C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

It occured to me that Raj was sympathetic in the last couple of seasons of “The Big Bang Theory”. I had had enough of him but rooted for him in a few instances. If the last season is all you saw, your patience makes sense. He did not whine while he dated Emily and Anou.

Although of course, being different and having your own disposition is okay, I like seeing out if we can get on the same page. It is good it helped both of us, realizing we do not fault an encyclopedia for reporting a negative. I can't get aboard you thinking a story about whales and people being killed by a madman is a favourite. I understand that you learned something poignant, or felt for them. You, like some people, appreciate feeling even negative emotions. I value stories that are, or turn out brightly, triumphantly, and happily with relief. You must want this too, after terrible subjects. This brings me to my first query: does one of your star grades belong to enjoyment, which is unrelated to skill and storytelling quality? If so, shouldn't five star appreciation belong to well told stories that were the most pleasant?

I have realized that age plays a role between us in this example. Up to about your age, I read nearly everything too. It was like learning, even if it was a horrible scene to imagine. Does that sum it up? V.C. Andrews had me aghast at human horror but racing the pages until I exclaimed in relief that the evil was over. One day, I realized that entertainment reading and viewing was in my control to make pleasant. Maybe a person goes through difficult times or just decides that they refuse all negativity they can control. Since 30 or so, I can't stomach disturbing stories anymore. Why not have a happy space that we guarantee for ourselves? We'll see how you feel at 35. I shudder at what I used to read. Adrenaline might be what you get out of morose tales for a little longer.

I found where you discussed our novel and will answer that. On your faster internet, you would find when we became the homosapiens that I think our evolution is. I sense it must have been thousands of years ago. We agree 8000 more years seems too far without “Heaven On Earth” or an ice age or flood retiring this epoch of life. My guess is Earth might be ready for a reset in less than 1000 years. I don't know if climate change has me thinking this way. How about you? I believe we will sucessfully solve the climate crisis but think spirits sharing the Earth in a visible way is a few hundred years away.

Anyway, let's use mathematics and surmise that our evolution is about 8000 from homoerectus or whomever the last evolution was called; I guess they were cavemen or older. We have not split in a way that any mammal thrives without light; vitamin D directly from the sun and vegetation as nutrition. According to Donna Eden's provable exercises, our DNA has not evolved since we walked on two legs or more. That is why we need to tap acupressure points (which I do) or hold neurovascular points (which I must learn), to quell a false “fight, flight, or freeze” reactions. If you found the age of the earliest bipedal mammal, might that be millions of years?

Slugs, worms, and other insects and bacteria are strong underground. I guess a case could be made for nocturnal mammals, birds, and reptiles. However, I suggest that they have the option of receiving the sun, even if it is in sleep and they certainly include vegetation in their food, if it is not their staple. I think we can conclude that Herbert had a vegetarian bias, or confused cavemen as being strong for reasons that did not allign with his Morlocks. It is fair for a hunted race to act a certain way but I have seen prey animals. Deer, rabbits, little birds, frogs and toads live their lives boldly and freely; running or hiding, or freezing to be invisible when they need to. Actually, deer and amphibians come out at night for food. The deer avoid humans as they check underneath birdfeeders and amphibians seek insects near our lights. Deer, rabbits, little birds, frogs and toads are sturdy, althletic, strong, and fast! You have seen their photographs on my memory stick.

Speaking of which, please ensure you take a copy of all the music on a data CD, other memory stick, or harddrive. It would be a shame for a single source like an Ipod to have a glitch or get misplaced. With personal photographs, I have a rule that they must be on two harddrives and a data CD made of them too. I usually don't delete any photographs from our digital camera until they are saved on CD, further to being on two harddrives.

I admire Herbert for making up an interesting concept. I wonder if a biologist and naturlist would have had a field day with his science fiction in their day, or if we modern scholars know that it doesn't pass muster. It would have made more sense for races to be rivals who avoid each other. However, they are not in competition for food preferences. It is hard to believe in Herbert's fiction, that animals are gone because those sea creatures on the beach appear at the end. We can only be realistic so far and must just enjoy inventive novels. I think what you & I are refuting is that Herbert is not as brilliant or as much as a classic as his reputation suggested. I will gladly read a little more of him, like you will. I found two unabridged Jules Verne novels I wanted at the recent charity sale! I only wait for a copy of “From The Earth To The Moon”.

Please forward your letter to our Prairie e-address. Proton is taking two days to open. I have a ton of personal fun stuff to share with you, like many more fruits of recent charity and garage sales! I am glad you are immediately buying Dr. Richard Allport's healing book for Izzie. Your photographs of Henry were much better! I am happy to have them! Next, move back a little to get his feet all the way in, or angle in front of his head. A view down the length of him will get all his feet in photographs easily.

Find out if New Zealand has “all 12 trace minerals in one tablet”, as I have found in Ontario. My order is coming on Tuesday. I can't wait to see how the girls, Ron, & I feel after letting our bodies choose what they need, from the whole variety of minerals. We tried two based on Dr. Allport's recommendations. I have a good feeling about letting our own DNA work with all possibilities offered. If this is easy to procure in New Zealand like it sounds, start Izzie and Henry on them. The elderly might perk up and may feline urinary issues disappear.

Please note that my input started at message #59. Good night! Your friend, Carolyn.

Good evening, Kerri! I have not heard of “Derry Girls” but the title sounds fun. I am not looking at many webpages in the effort to get Protonmail to load in the other tab. Writing conversations in notepad first is easier than plunking my thoughts into a comment box regardless, for reasons I must ascertain. Maybe a bigger screen allows me to see everything at a glance: to edit and fit our great variety of subjects easier. Oh, I know! It is certainly easier to have your post pasted before me, instead of shuffling up & down between our comment boxes. Your words are right here, like an e-mail letter. Ah, I knew the reason would come to me.

In the case of sharing a laptop (with your Sister and your Mom?), it is nice if you need only paste the finished letter or book conversation with an internet connection. I remember you writing that one laptop lacked word processor software but I am only using notepad, a plain text program that comes with Microsoft Windows 7 and surely newer Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Most of our letters are at Gmail.

Yes, I love “The Graham Norton show”. As you know, I had downloaded the 2002 Morten Harket episode before I moved (you know A-ha, right?) but had not seen anything since. You got me back into him, especially telling me of his new group format. I thought James Corden came up with it but Graham certainly preceded him and if you know James, he is from England. He retired his talk show to go back to his family; for his wife, himself, and their young kids to enjoy. Past talk shows have kept guests on a couch but featured one at a time. James and Graham are the only ones who combine their conversations and I love it like you do. castmates like Patrick Stewart & Ian McKellan going together is common. What I find a riot is seeing mismatched guests interact with each other, admiring each other and generally being funny. I do not find British versions of North American shows funny, not even Ricky Gervais himself on the US “The Office”. Although I haven't watched it, commercial clips of the UK “Ghosts” do not entice me, even though of course I don't know any of the characters or find anything familiar unless I did watch them. However, by themselves in conversation, British comedians and the people I have seen interviewed are very funny. Graham himself is a superb host, only adding a laugh here & there to keep his guests going.

I am scrolling a long way to find where we are directly discussing “The Time Machine”, ha ha! I also have topics I saved a week ago or longer because I did not want to bog you. Oh, I remember wanting to verify that you give this main story three stars, not merely your omnibus as a whole. You already know both of my Herbert G. Wells stories were marvellous at pondering things and thought of fantastic stories that I would not have written but had no explanations to an unacceptable point. Kerri, I can't find any book conversation from you and guess you are the one who is due to reply to my posts. I remember now, that you said you would finish the book conversation another day and kept up our entertainment conversation meanwhile. I think you forgot because we keep having a ball with all manner of entertainment. :)

Yes, please e-mail me any PDFs you find, of those I said I would like to have. You had favoured some and I have admired ants since I was little. One of my sole memories of my maternal Grandma, who went to the Second Chapter far too young (actually, 8 years older than me now!), is giving me jars to play with ants on her sidewalk. I released them all and guess I looked at them closely and fashioned temporary habitats of moss or something for them, then set them free.

Recently, in the last year or so Mom was on Earth with us, she & Dad told the story of how hard it was to get me to go to school when I was little. I was at an age when most people wouldn't let their kids walk on their own but this was expected and we were trusted in the 1970s. My school was a fair jaunt away at my age but only a few blocks, easy for anyone a bit older. Several kids walked at the same time and my parents could monitor me from our apartment window the first part of the way. I think they had me going on my own eventually as part of the effort to work off my awful shyness. Anyway, I was interest in ants, buttercups which were abundant as dandelions, and just about everything nature had to offer even in the city. Spending many week-ends with two sets of Grandparents in the countryside, taught me where to look for natural wonders anywhere. :) I had no sense of time at that age and did not boogie to school. I got there whenever a got there, which is still somewhat my way and was too small to understand anyone urging me to do anything different than smell the roses exactly the way I did. I was there from kindergarten to grade 2, therefore I was ages 5 to 7; tiny! My parents laughed at how they would see me touching this hedge and smelling this lilac and rambling into the distance. When I looked like I was turning out of sight, they would move from the window. Sometimes, when they checked again, I had strolled almost all the way back! I'll bet they went outside and told me to get going. I eventually received a certificate for going to school on time for a week. It really was an achievement for me. Is it any wonder that I prefer a life without a tight schedule, so long as our finances are all right? Seeing what ants and other insects and birds were doing, was fun to me.

I dislike the Karen character as it happens but dating someone else, until you find the right person is normal. If Pam chose Roy or was unavailable, what else could Jim do? I find it false in novels for “the love of their life” to be whichever character is introduced to protagonists. THANK THE GOOD LORD, I did not stick with my first two boyfriends, or that pushy guy friend! In series especially, I highly admire the few times a protagonist does not keep that first beau that is introduced. I can think of Lyn Hamilton, Gail Bowen, Howard Engel, Juliet Blackwell, and Charlaine Harris moving their characters past their first romances. Karen herself is more irritating than funny and makes sarcastic remarks much more than hilarious or sweet quips. I love to laugh but hate banter and don't want to be on my guard or on my toes with my mate and best friend. I found it annoying merely the way Karen leaned in and said in a low tone “Hey, Jim”. It is amazing how much two fictional characters were made to be together. The chemistry of these actors astonishes me and I hope Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, and Rainn Wilson won awards. I am glad there was no more use for the Karen character. I tried an episode of “Parks And Recreation” that was on about two or three days ago and the actress was all right in that. There is no need to whisper or tap anyone.

I can't help noticing how quiet “The Office” is prior to Andy Bernard's arrival. He is great but I am savouring the calm while these earlier shows have it, ha ha. In which instance was Pam crying around Dwight? I remember near the end the cameraman, Brian, comforted Pam. She failed to videotape C.C's dance recital for Jim, who worked in Philadelphia.

I was in shock that the record-keeping purpose of a diary or journal was not clear to you from the begging. You don't expect to like everything you wrote or those times your records recall. You never erase or throw them out! Good gosh, the whole point is to see what YOU ONCE THOUGHT OR FELT; starting at the younger, the better. My betrayal was worse than someone reading it; I get a curious person sneaking. This former guy friend was a fink, an utter asshole. He knew there was something about a former crush when we first met and somehow found where my diary was on a visit to my house. He was such a jerk that he told me he had it, physically refused to let me take it back, and caused the humiliating scene of me watching him bikeride away with my diary. I should have phoned his parents or told mine to intervene. I did not like or respect him much after that and slowly let our friendship dwindle. He should not have gotten way with that terrible behaviour. He was a smug creep I am glad to be rid of. Anyway, keep whatever you write from now on, whether you like it or not. Your private history is the point of diaries and journals.

