Saturday, January 23, 2016

Sunday Post: Winter Is Here

The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. 

My Facebook feed is full of photos of the snow this weekend. I am thinking of all of you caught in the storms. We got a little rain Saturday afternoon, but it barely counted. Mouse was still able to go for her bicycle ride and my husband and I for a walk.

How are you faring today? Did you have a good week?


New to My Shelves: Although audiobooks are not my preferred way to take in a book, I have a membership to Audible and occasionally take advantage of their deals. I used some of my points to get these four this week:

Brownies and Broomsticks (A Magical Bakery Mystery #1) 
by Bailey Cates (narrated by Johanna Parker)

The Ice Princess ((Fjällbacka #1) 
by Camilla Läckberg (narrated by David Thorn)

The Preacher (Fjällbacka #2) 
by Camilla Läckberg (narrated by David Thorn)

The Stonecutter (Fjällbacka #3) 
by Camilla Läckberg (narrated by David Thorn)


What I Am Reading: I wasn't able to get in as much reading as I hoped. I left my e-reader at work one night and so there went my bed-time reading. Not that I would have been awake enough to read anything. Getting up earlier to work out has taken its toll. This past week I finished reading Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson. After leaving behind 1924 Paris, I have settled into 1955 rural Georgia. I am now reading Deborah Mantella's My Sweet Vidalia. It is described on Goodreads as a
. . . wise and witty, outstanding for its use of vibrant, poetic language and understated Southern dialect, as well as Mantella's clear-eyed observations of race relations as human relations, a cast of unforgettable characters, an in-depth exploration of the ties that bind, and its creative perspective. My Sweet Vidalia is a rare, wonderful, and complex look at hope, strength, the unparalleled power of unconditional love, and a young mother's refusal to give up.
One of the characters is a rather despicable human being. I might have let out a few choice words for him while reading last night. Luckily no one was around to hear me. Do you ever talk to your books? Or is that just me?


What I Am Watching: I had hoped Mouse's first introduction to Harry Potter would be through the books, but, alas, she has discovered the movies first. We haven't made our way through all of them yet, but she's insisting. I have reservations about her seeing the later movies, but we will see. She loves Hogwarts. And I just love her excitement over the fantaastical world J.K. Rowling has created. I hope she will like the books just as much--if not more.

My husband, Mouse and I just began season 4 of Doctor Who. These are all episodes my husband and I have seen before, of course, but we are getting closer to where we left off. I am all caught up with the medical drama Code Black. It reminds me of ER, which was a family favorite when I was growing up. Saturday night we watched The Lion King. Now I want to see the musical again.


What's Going On Off the Blog: My emotions have been kind of all over the place recently. Stress. Health issues. Maybe even horomones, although I hate that excuse. Work has picked up, and, as always, is not without its challenges. In addition to that, we are on a heightened security alert due to a credible threat made against staff as well as recent car break-ins in the office parking lot. To top it off, my daughter and I butted heads earlier in the week, and I am still kicking myself over the way I responded. I know I will have many more moments like that--no one is perfect--but it doesn't take away from how it made me feel.

Saturday my family and I bought a mattress for my daughter's "new" bed at the local high school. They were having a fundraiser, and we needed a mattress, and so it all worked out well for everyone. Mouse's bed is one of those convertible cribs that went from crib to toddler bed to a full size bed. She's quite excited.


Challenge & Dare Update: 
  • What's In a Name? Reading Challenge  ~ I have yet to read a book for this one, I am afraid. Unless a broken wheel counts. I imagine somewhere someone does have a broken wheel in their home they use as maybe a table or chair or a planter . . . Yeah, it doesn't work. I guess it's good there is only a six book requirement. 
  • Nonfiction Challenge ~ Another challenge I have yet to start. 
  • COYER ~ I have read 8 books that qualify for the Clean Out Your E-Reads Challenge. I am really pleased with my progress so far. I have even linked my reviews to the challenge site--at least the ones that I have posted so far.
  • The TBR Triple Dog Dare ~ I am doing well here too, sticking only to review books I received before January 1st. I wish I could say it was easy, but a couple have come my way since then that I have had the urge to pick up and read. I am standing firm, and I will succeed!
  • FitReaders ~ This week I was able to get in three formal cardio workouts, as well as some informal walking which was my goal. As I mentioned before, I am taking it slow to start. This next week I hope to bump it up to five formal workouts. It will be easier with my husband back at work and no holidays to work around.

I hope you all have a great week! Happy Reading!


© 2016, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

42 comments:

  1. Brownies and Broomsticks looks like a really cute listen! I think I'll have to check it out!

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    1. Laura - I couldn't resist getting it. :-) I do best with mysteries when it comes to audio books, so hopefully it will turn out to be good.

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  2. Hope this week is better and be safe at work. That can be nerve wracking. Glad you're not in the snow zone, we got passed by too it went south of us, but the pics from the East coast... yikes!

