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so lets try this, so we can keep up with what everyone is up to and keep the what are you reading thread for just that. Lets see if its easier or a big pain!

Okay, I'll start this off......

Magdelanye, you asked about the bathroom renos in the other thread.
This coming week will be the final week of reno and I don't think they will be here the entire week. It's difficult for me to gauge because I'm not up on how long these things take. But going from what I've observed so far, there may not be a week of work left.

Today I went to make up some scalloped potatoes and found that we didn't have quite enough potatoes but had too much cauliflower. So, I made a cheesy scalloped potato and cauliflower dish. Hope it tastes good.

I'm not doing much today. It's a lazy Sunday around here and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

well this a bit thrilling, a new thread. I'm glad you found it so quickly Petra!
I'd plan for the week though. I think there is a law about that, isn't there, it always take a bit longer to finish than to start/ I'm looking forward to seeing the photos, as you must be to get to use the facilities again. I hope the people who were doing the work were considerate and interesting.

My friend Susan is on the Kito diet, She rarely eats potatoes now and instead uses cauliflower, sometimes mashing it. I was amazed the first time I saw a whole cauliflower steamed without cutting it up. Well, there were 4 of us for supper. I am sure your casserole will be delicious.

I am about to dive back into the purpose seminar.
This morning I had a good cry, very cathartic and not too long; I fell asleep during the relaxation exercise lol then a good laugh over a GR review. So I am feeling quite balanced and ready to work on the shelves a bit more while I listen to the last few sessions.

Hurray for lazy days and loving every minute of it!

I really like mashed cauliflower. I find that mashing it somehow changes the flavour and makes it really interesting. I've had it in place of mashed potatoes.

Another good addition to mashed potatoes is mashed white kidney beans. It adds fiber and taste, is more filling and is delicious. I use this mix for shepherd's pie every time.
I suppose that regular kidney beans would work just as well but you'd see them, while the white kidney beans mix right into the potatoes unseen.

A good cry is a relief for the soul. I fear, though, that there was something that started this episode. I'm sorry if you've had such a day, Magdelanye.

The scalloped potatoes & cauliflower were really tasty and filling. We've got enough left for tomorrow's dinner, too.

well i was hoping to have had some cauliflower shepherd's pie before getting back here. Never have had mixed potatoes and beans.

Im sorry if it seemed i was havinga bad day. I was just really moved by what i was watching and it was quite a relief for this soul. I'm learning to be able to express my feelings in the moment in a gentle way rather than brushing them aside and letting them pile up.

About the new shelves, they go on top of the existing shelves so it gives me that much more room. Its a challenge to arrange it all but very exciting too. I am finding such treasures.

Ahhhh, I'm glad you had a day of feelings and not a day of sadness. Feelings are good.

Extra shelves are helpful. The problem with extra shelving is that it encourages extra hoarding. LOL. I tend to fill all the space around me. It's annoying at times.

Not much happening here this week. Bathroom renos should be finished tomorrow. I'm looking forward to getting our house back. We've been confined to the back rooms while they work, for social distancing and safety for all. I'm so ready to put Covid behind us. (I'm sure we all are; just a short whine from me)

I've been on two runs this week, on different routes. On each I saw a large patch of crocusses. It is so nice to see flowers popping up. Spring is coming quickly.

Digging the garden over ready for the grandsons to plant potatoes on Good Friday - does that sound too exciting for lockdown :-)

sounds wonderful Ice

and Petra I hope you had a proper celebration on the finishing of the renos and that thats that!

I have been working on the finishing of the unpacking of books. There are still at least a dozen boxes still unopened. Hoping my 2 volume hc Proust will show up but i did unearth a volume called how Proust can change your life and a huge pp by William Vollman that i have no memory of acquiring.

Good morning everyone!

It's a sunny morning! It looks really bright and cheery outside. I'll get outside for some fresh air today.

Magdelanye, we are enjoying our new bathrooms. We chose a good contractor, I'm happy to say. The work is solid. I'm happy that we had this done.

Unpacking books is a fun task. I hope you find your Proust soon.
How are you enjoying your new home and area, Magdelanye?

I hope everyone else is doing well and is happy.

Hi everyone,

Sounds like you're all doing well, that's great to see!

I for the life of me can't get a picture uploaded of my puppy. I'll add a link to a dog that looks similar!



