Photos: Flowers, Pumpkins & More!
Aug. 21st, 2025 07:31 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
spikedluvBlackberries! I think it's cool that you can see the entire progression here, from green to red to black.
( 15 more back here )
( 15 more back here )
spikedluvThe Day in Spikedluv (Wednesday, Aug 20)
Aug. 21st, 2025 04:44 amspikedluvBetween Midnight and my bladder, I was up before 4am this morning, over an hour before the alarm went off. The original plan was to go back to bed, but I didn’t think I’d get back to sleep so I just stayed up and fed the cat. (So if you saw an early post and/or comments from me, that’s why.)
I had chiropractic and dental appointments this morning. I hit the Pharmacy while I was downtown, but decided not to walk around the park in the rain. Because I might melt. *g*
I did two loads of laundry (both washed, dried AND folded!), hand-washed dishes and emptied the dishwasher, baked chicken for the dogs’ meals and cut up some of said chicken for said meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I made cornbread to go with the chili. I also did some banking for mom.
I visited mom, read more in Hatshepsut, and got ~3,500 more words typed in! I had some extra time between appointments this morning, so I spent it typing. Based on the number of hand-written pages left, I’m estimating ~2,000 more words need to be typed in. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Temps started out at 57.6(F) (and according to TWC app, the high today is supposed to be 57, so not only is it going to be cool, it’s not going to get any warmer!). It started raining about 4am and rained most of the day. The heavier rain was in the morning while the afternoon was mostly sprinkles and drizzles. Despite the all day rain we only got about an inch. Temps topped out at 54.5. Yep, the temps just went down from the morning. I actually turned on the furnace for a short time to get rid of the chill/damp in the house. (Pip even turned on the oil burner at work!)
Mom Update:
Mom was a bit better today.( more back here )
I had chiropractic and dental appointments this morning. I hit the Pharmacy while I was downtown, but decided not to walk around the park in the rain. Because I might melt. *g*
I did two loads of laundry (both washed, dried AND folded!), hand-washed dishes and emptied the dishwasher, baked chicken for the dogs’ meals and cut up some of said chicken for said meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I made cornbread to go with the chili. I also did some banking for mom.
I visited mom, read more in Hatshepsut, and got ~3,500 more words typed in! I had some extra time between appointments this morning, so I spent it typing. Based on the number of hand-written pages left, I’m estimating ~2,000 more words need to be typed in. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Temps started out at 57.6(F) (and according to TWC app, the high today is supposed to be 57, so not only is it going to be cool, it’s not going to get any warmer!). It started raining about 4am and rained most of the day. The heavier rain was in the morning while the afternoon was mostly sprinkles and drizzles. Despite the all day rain we only got about an inch. Temps topped out at 54.5. Yep, the temps just went down from the morning. I actually turned on the furnace for a short time to get rid of the chill/damp in the house. (Pip even turned on the oil burner at work!)
Mom Update:
Mom was a bit better today.( more back here )
Wednesday Reading Meme
Aug. 20th, 2025 05:55 amspikedluvWhat I Just Finished Reading: Since last Wednesday I have read/finished reading: Answers in the Ashes (The Inn at Holiday Bay) by Kathi Daley, Once Upon a Mystery (The Bookstore at Holiday Bay) by Kathi Daley, Halloween Moon & Thanksgiving Past (The Cottage on Goosberry Bay) by Kathi Daley, Opera and Old Lace (The Bistro at Holiday Bay) by Kathi Daley, and some fanfic.
What I am Currently Reading: Still working on The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney. I also started An Archer's Awakening (Of Crowns & Quills) by Casey Morales as my ‘light’ reading to go with the heavier reading of Hatshepsut.
(Funny thing, I didn’t remember the book when I read the blurb, but apparently I’ve already read it. o_O Some of it came back to me when I started reading it, but not enough for me to feel comfortable going on to the second book. So I’m actually re-reading this one. So many books, too little brain.)
What I Plan to Read Next: I have some library books out, so one of those. Probably the next Amelia Peabody.
What I am Currently Reading: Still working on The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney. I also started An Archer's Awakening (Of Crowns & Quills) by Casey Morales as my ‘light’ reading to go with the heavier reading of Hatshepsut.
(Funny thing, I didn’t remember the book when I read the blurb, but apparently I’ve already read it. o_O Some of it came back to me when I started reading it, but not enough for me to feel comfortable going on to the second book. So I’m actually re-reading this one. So many books, too little brain.)
What I Plan to Read Next: I have some library books out, so one of those. Probably the next Amelia Peabody.
The Day in Spikedluv (Tuesday, Aug 19)
Aug. 20th, 2025 04:24 amspikedluvI hit Price Chopper while I was downtown and got in a walk around the park.
I did a load of laundry (washed, dried AND folded, though I had to make myself complete the task), hand-washed dishes and did a load in the dishwasher, took Grant for a short walk, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter.
I also hit the bank on my way home from mom's and browned ground beef to put together chili for tomorrow’s supper. Tonight, at Pip’s suggestion, was sausage and eggs.
I visited mom, read fanfic, and typed in ~1,200 more words on my fic! Finally! It’s been a while since I’ve typed in anything.
Temps started out at 48.9(F) and reached 75.4. Today was not nearly as nice as yesterday because it was very cloudy all day. There was some spots of blue sky and hints of sun, but overall, clouds. We’re supposed to get rain starting at midnight and lasting all day tomorrow through to 8am Thursday morning. We’ll see.
Mom Update:
Mom was doing okay today. ( more back here )
I did a load of laundry (washed, dried AND folded, though I had to make myself complete the task), hand-washed dishes and did a load in the dishwasher, took Grant for a short walk, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter.
