Royal Escape from the Topic - for off topic chit chat Showing 501-550 of 2,839

[Kim]

Am off the Bay Bridge, got home a little before midnight. Then had to get up early for church and head back over to SF. Waved at where we spent a good part of last night until a CalTrans truck brought us just enough gas to make it to a gas station. What a night. Got a lot of Girl in the Blue Coat read.

[Karlyne]

Kim wrote: "Am stuck on Bay Bridge, husband thought we had enough gas to get home. He was sadly mistaken. Have a book light and a book. Sigh."

Oh, my word! That had to feel like a nightmare! I always take a book in the car, because of road construction, mainly, but I often have that "I'll just be a minute" from the husband, too.

[Kim]

Well, it was not great when he disappeared for 1/2 an hour. Every book and movie plot involving a spouse disappearing during a car breakdown kept pushing at the edges of my brain. And as I am not exceptionally mobile at the moment, all I could do was wait. We managed to get through it without drama, but it was midnight before I got home & into bed followed by an early morning.

[Karlyne]

Kim wrote: "Well, it was not great when he disappeared for 1/2 an hour. Every book and movie plot involving a spouse disappearing during a car breakdown kept pushing at the edges of my brain. And as I am not e..."

And really - on the Bay Bridge? I'm not all that fond of bridges in the daylight, driving over them with lots of gas. I think you're a trooper!

[Kim]

Thanks. At least we were not on the section that collapsed during the Loma Prieta quake, on the old bridge that is only time I would worry about earthquakes. The new bridge has not been tested by a big one yet, but I still do not like being on the lower level sections. I also keep thinking about all the bolts that were cracking & had to be replaced. One has to have faith that manufacturers & contractors do a reliable job with sound materials, and that is, sadly, not always the case. However, to go anywhere from where we live involves a tunnel or a bridge, so every trip is an act of faith, I guess. My sister is phobic about bridges, she would hate it here.

[Karlyne]

Kim wrote: "Thanks. At least we were not on the section that collapsed during the Loma Prieta quake, on the old bridge that is only time I would worry about earthquakes. The new bridge has not been tested by a..."

My oldest daughter detests bridges, too! We drove across the Astoria bridge, over the mouth of the Columbia River, once, in a motor home (think swaaaaaying), and I thought she was not ever going to recover. It held at that time the record for the longest floating bridge - or some such thing - but, trust me, she was not impressed.

And, seriously, what's worse than being stuck on a bridge? Being stuck on the lower level of a bridge!

[Kim]

I just saw that Gene Wilder died. I loved him, he made laugh. I am thinking maybe Gilda and he are together cracking jokes somewhere in the afterlife.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Kim wrote: "I just saw that Gene Wilder died. I loved him, he made laugh. I am thinking maybe Gilda and he are together cracking jokes somewhere in the afterlife."

My husband just read that out. I was surprised at Wilder's age. RIP.

[Karlyne]

Kim wrote: "I just saw that Gene Wilder died. I loved him, he made laugh. I am thinking maybe Gilda and he are together cracking jokes somewhere in the afterlife."

I hope so! He was such a lot of fun; I think my favorite role was Willie Wonka, because his expressions were simply priceless. I always thought that Roald Dahl must have loved his portrayal.

[Kim]

I adored Young Frankenstein. My kids watch & re-watch it even now as working adults.

[Karlyne]

Kim wrote: "I adored Young Frankenstein. My kids watch & re-watch it even now as working adults."

I haven't seen that in decades! What I mostly remember about it is Marty Feldman's moving hump and his great eyeballs. I need to find a copy somewhere, because it's one of those movies I can enjoy with my husband!

[Kim]

I thought Madeleine Kahn and Cloris Leachman were great, as well. It is a family favorite.

[Susan in NC]

Karlyne wrote: "Kim wrote: "Well, it was not great when he disappeared for 1/2 an hour. Every book and movie plot involving a spouse disappearing during a car breakdown kept pushing at the edges of my brain. And a..."

Oh, thank you for saying this, Karlyne! I was afraid I was the only one with that particular phobia - you are much braver than I, Kim, I would've crawled as far under a seat with my book and light and covered my head with anything to hand until rescue came! So sorry this happened.

[Susan in NC]

Kim wrote: "I thought Madeleine Kahn and Cloris Leachman were great, as well. It is a family favorite."