We're in the midst of training her (it's going well!), work has been busy, and just generally feeling blah about winter. It has been nice and the snow has started to melt, so there is an end in sight!
My son and I have both been sick with a cold. We both tested negative for covid. He's feeling way better but I'm still dragging around.

@Petra I'm excited to hear that your bathroom renos are finally complete. What a relief!

OMG, Megan, that's a cute puppy! A little guy like this must make the whole family smile.
Sorry to hear about the colds. Hope you are both feeling better now.

It's been a cold- and flu-less winter around here. I don't know anyone who's had even a sniffle.

Yes, it's nice that the bathroom renos are over. There's so much work involved in taking a room apart & putting it back together. They did a great job.

The days are getting warm! Not just sunny & crisp but sunny & warm. It's a nice feeling.
Yesterday we had our weekly Tai-Chi practice in the park. I removed both my jacket and fleece vest because it got too warm to be bundled up.
This morning I went for a run and my shell (windbreaker jacket) was too warm, too.
Woo Hoo! Spring is coming soon.

Not much else going on around here. How about with all of you?
I finished a knit afghan and started another. That's my big news. LOL (yeah.....I lead an exciting life)

Megan, that is the most beautiful puppy!! I'm in love, and just from the photo.

I managed to get sick again. Just a cold but it's sapped my energy and I'm not getting much done.

But the kittens are great fun. My old cat Charlie though does not like them. We had hoped he would be more ok about it but he has taken to hissing at them. So we're giving him lots of attention. But at least it's gotten him out of bed and moving around! He was very bonded to Boo and after Boo died he just didn't get out of bed but slept almost around the clock. So even if he's not happy he's much more alert and moving!

Ellie, I'm sorry you got a cold. They can sap the energy well. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Oh, poor Charlie. He's grieving. It's good that he's more active. That will help his outlook a lot. In time, he and the kittens may be best friends. I hope so. He sounds like a sweetie.

Also, from the other thread (I'm also not sure where it goes but my comment has nothing to do with reading, so I'll put it here):
I love Grey's Anatomy. It's melodramatic, a bit over the top at times; but I try not to miss an episode.

Also regarding libraries and how they are currently set up:

Our library was closed, at first, with pick-up service for books requested on-line or over the phone.
Since sometime early last summer, the library is open again. There's a greeter at the door to ensure that one's health is good, there are arrows on the floor to direct people but we can go to the stacks and look around. There's a table to pick up any requests.
We also have the automatic & touchless check-outs but librarians are hovering around, so we can chat and ask questions. On top of their other duties, the librarians are busy cleaning the computers, copy machine, etc. after patrons use them.
They also offer outdoor pick-up service, for those who are uncomfortable entering the building.

It's very quiet in our library. I've rarely seen more than two or three people in the building when I go. It used to be quite bustling.

I HAD HOPED THAT MY COMMENT MADE IT THROUGH BEFORE THE COMPUTER CRASHED.

yikes I didnt mean to yell~ I lost a longish comment just after Megans post on the new puppy. What a cutie! And Ellie has new cats! That can be so annoying for old cats. I heard today that cats do not meow to each other, they developed that after domestication, to communicate with humans.

Ellie good to hear from you. Take especially good care of yourself.

Today I have spent on the computer, attending a weekend summit from Esalen Institute. It was actually thrilling...I got glimpses of spaces I loved and the talks were even better than I had hoped they would be.

I am so grateful the libraries have been able to stay open. I have gotten very little reading done today but yesterday a friend posted a challenge on fb. You might like to try a shortform. The directions were to pick up the closest book and turn to page 58. We were invited to copy out the 6th sentence. It was absolutely uncanny what I got. From Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now "The approach is unwieldy and unpredictable but oddly consistent with the post-modern landscape." Well yes!

What fun!

The closest book: Red Sorghum

Page 58; Sentence 6:
Grandma made a set of white mourning clothes for Father -- she wore sackcloth.


Huh.....that's a bit gruesome.

unweildy and unpredictable :>)
i never could get into Red Sorgum so good for you Petra.

(I haven't started it yet. LOL. It's just sitting here waiting)

isnt that the lovliest thing about books! that they just sit wherever waiting until we are ready to enter them!

Having cleaned out the Greenhouse I am now trying to grow from seed: Chili plants, Brussel Sprouts & Marigolds ..... also cultivating strawberries. Onion seeds to go in the ground after the traditional potatoe planting on good friday. Current rules allow me to be visited by the family social bubble. As I write this Youtube playlist is playing Save a Prayer, very appropriate.

halfway through my remarks on Ices choice of crops, the screen suddenly took me to a section I dont remember seeing before, on unread disscussions. I wont try to recreate my last post but good luck with exotic chilis and brussel sprouts.