I also hit the bank on my way home from mom's and browned ground beef to put together chili for tomorrow’s supper. Tonight, at Pip’s suggestion, was sausage and eggs.
I visited mom, read fanfic, and typed in ~1,200 more words on my fic! Finally! It’s been a while since I’ve typed in anything.
Temps started out at 48.9(F) and reached 75.4. Today was not nearly as nice as yesterday because it was very cloudy all day. There was some spots of blue sky and hints of sun, but overall, clouds. We’re supposed to get rain starting at midnight and lasting all day tomorrow through to 8am Thursday morning. We’ll see.
Mom Update:
Mom was doing okay today. ( more back here )
Sunflower Auction
Aug. 19th, 2025 07:52 amspikedluvBidding at sunflower_auction, to benefit Ukraine, is open!
My offer is HERE.
(There are only 10 offers, so it's very easy to scroll down to see them. Some are offering fic, and some art. Please go check them out!)
sunflower_auction, to benefit Ukraine, is open!My offer is HERE.
(There are only 10 offers, so it's very easy to scroll down to see them. Some are offering fic, and some art. Please go check them out!)
The Day in Spikedluv (Monday, Aug 18)
Aug. 19th, 2025 07:21 amspikedluvI hit Walmart and the Dollar Tree while I was downtown. (I also stopped in at the Shoe Department to see if sneaker companies had magically started making women’s 10 1/2 or non-ugly men’s sneakers. They had not.) (Later on I stopped at Sunnycrest to see if they had the beef sticks Pip likes; they did not.)
I did two loads of laundry (including bed sheets, so also stripped and re-made the bed; both loads got washed, dried AND folded), hand-washed dishes and emptied the dishwasher, took the dogs for a couple walks, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and shaved.
I read more Hapshetsut and watched some HGTV programs.
Temps started out at 48.6(F) and reached 73.2. It was sunny with a light breeze, which was perfect. Needless to say, I did not wear the shorts and tank top I had laid out last night. This morning definitely called for capris and a t-shirt. And a sweatshirt, natch.
Since the high for today was only supposed to be 70, I turned off the AC (we only have one in the bedroom) and opened windows to get some of that cooler air inside the house in the morning. Hopefully we won’t have to turn the AC back on for a while. That would be nice. While I appreciate the cold temps the AC provides when it’s 90+ out, I really do prefer a nice fresh breeze if I can get one.
Mom Update:
Mom was not doing great. ( more back here )
I did two loads of laundry (including bed sheets, so also stripped and re-made the bed; both loads got washed, dried AND folded), hand-washed dishes and emptied the dishwasher, took the dogs for a couple walks, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and shaved.
I read more Hapshetsut and watched some HGTV programs.
Temps started out at 48.6(F) and reached 73.2. It was sunny with a light breeze, which was perfect. Needless to say, I did not wear the shorts and tank top I had laid out last night. This morning definitely called for capris and a t-shirt. And a sweatshirt, natch.
Since the high for today was only supposed to be 70, I turned off the AC (we only have one in the bedroom) and opened windows to get some of that cooler air inside the house in the morning. Hopefully we won’t have to turn the AC back on for a while. That would be nice. While I appreciate the cold temps the AC provides when it’s 90+ out, I really do prefer a nice fresh breeze if I can get one.
Mom Update:
Mom was not doing great. ( more back here )
Photos: Lilacs (5/7 - 5/27/2025)
Aug. 18th, 2025 09:09 amspikedluvAnother Photo Flashback post. I posted a couple lilac photos back in May, but didn't continue, even though I took several photos every day or every couple of days. I decided to choose one photo from each day to show the progression.
Seeing them here I'm remembering how wonderful they smelled and the times I'd go outside and bury my face in them (after checking for bees first o_O).
( 9 more back here )
Seeing them here I'm remembering how wonderful they smelled and the times I'd go outside and bury my face in them (after checking for bees first o_O).
( 9 more back here )
The Day in Spikedluv (Sunday, Aug 17)
Aug. 18th, 2025 06:13 amspikedluvI went down to mom’s earlier today than usual because Pip needed to use my car in the middle of the day (he took his dad to a local annual “antique power days”, basically an antique tractor show). I only stayed for about an hour and a half, with plans to return later in the afternoon to check on her again. (More about my visit below.)
I did a load of laundry (Pip’s uniforms, so washed, dried and hung up), hand-washed dishes and ran a load in the dishwasher, baked chicken for the dogs’ meals, changed kitty litter, and showered.
Pip brought home chicken dinners that we had for supper, lol!!
I read fanfic and more in Hatshepsut.
Thank you tocornerofmadenss and tinny for the birthday wishes!
Temps started out at 61.5(F) and reached 92.3. So much for low 80s. Again, no rain, unless it eventually came in after we went to bed.
Mom Update:
Mom was about the same today. ( more back here )
I did a load of laundry (Pip’s uniforms, so washed, dried and hung up), hand-washed dishes and ran a load in the dishwasher, baked chicken for the dogs’ meals, changed kitty litter, and showered.
Pip brought home chicken dinners that we had for supper, lol!!
I read fanfic and more in Hatshepsut.
Thank you to
cornerofmadenss and tinny for the birthday wishes!Temps started out at 61.5(F) and reached 92.3. So much for low 80s. Again, no rain, unless it eventually came in after we went to bed.
