverdeb
nov. 25, 2016, 5:27 pm

>98 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Happy Friday to you too!

>99 johnsimpson: Yes, John, things are much improved with the neighbours dog. The SPCA paid them a visit and did a "welfare check " of the dog and made suggestions on how they could improve the dog's life. They also let them know about the noise compliant. In addition to that as far as I know, they have received a letter from the strata council informing them that the dog must not nuisance bark , and also that they must restore their back yard to what it was. It appears that dog is barking much less, the couple still keeps the dog outside, but they have procured a nicer house with some insulation for the dog and from I can see, are attempting to clean up the back yard. They have a six foot fence, so it is difficult for me to know exactly what is going on and they are not right next door to me, but rather kitty corner.

Anyway, things are much better noise wise and I hope as well with the dog. The SPCA has to remain fairly confidential, but the Constable did tell me that if I noticed anything like an electric shock collar to call and they would go back out to check on the dog. I admit I am quite impressed with the SPCA. The Constable explained to me that they cannot seize a dog unless the dog is definite distress and they can prove that to a judge. Apparently the dog appears to be in good shape , so we can only try to keep an eye on things. Meanwhile the strata council in our townhouse complex will fine if the conditions set out are not met.

Sending love and hugs to you too, John and Karen!

101msf59
Editat: nov. 25, 2016, 5:49 pm

Happy Friday, Deb! I am loving An American Childhood. If you appreciate a beautifully written memoir, this might be your cuppa.

We are experiencing late November weather- damp, chilly and cloudy.

102mdoris
nov. 25, 2016, 8:48 pm

I am very jealous of your fitbit badge. I want a badge for sititng on my couch and steam rolling through the new Penny mystery of 3 pines! I am feeling the pressure as it is a 7 day "express" read due at the library on Monday.

I am grateful for the positive dog-next-door update. Is it "kitty" corner or "doggy" corner to you! I have been worried about the poor thing.

Back to Turbo reading.......

(Turbo (Ryan Reynolds) is a speed-obsessed snail with an unusual dream: to become the world's greatest racer. This odd snail gets a chance to leave his slow-paced life behind when a freak accident gives him the power of superspeed.)

103Familyhistorian
nov. 26, 2016, 1:48 am

It is hard to deal with neighbours like that, Deb, and even more distressing to know that an animal is suffering. It sounds like things are heading in the right direction.

Good on you for getting the Serengti badge. Does your fitbit give you badges for climbs as well?

104jessibud2
nov. 26, 2016, 11:12 am

Deb, did you hear that Kellie Leitch wants to dismantle the CBC??!
That woman is dangerous. What's next? I sure hope there are other *normal* people running for the leadership of that party. I would hate for her to go further in politics. Why can't she just stick to her chosen career (she is apparently a pediatric surgeon). Eek

105charl08
nov. 26, 2016, 11:30 am

So glad to hear the dog is being checked up on. Hopefully they'll be taking better care now?

106vancouverdeb
nov. 26, 2016, 5:53 pm

>101 msf59: Happy Saturday, Mark! An American Childhood sounds interesting. I look into it. We too are experiencing our usual winter weather , rain , rain and more rain with a bit of wind combined.

>102 mdoris: Mary, I am sure if Fit Bit gave out badges for lazing around all day, I'd have won slew of them! :) I understand the pressure you feel with a Rapid Read. Yes, perhaps the dog is " doggy corner" to me. Hmm-- makes me wonder what the origin of kitty corner is!

>103 Familyhistorian: Meg, no badges for climbs. I just have the fit bit zip I think it is. It only measures steps taken. Goodness knows in my two level townhouse I do go up and down the stairs many times a day.

107vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 26, 2016, 6:04 pm

>104 jessibud2: I have heard that, Shelley. I am hoping that Kellie Leitch is enough of a nutter that nothing will come of her bid for Conservative Leader. I'm not certain who all is running for the Conservative Leadership, but I think Rona Ambrose is one of the candidates. The best thing we can hope for is that the Conservative Party stays out of power. I wonder if the " Progressive Conservative " party will make a comeback, rather then the awful Conservative party that is now in place and is really a mashup of the Reform Party, the Canadian Alliance Party and the Progressive Conservatives. I can only say Ugh to the party.

>105 charl08: It seems that yes, Charlotte, the dog is being better cared for. I've never heard them say the dog's name , so I don't actually know the poor dogs name. On each side of me dwells a dog /dogs and I know their name - Cookie , Nick , and Princess. All well taken care of and inside dogs, except when they are out walking with their people. Such a better way to keep a dog. We've got a cute new rescue dog in the townhouse complex too - Rusty - some sort of terrier mix and such a darling! There new people are very different from the other dog owners here. I don't understand the rationale behind an outside dog. If you feel you need a " guard dog' why not just get a house alarm? But yes, they are taking better care of the dog and it is much quieter.

108jessibud2
nov. 26, 2016, 6:37 pm

> I think Rona Ambrose is ok. I don't really know much about her but I think I remember thinking she had a decent head on her shoulders.

Deb, wouldn't keeping an animal outside all winter be considered cruel? Cruel enough to take action? I know you don't get as cold as we do here in Toronto, for example, but winter is still winter and I just can't imagine an animal outside for the whole winter. Do they have a dog house or some other shelter, at least? What if there is a storm?

109Familyhistorian
nov. 27, 2016, 12:57 am

I was surprised when you said that the dog was an outside dog. I had never heard of an outside dog in a townhouse complex before. The properties are just too close together as I am sure you can attest to.

I had to look up Kellie Leitch as I hadn't heard of her before. I was not impressed by what I read. I just hope the Conservatives stay out of power for some time to come.

110vancouverdeb
nov. 27, 2016, 5:41 pm

>108 jessibud2: I don't know a lot about Rona Ambrose either, but she is the leader of the opposition, The Conservatives , until they find another leader.

I certainly think it is cruel to keep an dog outside all winter, but the laws on the books for B.C. and Ontario allow it, as long as the dog is provided with shelter, water, and food. The SPCA discourages it and if a dog is found unwell due to being outside , then they can got before a judge. You'd have to ask the SPCA and the law questions as I have. It rarely gets to freezing here, but yes, I find it too be unfortunate. Yes, they have a plastic shelter with straw in it and flaps on the door. Not much, I don't think , and the doghouse is sheltered beneath the small porch above. Not my what I think is okay, I don't think the SPCA likes it either, but it is okay by the law.

>109 Familyhistorian: Meg, in the 16 years that we have lived here, this is the first " outside dog" that we have encountered in our townhouse complex. The strata laws for our complex allow 1 dog and a cat / or even two dogs, but not where they can be kept. I don't think any one anticipated an outside dog. What we can do as part of the strata is fine them for nuisance barking, and destruction to their strata property, which must be kept in good order.

Ah, Kellie Leitch not what we want in Canada at all!

111FAMeulstee
nov. 28, 2016, 8:03 am

>110 vancouverdeb: I think its not always cruel to keep a dog outside, Deborah, some dogs prefer it over our heated houses... Not the small pets we keep, but large livestock guarding dogs, like Pyrenean, Kuvasz etc do their work outside and stay with their work without problems. I don't think these breeds are fit to keep in the city, only very few dog-owners can handle them.

112The_Hibernator
nov. 28, 2016, 11:11 am

I had the fitbit that attached to the belt for a while, but then it somehow came off. I think it got caught on my winter jacket and flew off. I'm done with fitbit, I guess.

113vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 28, 2016, 6:19 pm

>111 FAMeulstee: I'm not sure if I've ever met a dog that preferred the outdoor life, but I am sure that what you say is true. I see Great White Pyrenees , and a St Bernard, among others, and they are inside dwellers when not on their walks and many other large dogs on my walks. with Poppy, but I do think they need a yard, and not a small back garden like a townhouse has. We had neighbours who kept two Rottweilers and a Border Collie as outside dogs and they had nice, insulated dog houses, but still, the three would fight and bark and cry . That was in a very nearby house that backs onto our place. Thankfully they got so many complaints that they moved away after a couple of years. But yes, overall, big dogs are better suited to a less small spaces for certain! Being the city girl that I am, I'm not acquainted with working, outside dogs. :)

>112 The_Hibernator: I have that problem too with my fit bit that attaches to my belt . I leave it on my "dog walking pants" and that way it is not so apt to fall out of it's little plastic case. I don't wash my " dog walking pants' too often, so I don't have to deal with putting the fit bit off and on. I've considered a fit bit wrist thing, but I can't justify the cost as yet, plus a lot of them don't fasten securely at the wrist and with my dog walks my watch is always bumping up against my jacket sleeve and I've lost a normal watch more than once. It's a hassle, Rachel, but I do find it motivates me to take extra steps , so I guess for me it is worth it.

114karenmarie
Editat: nov. 29, 2016, 9:09 am

Hi Deborah!

When I had Dobermans, I had a nice large yard for them to run around in, but that was always supervised time, and they were inside otherwise. This was in Los Angeles where there wasn't any worry about cold weather, but rather more a worry of 90F plus days and the heat. Dogs always need shade and fresh water available when they're out in that kind of weather. And don't get me started on people who take their dogs in their automobiles then leave them there for extended periods of time.

115charl08
nov. 29, 2016, 10:59 am

Glad you have plenty of good-to-dogs neighbours Deborah. I am panicking about much less important matters (two reservations waiting at the library).

116msf59
Editat: nov. 29, 2016, 6:11 pm



Hi, Deb! I wanted to let you know that, there is a Beer and Birding Group in Chicago and I have joined them. They are mostly based in the far north regions of Chicagoland and most of their meetings will be in the north part of the city, so I may be tough for me to attend these outings, (I live in the southwestern suburbs) but I will try to participate when I can. I wonder, if they know beer as well, as birds? That is what I am curious about.

117drneutron
nov. 29, 2016, 9:06 pm

Beer and birding... I bet you spot some pretty awesome birds after a few! :)

118vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 29, 2016, 11:55 pm

>114 karenmarie: Oh Karen, I know what you mean. Any extreme of heating is a problem for a dog. We have out place air conditioned in the summer, and we make sure Poppy does not get overheated. Yes, with a nice big yard and walks , a big dog can be just fine in the city or burbs, I agree.

>115 charl08: Yes, we do have mainly very good to their dogs neighbours, Charlotte. This is the first time I have ever had to contact the SPCA cruelty/ neglect hotline. It would seem that our new neighbours have tried to improve things for their German Shepherd, but I'm not sure about the yard. I'm just glad if the dog is more comfortable and barking , crying and howling infrequently now ( crosses fingers).

>116 msf59: Mark, well, if they don't know about birding and beer, I guess you can introduce them to the concept, but I wonder how that will fly on an early morning birding time? :) Brew at 8 AM? Well, it's always 5 o'clock somewhere ! ;) LOL!

>117 drneutron: Right on, Jim! I can't imagine the fantastical birds that the beer and birding groups might site. Maybe a phoenix? :)

119vancouverdeb
nov. 29, 2016, 11:57 pm

Sorry, everyone, I've have not been online as much as usual due to my husband's birthday and his party and just real life busy. I'll try to do better. You know real life , every now and then.

120vancouverdeb
Editat: nov. 30, 2016, 12:03 am

I have read the first two in the series by Lene Kaaberol and enjoyed them. They are translated from the Danish and this third in the series initallly seemed better than the other two. It started out as a psychological thriller that had two main story threads, 1934 Stalinist Ukraine and current day Denmark. It was a gripping read, but ultimately proved to be disappointing. The problem for me is that the two threads never came together in a cohesive way. So what I thought was a potential 4- 4.5 read turned into a 3.5 stars. However, I did enjoy the ride and the look into Stalinist Ukraine.