    Moonlight over Paris sounds good. And yes I have been known to talk to my books- more likely to exclaim out loud when something shocking happens. LOL.

    Thank you for reminding me of COYER. I have been seriously slacking there...

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    1. Greg - Thank you. I hope so too! I don't think I would tolerate the snow very well. :-) I'm still waiting for all this rain we've been told we are getting . . .

      I enjoyed Moonlight Over Paris. I still need to write my review. I haven't had a chance yet.

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  3. Brownies and Broomsticks looks good- and we got 16" of snow here in New Eagle PA!! Have a great week!
    http://thebestbasicblogger.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-sunday-post-7-snowy-edition.html

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    1. Joann - I love the title too. :-) I couldn't resist. So much snow! Stay safe and warm--and dry!

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  4. Hope things work out at work. That can be scary! Enjoy the exercise and the new audiobooks. I am reading a Lackberg book right now, the most recent.

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    1. Harvee - Thank you. We're all trying to be more aware of our surroundings. Unfortunately, the office security isn't the best, and so we have to make the best of what we do have.

      I hope you are enjoying the Lackberg book you are reading!

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  5. I read Brownies and Broomsticks awhile ago and enjoyed it. For some reason I never continued with the series though. I need to look back into it. So sorry about all that's going on right now. It sounds like you have a lot of worries on your plate. I know what you mean about fretting with how you handled the head butting with Mouse but it will really be okay. I bet in 2 weeks if you mentioned it she would have no idea what you're talking about. We hang on to things way more than they do! Take care of yourself and have a great week!

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    1. Katherine - I am glad to hear you enjoyed Brownies and Broomsticks. I can't remember where I heard about it, but it might have been from you. :-)

      I think the threes were easier. This late four stage has been trying. I love her to bits though. I think you are right though--they move on so quickly whereas we aren't so quick to forget.

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  6. Always enjoy your updates, Wendy. I read THE ICE PRINCESS last year and liked it very much. I did switch to paper instead of listening because, at that time, I had some issue with narrator's women's voices. Plus I was reading another book that was much the same story and I kept getting them mixed up. I have the second on audio and will try it again. Sometimes narrators bother me a bit for one book and then are fine for another.

    I've had those weeks that seem like my moods are everywhere - up and down and all around. Hope all is well at work soon. Glad to hear that your 'get moving' campaign is progressing. I'm betting that the walking will help with the emotions. How fun to be watching the HP movies with Mouse. Yes, I can see why you'd be a little hesitant about the later ones. No advice here I'm afraid. My girl was grown when she saw them. Have a good week!!

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    1. Kay - I hope the audio works for me. Maybe it will since I listen to audiobooks so rarely. I won't have a lot of good ones to compare it too. ;-)

      I think the exercise will help too. I hope you have a good week too!

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  7. I hope this week is better for you and the situation at work is resolved. That is scary! Take care!

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  8. I've been wanting to try the Bailey Cates' series. I wonder if audio is the way to go for me. I look forward to hearing how you like the audio version.

    I'm kind of going through something similar with stress and emotions, too. I hope things settle down for you.

    Have a great week!

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    1. Yvonne - I hope I like the audio version. The book itself sounded good and so I thought I would give it a try. I'll definitely let you know!

      I'm sorry to hear you are going through something similar in regards to stress and emotions. Hopefully we will both find some peace soon.

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  9. No snow here in the Netherlands, I did see a lot of pictures of people in the USA caught in the storm.

    Brownies and Broomsticks looks like a fun one! I haven't tried out audiobooks yet.

    I am glad to hear Mouse is enjoying the Harry Potter movies. I read the books first,but enjoyed the movies as well.

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    1. Lola - It seems like a lot of people in the U.S. were affected by the snow--at least East of where I live.

      I am not a huge audiobooks fan, I admit. My attention wanders so easily, and finding the time to listen is more a challenge often times than it's worth. I much prefer reading print books. I keep trying though, hoping the love of audiobooks that others have will rub off on me at some point.

      I read the Harry Potter books first too. I agree though, the movies are good as well. :-)

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  10. We got hit with the snow. It was a pain but glad it's over!! I read the latest in the Lackberg series and want to go back and start from the beginning. Hope you enjoy them!

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    1. Grace - I am glad the snow has stopped for you. It's pretty in the pictures, but somehow I imagine it isn't so fun to live with--all that cold and wet and ice . . . I am glad you enjoyed the Lackberg book you read!

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  11. I love Doctor Who!!! Its this sort of geeky thing that some of my students and I bond over. Finding other Doctor Who fans is always cool. It then leads to this 30 minute conversations that all non-Whovians are baffled by! I love the background of your blog, BTW! Super cute! Sorry you had a fight with your daughter-I am sure that was tough! Good thing about kids-they are pretty tough and very forgiving. One fight won't ruin anything I'm sure of it!
    And now that you mentioned ER, I want to go back and watch it. Sadly it isn't on netflix! (Its like the only thing not on netflix!) I hope you have a great week!

