Comfort Reads discussion
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Chit Chat
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Daily Chat
Jeannette wrote: "We are not very close to the water, and my house is up high, so we are okay flood-wise. Just the inconvenience of being stuck on this side of town and wanting to be on the other. More rain is com..."I think I must believe that one day I am not going to have access to books and that's why I buy so many and have so many unread still.
HAPPY DANCE!!
The mail carrier took a 45 minute detour and just delivered my books! I just might have to skip cleaning the kitchen for the next hour or so..... :)
Christine -- I can no longer aid you in your plots against the mail carrier. Sorry, they are my special friends!! Yay!
The mail carrier took a 45 minute detour and just delivered my books! I just might have to skip cleaning the kitchen for the next hour or so..... :)
Christine -- I can no longer aid you in your plots against the mail carrier. Sorry, they are my special friends!! Yay!
Here is where I had planned on going to lunch today:
[image error]
This is 4 lanes plus a turn lane.
[image error]
This is 4 lanes plus a turn lane.
Jeannette wrote: "Here is where I had planned on going to lunch today:This is 4 lanes plus a turn lane."
Wow, I guess you need to get out a canoe or a kayak. Did your husband actually make it to work on his bicycle?
Yes. That part of town was not affected by the floods. It's almost a rectangle surrounding town, and we are on the outside of it. The people closest to the creek and river had to evacuate. The water was waist-deep. They are in church shelters, so I am very grateful that I was only affected in a minor way. I hope the rain passes by this weekend.
Jeannette wrote: "Yes. That part of town was not affected by the floods. It's almost a rectangle surrounding town, and we are on the outside of it. The people closest to the creek and river had to evacuate. The ..."I hope the people who had to evacuate have flood insurance, but even with insurance, you are often SOL. I hope you don't get any more water, we've had quite a bit of rain as well this summer, but nothing like that, thankfully.
Ok, so never thought of myself as a writer, still don't. But I have been playing around with a story and my friends love it and think I should pursue it more. They are my friends and not sure if their encouragement is like those friends that tell someone they can sing and they show up on American Idol try outs and make the highlight reel for worst singer...so do any of you know of any groups that will read your writing and actually give honest feedback, no matter how harsh?
Jeannette wrote: "HAPPY DANCE!!
The mail carrier took a 45 minute detour and just delivered my books!..."
That was nice!! And your picture is...wow. I hope you don't get much more rain.
The mail carrier took a 45 minute detour and just delivered my books!..."
That was nice!! And your picture is...wow. I hope you don't get much more rain.
Now the water has been shut off -- there is a broken main under the creek. We're supposed to boil any water we still might get. sheesh!
I don't know about flood insurance. A lot of the people affected were in rentals, so I hope they had insurance.
I don't know about flood insurance. A lot of the people affected were in rentals, so I hope they had insurance.
What do you all think of this guy who jumped down the escape slide on the plane? It's kinda' funny, but I would have been so upset if my kids had been on that plane and heard his rant.
Cherry wrote: "Ok, so never thought of myself as a writer, still don't. But I have been playing around with a story and my friends love it and think I should pursue it more. They are my friends and not sure if ..."
Check the goodreads groups. There might be something there, or at least a pointer to somewhere else. I hope you could find something under "writers," but it may be too broad. Good luck!
Check the goodreads groups. There might be something there, or at least a pointer to somewhere else. I hope you could find something under "writers," but it may be too broad. Good luck!
Cherry,You can post some of your writing in the writing section.
But, yes, there are groups. I assume some are private. Search groups using words such as writing and critique. For public groups, you can read their discussion threads and see if there is supportive feedback.
You could also start your own public or private group if you don't find an existing one to your taste.
Best of luck!!
Jeannette, I am so happy for you that you received your books. Great picture! Sorry for those who got flooded out of their homes. We are so dry here that I'm thinking of hiring a rain man. Cherry, good luck in your writing. I know some authors have suggested that attending a writing conference is a good way to find honest critiques of one's writing. It shouldn't be too hard to find one. There is a woman's writing conference at a local college here every year (I think it's every year). Starting somewhere local like that might be helpful, as well as convenient.
Mod
Lee wrote: "Brownie update: the blueberries have suspiciously disappeared from my fridge so I may have to improvise and make something else. Darn!"
Blueberries never stick around, do they? How do you make blueberry brownies? Are they on top or mixed in?
Blueberries never stick around, do they? How do you make blueberry brownies? Are they on top or mixed in?