Oh, for my family as well! I just read the news about Gene Wilder, I loved him in Blazing Saddles and The Producers, but Willy Wonka and Young Frankenstein are all-time favorites! The whole cast in Frankenstein was amazing, not a bad scene in the movie - when I was in junior high we had an old theater that would have theme nights, like all John Wayne or all Mel Brooks, and my dad would take us. He would laugh until he cried, as did we all - good times!

[Kim]

Well, having served in the Navy & also been responsible for kids while husband was on ship overseas for six or more months at a crack, I have developed coping skills, but I have less energy and mobility now & it does take it out of me at a faster rate. I have always been the calm in the emergency storm, but the past 2 years I have been the one around whom the emergencies happened & I do not enjoy it much. ;-)

[Hana]

Kim wrote: ""Am stuck on Bay Bridge, husband thought we had enough gas to get home. He was sadly mistaken. Have a book light and a book. Sigh."..." I'm so glad you finally got home safely.

But...You were reading? Calmly reading? I salute you as a far, far braver woman than I am. I would have been screaming into my cellphone.

I really hate bridges but there are some bridges that reduce me to total panic. I barely made it across the the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Later I found out that they have a special team that goes out to rescue freaked out drivers who panic mid-drive. That made me feel better and even proud. But (full disclosure) if I'd known the rescue team existed I would have called them!

I once made the mistake of renting a car on a business trip that took me (after a red-eye special from New York) up to Silicon Valley. I got lost and forced to cross the San Mateo Bridge. Total freak out. I prayed the whole way across.

[Kim]

I was stuck on San Mateo Bridge after a wreck occurred for 2 1/2 hours after I dropped my daughter off at a rowing event. Santana kept me sane.

[Hana]

Kim, what's with you and getting stuck on bridges? But Santana is the best! Santana could get me though just about anything.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

I haven't a fear of bridges or heights exactly but I have a very bad fear of falling. My kids won't go in glass sided elevators with me (even though I have pretty much conquered that one) because of all the snivelling I used to do. I would be at my worst on foot bridges without handrails or swing bridges.

Many years ago (just after the Cave Creek tragedy when Dept of Conservation building and maintenance standards were at their worst) my husband and I had to use an obviously rickety swing bridge to cross a river. There were slats missing the ropes for holding the rails were in poor condition - it was terrible. I was so scared I was crying, my husband got exasperated & we decided to wreck the tranquil nature setting by having a huge row. When we got across we read the sign that was only on that side of the river! It said - you guessed it - Bridge Closed!

[Susan in Perthshire]

Carol ♛ Type, Oh Queen! ♛ wrote: "I haven't a fear of bridges or heights exactly but I have a very bad fear of falling. My kids won't go in glass sided elevators with me (even though I have pretty much conquered that one) because o..."

Oh Carol, that so made me laugh!! I would have been the same as you!

[Marissa]

Carol ♛ Type, Oh Queen! ♛ wrote: "I haven't a fear of bridges or heights exactly but I have a very bad fear of falling. My kids won't go in glass sided elevators with me (even though I have pretty much conquered that one) because o..."

Oh my goodness, I winced when I read that. I loathe bridges, too--especially the Verrazano Narrows bridge in NYC and the (now demolished) Jamestown Bridge in Rhode Island (do you remember that one, QNPoohBear?)--just one lane each way and terrifying.

[Critterbee❇]

Bridges are unnerving, especially in earthquake-prone areas. I don't think I could get on such a bridge as you described, Carol!

They have a clear walkway that goes out 70 feet over the grand canyon, so you can look down at the sheer drop while you are above 4 inches of glass. I do not know that I would be able to step onto that. You look down 2000 feet (over 600 meters) to the canyon floor below.

[Susan in NC]

Carol ♛ Type, Oh Queen! ♛ wrote: "I haven't a fear of bridges or heights exactly but I have a very bad fear of falling. My kids won't go in glass sided elevators with me (even though I have pretty much conquered that one) because o..."

Oh good Lord, I'm afraid I would've been an ugly American and sued! After a total meltdown panic - another bridge hater, here!

[Susan in NC]

Critterbee wrote: "Bridges are unnerving, especially in earthquake-prone areas. I don't think I could get on such a bridge as you described, Carol!

They have a clear walkway that goes out 70 feet over the grand cany..."

I saw that on the news when it opened and my first thought was why?!?

[Susan in NC]

Kim wrote: "I was stuck on San Mateo Bridge after a wreck occurred for 2 1/2 hours after I dropped my daughter off at a rowing event. Santana kept me sane."

