Weekend plans

The weekend is upon us. Tomorrow we're schlepping up to a buddy's condo then onward to the Renaissance exhibit at the N'tl Gallery. I discovered it travels from here to Europe, so no dilly dallying this time out. There's some kind of VA history fair going on a few miles south of us- we may attend. Then again maybe not. It's free though & that's always a plus.

Husband made me promise I'd go for a long run with him this weekend (usually he means 7+ miles). Truthfully- he jogs & I alternate between walking & whining. Last time we did one he practically pulled me the last two miles. Then again he saved the hills for last- as opposed to doing them first. Always get the yucky part over with first- that's my motto.

Daughter keeps looking at me all round eyed over the top of her vampire book- "WOW MOM!! This is really great!! You'll love this book!!" Yes, she really does speak with that many exlamation points. She says it ensures I'm awake & paying attention. LOL

Son #2 has discovered Garth Nix (the Australian children's author of Nix & Sabriel, et al.) He too insists I read his new book. Of course, I've already promised to read the Pullman His Dark Materials trilogy. I'm still behind on Daughter's list by at least two books.

Meanwhile. The romance TBR sits neglected in the corner. The new Carpathian comes out on our anniversary. I'm excited. I hope & pray they get better. I'm on the verge of giving up on Ms. Feehan. What else? I bought an older La Nora (only .25 at the library sale! for a hardcover! I like !! too, lol), the second in the Irish trilogy. It'll only be my third book by her. I read two of her alien/human from outer space gets stuck on earth books & my heart really wasn't captured at all. They were well done etc. My heart was left in the cold. So, here's hoping I like these better.

Cooling off at last

Managed a 5 mile walk in the park today. Even Son #2 made it the whole way- no whining either. Miraculous. He did have a whistle which he insisted on blowing. Fortunately, he managed a rhythm which somehow made it a bit more bearable. I had to confiscate it at the end though. It was just too much. Daughter made it too (despite being a slacker at G'ma's) although the last mile she slowed down quite a lot.

The AC was replaced yesterday (FINALLY). Discovered the owners contracted to have all the ACs replaced a few years ago. Regardless of apartment size, everyone got the same size/output unit. Lovely. Now the tenants in little apartments are freezing all summer & those of us in the larger ones slowly roast to death. All in the name of a few dollars savings. How thoughtful of them.

Still reading Inkspell by Funke. Great book. Want the sequel. Found Daughter a young adult horror romance that got rave reviews from everyone (PW, Locus, Amazon hot list,etc) last year. Stupidly, I bought it for her despite the fact that she has a huge English project due first day of class. Now she's busy reading her vampires. Ok, ok. It's all my fault I know. Sue me. She's a good student. She'll do fine. Right?

Diet Coke & Fall foliage

Humid as all get out here & overcast to boot. Pray for rain. We need it. Son #1 got a note about an open house at Norwich (college in VT) in October- thus causing his mother to fantasize about fall foliage trips to New England under the guise of spending the weekend following Son around campus. Cool weather. Breezes. Pumpkins. Apple cider. Hay rides. Lack of humidity. Temperatures under 75. A girl can hope.

Not alot else happening around Bookwomom Central. Had an appointment this morning way up the road. Dragged everyone out of bed & braved a.m. rush traffic to get there. Only to find out the person I was to meet was ill & couldn't make it. Did anyone bother to call me & cancel? NO. GRRRRRRRR

What else? Suddenly not liking diet Coke anymore. Tastes yucky. I think someone transplanted my taste buds in the middle of the night. I've been a dedicated DC fan for many years now. I guess it's for the better in the long run. I'll be healthier. Maybe. Less artificial sweetener is always a good thing. Better hydrated definitely. More book $$? A girl can never have too many books.

Inkheart; C. Funke

I started reading Inkheart by German author Cornelia Funke (Thief Lord). Her young adult titles are apparently quite well known in Europe, this is her second novel available here. Son #2 loved Thief Lord so much I need to replace it- he's worn the glue off of the binding & lost the dustjacket. Anyhow, this is book one in a planned trilogy. Inkspell is the second. The third is being written as I type this (faster, Cornelia- FASTER!) as yet untitled. Tentative publishing date is 2008. Ms. Funke's next title available here is When Santa Fell to Earth, October 2006.

This one is pretty thick, page wise. Not a doorstopper, but big enough by children's literature standards. Mortimer Folchart & his daughter Meggie are itinerant book binders & antique book restorers/collectors. Mo, as Meggie calls him, receives a mysterious visitor in the night & immediately sends her off to bed. Next morning Mo packs Meggie & his work tools up into their dilapidated camper van & tries to drive off with her. Unfortunatley the mysterious visitor from the night before awaits them at the gate & blackmails Mo into bringing him along too. They drive all day across the countryside (Europe I presume, as Ms. Funke is German) to a relative's house. Said relative is singularly cold, unwelcoming & rude, but does allow them into the mansion- which is lined floor to ceiling with huge bookcases full of her collection. Meggie is warned that she may read only items out of the cases near the downstars front door as long as she doesn't crease or stain them & puts them away ASAP. Lovely woman, this relative.

That's as far as I've gotten. Chapter 5. Excellently done thus far. If This title holds up to Thief Lord, there will be twists & turns right up until the end.

Happy Reading, kiddos!!

Life Happens

So. Kinda busy around here. Posting may be intermittent, but I'll post as often as posssible. Lots of things to rant about: AC, landlord-teneant relations (or lack thereof), weather, weight. Just generally grouchy. Not feeling well.

I've spent the last two days sewing. I'm making a padded headboard & footboard for my bed. Finished a scrub top & surgery cap for Husband (Beetle Bailey). I tend to clean when frustrated- I've vaccuumed under all of the beds & started scrubbing walls. What else have we been up to?

Want to go see the Venetian Renaissance exhibit soon. It's in the National Gallery, but leaves Labor Day weekend. Want to go to the Zoo. Daughter says to mention she has returned from two & a half weeks at the Grandparents' place. Next ten days or so are for Son #2.

Nephew #2 is scooching along pretty handily now. Nephew #1 is getting ready for his first year of school & is growing like a a weed. Grandma & Sister have lost weight since I saw them last (last month I think). BIL had great advice for keeping our new aquariums healthy.

Anyhow, as I said, posting is likely to be intermittent but I'll be here as much as possible. Hope you're all reading!

Peep; S. Westerfeld

ETA: Corrected spelling of author's last name.


This is a young adult horror pubbed in 2005 by an imprint of Penguin. Set in modern day NYC & features Cal Thompson & Lacey...can't remember her last name, sorry. Plus assorted parasites, rats & giant mutant worms living under the subway in the city. And here you thought they were only in movies!

Cal has this disease see. He has to track down everyone he mistakenly gave it to, plus the person who infected him. Then he has to get them treatment. Unfortunately, this disease makes them violent & paranoid, thus making his job twice as difficult.

In the course of tracing the person who infected him, Cal meets Lacey. Since he's a college age young adult his hormones are in overdrive & even though he knows he'll infect her he allows her to help him. Lacey, fortunately, isn't stupid (a combo journalism & law student) & figures out the lowdown before Cal actually tells her what the deal is. Did that make sense?

So Lacey helps Cal figure out the deal & decides to become his sidekick. Hint- it involves cross species transmission. They also manage to fall in love/lust. Turns out to be a horror with a dash of romance to it. Not alot of romance- but I was frantically turning pages trying to figure out where things were headed.

The book alternates between narrative & parasitology & biology lessons. Those are hints to the upcoming plot developments. If you are paying attention & read between the lines that is. There are even notes at the end listing the author's sources- if you dare.

This is Daughter's keeper. She only had to wait six months for me to read it. Poor girl.

Faerie Wars; H. Brennan

Faerie Wars, written by Herbie Brennan & published by Bloomsbury in 2003, is a young adult alternate reality fantasy. Boy that's a mouthful. Protagonists: Henry Atherton, fourteen year old teenage boy living in the UK; Pyrgus Malvae, fourteen year old Heir to the throne of Light in the Fairy Kingdom & Holly Blue, Pyrgus' sister & third in line to the throne. Also assorted good & bad fairies, a demon or two & a few humans.

Pyrgus & his dad the Emperor don't get along well, so Pyrgus moves out into the city to "live as a commoner" as Holly puts it. Fortunately for Pyrgus, his dad keeps tabs on him as Pyrgus is prone to causing trouble. Henry works for an old man named Alan Fogarty doing odd jobs around Fogarty's property. Through a convoluted series of events involving kitten based glue, demon summoning & political problems Pyrgus ends up as a miniature fairy in Fogarty's yard, where Henry finds him.