Death of a Nightingale by Lene Kaaberbol

121vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 15, 2016, 7:52 pm

Currently reading a fabulous piece of Can Lit from 1999. Kit's Law by Donna Morrisey. She has a new book out and so I found this older book by the same author the library and I can't believe how much I am enjoying it. It's the story of 1950's outport Newfoundland. I am loving it so much so far - 155 pages in that I am looking for other books from by the same author. Such a wonderful thing to stumble upon a " new to me " author of Can Lit.

122Copperskye
nov. 30, 2016, 12:48 am

Catching up here, Deborah. Lots of good reading, of course! But that poor, lonely dog... Why do people do these things... So glad you spoke up on his behalf!

123ctpress
nov. 30, 2016, 2:49 am

I haven't read anything by Kaaberbøl - but she's big here, so I guess I should try her out. Too bad the finish wasn't so well made.

Ah, yes to stumble upon a new good author. What a joy. Hopefully you can find some time to read with all the partying going on :) Congrats to Dave!

124jessibud2
nov. 30, 2016, 7:12 am

>121 vancouverdeb: - I have that one on my shelf and had sincerely intended to read it before this year is over. Highly recommended by a friend. She also wrote Sylvanus Now, both of which my friend insisted I read. Good to hear you are liking it.

125karenmarie
Editat: nov. 30, 2016, 8:15 am

Good morning, Deborah!

I find that I can only take Scandanavian authors in very small doses. I do not know why this is. The only exception so far has been Stieg Larsson's Millenium trilogy, which I have re-read and re-listened to one after the other.

I think I'll pass on >120 vancouverdeb: though I appreciate your review. What's your rating system? For me is "Very Good".

126lit_chick
nov. 30, 2016, 10:21 am

Deb, sorry to hear Death of a Nightingale did not come together in a cohesive way; how frustrating! Kit's Law sounds excellent!

127jnwelch
nov. 30, 2016, 10:42 am

Just stopping by to say hi, Deb.

If Mark could find a Beer and Birds and Books group, he'd really be all set.

128BLBera
nov. 30, 2016, 4:34 pm

Hi Deborah - I'll look for things by Donna Morissey - how fun to discover a new author.

129charl08
nov. 30, 2016, 6:21 pm

>121 vancouverdeb: Sounds great. I'd love to visit Newfoundland. Will have to stick to the books for now though.

130vancouverdeb
des. 1, 2016, 12:48 am

>122 Copperskye: I know, Joanne, I certainly don't understand the idea of having a dog just outside, seemingly serving just as a " guard dog." It you are that anxious, why not just get an alarm and not leave a lonely shepherd outside by itself.

>123 ctpress: Great to see you Carsten. Nice to know that Lene Kaaberol is so popular in Denmark. I really enjoyed her first two books, but this one was enjoyable, but fell apart at the end. I looked on Good Read's reviews to see if it was just me who could not make the connection at the end, and it seemed to be about 50/ 50 between people who felt that the end made sense to them and those who were puzzled at the end of the book. I was among the puzzled, no matter how much backtracking and re - reading I did. Oh well! :)

>124 jessibud2: I was lucky today, Shelley. I got into a second hand bookstore this afternoon and found Sylvanus Now and a couple of other books by Donna Morrisey . My library does not have much in the way of Donna Morrisey except for Kit's Law and the new Fortunate Brother, which is part of the Sylvanus Now trilogy.

131vancouverdeb
des. 1, 2016, 12:55 am

>125 karenmarie: Good evening, Karen! My rating system is pretty " loosey -goosey" . For me, a very good book is a 4 and most of the books that I read are very good. 3 is below average and not recommended. 3.5 is means it was okay, not to bad, but had some sort of flaw( to me ) . 4. 5 means Really Good! Exceptional. I rarely award a book a 5 and it means pretty much perfect, or maybe even perfect . I also rarely give a book less than a 3 and 3's are infrequent.

>126 lit_chick: Kit's Law is very good, Nancy, I'm sure you will enjoy it when you get a chance.

>127 jnwelch: Thanks Joe! Yes, the three "B"s for Mark - Beer, Birds and Books, not necessarily that order. :)

132vancouverdeb
des. 1, 2016, 12:58 am

>128 BLBera: I agree, Beth, it really is wonderful to discover a new author that you can read. I hope you will enjoy Donna Morrisey if you find her in the USA.

>129 charl08: Me too, Charlotte. Even living in Canada, Newfoundland is " far away" when you are on the West Coast . And given that I am flying phobic, I'll only be visiting in books and via TV :) But I would love to see it

133jessibud2
des. 1, 2016, 7:27 am

?130 - Deb, many, many years ago I also read another wonderful book called The Outport People by Claire Mowat (Farley's wife). It was my introduction to that very special Newfoundland culture. It was where I first learned about the Mummers, among other things. It was a book that stayed with me for a long time and one I have given to friends when they visited Nfld. That is the only province I have not yet been to. I don't know if the book is still in print but you might find one at a used book store.

134vancouverdeb
des. 1, 2016, 7:16 pm

>133 jessibud2: I'll keep The Outport People in mind when I am next in a second hand bookstore, Shelley. I''ll have to google "Mummers". I've been to PEI, Nova Scotia and Brunswick, way back in my teens. . My dad suggested going to Newfoundland, but it was one of those tortuous family trips and by that point in the vacation with my family ( I was the eldest at the age of 16) we all told my dad - no go for Newfoundland. My mom felt the same way. I sure regret that now! At the time the thought of " more togetherness" was just a bit too much for 4 kids and my two parents :) ( My youngest brother stayed with my grandparents ) .

135vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 24, 2016, 4:17 am

Tomorrow evening my son is coming by to install my new computer. I hope it will all go well, but just in case I am off line for a day or two, you'll know that we ran into some sort of glitch. Wish me luck. I dislike all the transferring of info that is needed from computer to computer . Argh.

136The_Hibernator
des. 1, 2016, 7:24 pm

Good luck with the new computer! I wish I had a new computer too.

137vancouverdeb
des. 2, 2016, 1:26 am

> 136 Thanks Rachel. I sure hope it goes well tomorrow evening with the new computer installation and I'm sure my son hopes so too. * Crosses fingers*

138FAMeulstee
des. 2, 2016, 5:09 am

>135 vancouverdeb: Good luck, Deborah, hope to see you back tomorrow on your brand new computer!

139lit_chick
des. 2, 2016, 12:25 pm

Wahoo! Your computer-guy son will have you up and running in no time, Deb!

140ctpress
des. 2, 2016, 12:48 pm

Hope you'll be happy with your new computer. I think they have been better to make the transition smoother than some years ago when it was a real hassle.

I recently set up a "switch" from Windows to Macbook for my dad (79 years old) - impressed that he have taken it so well and are happy with his new computer. The only problem: Before he called others to get help with Windows. Now he only calls me as I know all about Macs. Ah, well, it's family :)

141vancouverdeb
des. 3, 2016, 3:07 am

>138 FAMeulstee: Well, it will take me a bit to get used to the changes, but I think it went well, Anita, thanks!

>139 lit_chick: It took awhile this evening, downloading all the stuff and upgrades etc and transferring info from one computer to the other, but I think we are okay, Nancy! :)

>140 ctpress: Oh your dad is quite brilliant to move from Windows to Macbook. I'm glad it worked so well for him! There are some new features on this Windows 7 that I will have to get used too! ;) Wish me luck! The email thing is probably the most difficult for me to understand so far - Outlook. My son left about 1/2 hour ago and I just had to give him a quick call as the computer was not quite finished updating and I was not quite sure what to do. It's good to have kids! ;) I try not bother him too much! :)

Say, my son and wife are off to Iceland, Copenhagen and Amsterdam over the spring break. Most of their time will be in Iceland, but so exciting. They are real travelers, those two!

142charl08
des. 3, 2016, 5:51 am

Glad your son is doing such great work with your new computer.

You didn't want to join the Icelandic trip? I would love to go see all those thermal waters...

143msf59
des. 3, 2016, 7:11 am

Happy Saturday, Deb! Hope you get that computer working soon. It is nice to have tech savvy kids.

144cbl_tn
des. 3, 2016, 10:05 am

Hi Deborah! I hope that the problem with your neighbors' dog is continuing to improve, and that the neglect of their pet was due to a lack of knowledge about dog care rather than wilful neglect. It sounds like the SPCA may have provided some education about dog care in addition to a warning, and that's a good thing. You would think that the owners would be having as much trouble sleeping as everyone else in the neighborhood and wouldn't have needed outside encouragement to address the problem.

Adrian had a chance to visit with Santa a couple of weeks ago. There may be photographic evidence on my thread...

145FAMeulstee
des. 3, 2016, 10:55 am

>141 vancouverdeb: Glad the transition went well, Deborah, you will get used to the new features.

Like Charlotte (>142 charl08:) I would love to travel to Iceland one day.

146karenmarie
des. 3, 2016, 1:43 pm

>131 vancouverdeb: You're like me regarding 5 stars - it must be a 'masterpiece' to me to receive that rating. Out of my 4,461 unique titles/authors, I've only give a 5 star rating to 6 books.

Also, I usually don't finish books less than 3 stars - 'good' in my system. I'm a happy abandoner.

Congratulations on the new computer and I hope you get used to it quickly.

147lit_chick
des. 3, 2016, 4:59 pm

Yay! You're up and running and sounds like very few wrinkles with the switch-over, Deb. All good : ).

148Familyhistorian
des. 4, 2016, 12:41 am

Good to hear that you are all set up with your new computer, Deb. Looks like there was barely any downtime.

149vancouverdeb
des. 4, 2016, 3:56 am

>142 charl08: Yes, I would love to go on the Iceland Trip with my son and his wife, but I am flying phobic, so that won't happen, Charlotte. I am I REALLY PHOBIC about flying, not booze nor drugs would get me on a plane! :) In any case they are going with another couple, the same age as them I wouldn't want to the dinosaur ;)

>143 msf59: Mark, just one of of son's is very tech savvy, but yes, it is super to have them to help out!

>144 cbl_tn: Carrie, it is much improved with the German Shepherd, but still it is not nice to listen to the dog cry and bark. It is much better, but still a problem. I am very glad that the SPCA gave them some education as well as a warning. The owner's bedroom is at the front of their townhouse and the dog in the back, whereas our bedroom faces to the front and their yard more towards our front yard. I hope they don't decide to leave the dog for a long weekend on it's own in the backyard on the weekend when it became unbearable.

150vancouverdeb
des. 4, 2016, 4:03 am

>145 FAMeulstee: Gradually, yes, I think I will get used to the features. My son tried to show me a couple of things I " should not do" and I've kind already forgotten one of them :) I try not drive my poor kids crazy with " emergency computer phone- calls." But overall, so much nicer! Our old computer was so noisy ( so old? ) that this one is beautifully quiet I really appreciate that one.

>146 karenmarie: Thanks Karen! I not a happy abandoner , but one thing that helps me is that never let on that I am starting a book until I am safely in 60 - 100 pages. Yes, it rare that I read a book that is below 3 star - I have to fell some sort of obligation to finish the book, perhaps if I was reading a challenge book on LT.

