Author Topic: The Library (Read 2347020 times)

Octavia · « **Reply #12800 on:** January 26, 2014, 02:28:31 AM »

The Library

Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out.
Do come in from daily chores and spend some time with us.

We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not).

Let the book talk begin here!

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No, I'm not in Melbourne, JoanK, I'm in Rockhampton Queensland, on the Tropic of Capricorn.
I had an embarrassing incident at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. I was in a waiting room and someone asked where I came from. I'd just said Rockhampton, when a scruffy Bogan couple loudly declared they were from Rocky, and started shouting about 'f***ing useless doctors, and ignorant know nothing nurses.
All the swearing and ranting was about having to fill out a form. I wanted to slide under my chair.
I've been doing a lot of tennis watching too. I was sort of barracking for Cibulkova, because of my Slovakian D.I.L, but Li Na is such a character.

Frybabe · « **Reply #12801 on:** January 26, 2014, 07:04:39 AM »

I don't think we've heard from Kiwilady for almost a year. Does anyone know if she is okay?

Steph · « **Reply #12802 on:** January 26, 2014, 09:37:00 AM »

Ah ha.. got a computer guy for three hours yesterday. He tracked down and showed me the problems. mostly coming when I agreed to the update from windows 8 to 8.1... it threw me into the cloud, opened me to hackers and generally made a mess. sso I am now back to a screen that looks like my old windows.. He put all sorts of things in a Maintenance folder and installed AVG and a malware. also his own email if I get a mess again.. I am so grateful.. I feel like I have my old computer back. Only thing that would not translate was a very old address book from an old Windows Works.

Frybabe · « **Reply #12803 on:** January 28, 2014, 10:45:55 AM »

My morning jaunt through Project Gutenberg and Many Books produced seven issues of "The Strand Magazine" under the various authors heading in Many Books. http://manybooks.net/authors/various.html Here is the magazine that published Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's serials among others. In fact, there is one of his listed in one of the issues I checked. Also under various authors you will see lots of "Punch" and "Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine" , and "Atlantic Monthly" among others. The last two I used to subscribe to this one in the 60's. Lots of fun to look at and/or read.

Steph · « **Reply #12804 on:** January 29, 2014, 09:20:10 AM »

Busy week thus far. I have someone coming to measure my shower doors to replace them tomorrow.. two committee meetings on Friday and a Silver Sneakers class on Thursday and lunch with a friends. I think I am maybe overdoing the get involved stuff.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #12805 on:** January 29, 2014, 11:36:31 AM »

From this morning's Open Culture newsletter.......as schools and colleges moved to be multicultural in the 80s and 90s, some moved away from Western literature. Howard Bloom wrote a book suggesting a "Western Canon" many of which are available for free online. Here's the article and the list along with some audio of Bloom discussing the battle. I wish i could find an interesting MOOC - college class - that discussed them for me, i'll have to look.

http://www.openculture.com/2014/01/harold-bloom-creates-a-massive-list-of-works-in-the-western-canon.html

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12806 on:** January 29, 2014, 03:37:10 PM »

Steph, I know what you mean. I am now a trustee of one art gallery and one arts and crafts centre locally. I am finding it increasingly stressful - one in particular has a lot of issues just now, and the other one has some very difficult members. I got involved with both of them partly to meet new people when we moved here - which I have done, and some of them are great - and partly because arts admin interests me - but lately I feel I have had enough agro, particularly of the unpaid variety, and I would like to spend more time doing other things. So, as I am shortly to move into the city anyway, I am wondering about cutting loose and leaving them to it - but needless to say I then feel guilty....

Octavia · « **Reply #12807 on:** January 30, 2014, 04:25:18 AM »

Commiserations, Rosemary

We're having wild weather, courtesy of Cyclone Dylan. It's quite a distance away, up north, heading towards Townsville, but you wouldn't think so with the vicious gusts of wind whipping at our trees, and the rain splattering the windows. Quite a few of the northern towns have already been inundated.The howling is getting on my nerves, but we need the rain badly, so many shires are drought declared.
Australia is certainly a land of extremes.
My Mum turned 90 today, she'd be shocked if she knew. Her mother died in her 60's.
Australia Day is over for another year, it was lovely to see the Empire State Building(hope I got that right) lit up in green and gold in Australia's honour.