Problem- Pyrgus wasn't supposed to end up there. His family doesn't know where he is. Old man Fogarty is deeper than he appears & manages to construct a combination Tesla coil/Hieronymous machine to send Pyrgus back home. Pyrgus manages to get himself lost again. Henry & Holly, each from their respective worlds, set out to rescue/find/return Pyrgus.

There are plenty of red herrings to go around, although at one point I rolled my eyes & said to myself, "I should've seen that one coming." The beauty of it all? I didn't see it coming at all. There is a subplot happening with Henry's family, which I find fascinating. There are nods to famous authors. The fairies' names are those of butterflies; a pun on the fact that they are butterfly size in our world but 'regular' size in their own.

An engrossing, quick read- highly recommended. The sequel, The Purple Emperor is out in paperback this month.

Young Adult Review, Faeries,Fantasy Review, Book Review

One Good Knight; M. Lackey

What an adventure! Very similar in tone & structure to the first 500 Kingdoms book, Fairy Godmother (which I really liked), ie: a sweet adventure romance featuring a strong central female character. This one is St. George & the Dragon & the legend of Andromeda carefully taken apart & restitched into a totally unique, new garment.

The vast majority of the book deals with Andromeda's life in her mother's (Cassiopeia) court & Cassiopeia's scheming. Andromeda has adventures with George (her Champion), the dragons Periapt & Adamant & the virgins. Andromeda, has, oddly enough, succumbed to the nickname Andie- which I found irritating.

Cassiopeia & her favorite advisor schemed & plotted to remove Andromeda. Why? Well for a start Andromeda is too nosey & she isn't nearly as..er- manipulable (yes, that really is a word- I looked it up) as they had hoped. Fortunately, as is often the case with evil villains, Cassiopeia & the advisor underestimate Andromeda, the Tradition & the Champion- George. Too, there are the dragons- bookwyrms to be exact. I love it- dragons who hoard books.

As mentioned in my summary of The Fairy Godmother (click link above) Lackey's books for Luna tend more toward fantasy than romance. Strong development of the female lead & strong overall adventure/quest plotting, lighter on the romance side.

Anyhow- because the Tradition likes the entire situation, everything works out in the end. What is the Tradition, you ask? It is a magical entity- much like "The Force" in Star Wars. The Tradition manipulates situations to the appropriate fairy tale end. If you remember, not all fairy tales end well. The Tradition can be thwarted or otherwise manipulated to achieve your goals.

According to the last page, Lackey's next book for Luna will be Fortune's Fool, released next year. I couldn't find a more exact date though. Like the first 500 Kingdom book, this one is a keeper.
Fantasy Romance Review, Mythology Romance, Fairy Tales, dragons

Poems for cooler weather

A wishful ode to the turning of the season & cooler, wetter weather.

The morns are meeker than they were by Emily Dickinson
The morns are meeker than they were --
The nuts are getting brown --
The berry's cheek is plumper --
The Rose is out of town.

The Maple wears a gayer scarf --
The field a scarlet gown --
Lest I should be old fashioned
I'll put a trinket on.


A Night-Rain in Summer by James Henry Leigh Hunt
Open the window, and let the air
Freshly blow upon face and hair,
And fill the room, as it fills the night,
With the breath of the rain's sweet might.
Hark! the burthen, swift and prone!
And how the odorous limes are blown!
Stormy Love's abroad, and keeps
Hopeful coil for gentle sleeps.

Not a blink shall burn to-night
In my chamber, of sordid light;
Nought will I have, not a window-pane,
'Twixt me and the air and the great good rain,
Which ever shall sing me sharp lullabies;
And God's own darkness shall close mine eyes;
And I will sleep, with all things blest,
In the pure earth-shadow of natural rest.

Queen Mab; Shakespeare

Taken from William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet:

Queen Mab

She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes
In shape no bigger than an agate-stone
On the fore-finger of an alderman,
Drawn with a team of little atomies
Athwart men's noses as they lie asleep:
Her waggon-spokes made of long spinners' legs;
The cover, of the wings of grasshoppers;
The traces, of the smallest spider's web;
The collars, of the moonshine's watery beams;
Her whip, of cricket's bone; the lash, of film;
Her waggoner, a small grey-coated gnat,
Not half so big as a round little worm
Prick'd from the lazy finger of a maid;
Her chariot is an empty hazel-nut,
Made by the joiner squirrel or old grub,
Time out o' mind the fairies' coach-makers.
And in this state she gallops night by night
Through lovers' brains, and then they dream of love;
O'er courtiers' knees, that dream on curtsies straight;
O'er lawyers' fingers, who straight dream on fees;
O'er ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream;
Which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues,
Because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are.
Sometimes she gallops o'er a courtier's nose,
And then dreams he of smelling out a suit;
And sometimes comes she with a tithe-pig's tail,
Tickling a parson's nose as a' lies asleep,
Then dreams he of another benefice;
Sometime she driveth o'er a soldier's neck,
And then dreams he of cutting foreign throats,
Of breaches, ambuscadoes, Spanish blades,
Of healths five fathom deep; and then anon
Drums in his ear, at which he starts and wakes;
And, being thus frighted, swears a prayer or two,
And sleeps again.
"Romeo and Juliet" (1.4.60-95)


Images of Queen Mab from collections around the world:

1. James ChristensenQueen Mab in the Ruins

2. Arthur Rackham Queen Mab

3. Amy Brown Queen Mab

Black Ice; Anne Stuart

What can I say? YUMMMY. Sebastien is one of my favorite hero types: emotionally wounded, cynical & jaded. Chloe- not so much, although I appreciated her willingness to leave her family rather than bow to their pressure & I loved how they came through for her when she needed them. I also loved how Sebastien had them come rescue her, even if it wasn't necessarily for the right reasons.

Ms. Stuart also comes theough with one of my favorite poems of all time, The Highwayman by Englishman Alfred Noyes. I have tremendous respect for Ms. Stuart's work already, quoting a poem (p. 266, I believe) only increases my respect.

Er. One problem though. Early on in the story Sebastien refers to himself in the third person- implying that this is an assumed identity (he is an agent in a supersecret spy organization) he will have to give up. By the end of the book, he & Chloe are sucessfully united & defeat the bad guys. However, no mention of his 'real' identity or if, indeed, Sebastien Toussaint is his actual identity. Minor detail, but a crucial one. Even more importantly- Chloe doesn't ask about his identity, despite knowing he's an agent.

Perhaps I'm a bit too jaded & cynical & devoted to a drop of reality. Chloe meets him in a circumstance where she's extremely wary of Sebastien & doesn't trust him. Once she realizes he's an agent, she wonders where he's really from but never pursues his background. I guess I'm simply too nosey- I ask too many questions & I'm probably too persistant in wanting answers.

Still, even with that issue- loved this book. Plan to go find the others in this group. Stuart's heroes have always been at the top of my list & Toussaint is no exception. BTW, links are in Tuesday's post.
Romantic Suspense Review, Anne Stuart, Black Ice

Thursday 13 #18- Heat busting DVDs

Thursday Thirteen- Clink link above to see other participants. Leave a link in the comments & I'll link back to you.

Favorite DVDs to watch while hiding from the heat indoors:

1. Corpse Bride

2. Love Actually

3. Classic Cartoons (Popeye, Mighty Mouse, Tweety, etc)

4. Big Fat Greek Wedding

5. Bruce Almighty

6. Flowers of Shanghai

7. Amelie

8. An Affair to Remember

9. l'Auberge Espagnole- NOT child friendly

10. Schoolhouse Rock

11. Casablanca

12. LOTR series

13. Star Wars series, esp. the older ones

Spiders' Lunch

Hiked yesterday in Spiderland. It was the spiders' lunchtime too- struggling flies & bees frantic to escape. Poor unsuspecting hikers who can't see you until its too late. Strands of spidersilk in your mouth, your hair, across your fingers. Crawly stripy penny sized little buggers crawling up & down my legs. Have I mentioned how much I hate spiders? Especially when they're on my person? My heart rate soared for ages after that walk, let me tell you!

Quite toasty here at Bookwormom Central. The weatherguys are constantly whining about the heat index- temperature & humidity combined. To be honest with you, it doesn't seem hotter than your average summer. Then again, I have been hiking & running outside in the park for the last two months. Perhaps I have acclimated to the temperatures. Supposedly the heat wave will last until Friday, at least locally. Who knows? How hot has it been where you live?

Started Anne Stuart's Black Ice last night. A little late for AngieW's Challenge, I know. Black Ice is one of the very, very few Romantic suspense novels I've read. So far, Ms. Stuart manages to captivate me in a subgenre I often toss into my DNF pile. It's quite good although I find the heroine a little ..I don't know. Something about her niggles. I'm hopeful it'll jolt me out of the reading doldrums. Cross your fingers for me.