151vancouverdeb
des. 4, 2016, 4:07 am

>147 lit_chick: Yes, it went quite well last night. My daughter in law also spent the evening with us and she gathered stuff from my craft room that she felt that she could use, and we all had dinner together. It took time for all of downloads and uploading office etc, but William is very good at it. Much appreciate the new computer, Nancy!

>148 Familyhistorian: Yes, Meg, very little downtime , maybe 3 hours or so? There was stuff that was still downloading while I began to try it out. I am very thankful it went smoothly.

152charl08
des. 4, 2016, 4:35 am

Glad the new computer is working so well - quiet tech is lovely, I agree.

I forgot about the phobia Deborah. Sorry!
I just listened to this lovely radio documentary by an American musician who has moved to Reykjavik - this will be the closest I get for the foreseeable.

Reimagining the City - Series 3, Reykjavik - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0848bll

153jessibud2
des. 4, 2016, 7:53 am

>146 karenmarie:, >150 vancouverdeb: - Happy abandoner. Love that phrase. I use to be the kind of person who NEVER abandoned a book. I always felt like a quitter if I did. But the older I got and (if I'm honest), the more books I seem to accumulate, the easier it has become. The phrase *so many books, so little time* was actually created for me, I'm convinced. So, I made a sort of rule for myself: one week or around 50 pages. Whichever comes first, if I am not truly drawn into the story, I abandon and move on. And let's face it, as we all know, there is ALWAYS a next book waiting, right?
;-)

154jessibud2
des. 4, 2016, 7:57 am

re flying. When I was in my 20s, 30s and 40s , I had no issues with it but for some reason, I have also developed a real discomfort with flying and haven't flown in about 10 years or so. I suppose I would if I had to but I would rather not That said, Iceland is one of those places I have really always wanted to see. My cousin's daughter, my net door neighbour and another friend have all been there within the last year and had nothing but high praise for what a stunning country it is. Oh well.....

155PaulCranswick
des. 4, 2016, 9:40 am

>154 jessibud2: Surprisingly for someone who does do a lot of travelling, I don't at all enjoy the experience of flying. I suppose that i take as a consolation the opportunities it provides to read in an uninterrupted state,

Have a lovely weekend, Deb.

156karenmarie
des. 4, 2016, 10:05 am

>149 vancouverdeb: I'm sorry that you're phobic about flying, Deborah. My husband is phobic too, but only because he's had open heart surgery and 14 years ago his doctor to not fly. He still won't even consider it.

I recently flew to California for 2 weeks. It was a last minute decision because of my mom's health and I only got one decent seat out of the 4 planes I was on. If I could fly first class I'd be happy..... lots of reading time, but that's a financial luxury that just won't happen.

157mdoris
des. 4, 2016, 5:48 pm

Great that you have made a good transition to your new computer and that you have in-family great support Deborah. Those kids come in handy for something! I know what you mean about the flying though. We are right now in Kona Hawaii to get some sun and warmth and guess what??? It's RAINING. Can you believe it? Had a visit though to an amazing used bookstore and got the Annie Dillard book An American Childhood that I have seen a lot of positive press about on LT and it is not in my new library system. But back to the flying, had a very short but it felt LONG trip from the new city to Vancouver before the trip to Hawaii and it was a bit of a nail biter, a wee plane, no chance of standing up.

158banjo123
des. 5, 2016, 12:14 am

Congrats on the new computer! It's great that your son is so helpful.

159vancouverdeb
des. 6, 2016, 5:23 am

>152 charl08: That is great link, Charlotte. No worries about forgetting about the phobia :) It's really a phobia that I cannot get over.

>153 jessibud2: So true, Shelley, there is always another book waiting, though sometimes it can be difficult to find just the right one!

>154 jessibud2: I flew without anxiety til I was16 and I'd flown a lot as my dad was an airline pilot, so our family got passes to fly. Perhaps I know too much :) As far as Iceland goes, my mom and niece went to Iceland about 3-4 years ago and loved it, and both of my brother's have been ,as well as my Icelandic grandparents in the distant past. So I am quite keen to hear what my son and daughter - in - law will have to say about it.

160vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 6, 2016, 5:38 am

>155 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul! I did have a pretty good weekend, but a busy one. As far as flying goes, is your discomfort due to the small seats etc or anxiety?

>156 karenmarie: Sorry about your husband, Karen. I can understand his anxiety. From some of the people I talk to , they feel just as you do. I know last time my husband's brother flew out he cursed the flight back since he could not find room for his legs, as he is 6'4. He really disliked it. I think most people would prefer to fly 1st class.

>157 mdoris: Oh Kona Hawaii, Mary! That sounds lovely! I understand about the unending rain, but today it snowed! Such a hassle, and my elder son had some very poor tires and finally today and went and got some new tires on his car. I am so relived. You know how it is when it snows in Vancouver area! Everything grinds to a halt, we got more snow than was anticipated , and buses got stuck, sky train was down for quite a while, Burnaby Mountain and SFU were more or less closed down. Oh! Sorry about the plane - I'm guessing it was a 737? In the old days they would have never flown a two engine plane to Hawaii or Europe, but nowadays, supposedly the engines are more reliable and I think the flying public demands less and less expensive flying, so you get smaller plans that are chock a block full.

>158 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda Sons are a mixed blessing at times! :) My younger son is very responsible and helpful , but our elder son, though a loving fellow, is more of a risk taker and put it off, etc and he worries me a lot. It is really true that you never stop being a parent! :)

161vancouverdeb
des. 6, 2016, 5:39 am

I've finished Kit's Law and I love it! 5 stars! What a fab new to me author. I'm going to bed now, but I'll try to get a review together. Nothing special happening right now, just busy " real life." :)

162msf59
des. 6, 2016, 7:02 am

Hi, Deb! Did you start the Dillard memoir? You might also enjoy my current one, A Gentleman in Moscow. It is a Big Boy, but beautifully written. Expect more warbling on that one.

163PaulCranswick
des. 6, 2016, 7:41 am

>160 vancouverdeb: I always tell myself that the seats keep getting smaller whilst I of course stay the same size!

164lit_chick
des. 6, 2016, 10:14 am

5* read alert, woohoo!

165EBT1002
des. 6, 2016, 1:09 pm

Good morning, Deb. I hope you're having the same sunny day we're having a couple hundred miles to the south.

Re: flying. I don't love it but I don't mind it, either. I try to think of it as undisturbed reading time (I never pay for the in-flight internet access) and that helps. It makes it feel special and a bit decadent.

I look forward to your comments about Kit's Law.

And good luck adjusting to the new computer!

166mdoris
des. 6, 2016, 6:47 pm

HI Deborah, I guess I didn't make myself clear at all . The wee plane was from Vanc. Island to Vancouver then a very good sized plane to Kona, (thank heavens). I am reading such a great book The Nordic Theory of Everything and it's making me want to visit the Nordic countries. The snow situation in Vancouver sounds challenging.

167vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 6, 2016, 11:52 pm

>162 msf59: I have my eye on A Gentleman in Moscow, and yes, I have the Annie Dilliard memoir. I love Kit's Law so much , I'm having a difficult time finding something to follow that fabulous 5 star read.

>163 PaulCranswick: Paul, I genuinely think that the seats and legroom are getting smaller, from all the complaints I hear from people. It's not just you! :)

>164 lit_chick: Yes, RED ALERT, 5 star read with Kit's Law , though I've yet to think on a review or comments yet for the book, Nancy. Donna Morrisey sure knows how to spin a fascinating , unique yarn. Fascinating characters, great plot that kept me gripped and a real feel for Newfoundland.

168vancouverdeb
des. 7, 2016, 12:01 am

>165 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! We've had sunny day today, yes, but all crunchy and icy outside. Another snow/ ice storm is supposed to blow in mid to late Thursday and it is supposed to be worse than the snow we had this past Sunday/ Monday. Apparently the possibility of high winds too. Not my cuppa. I'm doing well with the new computer, knock on wood. Doesn't seem to be much different from the last operating program .

>166 mdoris: Oh! One of those little float planes, Mary? A Beaver or a Twin Otter? You'd never get me in a float plane. My brother used to fly one and he loved it, but boy I thought it was a risky venture. Or, just a small land to land puddle jumper from Victoria to Vancouver? Name the type of plane and I can find something dangerous to think about it! :) Glad you are enjoying Kona while the rest of of us are enduring the snow and ice. The Nordic Theory of Everything sounds wonderful. My son and daughter in law are planning a trip over spring break to Iceland, Copenhagen and Amsterdam . I'll be so curious to hear what they think about it.

169mdoris
des. 7, 2016, 2:49 am

"Twin engine beechcraft" according to HIMSELF. (who is watching me as I type this) and listening to the crazy noise of surf below our balcony. Yes, Iceland, I think you have a family connection? Yikes, more snow and wind on Thurs. Batten down the hatches! Please don't tell me the dangerous stuff. Have to fly back on the wee thing on Wed. to pick up Maggie.

170charl08
des. 7, 2016, 3:48 am

My mum wants to go on one of those sea planes. She's struggling to find someone in the family who wants to go with her. It seems there are only a few left to go on in the UK - the one I found she could book was in the north of Scotland ( a long way to go for a ten minute flight!).

171lit_chick
des. 7, 2016, 10:57 am

Deb, I'm about 50 pp into The Break and loving it! When I requested it from the library, there was no one in the queue, so I got it right away. Of course, I had to finish the book I was already reading, so I didn't get started immediately. Now, there are 32 people waiting on it, LOL! So ... maybe I just won't sleep for the next few days (or not work, ha!).

172vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 7, 2016, 7:16 pm

>169 mdoris: "Twin Engine Beechcraft." I love how himself lets you know, Mary :) I was sitting beside my husband when I read that and he replied, well there is more that one type of a twin engine beechcraft. So we looked them up. There are few sizes, some carry about 18 or19 people and some carry less than that. In any case, I hope you are safely home by now. Or will be shortly. Wednesday is definitely the day to travel this week, with the snow threatened for tomorrow. Snow always creates havoc at the airport, now matter what sort of plane you are flying in. Safe as houses, Mary! :) Safe as houses! Yes, the Icelandic thing, my mom is " pure Icelandic" though most of my great grandparents were born here in Canada, rather than Iceland. My grandparents could speak and read Icelandic , though they were born in Canada, but my mom, not so.

>170 charl08: Here on the coast, we have a lot of float planes. I recall when we lived closer to the airport, the floatplane noise would wake me up early in the morning. Drove me a bit crazy. Take-off from the river at first light. They are really something to watch taking off and landing, but not my cup of tea to fly in. I do hope your mom can find a seaplane buddy to accompany her. Where do they fly in Scotland? The Hebrides? (I've read Ann Cleaves. I know my brother loved flying them, but my daughter in law took a flight in one with my son and she felt a bit nauseous.

>171 lit_chick: So glad you are enjoying The Break, Nancy. That was a five star read for me . I think it was the so true to life depiction of life off the reserve and in the North End of Winnipeg that really grabbed me. Great insight and characterization. I read it more out of a sense of obligation, as it was a short - listed for a Can - Lit prize and ended up really loving it. Crazy how the word got out about it at your library. I hope you continune to enjoy it. I really loved Kit's Law too . I'm sure you'll love it.

173The_Hibernator
des. 9, 2016, 12:56 pm

Happy Friday!

174mdoris
des. 9, 2016, 6:57 pm

Hi Deborah. Sounds like you have a HIMSELF too! I will do a head count of passengers on Wed. (upon our return) to let you know numbers so we can pinpoint the exact size of the Beechcraft! Cloudy here and even some rain, can you believe it?