Mom Update:
Mom was about the same today. ( more back here )
worldcon
Aug. 17th, 2025 01:53 pmblueraccoonMorgan and I both went to Worldcon this year, since it was in Seattle. Due to my lack of job we had to cancel the hotel, and for other reasons we somewhat fumbled the ball on dog logistics, but we sort of made it work anyway. We missed the con on Wednesday due to logistics, but Thursday morning we dropped them both off at the sitter and headed to light rail to go to the con. We got going a bit later than intended because I woke up with a migraine.
We ended up having to drive home and take Uber to the park & ride because there was no parking, and Friday we didn't even try to drive to the P&R. So that was a little stressful, but we got on the light rail eventually and made it into the city and got our badges and all that fun stuff. We did miss our 10:30am panels, but we peeked at the dealer's hall.
I went to a noon panel called "And I'm All Out of Spoons" about being a disabled creator and the challenges inherent in that, and it was pretty decent but I found myself a little frustrated with the panelists' general avoidance of the fact that sometimes you have to suck it up and do the thing no matter how you feel because this world is unfair and uncaring. Someone specifically asked "how do you manage that" and the answer was "be selfish" and yeah, I get that, but also, acknowledging "Yeah, sometimes it's gonna suck and you're gonna have to push yourself beyond your limits because bills have to get paid" would have been nice.
After that I got lunch with Krispy and a couple friends of hers, and then we came back and wandered the art show for a bit. I started a 3pm panel on slang, but it ended up being mostly about cursing, and I really had to pee and found myself just generally irritated by the panel (likely related to needing to pee) so I left about halfway through to find a bathroom and did not return. I wasn't feeling super great after that so I went home. Morgan stayed later.
Friday we had a smoother trip into the city and started with a panel on Queering History, which was excellent and I got to meet one of my uglydog friends who was in town for the con. She, Morgan, and I wandered the art show after that and then Morgan and I went to get lunch. We skipped our 1:30pm panels because I had a workshop at 3pm and was trying to save spoons.
But Friday afternoon I had a workshop called "Writing the Other" run by Nisi Shawl and K. Tempest Bradford, and it was so, so good. They run the site Writing the Other, which is full of resources and classes and workshops on how to write diverse characters and stories.
We did a couple exercises on character analysis and creation and it was really, really good. They gave us a matrix to use to see how your characters break down in different aspects and suggested we use it for major characters in our works to see if there are similarities or if we have diversity. They showed us an axis with Tradition and Values as the Y endpoints and Time and Place as the X endpoints, and we talked a little bit about each of those four categories, and then we did some free writing to create a character based on those four categories.
I don't know if I was cheating or not but it was really easy for me to figure out who my character was and where he fit into my fantasy world and I was able to figure out a lot about him just in a few minutes. This is so drastically opposite how I normally create characters and I am still not sure I have a name for this guy, normally that's the first thing I come up with, but it was a lot of fun and I think this guy is going to be interesting if I end up using him.
I did buy the book Writing the Other, which Nisi co-wrote, and they both highly recommended Steering the Craft by Ursula K. LeGuin and since for some reason that cost me $0.11 as an ebook I bought it.
I had honestly expected to be exhausted after the workshop but I was pretty jazzed, so I went to a 6pm panel on "Worldbuilding through Mythos, Magic, and Beliefs" which was pretty interesting. Fonda Lee was one of the panelists and she was brilliant and now I want to look up her books. There was another writer who had a book Morgan and I were interested in but it's only available in the UK at the moment.
Morgan and I left after that, though, and went home and got food and crashed.
Saturday I woke up going "ow" and knew I would pay later but I went to the con. I went to a panel on "worldbuilding through structures of society" which had some of the same people as the magic/mythos panel, and was also pretty interesting. A lot of tips about the day to day lives, like "what do the people actually do and believe instead of what does tradition say they do?"
I wandered a bit after that, met with my friend torque and played some pinball, then Morgan and I got terrible con pizza for lunch and wandered the dealer's hall and bought a lot of books. She bought mostly physical books, I bought mostly ebooks. My ebook count is currently up to 12 and I've lost count of the physical books we bought, although I'm not going to read some of them. I was really happy that some of the dealers were able to directly sell me ebooks, and for the authors or anyone who just said "Amazon" I tried to purchase it right then so they knew I'd bought it. I have found dealers/authors generally really appreciate it when you do this because a lot of times people say "Oh I'll get the ebook" and wander off and...did you just make a sale? who knows! So it's nice to know "Yes, this person bought it". One author gave me a free pin as a result.
I bought a piece of embroidery that's a spray bottle with NO on it, it made me laugh so hard I had to get it. I bought a journal that says "Probably Smut" on the cover - truth in advertising - and a set of foam dice that are really nicely sized for stress fidgets. Some stickers. And I got a tiara from the art show, although Morgan has to pick that up for me today.
I wasn't sure I'd make it to my 3pm panel but I really wanted to attend, so I made it happen. That was called "Is it Appropriation: Writing the Other" and talked about cultural exchange versus appropriation and how to write cultures other than your own without veering into appropriation. (tl;dr do your research and talk to people whose lived experience is what you want to write.) They suggested the "100 books" concept: before you write a culture other than your own, read/consume 100 pieces of media written by people from that culture.
I did go home after that, though, I'd hit my limit. There was a panel on future history I was interested in, and then there was the "Make it gay" panel, and then there was a reading I was going to go to, but I was just wiped and needed to leave. Morgan went to the "make it gay" panel but it turned out to be fanfic-focused which is not her thing, so she tapped out halfway through.
Sunday I stayed home because my body is one big OW and there's a migraine threatening to hit as soon as I step into the bright sunlight. All the panels I wanted to attend are streaming today, though, so I'll be able to watch them later. I had a feeling this was going to happen after how I felt yesterday. I probably could have pushed myself and gone today but dear God I would hate everything later and tomorrow and I decided to be nice to myself and stay home.