Yapping

More fun chores around the house this morning. The kitchen window fan was removed & cleaned & put away. The window was cleaned & insulated with clear film. Remember when I whined about the landlord putting in decks but not fixing important stuff? Like better windows? No? Anyhow. What else did we do? Vacuum. Fixed a hiding place for the remaining two ghost shrimp. Good thing they were only .25 each- they make great feeder fish.

After visiting everyone on my blogroll, I realized I still need to read a romantic suspense for AngieW's July challenge. I guess I'm doing better than last month- I totally forgot until after the 30th. Oops. The only RS I have is one of Anne Stuart's. Hope it's as good as her usual stuff. I normally dislike RS since they're often a bad hybrid.

Husband & I went for a short drive out to the Valley. Made sure we stayed on the tiny, mainly residential roads. Drove through a steady, cool rain & came out to baking heat on the other side. Saw an organic veg. farm & a pick your own peach orchard- closed for the day. A huge family farm given over to glass hothouses nurturing Lord only knows what behind the steam laden windows. Unfortunately, the real estate developers are slowly encroaching into the Valley. More & more fields & patches of trees now have signs along the edge of the road. Those looking for a respite from the rat race will have to move further & further out. It's sad, really. Just as it says in the song pretty soon all the treres will be in a tree museum & you'll have to pay to see them.

Gotta go- dinner's almost ready & then it's time to go for a run/jog/up-the-hill torture session. See ya tomorrow.

TV Night

We watched Hex & now we're watching Nightmares & Dreamscapes. The new Stephen King tv show? I think. Pretty intense stuff. Kinda reminds me of a modern, intense version Twilight Zone.

Hiked with the kids this morning. Over four miles & through a burn area. I'd not realized how much temperature difference tree cover makes, but the canopy free zones were substantially hotter & had different plants growing. Very very interesting. Age wise this is a young forest- less than 80 years old or so. It's different from the forests I grew up playing in along the edge of the White Mountain National Forest.

I suppose you could say that, really, the biggest revelation is how out of touch with the natural world I allowed myself to become. Maybe used to be? We've been hiking regularly for weeks now. Many things are coming back to me. Things I'd not realized I'd pushed aside. One thing is for sure- being in forests is good for your soul. Renewing. Refreshing.
hiking, White Mountain National Forest, Hex, Nightmares & Dreamscapes

4 Meme pt.2

The first time I did this was here. I'll answer again, though, things have changed a little since then. Plus I went to a friend's funeral this afternoon & I'm not up for posting anything more today. Sorry for the lack of a Thursday 13. I'm just not up for it.

4 Meme

Jobs
1. Salesclerk
2. Bookseller
3. Pharmacy Technician
4. Nurses' Aide

Movies I'd watch repeatedly
1. LOTR
2. Lion in Winter
3. Amelie
4. Casablanca

Places I've Lived

1. New Hampshire
2. Massachusetts
3. Maryland
4. Virginia

Favorite TV Shows

1. Most Haunted- Travel Channel
2. Hex- BBC America
3. Iron Chef- originals only
4. Cops- 'cuz Son #1 & I have watched this together since he was a teeny tiny tot

Vacation Spots

1. Cape Cod
2. Philadelphia
3. Bahamas
4. Grand Cayman

Websites I visit daily

1. 3 Fat Chicks
2. BBC News
3. Magnum Photos- one of the largest professional photography agencies in the world. HUGE archives. All photos copyrighted
4. Guerrilla Gardening- I love the photos & the fact that people are making more greenspaces in places where they're needed the most. Some beautiful photos too.

Favorite Foods

1. Homemade cheesecake
2. French onion soup
3. Napoleons- little French dictators are delicious
4. Anything covered in Bearnaise sauce

Places I'd Rather Be

1. New Zeland
2. Australia
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
4. Atlantic Maritime Canada

I'm supposed to end it with blogfriends who might answer, but I think most everyone has done this already.

Organizing

Husband & I went to our favorite organizing store- hands down- IKEA. Not the best quality & everything has to be put together. If you can read the 'universally understood diagrams' that is. Luckily for me, both Husband & Son #1 love that stuff. If you live in tight quarters IKEA's the best.

I need more shelving in my kitchen beside the freezer. I have a small three shelf rack, but I want something that'll go all the way up to the ceiling (or very nearly). IKEA is the only place that sells items that tall. What else? Oh yes. We need wardrobes in our room. The solitary closet is exactly one hanger deep & the exact width of the door. Barely enough room for one person, never mind two.

Somehow we got there with only half of the measurements we needed. Trying to get measurements over the phone via teenagers in an exercise in patience I didn't think I possessed. Two phone calls later we were in business. We've decided on the kitchen item, but the bedroom pieces will require more planning. The room is small enough that it can only be arranged one way & the wardrobes will have to fit precisely- no room for mistakes.

I swear I'm no packrat (ok, except for books)- I love to throw things away. Ask anyone who knows me. I swear though, this place is challenging even for me. BTW- the new shelves going down the hall? Perfect length for my keepers. I've done some pruning & I've room on most of my bookshelves now. As opposed to there being little stacks here & there & doubleshelved in places. Triple in others.

Husband however has unusual ideas about books. If he's read them & likes them, he wants to keep them. So far so good. They can be packed into boxes & put away though. He has shelf space on a case in our bedroom. Empty now. "It's ok, honey," he tells me. "I know my books are still here. They don't have to be out on the shelves. Packed into boxes in the storage closet is fine." Is this odd to you? Maybe it's just me. I want to see my books. Especially the keepers & my grandpa's collection. OTOH, Sister is a devoted library patron & rarely keeps any of her books. (I'm always tardy returning them so I avoid libraries). My parents used to be HUGE book hoarders. Not lately though. Mother has been pruning the collection much to Father's discomfort.

Promotions & Anniversary Ideas

Drive by posting today. Husband found out he got a little promotion at work- the only nurse in his hospital to get either an increase or a bonus. YAY! This makes two years in a row for him! To celebrate the children & I have made a lemon cake glazed with raspberry preserves & topped with fruit. YUMMY. I'll have to run extra tomorrow, most likely.

Daughter is to visit the Grandparents & my Sister for a few days starting Saturday afternoon. The Grandmother wants Daughter to help paint a couple of rooms in the house. Grandfather most likely needs help in his garden- Daughter is too petite to drive the riding lawnmower. She can't reach the pedals. Poor thing.

Son #2 is visiting with the buddy who had to cancel last Friday. Turns out the emergerncy was his dad. The dad is a painter & fell & fractured his leg & had to go to the ER. Poor man. Now he's laid up from work.

Husband & I have concentrated on Ireland as a possible locale for next year's anniversary trip. Probably going to stay somewhere in county Mayo as it's the location of the pilgrimage site, Croagh Patrick.Castles, ruins & beaches all in one. I think we're likely to try & stay in a 'self catering' place- a small cabin or cottage rental. There were several near or on the sea that sound quite reasonable. Having my morning coffee on the beach. Listening to the waves at night. Walks in the sand & hikes along the shore. Husband swears the Irish must need more nurses...

Tadpole Redux

As I promised previously, We hiked down to check on the tadpoles this afternoon. A tree has fallen across the very end of the trail- forcing me to hoist my overly round booty over the waist high trunk. It was quite a sight, let me tell you. Husband chose to go downstream & around via the rocks in the water.

It rained quite hard last night. We discovered that the water had run over most of the exposed rocks leaving them covered with silt & leaves. The pools were completely clouded with rust colored sediment, unlike last week. There were mounds of foam in the eddys- swirls of buff clouds that would have looked perfectly at home in any Starbucks.

Tadpole Hole, however, is a protected, deep, nearly still puddle guarded by a giant fallen log & enough of a lip of stone that the leetle froggies were safe from the onrushing rainwater. I think there were two batches of eggs because there were peppercorn size tadpoles & there were pea size tadpoles. It was dusk, so they were mostly still, but they would dart away if you swirled the water near them.

Daughter discovered a muddy, shallow puddle barely covered with water full of wild rice sized & colored critters. They were very very still & didn't have easily seen legs (or fins), but we think they might be a type of tadpole (any other ideas out there?). Sorry for the food metaphors, but it was all I could think of.

Anyhow, the plan is to return at the end of the week & check on 'our guys' as Son #2 calls them.

American History Museum

Well, the museum was ok. The parts that hadn't been closed or dismantled were pretty good. The exhibit that was behind the cafeteria? Would've been helpful if the signage said it was only accessible when the cafeteria was open (the lunchbox exhibit). The Muppets? Only about 15 & they were in two different locations.