Just googled the San Mateo Bridge to see what it looked like - YIKES! I would've needed Carlos and the boys in the car with me to keep me from freaking out...preferably with a pitcher of margaritas...

[Abigail]

About the glass walkway above the Grand Canyon, I’m not sure it’s worse than riding a donkey down the cliff trail that leads into the canyon—something I did at the age of 12. I have no fear of heights to speak of, but that scared me plenty!

[Kim]

We used to have to go over the Jamestown Bridge all the time to leave Aquidneck Island when we lived in Newport, RI. First time we drove across it when moving there as a family, we go trapped on it because of heavy traffic. My husband, in his infinite wisdom, had oatmeal followed by a Spanish omelette for breakfast, and was having major tummy problems the whole time. Ain't love grand, this is not what we envision as part of happily ever after. ;-)

The Verrazano Narrows Bridge I know well from my days of working in NYC before I joined the Navy. Also have been stuck in Thanksgiving weekend traffic in the Tappan Zee Bridge for 3 hours, 6 mos pregnant with my 3rd child, with 2 older kids clamoring to go to the bathroom whole way across. We introduced our staying home at Thanksgiving policy after that one, which killed 2 birds with 1 stone...no more stress filled Thanksgivings with my in-laws, and no traffic. The years in Newport after that I had my students who could not go home for Thanksgiving dinner. Second year it was so popular I had to have 2 shifts, and 2 25-lb birds, many pies.

In a well-travelled life, there are a lot of bridges to cross, it seems.

[Kim]

Sorry for any typos, thumbs moving 2 fast & autocorrect...I did not type "in Tappan Zee" as that would be unlikely, uncomfortable, & probably impossible, unless it is a transporter accident or something that happened on Fringe, usually with fatal results.

[Susan in NC]

Kim wrote: "We used to have to go over the Jamestown Bridge all the time to leave Aquidneck Island when we lived in Newport, RI. First time we drove across it when moving there as a family, we go trapped on it..."

You have led a fascinating life! And I second the staying home for Thanksgiving idea, that's our favorite holiday for that very reason - no stress, no imposition on us or others, yay!

[Kim]

A few years back, I was working in SF, & my husband dropped me off & then drove back across old Bay Bridge, killed our car engine by driving it until it died. This was in spite of all the flashing lights. This was Thanksgiving eve. He came to pick me up in a rental car, and my normally lively children were sitting like little statues in the backseat. One of them whispered "Dad is in a very bad mood". I still had not finished my Thanksgiving shopping, and one look at the grocery store gave me the "hell with this" thought. I looked at my husband & said "we will go out for Thanksgiving" & after church the next morning we went to Mel's Diner and had whatever we wanted, they do a lovely turkey dinner. The next day we did Thanksgiving, as I was better rested and am not a Black Friday shopper. For the next several years, that became our tradition, as I always found doing Thanksgiving on first day off from work felt more like punishment than festivity. I spent all day in kitchen while family watched football and movies & then they made it all disappear in no time flat. It got better when my older kids started to get interested in cooking and helped and made their own specialties to add, but we all liked doing it on Friday better & everyone loved Mel's and a movie.

[Susan in Perthshire]

Susan in NC wrote: "Critterbee wrote: "Bridges are unnerving, especially in earthquake-prone areas. I don't think I could get on such a bridge as you described, Carol!

They have a clear walkway that goes out 70 feet ..."

I remember when we visited the Grand Canyon almost 20 years ago - standing on the rim and being utterly terrified that I would be tempted to jump; (that's my vertigo kicking in! ) the idea of going out on a glass walkway fills me with such horror that I cannot even go there. I remember the first time we ever drove over the huge bridge that crosses Tampa Bay being almost comatose with terror (not only driving on what was to me the " wrong side" of the road and across something which could not possibly carry the weight of all the cars and trucks passing over it; but which also looked as if we might slide out sideways. I am so impressed by all the brave souls who just drive on regardless!!

[Susan in NC]

Kim wrote: "A few years back, I was working in SF, & my husband dropped me off & then drove back across old Bay Bridge, killed our car engine by driving it until it died. This was in spite of all the flashing ..."

That sounds heavenly...(the Mel's and Black Friday tradition, not the dead car!)