Good morning! The water is back on, at least for my side of town. But, you have to boil it and conserve it to get the reserves back up. At least we can shower now.
Some of the roads are open again, too, so I can volunteer at the library this afternoon.
Have a great day, everyone! I will not be doing a rain dance for anyone.... :)
Some of the roads are open again, too, so I can volunteer at the library this afternoon.
Have a great day, everyone! I will not be doing a rain dance for anyone.... :)
Mod
Mod
What do you do as a volunteer at the library?
Jeannette wrote: "Here is where I had planned on going to lunch today:This is 4 lanes plus a turn lane."
Wow, that takes me back to when we lived in Iowa. There was a big flood back in the 90's and the water went up to the street signs! Hope it gets better soon! No water in your basement I hope...
Thanks, Joy! This flood is a bit higher than the flood of 93. We just missed that one. Our house is on high ground, so we are okay. No drinkable water yet, but we can shower and flush. I just boiled a big pot of water to wash veggies with. I really need to do some cooking, even if dish washing is being frowned upon until the water towers are re-filled.
Lee wrote: "Jeannette, I'm glad things are improving! It's terrible not having water.
What do you do as a volunteer at the library?"
I have been volunteering with Youth services this summer (and for the past few), helping with the teen programs and storytime at the fire station. Today was "Hot Dog Dinner Theater" with a magician and hot dogs, but it had to be rescheduled, because of the water situation. The library may not have running water yet.
I like volunteering at the library. We have a nice group of people in our library. My daughter has volunteered for the past 6 years, too.
What do you do as a volunteer at the library?"
I have been volunteering with Youth services this summer (and for the past few), helping with the teen programs and storytime at the fire station. Today was "Hot Dog Dinner Theater" with a magician and hot dogs, but it had to be rescheduled, because of the water situation. The library may not have running water yet.
I like volunteering at the library. We have a nice group of people in our library. My daughter has volunteered for the past 6 years, too.
Lee wrote: "Whole blueberries are mixed in along with blueberry spread. I haven't made the recipe myself yet but I've tasted them! They're good."
I hope you'll make them and point us to the recipe. Sounds yummy!
I hope you'll make them and point us to the recipe. Sounds yummy!
Jeannette wrote: "Lee wrote: "Jeannette, I'm glad things are improving! It's terrible not having water. What do you do as a volunteer at the library?"
I have been volunteering with Youth services this summer (a..."
Jeannette, this sounds like great fun! I love working with teens, taught high school and sub there mostly. Some people may not care for teens, but I find them infinitely interesting.
Christine wrote: "What do you all think of this guy who jumped down the escape slide on the plane? It's kinda' funny, but I would have been so upset if my kids had been on that plane and heard his rant."
I missed this post. The guy was a bit nutty, but I wouldn't want to be a flight attendant! Flying is a pain, all the new fees are a pain, people with huge carry-ons are a double pain, flight attendants who ignore you are a pain. Did I mention that I don't enjoy flying? And, don't get me started on self-serve check-ins, delayed flights, under-staffed passport check points. No wonder that guy took a beer and jumped. I hope the smaller set were not able to hear him. My daughter tunes that kind of stuff out most of the time.
I missed this post. The guy was a bit nutty, but I wouldn't want to be a flight attendant! Flying is a pain, all the new fees are a pain, people with huge carry-ons are a double pain, flight attendants who ignore you are a pain. Did I mention that I don't enjoy flying? And, don't get me started on self-serve check-ins, delayed flights, under-staffed passport check points. No wonder that guy took a beer and jumped. I hope the smaller set were not able to hear him. My daughter tunes that kind of stuff out most of the time.
He went over the PA system and dropped the f-bomb, everybody heard him. Other than that, I found it humorous. However, he probably scared some kids.
He probably did scare some kids. It would have scared me, too, cuz I am also paranoid about flying! Did I mention that I don't enjoy flying? :P
Christine wrote: "He went over the PA system and dropped the f-bomb, everybody heard him. Other than that, I found it humorous. However, he probably scared some kids."I don't condone it, but I can certainly understand it to a point. Flying has been getting more and more stressful and more and more of a pain, no wonder some people flip out.
Jeannette wrote: "He probably did scare some kids. It would have scared me, too, cuz I am also paranoid about flying! Did I mention that I don't enjoy flying? :P"
Haha! I don't enjoy flying either. I actually didn't fly for 3 years after 9/11, and I know that makes me crazy but I just couldn't do it.
