flight paths discussion

out here we have to observe The Changing of the Clocks. I was awake last night to observe the change: the moon just a sliver shy of full. Today the sun is shining here: may it be so with you wherever you are.

What have we got planned to keep us company on these dark nights to come?

Since I couldn't fall asleep until late, I was happy that we gained an hour.

I'm reading The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, written by one of my heroes, Henri J.M. Nouwen. So far, I'm loving it. This may be my companion at night, along with Sharon Salzberg's newest book, Real Change.

I'm finally out walking but I haven't seen my doctor since I find him annoying. I will have to make an appointment I guess to see if I should try orthotics.

How are everybody else?

Magdelanye, wasn't the moon lovely last night?

Today was a beautiful day, with its crispness and sunshine. We spent some time this afternoon in the backyard, just tidying up for winter. Being out in the sun felt so good.

Ellie, I'm glad that you can go out for walks again. That's always relaxing and a good stress relief. There's something about being outdoors that brings a bit of peace.

I finished reading The Driver's Seat tonight. The writing is superb and the story very intriguing. It pulls you right in. But did I understand it? Partially, I think, but not entirely. It's a very bizarre story but also very, very good. Very smartly constructed story. This one will keep me thinking for awhile.

What are my plans for the dark November nights? I usually quite enjoy November nights. It's dark, colder, windy, rainy. It feels so warm and secure to be snuggled up inside, with the lights on. It's early in the season, so the feeling of warm & snug is still comforting. LOL. It's at the end of the season when I start to get a bit antsy and yearn for outdoor warmth.
November is usually a comforting month.

Petra, I loved The Driver's Seat. It's dark--even by Spark's standards! With her usual weird humor and twisted people. But always fascinating and beautifully written. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is still my favorite (maybe because I read it as teenager) but I also recommend Loitering with Intent but I especially loved Memento Mori which I should read again now that I am actually old. I read it years ago--I wonder what I would think of it now?

yes, the moon has been lovely these past few nights.
I imagine that I am feeling too the loosening of the grip of the retrograde planets. I shall keep in mind your feelings about November Petra. I was awake to experience the slide back in time. The universe, it seemed, just accommodated the change and carried on in spite of our hubris.

It is very exciting to unpack my books. I haven't yet found the box with my penguin collection of Drabble, Murdoch and Spark bought in Jerusalem when I was 19. One does retain a certain fondness for certain books, even if its not always clear why.
I am surprised at how many duplicates Im discovering.

Highly recommend All the Birds in the Sky
by Charlie Jane Anders which I just finished.

All in all tho, very nerve wracking days

Hello everyone,

It's been a beautiful full moon these last few days!

How's your foot doing Ellie? I have arch issues, and I find wearing birkenstocks while i'm in the house helps a lot. I also have birkenstock insoles for my shoes. Hope you find some relief soon!!

@Petra I love your November plans. :) We've had a few +10 degree days in a row here, so I'm trying to be outside as much as possible to enjoy it before winter starts to truly set it.

Bookwise, nothing much to report, I did read The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle which I really enjoyed. It kept me guessing right until the end. It was a mind meld.

Otherwise I'm nervously keeping an eye on my twitter feed for US election news. What a trip 2020 has been!

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. I'll be thinking of all those who helped give us the freedom to live as well as we do today.
Any celebrations, if there are any, will be small, but our hearts are full of gratitude, even if we cannot be there to show our respect.

How are we all doing?
Hubby & I are keeping things as normal as possible. We're going out for day trips when we need a change of scenery. I'm running and on track for reaching my yearly goal (fingers crossed that the weather holds up).
I just carved a little Covid girl because what's more iconic for 2020 than that?! LOL!
My carving class was scheduled to start this week, despite Covid, but new restrictions cancelled it again. That's okay. I can pull back life a bit to help keep this disease as muted as possible.

I'm currently reading The Sun Also Rises and, while enjoying it, I'm wondering what the point is......although I think I'm starting to "get it". Hemingway's writing is one I'm not sure of. I enjoy some of his books and not others.
On my run today, I started the audio of A Time for Everything. I think I'm going to like it.