It was truly liberating when we started eating out for TG Day - my whole life we had cooked a big meal, first for the extended family, then when my mom 'retired' as head chef it was on me, with a small house and small kitchen. My husband finally vetoed that and said he didn't want me tired and stressed out cooking for all and sundry, and we've never looked back - bliss! I like cooking, but that's a large meal with a lot of dishes going at once to try and pull off with a dinky kitchen - and a lot of leftovers with a son and husband who don't even like turkey and the trimmings.

[Critterbee❇]

Susan in Perthshire wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Critterbee wrote: "Bridges are unnerving, especially in earthquake-prone areas. I don't think I could get on such a bridge as you described, Carol!

They have a clear walkway th..."

That is the vertigo, people without experiencing it might (?) not know that urge! Not cute!

[Howard]

I don't know that I have any fears for myself. I do remember being scared seeing young family members running along cliff sides though.

But I never cried in sentimental stories and songs and stuff - until I almost lost my wife in a car accident. Actually experiencing a near loss really changed me.

So I wouldn't be surprised if I learned to be scared of something - after actually being threatened. (Sure politicians threaten us - but that's not the same kind of fearing).

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

The annual Book Fair was on in our town. I was there bright & early - but I didn't buy a single book! I was being strict with myself as I was looking for specific titles.

Was funny seeing the op shop's regulars in line. Our best book customer was at the front of the queue!

[Linda]

Getting back to reading Heyer again, the second hand shop was having a 50% off book sale so I went and looked specifically for Heyer books.

I found two mysteries - No Wind of Blame and The Unfinished Clue
Two historical novels (I think?) - Simon The Coldheart and The Conqueror
And finally - Bath Tangle and Lady of Quality

I glanced through the Bottom Five Heyer books thread, and I recognize at least two or three from that thread. But I haven't read any of these yet, and they were only 25 cents a piece. Plus, I love the look of the old covers. :)

They are all very old mass market paperbacks with the following covers (except I can't find the exact Lady of Quality cover I have, but this one shown looks the closest):

[Critterbee❇]

Linda wrote: "Getting back to reading Heyer again, the second hand shop was having a 50% off book sale so I went and looked specifically for Heyer books.

I found two mysteries - No Wind of Blame..."

Nice haul! And we will be reading the Conqueror in October, so very nice timing!

I will be in Colorado for almost all of October, so I am not sure if I will be able to read with everybody, but I really want to read the Conqueror, so hopefully, with luck, it will happen.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Critterbee wrote: "I will be in Colorado for almost all of October, so I am not sure if I will be able to read with everybody, but I really want to read the Conqueror, so hopefully, with luck, it will happen.

TheC is a denser read, so it will take some of us most of October!

Are you travelling for business or pleasure Critterbee?

Linda wrote: "Getting back to reading Heyer again, the second hand shop was having a 50% off book sale so I went and looked specifically for Heyer books.

I found two mysteries - No Wind of Blame..."

That'sa good haul Linda! I still haven't got hold of The Unfinished Clue. I'm probably going to have to pay a bit more than I wanted & buy on TradeMe.

I was going to read StheC this year but it looks like 2017. It's a sentimental thing for me as my Dad loved this books as a young lad.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Linda wrote: "Getting back to reading Heyer again, the second hand shop was having a 50% off book sale so I went and looked specifically for Heyer books.

I found two mysteries - No Wind of Blame..."

25 cents! That's great! I love hearing about a great deal!

[Critterbee❇]

Carol ♛ Type, Oh Queen! ♛ wrote: "Critterbee wrote: "I will be in Colorado for almost all of October, so I am not sure if I will be able to read with everybody, but I really want to read the Conqueror, so hopefully, with luck, it w..."

It is purely for enjoyment! I love Colorado, it is one of the most beautiful places in the US. From Denver, I have visits planned to national parks, hot springs, riding, hiking, zip-lining and bicycling, a hot air balloon ride (promise I will not re-enact Felix's tricks from Frederica!) and a week at a isolated cabin right in the middle. I am trying to balance relaxing activities with the more strenuous ones.

[Susan in NC]

Critterbee wrote: " Carol ♛ Type, Oh Queen! ♛ wrote: "Critterbee wrote: "I will be in Colorado for almost all of October, so I am not sure if I will be able to read with everybody, but I really want to read the Conqu..."