Everyone had all these ribbons on their badges and I was just like "where do y'all get these things?" because I never really saw them. I got one, a guy gave me a ribbon that said "Wheelchair is freedom!" which I loved because truth. But I never saw where to get all the ribbons other people had. I'm not cool enough, I guess.
The only writer I had a personal exchange with all weekend was Ryan North, and that was because when I went to my Saturday afternoon panel he was still in the room from the previous panel and I went up to him and was like "I have nothing for you to sign but I'm a big fan and my wife and I have most of your books" and we talked for a little bit. He's so nice, and so fucking talented. He did tell me to wait on the Krypto miniseries until it's all out because apparently issue 4 is sad and he felt badly about people having to wait a month for the happier issue 5. I said I would just wait and read them all once it's all out and he said that was an excellent idea.
So that was very cool.
I would probably have made it to more of the con if we'd kept the hotel room, but due to finances we didn't feel we could swing it. We are pretty agreed we don't want to commute again, though. It's really a crip tax for me. Both Thursday and Saturday I felt like if I'd been able to escape for an hour and take a short nap I'd have been able to go back and be fine, but I didn't have that option. I probably would have made it today if I hadn't had the commute, at least for a little bit. Oh well. (Someone hire me.)
Book count: I have purchased 12 ebooks. I have no idea how many physical books we bought; I took 7 home in my backpack Saturday but I don't know how many more Morgan had and what else she bought when I wasn't around. I have an easier time reading ebooks these days but I am interested in some of the paperbacks.
( the ebook list )
( Physical books (may be updated) )
We ended up having to drive home and take Uber to the park & ride because there was no parking, and Friday we didn't even try to drive to the P&R. So that was a little stressful, but we got on the light rail eventually and made it into the city and got our badges and all that fun stuff. We did miss our 10:30am panels, but we peeked at the dealer's hall.
I went to a noon panel called "And I'm All Out of Spoons" about being a disabled creator and the challenges inherent in that, and it was pretty decent but I found myself a little frustrated with the panelists' general avoidance of the fact that sometimes you have to suck it up and do the thing no matter how you feel because this world is unfair and uncaring. Someone specifically asked "how do you manage that" and the answer was "be selfish" and yeah, I get that, but also, acknowledging "Yeah, sometimes it's gonna suck and you're gonna have to push yourself beyond your limits because bills have to get paid" would have been nice.
After that I got lunch with Krispy and a couple friends of hers, and then we came back and wandered the art show for a bit. I started a 3pm panel on slang, but it ended up being mostly about cursing, and I really had to pee and found myself just generally irritated by the panel (likely related to needing to pee) so I left about halfway through to find a bathroom and did not return. I wasn't feeling super great after that so I went home. Morgan stayed later.
Friday we had a smoother trip into the city and started with a panel on Queering History, which was excellent and I got to meet one of my uglydog friends who was in town for the con. She, Morgan, and I wandered the art show after that and then Morgan and I went to get lunch. We skipped our 1:30pm panels because I had a workshop at 3pm and was trying to save spoons.
But Friday afternoon I had a workshop called "Writing the Other" run by Nisi Shawl and K. Tempest Bradford, and it was so, so good. They run the site Writing the Other, which is full of resources and classes and workshops on how to write diverse characters and stories.
We did a couple exercises on character analysis and creation and it was really, really good. They gave us a matrix to use to see how your characters break down in different aspects and suggested we use it for major characters in our works to see if there are similarities or if we have diversity. They showed us an axis with Tradition and Values as the Y endpoints and Time and Place as the X endpoints, and we talked a little bit about each of those four categories, and then we did some free writing to create a character based on those four categories.
I don't know if I was cheating or not but it was really easy for me to figure out who my character was and where he fit into my fantasy world and I was able to figure out a lot about him just in a few minutes. This is so drastically opposite how I normally create characters and I am still not sure I have a name for this guy, normally that's the first thing I come up with, but it was a lot of fun and I think this guy is going to be interesting if I end up using him.
I did buy the book Writing the Other, which Nisi co-wrote, and they both highly recommended Steering the Craft by Ursula K. LeGuin and since for some reason that cost me $0.11 as an ebook I bought it.
I had honestly expected to be exhausted after the workshop but I was pretty jazzed, so I went to a 6pm panel on "Worldbuilding through Mythos, Magic, and Beliefs" which was pretty interesting. Fonda Lee was one of the panelists and she was brilliant and now I want to look up her books. There was another writer who had a book Morgan and I were interested in but it's only available in the UK at the moment.
Morgan and I left after that, though, and went home and got food and crashed.
Saturday I woke up going "ow" and knew I would pay later but I went to the con. I went to a panel on "worldbuilding through structures of society" which had some of the same people as the magic/mythos panel, and was also pretty interesting. A lot of tips about the day to day lives, like "what do the people actually do and believe instead of what does tradition say they do?"
I wandered a bit after that, met with my friend torque and played some pinball, then Morgan and I got terrible con pizza for lunch and wandered the dealer's hall and bought a lot of books. She bought mostly physical books, I bought mostly ebooks. My ebook count is currently up to 12 and I've lost count of the physical books we bought, although I'm not going to read some of them. I was really happy that some of the dealers were able to directly sell me ebooks, and for the authors or anyone who just said "Amazon" I tried to purchase it right then so they knew I'd bought it. I have found dealers/authors generally really appreciate it when you do this because a lot of times people say "Oh I'll get the ebook" and wander off and...did you just make a sale? who knows! So it's nice to know "Yes, this person bought it". One author gave me a free pin as a result.
