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message 1: by Rosemary (last edited Jul 25, 2010 10:15AM) (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments I just joined GR and this group and thought I should introduce myself. I live in Massachusetts and have been an avid reader my whole life. I always am reading one or two books. I am a hospital pharmacist. I am married and have 2 college aged kids. My daughter is an English Literature major and I end up reading some of her books from class. I like many different genres. I love the idea of going online and finding all these readers and what they think of a book. I hope to keep updated as I get better acquainted with this site. Hope to make some friends as well! Anyone else from New England?
Rosemary


message 2: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice Hi Rosemary. I'm not from New England, but I did used to live there. In Boston and Rochester. I'm originally from Paris, TN. But my dad was in the military and worked for General Dynamics. We have live quite a rew places in the US. My top favorite was York, Maine and I would love to have retired ther. Not gining up hope yet. I'm 53 and have one daughter. Sh'e 29 and an apt leasing agent. The only type of book that I have a hard time with is thrillers. I however do love ghost stories and mysteries. I also don't care to much for science fiction. I do however like just about anything else, especially the classics. Where in Mass. do you live? I have never enjoyed joining a reading group as much as this one. It's very hard to have one that people actually meet together. What groups have you joined yet?


message 3: by Emily (new)

Emily  O (readingwhilefemale) | 140 comments Hi Rosemary! Welcome to the group. I've never even been to New England (except for that one trip to New York City), but I've always wanted to vacation there and see all the beautiful old buildings. The cities up there have so much awesome history to them. Maybe next summer...
I love almost any book with realistic characters and a good writing style. My favorites are classics and literary science fiction. I always thought that I would end up being an English major. That must be such a cool degree to get, reading all of those awesome books and discussing them in class and such. I bet your daughter enjoys it.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the group and the site. :)


message 4: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Karen wrote: "Hi Rosemary. I'm not from New England, but I did used to live there. In Boston and Rochester. I'm originally from Paris, TN. But my dad was in the military and worked for General Dynamics. We have ..."

Karen wrote: "Hi Rosemary. I'm not from New England, but I did used to live there. In Boston and Rochester. I'm originally from Paris, TN. But my dad was in the military and worked for General Dynamics. We have ..."

Karen,
I also love York, Maine! That's about an hour from where I live. I live in Methuen which is about 35 miles north of Boston on the New Hampshire border. I love going to the beach. The closest beach to me is about 40 minutes away. Did you live in Rochester, NY or in NH? My brother lives in Rochester, NY. I also love the classics. I do enjoy some science fiction and thrillers although my favorites are dramas. I thought I sounded too old for this group but we're almost the same age. You made me feel better! This is the only group I've joined so far. I'm still exploring this website. There is so much to see! I also love having a book club that is so accessible whenever you can make it. I'm so glad I found this!


message 5: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Emily wrote: "Hi Rosemary! Welcome to the group. I've never even been to New England (except for that one trip to New York City), but I've always wanted to vacation there and see all the beautiful old buildings...."

Hi, Emily,
My daughter really does enjoy her major. She writes for the school newspaper as well. She always seems to have many things going at once. Being a science major, I loved reading and getting away from my school work! I love realistic type dramas as well. I've always lived in this area so I probably take some of the historical aspects for granted. I like having all 4 seasons every year. Although, during winter, I wonder why I haven't moved to avoid the snow and cold! Where are you from? Thank you for the welcome!


message 6: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice Rosemary,
I lived in York right beside the York river. We were only about 20 min away from the ocean. It was a walk through the woods and the four of us kids had a terrific time scareing each other. My dad commuted to Portsmith, NH every day for work. We lived high upon a hill and had to have our gravel driveway plowed every winter. I remenber sleding down the front on trashbags. I've been living in Tx waaay too long. We lived in Rochester, NY. I thout I might be too old for this website also but it came reccommended by a quilt website that I belong to. I really do enjoy the fact that alot more younger people are reading so much and love hearing their thoughts on the different books.


message 7: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Hello, Mallie,
I must agree with you about winter. A little snow and cold goes a long way! SC has wonderful weather from what I've heard. Definitely more enjoyable! Most science fiction I've read is older such as Bradbury. If you have something new to recommend, I would appreciate it. I do end up reading bestsellers most often but love to read other forms of fiction as well. I'm just getting accustomed to GR and hope to get some wonderful suggestions for my next books to be read.