Is it the influence of the full moon? I am not doing much but the days speed by and I am feeling vibrationally challenged with all the computer time. I am finding a lot of it fascinating but after a while it is an assault. The silence is a blessed relief and I am enjoying the moments when I can allow myself to really do nothing.
One of the books I unpacked:
Don't Just Do Something, Sit There: A Mindfulness Retreat with Sylvia Boorstein
Still havent found my HC Proust and and dont have many boxes left unopened. Dont have any room left on the new shelves either so the hunt is on for one more bookshelf .
I'd love to know how others are coping with unpredictable energies and more unspeakable acts down south.
Beaming peace love and good vibes for the weekend.

I had this happen lately, too, Magdelanye, but keep being taken to the Terms of Use page. I finally figured out that there's a link at the very bottom of each page here on GR and my mouse must be hovering over the "Terms" link and I get transferred there.
The good thing is that I can go back a page and any message I was writing is still there.
It's always startling when the page changes because I'm not expecting it.

I haven't been on the computer much and the days are still flying by. Time certainly does go by quickly.
I don't usually spend a lot of time online. I do seem to have a routine. I like checking up on posts while drinking my morning coffee, and again while having afternoon tea. Then I check in again sometime in the evening (most days).

Magdelanye, are you taking part in an online course? It sounds like you are learning a lot, which is really interesting.

Ice, you must have a greenhouse? I'd love to have a shed or some such thing in the backyard to putter around in or use as a rainy day shelter or something like that.
We don't get a lot of sunshine in our backyard, so growing vegetables has never worked for me. I'm looking for different things to use the backyard for that makes it fun and interesting.

The last couple of days have been fun. Yesterday, I visited a carving friend and we spent the afternoon in her backyard carving and chatting. I didn't get a lot of carving done, but had a nice chat and a visit with her dog. She has a fountain in the corner of the garden that I found very soothing.
This morning was Tai Chi practice in the park. Lots of fun. This afternoon, I finished knitting an afghan. Also fun.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Happy Easter!

I didn't get any chocolate this year. That's fine with me. I've gained a few pounds over the winter, so no chocolate is a good Easter gift for me. :D

Today was a perfect Spring day. It was warm and sunny with some puffy clouds. I spent a few hours out in the yard, starting to clean it up. I got some weeding done, started edging the lawn and relocated an ornamental grass.
There is a small, fluffy, grassy plant in the front garden. I don't know the name of it. Last week, I found it dug up and lying on its side beside the hole. It looked like an animal dug it up. It was still fresh looking, so I dug it back in. Today, I found it dug up again, lying on it's side and not looking so fresh anymore. I tossed it out.
I wonder what decided to dig it up this year? It's been there for 3 years now and never has it been disturbed. The ground around and in the hole doesn't look dug up or burrowed into. Just a hole where the plant was originally.
Anyway, I didn't really like this little plant, so no loss. I am curious, though.


How was Easter for us all? How are things in your lives?

Potatoes planted Friday and Onions on Saturday in the 'fruit cage'. Seedlings coming along, except the Chili plants which are still hiding. Last week it reached 43.6 in the Greenhouse, this week it's a touch of frost (not the book, although highly recommended in itself), once that has passed the plan is to feed, weed and seed the grass which is looking a little bit patchy, probably from the wildlife stepping on it all winter. Today I have already had, in order of appearance (!) Robin, Blackbirds (known as fat blackbirds as they never seem to want to fly), Magpie's, Starlings and squirrel (grey). Not seen the (urban) fox for a while, but we have hedgehog sign (to misquote Dune). Quiet for a 'city' garden.

Thats impressive Ice and Petra. We had the same kind of spring day but I was not so energetic. Spent the day intensely reading to finish a book from another library that cant be renewed and due on Thursday. I had planned to go on Friday but luckily i remembered the holidays as i was checking the bus schedule and had a pleasant day at home. Tomorrow is the first day it will be open since then and by now i have 7 books waiting and 6 to return, one accruing fines now My fear is they will lock the library down again now they are focusing on a 3rd wave and etc etc

Petra could your fluffy plant be pampas
grass? Sometimes deer will nibble on it. Thats great you are able to enjoy your activities again and the carving especially as that was a victory for you when it was almost canceled. And the weather has been perfect for running.