I was impressed with the transportation sections (old cars, trains, buses, boats, etc) was excellent. They even had a 1940's era orange school bus in there. Absolutely fascinating. The science displays- old computers, Pac Man & Big Blue amazed the kids. I noted that some of the negative, unforseen aspects of new science weren't glossed over. For example, Mme. Curie died of radiation from her experiments; factory workers from the 1930's died of radium poisoning when the glow in the dark watch dial ingredient built up in their system; falloout from the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima & Nagasaki; ecological damage; etc. There was a display discussing the social impact of birth control pills.

I'm very sad I waited so long to visit this particular museum. Much of it was closed & won't reopen until 2008. I've made a mental note to go back the year it opens.
Family Activity, Washington DC AMerican History Museum

I'm continuing on with the Pargeter book. So far it's quite good, although I'm no historian & my familiarity with English history would fit into a thimble. I'm depending on her reputation as an excellent historian to see me through.

Husband & I have been walking late in the evening to escape the daytime heat. It has been horridly humid even at night- 72% when we walked at 10 pm. I love to be out at night- it's quiet & starry & you get to annoy all of the neighborhood dogs simply by walking by the front yard.

I miss the trails though & the chance to be outside with the kids. Monday I plan to resume taking them to the park, I finally found the Camelback & we'll take that & a gallon jug for the car.

Son #2 has new rollerblades. He took them for a trial run as soon as we returned from the store. He reports they're much better than borrowing his sister's. His buddy had to reneg on an evening visit because of a family emergency so #2 is bummed.

Husband & children 1 & 2 are preparing to put up new shelves to house my romance keepers- YAY! I'm tight for space, but I think we've found a reasonable solution. They're installing a shelf above the doorjambs going down the hall & across my doorway at the end. I'd say far end, but that'd be a lie. LOL

Tomorrow we hope to visit the American History Museum to see: lunchboxes, Muppets, & antique cars among other things. Like Disney, Monk & Miles, flags & tons of other goodies.

Additions to the zoo

We've added to the family menagerie: 3 Comet goldfish (named Mercury, Halley & Shoemaker) & 6 ghost shrimp-as yet unnamed but destined to have shrimp dish related names. Husband was hoping for a tiny African dwarf frog but they didn't have any.

I've started reading A Bloody Field by Shrewsbury by Edith Pargeter, aka Ellis Peters. This is supposed to be a partial history of Henry IV, similar in theme to Shakespeare's histories. So far so good, as per usual with Peters/Pargeter.

Pets, Goldfish, Ghost Shrimp, Frogs, Historical Fiction

POTC 2

We finally went to see it this afternoon. Only five other people in the theater, so no assault this time. Then again, this is a different theater. Fed the kids first, so no begging for outrageously priced popcorn.

Thoughts on the movie. There were quite a few nods to other action movies from days gone by: Phantom of the Opera; Indiana Jones; 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; several Star Wars among others. Turning giant corporations into the 'evil empire.' Keira Knightly's character as the impetus for change (ie: the love of a good woman- or trying to earn her love). The monkey & the parrot are back.

This one has many more threads & the weft of the story is tighter & more detailed than the first one. Too this is a summer adventure thriller- very visual, action packed & not terribly original. For me, that was ok. I expect to be entertained & excited, & that is exactly what I got.

Who was Davy Jones' lost music box owner & letter writer? Will the Evil Empire succeed now that they have such a powerful weapon? Is Keira Knightley's character as confused as she appears? Isn't the seeress in the swamp fascinating & wonderful? Like Daughter said, next summer can't get here fast enough, I think.

P.S.~ We downloaded one of the screensavers- I now have Cpt. Jack & Mr. Gibbs & the Pearl sailing across my toolbar. YAY :0
Movie Review, Pirates of the Carribean, POTC2

AC is a human right

Is it hot yet? The temps here have averaged in the high 90's for the last two or three days or so, forecast to continue through tomorrow. Thursday supposedly will cool off as far as the LOW 90's. Actually, the heat is ok. It's the energy bills I hate. 'Cuz as far as I'm concerned air conditioning is a universal human right, second only to freedom of speech.

The worst heat wave I've endured was the year we lived in San Antonio TX ('94-'95, I think). Even the natives thought it was hot that year. Temps were higher than 100 for over a month. Very dry heat though, so you didn't sweat since it evaporated right off of you. That was a plus for me though. I hate wandering around feeling damp. Only thing was, you had to carry ice water everywhere. If you let yourself get thirsty you were in big big trouble due to dehydration. Did I mention I was heavily pregnant with Son #2 that summer?! Made things quite exciting.

On the frog front, we plan to check on them later in the week. Pack up a picnic, bring a big jug of iced tea & towels so we can get all wet & muddy in the creek.

Still not reading.
heatwave, family Activities

Castles or beaches?

Last night Husband & I started discussing where we ought to go for our twentieth anniversary next September (2007). Husband gave me a brochure about Hawaii, although that has more to with reasons long ago in another lifetime, almost. More than his own preferences, I think. Besides, if we went out to the Islands, we'd want to stay & never return. :)

Personally, I'd like to go see castles & ruins. Which pretty much means Europe I think. Perhaps Venice since it's sinking. Or Vienna or Prague. I heard from a reliable source that Prague remains very Old World in feel. I wonder if EAP (see sidebar) agrees?

In the best of both worlds we could find a place where there are both castles/ruins & beaches. If anyone out there has ideas, please let me know. Sister says we ought to spend a week in France following Le Tour. Not a bad idea, actually. Amsterdam sounds nice too- I've heard there are lots of museums & parks & the people are friendly? Speaking of friendly- the Irish & the Scottish have a reputation as being quite friendly, whereas the English are less so?

Historicals Dead? Mushrooms & swamp foot

I'm lazy today. For a great conversation about the reasons behind the demise of interesting historically accurate romances, visit Tara. She has links to a fantastic blog post. Apparently the discussion originally started on the AAR ATBF & continues here at the ATBF message board.

Not that anyone who comes here would be surprised to hear me say, but I'm finding it increasingly hard to find quality historical romances. I'm turning more & more to other genres & returning to straight history. I've had serious struggles with romance for the last two years & I don't see the situation improving much. Most of my TBR came from the UBS as most of the books are older novels many of which are long out of print.

Family Interlude

We went for a longish (4 miles) trail hike yesterday in the damp. There are mushrooms galore in unique shapes & colors. This from a woman who loves the oddly shaped Japanese mushrooms, but somehow thought most 'American' mushrooms all were shaped like the button mushrooms in all of the markets. We even saw one that is pale blue with narrow concentric rings that resemble the rings seen on hand thrown pottery. Truly- it was blue. Supposedly a rare shade in plants. Then again, it was rainy & gloomy in that patch of woods.

We also found a puddle full of frog eggs, a rainbow shaped beaver dam, a large dark hole we decided had to be for Alice in Wonderland.What else happened? Oh yes, I slipped on a moss covered rock in the middle of the creek & walked three+ miles with swamp foot. Slush, thump, slush, thump. Repeat. Son #2 made me promise we'd return next week to check on the froggies to be (& play in the creek).

Thursday 13 #17- Tour de France

Warning: if you aren't a pro cycling fan you might as well skip this post. 13 thoughts about this year's Tour de France. As usual- click link above to see more participants & leave a link in the comments & I'll link to you here.

1. This year is much more interesting without Lance. Sacreligious of me to say so, I'm sure.

2. The Spanish doping scandal opened things up even more, although I miss watching Jan Ullrich & Ivan Basso.

3. Floyd Landis's dead hip joint was really scary looking & if I was his wife I'd be praying really hard that he comes home in one piece.

4. T Mobile appears to have much more depth than almost any other team that lost its GC leader in the Spanish doping scandal.

5. Who will be anointed new leader of Discovery? Johan Bruyneel is pretty darned cute too, ladies.

6. The German guy who dresses up as the devil & waves a trident is back in the mountains this year. I just saw him this morning- dressed in red & black.

7. I really want to buy an encyclopedia of world flags. I hate not knowing where all of those flags are from. BTW- the one rider from South Africa, Robert Hunter, has fans following the TDF route this year. Very cool. The South African flag is absolutely gorgeous.

8. Those Basque fans are pretty ardent aren't they?! Write all over the roads. Hang flags everywhere. Push their favorite riders up the mountains even though it's 'against the rules.'

9. Did you see the guy running down the center of the road with his shorts around his knees? Full moon rising, people. On live tv no less. Yesterday's coverage I think.

10. One of these days I'll be one of the cheering hoards clinging to the side of some astonomical mountain in France waving team flags & screaming myself silly.

