General Chit-Chat Part 2! Showing 951-1,000 of 2,680

[Esther]

I prefer dead-tree books and if I really like an e-book I have read I will buy the paperback to keep - an arrangement of electrons doesn't really feel like owning a book.
But e-books are very convenient and I am gradually getting used to them.

edited for clarity

[Chrissie]

Marina, hope the antibiotics does the trick quickly.


***********************

I seem to be the only one on this planet that enjoys hot weather. Summer has pounced on us and I am sucking it up.

[Alannah]

Karin wrote: "My son has graduated from high school (the ceremony was today and he graduated from his music prep school yesterday), so perhaps I'll have more time to be around this summer.


B the BookAddict wro..."

Congratulations to your son Karin.

[Nancy from NJ]

Congratulations on your son's graduation from two schools. What will he be doing next year?

My oldest great nephew (we have 14 great nephews and nephews and our twin grand babies) went to his
High School prom Friday night. He looked gorgeous and as he said had a blast. It got me thinking about my high school days and our daughters. First Bally I thought about my scho prom Friday day

[Karin]

Marina wrote: "I'm on antibiotics again. Last Thursday I got a sting on my neck by an unknown insect (wasn't able to see it, it must have been a flying one), which swelled and hurt a lot. The lymph node swelled, ..."

I hope you're feeling better soon.

[[deleted user]]

Hello Friends:

I haven't posted since last December, and I just wanted to update everyone on what's been going on. My husband got sick at Christmas, and I had a flare-up of some chronic conditions around the same time. We spent a few months going back and forth to doctors and hospitals and labs. Larry was off work for several weeks. The bottom line is that he is back at work and set to retire in about a year. I'm doing better than I have in years--on much less medication and feeling pretty good. My son in Cleveland just bought his 1st house. We'd love to move there after retirement but I'm not sure it's financially feasible.

The problem is that I have stopped reading almost entirely. I have read 2 books in the last 10 days, so perhaps that's changing. But in general I don't have any interest in/concentration for books. I've never had such an extended period of not reading.

The other reason I haven't been posting is that I'm shattered by what's going on in my country. The daily outrages, the blatant corruption and graft, the foreign policy debacles, the Russia thing, the LIES of the current president pose a challenge to my existence. I can't believe anyone truly thinks the "chaos theory" of management is a real thing, that it's any way to run a government. When did it become acceptable for the American president to watch TV all day and make decisions based on this? When did Canada become a threat to our national security? Every day I spend time combing news sites, tracking the "little" things that are going unnoticed--the enshrinement of outright racism in our justice system, the protection of Christians to the exclusion of other religions, the attack on reproductive rights, the vilification of immigrants--it scares the crap out of me.

And meanwhile we spend a week debating a comedienne using the c-word, and Puerto Rico remains forgotten. What world am I living in?

Since AAB is an international forum, it poses an especially exquisite dilemma. I know we're not to be political, but every day I wake up and want to apologize to the world for Donald Trump. I want to say this is not America. But then every day I realize it is a big part of America (especially where I live in Ohio), and I have to do what I can to stand up for what I believe.

So I hope you'll forgive this diatribe. I wanted to explain my absence. I miss so many of you and our literary friendships, which sustained me through some difficult times. But since I'm essentially no longer a reader, and my politics are currently the focus of my life, I don't feel comfortable posting right now.

Love, warm wishes, and Happy Reading to all. xoxo

[Diane S ☔]

Terri, so very nice to hear from you, Sorry about the problems you have had, but glad health wise you are both doing better.I share your
Opinion about what is going on in our country, where everyday there is something new. I too feel as if I should apologize to the world. We and I miss you though, please don't disappear for so long again, only if it's only to post a sentence or so. I worry when my friends go missing.

[Angela M]

Terri, I’m so glad to see your post and that you are doing better. I couldn’t agree more with Diane - we have missed you ! I just sent you a personal message a few minutes ago but wanted to respond here too .

[Ruth]

Terri, glad to hear that you and your husband are doing better. As for the politics, I feel the same but I come on here to escape that even if it is for a brief time. We need to have a place to have a respite from the insanity going on around us. Reading is my refuge and sanctuary from that.

[Chrissie]

Terri, how to respond to your message????

Thank you for dropping a line b/c many of us have been worried about you.

I am glad to hear that you and your husband's medical problems have slid into the background.

The political question? I emigrated in 1970 and I do not regret having done so.

[Joan]

Teri wonderful to hear from you.

As for the currents passing through our country ... not much to be said except:
we sprang into existence because our colonial government underestimated the public;
we fought and won a civil war when a minority refused to recognize the humanity and rights of African-Americans;
at the turn of the 20th century the robber barons ran scared once the silent majority said that that’s enough
and in the 50’s and 60’s public pressure forced changes in civil rights.

We will find the right path as long as we don’t give up on the search.

[Marina]

Dear Terri, I'm so glad to see you posting! I was very worried - and I'm glad to know you and your husband both feel better. Also, great news on his coming retirement. I hope you'll be able to stay next to your son, but I do understand that it's going to be difficult financially. Moving is always very expensive.