I have been engrossed in an intensive weeklong course on embodiment which demanded all my attention. Then a few days where i was totally disinclined to turn on the machine.

I did get the inspiration to move the nythology section of my library which was crammed into one shelf to a bigger space. Yes Im still at it.

Magdelanye, intensely reading a book that cannot be renewed qualifies as energetic in my books.

The plant looks like this one:

I'm not sure why this poor plant was so picked on.

I sure hope they don't close the libraries again. If they do, I hope they continue their curb-side pick-up option.
Of course, I have enough books at home to get me through a pandemic and more. (but let's hope that doesn't come to be)

You'll have to post a picture of your in-home library when it's done, Magdelanye.

Hubby and I registered for our Covid shots yesterday. It will still be some time before we get them, but now we just sit back until they contact us to make an appointment.

Not much going on around here. The weekend was really quiet. Today was cold and very wet.
I've been using up left-over yarn to knit animals. I've got the pieces for a teddy bear and an owl completed. Just need to find the will to sew them all together.

Being not as intelligent I had to place my tulip picture in the photo folder. Frosts almost clearing, temperature rising, but only 35.5 in the greenhouse today.

Ice, that's a pretty picture. I didn't realize that we had a photo folder. There are some nice pictures in there.

Hubby got his Covid vaccination today. I'm still waiting to hear when I can have mine. He got his quickly. I have to say that I'm impressed with that. Things may be moving quicker than it looks on the surface.

Petra didnt you post some things in the photo folder?
How is hubby feeling post shot? May he be able to handle it.

I am having weird issues with GR and its starting to bother me.
Especially after just reading two books on bots and trolls. Yesterday I wrote a review of Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi Luckily I wrote it out ao I can post again. Some woman supposedly called Amelia commented on it but when I clicked on any of the 4 links I got ooops and no such person. However, the more option took me right to an Amazon page advertising shelves/ which as you know I am interested in these shelves but I never use Amazon (unless you count GR) have no account with them except again GR. What is this all about? Y am starting to feel as if I am being hacked. Ideas?

I tried accessing our photo album from my fone but now I can do it. Obviously at one time I knew how to add pictures so it should be possible to recall.

Ice, I do remember with fondness the months we communicated regularly in the wee hours here. that was when I still lived in Vancouver, before the Camino and all the other changes in circumstances and domicile.

No, I don't believe so. None of those pictures are mine and I don't recall ever knowing we had a photo album. But perhaps I'm mistaken. My memory might have slipped.

Hubby feels just fine. He has a sore arm, around the injection site and he was really tired the first evening. But he slept poorly the night before, so the tiredness might not be from the shot. We don't know.

I have no idea what is happening with the linking issues. Perhaps there was a glitch through the GR/Amazon link? Has it only happened the once?

well apparently it wasnt a glitch but standard amazon advertising technique

Hope Hubby is absolutely fine now Petra.
Where did we see all your sweet pictures if not in our album?
And theres proof I once knew how to do posting.

Today I tried to get into a zoom meeting with Tara and Tami Simon but failed to connect, I ended up going toan embodiment circle but the audio was so bad I bailed. Ellie did you get to attend? I suppose there will be a replay.

I am caught up in a huge effort to finish with the bookshelves already. I got another largish one and then the fun began, having to clear the bookcases I was swapping around and now to fill them again. I am attempting to make this not just a drudgery but an opportunity to check out the poetry books as I reorganize them on the new bookcase. The case I was using for the poetry now contains fiction T-Z.

Noticing we havent heard from Megan in a while. Hope all is well. This is a busy and uncertain time for everyone. It's so good to stay in touch

Loaded a couple of photos from Vera land !

Beautiful vistas, Ice! You live in a lovely part of the World.

I had a look for The Crow Trap at the library again. There's a queue of 10 people.....still! That book always has a long queue of people waiting to read it.

wow just had a look at the photos Ice posted and it does seem idyllic with tulips. Also the magnificent sunrise from Gonzo. It would be lovely if everyone had at least one photo up. But why isnt the puppy here and Petras carvings because we saw those
How could I have forgotten how to do this??

Perhaps Ive had to learn too much new that its shunted out old stuff
or maybe just going senile at last

Been in a very odd space all week.
Ellie are you doing the compassion challenge with Tara this week.
I am being compassionate to myself and limiting my online activity again after last weeks intensives.

I just want to lie on the grass and read!
I

Magdelanye, I am doing the compassion challenge. It's timing is perfect: I've been focusing on compassion and then this appeared!