11. I love the scenery. The tours of France & Italy (the Giro d'Italia) offer eye popping views of each country, especially for those of us who are unlikely to ever actually travel there.

12. Have you seen the newest diet books? The ones claiming French women don't get fat & that Mediterranean women are skinny too? Well, if you watch the crowds along the roads Europeans seem to come in all shapes & sizes just like Americans.

13. Only 10 more days to go. * WAAAAAAHHHHH*
Tour de France, Giro d'Italia,Dieting, Professional cycling, Thursday 13, Thursday Thirteen

Evil Mom Strikes Again

Our children are sure to grow up & become utter slobs. I'll get telephone calls from concerned psychiatrists, "Mrs. Bookwormom, do you understand just how traumatized your ______ was by being forced to help ____________ as a child?! (Fill in the blank: dust, vaccuum, mop, load dishes, cook dinner, scrub bathrooms, etc.) As a responsible parent you should've been the one doing all the housework or else hired a maid. Your _____ will never be a well adjusted, productive member of society because of your laziness!"

Or else the psychiatrist will say, "Mrs.Bookwormom, do you understand just how traumatized your _________ was by being deprived of______________. (Fill in the blank: a McMansion, an XBox 360 & every game they make, ipod nano, tv & dvr & phone in their room, a chauffeur [mom] driven new SUV every year). Your child never fit in during his formative years & now his/her workaholism/type A/overdriven personality/materialism is all your fault!"
Humor, Family Life

Nutrition & archiving

Still reading the Dr. Weil book, getting a bit bogged down by the extensive nutirional info. There are two possible reasons: a) I tend to read this later in the evening when I'm less aware- this isn't an issue with genre stuff, but is likely an error with non fiction & b) I've studied nutrition quite a bit on my own already much of this is not new info. I plan to continue reading it, however, some skimming will surely happen.

Working on starting an archive of books I've read & discussed. Computer time is limited lately due to general busyiness. It may take me awhile. Any suggestions or helpful insight welcome.

OMG- Teenage Drivers

HELP!! :O Son #1 has his driver's permit. I'm so not old enough to have a kid who can drive himself around. LOL ;) To be truthful, he's a year & a half (maybe even two years) over the minimum age but still..

We've driven twice around the local park where we walk because there's no traffic, it's hilly & curvy so he can practice maintaining speed & position in his lane. Today I let him drive us home and then to IKEA after I'd mentally planned a route that reduced merges & left turns. Obviously the interstate was totally out. I'm proud to say he did amazingly well.

I did too to be honest. My mother was terrible to drive with- she's a huge control freak & did very little to make me feel confident in my driving ability. I vowed that the day he got his permit & wanted/needed to drive that I would be very calm, collected & helpful. Relaxed posture, tone of voice & clear instructions. So far I've succeeded. I promised him he'd drive at least a little bit every day, slowly working up to such funatastic things as: highway speeds, on ramp merging, rush hour traffic, etc.

Virginia has many new rules regarding new drivers, which, to be honest, I'm grateful for. Over the last two years there have been several fatal accidents, all involving teens. Adult drivers are agressive enough- add inexperience & youth & it's a dangerous mix. Husband&I plan to take it very very slowly for his safety & our peace of mind.

Hiking Weekend

Spent the weekend immersed in family events- namely trail hiking. Husband, Daughter & I hiked a relatively flat but heavily overgrown local trail in the local national park Saturday afternoon.

Today all of us did another circular hike out in the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mts. Total of nearly five miles. The first two of which were straight up a ridge to the Appalachian Trail. Mercifully the trip back down (to the car- YAY!!) meandered along through spectacular meadows full of wildflowers, butterflies & bees. Watch out for the cow patties though.

Started reading Dr. Andrew Weil's Eating Well for Optimum Health last night. I'm not very far into it, but so far he makes quite a lot of sense. The quality of what you eat effects your health- mental & physical. Eat better quality (& quantity too most likely) & you'll feel better about yourself & be healthier.

1st Anniv. London

Via Random Reality Inspector Sands of Casino Avenue discusses the latest terrorist video clip & the first anniversary of the London bombings. Nee Naw also has comments.

I've nothing to say really, except that I remember & honor your loss & grief, that I'm sure you'll stand strong & steadfast, that there are those of us across the pond & all around the world who spent two minutes in silence today.


by eka420


by erinineurope2005


by srseales

Thursday 13 #16- Exercise

Favorite exercise routines here at Bookwormom Central:

1. Rollerblading along the Potomac

2. Trail hikes in our local national park

3. Interval walk/jog repeats

4. Hill-work in our neighborhood

5. Bike riding

6. DDR in the livingroom. I'm self conscious though & will only do this if I'm alone.

7. Plain walking (getting a little vanilla)

8. Mall walking~ although it's bad for the budget

9. Jumping up & down & screaming at the tv during world cup games- especially while watching Univision commentary

10. Ditto for Tour de France dailies

11. Hunting for lost teenagers (mine) in the local park. Turns out they're totally unable to follow simple verbal instructions. "Go to the end of the trail & turn left. Take the left fork at the next junction. It's less than a mile. The car is in the lot at the end of the 2nd trail. Here's a map in case you forget." Lest you worry, they're home again & eating plenty.

12. Nearly getting sideswiped on the interstate & hyperventialting. Side effect- your children learn lots of new vocabulary words.

13. Thinking up Thursday 13 posts.

Click link above to see more Thursday 13 participants. Leave a link in the comments & I'll link to you.

June Summary & YTD Stats

June Summary:

I only managed six titles this month & that only because of the TBR Challenge over at Romantic Times (on the Reader's Roundtable message board). All were romances, no mysteries or fantasy/sci fi this month.

1.My Heart Stood Still by Lynn Kurland- Time travel paranormal

2.The Wedding Clause by Debbie Raleigh- Traditional Regency

3.A Scandalous Marriage by Debbie Raleigh- Traditional Regency

4.Lord Nightengale's Triumph by Judith Lansdowne- Traditional Regency

5.The Captain's Castaway by Christine Scheel- Traditional Regency

6.Road to the Isle by Megan Davidson- Historical romance


YTD Stats

Total Books Read- 67
Mysteries- 1
Horror- 2
Fantasies- 8
Thrillers- 2
Mythology based romances- 1
Fantasy romances- 2
Traditional Regencies- 21
Historical Romances (Incl. long format Regencies)- 10
Paranormal Romances- 15
DNF- 5

Not very many, I know. Too, I accept that I'm shallow & lack the attention span to read classics or literary fiction. Even so, I only read 102 books in 2005 & I'm well on track to out pace myself this year. Thanks for the great idea, Tara!

Happy Fourth of July!

by jjpetersen2


by jjpetersen2

Exhausted

I have read Potent Pleasures previously- I think when it was new. I enjoyed the portion I reread (about 120 pages), but I've five others by her in my TBR so I won't continue reading it. AG- I really enjoyed the 'reveal' regarding the Cyprian's Ball. I think the best part was at the end though- the birthday present in the postscript was the best part. I love a hero who grovels, LOL.

Husband & I went on a loong walk Sunday afternoon- nearly 8 miles. I was so tired. I can't tell you. The last bit was uphill- I made him sing me dirty jodies from the bad old days when he was in the infantry. You know the kind- they'll put you in your grave, some of them. Full of rape, pillage & mayhem. Totally unPC. I love 'em though.

Happy Canada Day!

Hungry? Dinner is orange black beans out of the crock pot with cornbread, salsa, sour cream & cheese. No dessert tonight. Two loads of laundry done & folded. What else have I done? Dusted the livingroom. I'm ready to sit back & surf & watch tv.

Can you believe how many cyclists got caught in the doping scandal? The Tour de France will be even more wide open than anticipated. How about England's loss to Portugal? Or France beating Brazil? Or Scotsman Andy Murray beating Andy Roddick?

As far as cycling goes, Thor Hushovd, the Norwegian champion is my favorite. This afternoon he won the prologue. He's a sprinter though, so he likely won't win the overall. Ivan Basso was my other favorite, but he's out now due to being implicated in the doping scandal.

Anyhow- enough drooling for one day. Must go supervise Husband setting up my new XM SkyFi radio which arrived last night.

Tour de France, World Cup 2006, Wimbledon, Sattelite Radio

Failed again

Miserable failure- I totally forgot about Angie's challenge until just now when I checked Tara's blog. Oh well. Too late now. Tomorrow's July.

Book wise I'm reading Eloisa James' Potent Pleasures. I think I've read something with a nearly identical plot only I can't remember who wrote it or what it was. I'm continuing on with it though. It's quite good.

Off to bed with me now. I can't decide if I ought to take an epsom salt bath first. Hamstrings & shins are a touch sore after a hard workout today.