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    1. Samantha (Book Disciple) - Another Doctor Who fan! It's always a pleasure to find another one. My phone case is of the Tardis and it's always so much fun when someone recognizes it. :-)

      Yes, my daughter is very forgiving, fortunately. She's a sweetheart most of the time.

      I hope you have a great week too!

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  12. I love the Magical Bakery Mystery series! I've read all 5 books, and they were all a delight. :-) I hope your upcoming work week is better, sounds like some unsettling stuff going on.

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    1. Diana - I'm glad to hear you love the series! That bodes well for me. :-) And thank you. I hope this week will be better too.

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  13. I talk to my books! With my partially open/broken window I now worry that someone will walk by while I'm reading and hear me lol.

    Yikes about the threats at work though, and all the other problems. Stay safe and well this week! At least you've some interesting-looking new books to distract you :-)

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    1. Kristen - I'm glad you and Greg talk to your books too. Haha If you have covering on your window, they might not know you're alone when you do talk to your book. That's one plus. :-)

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  14. Sounds like you're keeping busy. We grabbed the illustrated HP and gave them to my daughter for Christmas. The book is seriously awesome! I'm hoping to have the whole set once they release them all. Enjoy your books and thanks for stopping by!

    Tressa @ Wishful Endings

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    1. Tressa - I can't wait to get my hands on the illustrated HP. I am debating whether I want to buy them one at a time or a set once they all come out . . . Can I wait that long? That is the real question.

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  15. Oh, Camilla Lackberg ! I picked up one of her books at the library once, but it wasn't the first in the series, I had to return it because the whole series was on hold and I momentarily gave up. But I'll have to do it again and do it right this time, lol ;)

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    1. Iza - I got the second and third Lackberg books before I realized I didn't have the first, so I went back and got that one too. Hopefully I will enjoy them. :-)

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  16. I want to read the Camilla Lackberg series. I have book 3 on the stacks. My daughter is 31 and we are best friends, it was a bumpy ride getting there but so worth it! I didn't think we' survive year 13, but we did! Hope this week is better for you.

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    1. Nise' - Mine's only 4, so I imagine we will have many more bumpy patches before we have completely smooth sailing. And rougher ones at that. I dread the teenage years. LOL

      I hope you enjoy the Lackberg book!

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  17. I hope this week is better for you, Wendy, and that the situation at work will be resolved quickly.

    The Ice Princess sounds like an intriguing read. I love that title!

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    1. Melody - Thank you. I hope it will be better too. I like the title of The Ice Princess too. I'm anxious to listen to it.

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  18. Thinking of you and hoping this week is better! :) We didn't get any snow here in Ohio but we had some crazy wind on Friday night.

    I would love to see "The Lion King" musical! It's actually coming to our city this summer, but we'll already be moved. I saw my first musical last summer, "The Book of Mormon," which was awesome and made me want to see more!

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    1. Lindsay - Thank you! Today has been relatively busy, but good. I am glad you didn't get any of the snow, but sorry to hear about the wind. I hate high winds. I really, really do. :-(

      The Lion King musical is wonderful. I highly recommend it if you get a chance to see it. I love going to musicals. We don't go as often as we used to, but I'm hoping my daughter will show an interest and we can start taking her soon. I haven't seen Book of Mormon but I've heard good things about it. I am glad you enjoyed it!

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  19. I hope everything will stay calm and safe at work, Wendy! And yes, you will definitely have more head-buttings with your daughter in the future, but you will possibly be able to react differently than you did last time :)
    I'm excited that you got the Fjällbacka series! I have that in Swedish on my iPad, but I've only started reading the first one.
    Have a fantastic week and happy reading.
    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Lexie - So far w'ere calm on the safety front--hopefully it will stay that way. :-) I've been wanting to try the Fjällbacka series and so am glad I was able to get the books. Hopefully I will like the audio versions. If not, I will try the print books. I hope you are having a wonderful week!

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  20. Thank you for stopping by my Sunday Post. It's great to meet you and stop by to visit you as well. :) Sorry to hear you butted heads with your daughter. It's tough. And many more of those tough moments. *sigh* I butt heads with kiddo all the time. (A secret, we are soooo much alike. lol)

    Hope you have a great week and enjoy all your new books. :)

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    1. Melissa - My daughter is a lot like me too. I'm not sure that's a good thing. LOL Sounds like you understand. :-)

      I hope you have a great week too!

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  21. Hmm, I didn't consider the possibility that kids these days may discover Hogwarts through the movies. That's a bummer because I have been planning to get Shreya started on the HP books as soon as she can read them. But yeah, it is likely, she may find the movies first.

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    1. Athira - You may be able to control when Shreya is introduced to Harry Potter. We probably could have tried harder than we did ultimately, but I think it will be okay in the end.

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