Steph · « **Reply #12808 on:** January 30, 2014, 08:43:08 AM »

Yes,Rosemary, I joined a variety of things after MDH died, and then this year have done some more since moving into the 55+ community. I have weeded out the local clubs that I really did not like, but feel the need to be active in the clubs that are left. I am particularly interested in one committee, that I just joined. It is the philanthropic committee for the 55+ woman s club.. We raise quite a bit of money and it has been erratic as to how it was spent.The new President wants a clearer picture of where we should put our money..
You are moving to a city. How I envy that. I loved Edinburgh, the two times I was there and would love to live in a city with public transportation, so I could do some of the night activities of the city.. My village is lovely, but low on things to do.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12809 on:** January 30, 2014, 03:36:29 PM »

I know Steph - I have lived in a village for the past two and a half years, and I am so looking forward to being back in the city. I have done this before - when my son was a baby 20+ yrs ago, we lived in a very remote part of Aberdeenshire and I was terribly isolated.

Every so often I get these whimsical ideas about living in the countryside, but now I really have decided that I am a city person and that's that. East Lothian is much more accessible than Aberdeenshire, and we do have some public transport, but I want to be able to walk to as many places as possible, and to have a frequent bus service to the places I can't walk to. I am so excited about being able to get to all the galleries, libraries, cinemas, theatres, etc. To have this, I am swapping a reasonable sized house with a garage, garden, etc, for a tenement flat with bedrooms the size of matchboxes, no garage, shared garden and nightmare parking - BUT the bus stops at the end of the road, you can walk along the canal into the city centre, and I will be surrounded by coffee shops, small groceries, interesting charity shops, etc.

Madeleine, my youngest, and I have decided that we can easily put up with small bedrooms in exchange for being able to get to the national gallery in 10 minutes on the bus. I've told one of my friends that if I ever get silly ideas about moving to the country again, she's to stop me in any way she chooses.....from now on my countryside will be provided either by the Botanics or on Sunday walks in the Pentlands.

Rosemary

ginny · « **Reply #12810 on:** January 30, 2014, 05:25:02 PM »

hahaha. I love it. When I married my husband, I was straight out of Philadelphia, big NE city and he was from a rural Georgia farm.

My dearest wish, (among many, I have to admit) was to live on a farm, I'd had it all my life, and I looked in the real estate ads constantly from the day we got married to find one. Constantly.

But I remember saying to him, gosh, sometimes I really get homesick. There aren't even any subways here!! I remember his saying, "Why would you want one?" hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Well he has a point there, subway to where?

oh man, life is good. In an hour and a half I can BE on the streets of NYC by plane. I still envy the locals popping out to see this or that person I'd give a ransom to see for only the cost of that subway, and the MUSEUMS!! The restaurants! The Concerts! Broadway! The city is so alive!! But the peace here and the quiet also have a lot of value. I love being way way out. There's no village. Our local town where we get mail has not even a stop light. Love it.

JeanneP · « **Reply #12811 on:** January 30, 2014, 08:57:22 PM »

I think we all think we would love to live in a small village just like they show them on TV. I when coming to US wanted to live in a Log Wood cabin for a few years. Almost bought one a couple of time. But now Im thankful to live in a small size city. good Theatre, University with always things going on. Bus service if needed fantastic for when I give up the car. Shopping all within 3 miles.

Now I think my place would have been living in a place like Boston, Manhatten. My GD lives in Connecticut. great there. NY just a 40 min train ride. But I think I will stay put.

Steph · « **Reply #12812 on:** January 31, 2014, 08:33:52 AM »

I lived north of Boston for ten years.. Could take the train in.. Loved it. We did so many things..Then we spent a few years when we came back to Orlando in Winter Park.. We did a lot and loved it, but there is really no decent transportation in Orlando -
Winter Park. Now I live out from them and with MDH gone, I hate hate hate driving at night, so do very little that involves night driving.