Thursday 13 #15- TBR Authors

13 TBR authors listed in alphabetical order with the first two titles I have by them. Click the link above to see more participants, leave a link in the comments & I'll link to you here.

1.Rexanne Becnel- Maiden Bride & Heartbreaker

2.Jo Beverley- Dangerous Joy & The Shattered Rose

3. Sara Blayne- Theodora & Marrying the Marquis

4.Connie Brockway- My Pleasure & My Seduciton

5.Marsha Canham- My Forever Love & Pale Moon Rider

6.Loretta Chase- Lord of Scoundrels & Lion's Daughter

7.Heather Cullman- Bewitched & Stronger than Magic

8.Claire Delacroix- The Snow White Bride & Temptress

9.Christina Dodd- Well Favored Gentleman & Once A Knight

10.Juliana Garnett- The Knight & The Scotsman

11.Anne Gracie- Perfect Waltz & Perfect Rake

12.Roberta Gellis- Enchanted Fire & Shimmering Splendor

13.Patricia Grasso- To Catch A Countess & To Love A Princess
Books, Romance Novels

Latest books read

The Captain's Castaway

This is a traditional Regency written by Christine Scheel & pubbed by Signet in 2005. Features an American girl found adrift in a lifeboat with only an old sailor for company. Not a sign of the boat they were on. Plucked out of the sea by a British frigate captain, he brings her to Portsmouth where she is turned over to relatives. Ordered by the Admiralty to keep an eye on her due to mysterious circumstances beyond her control, Captain Sir Sidney keeps tabs on Julianna & assists her in hunting for her missing father.

I really struggled with this one as I feel there were too many irons in the fire that detracted from what ought to have been the main focus. Any one of the secondary stories would've been enough for its own book- all crammed into one little traditional Regency was too much. In addition Julianna bordered on TSTL towards the end. The ending scene was very touching though & really saved the book IMO.

Road to the Isle

Written by Megan Davidson in 1995 & pubbed by Pinnacle (Kensington). She seems to have one other book out & that's it. Too bad, really. I liked this one quite a lot. A note for those to whom it matters, Road to the Isle is sweet in terms of sexuality & has gritty, somewhat violent scenes involving one or both of the protagonists. Disclaimer: I know nothing of Scottish history & therefore cannot vouch for accuracy in this story. Also, there is some dialect written out, but I managed to ignore it ( a rare feat I must say).

Widow Abigail Fields has lost her daughter & her wastrel husband & has been forced into a Glasgow brothel in order to survive. She dearly loved her husband despite his many faults, which included gambling every penny they had plus all of their furnishings, most of their personal items & his lack of enthusiasm in the bedroom. She is desperate to find their daughter Lydia.

Calum MacDonald, a Jacobite on the run, needs to escape Glasgow in one piece in order to return to his family in a tiny hamlet in the highlands. Abby bribes him into helping her escape & guiding/dragging her northward toward the Shetland Isles where she believes Lydia to be held. From there on out, this is a road/adventure romance. Abby & Calum each have crosses to bear & issues to overcome. None of which are glossed over.

Overall, this is the story of two souls, bereft & grieving, determined to survive & start anew despite the horrendous war around them. They certainly earned their HEA. I did feel the villain was over the top & that distracted me a bit, but all in all Road to the Isle is excellent.
Romance Review

Fluff Wins!

As a native New Englander I was very relieved to learn that the sentimental favorite Fluffernutter sandwich has been saved from disgrace, along with johnny cakes, baked beans & Boston cream pie. Click link to read article. Fluff sandwiches are a sentimental standby here at Bookwormom Central. Fluff can always be found in my pantry. I haven't quite gotten to the point where I keep the Marshmallow Fluff Cookbook around, but Son #2 is campaigning hard.

The second favorite sandwich here is Nutella & Fluff for which I've not figured out a good nickname. Try this site for more sandwiches from way back when. Even they don't list a Nutella & Fluff option, though.
Family Favorites, Kid Friendly Food

Rain rain go away

It has rained pretty much steadily since Sunday night with only a few hours break once in a while. Husband wasn't able to get to work Monday & returned home for a few hours to wait for both the rain & the traffic to subside. So far there hasn't been much flooding on our local roads other than the ones that flood anyway.

The major highways & areas that border tributaries & streams have suffered quite lot though. Basements & below ground parking decks are full of water & storm debris. Mini landslides. Several Smithsonian buildings, the IRS (no sympathy for them!), the Zoo all closed due to the water. Kinda a bummer- the American History museum has a neat display of antique cars & related stuff plus a Muppet exhibit we planned to see Wednesday. We'll have to try again next week, I supppose. The museum closes in September for a two year renovation & I want to go before then.

The humidity has been through the roof. When the kids & I walk together I can see the steam rise out of our clothes- kinda cool, actually. Nice to see all of my stored calories being converted into something more useful than excess mass. LOL

Family Fitness, Virginia Flooding

Diversity

Our neighbors invited us over for a picnic/cookout this past weekend. It turned out to be more interesting than I bargained for. We were an eye opening little group- black, white, Latino & Asian. American, Pakistani, Salvadorean. Babies, teens & adults. Blessing was said in two different traditions in three languages. It was amazing!

The food was pretty good too. Curried goat, hamburgers, hotdogs, beef ribs (no pork). The curry was excellent, BTW. Spicy & delicious. Three types of salad. A great time was had by all. We listened to everything from old school R&B to the Pussycat Dolls. Suddenly, it began to absolutely POUR- then all hell broke loose. It was pretty funny, actually. Running back & forth into the houses trying to bring everything inside. Mud & water & screaming laughing kids everywhere. Dogs trying to steal the meat off the tables. Someone took my catsup & mustard home, but other than that it was fun.

I just barely managed to get my walk in this afternoon between thunderstorms. I'd piled all the kids & our water & towels & ipods & scooters (you know how it is with kids) into the car & started to drive over to the park where we walk the trails together. No dice. Poured buckets. Took the boys back home & dropped them off & went grocery shoppping with Daughter. Bright sunshine & tropical humidity the whole time we were in the store. Stayed that way long enough to shop, drive home, unload the groceries & eat lunch.

Pile everyone back into the car & drive into the park. It rains again. This time with thunder. We managed about half of our usual distance on the paved road. Then I remembered the wide, flat handicapped accesible trail that's under a heavy canopy of trees. It's set up in a loop down into a little gully. Damp & drippy but reasonably dry compared to the open road. I managed to get the remainder of our workout in before the scary weather settled in.
Family Fitness, Diversity

New Books

I went to Borders last night. After much contemplation I brought home four new books.

A Gentleman by Any Other Name by Kasey Michaels features two of my favorite themes, one of which is governesses. Kasey Michaels is a new to me author.

Some Like it Hot by Deborah Raleigh. I've read quite a few of her traditional Regencies & enjoyed them & discovered I missed the 'regular' Regencies she wrote. However, Borders only had this one.

Maidensong, the debut work by Diana Groe. I've picked it up & put it back twice. I read a few pages & Maidensong reminds me of the sagas from loong ago. Vikings & a Strong Heroine. Travel. Need I Say more?!

Duchess of Fifth Avenue by Ruth Ryan Langan. How I've missed Ms. Langan I don't know. DOFA is her 85th book. Lots of people out there enjoy her books, hopefully I'll be one of them. Orphan Irishwoman wants to gain custody of her best friend's son upon the death of the friend. Problem- she needs to hoodwink the court into giving him to her. For that she needs help.

3 Trad. Regencies

Two by Debbie Raliegh- The Wedding Clause & A Scandalous Marriage. One by Judith Lansdowne, Lord Nightengale's Triumph.

The Wedding Clause

Is Molly Conwell a money grubbing mushroom with no morals? Or is she a lovely young woman who eased Anthony Elkington's, Viscount Woodhart, aunt's last months? Why did the lady write her will in this way? Could they get around it somehow? Is Hart really as cold & unfeeling as his reputation? Can they find common ground?

This one is the weakest of the three, IMO. Woodhart spends much of the book castigating Molly only slowly reforming his opinion of her. Over the course of several weeks he switches from being infuriated by her to being infatuated with her. This after Molly spends nearly a year in his aunt's employ & his opinion is supposedly firm. This is not to say that Molly is innocent & naive. She does have ulterior motives & blithely ignores the fact that Woodhart could be justified in his opinions of her character.

In the end, each manages to change enough & confess enough of their wrongdoings that the other can fall in love.

A Scandalous Marriage

The last in the Vicar Humbley trio. The Vicar must help Victoria & Claredon overcome the difficult circumstances surrounding their marriage. Claredon picks the lock on the door of Victoria's room at an inn & joins her in bed. Why? Victoria has registered under a fake name- that of a woman who has relentlessly pursued him for the last year. Victoria is ruined & they must marry. She resents him for forcing her hand, but refuses to see her culpability in the situation.