175Familyhistorian
des. 10, 2016, 2:27 am

Well, the snow on Monday doesn't seem too bad now does it, Deb? It is really accumulating out there. Maybe we should all hibernate until it goes away.

176PaulCranswick
des. 10, 2016, 3:28 am

>175 Familyhistorian: Hibernation would be the order of things if I was there. Snow is great to look at but that's all.

Have a lovely and warm weekend, Deb.

177Familyhistorian
des. 10, 2016, 2:25 pm

>176 PaulCranswick: Hibernation is not really an option so close to Christmas, Paul, just wishful thinking I'm afraid. Deb seems to have gone to ground though.

Are you snowed under, Deb?

178vancouverdeb
des. 10, 2016, 6:58 pm

>173 The_Hibernator: Happy Saturday, Rhonda!

>174 mdoris: Oh, indeed I have a " HIMSELF" myself! Yes, Mary , do a head count of the seats of passengers upon your return and we'll know if it is a King Air Beechcraft, or Beechcraft 1900 C or D etc :) My husband pointed out that back in the day my brother used to fly a King Air ( which is a twin engined Beechcraft , but quite small. ) When my brother used to refer to flying the King Air , I thought that was it's full name. Not great weather in Kona , sorry about that! At least you are missing out on our poor weather here in the Greater Vancouver Area. Such a mess.

>175 Familyhistorian: Such a mess out there, Meg. Right now it is raining and I think it may turn to ice or snow shortly. Ugh!

179vancouverdeb
des. 10, 2016, 7:05 pm

>176 PaulCranswick: I've been sort of trying to hibernate, Paul. Such yucky, slippery weather and temps I am not accustomed too any more. Slush , snow and just a mess.

>177 Familyhistorian: Well, Meg, I've not gone to ground quite, but yes I've been avoiding walking the dog, for fear of slipping on the ice, but I've got to get out today. And poor old Poppy gets great clumps of snow on her paws and is very uncomfortable, but restless without her walks. I'd get her little boots for her feet, but she would bite me for trying to put on boots. I don't like the thought of the salt getting onto her feet either. We'll see what we find today. Not snowed under, just a big sloppy mess.

I'll try to return soon. I've been dreading making a review for Kit's Law ,which I loved - a 5 star read and I'm currently reading Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin.

Off to brave the weather with the dog. Wish me luck! ;)

180mdoris
Editat: des. 10, 2016, 10:23 pm

Good luck Deborah with the snow and ice. May it melt soon and be back to it's old tricks.....RAIN. I look forward to your Kit's Law review. I think I read it ages ago must go look it up.

181Familyhistorian
des. 10, 2016, 11:31 pm

>179 vancouverdeb: I hope your walk went well, Deb. I don't think you have to worry about salt on the sidewalks, you can't even see the pavement for the packed down snow and I think the cities are running out of salt.

182vancouverdeb
des. 11, 2016, 5:39 pm

>180 mdoris: Hi Mary! Today is +5 C according to a quick look at my phone and it's sunny too! For the moment, that is :) You know how quickly the weather can shift here. I think it supposed to remain to get colder again this week, but maybe less snow? Rain looks good to me after this mess of snow.

>181 Familyhistorian: My walk turned out to be pretty cold and rainy yesterday Meg. Was raining quite hard as time went on. I was quite glad to get home. The sidewalks were nice and clear and I'm not sure if there was salt or not. I'm not sure if my city is running out of salt or not. Lots of business in Steveston and at least they clear the sidewalk. I did not see any big rock salt but then it was raining so hard.

183msf59
Editat: des. 11, 2016, 6:11 pm

Happy Sunday, Deb! It looks like you are still on a nice reading roll. I finished A Gentleman in Moscow and it also hit the 5 star mark. What a joy to read!

Do you have snow or is it gone?

184jessibud2
Editat: des. 12, 2016, 1:30 pm

>182 vancouverdeb: - Hi Deb. Well, we finally got our snow. It's been coming down all day, though very lightly so the accumulation hasn't been all that much. I may go out to shovel soon; I love to shovel at night, when everything is quiet and sparkly. I'd say we have about 5 or 6 cm so far but they say we could get up to 15 still overnight.

185vancouverdeb
des. 12, 2016, 9:35 am

>183 msf59: Happy Monday, Mark. Yes , still on a great reading roll. Our snow was nearly gone, but now it is back , overnight! Drat!

>184 jessibud2: Oh, Shelley, you love snow so much more than I do! I think we were supposed to get 5 - 10 cm, but it is now +2 C, so it is starting to melt ( for now ). I let my husband do the shoveling. :)

186jessibud2
des. 12, 2016, 1:33 pm

>185 vancouverdeb: - Yes, Deb, I actually do love snow, always have. Even more now, though, since retiring last year, and I don't *have to* drive in it! ;-)

Our temp is just above zero right now so all the overnight plowing has brought the roads right down to the pavement, which makes for easier driving. But after today, the temps are going to plummet for the rest of the week and we could get more snow. I laughed this morning when I went out to top up the bird feeder: I stood on the pile of snow I shoveled last night and didn't need to bring out the step stool to reach it!

187charl08
des. 12, 2016, 2:47 pm

Glad your other half is doing the shovelling Deborah. Hope the weather improves so Poppy doesn't have to worry about the icy conditions.

188mdoris
des. 15, 2016, 12:10 am

Well Deborah, I flew into your neck of the woods in the early hours of the morning (red eye flight) and it was stunning, snow icing on all the surrounding mountains. Flew out again a few hours later on the noisy and cold twin engine Beechcraft that had room for 19 passengers. The trip up Vancouver Island was stunning as well. It was a long full day.

189vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 15, 2016, 7:31 pm

>186 jessibud2: We've still got snow and the temperatures are still around 2 C to -9 C at night! Argh! Not my scene! Bring back the rain!

>187 charl08: Charlotte, it is still cold and icy out. I think there is a change of snow or rain over the weekend, but I'm not sure. So far Poppy is coping okay.

>188 mdoris: Mary, that would be a long day, Hawaii to YVR , and then off on twin Engine Beechcraft. Okay, room for 19 passengers, likely a Beechcraft 1900. My mom flew on one of those from Toronto to somewhere in Pennsylvania to visit some friends. She commented on how small the plane was, but she apparently did not mind the flight. Mind you, my mom would never admit to being afraid of a flight :)

190vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 16, 2016, 9:21 am

I'm way behind with my books and life in general . I read and loved Kit's Law by Donna Morrisey. I read it about a week ago, so my comments will be brief. The story takes place in 1950's Newfoundland, in a small hamlet known as Haire's Hollow. It is a fascinating story. Fourteen year old Kit lives with her grandma, Nan / Lizzy , along with her mentally handicapped mother, Josie. Nan looks after both Josie and Kit. When Nan dies suddenly , there are people in the town who would prefer to see Josie in an asylum , and Kit off to an orphanage. The town is populated by fascinating , well drawn characters, the starchy, hell and brimstone Reverend Ropson, the kindly town Doctor Hodgins, as well as " Shine", a frightening psychopath. Despite the fact that perhaps these sound like " stock " characters, they really are not. The characters are intriguing and nuanced. A very memorable and different tale of life in out port Newfoundland. Donna Morrissey can really weave a great story and I felt immersed in 1950's Newfoundland. I was quickly drawn into the story and found it to be a page turner. 5 stars, one of my most memorable reads of the year . I even went out to the local second hand bookstore and purchased Sylvanus Now, Downhill Chance and What They Wanted for future reads by the same author.

I'm so delighted to find a new- to- me Can Lit author and I encourage you to to try Kit's Law. Highly recommended.

Right now in the stores, Donna Morrisey has a new book out, The Fortunate Brother, which is the third in a trilogy that begins with Sylvanus Now. Kit's Law is a stand along novel, but seeing The Fortunate Brother in the stores is what twigged me onto Donna Morrissey.


191vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 15, 2016, 11:19 pm

I can thank Paul for my next read. I was browsing his proposed British Author Reads for 2017 and the author Ian Rankin was among the Scottish writers. I've seen so many books in the store by Ian Rankin, but of course I had to start with the first in the Inspector Rebus series. I located that at my local second hand shop and what a writer! A "tartan noir" but not too " noir " at all. A gripping mystery and less a police procedural. Inspector John Rebus trudges along in life, drinking and smoking too much. He lives alone in his run - down flat, estranged from his wife and daughter. When two young teen age girls are abducted and turn up dead, John Rebus is on the case. Strange clues arrive directly to Rebus, typewritten letters with messages like 'THERE ARE CLUES EVERYWHERE" and "FOR THOSE WHO READ BETWEEN THE LINES." Enclosed with the letters are tied pieces of string, and matchsticks stuck together to make a cross. Is the murderer someone who knows Rebus personally? A literary thriller/ mystery , leavened with black humour, I am so glad to have stumbled upon this author. 4 stars and Highly recommended.

Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin.

192vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 23, 2016, 7:31 pm

And I'm back in Edinburgh with Inspector Rebus with Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin

193PaulCranswick
des. 15, 2016, 9:03 pm

>192 vancouverdeb: And there are plenty to go at Deb with 21 books so far in the Rebus series.

194lit_chick
des. 15, 2016, 9:31 pm

Woohoo! And onto the list goes Kit's Law and Rankin's Inspector Rebus series. Thanks, Deb! I don't know what I'd do with all the spare time I'd have on my hands if I didn't visit your thread and fill up my lists, hehe : ).

195vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 15, 2016, 11:18 pm

>193 PaulCranswick: I've been noticing the Inspector Rebus series for quite a while , and I'm not sure what took me so long to give the series a try. Thanks for inadvertent push, Paul! Yes, I've got a new go - to - series! Always a delight.

>194 lit_chick: I'm quite sure you will love Kit's Law , Nancy! It's a much more complex story than what I've made it sound like - but best to get into the book and find out on your own. Really an excellent read. I'm sure you will enjoy Inspector Rebus too. Yes, you and your long , long holidays and light work loads! ;) Glad to find something for you to do! :)

196mdoris
Editat: des. 16, 2016, 1:46 am

Oh Deborah, there are many Rebus DVDs. I'm sure your library will have them all. I loved them and even got to try some scotch in the Edinburgh pubs where Rebus drinks while we were visiting daughter #2 who was studying there. I once went to an author reading by Rankin at the Vancouver downtown Cathedral (Burrard and W Georgia). What a fabulous night it was where he talked about his amazing writing. Enjoy!

197vancouverdeb
des. 16, 2016, 1:42 am

>196 mdoris: Thanks for the info on the Rebus DVD's! I had no idea! I'll definitely check my library. I'm really enjoying his introduction to his novels, since these are all re- prints from 1985 and on. He sounds like the most interesting fellow . How wonderful that you got to here him speak at the downtown Cathedral. That would be fascinating. Edinburgh sounds like a very interesting city! I hope you enjoyed a bit of " plonk" or " ale" for the sake of Rebus, Mary.

198jnwelch
des. 16, 2016, 11:41 am

You're tempting me to return to the Rebus stories, Deb. I read the first two a long time ago, and then lost track of the series.

199charl08
des. 16, 2016, 3:45 pm

Enjoying all the Rebus love. It was quite funny to read them when I lived there - I'd be walking down a little passageway (gunnel) thinking about grim goings on.

200vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 16, 2016, 9:59 pm

>198 jnwelch: Do be tempted, Joe! I'm really enjoying the series. I had purchased Knots and Crosses some years ago, but it never " grabbed me." Then I read Ian Rankin on Paul's thread and decided I've really got to give Inspector Rebus a try.

>199 charl08: Well, I've never been to Edinburgh, but I know what you mean. Sometimes I'll have read a bit of a thriller and be walking the dog after dark and wonder if I ought to be more anxious! :)

201lit_chick
des. 16, 2016, 9:00 pm

Oh, Rebus DVDs and books! I'm looking forward to this series. And I've just finished Montalbano and Maisie Dobbs (well, listening to the last Maisie at the moment). Thanks, Paul, Deb, and Mary.

202vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 16, 2016, 10:34 pm

>201 lit_chick: I particularly enjoy the forwards to the books, written by Ian Rankin in retrospect, so be sure not to miss reading the introductions, Nancy:) Ian Rankin looks back on his novels with a bit of witty criticism, and explanation for why he wrote what he did. I find that very fascinating. It took him two years to get Knots and Crosses written and published and he really had to shop it around. Apparently the series really did not take off at all until his third book. He was busy studying for a Masters' or PHD in English Lit at the University of Edinburgh when he wrote Knots and Crosses. Oh Nancy! Finished the Maisie Dobbs series. I am slowing down my Maisie Dobbs reads so as make them last but I needed a change from Maisie for a little while. Jaqueline Winspear does have a new Maisie Dobbs out in 2018.

203PaulCranswick
des. 16, 2016, 10:29 pm

>202 vancouverdeb: I have a few Rebus books to go (well about half of them actually). I will try to make a dent in them in 2017.

Have a lovely weekend, Deb.

204FAMeulstee
des. 17, 2016, 7:52 am

I aready have Ian Rankins Inspector Rebus books on my list, Deborah, I haven't started yet as some other series are waiting to be read.

205ctpress
des. 17, 2016, 2:36 pm

Wow, Kit's Law sounds really great the way you describe the characters in the story. I'll look out for that one.

Great that you now have a new " to-go'"crime fiction-series, Deborah. I'm tempted, but better stick to the ones I have on my plate at the moment. Think I'll look into the dvd's...

206vancouverdeb
des. 17, 2016, 5:24 pm

>203 PaulCranswick: You have so much on the go reading wise, Paul, it will be great if you can " shoe-horn " in a Rebus or two next year. Happy Weekend to you too!

>204 FAMeulstee: Enjoy them, Anita! You've had such a great reading year , I've no doubt of what you can read next year.

>205 ctpress: Carsten, Kit's Law is so much better then I was able to capture in my comments. It's really the most unexpected story. You'll love it, if you can find it!

207Familyhistorian
des. 18, 2016, 1:36 am

I have never read anything by Ian Rankin but you make them sound very interesting, Deb. The fact that they are set in Edinburgh would make them even better in my books as I know a bit about the city having been visited there - I didn't spend all of my time in Scotland's people, we had to eat you know.

208vancouverdeb
des. 18, 2016, 5:58 pm

>Ian Rankin is definitely a very good writer, in my opinion. Give him a try , Meg. Ugh! More snow today! And a lot of it today . It is still supposed to turn to rain today, and I am very hopeful that it will.

209Familyhistorian
des. 18, 2016, 10:35 pm

>208 vancouverdeb: Did your snow turn to rain yet, Deb? It is still a winter wonderland where I am.

210vancouverdeb
des. 18, 2016, 11:29 pm

>209 Familyhistorian: My husband says there was some rain today, mixed with snow. We still have snow, but at the moment no precipitation. As best I know, it is supposed to change to rain overnight. Crosses fingers!

211PaulCranswick
des. 19, 2016, 8:52 am

Deb, I really liked the list of great Canadian novels that you put up on Charlotte's thread. I have to confess to having only read 11 of the 100 on there but own a further 21 or so.

I managed to persuade Ilana to carry on with the Canadian Author Challenge next year as I think it adds greatly to the experience of the group. I have promised to help out with the administration of the threads to free up some time for Ilana to cogitate. I hope that you will join in and give plenty of suggestions.

212vancouverdeb
des. 19, 2016, 4:53 pm

>211 PaulCranswick: Glad to know that you enjoyed the list of Canadian Novels that I put on Charlotte's thread. Here it is again - http://www.cbc.ca/books/2014/07/the-cbc-books-100-bonus-10-novels-that-make-you-...

There are 100 books plus a bonus 10. I am quite sure I have read 26 of them, and like you, I have more of them on my shelves. I'm always keen to support " Can Lit," though I love to read from the new Can- Lit Prize lists each year. We have several big prizes - The Rogers Trust Prize, The Governor General's award, as well as the Giller Prize.

Yes, I'll try to participate more in the CAC. Thanks for helping out Ilana. I'll come and visit the new thread with some suggestions once it is up. Living on the west coast, some of my fab Canadian Authors can tend to be a bit more western oriented than Ilana's might be - she lives in Quebec, so she is more conscious of French writers perhaps?

213jessibud2
des. 19, 2016, 5:27 pm

>212 vancouverdeb: - Speaking of Canadian writers, Deb, did you hear Bill Richardson on CBC radio yesterday morning? It was so terrific to hear him again. I will have to suggest his name for the CAC as well. Probably his most famous is The Bachelor Brothers Bed & Breakfast and its sequel but I have several of his other volumes on my shelves and he is wicked brilliant in his poetry, too. Have you ever read his Canada Customs or Queen of all the Dustballs. And because of his many years on radio, I could actually hear his voice as I read his words. Double delight

214raidergirl3
Editat: des. 19, 2016, 11:54 pm

>212 vancouverdeb: someone posted those 100+10 Canadian books over at Lists. Go add the books you've read to the list! I have such fun at Lists on LT.

>213 jessibud2: aw, Bill Richardson is awesome. I had a job one summer that involved a lot of driving around, and Crosswords on CBC was a staple of my day. Have you read Waiting for Gertrude: A Graveyard Gothic by Richardson? Reincarnated cats in a cemetery in Paris, with all the famous dead Parisians. Very unique.

ETA: https://www.librarything.com/list/10448/all/CBC-Books-Canadas-100-%2B-bonus-10-W...
Here's the List

215charl08
des. 19, 2016, 6:44 pm

Did someone say lists? Rushes off to check....

Sorry about all the snow Deborah. Hope you get a few clear days soon.

216msf59
des. 19, 2016, 6:47 pm

Hi, Deb! Glad to hear you have warmer temps and departing snow. Sounds perfect. I can go back to being jealous now.

217jessibud2
des. 19, 2016, 7:20 pm

>214 raidergirl3: - I haven't read that one yet though it is on my shelf, waiting. I actually have 7 books by him on my bookshelf and can't wait till his newest one is out in paperback.

218lit_chick
des. 19, 2016, 8:16 pm

I'm with Charlotte ... did someone says lists? *off to check, too* LOL!

219vancouverdeb
des. 20, 2016, 12:02 am

>213 jessibud2: Shelley, I am quite sure that I read The Bachelor Brothers Bed & Breakfast " way back when" and enjoyed it. I don't think I have read any other of his books, nor have I had the pleasure of listening to him on the radio. Sounds wonderful!

>214 raidergirl3: Thanks Elizabeth for the list location. I'll investigate a little later :) Waiting for Gertrude: A Graveyard Gothic sounds perfect for one of my sisters. I know she is a fan of Bill Richardson and all things unique and CAT! :) Thanks for that.

>215 charl08: THE SNOW IS GONE!!!! Hurrah Charlotte, and may it not return for several years. ( That could be tempting fate ) . No precipitation while Poppy and I were out on our walk today!

220vancouverdeb
des. 20, 2016, 12:06 am

>216 msf59: Hi there Mark! Yes, temp was about +4 C which is about??? 40 F. It is supposed to get warmer as the week goes on! Very pleased! Sorry for your snow

>217 jessibud2: Wow! You really are a fan of Bill Richardson, Shelley. Enjoy!

>218 lit_chick: LOL! See you there, Nancy!

221Familyhistorian
des. 20, 2016, 12:52 am

>219 vancouverdeb: The snow is still here, Deb. It was a very miserable day. Most of the people who commute to work were late as buses were stuck on hills. I was only an hour late getting in to work. I had to slog through the slush and puddles which were on the sidewalks as well as the sides of the road. When the traffic actually moved (it was stuck for a long time) it sprayed the pedestrians on the sidewalk. My boots didn't dry out by the time I got to leave work. So no, the snow is not gone!

222ctpress
des. 20, 2016, 2:48 am

#212 - I love lists so this one is bookmarked also, Deborah. I've read two of the novels, Generation X and Life of Pi - (both memorable reads) but several of them are on my TBR-list. (Tried Neuromancer once but got so confused I had to drop it.)

I guess the list is only a survey of contemporary/modern writers or else L.M. Montgomery would have made the list? I see Anne of Green Gables is on the 10+ readers choice list - but hardly a modern writer :) could be interesting with an all-time-Canadian-list so I could look into some old Canadian classics :)

223jnwelch
des. 20, 2016, 9:28 am

Hi, Deb!

I'm another one who enjoyed The Bachelor Brothers' Bed and Breakfast way back when.

Our temp is heading back toward yours, thank goodness. High 20s F (-1.6 C?) today, and going up from there.

224PaulCranswick
des. 20, 2016, 9:47 am

Deb,

In keeping with your addition to the List-a-holics club....
The BBC had commissioned a survey to find out which were the 100 best loved novels in the UK (not necessarily by British Authors).

Here is the list:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100_2.shtml

There must be a little bit in it as I have read 51 of them and have a further 24 on the shelves.

225ctpress
des. 20, 2016, 10:21 am

#224 - Thanks for sharing, Paul - bookmarked - I've read 52, and there's a surprising amount of older classics on the list.

226Donna828
Editat: des. 20, 2016, 10:35 am

I am a list lover particularly when it involves books. Thanks for posting the link to Canadian books, Deb...and also to Paul for the U.K. Faves.

I'm always happy to check out a 5-star book so will be looking into Kit's Law. I'm glad you eased into the new computer with no glitches. Sometimes the transition is not a happy one. I tend to keep computers for a long time for that reason.

ETA: I have read and enjoyed 24 off the books on your list, Deborah. I own a few more which I will try to get to in 2017. I owe you for several of the recommendations!

Back again... I am 59 out of Paul's 💯! Another great list!

227brodiew2
des. 20, 2016, 11:18 am

Good morning, Deb. I hope all is well with you. :-)

228lit_chick
des. 20, 2016, 12:24 pm

Another great list for sure! Thanks, Paul. I'm 45 for this one. Deb, I'm 31 on CBC's 100 Novels That Made You Proud to be Canadian, and I've got several more of these waiting in the wings. I'm putting the Canadian list on my thread, too, and I've printed a PDF. Do I love lists much? I'm obsessed, LOL!

229vancouverdeb
des. 20, 2016, 5:27 pm

>221 Familyhistorian: I heard via my husband that people coming into work from Vancouver had a difficult time of it. I'm not sure what the problem was - I heard there were not many snow clearing and salt trucks out in Vancouver. Here in my spot of Vancouver, we have sunny and 8 C or about 47 F! The snow is gone and it was gone yesterday too! Hurrah! Sorry for your trouble, Meg.

>222 ctpress: Well, Carsten, you have to remember that Canada celebrates it's 150 th birthday next year, so what is modern and old to us, might be different for you in Denmark. I writer from 1920 or 1940 would be " historical" by Canadian standards. :) So that list would cover ye olde Canada as well more contemporary.