I understand what you say about your country's politics, but I decided I won't respond because I don't want to start up a flare - suffice it to say that, what with our being our smallish country and all, we're having our fair share of bad politics here in Italy, too. I'll stop here, since I don't mean to offend or fight with anyone. It was just to say, I see where you're coming from.

Please, do write only if you feel comfortable doing so, and don't worry if you don't feel like writing. I just want to say that I hope you don't feel uncomfortable just because, as you say, you're "no longer a reader" - we value your friendship whether you're a reader or not, and I'm sure I speak for a great many people here on AAB. Please feel free to drop me a line as a PM if and when you want to, I'd love to hear from you even if you don't feel like writing in the group.

A big hug to you, Terri.

[Nancy from NJ]

Dear Terri I'm afraid I don't know you since I recently joined All About Books. But as an American, I must tell you that every morning I wake up and too wonder where I am living. I know that all Presidents make mistakes but his very being in the White House is a mistake. And you are so right that the infrastructure of our country is falling apart and Puerto Rico - my God where is our humanity as this country is crumbling. I know this isn't a forum for politics and I have been very careful to hold my mouth shut but I don't think any President has ever so blatantly lied. Yes let's make America great again and get you know who out of the White House.

Glad to hear both you and your husband are both feeling better and I do hope you get to move to Cleveland. It's so wonderful to live near your children or family.

[Alannah]

Terri wrote: "Hello Friends:

I haven't posted since last December, and I just wanted to update everyone on what's been going on. My husband got sick at Christmas, and I had a flare-up of some chronic conditions..."

Hi Terri, it's so lovely to hear from you, and I hope you are doing better. Don't worry; I don't think you are the only one who is embarrassed by their country at the minute, in Northern Ireland we currently have political representation because they constantly bicker with each other and refuse to share power. However they're still getting paid for doing nothing. Northern Ireland is now officially behind the rest of the UK and now Ireland when it comes to human rights and the national health service. My sister would get paid a lot more for her nursing job if she wasn't living in NI either.

[Pink]

Terri, I'm so glad that you took time to post and update us all about how you've been! You'll know that we've worried!

First, I'm glad to hear that your husband has returned to work and that your health is doing so well. I hope that moving close to your son becomes an option for you, or perhaps some more trips to visit once your husband retires.

Don't worry about your lack of reading. I think it's happened to a lot of us at one point or another. Hopefully you've got the bug again, but if not pop in and say hello anyway. We can chit chat about non book things too.

As for politics, yep I feel you in so many ways. I don't really watch television or read newspapers anymore, but my twitter feed is full of politics and injustices in the world. It's where I get my news, but every so often I have to step away in despair and pretend the world isn't happening.

Once again, I'm so glad that you've stopped by and hope you return again soon :)

[Karin]

Dear Terri,

I'm so glad to see you back and thankful that things have been taking care of healthwise in some ways.

[B the BookAddict]

Terri, it is so wonderful to have you back with us. I'd been really concerned about what had happened to you. Like you, I've been in a long horrible reading slump. the few books I have read have been re-reads.

As for the state of America, it is said that Australia is about fifteen years behind your country and I am so thankful for that.

[Joan]

I helped with a voter registration drive at a local high school and came away inspired.
These students told me how they rely on REPUTABLE news sources, don’t really trust the nonsense on social media like twitter (seemed they don’t even consider Facebook).
They were engaged, thoughtful and well informed about current issues. I came away thinking they’ll be good for running the country.

Of course there is the risk that as they move into college and careers they will stop working at democracy.

[[deleted user]]

Happy to hear from you, Terri. As many others have said please feel free to drop in just to chat. I’m glad the medical problems have improved and hopefully in time the political situation will too.

I have also dropped off from here in times of reading slumps but when you are back reading we are always here for you!

[Ruth]

Many of these young people give me hope Joan. I just hope that come election day they go out and vote.

[Joan]

I’ve been thinking about what I so enjoyed about my day with high school social studies classes.

The students had a broad range of opinions but they were so almost humble - as if speaking their opinion or maybe even having an opinion was an act of daring.
That was an exciting feeling.
And if they explained their reasoning they usually had solid foundations.


I didn’t hear from any science-deniers except one student who said she cannot understand climate change evidence so she just can’t believe it is an important issue.

[B the BookAddict]

My b-i-l says that when he was coming home after dark last night, a large deer with huge antlers was standing in our driveway. He looked at the car, then slowly ambled his way onto the front lawn, where he proceeded to graze. I have not seen the deer yet but am told many inhabit this area and seem unafraid of humans.

[Alice]

Bette, how nice to have these beautiful animals around you! They have mesmerizing eyes, don't they?