When you claim you would rather take the annoyance of mosquitoes than the disease: how much do they bug you? Only at the beach, not at home? As you know from Shania Twain and Avril Lavigne, we have Lyme Disease but it is rare to get it from mosquitoes or woodticks. Here is what it is like to deal with mosquitoes in this season occuring right now. I do not go outside unless it is sunny and breezy. If I have to be out in any other conditions, I wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and a hat no matter how sweaty I might get. I don't like spraying on mosquito repellent the way Ron does but will spray the few exposed places if they go after me and I need to finish gardening or another activity. Ah but indoors is the annoyance. You can't help letting a bunch in each door. Our bedroom and office screens aren't tight along the sides, so some get through them. Even if they don't, the annoying thing about crank windows is that to close them, a bunch of mosquitoes are pulled inside the closed window. I try to blow them out of the way before cranking the windows closed.

I do not believe in killing anything. In self defense, mosquitoes are the exception. I have made a rule that by evening, our bedroom door is closed, so none that got in the house goes in our room. Watching TV in the livingroom or using the kitchen is a bitch. I use a blanket on the couch but swat around my face and feet sometimes. It is aggravating to eat or cook, while mosquitoes sneak at your legs. When I am ready to read or sleep in bed, I patrol the whole room for any mosquito. We keep our doors and windows closed to prevent mosquitoes sneaking through cracks, even if it is hot. Summer is when we wait to open our windows and dog noise has quieted at last! I am often bitten in this office too.

What is it like if a mosquito gets in the bedroom? I keep my hands above the covers and turn on a lamp, so I see if they approach my hands. Ignoring them is not an option. I get up, put on my glasses and the main light, and search the room. Sometimes I solve the problem. Other times, mosquitoes hide until I am nodding to sleep. I have to start the inconvenient process again. Girl, Lyme Disease is the last thing on my mind.

I have not seen or heard Tasmanian Devils. Does New Zealand have them like Australia does? I have wondered if you have most of the same animals. Our cats freaked out when they heard howling monkeys. They ran away from the TV and hid. Since animals are telepathic, I wonder if there was an unpleasant message they perceived.

Kerri, I haven't read this yet, nor know about your letter to look forward to. I have been working on opening Proton since yesterday. It should open today but if I do not message that it did when you are on-line again, please forward your letter to Prairie.

I caught a major misinterpretation that I am going to correct before I go to breakfast with Ron and read this after! Karen Carpenter certainly did not sing with Corey Hart! I said a Corey Hart fan with whom I used to be friends, got to sing with him in Montreal. I joked that the song was not my favourite, haha. Use resourcefulness, my mystery reader friend. Karen died in February 1983. Corey's first album débuted on my birthday in 1983. Reading something quickly (since I do not name friends) is one thing but come on! ;)

Hi Kerri! It is nice to move our conversations along. I will finish the entertainment parts for sure and try to mix Herbert Wells with it like you did. I remember that I saved part of the conversation to not overload you, while waiting for you in the previous pause.

I am glad you are going to go back to our USB memory stick to enjoy more music. Didn't you save all of it on harddrives and Ipods? I remember you saying the Manitoba folder took awhile.
Isn't the Canadian folder where you got the Jann Arden you are enjoying? Doesn't listening to albums on-line cost money, unless you know where to obtain them for free? Do you have an account that gives you unlimited access?

I hope you take advantage of my numerous, impeccably well labelled files and the artwork that goes with all the music. Some of artwork and information was rare to come by. You recall some extreme stories of me finding out album years, when the physical CDs stupidly did not have them. It sounds like you are listening to a lot of music, just not these artists.

I only like the Carpenters one or two songs at a time. I grew up on them and heard them numerous times as a child but that onetime karaoke friend, constantly sang their music with a serious face. She was not a bubbly, bouncy person so my memory of her go to songs is dreary, haha. She has a lovely voice and got to sing onstage with Corey Hart in Montreal apparently. I am glad the dream all us Corey fans have, came true for her. Go figure, even that song ("Chase The Sun") is one I always considered monotonous and a least favourite, even though the message is bright.

My happiest Carpenters memory is "Top Of The World" because it is way more upbeat and my Grandparents loved it. I picture being at their house or apartment in the country and listening to it on their big stereo, that was like a coffee table that opened. They kept LP and 45 records inside and I think this was a 45 single. Their other 45 of an artist I came to love much better is "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)" by Olivia Newton-John. I love thinking of my Grandparents and am always so happy for you, Kerri, spending time with your precious Nan. I cherished my Grandparents when they were here too.

I think of escape rooms being fun and not something anyone would argue over. I imagine most people would be at a loss of how to start and would be grateful for someone to get them started with inspiration. Big readers have the advantage of knowing where to look for clues and how to recognize them, especially mystery readers!

I see it as my time to shine and for everyone's strengths and passtimes to weigh in helpfully, like in "Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library". It was frustrating that family gatherings on Dad's side were all about football, which I don't give a fuck about. The last time we gathered at the usual Aunt's place was about 6 years ago, who has sold it to live in a city apartment, Finally, my Godmother (her Sister) insisted that the sports come to a close and allow time for music. I couldn't wait to possibly sing popular songs I knew the words to and let them all enjoy me getting into my element. To my dismay, *the children* of the overly sporty Cousins, had grown-up to be fucking guitar gurus and I couldn't get a foot in the door. I shouldn't be surprised: we are a musical family and I am proud of that in us all.

My favourite Donald Sutherland films are "Space Cowboys" and "Backdraft", although I would not watch a fire drama ever again. Donald was creepy there and hilarious in "Space Cowboys", which impresses me. You noticed diversity in his résumé. I don't recall Kiefer doing comedy but he was a very funny guest on "Corner Gas". His film and television versatility is wonderful too. I don't know if his twin Sister acts. His Grandpa from his Mom, Shirley Douglas (the source of the joke on "Corner Gas") was a staggeringly important figure in Canada. Although the NDP party have not produced a Prime Minister, we have Tommy Douglas to thank for having free health care in our country. We truly have four options, including mine & Ron's preferred Green Party. It isn't good for countries like the United States to argue among only two choices. The motto of the average Canadian is "Keep the conservatives out, however you vote"!

Yes, I am familiar with the new "Priscilla" film. I saw that the premise seemed to be that Elvis coaxed her into accepting a polished way of life. Some of it might be true and perhaps Lisa Marie disliked an exaggeration of it. It feels like a poor choice, after sympathizing with Elvis like never before, for the advantage taken of him discussed in the previous film. I would watch it, ever the more glad to have "Priscilla's" own words. Since it is about her, surely Priscilla had to authorize it. I won't discredit the very intelligent, intuitive Lisa Marie by a generalization of a Daughter who wants no negative context of her Dad. Maybe there is some overlap of her not wanting negative portions of their private matters made public like so much else, with the portrayal coming across imprecisely.

Speaking of hating it if people overlook or state the obvious without thinking. ;) You rememeber me going to extreme care to clarify how much I appreciate theatre, before you popped up with "I like theatre". I emphasized again that Patrick Stewart's autobiography used it TOO much and eroded everything else. You recently did it again with "Broken English is fine with me in novels". Sigh. I ask you to try trusting that in "Tom Sawyer" and "Huckleberry Finn", I am talking about overuse or needlessly extreme misspelling. The main thing is not wanting to read about humans needing to escape to freedom and white kids getting beat by relatives, on top of overdone misspelling.

In the case of English literature, it has pervaded our cultures so much, we can picture an accent sufficiently, thank you very much, without needed the twang spelled out. What I love most about Ian Rankin is that we learn about modern Scotland and culture, without the stupid exaggeration that most authors use. The few expressions that are quaint, funny, or unfamiliar, or misspelled are fine because the novel as a whole is spelled correctly and flows naturally. Do you see what I mean now?

I grumbled again inwardly at your quick "I don't mind Raj" because you have hardly spent time with him in the show. You need not see the actor hog the spotlight in person. Ron is similar to Simon Helberg in being engaging, interesting, endearing, and colourful when he gets running in a conversation. But he won't push his way in if he is around wordy people and I make sure he gets in.

Watch the show long enough and you see Raj in many mostly negative, turn-off guises: whiny, needy, selfish, boastful, self-conscious in an annoying way. You will get sick of Penny being a bitch and making the same joke about not being into science-fiction and fantasy. I especially got annoyed with her constant references to alcohol. I have seen her talk about horses a lot but not cats. If she has a lot of animals, it would be nice for cats to receive love and attention.

I do think I would love "Friends" better without Joey or Phoebe in it. I don't recall Joey being more intelligent earlier but know all of them have warm moments. I obviously prefer the characters who delight me every time. :) Even Rachel sometimes, I could do without. Therefore my top three are Matty, David, and Courtney, the latter whom I am proud to have met. I did not realize that when we chatted and posed in 1992, she had recently finished another great show with another favourite actor! I had no idea she was on it until I came upon the information this spring. This woman is NOT a name dropper but the opposite, if you can imagine that. Yes, Tom Selleck had a great role. It might be odd to date your friend's Dad whom you knew as a child but they sold it.

I feel good getting to know artists, people, and animals who are no longer here; like Wendie Jo Sperber. It is touching that now you too will see which other films and television she has to enjoy. Yes, I feel for her young family. In addition to her pregnancy, she had her first baby, so perhaps that topped her decision not to rejoin her wonderful cast. I guess there are a lot of hours on a movie set, compared to your few minutes of film. Her Sister role in "Back To The Future" did not show how beautiful Wendy was in reality. That is similar to Tracy Pollan's Ellen Reed character on "Family Ties". Ellen's personality was powerful but Tracy is a physical stunner too.

I will watch everything the human Conan O'Brien has, if I obtain recordings sometime. We should have adequate internet here "by the end of the summer". Opening my bank website and everything I hope to access will be key. Also, I will download like the wind! There is a reason I named our beloved, funny, adorable cat after the American Conan. I think he is profoundly sweet and that everything he does is brilliant and the funniest anyone could be. I was thrilled to see him on last night's "The Office", walking by in New York City. I remember that.

Are you only on season 1 of "Corner Gas"? I am glad you don't need copies afterwards because there is plenty of music waiting for you to empty your memory stick. Ha ha, it is usually regarded as a family show but it sneaks sexual entendres in it. One was so surprising and bold but subtle to those not fast thinking enough to catch it, I couldn't wait to tell you about it!

Brent and Lacy were talking about a perogy eating competition. Brent signed her up and she didn't want to be in it. So, she queried "You entered me"? Brent replied "Yes, I entered you. Now, we had better switch verbs, or this is going to sound vulgar"! How daring and funny is that? I look forward to knowing what you enjoy about "Corner Gas". Intelligent, refined humour is part of it for me. That description does not extend to the characters Hank or Karen the cop, my least favourites!