message 8: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Karen,
We used to eat in Portsmouth all the time! I love it up there. There are many restaurants and also many historical sites. I love to shop the specialty stores downtown. My brother lives in Canandaigua which is south of Rochester, NY. He loves it up there. He doesn't ever want to move back to MA. I miss him but we do keep in touch. I feel that all writing and reading have made a comeback for young people all due to the computer. I would talk on the phone to talk to my friends when I was younger but my kids have used to use AIM when they were younger. They had to learn to write their thoughts in ways we never did. I think that helped them learn to pick up a book once in awhile also! I suppose everything changes. Will be fun to see what is next for technology. I love real books but have friends who have bought those electronic readers. Will have to see how that goes!


message 9: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice Rosemary, I miss the clam chowder too. ;( ;(


message 10: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Karen,
The clam chowder is very good! You probably have something quite delicious down there in Texas that is missing up here in NE! You'll just have to come visit sometime and fill up on some good chowdah!!


message 11: by Lori, Super Mod (new)

Lori (tnbbc) | 10629 comments Mod
Hi Rosemary. So nice to meet you and have you join us here. You will find everyone is very open and chatty (as is true here already!)

Hope you enjoy the group and can't wait to see you out in the threads.


message 12: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Lori,
Thank you so much for the welcome! It's very nice to find everyone so friendly. I hope to make my way out there. There is so much to see here! My learning curve is just beginning!


message 13: by F1Wild (new)

F1Wild Welcome to the group, Rosemary from an ex-New Englander. I grew up in Hanover (South Shore) & the Cape. I visit often, but still miss the chowdah, lobbies & clams with bellies!!

I hope you love this group as much as the rest of us do!


message 14: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Thanks for the welcome! Isn't there a South Shore Mall in Hanover? I think I've been there before but it's been awhile! I love the seafood in New England also! I don't get to the Cape too much. The traffic is awful! This group has been fun and I just joined it! Hoping it continues!


message 15: by F1Wild (new)

F1Wild Rosemary wrote: "Thanks for the welcome! Isn't there a South Shore Mall in Hanover?"

Yup, it's Hanover Mall right off Rte 3.


message 16: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice Rosemary, I'll be ready for you. But you must stay for 3-4 days or more. The bbq is awesime and we'll have to go to this one restaurent that has the most fabulous pork chops. Ther are alot of great restaurants. Also maybe you can smuggle some clam chowder in you suitcase. lol


message 17: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments BBQ sounds so good! What part of Texas are you from? Did you ever go to Legal Seafoods? One of my favorite restaurants. Anyways, you can buy their chowder in the freezer section of the supermarket now. Love it! It's so hot up here right now. I went for a long walk and am so tired! It's awful getting older and having to keep watch on your weight all the time! I have to do some exercise or else the weight just piles on! How's your weather?


message 18: by Carol (new)

Carol Welcome to tnbbc Rosemary.


message 19: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Thank you, Carol. It's been fun so far!


message 20: by F1Wild (new)

F1Wild The best place for seafood (especially clams, scallops, etc.) is Tony's Clam Shop. My parents used to go to The Clam Box (both places on Wollaston Beach) since their dating days, but we did the taste test (1st stop every time we fly into Logan) and Tony's rules!

BTW, one of my best friends since 1st grade is a Mass. pharmacist - yeah chemistry?!! ;-)


message 21: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice Rosemary, I live in between Dallas and Ft
worth. I was born in Paris, TN. Due to my dad being in the military and working for General Dynamics we moved all over the US. Out of 5 kids we were all born in 4 different states. Never heard of Legal Seafoods. But I'm sure I would have loved it. We got stuck in Tx and have been here for more than 35 years. I do love the people here. But I hate the weather. I loved EVERY season in Maine. So how hot is it up there? Starting a couple of days ago and going on I don't know how long, our temperatures are going up to 104. I DO MISS THE FRESH SEAFOOD!!!!!


message 22: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments I have to be honest and say I have never been to either place. I have heard of them and now that you've told me about them, I would love to try them both! I usually go north to beaches but am definitely going to try going south of Boston for a change! Where does your pharmacist friend work? You would be surprised how we all know each other! Or at least know someone who knows! Not too large of a community.