Haha! I don't enjoy flying either. I actually didn't fly for 3 years after 9/11, and I know that makes me crazy but I just couldn't do it.
My in-laws flew home the day before 9/11. We had to go to Germany the next year. We fly somewhere every year and I just hate it. It doesn't make you any crazier than a lot of us. I used to flinch every time a plane or helicopter flew overhead. It seems we are in the flight path for the Air Guard now. It took me a few years to get used to it, too.
Good morning comfies! It's. So. Dang. Early.
I started reading again a little last night (after many days of slumping). I still feel the slump, but I am fighting back, haha! Besides, my son was very disturbed that he wasn't seeing me with a book. Every time he looked at me it was like, "Where's your book? I don't see your book. Did you lose your book?" Yikes.
I started reading again a little last night (after many days of slumping). I still feel the slump, but I am fighting back, haha! Besides, my son was very disturbed that he wasn't seeing me with a book. Every time he looked at me it was like, "Where's your book? I don't see your book. Did you lose your book?" Yikes.
Now that I've had my coffee I am ready to sing Happy Birthday to Hayes. Happy Birthday to you! (Cha Cha Cha) Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday dear Hayes! (big finish...) Happy Birthday to Yooooooooooooooou!
Good morning (ex) slumpy! How funny that Benjamin was concerned about your missing book. He probably remembers the waiting room theft! :)
We are going to a wedding tonight at 7pm, followed by a dessert reception. Second marriage for her, first for him. We never thought this guy would get married! He worked with my husband, so it will be a mini work reunion.
Have a wonderful birthday, Hayes! I posted on the birthday thread, too. I hope the Italian words are correct -- gotta love google!
Have a great day everybody! :)
We are going to a wedding tonight at 7pm, followed by a dessert reception. Second marriage for her, first for him. We never thought this guy would get married! He worked with my husband, so it will be a mini work reunion.
Have a wonderful birthday, Hayes! I posted on the birthday thread, too. I hope the Italian words are correct -- gotta love google!
Have a great day everybody! :)
Jeannette wrote: "Good morning (ex) slumpy! How funny that Benjamin was concerned about your missing book. He probably remembers the waiting room theft! :)We are going to a wedding tonight at 7pm, followed by a ..."
Happy Birthday, Hayes (from a Leo to a fellow Leo). I hope you have a great day (but, I won't sing for you, it might break your computer screen).
And, have fun at the wedding, Jeannette (and to everyone, have a good weekend)
Happy, happy, joy, joy to Hayes on your birthday!!! What are your plans for today, birthday girl? Whatever you do, have lots of fun!Christine, glad you are out of your reading slump. I think it's so great that Benjamin noticed you not reading, means you've really made an impression in that area. Good for you! Jeannette, it sounds like you are going to have a lovely evening. Enjoy! I'm going to a friend's house for lunch, the same friend who locked herself out last Sunday. It's going to be a salad lunch, which is exactly what I need. I'm trying to eat healthier. I've cut out chips with my sandwich I usually have at lunch and replace them with fruit.
Have a good day all!
Kathy wrote: "Happy, happy, joy, joy to Hayes on your birthday!!! What are your plans for today, birthday girl? Whatever you do, have lots of fun!Christine, glad you are out of your reading slump. I think it..."
It would be so much nicer if we all lived close to each other and could diet together, or at least eat healthier. I've been working out everyday since I got my elliptical treadmill, and I'm now up to about 15 to 20 minutes most days (but I've done some walking today already, so I might take a break or exercise later).
Way to go, Gundula! I am so lazy because it is so hot. I wish we lived close to each other, too. I need someone to drag me off of this chair!
Jeannette wrote: "Way to go, Gundula! I am so lazy because it is so hot. I wish we lived close to each other, too. I need someone to drag me off of this chair!"I know, I am so sick, sick, sick of this heat. And, the humidity has made my skin hot and itchy (I have a heat rash and mosquito bites everywhere).
Gundula wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Happy, happy, joy, joy to Hayes on your birthday!!! What are your plans for today, birthday girl? Whatever you do, have lots of fun!Christine, glad you are out of your reading slum..."
I am very proud of you, Gundula!
Kathy wrote: "Happy, happy, joy, joy to Hayes on your birthday!!! What are your plans for today, birthday girl? Whatever you do, have lots of fun!"
Thank you dear! We got back from a week at the seaside this evening and will leave again on Sunday. This time with the MIL (grr...)
I had a beautiful day at the beach. Only drawback is that as it was so lovely and cool, I got too much sun and am a little burned! But nothing serious.