Oh gosh, do not dislike anything? I hate Emily on "Friends", who was a bitch over and beyond the wrong name being too bad for anyone at a wedding. That being too bad for anyone states the obvious. Emily was a bitch and wrong for Ross before that. They obviously rushed at a ridiculous speed after meeting. I hate Karen of "The Office". Jim is supposed to be with Pam and they don't know how to join forces, because Pam was saddled with that awful Roy. Jim was saddled with Karen but not too badly. He ditched her instantly, after Pam made her speech at the beach about "I called off my wedding for you. Why aren't we friends at least anymore"? Much later, at Roy's wedding, he thanks Jim, because he ends up finding the right lady for himself. That brings out the best in us. Roy actually played the piano and sang a Billy Joel song to his bride.

I hope it is clear that I too, LOVE Dwight Schrute and consider him a favourite and essential star on the show. He has no comparison with characters disliked or in superfluity on other shows. He has a bad side but his heart, his goodness, his loyatly, and strength are all always very obvious and valued. I just said to Ron last night, that I would LOVE a friend like him. He is funny and I would enjoy that side, the way Jim plays with Dwight's outrageous commitment and reactions. I would treasure his loyalty. A compliment and warm moment with him are the best features of the show. I just saw the episode where Jim put Dwight's desk accessories in the vending machine and gives him nickels to buy them back. It does not get any funnier than this! Instead of being vengeful, Dwight appreciates Jim's intelligence and commitment to a great joke. I dislike pranks but like jokes if they are harmless and brief.

Again, never mind prefacing input with "You don't watch this", like you did with "Heartland". I enjoy whatever you relate. :)

Dear Kerri, I have read this personal conversation, in case you want to delete the home parts. We enjoy putting something of ourselves in our public conversations but realize some become like a letter. :) I'll only add a little so you catch-up.

I think my capacity for binging is limited, which I regard as a positive, especially how much I like a fresh change. For creative people it is a must. Please do not confuse that with people who get bored. Creative people are immune to that. I usually dislike early story volumes or show episodes and do not want to see them again. Misophonia wise, the Phoebe character had a throat clearing trait that I was glad she got rid of and she was made too stupid. Michael Scott was more annoying than funny early in his show too.

On M*A*S*H, I enjoy seeing earlier characters but love later ones. The comfort and pleasure for me is a book or television series settling in, dropping experimental aspects, and pairing up with their best friend or loved-one. I loved colonel Henry Blake and hated the ending the writers gave him but less liked characters left in those seasons. I had no interest in Trapper John at all and Frank Burns was goofy but selfish.

On "Friends", I am sure everyone hated Emily and were glad Ross gave her up. As soon as she exited, I enjoyed the stories with Chandler & Monica dating and growing. I could do without Joey and only liked Phoebe when she was with David or Mike, plus meeting her birth family members.

"The Big Bang Theory" provides easy laughs in the background while I am eating. Reruns are always on but I only watch those after Leonard & Penny are married. The Las Vegas story was terrible; who wants a big day to be unhappy! Amy is less robotic after her character settled. I have always disliked Raj, including the actor! A few times when I saw the cast get an interview, he dominated the conversation. Dude, let the others speak! I don't like Penny or Bernadette much but do like that supposed nerds found love.

I enjoy "The Office" as soon as Jim ditches Karen and dates Pam. This from 2007 to 2013 what I watched every evening twice; live and then taking my time with DVR. I had not seen every show so it was a great thrill to see something new. Often, I had seen or remembered some but missed the first bit. You said you think you can come in anytime but those first bits tell a lot of stories that were revelations to me! I think people who say they don't care about volume order of novels don't realize what they miss. Things I had seen before, made sense to me in a powerful way.

I can binge watch if it is the first time, or a late period I favour. I passionately follow the whole story in sequence until it is finished. I cried like the cast, for different reasons, when Andy Bernard played and sang "I Will Remember You" by Sara McLaughlan. I knew he was still on the show. The reason I teared up is that he was a goofball a lot of the time, even with exaggerated singing and using his fingers to reach the notes. Not only was his guitar playing stunning but his voice was the nicest I had heard it. Watching Dwight and Angelatogether again.... everyone but Kelly & Ryan, whom I found stupid, was a delight.

God clearly wants to help me focus on gardening and cleaning (after cooking I added last night, for supper and Ron's work lunch). "The Office" binge ended and I merely handpicked a few early reruns to record. "Family Ties" ended, which was also beautiful. Reruns of "Schitt's Creek" are always a treat. I missed a few before David's wedding, like the performance of "Cabaret", so it is thrilling to catch missed shows or those important opening minutes. The escape room is my favourite and I want to do one!
I watch closely how Alexis brilliantly solves every clue.

I prefer later episodes of "The King Of Queens", for something to watch while having lunch. Ron laughs his head off at it. There is nothing on TV anymore except "The Young & The Restless" and Toronto's talk show, "The Social". Drew Barrymore keeps putting on cooking, renovation, (and Ross Matthews) too much. I keep my eye on synopsises, for her stellar interviews.

You mentioned starting to watch "Jack Ryan". I read that he is a tortured prisoner in all of season 4 and must skip it! I could hack it if it was only at the beginning, not a season of their worse content of all. I laughed when you thought you would stop at two videos. Every season is a whole story and you will want to see how the fast-paced action ends! Ron & I ride through each season in two sittings.

Yes, John's happy film "If", about the imaginations of children being real, is a must for Ron & I. He loves animation and humour and needs more of it. I grinned when you wondered what the name of Jenna Fischer's best friend is. Angela Kinsey plays Angela Schrute. :) If podcasts ever become easy to listen to, I would love to follow "Office Girls", Rob Lowe with his Son, and anything Conan O'Brien (the human being) is doing. If you can download them as video files, save them for me on memory stick! How far did you get in "Corner Gas"? Did you watch the season 1 special I sent you?

Phyllis Smith is another dear actress who kept her name in the show. I can't believe she is 75 now because like my Mom, Phyllis looks nothing like it. Jenna and Ed Helms surprised me by being my age, although we all look awesome. :) I was surprised that Rainn Wilson is considerably older.

I knew John Krasinski was only 44 years-old and Emily Blunt younger. I would rather try their "The Quiet Place" horror films than season 4 of "Jack Ryan". I loved Rainn's occasional role as a therapist on "Mom", a comedy about recovered alcoholics. His role as Dwight Schrute however, is a perfectly layered and memorable as Jim Parson's portrayal of Sheldon Cooper. You know how Dwight would act in any scenario and wish you could befriend him.

When you e-mail, do let me know what other music you have been listening to besides Jann Arden and if you got past Corey Hart's second album. There is much more and your USB stick was loaded the first time. I am honoured I introduced you to her music, though. Had you not heard of her either?

As for our other cherished Canadian, it seems obvious "Back To The Future II" had a lot of screenplay drafts because they tried for a while to get George McFly in it. They did not expect a consistent refusal and rewrote a lot. I did not like this film much. I only relished seeing most of the characters. I saw a few interviews over the years and have a videotape special. There were a lot of problems besides Crispin Glover.

Claudia Wells, who played Jennifer Parker, had stopped acting to care for her sick parents. The first film's ending required that Marty's girlfriend play a role in the sequel because she was in the machine when Doc Brown warned them about their kids in the future year 2015. That looks funny being behind us, doesn't it? Gosh, this must have taken more writing than we thought because George was only the tip of the iceberg.

They wanted Marty's siblings in the grim sequel. We see his Brother, Dave running away from Biff's apartment tower but I think that scene was cut. I saw it in another intriguing special. I remind you, I existed when these came out. :-) I had a lot of time to absorb the series' enthusiastic trivia! Wendie Jo Sperber who played Linda was pregnant during filming time. I don't know why they didn't work around it or aim for her shoulders upwards. They didn't think it was fair to have Dave without Linda McFly, making the siblings absent from the film as well as George. I think that was too much. The familiar content was repeated from 1985. There was not enough fresh energy away from the grim atmosphere.

Oh, how sad. In learning Wendie Jo Sperber's name, I saw that she went to Heaven young, in 2005. Delivering a baby around 1989, having a Daughter & a Son, they were too young to lose her. I wish their family peace. I hope the memorably funny, self-deprecating Wendie recorded other work with which to remember and get to know her. A-ha, I see that she was on TV quite a bit and in some films. There is something about her beautiful face and witty demeanour that I like: I will seek her out! Gosh, it has me sad that she only lived to 46.

Ah, Preston was born in 1986. This poor Mom starting a family at a popular time, would have had a hard time starring in the consecutive filming of the two other stories. She delivered Pearl in 1990! I think the siblings would have continued into time travelling, if they had courteously filmed around Wendie's pregnancy and very young Motherhood.

Yesterday, Canada and the world of course, lost the wonderful Donald Sutherland to Heaven. He was so good, funny, likeable, and intelligent with a calmness that was riveting. Dad & I will miss him but age 88 was very good.

My Mom has had a copy of "Elvis & Me" all of my life. I have it now. I saved it because it is so familiar, it was a souvenir of Mom to keep. However, I have become interested in reading that book. Mom treasured the autobiography of Gloria Vanderbilt too. I am glad she is getting to meet Diana, Elvis, Lisa Marie, and our queens and kings. My Mom loved following the lives of real people and animals and always hoped they would be okay.

The frustrated part of me goes: "Of course there was another reason. There always is". Obviously power failures are no fun. It is anticlimactic that the rare time I was off for 2.5 days, no one appeared to miss me! Daily baths are a must for me; I feel chilly if I don't do that before I dress. So enjoy! After experiencing one power failure when we moved here, that lasted 1.5 day, I pour part of my bath water when I get up. I warm it later if need be but that is how important washing is to my skin and hair type.

Proton is doing the stupid "session expired" that makes it a bitch to log in, repeating that error. I hope clearing cache, cookies, and turning off our PC overnight is what it needed. I will e-mail from Proton as soon as it works. That doesn't stop you from writing the most awesome letter I have ever seen while I wait for it to work out. ;)

Clearing cookies required logging in again to Goodreads and to my disgust, there was a captcha! Thankfully, it is not the "recaptcha" brand and I got through easily. Browser cleaning disrupted my log-in again but this time, Goodreads let me right through.

Ron & I had a wonderful visit with my Dad, thank you. It was Sunday evening so after, we got ice cream on the way home. We will put personal parts in a letter. Thank you for your note in the meantime. Wow, Auckland. Is that the same island as yours? I hope you shopped your ass off, if anything was open afterwards! :)

Go figure Kerri, you are off the 2.5 days I kept the PC off, after visiting Dad for Father's Day. It would be a nice change for you to go "too bad Carolyn hasn't stopped by lately". ;) It takes time to get through the few webpages I use. Your letters and conversation updates are a treat for me. Here is one I am putting into its own comment box. I had an epifany about something that seemed odd.

I understood when you said Mr. Melville wrote well, even though you are against hunting. Later calling it "one of your favourite novels" baffled me. To a Maori descendent, whales are sacred. For an animal lover, the contents should have been hard to get through and you did say so. After a lot of thought, one angle occurred to me in your perspective that I can grasp. I think you look at literature no matter how appalling, as an encyclopedia. We don't fault encyclopedias for negative contents and only regard them as education. You read so much awful stuff, like war or people's depressing biographies. In an encyclopedia, I would still think anyone calling the whale killing subject "their favourite" was whacko but if I am on the right track to how your mind files horror, I get that we take encyclopedia information as it is.