>223 jnwelch: Your temps sound like they are improving! Just so glad that it is back to " normal " here! Yes to rain and moderate temps, Joe!

230Whisper1
des. 20, 2016, 5:34 pm

All good wishes for a wonderful holiday! May 2017 be filled with light and laughter.

And, all the books you want to read.

231vancouverdeb
des. 20, 2016, 5:37 pm

>224 PaulCranswick: Thanks for the BBC list, Paul! I counted how many I had read and then promptly forget if it was 32 or 23. I'll re -check that later. I've got to be off for my walk with Poppy while the sun still shines. Thanks for the list! :)

>225 ctpress: Good to see you again, Carsten!

>226 Donna828: Kit's Law was just such a fabulous read, Donna! I'm sure you will enjoy it and I'm thrilled that you are going to give it a try. I think my son who is the " techie guy" really helped with the computer transition. He recommended Windows 7 over Windows 10 as he felt the transition would be easy. Last year when I began realizing that we needed a new computer, Windows 10 seemed to be all that was around, but apparently Window 10 was so badly received, that they went back to releasing Windows 7 as well as Window 10 etc. Wow! 59/100 on Paul's BBC list! :)

232vancouverdeb
des. 20, 2016, 5:41 pm

>227 brodiew2: Good afternoon, Brodie! I hope all is well in your neck of the woods too.

>228 lit_chick: I did not realize that you were so list obsessed, Nancy. But of course, you are a teacher:) I think my printer needs more ink - need new cartridge I think. Thanks for the cute gif! So fun!

>230 Whisper1: Thanks for the lovely good wishes and the fabulous Christmas image! That is darling , Linda!

233ctpress
des. 20, 2016, 6:26 pm

Ah, yes, a young country... I listened to Händels Messiah yesterday in one of our churches in Copenhagen, built in 1563 - actually exactly 500 years older than me :)

I found another list at CBC at the bottom - the 100 "young adult" list - and they have placed Anne of Green Gables there. So I guess that's the explanation.

234lit_chick
des. 20, 2016, 7:41 pm

ye olde Canada! You never fail to amuse, Deb!

235mdoris
Editat: des. 20, 2016, 9:40 pm

I love lists!
26 for the BBC list
56 for the CBC list
Have a peek at this one!
Cumulative list of "best of 2016" many sources.
http://www.largeheartedboy.com/blog/archive/2016/11/online_best_of_73.html

>233 ctpress: Carsten. I am trying to imagine how truly wonderful listening to Handel's Messiah must have been in a 500 year old Church in Copenhagen. Memory for a life time!

236ctpress
des. 21, 2016, 3:13 am

#233 - Make that 400 years older than me (and the church 453 years old) , the math didn't add up :)

237vancouverdeb
des. 21, 2016, 4:48 am

>233 ctpress: Yes, I'm amazed at how old your building are too, Carsten. Here's another list for you - " heritage buildings in Vancouver." They are designated "heritage building" and thus cannot really have any renovations done, so as to preserve them. I worked in one in " days of yore" and I recall we could not put a bank machine in the bank due to it being a heritage building. It has a really old elevator that you had sort of hand crank the door open and shut. I tried not to take that elevator, but sometimes I had to do so . It kind of scared me. The third floor had the washrooms and I used the stairs But it was kind of cool. Of course, Vancouver is one of the youngest major cities in Canada, because the Country settled from East to West. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_heritage_buildings_in_Vancouver .

>234 lit_chick: And the embarrassing part of that is that I don't even try to amuse you half the time, Nancy :) I'm just a " half -wit" in the words of my good old dad. Perhaps his manner of expressing himself rubbed off on me.

>235 mdoris: My goodness, Mary, a list of lists! A lot to take in!

>236 ctpress: Ah Carsten, I promise to keep your age a secret. So you are two years younger than I am , but I have a birthday in January.

238jessibud2
des. 21, 2016, 8:29 am

Just announced that Ali Hassan has been named the new host of Canada Reads.

http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads/

I'll be looking at that list. Apparently, the short list will be announced on January 31st.

239PaulCranswick
des. 21, 2016, 10:41 am

>235 mdoris: That is some list of lists, Mary.

240mdoris
des. 21, 2016, 11:24 am

>235 mdoris: I think so too Paul. LHboy does it every year. My brother has a great interest in science books so i can send him the pertinent links which is fun for me. LHboy is greatly into music too.

241vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 21, 2016, 8:11 pm

>238 jessibud2: I wasn't aware of the existance of the Long List for Canada Reads. I've read just two , Fifteen Dogs and The Break by Katherena Vermette. I enjoyed both, but I loved The Break . Thanks for the list, Shelley.

>239 PaulCranswick:
>240 mdoris: Agreed Mary and Paul - that is some list of lists! Mary, it is great that you share an interest in books with your brother.

242The_Hibernator
Editat: des. 22, 2016, 11:27 am

I'm a list-lover too. 54 for BBC, and TWO for the CBC. That's right. 2.

ETA: I guess I should read more Canadian lit

243vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 22, 2016, 6:12 pm

>242 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel! I've yet to count my books for the BBC list. LOL about 2 for the CBC! :) No problem. If want any ideas for good Canadian Lit, just ask! But I know you that you are reading through the Bible and do plenty of reading, so nothing to feel badly about with the Can Lit. You crack me up ;-)

244EBT1002
des. 22, 2016, 6:58 pm

>235 mdoris: Oh my, that is a very comprehensive list of lists!

*waves at Deb*

245EBT1002
des. 22, 2016, 7:00 pm

>238 jessibud2: and >241 vancouverdeb: The Break sounds excellent. I'm adding it to my wish list. (sigh)

246BLBera
des. 22, 2016, 9:19 pm

Happy holidays, Deborah.

247msf59
des. 22, 2016, 9:22 pm

Hi, Deb! I did not care for The Mothers. I just could not connect or enjoy such whiny characters. Ugh! This type of family drama is just not my thing, I guess.

I hope you are enjoying your current read(s) and I am glad Dave is enjoying the Dept Q books.

248vancouverdeb
des. 22, 2016, 10:35 pm

>244 EBT1002: * waves back at Ellen*

>245 EBT1002: And yes, The Break was excellent! It was short -listed for a couple of Can - Lit prizes. Well worth the read, if you can find it in the USA.

>246 BLBera: Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, Beth! Enjoy your time off.

>247 msf59: What! Mark did not care for a book . Ah oh, are you blowing your " man that likes everything " reputation ;-) Thanks for warning me off The Mothers a Novel. Only 3 stars. It does not seem to have earned a lot of accolades here on LT.

249Familyhistorian
des. 22, 2016, 11:04 pm

I hope you are finding time for reading in all the craziness leading up to Christmas, Deb.

250PaulCranswick
des. 22, 2016, 11:28 pm

I think that it is fairly settled that you'll be top Canadian thread in terms of posts this year Deb.

Since I started keeping stats;

2012 Top Three Canadians

1 Ilana
2 Chelle
3 Judy

2013 Top Three Canadians

1 Nancy
2 Micky
3 Judy

2014 Top Three Canadians

1 Ilana
2 Judy
3 Lori

2015 Top Three Canadians

1 Lori
2 Deb
3 Nancy

2016 Top Three Canadians @ 22 December

1 Deb
2 Meg
3 Lori

251mdoris
des. 23, 2016, 1:41 am

Wow Deborah, high traffic over here! Congrats. Stop lights, merge and yield.......only parking on the side streets.
I followed your Dave-rag-baby clothes story and the stories of your treasured jewelry. Thank you for sharing those stories with us! Sorry to hear that Dave is working Christmas. Hope that you have a wonderful one anyway!

252cbl_tn
des. 23, 2016, 8:07 am

Hi Deborah! I just dropped Adrian off at Stella's house before heading to the airport to go to Mexico for Christmas. I'll be with my sister-in-law's family there. I wanted to stop by before leaving to wish you a Merry Christmas. Adrian says that he hopes Santa brings Poppy everything on her list!

253lit_chick
des. 23, 2016, 12:43 pm

Hi Deb, with only days left in 2016, The Wars (thanks to you), will be on my list of BESTS! 5*, you must read!

254EBT1002
des. 23, 2016, 3:44 pm

Hi Deb and Happy Friday. In case I don't get back to visit threads in the next couple of days, I'm leaving this wish for the season.

255johnsimpson
des. 23, 2016, 5:01 pm

Hi Deb, Karen and I would like to wish you and the family a very merry Christmas and whilst we celebrate take a moment to think of those less fortunate than ourselves due to war, starvation and natural disasters. Sending love and hugs.

256vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 23, 2016, 5:47 pm

>249 Familyhistorian: Finding time to read this close to Christmas has been a bit of challenge, Meg. As much I enjoy Christmas, I'll be happy to be back to my usual reading activities :)

>250 PaulCranswick: Well, Paul, let's see if I can continue to hold my own over the holidays! Time for LT gets difficult to find over the next few days, sad to say!

>251 mdoris: Oh you are so cute, Mary! Trouble parking on my thread :) That is the day! Yes, I too am sorry that Dave is working over Christmas. He worked last Christmas too. He has his schedule for next year, but I'm not sure yet if he is working over Christmas 2017. It's the 4 on, 4 off , with no regard for holidays. He works Dec 25 - 27 and they are long days. 10 - 11 hours and over Christmas , the airport is so busy it only makes for longer days. Oh well .

257ctpress
des. 23, 2016, 5:49 pm

Reading has also slowed down here and the next days will be family quality time.

I've just read the excerpts you put on the page for He Wants. I liked The Lighthouse a lot - Look forward to hear what you think of it if you read it soon. Just found a cheap ebook version so I'm tempted.

I wish you a Merry Christmas, Deborah.

258vancouverdeb
des. 23, 2016, 5:52 pm

>252 cbl_tn: Ah, a trip to Mexico sounds just like the ticket over the Christmas holidays, Carrie! Merry Christmas to you and Adrian from Poppy and me. Yesterday she got a new stuffed squeaky toy. So far it is looking good for Poppy over the Christmas Holidays.

>253 lit_chick: Nancy, I'm so delighted that you enjoyed The Wars and what a wonderful review over on your thread. 5 stars! I'll try hard to find some time to read over the next couple of days.

>254 EBT1002: A beautiful wish, Ellen! Thanks so much! My best to you this season too! .

>255 johnsimpson: my best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and Karen, John. Sending love and hugs.

259vancouverdeb
des. 23, 2016, 5:56 pm

>257 ctpress: Carsten, what a delight to see you! I loved The Lighthouse too and I know that you , me and Nancy all read it a month or two apart ( I went first! :) . And all of us enjoyed it and wrote up great reviews. I have a copy of He Wants waiting in the wings . I want to be able to really focus on it, as I read The Lighthouse twice to capture all of the symbolism and meaning.

A very Merry Christmas to you, Carsten!

260msf59
des. 23, 2016, 6:02 pm

Hey, I have been trying to shake off my "man that likes everything " reputation! Do I still need to work at it, eh, Tonto?

261charl08
Editat: des. 23, 2016, 6:16 pm

Add me to the list for Alison Moore - she wants He Wants.

262vancouverdeb
des. 23, 2016, 7:10 pm

>260 msf59: What, Mark! I thought we were going to put one your tombstone " The Man Who Liked Everything" You mean you've changed your mind! :) Lone Ranger, Merry Christmas! You are the best , Like Every Thing or Not. Will you soon be the The Man Called Ove ? An old but sweet curmudgeon, Mark?