I hope everyone else is doing well. Please check in and let us know how you're doing.

Hi All!

I'm poking my nose out of election hibernation (in which I cling to my anxiety like a teddy bear!) to say hello.

We celebrated after those long days of waiting and are now waiting again to see if some semblance of democracy will prevail or something worse happens.

I finished Weather which I loved. I am now reading a book about health care for the elderly (and as I will be 68 in a few days--hard as that is for me to believe!--I guess I qualify as), called Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life which is fascinating, well-written, and stupendously scary.

Also, I'm reading Naomi Klein's No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump’s Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need which (as with all Klein) is passionately fascinating.

Petra, I love a "little COVID girl"--probably one of the better things to come out of this strange year. And I remember loving The Sun also Rises but it's maybe 40 years since I read it so who knows?

Magdelanye, how's your back doing? Better I hope.

I guess I'll be pulling the covers back over my face. Be well.

greetings fellow passengers! what a trip this last has been, eh?
Ellie I am glad you are over the worst of your election jitters but I perfectly understand why you might want to pull the covers back.
We here are on alert again, Petra it must be the same for you. Megan I hear its worse in Alberta. My son reports from London that they are on full lockdown again. No work for him but delivering sandwiches to skeleton crews. Ice I believe you are still working from home?

All the books you are reading sound interesting, except sorry Megan, you scared me off of the 7 1/2 deaths, which I was considering at one point. But I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now maybe you would like 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak who is one of my new favourite authors/ And Ellie I loved Weather too.

I really have to get to work on my reviews which, after almost a year of keeping up mostly, I have let pile up again. But so has my reading since I have spent so much time on line with seminars and then spending days without any inclination to turn on the machine.

Did get to the library on Monday and lo! the book that won the Giller was in my pile of requests. If you are really curious about my recent winning streak, you can see it on my profile. Now how to review such splendid books in any meaningful way?

May you all be well, may the world take a nice rest

Well they've closed David's school today--several COVID cases & they may shut down all the schools again. And Biden's victory is nt safe.

Meanwhile I will finish Elderhood and my Klein.

Yeah, things are tighter here, too, Magdelanye. But it's not bad. The hardest thing is not being able to comfortably bring step-dad over here. We're trying to figure something out for Christmas.

I just hope we get our numbers down again soon. I'm not very hopeful, though. Too many celebrations coming up.
Hopefully, I'm being a pessimist.

Ellie, how is Biden's victory not safe? I don't mean to be dense. I can't see how an election's results can be overturned just because someone doesn't like losing. Once the people have spoken, doesn't the transfer of power happen as it should?

I finished The Sun Also Rises. I ended up liking it quite a bit. It could have had more of a story, though. Drinking, eating.....there was a lot of that.
I'm not sure what to start next.

Day 10 of the 28 day lockdown. Although you can go to work if not able to work from home, so I can still have my cleaner in !!!!
I am allowed one social bubble indoors - normally this would be the family, but I have put that aside to assist someone with isolation issues. Also the mental health volunteer work I do in the community is allowed to continue. I go into the office once a week, when no one else is there. So all in all it's fine. Reading is on the go slow, but the weather is still mild so the garden is undergoing an Autumn clean up. Most of Christmas is ready to wrap and/or assemble. Sorting out my, yet to be cancelled, holidays for next year ! Waiting to see if I need to spend many book tokens in the new year, non essential stores are closed at present - is not reading essential !!

Petra wrote: "Yeah, things are tighter here, too, Magdelanye. But it's not bad. The hardest thing is not being able to comfortably bring step-dad over here. We're trying to figure something out for Christmas.

..."

I hope you can figure out a way to bring your step-father to you for Christmas. It's so hard to be separated from the people you love during the holidays!

Trump is refusing to concede. I think it will probably be ok--although it's costing the Biden campaign thousands of dollars to fight it in court. And there is of course the possibility of a coup. I'm hoping the rest of the Republican party won't go along with that but then I've hoped that for the past 4 years and they've gone along with many immoral actions that I thought they would never have agreed to.