I hope it is clear that my reading preferences are not about a weakling who automatically waves off anything possibly unpleasant. My spark of insight brought a way for you to understand my thinking too. I am a clairsentient. Do you know what that is? By now, you will search its definition but imagine how it feels to be one. You distance yourself successfully from negative material by appreciating its encyclopaedic value. On my part, I am empathizing with the animals. Even if the story is fictional, we are picturing how the situations feel for the characters, don't we? I choose entertainment carefully because I have a great, wondrous, joyful capacity for getting invested in it. This is why I watch carefully, uninterrupted and easily remember words or scenes afterwards. I am no smarter than anyone else: it is about focus and investment.

Kerri, I picture how the whale would feel, who takes up no space in the human world and for whom there is no excuse in the world to remove. They just want to raise their calves and live, eat, rest, explore, and play in peace. I consider how she or he would define someone chasing after them to kill them. Yes, being bent on killing sure is evil. Laws permitting murder or people viewing animals as inferiors never make it right. I am thinking of how the chickens and cows on farms and deers and rabbits in forests feel. It is a very good reason to avoid for my chosen entertainment, contents that make me feel the fear, sadness, or betrayal of our animal Sisters & Brothers. Even fictionally, I imagine the portrayed feelings overwhelm other clairsentients too.

I wish I could change real life negativity and harm of any kind. I can ensure my entertainment is positive. I suppose I find it strange that more people don't push back against negativity, in what they read (and watch, which you do). I guess you are appreciating the "encyclopedia" information. I am feeling for the animal and wanting to escape bad situations, as they must surely. I seek to understand where we diverge. I am content to leave it, unless you also become inspired with a way to describe it to me. :)

It worked well to copy your input to answer off-line. I have your most recent post and will work on it later. By the way, you did not say whether or not New Zealand has mosquitoes. You confirmed that in that lush, beautiful landscape, you yourselves include marshland and forestland. Yes, ours sure is vast but your homeland is absolutely lovely.

I loved playing with ants and have admired them since I was a child. Since I am not a fan of military things, I have never viewed ants that way. Many intelligent beings work in harmony and organize their families, activities, and jobs.

I would enjoy reading a story about them and the one about the blind people that you liked. I thrive on acknowledging strengths were they are overlooked and rail against closed thinking. I would enjoy receiving PDFs of them and the other two stories that sounded interesting to me, if you come upon them.

Speaking of open thinking, HG had no idea about energy healing and other natural and self-healing, even though it precedes us by millenia. There is no need to eradicate diseases via the closed conceptual weakness of thinking science

rules all possibilities. We heal ourselves and increase our own immunity. THIS is what we need to learn. If HG was looking for a drug or machine that made anything better, he would not find one. Any time periods could learn what we know recently, from wonderful books and teachers. The needs of our animals urged us to discover them.

Checking history to understand when races came down to only two and why the one went underground, is a good idea. However, I do not see why you thought the Eloi would have disappeared if the Morlocks had not split from them;

which I think you mean biologically. Mammals belong in the sun, therefore the dominant race would be those growing under it. HG had it wrong. It is only creatures made to be underground who are at their best there.

Even though I do not agree with my friend about the physical world concluding in a few years, I do not think it will take 1000 before Earth retires or hibernates. There are theories that non plant life worked its way to a

life cycle end and regrew a few times. When we say humans are so many millennia old, we mean in this life cycle on Earth. Call it a spiritual age, call it an ice age; when HG thought people gradually faded 8000 years from now, my instinct said "no".

It is nice to see some updates from you before my trip to Winnipeg. We are unrushed today and Ron was able to mow the east field for the first time this year. A storm last night has brought rain puddles again, so the timing was good.

A few clarifications. You & I were agreeing we dislike plot twists to follow a fad. I said I don't need them but enjoy surprises as much as you do, if they are well written.

I am not new to “The Office” or “Friends”. I don't know about the latter but am surrpised you just recently saw the former. I got aboard them later than many folks but watched the last few seasons of both as they aired.

I am marvelling that Jim, Pam, Dwight, and Andy are taking hold of my heart more than before. I have become a superfan who watches whatever I catch on air. Next on DVR, I rewind what zipped by quickly, or repeat scenes that are funny and amazing. The originality and cleverness wow me. Steve Carell is great but Michael Scott could get too awkward to take. The stories after he left are wonderful, with exception of Will Ferrell's brief arc. Either he was meant to be a poor fit or got that way and was removed.

Stories I had not seen or saw some of, are sweet treats. Knowing the story in order makes sense of shows I had seen. It is a good thing our recent second-hand shopping yielded Jenna Fischer's and Mindy Kaling's autiobiographies! I care not a whit for Kelly's, Ryan's, and Angela's they are special people who are close in real life. I know Mindy and BJ Novak were perhaps minor on the show because they were writers and producers. I have no interest in BJ's book but Mindy amazes me and I expect to be blown away by the numerous shows and films this young woman produced.

You know I buy Ron “The Jack Ryan” DVDs, sometimes cruel political thrillers I would not read. However, John Krasinski and his colleagues make them jaw dropping action. Ron & I, no matter what the hour, can't help watching several in a row. It is too bad John and all only made one more season but it sure took work. It is funny seeing his strong, sexy physique there and slim, soft spoken John on “The Office”! I can't wait to buy his “Imaginary Friend” film that he wrote for his & Emily Blunt's Daughters. I am not into horror but would watch “A Quiet Place I, II” with Ron if he get it.

Yes, Bob Gale is credited on the movie based novel but those adaptations are seldom great. I have the name in my review. I am impressed if Bob Gale dreamed up most of the astounding content and am sure the movie makers brainstormed more details together to make sure the story and depiction worked.

I would not want the screenplays because I know the films by heart, as you might surmise! I would be interested in more detail but I guess the novelizations are as close as we get to background stories. I learned a little more about the McFly or Tanner family. My review will tell me.

Come to think of it, I have the second film's paperback, which I bought cheaply as a Christmas gift in case one Cousin appeared for Christmas. When Mom was on Earth, we combined Christmas somewhere. Mark & I see Dad on our own time. Mom had bags of general gifts, as I do. Now, I am curious enough to read it. I have zero interest in Star Trek novels, even if they were complete stories written prior to the shows. I do not know. There are many and do not want them. My interest in science fiction is higher onscreen because it is the actors in whom I fall in love.

Mark Twain surprised me for not writing with humour and grace like I thought he would; at least not in his two “Huckelberry Finn” classics. “Family Ties” had a book banning story, one of the few I like featuring the Sister, Jennifer. She is superfluous but it is worse, if a story features Mallory's dim boyfriend, Nick! He is nice, he grows on you but a bit of him is enough. Anyway, “Huckleberry Finn” was banned, I guess for using the “N word” a lot. Even if I would flinch, I do not object to outdated words, which society was uneducated about in their time. I object to behaviour and minimizing ideals that were always wrong.

When I glanced at my copy and found that kids are getting smacked a lot in the novel, I realized I could not get through it without clenched teeth. I also don't care for authors writing whole novels in broken or accented English. They do not need to force that for readers to understand how various people spoke. Scottish settings are terrible for exaggerating "och" and "wee"! Or English settings twanging "Wud ya like a spot 'o tea, luv"? Cringe! So two Mark Twain novels are in my sell pile in the library. I hope the rest of his work has beautiful writing and his supposedly famous humour.

Speaking of differences, oh my gosh, do I ever get a lot out of “The Graham Norton Show”, Kerri! You know I had downloaded one 2002 episode about Morton Harket at least 15 years ago. You got me curious about his format today, which was the same style as James Corden: everyone chatting together, with a little feature time each. I just love it and Graham rocks at it. Thank goodness I can digitally rewind and try hard to know what the heck some of the guests are saying. I don't know what some of the words mean to begin with, haha.

What educates me especially well is that I do not know most of the European guests. You would think that English language films are broadcast everywhere, even if TV shows are more local. Thus, I learn about neat TV shows I would not have encountered but what surprises me, is all the films that do not come our way. I just love it and thank you for getting me into it, Kerri. I often watch talk shows only based on liking certain artists or projects. I watch every “Graham Norton” show to learn about what is unknown to me in all regards: artists, shows, films, and even music! Some musicians are supposedly famous enough to celebrate 25th anniversaries and I do not know who they are. I love making discoveries and everyone is gracious and funny together! :)

I wanted to tell you never to hesitate to share your enthusiasm about shows or whatnot that I do not watch. I was very happy when you wrote that you were excited to see Jann Arden on “Heartland”. I did not know you were playing her music. I last heard that you listened to Corey Hart's second album. The journal book I gave you will be a treat. :)

I am also hearing that you journal, which is fun to know too. I stopped writing a diary when I was a teenager, after an asshole ex-friend stole and read it (never mind that he smugly returned it). He never dicated my life, no one does; it was merely a turn off at the time. Then, I saw that I have such an outpouring personality already, I did not need to do more of it in writing. It is tiring. I write such thorough letters to chosen family & friends, as you know well, that YOU are the legacy of my diaries. :)

Unless I got comfortable with outlines, I think I would find diary or journal entries too brief to explain must for posterity, even if a short memento is the point. I would love your take sometime on how you see its posterity working. I worked with someone who just noted what she did or whom she saw and added a photograph, if there was one from that day. I think it is lovely that people do it and treasure it afterwards. I have my few diairies with my young handwriting.

Austin Butler was amazing: singing, speaking, dancing, acting. The way he said "Daddy" as a famous grown-up to Vernon Presley, as I am sure Elvis actually did, touched my heart. People of the South sure have a way of staying kids to their folks in an endearing way. I find it annoying if grown women say "Daddy", maybe reminding me of entitled snobs at wealthy boarding schools. However, a man keeping childhood endearments to his parents and Grandparents, moves me.

I am annoyed I missed the film's first half hour because the network posted it incorrectly and I would have watched it! I could not tape it because the only “Graham Norton” showing with Leeam Neeson got in the way of the only two film timeslots. Sometime I'll try to catch the beginning. I do not want to watch it again and will take it off my list, however I would love to see the bonus features. I would give it four stars for being very well done and minus one for being an unpleasant subject. Enjoyment has to be a part of the grades I give, if you see what I mean! ;) I felt sad and angry afterwards and am taking awhile shaking it. Tom Parker was worse than the few examples I related.

Kerri, you scare me about how much you know. I wonder if you do anything besides read and house clean? I gave no thought to Elvis having a manager; what child or average person would? I had no inkling the manager was terrible and that Elvis was out of money (while he was alive). I thought he was the wealthiest of the wealthy, with everything velvet and satin. I am shocked in every way. That he was only 42 years-old, that his Mom didn't pass away from a natural ailment years ago.... but that Tom Parker was the catalyst for both their deaths!

When Elvis jiggled his pelvis (ha ha) on one TV broadcast, after being warned to deliver a sedate performance that was not genuine to himself; Tom convinced Elvis that he would go to jail if he didn't join the army and look like a good boy. Elvis might have easily fought the charges, or had someone advise him that he could get no worse than a warning. His Mom was so terrified about him going to jail and being in the army, she drank herself to death as soon as he started basic training!