I bought a piece of embroidery that's a spray bottle with NO on it, it made me laugh so hard I had to get it. I bought a journal that says "Probably Smut" on the cover - truth in advertising - and a set of foam dice that are really nicely sized for stress fidgets. Some stickers. And I got a tiara from the art show, although Morgan has to pick that up for me today.
I wasn't sure I'd make it to my 3pm panel but I really wanted to attend, so I made it happen. That was called "Is it Appropriation: Writing the Other" and talked about cultural exchange versus appropriation and how to write cultures other than your own without veering into appropriation. (tl;dr do your research and talk to people whose lived experience is what you want to write.) They suggested the "100 books" concept: before you write a culture other than your own, read/consume 100 pieces of media written by people from that culture.
I did go home after that, though, I'd hit my limit. There was a panel on future history I was interested in, and then there was the "Make it gay" panel, and then there was a reading I was going to go to, but I was just wiped and needed to leave. Morgan went to the "make it gay" panel but it turned out to be fanfic-focused which is not her thing, so she tapped out halfway through.
Sunday I stayed home because my body is one big OW and there's a migraine threatening to hit as soon as I step into the bright sunlight. All the panels I wanted to attend are streaming today, though, so I'll be able to watch them later. I had a feeling this was going to happen after how I felt yesterday. I probably could have pushed myself and gone today but dear God I would hate everything later and tomorrow and I decided to be nice to myself and stay home.
Everyone had all these ribbons on their badges and I was just like "where do y'all get these things?" because I never really saw them. I got one, a guy gave me a ribbon that said "Wheelchair is freedom!" which I loved because truth. But I never saw where to get all the ribbons other people had. I'm not cool enough, I guess.
The only writer I had a personal exchange with all weekend was Ryan North, and that was because when I went to my Saturday afternoon panel he was still in the room from the previous panel and I went up to him and was like "I have nothing for you to sign but I'm a big fan and my wife and I have most of your books" and we talked for a little bit. He's so nice, and so fucking talented. He did tell me to wait on the Krypto miniseries until it's all out because apparently issue 4 is sad and he felt badly about people having to wait a month for the happier issue 5. I said I would just wait and read them all once it's all out and he said that was an excellent idea.
So that was very cool.
I would probably have made it to more of the con if we'd kept the hotel room, but due to finances we didn't feel we could swing it. We are pretty agreed we don't want to commute again, though. It's really a crip tax for me. Both Thursday and Saturday I felt like if I'd been able to escape for an hour and take a short nap I'd have been able to go back and be fine, but I didn't have that option. I probably would have made it today if I hadn't had the commute, at least for a little bit. Oh well. (Someone hire me.)
Book count: I have purchased 12 ebooks. I have no idea how many physical books we bought; I took 7 home in my backpack Saturday but I don't know how many more Morgan had and what else she bought when I wasn't around. I have an easier time reading ebooks these days but I am interested in some of the paperbacks.
( the ebook list )
( Physical books (may be updated) )
Books 89 - 93 of 2025: All Kindle Cozies by Kathi Daley
Aug. 17th, 2025 12:08 pmspikedluvPosting this now for two reasons. A) so the book meme isn't overflowing with books and B) because I'm hoping to read something by an author who is not Kathi Daley next as my light reads along side Hatshepsut.
Book 89 of 2025: Answers in the Ashes (The Inn at Holiday Bay) (Kathi Daley)
I mostly enjoyed this book. ( spoilers )
This book was pretty good; I’m giving it four hearts.
♥♥♥♥
(There are two more books in this series listed on Amazon, but they aren’t due to come out until September and October.)
Book 90 of 2025: Once Upon a Mystery (The Bookstore at Holiday Bay) (Kathi Daley)
This book is the first in a series that spins off from the above series. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like reading about another main character. It was alright. ( spoilers )
The thing that interested me about this series is that they eventually form a group that solves murders/cold cases, and that sounded good. Also, the bookstore showcases some cats from a cat rescue, how cute is that?!! But I didn't enjoy this book enough to continue with this spin-off series. I’m giving this one three hearts.
♥♥♥
Book 91 of 2025: Halloween Moon (The Cottage on Gooseberry Bay) (Kathi Daley)
I enjoyed this book. I had forgotten that we met the main character in the Inn at Holiday Bay series, so this is also a spin-off. ( spoilers )
This book was pretty good; I’m giving it four hearts.
♥♥♥♥
Book 92 of 2025: Thanksgiving Past (The Cottage on Gooseberry Bay) (Kathi Daley)
I enjoyed this. ( spoilers )
This book was good; I’m giving it four hearts.
♥♥♥♥
Book 93 of 2025: Opera and Old Lace (The Bistro at Holiday Bay) (Kathi Daley)
This is another spin-off from the original Inn at Holiday Bay series I read. It was pretty good. ( spoilers )
This book was okay, but I’m starting to wonder how many murders (aka, spin-off series) a small town like Holiday Bay really needs? I’m giving it four hearts, but I don’t expect I’ll read more in this series.
♥♥♥♥
Book 89 of 2025: Answers in the Ashes (The Inn at Holiday Bay) (Kathi Daley)
I mostly enjoyed this book. ( spoilers )
This book was pretty good; I’m giving it four hearts.
♥♥♥♥
(There are two more books in this series listed on Amazon, but they aren’t due to come out until September and October.)
Book 90 of 2025: Once Upon a Mystery (The Bookstore at Holiday Bay) (Kathi Daley)
This book is the first in a series that spins off from the above series. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like reading about another main character. It was alright. ( spoilers )
The thing that interested me about this series is that they eventually form a group that solves murders/cold cases, and that sounded good. Also, the bookstore showcases some cats from a cat rescue, how cute is that?!! But I didn't enjoy this book enough to continue with this spin-off series. I’m giving this one three hearts.