So yes, I'm a little afraid of a fascist coup that would plunge us into a dictatorship, a la Hitler. Trump has ICE and the national guard as his personal army that he has already used against the protestors. But as I said, I'm still believing it will work out and Trump won't be able to muster enough support. He would, of course, like a coup but I don't think he can pull it off. I hope.

I finished Weather and loved it and am progressing pretty quickly in No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump’s Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need--I love Klein.

Thanks, Ellie.
Those are all points that hubby and I have discussed. To me, these topics are kind of crazy to think that we're actually talking about these points in a democratic society! Strange times.
I don't think he'll be able to pull it off either but just that thought that someone might has never crossed any of our North American minds before, has it?

It'll be good, Ellie. I have faith in that. The process will happen, regardless of any unmotivated or inactive participation from the outgoing party.

All day Ive been planning to take a GR break and check in the laptop but these short days are flying by and now its too late really. I still resist using any device before retiring.. So it will be tomorrow that I send some links.

Ellie its probably a good thing that Davids school closed. Will he be zoom teaching? or the equivalent

Ellie with all your reading Im surprisexd that you seem so surprised re possible civil war. Yes its absolutely scary but not surprising. Trump was never a good sport. Visualize him, big baby that he is, as wearing diapers and shaking a pink plastic rattle.

Petra i think the ferry is perhaps the safest way to travel these days. People can stay in their vehicles or keep there dustance on board. If you can pick him up, theres minimal or no risk. You might want to do most of your shopping before he arrives. Good luck!

And good on you Ice for volunteering at this fearful time

My eyes are starting to unfocus from the screen glare. Today I perservered and got quite a lot done with the library. Im sorry you are all out of reach cause this library is almost open.
Big Peace

Magdelanye wrote: "Visualize him, big baby that he is, as wearing diapers and shaking a pink plastic rattle. ..."

LOL! I see that big balloon that they flew in London.
What a legacy this man is leaving behind. Can't wait to read some of the books that will come out (probably after my lifetime) with analysis of this political period.

After too much effort during a state visit in Israel, Trump collapses of a heart attack. The Israeli officials take the body and tell the Americans : " There's two options."

" The first one, you pay $5,000,000 and we send the body back to the United States so he can be buried there. "

" Second option, you pay $100,000 and we bury him here in the sacred land of Israel"

After much debating, the Americans decided to pay the larger fee and repatriate the body. Surprised, the Israelis ask them why they chose the bigger figure.

" Well, the last time you buried someone he came back after three days so we're not taking any chances !"

Lol

LOL......

We've had some very lucky weather this fall. My tai-chi practices are still going on in the park. I'm really enjoying these outings.

I hope all are well..

Megan, how are things your way? How is the family?

Ellie, I hope you're feeling better and able to go out for your walks daily. It's so mentally helpful to be in the fresh air.

Ice, thanks for lightening up the day.

Magdelanye, can you post a pic of your library? I'm so glad you have your books around you again.

Ice, lol.

Hi everyone.

Magdelanye, please do post a pic of your library--I think we all should do that. I love looking at people's books.

Yesterday was my birthday and I gave myself the new Claudia Rankine Just Us: An American Conversation as a gift. The kids gave me Air Pods which I didn't know I needed but now totally do, an external hard drive which I did know I needed and 2 Friends' games one of which we played last night and had a great time. Also the most phenomenal cake (Friends' themed, almond cake with cannoli filling). And a friend gave me a subscription to the 10% Happier podcast which I'm thrilled about. So I'm still feeling good.

On the other side, our sick cat is getting sicker and not responding to the medicine. I had just assumed he would, being unusually optimistic and now I'm scared.

very belated birthday wishes Ellie.Sounds like you had a marvellous time.Isn't canolli a kind of noodle? Sad about your cat though. It is the worst, feeling helpless with a sick pet. Well its not wonderful feeling helpless around sick people not to mention a sick society.
I had to add the Rankine book to my tbr as she is not listed in the library data base. And I just managed to take one off the list. Claudia Dey and her book Heartbreaker I added after reading Stunt in 2018. I adore her characterizations and in particular the way she builds depth.