I thought Elvis dwindled from overusing pills. I missed some of this part but no one knew Tom was threatened by Las Vegas casino owners and that consigning Elvis to play the same hotel for 5 years, was his payment!!!! Elvis was pushed to repeat shows there, without knowing why, despite protesting that his heart was in playing overseas. People got tired of the casino performances and Elvis lost the drive and physical wellness to produce his own fresh ideas. Whenever Elvis tried to fire him, Tom produced an $8 million dollar fee that Elvis had no council about fighting. He & his parents were a poor family who suddenly lived in luxury.

Each time Elvis insisted on going overseas, Tom made an excuse; when actually, it was he who could not leave the United States. He placated Elvis by putting him on a gruelling USA tour. If Elvis collapsed, he was injected with drugs to get him onstage, instead of taking him to a doctor. On each flight, Tom told him to take an injection to make sure he fell asleep. Priscilla left because Elvis was only concious to perform and had no personality or energy outside of it. I have been there. I am disgusted. I would be interested if Lisa Marie or Priscilla spoke their minds.

I am most excited to know your reaction to remembering the August 1977 news, even though I was a toddler. I have retained specific details about my parents exchanging the news. Our thoughts, including mine, went to Uncle Fred, who replied that he was phoned by everyone he knew.

I must get ready for our drive. The entertainment items are my replies meanwhile. :)

Correction, I see your Uncle watched "Dr. Who". Speaking of the ongoing Star Trek shows in past tense made no sense.

I've thought similar things, when it seems like they are missing everything else the story had to offer. The authors prioritise a twist at the expense of everything else in the story.

Wow! Did you see me write this before, Kerri, or are we this much in synch? I don't need surprises to enjoy mysteries and dislike "twists for the sake of keeping readers guessing". If we are instead surprised by a well written, unfathomable story that we can only follow to see how it turns out; that is spectacular.

It is true he skips over any explanation as to how the machine works, or why it was built.

Since your amazement and appreciation of originality, like mine, sometimes trumps weaknesses or plot faults; I am pleasantly surprised three stars are your conclusion. Several stories informed your grade but it is a fun feeling to agree.

I agree about eerie moods that were conveyed successfully. I understand the weight of learning that the Morlock eat the Eloi, if they can be caught at night. It lacks inventiveness for an aggressive people to sound like the word "Warlock". Wicca and other Pagans are not reviled nor should they be but in 1895, the church would have thought blackly of that word. In that respect, I could see this novel generating a spooky feeling, as well as the plan and race to get the machine back. Surely everyone worries about that more than any other story part.

We harmonize the conclusion that there is a lot to admire and attribute to HG for thinking of some ideas first, that we know of. However, we saw that they were facades without any layers or structure. Like pulling back the curtain on a man instead of the wizard of Oz, the ingredients in this food for thought were paltry. He proposed find ideas he, however, did not know how to formuate, likewise in “The Man Who Could Work Miracles”. You have read several more stories than me. What do you make of them?

“Back To The Future” did an incredible job of providing explanations, in a way HG avoided.

Yes! We KNOW how this fiction works thoroughly, enabling me to correct something for you. The scientist took his machine home in one trip, one timeline. His round trip was complete. If the same person returned to get Weena, there would be no duplicate of himself. I think you misunderstood the duality of “Back To The Future II”. Follow this.

Biff Tanner stole “Greys Sport’s Almanac” from Marty in 2015 and drove to 1955 to give it to himself. Biff had a duplicate because he visited from a different timeline. He returned himself to the 2015 where he belonged but young Biff skewed the future. He won sporting bets, ruled a corrupt town, and George McFly died.

The original Marty drove home courtesy of lightening in November 1955. He found 1985 changed and needed to restore it. He noticed the difference, because he had travelled out of it. He had a duplicate because he used the flux capaciter FROM THE SKEWED 1985. His trip met that short duration when the original Marty had not driven home yet in November 1955. That is the only reason he was in duplicate. When he took the almanac back, he returned to the rightful 1985, with both his parents alive. The second Marty and all the negativity of the skewed 1985 were prevented.

It is similar to he & his Siblings not being born and disappearing from a photograph, if his parents did not soon fall in love with one another. After all this, we can't except "the machine had a nice seat and portable lever", as the total sum of available decription, could we! I would love to know who authored the screenplay. The novel I have read was based off of Robert Zumekis' film.

Your rescue of Weena is sound without a duplicate scientist. :) Did you follow? I was 13 when the films came out and had decades to contemplate them. Star Trek also exercises the mind really well. How would I retrieve Weena? Let's think of the main obstacles.

Do we stay in the seat? There would be no expedition, story, or friendship. Might we move it across the yard or street in 1895, knowing where to avoid the statue in 8000? We could. Let's look at other preventative tactics.

Should we avoid the walk to the museum? No. It is the most informative and interesting aspect, for me. If we posit that the machine would likely be snuck into the statue, unless we parked it farther away in 1895, the walk was necessary.

You are right that the scientist needed a complement of lanterns, attire, blankets, crowbar, and whatnot. On his second trip, he would have the foreknowledge to gather whatever he needed. I trust you agree to avoid a gun, with flexible time in which to handle things right. Preserving life is always the point, anywhere.

I think we could do better than prevent a fire and keep Weena close to us. We could not bring Weena to the museum. I would want him to go there for research, if history was available digitally or physically. Remember, this future exceeds the computer age by 6000 years. Was it an error that the protagonist went all the way there, when the statue was beside the village? Was a crowbar really all he got out of the bungled expedition? Besides doing diddly about finding factual archives, he didn't find a sealed building for the Eloi either. I think that was his reason for going: a home they could close against the Morlock, wasn't it? They would have thought of that, even if it was past walking distance. They would have grown up in locked, secure, guarded places.

Now that I think of it, bringing a crowbar might be all that was needed to regain his seat anytime! The scientist feared searching tunnels but knew later, it was aboveground, in the statue. Was it a mistake that the Morlock took it in the daytime, or was it dark enough in the statue for them to be awake?

I recall the biggest error being - besides travelling all that way for a locked home or a crowbar - that the walk took until nighttime. It is easy to avoid a nocturnal being (except by statues). Carry Weena to make the trip faster, or see what vehicles the Eloi had. It was 8000 for goodness sakes. A horse, donkey, burro, bicycle, or something faster than bipedal locomotion ought to be available.

I thought of camping and finishing everything in daylight. The protagonist couldn't guarantee the Morlock might not see their campsite earlier in the route.

I conclude that moving the time machine in the past is best. Leave in the daylight. The guy could test a decade or two to see when the Morlock became a problem. I think there was an explanation of why the Morlock became cannibals. Spend the night at home in 1895 or a little into the past or future. Explore by day, away from statue, or seal it during the duration of your visit.

The futuristic solution HG might not have imagined is the scientist going a little way, to see if he added features. He might develop a cloaking device so his vessel could be invisible, or an armoured shield or some other reason it was too heavy or awkward for a group of humans to move. He could postpone his Eloi visit until that was ready, or bring back the specifications to build in his present day. Most readily and easily, he could fashion something out of steel, similar to chaining a bicycle to prevent theft. It looked like a bicycle with a roof, most recently seen in “The Big Bang Theory”.

How do these options grab you? That is one of Mom's expressions: “How does that grab you”? Perhaps like loosening a pickle jar, you will pour fourth more possibilities now, with which to entertain me, Kerri! :-) Her Dad pictured e-mail in the late 1980s, in a letter I have.

You are just like me, for saving moving worms and insects out of water and other places, to safety for their kinds! I love you for a lot of reasons, my good friend and you made my heart sing even more by your act of kindness, Kerri! Yes, most underground creatures except badger, bear, and snake dens are harmless. They are in their element where they belong and may we long thrive where we belong.

I disagree with the dystopian and post-apocalyptic genres and am surprised to read the second in particular. The scientist and Eloi were only in danger from one hunter and domestic risks like water. It was a joyous, easy life; especially if they moved somewhere with strong walls at night.

It sounds like their homes had no locks, which was stupid if they had generations to prepare, build, guard defensively. Many are forest dwellers and marsh residents. Our walls and windows protect us from insects, bears, rain, heat, and untrustworthy humans. Ineffective, basic habitation 6000 years from now is another story weakness, wouldn't you say?

Would you prioritize seeing a future near enough to be helpful to your family?

I am unfamiliar with “Interstellar” and “Inception”. The lists of television and films with which to entertain ourselves is replete. :)

Yes, we were blessed to walk upon three Mayan marvels in 2004. You have our photographs! Wow, I did not remember that we travelled there four months before our beloved, amazingly unique Spirit was born. Timmy must have babysat McCartney at our apartment, or Mom & Dad had him over. Memories, loved-ones, positive experiences, and real as well as fictional stories: this is a good life! Love, your friend, Carolyn.

I need to bathe and get my Father's Day card ready, for the hour drive to the city. Seeing Dad is open ended but some business I have to do closes at 4:00 PM. I can happily smell that Ron's week-end vegetarian breakfast is ready. If I don't reply to book conversation posts after I hop into the bath, I covered home and entertainment. :)

I see that it might not rain today but is likelier tomorrow, so Ron & I will do our planting and yard work today. I phoned Dad again, who is just as happy that he will see us on actual Father's Day tomorrow. Thus, I will see what you type right away. :) Also, I will be better organized with Dad's card, picking flowers, and taking digital photographs of Angel & Petal and Mom's favourite wild roses, to show Dad. Dad always wants me to give them pets "on their furry heads" and hugs for him, which is wonderful of him to say and I do it!

I am happy to awaken to all the wonderful things you wrote, dear Kerri! Thank you for saying you'll let me know if you feel like reading or doing something else when we had expected to have a book discussion: that is all I wanted.

My morning routine is looking at e-mail and Goodreads, including seeing how you are doing, so the pull to fit it in is strong even though I have a lot to do, similar to what you breezed. I am impressed with all your clothes weeding, book sorting, hook hanging, and general tidying. Add gardening and a packed library building that needs to be suitable for summer customers and I echo your to do list. If Ron saw this, he would wonder why I didn't gallop through our home and loosen our space as quickly as you did. I will get back to it after we are home. Not turning on the PC in the morning has saved a lot of time. If e-mail programs or other things won't load, I will turn to other things that need more attention and which are not time wasters.

Anyway, preferences and moods are welcome to change. I wanted to be sure you didn't think I hoped to pin anyone to discussions. I would rather concentrate in a shorter timeline, which frees us to read something else after a little break, or do things in real life. :)

I am finally going to the city, with a few important errands. There is much Ron & I need to do here in the early summer week-ends especially and we each inwardly sighed about going but I am glad Father's Day pushes me to town. It is time to see my Dad, even though I prefer we visit at home. (You know where in e-mail). I am excited about seeing him, taking care of business, and the drive with Ron generally. I hope your Dad has a great Father's Day with you and all his kids. :)

Everything you have written is so compelling to me, I am going to sit down in my housecoat, with coffee and cereal and enjoy writing back to you, Kerri! At least about the items you discussed herein. Prepareing for our day trip will be easy. Never mind taking turns: don't hesitate to add anything that occurs to you, or to reply to other things. What a treat it is, to come on and enjoy anything you have left for me and I know, vice versa.