Sounds like an amazing trip, have a great time! Hhhmmm, if "Conqueror" is fairly dense reading as Carol the Wise Kiwi says (I take her word for it, this will be my first time reading this one), the isolated cabin for a week may be just the ticket to get it read...you may need a rest right in the middle of all of your active pursuits...Have a wonderful time!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Critterbee,

Your vacation sounds "to die for."

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Susan in NC wrote: " Carol the Wise Kiwi"

Ha! Ha! I might make that my next GR name!

I do emphasise that although heavier, I don't remember The Conqueror being unreadable like My Lord John & Simon the Coldheart were.

I "met" someone who likes Simon the Coldheart on a friend's comments! I nearly invited her here. It would be good to have a member who is positive about the medievals!

[Susan in NC]

Carol ♛ Type, Oh Queen! ♛ wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: " Carol the Wise Kiwi"

Ha! Ha! I might make that my next GR name!

I do emphasise that although heavier, I don't remember The Conqueror being unreadable like My Lord John & Simo..."

Be my guest, it is both fitting and true...and by all means invite the medieval fan to join us, my two favorite genres are historical mysteries and historical fiction, so I'm looking forward to our group read and am looking for all the edifying commentary I can get to better understand a period and figure I know little about.

[Linda]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "25 cents! That's great! I love hearing about a great deal!"

Yes! I don't remember the last time I paid a quarter for a book. And here I thought I was getting a steal thinking they were starting out at $1.99 each.


Carol ♛ Type, Oh Queen! ♛ wrote: "That's a good haul Linda! I still haven't got hold of The Unfinished Clue."

Thanks Carol! I grabbed all the Heyers I could find. :) I was excited over finding the mysteries.


Critterbee wrote: "And we will be reading the Conqueror in October, so very nice timing!"

I just saw that!! I will try to fit it in, but I've already got my October books lined up with some, what I perceive to be, heavy reading.

[Karlyne]

Is there a Frederica thread somewhere? I couldn't find one, but that doesn't mean a thing.

I just did a quick re-read of it, because a facebook commenter on the Heyer group mentioned that she thought it and About a Boy had a lot in common (which it does and would make for some great discussions, by the way). Having finished it, I've decided that I need to re-write Frederica's last lines, and if I do that, I'll have to share them with you all, of course.

So, is there a thread? Have we read it as a group? It seems like we have, but that might just be because I do remember discussing Jessamy & Felix.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Karlyne wrote: "Is there a Frederica thread somewhere? I couldn't find one, but that doesn't mean a thing.

Here you go Karlyne https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

This is the spoiler thread. I dug it up after I reread Frederica. Let me know if you want me to hunt for the other threads as well. :)

My husband turned 60 yesterday & for a surprise I whisked him off to this place http://www.thelostspring.co.nz/ which isn't that far from where we live. One unnerving drive to get there as we have had days of bad weather & there were slips all over the road. But it was a day of luxury,then had dinner at a b-i-ls & another b-i-l turned up. Lovely day. :)

A bit concerned about the weather. We have a big family party planned for tomorrow - a joint 60th- & our house isn't suitable for a large group if we can't use our outdoor area!

[Karlyne]

That's what I needed, Carol!

The first thing I thought of when I saw that you took him to a lost spring on winding roads was the Ngaio Marsh which took place at a wannabe spa. (I have forgotten the name, dagnabit.) Anyhow, one look at the website convinced me that there are not any similarities. What an amazing looking place!

I hope your weather cooperates - we have the same problem and when it's too hot or cold or crazy windy, it takes a lot of fun out of the day.

Is it your 60th, too, which is why it's a joint to-do?

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Karlyne wrote: "That's what I needed, Carol!

The first thing I thought of when I saw that you took him to a lost spring on winding roads was the Ngaio Marsh which took place at a wannabe spa. (I have forgotten th..."

I turned 60 a couple of months ago. The kids came home,decorated the house in red & white, played Canadian songs (I'm Canadian born) "shouted" me a Thai massage &cooked amazing food.

We thought (haha!) the weather would be better now, so decided to have a joint 60th now.

There are natural geo thermal springs in lots of places in NZ. The history of this one is really interesting.

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽]

Karlyne wrote: "I just did a quick re-read of it, because a facebook commenter on the Heyer group mentioned that she thought it and About a Boy had a lot in common (which it does and would make for some great discussions, by the way). Having finished it, I've decided that I need to re-write Frederica's last lines, and if I do that, I'll have to share them with you all, of course."

Please do! Frederica turning brainless at the end is my only beef with that book. I was rolling my eyes so hard!