♥♥♥
Book 91 of 2025: Halloween Moon (The Cottage on Gooseberry Bay) (Kathi Daley)
I enjoyed this book. I had forgotten that we met the main character in the Inn at Holiday Bay series, so this is also a spin-off. ( spoilers )
This book was pretty good; I’m giving it four hearts.
♥♥♥♥
Book 92 of 2025: Thanksgiving Past (The Cottage on Gooseberry Bay) (Kathi Daley)
I enjoyed this. ( spoilers )
This book was good; I’m giving it four hearts.
♥♥♥♥
Book 93 of 2025: Opera and Old Lace (The Bistro at Holiday Bay) (Kathi Daley)
This is another spin-off from the original Inn at Holiday Bay series I read. It was pretty good. ( spoilers )
This book was okay, but I’m starting to wonder how many murders (aka, spin-off series) a small town like Holiday Bay really needs? I’m giving it four hearts, but I don’t expect I’ll read more in this series.
♥♥♥♥
The Day in Spikedluv (Saturday, Aug 16)
Aug. 17th, 2025 07:45 amspikedluvI hit the Bakery and Agway while I was downtown and got in a walk around the park. I stopped at the bank on the way home and at the library on the way to mom’s. (I also stopped at the garage on the way home because someone brought in eggs. Even though the price has dropped substantially (and I just bought an 18-pack this week), you don’t turn down free eggs these days!)
I did two loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, took the dogs for a short walk (where I got more pumpkin photos!), cut up chicken for the dogs’ meals, and scooped kitty litter.
ETA: I forgot to mention that I grilled burgers last night to have with the macaroni salad I made. Yum!
I visited mom and read more (some in Hapshetsup and some in two different Kindle cozies).
Temps started out at 62.7(F) and reached 90.5. So much for cooler temps. It was overcast on the way downtown, so I checked the weather app. Forecast now called for a chance of rain today and tomorrow. Whether we actually get it or not is a different story. Check back later. *g* Later: In shocking news, we did not get any rain today.
Mom Update:
Mom was still feeling weak today. ( more back here )
I did two loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, took the dogs for a short walk (where I got more pumpkin photos!), cut up chicken for the dogs’ meals, and scooped kitty litter.
ETA: I forgot to mention that I grilled burgers last night to have with the macaroni salad I made. Yum!
I visited mom and read more (some in Hapshetsup and some in two different Kindle cozies).
Temps started out at 62.7(F) and reached 90.5. So much for cooler temps. It was overcast on the way downtown, so I checked the weather app. Forecast now called for a chance of rain today and tomorrow. Whether we actually get it or not is a different story. Check back later. *g* Later: In shocking news, we did not get any rain today.
Mom Update:
Mom was still feeling weak today. ( more back here )
Photos: Smokey & Sorry Face (Garage, now Deck, Cats) (with Bonus Buck!)
Aug. 16th, 2025 10:33 amspikedluvHere are the garage cats (who have moved to the deck for the summer, almost like snowbirds heading to Florida) making themselves comfy on the deck. They're very brave, but the dogs mostly leave them alone now that they're getting used to them.
( 10 more back here )
( 10 more back here )
The Day in Spikedluv (Friday, Aug 15)
Aug. 16th, 2025 07:09 amspikedluvI hit Price Chopper while I was downtown and got in a walk around the park. I also met my used bookstore friends for breakfast! (It was nice to catch up. They treated me for my birthday. They also gave me more GCs! One for the Bakery and one for my favorite local pizza place.) I hit Stewart’s on the way home (for gas and milk).
I did a load of laundry (washed, dried AND folded – I’m on a roll with this!), hand-washed dishes, took Grant for a walk, cut up chicken for the dogs’ meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. ETA: I also boiled macaroni and eggs, diced veggies, and stirred up macaroni salad.
I visited mom and called her in the evening; read more in Hatshepsut; and finished the current Kindle cozy and started another (in the same series; I might stick with this one).
Thanks tomistressofmuses for the birthday wishes!
Temps started out at 57.6(F) and reached 84.2. It’s not in the 90s, but it still felt very hot out.
Mom Update:
Mom was still very weak and easily exhausted today. ( more back here )
I did a load of laundry (washed, dried AND folded – I’m on a roll with this!), hand-washed dishes, took Grant for a walk, cut up chicken for the dogs’ meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. ETA: I also boiled macaroni and eggs, diced veggies, and stirred up macaroni salad.
I visited mom and called her in the evening; read more in Hatshepsut; and finished the current Kindle cozy and started another (in the same series; I might stick with this one).
Thanks to
mistressofmuses for the birthday wishes!Temps started out at 57.6(F) and reached 84.2. It’s not in the 90s, but it still felt very hot out.
Mom Update:
Mom was still very weak and easily exhausted today. ( more back here )
Photos: Apple Blossoms (5/6/25)
Aug. 15th, 2025 07:37 amspikedluvI realized, as I looked back at my photo posts, that I never posted any photos of the apple blossoms! Granted, I was still wearing a walking shoe/boot at this time (and if I recall correctly, it was soaking wet all the time), so I couldn’t take any walks through the orchard, but the apple trees in front of the house blossomed nicely. Here are just a few pics from the early days. (All were taken on 5/6/25.)