We have had a lot of rain too, which protects us from Canada's recent forest fires elsewhere in the last few years. It has our late spring gardens sprouting beautifully as soon as the sun rises. I have gathered the pots, flowerboxes, and soil I need to do the rest: which I do at the kitchen table to avoid mosquitoes. I am in marsh and forest country! I guess New Zealand has none, because you are surrounded by ocean and probably interior lakes and fish eat the larvae. I was surprised when we drove to one of our countless lakes and Ron told me that the fish remove mosquitoes. Windy and sunny days push them away too.

I would probably have no trouble getting into “Dr. Who” but am picky about science fiction and watch so much TV, my digital recordings have become a nightly habit that usurped reading for two weeks. I only read a night! I hoped to pass your 50 books but have read nothing since reaching 45 books. I have not heard of Matt Smith, the character or actor.

I watched “Friends” reruns whenever it appeared, to savour and marvel at Matty Perry's genius and talent. Then you got me into “The Graham Norton Show”, when I learned how to use digital recording. I save “Finding Your Roots” too, which would be hard to catch otherwise. “Family Ties” will be over in a few episodes, which I watch on air on week-days.

What I am head over heels about is “The Office”, often going to bed like I did last night at 3:30 AM. I love John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, and Ed Helms. The new character, Pete, dating Erin is likeable too. I dreamed about it, hard to help if I fall asleep after a binge of it! It conveniently airs four episodes a day and it takes nothing at all to have a lot of them saved up. I have no interest in the British one. I found them dry and uninterested the one time I tuned in, even though I find Ricky Gervais himself absolutely funny.

I know there is a “Time Traveller's Wife” film that is somewhat recent. I hope it has a happy ending where they can live together, as I said. I will read it and if you want to pour over it together, let me know. What I would like to read with you next, when we can harmonize our schedules is the hopefully very fun “Confessions Of A Shopaholic”! I am up for fun and am enjoying this classic.

I guess I wondered if you hardly graded anything lower than three stars because I haven't seen it and visit your space daily. I don't think you were notified of numerous reviews and updates on which I sometimes comment, or you are saving a reply session like for e-mail. You post three stars more often, perhaps due to binging. I affects me, thus I set a thrice annual author limit, unless I can't help myself. We have so many favourites and such a blessed abundance of books, it is easy to read someone else, isn't it?

Grading differently is likely but I wonder, does part of your grade not come from pleasure and comparison? I love uniqueness, like things that are not written as stories, so I understand you being pleasantly surprised to appreciate the way "Moby Dick" was written. I also know you don't object to things in literature and don't penalize authors for whale death in a book on that subject. Fair point about people faring as badly. However, you do object to both in real life and could not deem them favoured reading. So my question turns to comparison. Think of your favourite stories or books in the world, treasured likely because they brought you joy and made your heart leap. Do you equal a grim, evil novel with that? If I love other novels a million times better, they can't receive the same grade. I do often remark that the five star system is unacceptable and forces parody that is untrue, especially since I find half stars nonsense. Am I right in thinking "Moby Dick" would not receive ten stars like your most uplifting favourites, with room on that scale? I definitely use three stars for novels that are not equal.

It is sweet your Uncle loved Star Trek. How long did he follow it? It began in the 1960s, went into films in 1980, and "The Next Generation" débuted in 1987. "Deep Space 9", "Voyager", "Enterprise" followed. Ron & I are sorry "Discovery" ended a few Thursdays ago. I saved all of it on DVR to watch at leisure. It was wonderful! Also wonderful but partially missed was "Picard", a sequel to "The Next Generation". Patrick Steward concludes his autobiography with the announcement of a film.

I appreciate the convenience of the DVR feature of our new account but they are terrible for wanting payment for most movies, which we will not. We would rather pay for blu-rays we keep and rewatch, with bonus content. Movies seem to be several years old before our satellite TV airs them and I seldom notice those channels. I was surprised last week to come upon "Elvis" with Austin Butler! Elvis is who our family and extended relatives loved, Kerri.

We have a passing respect for the Beatles but tired quickly of the hype for them and of their overplayed boppy, typically English sounds. Don't interpret this as a countrywide insult, remembering that tons of other English artists are my favourites: David Bowie, Elton John, Robert Palmer, Duran Duran.... I'll regain ground with you by revealing I appreciate their solo work a lot more. :) I loved many more songs by George Harrison, the Travelling Wilburys, and Ringo Starr! And of course the Beatles lasted a few eras, to produce some wonderful songs in a variety of moods. If you love them, I know it is not because you think they have to be a staple.

We are so much an Elvis household, with Uncle Fred easily being his biggest fan, that I ACTUALLY REMEMBER THE NEWS OF HIS DEATH. And Kerri, please consider that at that time, I was only 4 years-old! I was crushed when Lisa Marie died for so many reasons. I didn't know she had two little kids until I looked them up a few days ago. I do know she was only about 4 years older than me, which is far too young to go. Anyway, the movie shocked me and I am still reeling from the grim variety of things I learned. I thought it was about an unbelievable manager who got promoters used to paying Elvis high prices. I thought he helped heighten his fame, which endures today.

It was as far as possible from that. The manager tricked Elvis and his young parents into an unheard of 50% deal, to pay his gambling debts. And because "Colonel Tom Parker" was an illegal immigrant without a passport, HE PREVENTED ELVIS FROM FULFILLING HIS DREAM OF PERFORMING OVERSEAS! I am stunned to learn the King of rock & roll played nowhere outside his home country, except 3 cities in Canada, where you needed no passport between us; certainly not in 1958. I was very affected by that film, including learning that Elvis died needlessly, when he was only 42; 10 years younger than me! His dearest Mom died of stress and alcohol 10 years earlier, when "Colonel" Parker coaxed him to Germany with the army. What an extreme strategy, to avoid flack for his sexy dancing. The fat, thieving creep (played by Tom Hanks) lived to be 87, until 1997!!!!

He would have found fame without this creep. His songs, performances, and ideas were hits whenever he ignored the guy and used his creative genius. His voice is the smoothest in the world and he is always compelling. I am only heartened that he is with his beloved Mom (and Dad now) and that Lisa Marie is with them as well as her Son. I have two of Lisa's albums and saw compelling interviews with her by Oprah Winfrey. I got a good feel for her personality and beliefs. I liked her very much.

I especially value e-mail messages I can keep but it was nice that you were first to say nice things about our dear McCartney on his birthday here. You know how much we miss everyone who is not here for us to see.

I said the only other story my paperback has is "The Man Who Could Work Miracles". It is great but for lack of explanation, also received three stars. I'm not eager to read any more of HG but "The Door In The Wall" sounds exciting.

A subject our conversation includes is how ingenius it is realistically, to come up with a great idea if you could not build any detail into how it works or was manufactured, like a time machine. I could name a great plot idea but not put anything into it. We applaud HG for thinking of a time machine but he describes nothing more than its attractive seat. The flux capaciter and 200 gigawats of lightening are utterly made-up, therefore the modern year 1985 cannot be cited as an excuse for filling in its workings. Hand in hand with complete and clearly demonstrated time travel causes and effects, we can picture this made-up world and the logistics are sound to us, even though they are imaginary. I say the same of the amazing detail that goes into the Star Trek world.

HG had a great idea but is not very creative, with a cap on all the inventions and musings of his short story. He tells the simplest basics how the Eloi and Morlocks are: appearance, what they eat, where they sleep, how they behave in urgency and assigns immature black & white opposites that takes no skill. There is no other detail. We can excuse that on his short trip to 8000 England but most authors work out much more observed information than that. We cannot excuse limiting logistics to a seat and a removable lever, on a machine "a scientist" is proud to have built in his home lab, a guy who sounds like he would talk his head off with detail.

I feel that we admired HG for putting a name to a fairytale for the first time, that everyone has. As I wrote earlier, I could say in private exactly what I would improve and prevent in my world, if I knew a way that was approved by God. Whenever I hear people rave about the Beatles, I agree they are classics with some good songs but I disagree that they are "must love" for everyone and I have heard far better. Some academic called HG a classic and that reputation got passed down. It is like annoying readers boasting that they gussed who a villain was, with no concept of who - what - when - where -why. Anyone can name A, B, C in a story that only has a few options, right? The background is what makes a story or a person's clue solving ability, superficial or talented.

I was curious about what you were occupied with this week and am glad it is fun. It will take me awhile to make space for our recent book scoring triumphs.

I look forward to getting back to the conversation. Once or twice, I saved your e-mail as the ultimate treat and finished less exciting things on-line for about an hour. I started peeking, after finding it was only a few lines. ;) I do appreciate a word, if you have things to attend to. In Manitoba, we understand summer is to be savoured and go outside as much as we can.

Maybe my goal has not been clear with you & Shirin, so I will reassure you I don't want to stick to a subject. My hope is we meet when we are free to talk constantly while a book is fresh and finish sooner. When our commitment is short, we will soon do other things afterwards. A relative visiting is special and maybe unexpected, so small updates are understood at that time. When friends are obviously blowing through other books but hardly adding to a conversation, I don't feel like we are focusing and finishing as briefly as we can be.

I respect preferences and always ask "when are you free": is this when you can constantly post for about a week? Once or twice a day, dwindling to fewer posts, is what I aim for. You are the most respectful person, so you must have thought you told me you wanted to switch to TV books, which would be okay. You did not: it was baffling to see 20 books after the Anne Perry one! I tried to sound funny rather than annoyed, by commenting humorous reactions. If we go nuts a few days, I relish talking in real time, while we are enthusiastic. I have a lot to do in the summer especially. Hugs! :)

It is fun to see names and authors of whom I have not heard. I have heard of Diana Wynne Jones, Jenny Nimmo, and Terry Pratchett but did not know they had time travel stories. Here are the novels I have. They are all neatly shelved for future reading.

P.S. If you ever make lists for me to formally post, I'll ask you to ditch dashes and "by" and for every word to be capatlized. ;)

"Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children" Ransom Riggs
"11/22/63", "The Gunslinger" Stephen King
"Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" Joanne Rowling
"Playing Beatie Bow" Ruth Park
"A Christmas Carol" Charles Dickens
"Life After Life" Kate Atkinson
"The Time Traveller's Wife" Audrey Niffenegger.

Happy Birthday to beautiful McCartney! 🎂💖

Thank you from our cat family, Kerri. Happy birthday to beautiful McCartney indeed! His, Spirit's, & Marigold's Daughters are sunning side by side against the back door on this bright day in a lustrous green vista. It is a sacred, blessed, amazing day as blue as McCartney's loving, powerful, loyal, expressive eyes.

Petal, Angel, & I sang happy birthday to him and Ron wished the same with me this morning. Now, we just remember him in love, sweetness, harmony, and peace. He is a music and flower lover, our dear boy! He always wanted to spend time exploring flowers, spices, and books he found at home.

We are grateful for the love and joy of this wonderful Son. He might have been 24 on this day, without diabetes complications that looked like arthritis instead. He was tiptop in every other way, never took any medicine in all his years. We appreciate that he was just about 22 years-old, two years ago.

McCartney's Son, Love, is celebrating with him and his other two cat parents in Heaven, as well as with their Grandma, my dear Mom. With all our love, pride, loyalty, joy, and gratitude in return: Momma, Ron, Angel, Petal, and Conan.