But I was absolutely devastated by Sadness Is a White Bird by Moriel Rothman-Zecher

I don't know how you keep running in the cold Petra. I imagine you are in wonderful shape and must fret at being indoors for extended periods.
Did I already address the issue of your step dad coming over? In case I didn't, I want to encourage you. Of all forms of travel other than ones private automobile, the ferry is the safest. Is it a problem picking him up at the twassen terminal? may it all work out.

Megan I guess you are back to square one in Alberta. May you have it all figured out by now.

And I'd love to see pictures of everyones library.
Petra I had to laugh at your comment though. I have just about run out of shelf space so considering my next move. Have taken some books in for credit and given away some. Tomorrow I plan to do nothing except reviews. And laundry day.

May everyone be safe and relaxed going into this dark week.
4 more weeks till solstice !

Happy Belated Birthday, Ellie! The cake sounds devine!

Hubby got me airpods a few months ago and, like you, I didn't know I needed them until I tried them out. They really are wonderful.

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. My heart is with you during this time.

Magdelanye, I've run out of shelf space, too. I have a pile of books beside the bookshelves that don't have room, another pile of books to find new homes for and a box of German books for donation. That's a lot of floor space in the den being used on books. LOL.

I am rather soft and squishy; not athletic at all. My legs are strong from the running but the rest of me isn't, I don't think.
I'm mostly a sedate type of person and would, if I didn't make myself, happily immerse myself in all sorts of activities that are very sedentary. I enjoy movement and activity and accomplishing an active activity (hiking, running, etc) but I migrate to the sedentary activities.
But I'm consistent and go out for a run 3 times a week, if possible, and I don't let myself talk myself out of it (too often).

I'm busy knitting scarfs for Christmas. I'm trying to not go into the stores as much as possible now that the Holiday crowds are starting up. I'll pick up gift cards this week, too, and the few things I'd like to pick up.

Hello everyone,

It's lovely to hear what everyone has been up to! Glad you're all keeping as safe as can be during this pandemic.
@Petra sounds like you're very busy!
@Ellie you must be thrilled with the election results, let's hope things start to turn around.

I feel like i'm at ground zero here in Alberta. My son's class was in isolation because of covid exposure. He's back to school today much to the relief of both of us! But we're basically isolating except for appointments, groceries and work.

I just finished reading Garden Spells which I really enjoyed!
Now I'm onto How to Pronounce Knife which just isn't capturing my attention.
I also finished the third Witcher book. so just two books left in that series, then I can start watching the TV show.

Is anyone watching The Crown on Netflix? I'm trying to space it out so I don't finish this season too fast! I was so in love with Princess Diana growing up.

whoa Megan! The news is sombre regarding Alberta. May you and your family keep safe! How does your son feel about the situation? He's so young!
I just started Knife and although I've only read the first 3 stories I found them all engaging. I hope it picks up for you.

Ellie I forgot to mention that I finally picked up my copy of Radical Compassion from the library. Its a joy to be able to hear her as I read, her encouraging presence.
How is your foot?

And how are your christmas plans with step dad coming along Petra? I hope things work out for you.
Okay, what are airbuds?

I am living up to my vow to do at least one review a day and I notice that the 40 or so books I have left to review are all if not blockbusters, then 4 and lots of 5 star. A few I forget already! Today I managed to do two, and it was interesting to note that the book I read months ago, Tyll, was more vivid to me than some of those Ive read more recently. And I know I loved Glass Hotel, but I'm having a heck of a time recalling the sequence of events; it's gotten conflated somewhat with Greenwood
I did consider just skipping the review part and just entering as read the whole backlist, but its such a valuable resource.


cheers

Megan, it's good to hear from you. I bet your son is happy to be back at school.