message 23: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments My husband used to travel to Dallas on business and really liked it there. I've never been. I'm sure your BBQ is much better than ours! The seafood is good here but you must get some fresh seafood also? You do live in a huge state so I bet it depends where you live. Not sure how long Legal's has been around but I do love eating there. There are quite a few in Boston. The seasons are great up here. Of course, winter does seem to last forever! It's been exceptionally hot here this summer. I think we averaged about 24 days over 90 but nothing like 104! Thank goodness for air conditioning! The heat just saps my energy and that's when reading a good book is just wonderful!


message 24: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice My ex and had used to own a few bbq restaurants. Of course, I have to say that our's was the best. lol But there really aren't too many restaurants that have fresh seafood and the ones that do charge an arm and a leg. I totally agree with you about rading a book whan it too hot to be outside, but when you have a winter ike you do up there, I always enjoyed curling up in a window seat reading and watching the beautiful snow. Of course I was a child then and enjoyed spending time out playing in the snow. If we didn't have ac down here there wouldn't be anyone alive due to heat stroke. lol


message 25: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Hi Rosemary! My wife and I live in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood of Boston. I went to high school in Beverly on the North Shore. High five for New England! Woo!


message 26: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Karen,
The weather was so nice the last few days. Warm but no humidity. However, that's changing! It's sort of overcast and the humidity is getting up there. I sewed a little bit but it's so hard when it warms up like that. I have central a/c but it just feels unnatural! So, I just got back Barnes & Noble and bought a couple of books! I guess the next few days are going to really heat up. I always thought owning a restaurant must be such a tough job! So hard to please everyone. I never realized that seafood would be so pricey for you. I suppose I should leave this area every once in awhile and get an idea of what other areas are like. Both my kids will be in college in September so we could travel. Too bad we both have to work!! Do you still work/own restaurants?


message 27: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Alex,
I work with someone who lives in Jamaica Plain. I will never understand why he comes all the way to Methuen to work when there are a million hospitals in your area! My husband worked in Beverly for a long time. He manages nursing homes so he worked at Mediplex of Beverly but it has since changed owners and names. I wish I lived closer to Boston. I would love to work in one of the Boston hospitals like I used to. I do like having less traffic and less congestion overall. How long have you been a member of GR? I'm still pretty new at this!


message 28: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice Rosemary,
What kind of sewing do you do? Iknit alot, do petie point and quilt. But right now I'm not doing too much needlework due to a problem with my right wrist. Owning a restaurant is an extremely tough job. The hardest times and the best times were when we opened the first one. Just a small house made into a restaurant. My ex and I and his parents and one other employee and a busboy were what we started out with. It was a shock when the business exploded that first year. But the closness of working together was the best. At the end I was very happy that I changed my career to accounting. We had three resaturants - sold the third a year after we opened it. The other two (don't know how It happened since Texas is supposed to be a community property state) he ended up with lock, stock and barrel. I did not gain financially, BUT I GOT THE BEST PART OF THE DEAL - MY DAUGHTER. I worked part-time for the last few years, but got laid off in Feb 2009. The great part about that is that I have alot of time to READ. lol If you travel this way come in the spring or fall and BRING me some clam chowder!!


message 29: by Sasha (new)

Sasha What hospital did you work at? My mom worked at BMC for a long time.

I've been here for...oh, it probably seems like longer than it's been. A few months? It's a very cool place.


message 30: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments I worked at Children's as well as Deaconess before it merged with BI. I really loved the environment but such a pain to commute from here! I work in a local hospital but it's just not the same. We lag behind all the Boston hospitals. It's nice not to have to fight traffic or pay for parking but that's about it! My co-worker really likes living in JP. Everything is so close but you're not right in the city. Sounds nice!


message 31: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments I sew everyday! I mostly quilt but also do stuff around the house. I just made pillow covers for my living room. I'm in a quilt guild and always have a few projects going. I knit also but mostly in the winter. I think you probably ended up with the best part of your marriage - your wonderful daughter! I've been married a long time and I know how a marriage can be good and also so bad! It hasn't all been fun and games but it's okay. How the heck did he end up with everything? It doesn't mattter, your daughter is what's important. I only work part time also. I've been at this hospital for 12 years so I'm pretty much not going to be laid off. We have had lay offs in the past but none recently. I have friends working in area hospitals who want me to go there but I just can't. I'm too afraid being the new person would leave me open to layoffs. I'm going to have 2 kids in college in just a few weeks and I can't take that risk. Not sure when and if I will get to Texas but there must be some way to get you some good New England chowder!


message 32: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Rosemary wrote: "Everything is so close but you're not right in the city."