Do clarify you saw my entries in all three message numbers. I covered a lot that wasn't discussed and only ask because you used to only look at the last comment box. I am sure that we are both popping in on whatever we have time to talk about and will skim for more conversation gems. You keep raising great food for thought for me!

The other clarification is to tell me which interpretation you had of the way I expressed something that moved you. I am touched to move a dear friend enough that she quotes it in her journal! It is good to for us to keep in mind that worry ends and positive outcomes embrace us again. What I mean is even more poignant and powerful and I hope got that the first or second time: prayers are answered. I don't want to underestimate Jesus / God by thinking unwanted situation not occuring, mean a route of risky events was not stepped upon. Answered prayers mean things might have gone poorly but Jesus / God did protect us and stop it.

Tomorrow is McCartney's birthday! I hope to e-mail private family and friends so that I receive messages tomorrow. In case I don't, at least you are reminded here - if you needed a refresher. God bless our dear, beautiful boy who would have been 24.

I think Weena is a young adult of marrying age, if the tradition existed. I force myself to think of the two species as English (what are their names?) because darkskinned and dark-haired cavemen come to mind, even though I only remember a few scenes of the 1960s film Uncle Fred enjoys. Weena might be 26 years-old but everyone clearly has a child's glee by day.

I figured you would go for four stars and am glad you are thinking this story through. It isn't the end of the world if you highly grade something with faults but you to hardly object to anything. It would be nice to see you be discerning; then whatever you give four or five stars is praise indeed. I was in disbelief that you gave "Moby Dick" five stars. You are against animal harm as much as I am. Liking the writing and giving cudos to an American classic nonetheless leaves part of our feedback comes for personal pleasure and preference. Unless there was an amazingly positive ending, reading of the terror whaling for whales, doesn't seem like it would earn five stars from an animal lover. It made me wonder how special five stars are from you, if you know what I mean.

I anticipated giving four stars to "The Time Machine" likewise, because it is a classic, which makes no sense. Is is a bias I usually do well at thinking past. I really found this an accessibly told story besides some ranting, which is impressively creative; the same aspects you admire. The same as you, I am unaffected by general quibbles or imperfections if I am loving a story and it is special in other ways. A well written 'non crime mystery' or 'paranormal mystery' are likely to please me! I dismiss any silliness with romance or whatnot.

My beefs match yours and as we converse, we will see whether or not either of us tallied more than the other. There are enough for me to give three stars. Ill preparedness was a big one and you impressed me with serendipity, by echoing me, Kerri. I need to refresh whether or not I wrote the example of the Egypt and Africa travels en vogue in the 1800s but it was in mind! You added even better, commoner examples: train travel, horse coaches and carriages, boating. I would add mountain climbing and camping.

More than that, a smart person does not move an inch without a first aid kit and simple bag. They would do a test run before getting out of the time machine seat. The traveller intended a test but was afraid of stopping. A short view of who gets elected next or better, how our families are doing, is much more profound and useful.

We agree authors don't need to be detailed about everything. I would have been satisfied with a general year and think it is odd the scientist had a way to display one exactly. He had to have had a clockface or digital reader, which means he could set an alarm. Is there any other way to show time? I refute that he could invent a machine for travelling around time and not think of automating it and its model, to return and function without someone in the seat. However, you & I named a large amount of detail he should have given, small and big.

He should have explained how the machine worked generally. This classic is not as impressive as it was credited for being, if he could not think of that. We also discussed that a machine is less creative than other ways to use time windows, especially with our spirits and with nature.

Further to my three star conclusion, we share the biggest criticisms. The scientiest was too dumb to be cautious with fire, he didn't watch Weena carefully enough, and it was clear in the novel that he presumed her missing or dead rather than looking for her, or returning in time for her. It was clumsy on HG's part at least, to make it sound like he only peered left and right and decided he could not find her. He lacked the faith in her people's strength and resourcefulness, for her to return home, no matter how terrible the ordeal was.

We agree that no one would allow their life to be threatened, whether or not being treated like prey was old news. Cows, turkies, chickens, pigs, fish all cry and fight for mercy and escape. How hunters / farming killers who view them as food don't hear and see their voices and faces, revolts me. Not to digress, I am saying no one lays down to die as if it were an acceptable fact of life. Those who might be cornered or stiff in fear do pray for a way out and watch for one. I wrote of many relieved birds and mice on our land.

People in natural, light environments would be strong and tall but don't miss what I said about underground animals and insects thriving where they are supposed to, too. I said they might look pale or whatnot to us but some underground beings are plump, fit, and beautiful. They are experts at making their way under the earth and eating and drinking what they need to and only seem strange to us. It is only when creature who belong in the light, don't get enough of it, that they might weaken, come to think of it. I am a city Cousin who adapted to the country by choosing to live among animals and trees, who are all beloved by me. :)

I need you to remind me of the entire escape details. I remembered a crowbar from the museum I presume but not that a door had already been opened. Did he sit on the seat and leave? Please remind me. I could reread but let's say you owe me for putting me in a 1.5 month position of discussing this without the fresh recall I anticipated enjoying! ;)

Yes, plants were not only grown widely in the Victorian age for food and assisted by greenhouses. Flowers were profuse for pleasure and medicinally and what is more, you likely know food plants and seeds and flowers were transplanted from foreign lands. If there was no concept of the Earth's fertility changing when HG mused about one potential, far future; natural and domestic folliage should be well on its way. The main question that emerges is: did HG view this as a utopia or distopia? Was he exploring a society that was so far ahead we couldn't understand them instantly, or was his exploration portraying intelligence and resourcefulness as falling behind modern advancements? Was he saying modernity sometimes dips back to rudimentary environments and priorities? Was he thinking of (whatever those peoples' names were) as societies like the Mayans, whose pyramid designing awesomeness had retired? Mayans continue to live in Mexico, whom I was proud to meet. However, they seem to live simply instead of resembling their engineers and architects, whose lasting work still baffles us.

Was HG saying natural food sources were lower? I recall amazing flowers being in wondrous profusion, which could not all have been wild or weeds. My favourite question for both of us to work out is: what do you think is the best plan for returning to save or see Weena?

Another criticism that occurs to me is how obvious it seems, to look for written or computer references to the societal changes that evolved. Star Trek frequently looked far back in time to see the history of places, races, and specific people. Their computer was handy, whereas the scientist would need another trip, to a city or place with archives. However, it would have made a better novel I think, if he had found the records and explained a little of the human changes he observed.

I am not keen to read any more of him, knowing his biases and shortcomings; unless we discover this was an early novel, with room to grow and plot better. Perhaps his drafts were as poorly planned as the novel's voyages, which was the cause of explanation scarcity. However, I admired the short story my paperback came with, "The Man Who Could Work Miracles", as much as the main feature. It received three stars for similar reasons: tons to admire, some things to criticize or refute as logical action. Most especially, it needed even at its length, simple detail on its major storylines.

I hope to see you in e-mail soon, Kerri, my friend! Happy birthday to our beloved McCartney tomorrow, with all of our family's hearts! Love, Momma & Dad.

As for the vegetation and seasons; I think it was London, England; which is southeastern. It can snow but I believe it is rare. I don't know if they go below zero Celsius. I know their garden seasons end similarly to ours but last longer, prior and after ours in Manitoba; where coincidentally I am southeast of our province. If we presume climate change was not thought about in the 1800s, look up southeastern England's wild berries and fruits. Since they are well past civilization, despite their rudimentary environment, they should easily be growing vegetables, grains, pulses, herbs, and domestic fruits.

You wondered if they were the end of humans. A friend whose unique name I don't use on-line, thinks souls will be finished with bodies soon, as you know and might leave Earth or graduate past body confinement. I believe life will continue after me, so I am remembered and appreciated. I hope I can enjoy watching other stories unfold from Heaven and protect and guide them, as I am guided and protected. My present loved-ones will be with me but I love my niece & nephew, who will have descendents for me to love from my second life.

The idea of life petering out 6000 years from now, I do not believe. I believe Earth in this form will finish its goal within 1000 years, which is soon but not scary because we won't be physically dependent on what the changes are like. May it be "peace on Earth" as we have been promised! The idea of years going into nothingness except oceans, wind, and soil and a few animals he ran away from on a beach..... suggests that H.G. had no sense of the spiritual, or of the scientific estimate that life has risen and subsided on our planet before. Time might be infinite, fluid, or pointless but planets have limits.

It sounds like you feel the same as I do, Kerri: that we admire the author stretching his thoughts on subjects like this but that his contemplations were uneducated and immaturely seen as opposites, with no colour spectrums or possibilities.

I seem to consistently return to the feeling, like you do (thanks to "Back To The Future" and whatever else we have read and watched, including non-fiction like the dear Stephen Hawkings') that the future is what we make of it. The protagonist saw one possibility if society pushed nature and civilization one way. As you wisely observed, his ill-prepared trip was cursory in what he learned and interpreted; from the vegetation to their language.

If you didn't see all three of my entries, Kerri, I refer you back to what I wrote about the dear cows of the world and other animals that farms sadly regard as someone to eat. You might be right that the fight or hope of defeating the tunnel hunters dwindled in the bright sky people; the people living in the light of day, who should be taller and bigger like well sunned plants. It must be terrible for cows, turkies, chickens, pigs not to be able to escape barns or fences when they sense that someone wants to kill them. But no living creature wants to be killed, ever! The daylight race did hide and avoid the tunnels and nighttime as much as they could. Weena urged a stranger to avoid the tunnels. It makes sense that they taught their young and one another to avoid the same things. Acting like they didn't care that Weena fell in a river they were used to working and swimming around, made no sense.

The traveller's poor preparedness made no sense either. If he intended to peek and not go far, he should have nonetheless have known to bring a lot of matches, flashlights or oillamps, metal tools for prying open doors if need be, and non leathal defense. In our generation, it is old news indeed to never go diving or caving without telling someone or bringing a companion. Whites were exploring Africa and India for a long time by then. A walk in your own woods is a teaching moment about preparedness and safety. You say exercising was long ago in vogue; so was being in the outdoors.

I measured my admiration and whatever was lacking with three stars. What grade would you give this story? You are keeping open your anthology, so this time I don't know where you land. It is fun to think I am contributing to your feedback, because you have time to ponder what it is! Your friend, Carolyn.

Dear Kerri, thank you for caring about Petal as usual. The trees' leaves are full and Conan must be on his way home too. I want to be sure you know what I meant by the quote you appreciated from me. I want you to know that we should always recognized that our prayers are answered positively, the way we prayed for them to be. It is helpful if you interpreted my message as something like "give worry the chance to achieve its positive outcome" but recognizing answered prayers for what they are is important; not merely "everything was okay after all". Hopefully, Petal was all right anyway but prayers are for guanranteeing it.

Secondly, would you confirm you saw all my posts? You used to only notice the last one. I divided my long discussions into messages #23 to 25. There is more we could talk about but I love everything you share so far. As I always hope, you delivered different angles to consider.

What is the date range of automatic church and town square bell ringing and clock chiming? You looked up "clock alarms" but setting chimes to announce time by themselves is an alarm. Did your search factor that in when you began Mr. Well's novel? I can't believe setting chimes and bells only began in his time. Was someone paid or a volunteer to announce time for churches and village clocks all this time? What if they were late, even tripping on gravel along the road and being a tad tardy?