Magdelanye, my step-dad wants to stay on the Island for the time being to keep with the "essential travel only" restriction. We are hoping that after December 7th the restrictions will ease and we can go pick him up. We'll figure things out. :D

Airpods are wireless earphones. They are great and there's no wires! Battery life is good, too.

I have finished 2 scarves. One more to knit up and one small carving to carve & paint and I'll be done for Christmas. I picked up the gift cards and few gifts yesterday.
I don't think I've been this organized for Christmas since........well, forever. LOL! I didn't want to have to return to the stores, so made sure my list was well thought out and complete.

I try to keep up with my reviews as I go along. The reviews aren't as well worded and thought out or insightful as yours, Magdelanye. The time you spend on your reviews comes through in their completeness.
I have faith that you'll keep to your schedule.

thanks Petra for what you said I am glad you like my reviews. i like yours too, though its odd that i have to search them out. Same with Ellie. I rarely see one of Ices short and slightly enigmatic reviews anmore, or Megan.

This afternoon when i finally got on line to do a couple reviews, i was diverted into making a comment on a wonderful review that smacked me in the face and had to comment. Argh....I got the long message explaining why the message did not deliver. so closed up, try again tomorrow. How curious, im finding it easier on the phone!
Megan Im really loving Knife.
What seems to be your issue? The length maybe, or the topics? The stories are so

short Im reading more than one a day and so far no duds for me

Ellie hope your Thanksgiving was good
enduring grace

Oh man goodreads reviews. They don't work on my phone, I'll write the review and it won't save it, so I just stopped writing them.

Knife, I found it quite disjointed in the middle. I really enjoyed the stories at the beginning and end of the book, the middle 1/3 was just ok.

Reviews are challenging to do on the fone. It's very discouraging when something we have put care and effort into disappears. I was bummed out yesterday just to lose a comment from this laptop. Today I did one review so far, a short one. Short is good if it conveys what is most vivid about the book. I find the reviews, mine and significantly others are an invaluable resource.

Petra I really tried, and only over the summer what with the landlord issues and moving, I just wasn't able to keep up with the reading as well as reviewing. I find I really need to be in the right headspace to turn out something I am happy for others to read.

Megan I am just getting to the middle stories. Most seem to be narrated by that precocious precious 7 year old girl. I can't renew it because of many holds so I am barrelling through it instead of savoring each short story.

Ellie I am really enjoying Radical Compassion. She comes across just as lovely. I must say I have been pleasnatly surprised at some of the people she chooses to quote, like Castenada and Nietzche!

I love the weekend because of the radio shows (CBC Musuc) I don't go out, and Saturday I generally call a day of rest from the computer. I am not the only one in this group I seem to recall on SAD alert from now until February. It's not quite 4pm as I write and already the dark is descending.
May everyone in the world and especially us {LOL} have a safe and bright weekend

where is the gang?
what is everyone up to?

Today it was actually so sunny almost warm that i snatched a little time to read outside. Yesterday i started 2 books, both absorbing. The skin we're in by Desmond Cole speaks primarily to the Canadian experience but is sadly applicable worldwide.
And A song for a new Day by Sarah Pinsker is absolutely uncanny in its resemblance to what is going on right now. Its supposed to be a dystopian fiction. i checked the date...published in 2019.

This review writing is slow! Only 1 done today. And when I checked, a book i read last year was listed as just updated. How could that be possible?

I was sad to leave Steven Heighton and the refugees in Lesvos. Did you know Petra that there is another town called Petra there. I remember being there in 67 and staying in 'the other' hotel in Myteline which, we discovered, moonlighted as a brothel. This i found out when i made a middle of the night trip to the loo at the end of the corridor. My partner did not believe me and almost got kidnapped when he went to investigate.

Megan, did finally get to a story i could have done without, but overall i really enjoyed Knife and hope the burden of sudden fame wont hamper her next efforts.

Hope all is well with all reading this
i worry most about Ellie and fam in NY
enduring grace

i guess the gang has moved on to December! When I posted yesterday it did not even occur to me ....