( 8 more back here )
( 8 more back here )
The Day in Spikedluv (Thursday, Aug 14)
Aug. 15th, 2025 06:52 amspikedluvI didn’t have to do any shopping this morning, but I did go to the bank for my aunt and got in a walk around the park while I was downtown. I dropped off a book at the library on my way to visit my aunt and talked to the librarian about it (and picked up another book). I did a load of laundry (washed, dried AND folded), hand-washed dishes, took Grant for a walk, cut up chicken for the dogs’ meals, and scooped kitty litter.
I visited mom, read some fanfic, finished the Kindle cozy and started another, and read more about Hatshepsut. (I have already concluded that this is not a book I’m going to be able to just sit down and read through. My plan is to read a little bit each day, and read something light in between.) I also received another GC (the Bakery) for my birthday! And tomorrow is breakfast with my used bookstore friends to round out the celebration.
Temps started out at 63.5(F) and reached 88.7. Today was supposed to be the first in a string of (supposedly) cooler days. o_O
Mom Update:
Mom was doing better than yesterday, but not great. ( more back here )
I visited mom, read some fanfic, finished the Kindle cozy and started another, and read more about Hatshepsut. (I have already concluded that this is not a book I’m going to be able to just sit down and read through. My plan is to read a little bit each day, and read something light in between.) I also received another GC (the Bakery) for my birthday! And tomorrow is breakfast with my used bookstore friends to round out the celebration.
Temps started out at 63.5(F) and reached 88.7. Today was supposed to be the first in a string of (supposedly) cooler days. o_O
Mom Update:
Mom was doing better than yesterday, but not great. ( more back here )
Photos: More Pumpkins & Flowers (with bonus Grapes)
Aug. 14th, 2025 08:16 amspikedluvMore pumpkins! (These pics were taken on a couple different walks.)
These two look like the pumpkin is forming even before the flower does.
~*~ 
( more back here )
These two look like the pumpkin is forming even before the flower does.
~*~ ( more back here )
The Day in Spikedluv (Wednesday, Aug 13)
Aug. 14th, 2025 07:21 amspikedluvI had a chiropractic appointment and a pedicure this morning. I chose a light teal polish, though it looks like a brighter blue on. Still, this is the summer for experimenting with different colors on my toes, so I’m okay with it.
I hit Price Chopper and the Pharmacy while I was downtown and got in a walk around the park. I also picked up Chinese for my lunch.
I did a load of laundry (mom’s that she sent home with me; got it washed, dried and folded to go back to her tomorrow), hand-washed dishes and did a load in the dishwasher, took Grant for a short walk, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered.
I visited mom, started two Kindle cozies (finished one), and started the Hatshepsut biography.
Thanks so much for birthday wishes fromgoss, mific, scriggle, tarlanx, and tozka.
Temps started out at 70.5(F) and reached 86. That I saw. It had to be hotter than that, but the clouds had started rolling in before I got home. In fact, the temp dropped two degrees the short time I was home between downtown and visiting mom.
It was so hot downtown, but just as I was pulling out of town, dark clouds rolled in. I drove through rain on the way to the garage to pick up Grant (another story), some of it quite heavy. And then it stopped, but the roads were wet. It was also wet at the garage, and about a third of the way home from there, and then dry pavement. We were supposed to get some rain later in the day, but we only got enough at our house to get everything wet. Meanwhile, the garage got a second storm and Pip said he thought they might have gotten over two inches because it came down so hard and fast.
Mom Update:
Mom was not doing great. She was lying on her bed after having a dizzy spell when I arrived. ( more back here )
I hit Price Chopper and the Pharmacy while I was downtown and got in a walk around the park. I also picked up Chinese for my lunch.
I did a load of laundry (mom’s that she sent home with me; got it washed, dried and folded to go back to her tomorrow), hand-washed dishes and did a load in the dishwasher, took Grant for a short walk, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered.
I visited mom, started two Kindle cozies (finished one), and started the Hatshepsut biography.
Thanks so much for birthday wishes from
goss, mific, scriggle, tarlanx, and tozka.Temps started out at 70.5(F) and reached 86. That I saw. It had to be hotter than that, but the clouds had started rolling in before I got home. In fact, the temp dropped two degrees the short time I was home between downtown and visiting mom.
It was so hot downtown, but just as I was pulling out of town, dark clouds rolled in. I drove through rain on the way to the garage to pick up Grant (another story), some of it quite heavy. And then it stopped, but the roads were wet. It was also wet at the garage, and about a third of the way home from there, and then dry pavement. We were supposed to get some rain later in the day, but we only got enough at our house to get everything wet. Meanwhile, the garage got a second storm and Pip said he thought they might have gotten over two inches because it came down so hard and fast.
Mom Update:
Mom was not doing great. She was lying on her bed after having a dizzy spell when I arrived. ( more back here )
Wednesday Reading Meme & Books 85 - 88 of 2025
Aug. 13th, 2025 03:40 pmspikedluvWhat I Just Finished Reading: Since last Wednesday I have read/finished reading: Lord of the Silent (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) by Elizabeth Peters, The Sound of Broken Glass (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) by Deborah Crombie, Kidnapped in the Kitchen (The Inn at Holiday Bay) by Kathi Daley and Through the Evil Days (Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries) by Julia Spencer-Fleming.
What I am Currently Reading: I just finished a book last night so haven’t started another one, but I’m hoping it’ll be the book I requested on a whim, The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney. (Yes, I requested it while reading the last Amelia Peabody book.)
What I Plan to Read Next: Uncertain. I do have another library book out, but I might actually read one of my own books first.