I awoke with a desire to share with you, things I would correct if I could take my knowledge of how my family life goes, to an earlier time. That is more powerful than speeding 8000 years ahead, because the guy in this novel was afraid to stop. I don't think I can change the events that sadden and anger me and don't know how, if there is a Heavenly, sacred way to do it. But I think writing them down and sharing them is a way to get rid of some pain and work out some resolutions or peace. Does something similar work for you, Kerri? I would only do this in e-mail, because it is the most personal matter and we never want anyone even reading our details at any time, even much later.

Our garden planting is finished. What falls to me (since Ron mows lawns and does other house and yard work) is planting the few items that did not fit and herbs, into pots. Next, I have 2 flowerboxes and 19 hangingbaskets to plant with flowers. Finally, I do what I can to improve our grassy and hollyhock laden flowerbeds. Wonderful, life growing and proteting rain has graced us plentifully. With it, mosquito season arrived and I avoid them. I know how to dress for them like I do the cold, however.

With food and flower gardening finished: my pots, tools, and plant packages can be put away. That lets me tidy around our house and library better. A local business will post my book selling ad and one other neighbour has been invited to shop, so I must prioritize cleaning our library more quickly. Summer is the best season to attract local and vacationing customers, who flock to manmade campgrounds close to here.

I know the old laptop is yours and think you were supposed to have use of the newer one that your family shares. Does your Mom also have a laptop or PC, or are the three of you sharing the newer laptop? It sounds like you didn't use it as planned, which is frustrating. Hopefully, your Sister and Mom don't need it all day, or you could emphasize the time of day when you like using the internet. I hope writing off-line helps and might be easier than typing on your virtual cell phone keyboard.

I kept the PC off again yesterday. Ron & I were listening to CDs, enjoying our cats, and having a peaceful day general ~ something to cherish! I see the time I saved when I come on and there is no personal e-mail in that time. I was glad that you wrote a lot in our H.G. Wells conversation, which I have replied to a bit of here. I'd like to make sure you saw all three messages.

When you have time, I'd love your thoughts on my reviews of "The Forgotten Door" Alexander Key https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., "Before The Gold Rush", Nicholas Jennings https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., and "Manitoba Winter" Manitoba Department Of Natural Resources. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

One of many things I love about being a Star Trek fan is seeing astonishingly creative stories unfold that give us unusual ideas and resolutions. One of the most poignant "Deep Space 9" stories was of the engineering officer and his wife losing their young Daughter in a time portal, in a cave. They succeeded at getting her out but she was about 18 instead of 8 years-old or so. She was wild and slept in trees. Her parents sadly read that if history were accurate, there were no other humans there at that time. They felt it was better to have their Daughter, changes and all, when she got into trouble for fighting scientists or someone who had scared her. They reasoned, oddly, it was better to return her to the world she knew, than deal with jail or work something here. Not a decision I would make, which worst of all, included being without a loved one!

They snuck her to the cave by shuttle craft, with provisions, utensils, tools for an easier life and knowing she was loved. Fortunately, this teenager saw and recognized the present day Molly crying in a corner, who did not know how to leave the cave. Her elder counterpart (a temporary possibility) showed her the way to go to her parents, who were astonished to have their original Daughter back.

I don't know about what you read and watch. I said I would love a list of your time window favourites. I am aware of numerous time travel shows I was uninterested in. Maybe I would like them but there is enough TV to watch. I have a few videotapes of "Quantum Leap". Scott Bakula became the captain of the ship and series "Star Trek Enterprise", which I am among few who loved. I think this and "Deep Space 9" were the least favourites but the key is starting from the beginning. There are always human and other races' stories to warm our hearts and excite our desire for exploration!

I don't have the desire to try "Dr. Who", which goes too far back for someone who likes chronology. I think is from the 1960s and Graham Norton's guests make it clear there is a new show. I dislike the depressing idea of "The Time Traveller's Wife", where time is short together. I have this one and "Her Fearful Symmetry", with which I am more intrigued. If there is a resolution of the travel coming to an end and the couple being together, I would tolerate some aggravating years, by being finally stopping.

I must have cleared up that "vegetarian" means vegetation; plants. The author was unaware of the societies we hardly know, who thrived on plants and we do not hear about those who continue to. The bias that we need or can acceptably eat lives that were not ended willingly, has lasted a few thousand years. All eras before our time, we only know what records told us. Picking from a tree or ground shrub is much more natural than ending a life who wants to live! H.G. Wells making out vegetarians to be weak is a clear bias.

You certainly give me food for thought by saying that authors might want us to think characters are uninformed instead of themselves. However, because common information is not present at all, I really do think H.G. was lacking a lot of knowledge that was scientists knew well in his time. Anyone who has met a houseplant knows we gain strength, vitality, and growth from water, nutrition, and light. There are animals and insects with busy worlds underground, which delights me differently from how fearful you deemed it. However, they have characteristics like minor vision that we might interpret as a disadvantage. We would travel and be nourished underground with less skill than they do. It is like country and city cousins shining on each other's home turf. They enjoy me being a country cousin nowadays! :)

You are right that the tunnel citizens might have eaten berries too on nightly outings. Thanks to making me wait 1.5 month, I don't recall species names or how Traveller got the time machine back. ;) Please do fill me in!

I'll leave this as my contribution tonight. Ron is home from work and napping off Monday tiredness, with Angel beside him in clean sheets. I have a Dan Fogelberg CD playing, following a Seals & Crofts one I had looked forward to playing for months. Good, easy listening for napping and typing, haha. On the Canadian side, I have so much more to share with you than was on hold. I hope our travelling USB stick comes my way soon, to pack another load, haha. As for my family film, I have meant to fit it on after confirming I had not already. It will be yours and I know you will love it! THAT is another great way to get to know each other. I hope you will give me a video narrated tour of your life soon too. :)

Like you, I admired the author's musings about what 8000 year-old societies might be like, while disagreeing that negativity should never be what challenges us. Not only is it unnecessary in my view but the meaning of life is to deal with it and push it out of our lives, to get as close as we can to spiritual harmony while living on Earth in a physical way. You largely already agree; I am only correcting that there should be no negativity or problems. Being challenged by the desire to explore, invent, discover, improve, learn, repair, heal.... these are all stimulating and inspiring. Then, we help those who want a hand reaching those healing, inspiring, improved, repaired, and stimulating outcomes.

For fun, a topic occurred to me. Where might the traveller return to save Weena? First, even if it is a short entry answering a few questions, would you please remind me how the traveller got the time machine back from inside that statue? Then, I can will contribute with all the facts. Part of my answers rely on how he retrieved his craft from the statue.

He could move his craft into his yard or conceal it farther away, where he knows he will be far from the statue in 8000 AD. I thought of something more effective than that and hope I will think of it again momentarily. The nocturnal threat makes a plan easy to design. He could stay overnight with Weena, concealed well outside the forest and only traverse it by day. He could do something besides set a fire, set it carefully as a torch he takes out of the forest. In any case, he should keep Weena close. Many might say "bring a gun to scare a few away" but our 2024 AD society should know by now that there are numerous other solutions, without resorting to lethal weaponry ever again.

I actually don't remember either, why the heck the protagonist walked far outside the village. Was it only curiousity about the tower he saw in the sky's horizon, or did he think it was a place to hide from hunters? I liked exploring the museum it proved to be. Time travel is meaningful and fun when you are close to your time for the results to matter and be clear, wouldn't you say? Having taken in the museum, he could avoid losing track of Weena and any trees, by not going there. The statue was outside the village.

To not leave the time machine would circumvent visiting the village and acquainting the people, so I think retrieving it without harrassment or avoiding the forest trip are the answers. You bet I am excited to know what you think of instead. I hope my topic got you thinking before you reached the details from me. :)

I am glad you are posting. Goodness knows, I gave several subjects my all. I was off for a day. Goodreads works as usual. Remember you can copy our conversation and write in a document off-line. You need only paste it on-line. I hope the newer laptop isn't the problem, although it would be aggravating if you weren't using it as planned.

Whew, I surpassed a comment limit. If you find it a lot, this is our incentive to discuss books in progress, ha ha!

Among new thoughts you introduced, is how Weena surprised Mr. Science by having a personality. She developed a devotion as you called it, for being saved and appreciated it. For once, the author had the ability to think in a spectrum of colours. I wonder if he stopped there, which we admire as is, or if he had more depth in mind that he hoped readers would glean.

I wonder if he was saying Mr. Science knew little about these people and should not make snap judgements. I wonder if he meant that any change in an old routine would encourage new behaviours. Or, I wonder if he was implying that showing kindness and giving a lifesaving break to people who were treated as a food bank, would elevate their whole disposition. I like this third thought. The first is a surface observation. The second implies relief from sameness. The third is a postive moral of life.

You had me considering that as a Star Trek fan, I have seen future time travel a lot, which differs from the mystery or fantasy novels we have abundantly read. Because their vehicles are moving on a route they choose, as well as changing time, they do not worry about running into anything. However, this smart idea was one of the things I admired about Mr. Wells. This stimulating idea is my sole impression from the 1960s movie: staying in one spot and seeing a body turn into a skelton, then dust.

I loved the idea of being in one spot and that it is times changing around us, not distance and places coming and going. I liked that he did not only stop at a chosen year but that he could choose his speed. It would be fascinating to see the sun and moon rise and rest from their positions. I would prefer this sedate pace to watch the world go by, quite literally. I understood like you did, the fear of a building appearing where there had been none in Mr. Science's time.

"Back To The Future III" shaped this idea into the most humorous part and later, into the most integral, tense access to Marty's return route. Trusting the speculative science that the train tracks would be there in 1985, where there was a cliff in 1885, was nervewracking! His hilarious start, driving into a movie billboard sign of indians and then ending up in a field among them, makes me laugh every time I play it.

Long ago, I made a movie of my trips with Ron, family cats, and other important parts of my life. I liked a stirring effect that I achieved, that Marty in his two-dimensional, empty billboard field reminded me of. I mix a lot of the still photographs you have seen, with some video footage. My switch is unexpected because I started with a still photograph slideshow predominantly. You see Buckingham Palace with those red police in the background. Then all of a sudden, they are moving; marching across the screen. At Stonehenge, I pose in front of this world wonder in a photograph. Then, presumably using our tripod, Ron & I are kissing in front of it in a film clip, with the wind blowing; which viewers can hear.

I am happy you & I have left a lot to enjoy talking about. Whomever returns first can reply and add to it. There are great subjects for me to answer from our first posts I have let my thoughts flow enough for now. There is a lot we could make of each subject, never mind many at once. I love that. :-) If I get as busy continuing my cleaning as I hope to, all my answering at once will tide you over.

A happy note on which to bid you good-night, is to say that Petal came to our front door voluntarily, very early tonight. She did not want to worry us. When I stepped out the front door earlier to see where she was, she was in solid sight at the edge of trees to the north. I waved at her and she smiled at me, seated on a log.

Now both Sisters and Ron are waiting for me to go to sleep with them. Positive, answered prayers are a wonderful feeling. I do not underestimate the power and grace of worrying about where Petal was and of her returning to us, feeling well and ready to sleep. Your friend, Carolyn.