Vicar Humbly manages to bring them both around in the end. Lovely finish to a good series.

Lord Nightengale's Triumph

The third installment in a four book series starring a talking, singing macaw who also happens to be a matchmaker. Very cute. A rector's daughter, Mary Butterberry, is determined to marry a man, Peter Winthrop, her family disapproves of, who is convinced he killed someone in a fit of grief.
Romance Review, Books

Thursday 13 #14- Recent Events

It's late & I'm tired & stressed & this is all I can think of. I skipped the 13 last week & didn't want to again. Click link above for more participants. Leave a link ini the comments & I'll link to you here. So here goes.

1. Visited the relatives last weekend.

2. Father's Day cookout complete with 4 kinds of pie- very bad for the waistline.

3. Nephew #2 was baptised in the beautiful tiny rural church where Husband & I were married oh so long ago.

4. Discovered my dad doesn't have a brain tumor (YAY!) but is scheduled for back surgery next month (BOO!).

5. My BIL was in the ER all day yesterday. Not this problem or that one, but unsure what the problem actually might be.

6. Watched my mother knit en francais & wished I could knit en anglais. That is to say- my mother found some beautiful double sided baby patterns in a French knitting magazine & is knitting a piece or two for my brother's soon to be born child.

7. Had the XM radio stolen out of my car today

8. Spent an ungodly amount of $$ at the grocery store- summer is always uber stressful on the food budget because *surprise, surprise* the kids are home all the time! I know you're shocked.

9. Son #1 was surfing Monday when the 'puter shut down all on its own. *shock & awe & terror all 'round* Turns out it's the power strip. Thank goodness

10. Somehow keep forgetting to buy new power strip until this afternoon. Of course, as you can see, there's nothing else happening around here lately to distract me.

11. Managed to convince Daughter to bake cupcakes a couple of nights ago. Proceed to eat three hot out of the oven. Then remembered I pigged out Sunday too & I'm technically trying to 'eat healthier!' HAHAHAHA

12. Walked every day since Sunday, minimum 3 miles a day. One day of walk/jog intervals. One thing that has gone well all week.

13. Read 3 traditional Regencies this week- YAY!
Thursday 13, Thursday Thirteen

Decorating & Daughters

Blinking cursor. What now, brown cow? Um. Never mind. Tv-itis night. Watched a show about crop circles. Currently watching the new Dr. Who. Also watched the local news- extremely depressing.

Daughter's Bridging ceremony was touching & overdone at the same time. Daughter is sad because not all of her friends are attending the school she chose. That much is natural. Not overdone from her perspective, but from ours. Maybe I'm unusually cynical & hard hearted, but jeez. These kids have a minimum of four years more basic education- not to mention college or vocational training or whatever. Call me nasty, but come on. Then again, I guess some kids barely scrape by & one more year they pass a grade is one year closer to graduation?

Still no cupcakes baked. I did however, get a new satin bedspread from my mom, courtesy of her attic. My room is a sort of unusual shade of pink that changes to peach dependiing on the time of day/year & type of light. The bedspread is a light peach that compliments the color nicely. Poor Husband. He only tolerates our "girly boudoir." Still- I sleep in there so he's stuck. HAHAHA Yes, I'm evil too.

Happy Weekend all~

I'm A Slacker

Confessional- I skipped both of the events tonight & rushed home after piano lessons. Not only that, I haven't made the cupcakes. I've been a baaaaaaaddddddd, baaaaaaaddddddddd girl.

My mom is coming tomorrow. Apparently, Daughter invited her, but either a) forgot to tell me or b) told me & I forgot. Probaby b.

What else? I can't remember. Oh yes- Son #1 & I did four miles worth of interval training this morning. I'm tired. Monday's covers on Smartbitches weekly cover snark inspired me to at least briefly stare at my TBR this morning.

Oh yes- LOOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEEEE watching those yummy soccer players race up & down the pitch. The games so far have been wonderful. I must say Posh Spice's husband, David Beckham, is exceptionally cute (I'm late to the party I know) as long as he doesn't actually speak out loud.
Spice Girls, Posh Spice, David Beckham, Family Life

Slumping again?

Or simply too busy/tired to read? I'm unsure at the moment. Husband says the new exercise routine is tiring me more than I give it credit. I'm not sure I agree, since I've been overwhelmingly tempted to take my entire romance TBR to the library for their sales. Any takers?Uh..sorta kidding. Not quite ready to dump it all yet, but ...

Schedule update- no rest for the overscheduled, at least for the next few days. Tomorrow- piano at 5:30, church event 6:15; another meeting 7:15. Friday- bake 4 dozen cupcakes, frost, etc. for nephew's baptism Sun.; Daughter's 8th grade bridging ceremony; last day of school. Saturday- clean up day at the local national park a.m.; drive to parents' house pm; help set up nephew's reception at church that evening. Sunday-church, baptism & reception; visit in laws; drive home.

Don't forget the exercise routine. Try to figure out where in my parents' neighborhood we could walk safely. Figure out how to gracefully extricate ourselves from in laws after a reasonable but not interminable visit.

Monday- Collapse. After my walk. Did I tell you I plan to make the kids walk with me?
Exercise, Family Life

Blogthings fun

You Are 43% American

America: You don't love it or want to leave it. But you wouldn't mind giving it an extreme make over. On the 4th of July, you'll fly a freak flag instead... And give Uncle Sam a sucker punch!

How American Are You?

Changes @ Bookwormom Central

I've started (maybe resumed is more accurate) a morning exercise routine in the last few weeks. Initially I would post here first & do all my chores & running around & exercise was pushed farther & farther back on the to do list. It got to the point where I wasn't leaving the house to exercise until after 9:30-10 pm.

In order to make exercise a priority in my schedule, I've decided to start posting at night & exercise in the morning during what had been my posting & surfing time. Of course, it took me several days of falling asleep on the couch at odd times to figure out that my evolution into a nocturnal schedule wouldn't work.

I haven't been reading. I'm behind on my surfing. I'm behind with blogging. On the other hand, I walked 10 miles last week & 7.3 miles so far this week. Husband went shopping for me & bought me cute exercsie clothes.
Exercise, Blogging, Lifestyle Makeover

Mother's Work

Is never done. Really. The family calendar this weekend is crammed to the last minute with events. A woman may even be forced to skip her beloved afternoon siesta! It's a crime, I tell you.

Daughter's Sunday school class is ramping up for their pilgrimage next summer. Opening event- ginormous rummage sale today. The fun & exciting program opens Thursday afternoon with the inital table set up & sorting of the mountain of crap- I mean treasures. Thursday we were there for just over three hours. Another hour or more Friday night.

Today the older kids are volunteering at Faux House all day (see Thursday's post). Which entails a forty five minute drive one way. Son #2, Husband & I worked the actual sale at church from about 10am to 2pm. At the end of which time, I discover our trunk full of goodies. A 10 gallon fishtank. An empty computer tower housing (don't ask, steam is still coming out of my ears on that purchase). A few more books because Husband says his goal is to sink the house into the ground due to book hoarding. A few really nice clothing purchases- camel suede leather suit coat from Gucci, a Givenchy leather purse among other items. We left before the real fun began- carting the leftovers to Goodwill.

Husband is off to fetch the older kids from Faux House. Dinner has yet to be cooked. Tomorrow is church, then the annual parish picnic. After that I get to supervise the usual weekend chores- laundry, changing sheets, vaccuuming bedrooms. I was going to say homework, but at this stage I figure it's the end of the year. No more homework.

Meantime we're DVR'ing whichever World Cup matches are on, which isn't nearly enough to please the Husband. I guess I ought not complain- at least it's a quiet activity with no driving involved. The third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, are on this afternoon; also DVR'd for later viewing pleasure. I doubt I've enough brain cells still awake enough to read.

Thursday 13 #13- DC Events

13 free & nearly free events in Washington DC held this summer. I hunted for things that will be held over at least a couple of days, some events stretch over the summer & into the fall.

1.19th & 20th Century American Photography

2.Renaissance of Venetian Painting

3.Botanical Treasures of Lewis & Clark, celebrating the 200th anniv. of Lewis & Clark

4. Environmentally friendly home contstruction & decorating

5. National Zoo, baby tigers, pandas & sloths (free timed tix rec. to see pandas)

6.Folklife Festival, featuring: Alberta CA, native basketry, New Orleans jazz & nuestra musica (latino music)

7.List of free parades & concerts over the summer

8.Free movies on the Mall during the summer

9.Comprehensive list of other free events compiled by National Geographic

10.Summer Restaurant Week dates TBD, but worth waiting for. Prix fixe lunch & dinner meals at the best tables in the city. List also details other US cities.