>261 charl08: Great Charlotte! Have you read The Lighthouse by Alison Moore? It is really a fascinating read. I had to read twice - right after finishing it, I re - read it to get in all the symbolism, metaphors etc - or maybe I'm a bit slow compared to most :-) No doubt. How this one will compare, we'll have to see ! Glad to have you aboard!

263vancouverdeb
Editat: gen. 1, 2017, 11:44 pm

Just to note that I finished Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin a couple of days ago and really enjoyed it. The second in the series. Another suspenseful time in Edinburgh with lots of red herrings. A junkie lies dead in old abandoned house in a bad area. There is a pentagram drawn on the wall, and the body is lying spread -eagled like a cross on the floor. Just another overdose, or is there more too it? Inspector Rebus is on the case. Another fast paced and intriguing read. 3.9 stars


264jessibud2
des. 23, 2016, 8:12 pm

All the very best of the season to you, Deb, and to all your family.

265PaulCranswick
des. 23, 2016, 10:07 pm



Wouldn't it be nice if 2017 was a year of peace and goodwill.
A year where people set aside their religious and racial differences.
A year where intolerance is given short shrift.
A year where hatred is replaced by, at the very least, respect.
A year where those in need are not looked upon as a burden but as a blessing.
A year where the commonality of man and woman rises up against those who would seek to subvert and divide.
A year without bombs, or shootings, or beheadings, or rape, or abuse, or spite.

2017.

Festive Greetings and a few wishes from Malaysia!

266lit_chick
des. 23, 2016, 11:00 pm

Merry Christmas, Deb, from your bookie pal.

267Familyhistorian
des. 24, 2016, 1:43 am

>256 vancouverdeb: It's probably good for you to have a break from the books for a while so you will appreciate them a lot more when you are able to get back to reading.

It's snowing over here again - this is getting old pretty quick. Do you still have rain. It was rain here until night fell and the temperature dropped. *sign*

I hope you have a happy family Christmas, Deb.

268vancouverdeb
des. 24, 2016, 4:04 am

>264 jessibud2: The Best of the Season to you too, Shelley!

>265 PaulCranswick: Merry Christmas Paul to you and your family! The Best in the New Year!

>266 lit_chick: Merry Christmas, Nancy, dear friend!

>267 Familyhistorian: Merry Christmas, Meg! No sign of snow here and it is not predicated until the 26th of December, but we all know how that goes. But now, just some rain today, not bad at all.

269vancouverdeb
des. 24, 2016, 4:08 am

My son and his wife dropped in for the evening, so my times is shorter over Christmas than I anticipated. We had a great time with just the four of us this evening, but tomorrow we have a family Christmas Eve and then on Christmas we have Christmas Dinner as well.

Poppy our dog had a " gift exchange " with her dog friend " Rusty" this evening as well, so I've had a busy evening.

Merry Christmas to everyone, in case I don't get much a chance to get on LT for a day or two - but you never know! :)

270vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 24, 2016, 4:18 am

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

271charl08
des. 24, 2016, 4:25 am

Glad to hear you're having a good time with the family Deborah. All good wishes.

272SandDune
des. 24, 2016, 4:47 am

Happy Christmas Deborah! I hope you have a great 2017!

273FAMeulstee
des. 24, 2016, 9:21 am

Merry Christmas Deborah!

We leave for a week to the eastern side of the country, to avoid the fireworks with New Year, as Ari doesn't handle all the noise well...

274PaulCranswick
des. 24, 2016, 10:50 am

>269 vancouverdeb: Dogs exchanging gifts?! That is either a euphemism, Deb, or Vancouver is light years more civilised than the rest of the world!

275vancouverdeb
des. 24, 2016, 3:40 pm

>271 charl08: All the Best Wishes to you and yours, Charlotte!

>272 SandDune: Merry Christmas Rhian, and all the best to you in 2017 ( thought I'll be back on LT before 2017! )

>273 FAMeulstee: Merry Christmas Anita, and thanks for the well wishes ! Best to you and Frank and Ari too!

>274 PaulCranswick: Well, Paul, I guess Vancouver is more civilized than the rest of the world! :) Yes, dogs exchanging gifts - with the assistance of their people! :) Poppy also got a Christmas stocking filled with goodies from her once a week professional dog walker. :)

276Ameise1
des. 25, 2016, 5:38 am

Deb, I wish you Merry Christmas


277Carmenere
des. 26, 2016, 8:24 am

Wishing you peace and tranquility this Christmas season

278Trifolia
des. 26, 2016, 3:10 pm

Merry belated Christmas and a very happy New Year, Deb!
I wish you a lot of good books, good health, friendship and coziness!

279vancouverdeb
des. 26, 2016, 5:37 pm

>276 Ameise1: Thank you Barbara! Merry Belated Christmas to you too!

>277 Carmenere: Thanks you Linda! Merry ( Belated ) Christmas to you!

>278 Trifolia: Merry Belated Christmas to you, Monica!

Wishing all of you the best in the New Year!

280Familyhistorian
des. 26, 2016, 10:24 pm

Did you get snow today, Deb?

281Berly
des. 26, 2016, 10:32 pm

Merry, Merry and Happy, Happy!!

282PaulCranswick
des. 26, 2016, 10:34 pm

Over Christmas lunch we discussed the five places we most want to visit that we haven't yet been. My five were:

Canada
USA
Italy
Greece
Sweden

Vancouver would be part of the Canada wishlist for sure.

283Familyhistorian
des. 26, 2016, 10:39 pm

>282 PaulCranswick: Canada is a great place to visit but timing is everything!

284vancouverdeb
des. 26, 2016, 10:42 pm

>280 Familyhistorian: Sadly yes, we got some snow, but happily it turned into rain this afternoon, leaving a bit of mess. We got very little snow, Meg, for which I am thankful! I hope that is it! I think tomorrow is supposed to warm up to 6 F and that is supposed to continue.

>281 Berly: Thanks Kim! Merry Christmas to you too!

285vancouverdeb
des. 26, 2016, 10:55 pm

>284 vancouverdeb: Hi Paul! Vancouver is definitely the best place to see in Canada, in my opinion. We have not any snow for quite a few years, so this is quite different for me. The USA would be a nice place to visit, I'm sure, but I am a little uncertain about visiting during " The Trump " years. I guess we'll have to see how that plays out.

If I were not flying phobic, I'm not sure what countries would be first on my list.

I think the

UK
Iceland
Denmark

286Familyhistorian
des. 26, 2016, 11:42 pm

>284 vancouverdeb: The snow turned to rain here too but we have more of a snow base than you, Deb. It was a definite mess when I walked very carefully to the grocery store this afternoon. A lot of the sidewalks were not shoveled so it is rain on top of packed snow that has turned to ice. It would be nice if it all melted soon. We have had snow on the ground for most of December. You wouldn't want to be walking Poppy around here.

287PaulCranswick
des. 26, 2016, 11:59 pm

>285 vancouverdeb: Iceland made Hani's list too, Deb.

288karenmarie
des. 27, 2016, 10:08 am

Hi Deborah! A Belated Merry Christmas to you. I'm venturing out into the LT world again today, baby steps at first, and am going to draw another line in the sand and go forward on all the threads and friends I haven't had the heart to engage in and with lately. Appropriate oohs and aahs, and congratulations and so sorrys,..... but here's an Early Happy New Year to you and best wishes for all good things in 2017.

289EBT1002
des. 27, 2016, 12:20 pm

>263 vancouverdeb: I enjoyed Hide and Seek and keep thinking I NEED to read the next one in the Rebus series!

290mdoris
des. 27, 2016, 8:43 pm

Oh boy, Iceland is BIG on my list too.

291PaulCranswick
des. 28, 2016, 1:01 am

>290 mdoris: Hani is in thrall to all things Scandinavian. I think I will buy her a Viking helmet for Valentine's Day!

292vancouverdeb
des. 28, 2016, 5:23 am

>286 Familyhistorian: Yes, Meg, I can believe that you have a much bigger snow pack than we have. Even within Richmond, some areas had more snow that others. We have no snow right now and it warmed up quite a bit. Hope the same has happened for you.

>287 PaulCranswick: Hani is very wise, Paul! :)

>288 karenmarie: Best wishes to you in the New Year too, Karen and I hope 2017 treats you better than 2016.

293vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 28, 2016, 5:41 am

>289 EBT1002: So glad that you enjoyed Hide and Seek , Ellen! Ian Rankin is a great author I think , combining a bit of mystery/ thriller with a dash of dark humour. Just the perfect " get away from it all " sort of read.

>290 mdoris: Mary, delighted to read the Iceland is big on your list! I envy ( in a nice way ) my sons 7 day tour of Iceland coming up over spring break 2017. Not sure if that is March or April. He and his wife are going with another couple and touring the entire island, as well as spending 3 days in Copenhagen and then 3 days in Amsterdam.

>291 PaulCranswick: My family already owns a plastic viking helmet, for all the cachet that gives us :) Several family members have posed in the Viking Helmet and it was passed down from my Grandparents. My niece had her mother in law knit their Icelandic Sheepdog an Icelandic Sweater for Christmas. The dog hates it, but he looked very stylish in it! Do purchase Hani a viking helmet! :)

294vancouverdeb
des. 28, 2016, 5:39 am

Sorry I have not posted much over the Christmas season. Initially I was quite busy and then during Christmas dinner, a couple of my family members told me quite venomously that " the Chinese are taking over Richmond" and I heartily disagree and you might recall that my daughter in law is Chinese. Then some sort of * Trump * debate got going over Christmas dinner. There are "Trumpers " in Canada!

Result - I have had enough family for quite a while now and came away from Christmas dinner quite disheartened. Fortunately my daughter - law was not at Christmas Dinner, instead was with my son at her parents.

It has kind of shattered my desire to read for a while, or focus on much of anything. In a few days I'll put it behind me, but I think Dave and I might just skip the Family New Years Eve Dinner in favour of staying home and relaxing or seeing a movie. I hate family drama , so I've found it to be an unsettling past few days.

Sorry for not getting around to your threads.

295karenmarie
des. 28, 2016, 9:00 am

I'm so sorry that you had such an awful Christmas dinner, Deborah. I wish people would keep their nasty racist opinions to themselves. As you said, so shattering. And Trumpers in Canada! Mind boggling. We had a Park the Politics Policy at Thanksgiving, which worked quite well with some cherished family members who I just knew voted for the Orange Gasbag.

I'm reading a book called The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt that discusses the 6 foundations of each person's Moral Philosophy and how liberals, conservatives, and libertarians (he differentiates those three political cohorts) internalize a different grouping of them and how they mean different things depending on whether you are l,c, or libertarian. I'm about halfway through, and wish the Democratic Party had read it and acted upon it for the 2016 US election! It might have provided a guidebook to how to reach out to conservatives in ways that made sense to them.

I hope you get your emotional equilibrium and reading mojo back soon.

296Familyhistorian
des. 28, 2016, 10:32 am

>294 vancouverdeb: No wonder you feel like you have had enough of family for a while, Deb. I hope you enjoy your New Years more than your Christmas.

I wish I had the same amount of snow as you. Our parking lot and sidewalks are still packed with ice.

297PaulCranswick
des. 28, 2016, 11:17 am

>293 vancouverdeb: No, Deb, her idea would be that I wear the Helmet and pretend to be Ragnar the Red or whatever he's called!