Thank you dear! We got back from a week at the seaside this evening and will leave again on Sunday. This time with the MIL (grr...)
I had a beautiful day at the beach. Only drawback is that as it was so lovely and cool, I got too much sun and am a little burned! But nothing serious.
I went to the Farmers' Market here for the first time, can't believe I hadn't gone before. I got some tomatoes, a butternut squash, and some peaches. Yum! Oh, I got a pink tomato, which I'd never heard of. The vendor said it's sweeter and less seeds than the regular red ones. I'll get back to you all on its taste. With this haul and my trip to the grocery yesterday, I hope to have a supper tonight of asparagus, butternut squash, red potato, and a little tossed salad. I might throw in some beets, too. I should probably call a friend to share, a shame to indulge all by myself.
Kathy wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Happy, happy, joy, joy to Hayes on your birthday!!! What are your plans for today, birthday girl? Whatever you do, have lots of fun!Christine, glad you are out of y..."
Thanks, Kathy. I feel lazy today, so I better do my workout soon (especially since I devoured a decadent chocolate tart for breakfast, bad, bad, bad). Then, I spent an enjoyable hour reading a truly lovely picture book titled Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon, which was so, so much more wonderful than I had any reason to expect.
I finished a book! Take that, slump!
I'm sick as a dog today (since yesterday...a summer cold I think). I have to host book group tomorrow, ugh!
I'm sick as a dog today (since yesterday...a summer cold I think). I have to host book group tomorrow, ugh!
Good morning everyone! The City of Ames lifted the water restriction and I got to do a load of laundry!! Should I be so excited about this? We'll find out later today if the water is safe to drink again.
Get better quick, slumpy! What did you decide to serve your book buddies?
Kathy and Gundula -- both of you had some yummy food yesterday! And, it's about time you visited the farmer's market, Kathy! You have to try the big purple/green tomatoes next. They are the tastiest!
Have a great day everyone! :)
Get better quick, slumpy! What did you decide to serve your book buddies?
Kathy and Gundula -- both of you had some yummy food yesterday! And, it's about time you visited the farmer's market, Kathy! You have to try the big purple/green tomatoes next. They are the tastiest!
Have a great day everyone! :)
Christine wrote: "I finished a book! Take that, slump!I'm sick as a dog today (since yesterday...a summer cold I think). I have to host book group tomorrow, ugh!"
Summer colds are the worst, get better soon!!
One thing I really miss about Waterloo is the Saturday Farmer's Market. In Dundas, they have a pseudo one, but at a really stupid time, so I have not, nor will likely not try it anytime soon (Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., it's been so hot this year, who in their right mind would run an open-air market in a baking parking lot during the hottest time of the afternoon, absolutely idiotic).
Yay, Christine, for beating that book slump. Now give that nasty summer cold a wallop, too. What book are you discussing in your book group? Jeannette, happy you are getting your water back. Are the tomatoes purple and green that you're talking about? I did notice some yellow ones, and someone told me later that they are sweeter ones. I don't know what took me so long to get to the farmers' market. Gundula, that is an odd time to have the market. The one here runs from 6:30 a.m. until around noon, but I got there kind of late at 10. Oh, and I did have a friend over to share the meal. I didn't care for the pink tomato, but the butternut squash was excellent.
Kathy wrote: "Yay, Christine, for beating that book slump. Now give that nasty summer cold a wallop, too. What book are you discussing in your book group? Jeannette, happy you are getting your water back. Ar..."I don't get the times either. The Waterloo Farmers' Market (which is world renowned) goes from about 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Saturday (and if you come after 11:00 a.m., a lot of the good produce will already be sold), which makes much more sense than running a market in the afternoon (and it only runs in the summer, so why??).
I need a book that begins with a "y" for my alphabet challenge. Any suggestions, girls?
Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a freaky and quite creepy short piece of fiction that we had to read for school. I think it features a bunch of pious puritans who turn out to actually be in league with the Devil. I liked the story when I read it years ago, but you might find it a bit creepy.
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Comfort Reads
Books mentioned in this topic
No Angel (other topics)The False Prince (other topics)
Para Handy Tales (other topics)
Para Handy Tales (other topics)
Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jane Austen (other topics)Rebecca Stead (other topics)
Ken Jennings (other topics)
Neal D. Barnard (other topics)
Nigel Tranter (other topics)
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I did go to the library yesterday and I still want to start TKAM, so I guess I'm not so bad off.