I forgot how to look at pictures. I'll try clicking on the person's icon but if anyone knows better, please tell me!

So all the pictures I saw were from 9 or 10 years ago. What am I missing?

My son and I have been going to the park and reading. The weather has been beautiful.

Ellie the last 3 are Ice's recents, I think.

How are you liking the challenge Ellie?
I am having compassion on myself and not taking on any challenges for a bit. How wonderful that you have a reading companion at the park! I sometimes feel like the solitary inhabitant of another universe when I am alone here on this large property,

There are only a few boxes left unopened and non are fiction. I have just about finished with that section. Even with the new bookshelf the are still area of jam packed. Where is my hc deluxe edition of Proust?

I've uploaded 2 carving photos.
A coral reef with fish, eels and a turtle. I found that chunk of wood on a "scrap" table at a lumber store last year and it started me carving a reef.
I've recently started carving spoons. They are fun projects. There is one in alder wood and 2 in pine wood.

Ellie, it must be so nice to read in the park. Keep enjoying every day.

Magdelanye, it must be nice to see your books again as they are taken out of their boxes.
We are fairly solitary here, too. It starts to get a bit old sometimes.

I'm digging up our back yard. I've dug out a few railway ties, started removing a trellis and stored some paving stones. The backyard is a true mess. It's gone to seed and weed in the years before our retirement. It's going to take awhile to get back into shape.

I have a walk planned on Friday with a friend. Fingers crossed that the rain holds off.

I got my Covid shot last Friday. No side effects at all. A bit of a sore spot at the injection site for a day; it felt bruised.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Loaded Dunstanburgh Castle (ruins) ...... think run down Hogwarts.. could not load my own so went for the publicity shot in decent weather, which was not the case on Tuesday's walk !

Nordic Noir, I am a fan, and the BBC is re-running Forbrydelsen ..... [The Killing] ........................... oh those, those sweaters !

gee, i feel pretty ignorant, Ice, another world entirely Vaguely aware there is a genre...but sweaters?

Ellie I have been cheating and listening to some of the recordings for the compassion challange. Mainly Im doing embodiment stuff.

So glad, thinking of Petra's Tues in the park, that the weather is continuing nice.
I trust, Petra that youve decided on something suitable to replace it, but I wouldnt be surprised if you were kind of missing Dombey and son.

Today I spent some quiet time watching leaves on the oak tree just beginning to unfurl. Just my speed

The lead character in the original Danish TV series wore some great clothing, have added a photo

I enjoy reading Nordic Noir, although I don't read them often.

We've had a pretty good week here. The weather has been a bit unstable. Very Spring-like. I am hoping to get outside today, so fingers are crossed that the rain holds off for awhile.

I feel good about finishing with Dombey. I enjoyed the story and am now ready for shorter reads.

Magdelanye, sitting and watching the leaves unfurl sounds wonderful. Perfect day.

Thinking of Ellie
May all go well tomorrow

very grateful for spring

Thinking of you, Ellie. Hope you are home again very soon.

Ellie how did it go?
may this find you feeling great and doing nothing much but reading!

Sorry I've been mia. The surgery got postponed to this Wednesday.
I am feeling ok and am reading and going to the park every day (except yesterday where it was 91 degrees and Katie and I did an at-home "spa day" which was lovely.

I've joined a new zoom breathworks group which is fascinating. The only drawback is that I usually spend Katie's lunch time with her and after the summer that will no longer be possible. So we'll see.

Is that the alchemy of breath group Ellie?
I was signed up for their workshop last week but i skipped it because i still cant move much without pain and the session last month was too vigorous. My bod is urgently signalling me to process and integrate before moving on.

That said, I have been getting to know the embodiment community. They have a free masterclass on this week on the Embodied Yoga Poses. I love the simplicity and instant application. More like tai chi than yoga really. The head honcho Mark Walsh is not your average yogi. He is lightly abrasive and a bit of a joker, but I can respond to that. Most of his people are a lot gentler but check it out and see if you agree that his approach cuts through a lot of mystique.
Theres so many offshoots facilitated by
different presenters, but its the EYP that Im urging you all to check out while its free and happening. Even rather immobile in bed I am loving it.

Hows everyone else doing? Its actually raining right now but we did have a lovely week of blossoms and sun. Lying on the grass with the sun warming my back is great solace.

Blessings extended to Wednesday Ellie.
May it go well