Exactly!


message 33: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice I also sew every day but not as much as I used to. I'm on pain meds for my wrist and although I don't think that they have found the right pain med for me I do seem to be able to sew for about 15 minutes 3-4 times a day. I'm trying to knit a pair of socks for everyone close to me for Christmas and hand quilt a small bed quilt for my daughter for Christmas. Not sure I'll get it all done, but I'm going to give it a darn good try. I did end up with the best part of my marriage! Seemed my exfather-in-law knew the judge extremely well and for many years so of course the judge ruled in ex's favor. As I'm sure most people do I intened to be married for life. I put up with alot, such as other women. But I called an end to it the first time that he laid a hand on me. We were married for ten years and the majority of the time were separated. I do know that I made the right choice in ending it for all of us. Shortly after I was laid off I was in an extremely bad car accident and my car was totaled. Unfortunatly I have not been able to replace it as the accident was my fault. Thankfully I have a few very close friends and an awesome sister and they make sure that I'm well taken care off. I think that you are right in staying with the job that you have now. Changeing jobs in these days is extremely risky. I have tried clam chowder at all of the restaurants that have it down here at it's just not the same. The only fish that I have found that to be the freshest is salmon. And fortunately I do like it. September is NOT a good time to come to Texas.


message 34: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments What a great gift idea! Homemade socks are so thoughtful. Terrible about your father-in-law being so close to judge. My best friend in college married her boyfriend after 10 years of dating. She had a friend move in temporarily with them. He started to have an affair with her. He kicked my friend out and then claimed she was having the affair with someone. He even got an annulment. He married the girl and they have a daughter. So unfair. You're lucky you had a wonderful daughter. My friend was married for 4 months! Not even enough time for a child! My marriage has had it's ups and downs. I suppose I'm lucky we're still together. There was a time I wasn't sure what I wanted, but it worked out. I'm going to look into Legal Sea Foods for you. I think they flash freeze chowder and other items and mail order. Wouldn't that be great! I know the car thing is a pain but thankfully, you're okay! Is September really hot in Texas? I hope it cools off up here. So sick of this heat and humidity.


message 35: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice There's alot of men out there who are just bad! I think that God should have split the brains of Adam and Eve and then puthalf of the woman's brain in the man and vice versa.lol Is Legal Sea Foods on the internet? That would be awesome. Yeah, the car thing turned out okay. I was the only one hurt, Thank God. I did have to spend some time in ICU, but after a few weeks in there and a couple of months recovery time I came out right as rain. YES, September is hot. Not as hot as August, but still hot. Sometimes it's still warm in October, but not nearly as bad as right now.


message 36: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments I must agree that some men are just awful! Thank goodness you were not hurt really awful. I hate when my kids drive. The roads are so congested here. It's certainly very different than when I learned to drive. It's been hot here all summer but the last few days have been cooler and dryer. I like to walk after dinner and it's actually been enjoyable! I did look up Legal Sea Foods and it is pricey. All food is delivered using overnight shipping. Expensive! Take a look! It might be fun to see what they offer!!


message 37: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Nanette, happy to have you here / back! I'm from Boston too; took a little break to Lake Placid and Denver and ended up back here with my wife. This is a great group; glad you found it.


message 38: by Carol (new)

Carol Hello Nanette,I don't know how you missed us we stick out like a sore thumb. I think we are one of the largest groups here on goodreads. When I joined this group popped up first.


message 39: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Nanette,
I've been watching All My Children for years! I still watch it. Was so much fun when a bunch of us got together to watch it when I lived in a dorm. I would love to hear about your book. I've always dreamed about writing a book but have never sat down to actually do it! I just joined GR and this group but already am enjoying it! So many great books out there and it's so wonderful to hear people's opinions or even point you into a completely different area of interest. Great to hear from you!