PatH · « **Reply #12813 on:** January 31, 2014, 11:43:03 AM »

I live in a very pleasant suburb, with lots of good restaurants and easy access to downtown DC by Metro, but if I ever move, it will be closer in, not farther out. I'm a city type at heart.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12814 on:** January 31, 2014, 12:23:17 PM »

I agree Steph, one of the things I am really looking forward to is no more night driving - I absolutely HATE it too. I was making a mental list this morning of all the things I'm going to enjoy in the city, - very little driving, lots of pubic transport, lots of galleries, libraries, cafes, etc, no snow problems, no power cuts, high speed broadband, ....Then I made a list of things I will miss - the beach (but there are beaches close to the city), walks in the countryside (but I can easily get out to the countryside or walk along the Waters of Leith, in the parks, etc), - and I couldn't think of anything else. So that convinced me it's time to move. And in fact I picked up the keys this afternoon.

Frustration of the day - waiting for carpet fitters who were scheduled for 9am and have just now turned up at 5pm - it will take them at least three hours to lay all these carpets. I have of course been on the phone to the shop several times - first excuse 'no-one wrote it in the book' (though the printed invoice clearly stated today, which even they had to admit), next excuse 'the fitter is working in Haddington and will be with you at 1pm', next excuse 'actually he's still in Edinburgh and won't get to you till 4.15' - and now here he is, hammering upstairs, at this hour - and he has vinyl to lay in the kitchen so heaven only knows when I'll be able to cook dinner. The trouble is, your only other option is to say you want to cancel and have a refund, whereupon you go through exactly the same scenario 3 weeks later with the next company. I have had so much trouble with various carpet companies over the years. Are tradesmen any better in other countries? I'm only getting this stuff done to make the house more sell-able.

Oh well, patience is a virtue and all that. At least I got through masses of paperwork and even finished a review I was doing for Trip Fiction.

Have a good weekend everyone!

jane · « **Reply #12815 on:** January 31, 2014, 02:26:55 PM »

Rosemarykaye....your scenario would be often exactly the same here in rural Iowa/midwest USA for carpet layers, plumbers, construction workers/remodelers, and electricians. And, it would take more than 3 weeks to do it all over again. Very frustrating to be sure.

We've been waiting 5 months to have railings replaced on our porch. The construction guy tells my husband multiple times "by the end of next week or the following Monday." Those days have never come! Now it's much too cold and icy, of course, so we shall begin the hunt again come spring for someone else.

Jane

JoanK · « **Reply #12816 on:** January 31, 2014, 04:21:00 PM »

I believe that people are at heart either city people, country people or suburbs people. I'm definitely the latter: I was miserable living in New York City, and would be equally miserable on a farm or small town.

The important thing is to know which you are, and stick to it.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12817 on:** January 31, 2014, 04:27:37 PM »

Why didn't you like New York City Joan?

I was brought up in the London suburbs and I would never go back - but I enjoy reading about them in Barbara Pym novels...

Rosemary

JoanK · « **Reply #12818 on:** January 31, 2014, 04:35:49 PM »

Too noisy, dirty, crowded, rude. I don't like noise or crowds. And I couldn't afford to live close in, so long commutes everywhere on the subway which I hated (claustrophobia). But I fondly remember the museums.

I wasn't clever about using the opportunities of culture available to me either. I'm just not a city person. Some people are stimulated by the very things I didn't like. It doesn't mean you won't like it.

JeanneP · « **Reply #12819 on:** January 31, 2014, 04:52:39 PM »

Rosemary. I had not heard of Barbara Pym until you mentioned her. Thought she was a more current writer but I go one of her books here.(must have taken it back to library yesterday). Was going pretty slow for me. Didn't finish it. I thought it would be about Australia. Shows she died in 1980. Was she young when she died?

