Number #20
I thought about making this 20 & 21, but I decided it’s really only #20. It’s been a long time since I last did one of these. Luckily, I can always look back at my old post to figure it all out again. Nigel continues to toggle between his walker and his wheelchair. If I had my way, I think I’d relegate the wheelchair to a room where he can’t access it so easily. I think he’s afraid of damaging his leg. I try to convince him he’s only going to make it stronger by using those muscles more. But, I’ve also been there when I had my first foot surgery. I spent three months in a wheel chair. Take care of those feet, knees, and hips, my friends! They really cramp your style when they decide to be cantankerous!
What I’ve been reading…
Oh, this is bad. I only read five books in August and September! Well, I only finished five. I’m currently reading three others, but you’ll have to wait until next month to hear about them. I have read Bright Lights, Big Ass several times and love it just as much as the first time I read it. Jen Lancaster actually attended the schools in the corporation where I taught. Our guidance counselor and my best friend knew her! Back in the day, I was friends with her on Facebook and sent her messages when my dog was dying. She was so sweet and responded in the most caring way. I do have to say I like her memoirs better than her fiction. If you’ve never read Jen, start with Bitter is the New Black but be aware she isn’t shy when it comes to the f bomb! Sin in the Second City was not what I expected. It’s about sex work in the late 1800s and early 1900s and can be a bit eye opening. I thought it was going to be about two madams, but they are only the device that ties the whole book together. It almost makes you think working as a prostitute wasn’t all that bad. In Cold Blood is one of those books you always see on lists of what you should read. I’ve been on a bit of a Truman Capote kick lately so I decided to read his magnum opus. I think I’m illiterate or something because it just didn’t ring any bells for me. I know, at the time, it was considered a break through in non-fiction. I found it lacking in depth, but what do I know?
Dragon Springs Road is another book by Janie Chang. I really like her books as they have introduced me to a different culture and are historical fiction at the same time. This book is the story of Jialing and her life during the first years of the Chinese republic. It’s not an easy read in that it’s a bit heartbreaking at times. I loved the way Chang wove supernatural elements into the book along with the different sides of the rebellion and the ways of life of two different classes. Under the Bridge is the book upon which the series is based. We watched it in June (my review is here). Obviously, there is a lot more detail in the book. I don’t have any plans to rewatch the series even though there were people mentioned I couldn’t recall being in the series. It’s just such a sad, sad story on both sides. Godfrey does a good job presenting the young adults in an even manner.
What I’ve been watching…
“Dead Boy Detectives” is a fun little romp with two ghosts trying to evade capture by some woman (I never quite glommed on to that) while solving mysteries for other ghosts. Of course, they come into contact with humans who can see them, but they can only see them because they had near death experiences. Unfortunately, Netflix didn’t renew this for a second series. I think it was probably a little too niche for them. “Bodkin” was a strange series to me. It’s set in Ireland, but I’m not sure if we went through that part of Ireland or not. It is about a true crime podcaster sent to Ireland to solve a murder, create a podcast, and ends up with a rag tag set of “helpers.” I think I liked it, but, honestly, I’m on the fence about it. It appears Netflix is, too, since they still haven’t announced whether or not there will be a second season. “House of the Dragons” is the second season, and it’s still a visually stunning show. Again, I’m torn about whether or not I liked it. There are far more characters I dislike than like. I find that difficult when you really don’t care about the characters. I actively disliked some of them. I’ve never watched “Game of Thrones” so that may have helped with understanding it though this show is the prequel to it.
A little more…
Interestingly, I’ve read the books both of these series are based upon. I read Interview with the Vampire years and years ago so I only had the faintest idea what was going to happen. Two seasons have been released, and a third is already in the works. I can’t wait to see where that season takes us. I really enjoyed this though I think (OK, I know) Nigel was bored by it because he never remembered what had happened the night before! I really liked this version so much better than the movie with Tom Cruise. I could never see him as Lestat. I guess that’s because he just doesn’t have that charisma Lestat does. The actor, Sam Reid, definitely does. Again, this series is not for the prudish…lots of nudity and words. “The Perfect Couple” is based on the book of the same name by Elin Hilderbrand. I read it a couple of years ago, but I had absolutely no recall of it while watching the series. It seemed to me there was more about the couple about to get married and the murdered girl than the characters portrayed by Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber. And, why, oh why, couldn’t Schreiber have shaved at least once? That little detail drove me nuts! It’s OK if only for the fashions and to dream about being able to live on Nantucket (or Martha’s Vineyard or wherever) in a home like that!
What I’ve been working on…
Honestly, I haven’t been doing much of anything. I came home with a cold or a virus or allergies from Ireland and Scotland. And, I have literally been wiped out since then. I can’t believe it’s been almost an entire month since we got home. I did install a grab rail in the bathroom Nigel uses. I did it on my very own with him supervising a teensy tiny bit. I don’t really like power tools, but I mastered the impact driver! I also helped my oldest spread about 50 bags of mulch around the house as we had curbing installed. It looks a bit like a giant snake winding its way around the house. But, it also gives me more room for planting next spring! I haven’t done any crocheting or knitting as we are generally in bed watching television by 8:30 or so to ease the pressure on Nigel’s hip…at least, that’s what he’s telling me.
What I’ve been buying…
Let’s just say I’ve been shopping a lot lately. I did buy a dress from J Jill, several items from Gudrun Sjoden, and a luscious wool sweater in Ireland. I haven’t bought any new shoes lately, but I do have some Nordy notes about to expire! I need to see what’s up there.
Where I’m going…
Oh, my goodness! Can I just say Ireland and Scotland are magnificent? Look for more posts about my trip. At this point, Nigel is still not walking well. So, we won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. But, my youngest son and I are planning a trip to London after the first of the year. I know, I know…I was going with my daughter, but she can’t go. My son definitely wants to go to London and Liverpool over a long weekend. I’m not sure how much we can accomplish given that we lose a day each way. We will have to see.
What I’ve been wearing…
I really should have taken a photo of my “uniform” when we were over the pond! I had bought three pairs of 7/8 joggers from Old Navy, and I alternated between those. I’d taken some wide leg pants from Athleta, but I’d hurt my knee and was afraid I’d trip on those. I also alternated between several long sleeve tees from Old Navy. I took along four scarves from Gudrun Sjoden. One of the women on the tour asked me how many I’d brought so they were actually noticed. They were my pops of color and to keep the outfits looking a bit fresh and more me! And, thank goodness for a true waterproof raincoat. Honestly, I would have been disappointed if it hadn’t rained.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Well, that didn’t take nearly as much time as I thought it would. I guess when you take out two full weeks, it was only six weeks of doing anything. I really do need to post a couple more times about my trip, but I don’t want anyone to feel like they’re at their old granny’s house looking through those old photo albums! So, can we talk? Have you read In Cold Blood? What am I missing? Do you know any famous people (even if it’s like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon type)? Where are you going in the coming months? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Featured favorites from last month…
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
I can’t even finish one book a month, let alone 5! I read more in summer, in the sun in the garden, then in cooler months. Oh London! I really want to go there too. I hope Nigel’s foot will heal quickly. Enjoy your weekend Marsha!