Book 85 of 2025: Lord of the Silent (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) (Elizabeth Peters)
This book is so good!! ( spoilers )
I enjoyed this very much and am giving it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 86 of 2025: The Sound of Broken Glass (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) (Deborah Crombie)
This book was so good! ( spoilers )
I enjoyed this very much and am giving it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 87 of 2025: Kidnapped in the Kitchen (The Inn at Holiday Bay) (Kathi Daley)
This book was okay. ( spoilers )
I'm starting to get tired of this series, but I also have the need to know what happens, so I'll most likely continue with it. Unless I forget about it when the two new books come out in the fall (there is one left to read that is already out). I'm giving this one three hearts.
♥♥♥
Book 88 of 2025: Through the Evil Days (Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries) (Julia Spencer-Fleming)
This book was (mostly) good. ( spoilers )
I enjoyed this book right up until the author cut out my heart at the end; I’m deducting a heart because it still stings.
♥♥♥♥
What I am Currently Reading: I just finished a book last night so haven’t started another one, but I’m hoping it’ll be the book I requested on a whim, The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney. (Yes, I requested it while reading the last Amelia Peabody book.)
What I Plan to Read Next: Uncertain. I do have another library book out, but I might actually read one of my own books first.
Book 85 of 2025: Lord of the Silent (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) (Elizabeth Peters)
This book is so good!! ( spoilers )
I enjoyed this very much and am giving it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 86 of 2025: The Sound of Broken Glass (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) (Deborah Crombie)
This book was so good! ( spoilers )
I enjoyed this very much and am giving it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 87 of 2025: Kidnapped in the Kitchen (The Inn at Holiday Bay) (Kathi Daley)
This book was okay. ( spoilers )
I'm starting to get tired of this series, but I also have the need to know what happens, so I'll most likely continue with it. Unless I forget about it when the two new books come out in the fall (there is one left to read that is already out). I'm giving this one three hearts.
♥♥♥
Book 88 of 2025: Through the Evil Days (Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries) (Julia Spencer-Fleming)
This book was (mostly) good. ( spoilers )
I enjoyed this book right up until the author cut out my heart at the end; I’m deducting a heart because it still stings.
♥♥♥♥
The Day in Spikedluv (Tuesday, Aug 12)
Aug. 13th, 2025 07:14 amspikedluvI hit Walmart and the Dollar Tree while I was downtown and got in a walk around the park.
I did two loads of laundry (both washed, dried AND folded), hand-washed dishes, baked and cut up chicken for the dogs’ meals, scooped kitty litter, and shaved. I grilled steak for Pip’s supper.
I visited mom and finished the Clare Fergusson book.
Temps started out at 68.0(F) and reached 92.3. The temps should be a tad lower after this (low- to mid-80s for a few days) before dropping to mid-70s. We’ll see if that holds.
Mom Update:
Mom was very tired today. ( more back here )
I did two loads of laundry (both washed, dried AND folded), hand-washed dishes, baked and cut up chicken for the dogs’ meals, scooped kitty litter, and shaved. I grilled steak for Pip’s supper.
I visited mom and finished the Clare Fergusson book.
Temps started out at 68.0(F) and reached 92.3. The temps should be a tad lower after this (low- to mid-80s for a few days) before dropping to mid-70s. We’ll see if that holds.
Mom Update:
Mom was very tired today. ( more back here )
The Day in Spikedluv (Monday, Aug 11)
Aug. 12th, 2025 07:26 amspikedluvPip had a procedure this morning, basically an endoscopy, to remove a nodule they’d found in a previous endoscopy. The annoying bit is that the doctor looked at it and said it didn’t need to be removed. Why did they schedule the procedure, then?!! (Pip’s regular gastro doc, the one who saw him back when he got really sick and diagnosed him with celiac, had this other doc look at the pictures he took AND the tests had already come back that it was benign, so why we needed to go through this I have no idea.) *deep sigh*
I did a load of laundry (washed, dried AND folded!!), hand-washed dishes, cut up chicken for dogs’ meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I also visited mom briefly and stopped at Stewart’s on the way home. I grilled country style pork ribs for supper.
I read more in the Clare Fergusson book.
Thank you for the additional birthday wishes fromadafrog, celli, cordeliadelayne, lunabee34, malinaldarose, pattrose, reeby10, silver_chipmunk, sperrywink, thatjustwontbreak, turps, umadoshi, and vysila.
I also forgot to mention that I received birthday wishes and an invite to breakfast from my used book store friends, so I'll be meeting them on Friday! I haven't seen them in a while. It still feels weird. BC (before Covid) we saw each other several times a week, now it's several times a year.
Temps started out at 63.3(F) and reached 93.2. Again, so hot. I think we have one more day where it’s going to be this hot, then around 80, then a full week of mid-70s. That’s gonna feel so strange.
Mom Update:
Mom had her chemo today and once again it started the process of her being knocked on her butt. ( more back here )
I did a load of laundry (washed, dried AND folded!!), hand-washed dishes, cut up chicken for dogs’ meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I also visited mom briefly and stopped at Stewart’s on the way home. I grilled country style pork ribs for supper.
I read more in the Clare Fergusson book.
Thank you for the additional birthday wishes from
adafrog, celli, cordeliadelayne, lunabee34, malinaldarose, pattrose, reeby10, silver_chipmunk, sperrywink, thatjustwontbreak, turps, umadoshi, and vysila.I also forgot to mention that I received birthday wishes and an invite to breakfast from my used book store friends, so I'll be meeting them on Friday! I haven't seen them in a while. It still feels weird. BC (before Covid) we saw each other several times a week, now it's several times a year.
Temps started out at 63.3(F) and reached 93.2. Again, so hot. I think we have one more day where it’s going to be this hot, then around 80, then a full week of mid-70s. That’s gonna feel so strange.
Mom Update:
Mom had her chemo today and once again it started the process of her being knocked on her butt. ( more back here )