message 40: by F1Wild (new)

F1Wild Rosemary wrote: "I usually go north to beaches but am definitely going to try going south of Boston for a change! Where does your pharmacist friend work? Not too large of a community. "

We did Nantasket & Duxbury when not on the Cape. Not sure where my pharm friend is working now. His brother is also a pharm (geesh, I think he worked at Hanover Pharmacy back when I was a kid in the 70's - in the old days when he would sometimes deliver to our house on the way home).


message 41: by F1Wild (last edited Aug 15, 2010 04:53PM) (new)

F1Wild Rosemary wrote: "It's been exceptionally hot here this summer. I think we averaged about 24 days over 90 but nothing like 104!"

We're at 109F right now, BUT with 10% humidity! Not so bad at all...


message 42: by F1Wild (new)

F1Wild Welcome Nanette - from a former Mass girl!


message 43: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments It has become a little cooler here in the last week. We haven't gone over 90, more like in the mid 80's. I hate the humidity most. I walk after dinner and it gets so comfortable if there is no humidity. Walking is more enjoyable that way. I do remember Hanover Pharmacy. Pretty sure I had a friend working there. Have to figure out who that was! Loved those independent drugstores. Not many left anymore.


message 44: by Karendenice (new)

Karendenice Absolutely miss the independent drugstores, exspcially the ones with the soda fountions.


message 45: by ColleenPA (new)

ColleenPA | 1 comments I'm not new to GR, but I am new to this group, so I thought I would say hi. I now live in State College, PA, in the heart of beautiful Happy Valley, but I'm actually a native New Yorker. I'm a college communications professor, and my research specialty is applied political and health communication.

I love both reading and cooking, and anything that combines those two loves is great, so I read lots of food micro-histories and cookbooks. Aside from that, I read mostly literary fiction, and enjoy translated titles. I am the lucky mother of two beautiful daughters (16 and 10), which also keeps me up on some Young Adult fiction. I'm really looking forward to getting lots of ideas from this group, and will be happy to assist anyone looking for titles in my area!


message 46: by Carol (new)

Carol Hi ColleenPA, glad to have you aboard.


message 47: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments I think the old drug stores were the best! It was a small operation compared to the huge drug stores out there now. They were family run and sort of homey. I never worked for one of the chains. I always thought they were hard on their employees. My friends who work retail work 12 hour days and usually get no breaks. I like working an 8-hour shift with coffee and lunch thrown in! I don't think I could stand for 12 hours. It's a tough job and the public is not so nice, as we all know. Hate to admit it, but I get my prescriptions filled at one of the chains! I just don't want to work there!!


message 48: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Hi, ColleenPA. What part of NY are you from? My brother lives near Rochester. So interesting that you're a college prof. I have 2 kids in college. My daughter will be a junior majoring in English Lit and my son will be a freshman majoring in business. I love to look through cookbooks! I'm not sure how much I enjoy cooking but I find it fun to look through a cookbook. I do try new recipes but I use the internet to search for new recipes. My mom is from Italy so I buy her Italian cookbooks. She likes to try the Northern Italian cuisine which is sort of new for her. She's from the Naples area. I must admit I did read the Twilight Series. The books were sort of like eating potato chips. Both a guilty pleasure and hard to stop once I'd started! Not sure how well written they were, but they were fun. My daughter read them also but is embarrassed to admit it! I bet your daughters must enjoy all the Young Adult fiction out there. That seems to be area that has recently exploded! I feel if it gets a young person to read, it's okay! My daughter has always read but not my son. I find it so enjoyable I can't understand why he doesn't like it. Maybe it's just boys? He likes music so I got him Eric Clapton's biography which he does read off and on. So nice to talk to you!


message 49: by Rosemary (new)

Rosemary (romerc) | 31 comments Hey, Carol(Kitty), I love the kitty on your picture! My cat is a bit odd but we love him anyway! He only wants the family in our house so he's usually mean to visitors! He growls and takes a little swipe at them hoping they leave! I think he's just trying to protect us! We're definitely cat lovers here!


message 50: by Carol (new)

Carol It's my son's cat, or another word my grand-daughter.


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