11.National Academy of Science museum. Only charge $5 per adult, $3 per student. Recommend over 13 only.

12.Smithsonian Jazz Cafe live jazz, food & beverages Friday nights. $10 cover, kids welcome. Discount if you went to see an IMAX at the museum & have your stub.

13.Museum & gallery cheat sheet 'insider info' to help you figure out where to go & when.

List your TT in the comments & I'll link to you here. Click link above to see other participants.


Washington DC Tourism, Thursday 13, Thursday Thirteen, Washington DC

Faux House

I am putting up free advertising for Faux House (click link above for explanation) in Arlington VA. Son #1 & Daughter will be volunteering at the House this Saturday all day- stop by & tell them hi if you can. The photos in the gallery are amazing, let me tell you.

Their primary goal is to eventually publish a photobook of the house & the techniques used to decorate the House. However- proceeds from events & sales related to the House will go to Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans to help buy a house.

There are also events in the Chicago area, if you live out there. The rectory at Church of the Atonement has had some work done. See bottom of gallery page for photos.
Faux Finish, Decorative Painting, Faux House, Habitat for Humanity, volunteering

Compassionate laundry

It's old home week, here at Bookwormom Central. Sunday night Husband helps me with the laundry by sorting two weeks worth of linens, our laundry & daughter's laundry- all over the kitchen floor. I'm grateful, I think. Except that the kitchen is a galley type with very little room. Yesterday I think I washed & folded eight loads of linens alone. Yes, yes, I realize it's partly my fault for skipping the linens last week.

On top of the laundry, yesterday noonish, the school nurse calls. Son #2 is in her office. Drive over & pick him up. He comes home, gets into his pjs & climbs into Daughter's bed (her room is cooler) & falls asleep. This child is 10 years old & never stops talking. I decided that he really must be sick after all. Why Daughter's bed? He sleeps in a loft & I reminded him that if he needs help I can't get up there. Thus- Daughter's bed.

After Son #1 comes home, I run out for errands & the Daughter. Who was reasonably gracious about sharing her bed. To ease the pain I buy her a new clay masque & face wash. Stopping by her room I pop the thermometer in & go get him an insulated cup of water. Return & discover his temperature is 103 & climbing. Wow. He's really sick after all.

Then I feel a little guilty. Why? Well- I'm not overly sympathetic or compassionate. Husband teases me that I've the bedside manner of a dr. That is to say- no bedside manner to speak of. I tell him it's a good thing the kids have HIM to make up for my shortcomings.

After all that- it's time to cook dinner. Where in the hell is the maid? Who fired her before she could finish the laundry & cook dinner?! Darnitall! Good help is so hard to find. Once dinner & laundry were done I realized I'd not taken my daily constitutional. Husband was home by then so I dragged him with me. We ended up walking about 2.3 miles (1/2 up a long steep hill), being attacked by a teacup poodle.

Today I'm tired. Son #2 is home, fever still raging. Possible strep throat caught from Son #1 who had it last week. I made beans in the crockpot & bought Son#2 some juice. He's watching ancient movies on tv (the original Poseidon Adventure & Curse of the Pink Panther).
Parenting, Family Life

My Heart Stood Still; L. Kurland

As usual, a well done time travel by Lynn Kurland first published in 2001 by Berkeley. I enjoy her books, but for me the historicals have been the keepers. Somehow the contemporaries haven't had quite the emotional depth.

The hero is your typical type A, adrenaline junkie, ghost seeing, psychic multimillionaire who *gasp, surprise* is full of ennui. One day, after spilling eggs all over the floor at his seaside estate in Maine, he decides to refurbish a castle he bought in Scotland.

The heroine is a ghost who was murdered at age 24 after being sold off to heathan Englishman. She has haunted the hero's derelict castle for over 600 years & isn't particularly interested in allowing the renovation of 'her' castle. Slowly the two reach a detente.

Eventually relations thaw to a point where the hero travels to a point in time just before the heroine is killed & he brings her forward. From there they have to rebuild their relationship from scratch. This point was important to me. Kurland did not take liberties with time & memory. Because the heroine was brought forward alive, she doesn't have memories of the hero or their relationship because it happened while she was a ghost. Kurland does not skimp on this point & that renewed my respect for her work.
Romance Novel, Time Travel Romance, Romance Review

Driver's Ed

Follow up to last week's Thursday 13. Go HERE & take the test. NO CHEATING. Compare your results HERE with the rest of your state. How well did you score? Did you pass in the first place? LOL Post your score & the state where you live- if you dare!

I took the quiz & scored 75%, which according to the GMAC page is a passing grade. I fell off my chair in shock, I swear. The ironic thing about it all is- I took driver's ed in Massachusetts- which is tied with NJ for 48th worst, I currently reside in metro DC which ranked dead last. My driver's ed instructor was a Massachusetts State Police officer, though, so maybe that made a difference.

Happy weekend all!
Driver's Ed, Driver's Test, Road Rage

May Synopsis

May was a surprisingly productive month, now that I look back on it. I felt bogged down & dithered around much of the time , but in actuality I glommed several books into a few days & then slumped a few days & repeated the cycle.

Fantasy
1. Sebastian by Anne Bishop
2-4. The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop
5. Pillars of the World by Anne Bishop

Romances; Trad. Regencies & Paranormals

6. Sorcery & Cecelia by Wrede & Stevermer
7. Bewitching by Jill Barnett
8. One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
9. Miss Timothy Perseveres by Emily Hendrickson
10-11. A Proper Marriage & Devall's Angel by Debbie Raleigh & Allison Lane respectively
12. Kiss of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
13-14. Night Play & Seize the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Thursday 13 #12- Summertime

Summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime! My favorite 13 summertime activities (not including hiding in the AC). Click link above for more participants, leave a link in the comments & I'll list you.

1. Tourist watching on the Mall

2. Watching late evening tennis- Kids against Husband

3. Late night walks

4. Haunting the Smithsonian museums

5. Kids visiting G'ma & G'pa & 'the folks'

6. Free concerts & movies on the Mall

7. Beaches

8. Laughing at the tourons stuck on I 95

9. Gardening

10. National Zoo-ing

11. Picnics

12. Pick your own berries

13. Getting to sleep in!

Doug at Balls & Walnuts has his 13 up. Cin from Vancouver BC has a list up too.

Thursday 13, Thursday Thirteen

Rummage Books

Daughter's Sunday school class is hosting a huge rummage sale in two weeks. Husband & I have been collecting odds & ends from around the house to donate. Unknown to me, he'd also mentioned the sale at work & collected quite a few things from his coworkers. One of which was a box of books!

I was so excited. You'd've thought Santa'd come early. LOL Unfortunately for me, the books were sci fi & thrillers by authors I don't read. Else they were half of a series. Never the first half, usually the middle or the end & mostly of series that seem to have no final chapter in sight. *Boo Hoo* I did salvage a like new mass market copy of Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline Carey. I'd read the series in hardcover & loved it.

Other book news

I bought a copy of The City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan. Penguin has a beautiful little group of paperbacks of literary & philosphical masterpieces. Mary Wollstonecraft's A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is another one. The series is called Great Ideas. I plan to buy several more.

I also bought a copy of Much Ado in the Moonlight by Lynn Kurland.
Books, Romance Novels, Family Events

2 More Kenyons

I'm desperately trying to read down my TBR. Somehow I find Kenyon's work compelling & easy enough to read that I can glom three or four in a row. So far they haven't been keepers. Yet I enjoy the fact that there are recurring characters & readers get glimpses of them in subsequent books.

Night Play

You have your shapeshifter male with a huge Greek name who falls in lust with a zaftig Irish American woman who has just been dumped by her sucky tv personality boyfriend. You have your cast: the totally insane MIL, the almost but not quite trustworthy BIL, the zombified BIL, the Peltiers & their great bar Sanctuary, &, as always, Ash. So as long as you can totally suspend reality- you're in for a great read.

Seize the Night

Of all the Kenyons' I've read this one is my favorite because the hero, Valerius, is emotionally tortured. Valerius, half brother to Zarek (who has his own book, Dance with the Devil). Valerius has walled himself off because a)of his family history & b) most of the other Dark Hunters hate him due to (A). Tabitha, the local 'crazy lady' vampire huntress, empath & secret soft hearted do gooder accidentally stabs him during a fight. One thing leads to another & eventually, Tabitha gets Valerius to loosen up & let go & Valerius teaches Tabitha that not everyone thinks she's "only" the crazy lady.
Paranormal Romance, Romance Review