I will try another one if I can find a LPrint. That was one of the problems with the one I got. Was a small book and the print was so fine.

JeanneP · « **Reply #12820 on:** January 31, 2014, 05:05:19 PM »

Now talking about getting anything done on your house, car drives you crazy. Never show up on time. Start a job and never finish it on one go. Keep coming back. Lots of trades are so picky now. if have to get under anywhere they them have a bad back. Putting floors in. Got bad knees. Either to hot or to cold out side.
For me who worked in construction field for 15 years along great men who enjoyed their jobs it was a shock when I had to start hiring people after I retired. Lots of things I can do or could up to couple years. Now I hate to climb on roofs. Work with Electric.

Would never buy again if I move. Would lease where the owner takes care on Maintenance. Just don't have the patience to argue with ones you hire.

Things around my area will change soon. We have lots of Mexican Labor coming in now. They are better. Work good, on time.good work. always clean up. I had wooden floors put in three area 4 months ago. The man and his son are from Argentina. He was a perfectionist and so good. Says will do anything I want him to do. Got lucky.

Even they builders are hiring them now because the US men just will not do as good for them. so soon the US will catch on. That is all it takes. Suppose just like UK. My family says that people from Poland and taking over jobs now. Specially up North.

nlhome · « **Reply #12821 on:** January 31, 2014, 06:33:36 PM »

We're starting a total bathroom remodel soon. Have picked out fixtures, flooring, cabinets, paint, lights - but with the cold, the plumber/heating contractor is busy with frozen pipes and malfunctioning furnaces, and the carpenter doesn't want to work in these subzero temperatures (we won't even mention the every-other-day snowfalls). I'm willing to wait a bit.

With all that work going on, it won't be easy to read - will have to move into the library and/or coffee shop.

maryz · « **Reply #12822 on:** January 31, 2014, 06:39:17 PM »

nlhome. That's exciting - if a mess while it's going on. I did my bathroom a few years ago and did it with handicapped stuff. I had them put in a ADA toilet - a couple of inches higher than usual. And I had the tub taken out and that footprint fitted with a walk-in shower. It's wonderful and I'm SO glad I did it.

Winchesterlady · « **Reply #12823 on:** January 31, 2014, 08:02:45 PM »

Rosemary -- I have several Barbara Pym books, but I haven't read any of them yet. I read a blog called My Porch which is run by Thomas who really enjoys her books. Is there one book of hers you would recommend starting with?

Octavia · « **Reply #12824 on:** January 31, 2014, 11:03:55 PM »

I too have been wondering why Carolyn(KiwiLady) hasn't been posting. She was quite gregarious, and a keen reader.
I'm wondering also, what will happen to Amanda Knox? She's had 3 trials now, surely the Italian law system can't have her extradited. I thought you couldn't be tried for the same crime twice, let alone three times.

Frybabe · « **Reply #12825 on:** February 01, 2014, 06:11:29 AM »

Octavia, I think the new trials for Amanda Knox involve some kind of appeal process. I am not familiar with Italy's law system, but they do seem to be vested in prosecuting (persecuting?) Knox and her ex-boyfriend. I don't think I have ever heard of someone who has been found not guilty in the US being retried in criminal court on appeal, only for those found guilty is there an appeal process (that I know of). I do know that in the US the victim or victim's family can sue in a civil court for damages, separate from the criminal proceedings.

Steph · « **Reply #12826 on:** February 01, 2014, 01:24:16 PM »

The Knox thing bothers me because other than being young and silly, there was no evidence whatsoever that was useful against Amanda. It seemed to be, she is American, therefore it had to be her, could not possibly be an Italian..SAd, but true. and the murdered girls parents do not seem to seek justice, just Amanda and I cannot see why.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #12827 on:** February 01, 2014, 01:42:52 PM »

The Italian "legal system" is a real farce. Read "The Monster of Florence" if you want a good mystery, and an
indictment of their "legal system". (This is non fiction)

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12828 on:** February 02, 2014, 07:58:29 AM »

Winchester Lady - I also follow Thomas At My Porch's blog and enjoy it a lot.