[Marina]

Guys, I'm so excited! In an hour or so we have the people from the furniture shop at our new apartment, and they're going to assemble the furniture of our bedroom. Last week we bought the washing machine, then we're waiting for the fridge next Saturday and various other pieces of furniture next Monday (which we will have to assemble ourselves because we bought them from Ikea online). Things are starting to take shape! Now I guess we only need to shop for a mattress (which is not going to be easy!) and a mirror for the bathroom and we'll have all the essentials. We're having some issues with the phone because the previous tenant made a complete mess of it, too long to explain, suffice it to say we'll have to make it all from scratch and I'm so angry! But apart from that I'm so happy, because this means that when we have all the essentials we can finally go and live there! Yay :)

[Esther]

Marina wrote: "Guys, I'm so excited! In an hour or so we have the people from the furniture shop at our new apartment, and they're going to assemble the furniture of our bedroom. Last week we bought the washing m..."

Wonderful!

[Angela M]

Marina, sounds like you’ve made great progress ! Great news.

[Chrissie]

Marina, sounds like you are really happy. Setting up a a home is SOOOO much fun.

[Chrissie]

Bette, ere around us, not only the deer but even the hare have become almost tame. They run toward us rather than away. At the last minute they veer off to the side. Animals are not dumb, they know who to shy away from and those who can be ignored.

[Diane S ☔]

Marina, sounds wonderful and your enthusiasm is contagious.

We have tame squirrels and bunnies, but not the deer. Love the soulful eyes of the deer, just beautiful.

Has anyone heard from Greg? He hasn't posted for a very long time.

[Angela M]

We see a lot of deer around our house as well as rabbits. I kind of enjoy seeing them , but it’s a scary thing , especially at night in the fall and winter when we drive on one of the nearby roads . They run right across the road In front of your car . Have to keep eyes pealed on both sides of the road and they move pretty quickly.
Several years ago , at night on a road that is not very well lit, my husband hit a deer . It kept running . Fortunately, we were not injured but the damage to his car was a couple of thousand dollars . So they are nice to watch but definitely can pose a danger !

[Angela M]

Hope that everything is okay with Greg .

[Ruth]

I was just thinking about Greg the other day and wondering if he was okay.

[Marina]

I hope that Greg is just very busy. If anyone hears from him, let us know, and send him our love.

[Alice]

Marina, so glad that you're happy and excited about your new home!

I've been thinking about Greg too. Hope he's just busy.

[dely]

Marina wrote: "Guys, I'm so excited! In an hour or so we have the people from the furniture shop at our new apartment, and they're going to assemble the furniture of our bedroom. Last week we bought the washing m..."

This really sound exciting! I'm happy for you!

[dely]

I was thinking about Greg too!

[B the BookAddict]

Alice, they do have amazing eyes.

Chrissie, isn't it wonderful to have nature so close to you.

Angela, yes, driving at night can be a hazard and is quite scary. I halve my speed when travelling on the forest roads at night.

[Karin]

Marina wrote: "Guys, I'm so excited! In an hour or so we have the people from the furniture shop at our new apartment, and they're going to assemble the furniture of our bedroom. Last week we bought the washing m..."

That's so exciting!

[Chrissie]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Alice, they do have amazing eyes.

Chrissie, isn't it wonderful to have nature so close to you.

Angela, yes, driving at night can be a hazard and is quite scary. I halve my speed when travelling o..."

We have to be careful of moose along the roads--day and night!

[Chrissie]

I got my haircut with the new hairdresser and it turned out fine. Though the French cut hair better than the Swedes do, and in France it costs less then half as much.

I have been wondering about Greg too.I have noted before that he tends to be active, then disappears for awhile and then reappears again. I thought it too intrusive to ask about the pattern I had noted

[Esther]

dely wrote: "I was thinking about Greg too!"

I was just reading a comment he wrote and wondering where he has got to.

[B the BookAddict]

Is anyone in another group Greg was also a member of? Is he still posting there?

[Alannah]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Is anyone in another group Greg was also a member of? Is he still posting there?"

I hope everything is ok with him.

[Diane S ☔]

I am B and no he is not.

[B the BookAddict]

Maybe he just got too busy with work and life. I hope he is well.

[Karin]

I did check his page and he was last active on GR in May, at least as of yesterday. He may well be busy with work and life--hopefully that's it :).

[Leslie]

Sorry that I have been slack about posting recently. Things have been going well (until today - more on that later) but once I got behind, it became too much of an effort to try to catch up. I have been trying to keep up on a few threads (group reads and readalongs mostly)...

However, just when I was getting up the energy to more fully participate, real life intervened again. My mother is back in the hospital having fractured her spine trying to open a stiff window. She hurt herself Saturday night but I & the resident nurse at her facility thought she had just thrown out her back (Mom thought she had pulled a muscle). But since it didn't seem to be getting any better, she decided today she should go to the hospital - thank goodness! The results of her xray frightened me (visions of traction and/or paralysis sprang to mind) but the doctor says she might be eligible for a fairly simple procedure to "glue" the fracture together. Fingers crossed!

[Angela M]

Leslie, sorry to hear about your Mom ! Hope it can be an easy procedure for her .

[Chrissie]

Boy, I hope the fracture can be mended in some sort of a simple manner. Hugs to your Mom and you, Leslie.

[Alice]

Leslie, so sorry to hear about your mom's mishap. Sending healing thoughts to her, and hugs to you.