>294 vancouverdeb: That is really uncalled for isn't it and especially during Christmas lunch?! I really cannot stand such intolerance though I had to face it with Hani and the kids a time or two. More here than in the UK surprisingly enough.

298lit_chick
des. 28, 2016, 1:10 pm

Oh, Deb, I'm so sorry to hear about the drama at family Christmas dinner. Good grief! I am also very glad that your daughter-in-law was not there. I do understand completely how disheartening such nonsense can be. I would also opt for a quiet NY at home. Take care, my friend. Hugs.

299FAMeulstee
des. 28, 2016, 2:04 pm

>294 vancouverdeb: No need to apologise for not visiting other threads, Deborah, I completely understand you were not in the mood after having your Christmas dinner with not nice people... Sadly they are all around, some feel stronger after Trumps win :-(
I try to avoid having them around.

300charl08
des. 28, 2016, 2:17 pm

Sorry to hear that Deborah. Politics at the dinner table sounds stressful. Hope the next family get together is more peaceful.

301Berly
des. 28, 2016, 4:40 pm

Deborah--I think your New Year's plan is a great idea! Sounds like you have had enough family antagonism for the time being.

302vancouverdeb
des. 28, 2016, 5:42 pm

>295 karenmarie: Thanks for your kind support, Karen. "Orange Gasbag" - now that makes me laugh! That is a help:) I'll have to look into The Righteous Mind . It sounds interesting.

>296 Familyhistorian: I certainly hope I enjoy New Years a lot more than Christmas too, Meg. I don't think we have any snowpack - or very little. The rain has seem to that. But later in the day it could possibly be slippery.

>297 PaulCranswick: Hani wants you to turn into a Viking for her! :) Ragner the Red? Perhaps Erik the Red? LOL! Go for it , Paul.
I really cannot stand such intolerance either. I don't think it was directed at my daughter in law , but as she one of those "Chinese in Richmond" I wish they would think a bit before spewing venom at me.

303Ameise1
des. 28, 2016, 5:44 pm

Sorry to hear about that awful xmas lunch, Deb. Enjoy your time without them.

304vancouverdeb
des. 28, 2016, 5:51 pm

>298 lit_chick: Thanks for your kind words, Nancy. How it all went bad, I'm not sure. I had a lovely evening the night before at my sister's. Not quite the same group of people the next day. Yes I think a nice drama free New Years is in order. Hugs back, Nancy. Family - the good, the bad and the ugly.

>299 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. Strangely it was my mom and one of my sisters' that expressed that venom to me quite out of the blue. I'm really not sure what was going through their heads. And neither of them drinks, just some sort of anger out of the blue? And both of them friendly to my daughter in law in the past . I think they did not think fully about what they said. It really troubled me. If you are going to speak like a racist, be brave about it. Don't just spew at me, was my feeling. But neither has seen fit to apologize to me. In time I'll be able to put it behind me and regain my relationship with them, but not just yet.

305vancouverdeb
des. 28, 2016, 5:59 pm

>300 charl08: I'm not sure how the political discussion etc came up, Charlotte. Usually in my family we can talk about " off key topics" without a problem, but I must admit , the Christmas conversation is turning into a blue for me, which is a plus. Not nice at all.

>301 Berly: I guess there is a reason that people dread getting together with family, Kim and this was one of those times. I had a nice conversation with my other sister and I am feeling a little better, as well as letting time pass.

>303 Ameise1: Yes Barbara, it was a dreadful Christmas Dinner. My husband has to work, so I was there without him. I do think a nice quiet stress free New Years Day is in order.

Thanks to all of you for your kindness. I'll be off with Poppy on our walk. I was so upset for the past couple of days, I could not get myself to even do that. I think I am gradually putting it behind me.

306mdoris
Editat: des. 29, 2016, 10:03 pm

There is nothing like family drama to put one in a tail spin. It sounded insensitive and inappropriate to me and sorry for the drama for you at such a special time of year.

I have been reading the new A.McCall Smith, Mma Ramotswe book Precious and Grace and it is full of such tender, thoughtful, sensitive and forgiving philosophies of life. It makes me think that more of us in the world should be like Precious! Take care. Best wishes for 2017.

307msf59
des. 28, 2016, 6:55 pm

Trumpers in Canada? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Sorry, to hear about all the drama, Deb. No one need that, especially during the holidays.

I enjoyed As Good As Gone. Have you read Watson? If not, it might be something you would like.

308ctpress
des. 29, 2016, 2:40 am

Sorry to hear about the family Christmas drama, Deborah. Sounds very insensitive and thoughtless remarks.

I can understand the need for a quiet New Years eve of peace and quiet. I quess Poppy's happy to get the normal dog-walking Deborah back again.

309karenmarie
des. 29, 2016, 7:33 am

I hope you are doing better, Deborah. Taking Poppy for walks, reading, and letting time work its magic are a good prescription.

310jnwelch
des. 29, 2016, 9:42 am

Sorry the holidays have been tough, Deb. Sending positive thoughts for your continuing to feel better, and best wishes for a Happy New Year.

311EBT1002
des. 29, 2016, 6:33 pm

Sorry about the family drama, Deb. I hope you and Dave get to have that peaceful new years eve..... New Years is one holiday for which I have very little affection. I stay home. I go to bed before midnight. I try to sleep through the firecrackers going off all about the neighborhood.....

So, anyway, I agree with Karen's Rx: taking Poppy for walks, reading, letting time work its magic.....

take good care ~~~

312vancouverdeb
des. 29, 2016, 11:41 pm

>306 mdoris: Sadly yes, Mary, there is nothing like " family drama" to put one in a tailspin. You certainly hit the nail on the head. I should look into what you are reading Precious and Grace .Best wishes to you in 2017 too!

>307 msf59: LOL! Yes, apparently there are Trumpers in Canada! The horror. I did not expect any family drama over the holidays.

313vancouverdeb
des. 29, 2016, 11:52 pm

>308 ctpress: Thanks so much for your kindness, Carsten. I'd like a little danish Hyyge to cure my ills :) Yes , Poppy is glad to see dog -walking Deborah back. Unfortunately it is still getting to me. I have to try to not let stuff get to me. One of my weaknesses, I guess.

>309 karenmarie: " Time working it's magic" - yes, I sure hope it will do that . It's taking me a while to re-gain my equilibrium.

314vancouverdeb
des. 29, 2016, 11:57 pm

> 310 Thanks Joe. Thanks for the kind wishes. They are much appreciated.

>311 EBT1002: Thanks so much for your kind words, Ellen. I'll try hard to take your RX. I'm really not good with family drama. I'm afraid I let it too me a bit too much. Time and all. Thanks again.

315PaulCranswick
Editat: des. 30, 2016, 7:21 am

>302 vancouverdeb: Sometimes the "not directed at" is still pointed though isn't it? I remember listening to Hani's cousins talking about the marriage of their neighbour to a NZ guy. "Is she pretty?" one of them asked, "You know those stupid white guys they only ever pick out the ugly ones!". I smiled and winked at Hani who was sitting opposite to me with steam coming out of her ears. The same cousin had thrown herself at me (unsuccessfully I hasten to add) when Hani had asked me to give her a lift home just before our own wedding. Had I picked her instead of my wife, she may have proved her own theory right!

316FAMeulstee
des. 30, 2016, 2:49 pm

>313 vancouverdeb: I have to try to not let stuff get to me
I know, Deborah, I try that too, but on the other hand if you could shake it off like it was nothing, you wouldn't be the same nice person you are now!

317johnsimpson
des. 30, 2016, 4:39 pm

Hi Deb, Karen and I would like to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year and a prosperous and healthy 2017 dear friend, sending love and hugs.

318vancouverdeb
Editat: des. 30, 2016, 8:02 pm

>315 PaulCranswick: I know what you mean, Paul. Sometimes the "not directed at" is still pointed though isn't it? Of all the people at dinner, why choose me , and both at once ( my mom and sister.) Anyway, I've sorted things out with my sister. What a tale, Paul! "You know those stupid white guys they only ever pick out the ugly ones!" Good for you greeting that ridiculous comment with a wink, Paul and good on Hani for taking it all so well. People!

>316 FAMeulstee: Such kind words Anita, much appreciated. I'm sure that their are nice people who can shake stuff off and I wish I was one of them :)

>317 johnsimpson: Thanks John! A Happy New Year to you and Karen and your family in 2017. Lots of great reading and cups of tea! ;)

319PaulCranswick
des. 30, 2016, 11:19 pm

Deb the Canadian Author Challenge picks for 2017 are out and I think Ilana has done a good job. BTW your shameless plugging of Donna Morrisey has borne fruit!!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/244656

320vancouverdeb
des. 31, 2016, 1:31 am

>319 PaulCranswick: Thanks for the link, Paul. I've had at the CAC thread and it looks great!

321charl08
des. 31, 2016, 2:51 am

>319 PaulCranswick: How did I miss this? Off to check what to read this year...

Hey Deborah. You are right about the publication date for Alison MacLeod. March 2017. I am very tempted by her other books. Will try and wait until I have at least asked the library.

322PaulCranswick
des. 31, 2016, 4:08 am

>321 charl08: I will certainly do one CAC book per month. I won't manage a Robertson Davies next month, I fear, but Anne Michaels is a shoe-in.

323PaulCranswick
des. 31, 2016, 7:48 am



Looking forward to your continued company in 2017.
Happy New Year, Deb

324Trifolia
des. 31, 2016, 12:40 pm

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful 2017, Deb!

325Ameise1
des. 31, 2016, 4:07 pm

I wish you from my heart health, happiness, satisfaction and much exciting read in 2017. May all your wishes come true.


from my hometown Zürich, Switzerland

326vancouverdeb
des. 31, 2016, 5:47 pm

>321 charl08: Charlotte, you have me interested in Alison McLeod. None of her previous books are available at my library.

>322 PaulCranswick: Paul, you are so ambitious!

>323 PaulCranswick: Happy New Year , Paul! Best to you and yours in 2017! I guess you might be already in 2017 in Malaysia, whereas for me, it is 2:45 pm right now.

327vancouverdeb
des. 31, 2016, 5:48 pm

>324 Trifolia: Thanks Monica! My best to you and yours in 2017!

>325 Ameise1: Thanks so much Barbara! My best to you in 2017!

328vancouverdeb
des. 31, 2016, 5:50 pm

I'll see if I can get a thread started in the 75 - for 2017 later on in the day.

Currently I"m reading Tooth and Nail , another in the Inspector Rebus series. Quite scary and absorbing! :)

329karenmarie
des. 31, 2016, 7:16 pm

Happy New Year, Deborah!

330vancouverdeb
gen. 1, 2017, 6:59 pm

Happy New Year, Karen! Thanks!

331lit_chick
gen. 1, 2017, 11:07 pm

Hi Deb, I've been haunting the new 2017 threads looking for yours but haven't found you yet. I know you've had things on the go. Will you post a link here once you're set up? Thx and hugs, N

332Familyhistorian
gen. 1, 2017, 11:54 pm

Like Nancy said. I have been searching for your 2017 thread as well, Deb.

333PaulCranswick
gen. 2, 2017, 2:27 am

Glad to see you are all set up in 2017's thread.

I wanted to congratulate you for a splendid posting year, Deb, top Canadian this year for the first time and by a country mile.

334mdoris
gen. 2, 2017, 2:38 pm

Wow, good for you "Top Canadian". I knew it all along!