I would recommend Excellent Women, Some Tame Gazelle or A Glass of Blessings as a first Pym read. No Fond Return of Love and Jane and Prudence are also great. The others aren't quite so good, though I've read all of them several times and enjoyed them. Her last book, Quartet in Autumn, is quite different and a bit depressing (she was ill with terminal cancer at the time she wrote it), so I would not recommend that as a starter. Thinking about it, you should maybe start with Some Tame Gazelle, as it was one of her early novels and very funny and light - then move on to AGOB or EW, the latter being my absolute favourite.

Barbara Pym is a writer you either love (me) or don't find that interesting (my mother, who at the age of 85 still prefers very grisly thrillers). I hope you enjoy BP as much as I do.

Rosemary

Steph · « **Reply #12829 on:** February 02, 2014, 09:25:32 AM »

I am not a Pym fan, have read a few.
Still so rainy, damp, foggy.. but getting warmer at least.

Winchesterlady · « **Reply #12830 on:** February 02, 2014, 10:35:30 AM »

Rosemary, Thanks for the recommendations. She sounds like an author I would like. I just checked my shelves and I have Excellent Women and Quartet in Autumn, so judging by what you said, I will start with EW. Since you are a fan of Thomas at My Porch, do you ever listen to any podcasts? Simon Savidge from the blog Savidge Reads and Thomas have a podcast called The Readers that has a new episode every week. It is also very interesting and entertaining. Thanks again.

jane · « **Reply #12831 on:** February 02, 2014, 10:43:18 AM »

Rosemary and Carol...You've made me want to take a look at this new-to-me author! Thank you. And for some also new-to-me reader blogs, etc.

Jane

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12832 on:** February 02, 2014, 11:48:28 AM »

Oh I love Simon Savidge's blog! He's such a friendly writer and so 'human' (if you know what I mean). I haven't heard any of the podcasts. I am not sure how you do that and if it's anything requiring a good broadband or phone signal, I won't be able to get it - until I move into my new flat, that is - Edinburgh has fibre optic broadband, I can't wait.

Rosemary

JeanneP · « **Reply #12833 on:** February 02, 2014, 08:57:30 PM »

Rosemary.

I never got into Scotland growing up but now part of my Family have move up to Northumberland. Longhoughton , Alnwick the town. Only 80 miles from Edinburgh and so maybe make it there this summer. Their area sounds great.

Winchesterlady · « **Reply #12834 on:** February 02, 2014, 09:09:51 PM »

Rosemary, Once you have a good Internet connection, you can download them to an iPad from the iTunes store at no cost. Or, you can listen to them or download them from the website at http://bookbasedbanter.co.uk/thereaders/. Hope you like them.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12835 on:** February 03, 2014, 04:54:27 AM »

Thanks WinchesterLady, I will definitely try that.

Jeanne - Alnwick is a lovely town, and the area is beautiful, you will have a great time. Let me know if you think you will make it up to Edinburgh! There is a train from there (might be from Alnmouth, I can't remember) direct to Edinburgh, I think, and definitely trains from Berwick on Tweed and from Newcastle.

Rosemary

Steph · « **Reply #12836 on:** February 03, 2014, 09:02:53 AM »

Ah the joys of trains. I love trains and would take them everywhere if I could.

MaryPage · « **Reply #12837 on:** February 05, 2014, 11:10:28 AM »

I swear we are twins separated at birth!

JeanneP · « **Reply #12838 on:** February 05, 2014, 06:41:11 PM »

If only the train service was as good and as fast as they are in UK and Europe I would go now other way. Love traveling by them. Trains and ships are the only way to go.

Steph · « **Reply #12839 on:** February 06, 2014, 08:45:10 AM »

Oh MaryPage, I was convinced of our twin ship several years ago. We truly seem on the same wavelength and you do live where I always wanted to. Annapolis is a wonderful beautiful town. MDH and I went to the Sailing Show in October for years and we also visited just to tour around many times.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2347020 times)