The Library

[Frybabe]

Well, some of the books I have here are huge with tiny print. Shadow Country, which I started a about two weeks ago is one such. I haven't picked it up in about a week, keep forgetting about it. Out of practice holding a real book up over a lap-cat.

[BarbStAubrey]

Recently a couple of books I tried to download on my Kindle required a link I know nothing about and so I could not read the books and had to return both - I later had a third that was doing the same thing and fiddling around I notice if I use the link on the Amazon site 'content and devises' I can read it there - not ideal but the book was worth it to me to read at the nominal cost compared to ordering even a used paperback.

[Frybabe]

I haven't run across that yet Barb. Thanks for the heads up. Are you using a Kindle devise or another with a Kindle app? Oh, if you are borrowing the book through Overdrive, that app has been discontinued and you have to now use Libby their newest app. I dislike it about as much as I dislike Windows 11 and Microsoft badgering me to a) upgrade this computer and b) used their AI generated features on their browser. Does anyone else feel like we are getting so much closer to Big Brother here?

Oh, oh. I am on the verge of a rant here.

Sorry, your post just hit me after I read a TechRadar article this morning about MS and its badgering to upgrade to Windows 11 and my ongoing stew over their new Bing AI driven browser which I haven't decide whether to like or not. What I am dealing with now is Bing's incessant pop-ups that highlight things already in the search results or are ads for products. Just when I think I have got that pop-up business removed, the next time Bing updates, which seems to be every other day or so, they are back.

[BarbStAubrey]

frybabe I am so annoyed and confused - the entire 'content and devices' has changed - it had been a list of the kindle books you own showing what devices it had been uploaded to and the date it was purchased with a way to click and read it from that Amazon site - well now is it an uninterrupted list that is a miniature version 'Digital Orders' from 'Returns and Orders' including the photo and with no way to read the book online on the Amazon site that I assumed was utilizing the cloud. In fact I think I may have now completely lost the book that would not download to my kindle or PC link with all the books ordered showing the cover that when clicked on the book came up so I can read the book on my computer...

frybabe I have not kept up and do not know the terminology for any of this - if fact I still do not understand what Blue Tooth is but it is all changing - and yes, AI is taking over that the more I read about it the selling points are the undoing of mankind. It is being used to take over functions of our brain and like anything physical what is not used atrophies. I see it happening in small ways - example without GPS many cannot find a location - some have even lost the concept of north south east or west much less visualize how to get somewhere.

Everything will be controlled by technology that once certain information is put into the program or information not included will affect outcome that will affect human behavior. Since poetry is not popular it is not frequently included in AI basic programing to be matched or not matched with a value system built in the AI program using literature and so, I'm thinking I need to dust off my poetry books that will be less subject to being rewritten - Now that AI can think and act on its own utilizing and building on the original input the values and morals that were included are used when reviewing literature - for now we are hearing about the rewrites and can still find some of the originals but soon there will be no alert and we will be expected to trust - trust based in being assured technology is only to keep us all current and do things like search and review must faster - All to say I'm thinking reading for enjoyment. poetry may be our last connection with an author's actual thoughts and words.   

[Frybabe]

Okay, Barb, I think I found something. After you sign on to Amazon, go to the "all" menu, find Kindle Readers and Books, then scroll down to and click on Kindle for Web under the Apps and Resources header.  I am kind of surprised that they don't include a link to the cloud in their Kindle app for PC. Also, I checked, and I can't find a link in the Content and Devices for reading in the cloud. It would make sense to me to have a link there. But why would they make it too easy to get to their books?

[Frybabe]

I am on a roll here. I just discovered that Google Play has audio books, almost all the same as Audible, that are DRM free. Why am I buying Audible audio books when I can get same and listen to them on any device instead of being confined to Amazon devices? I am sorely tempted to cancel my Audible subscription.

Now that Amazon has seen fit to discontinue supporting the Windows 10 Audible app and there isn't an Audible app for Windows 11, I am stuck. I did download a program that promised to convert .aax to DRM free mp3 files. But what was supposed to be a free app, turned out to be a restricted version (which they didn't mention in the blurb), and will not convert .aax. A highly rated free online program started to convert my test file, but it seems to have stopped when the screen saver kicked in. Not only that, I could not find what folder it was converting it to. I will try again later, maybe with a smaller book. I really, really want to have access to my audio books on my laptop so I don't have several devices going if I want to also check the pdf files some audiobooks offer while I am listening. So, both Microsoft and Amazon are on my S list right now.

Gosh, this is turning into The Gripe Zone.

[BarbStAubrey]

Need to play with it a bit more but did go to All and then to Kindle E-readers and books and then to manage your content and devices and the same new version came up - aha wait found it - yes, Kindle for web - tra la - oh bless you yes, now to double check the book I ordered that could only be read this way - all of a sudden my short term memory is slipping - most often very short term - what I read or was going to remember to look up or dial on the phone within the last 5 or 10 minutes - the biggie is if I start a book and it has not made its statement yet I'm forgetting the title or the names of the characters if it is a novel - it so far is only affecting me about something I read not anything I hear or see - one more that is driving me nuts but then many things about this ageing body are driving me nuts - I am not going into this ageing thing gently to borrow words from Dylan Thomas...

[BarbStAubrey]

Fun and games = latest foray - this past Thursday about 5:30 - sit down to get ready for 6: news and for the first day in what seems like weeks the sun was out - with so much time since the last sunny evening the sun had moved further into its summer orbit and it was streaming on an angle into the living room that actually faces north... And so decided instead of wasting the half hour I could spread more of the spectrum in the back yard... mosquitoes are unbelievable - had only been in the yard, all the way to the back on Sunday and came in covered in bites - not small bites but huge - smallest was the size of a quarter and most the size of a half dollar and so I immediately ordered from Amazon spectrum that kills the larvae in the grass - had earlier spread one sack in the front and actually got only half the yard but if I could spread in the back the area closest to the house I thought that would be a great use of my half hour - put shoes on - thank goodness sprayed myself with 'off' - took my sack of spectrum and out the door from the garage that goes directly to the backyard - spread spectrum that only took maybe 10 or 15 minutes and noticed some weed like grass that was spreading and with the empty spectrum sack I could pull and put the weeds in the sack and so I started - it took more than 15 minutes and I knew I was missing the news but decided to finish the job which took me probably a half hour in total

And so the fun and games begin - Went to go in the house using the garage door and had no idea the door automatically locks - I knew the French door from the living room onto the screened porch was locked from the inside and the bedroom door onto a small porch was also locked from the inside - next to the house in the back are two gates to the driveway one on each side of a shed and small garden - turns out both cannot be opened from the yard - only from the driveway - I knew hanging off the side of the front wrap around porch was a lockbox that Paul put there with keys to the house but could not get out either gate - notice some debris laying around behind the tool shed that faces the driveway that I was tuk tuking about because it looked so garbagie including a long at least 8 foot pipe that I decided would be helpful walking to the other end of the house where I had not been and maybe there is another gate/

Well the pipe was heavy - far heavier than I would imagine but standing it up it was a good help walking and over I go - of course, you guessed it, no gate - now what - solid 8 foot high wood fence starting about 2 feet down the side of the house and over to the fence separating my yard from the vacant heavily wooded lot next door... so back to try again the garage door and then the two gates on the fence - nothing moves - then I decide to attempt to break a window using this long heavy pipe - notta - the widow shacks and shutters with the impact but that is it - same when I hit the windowed Fr. door to the living room - so back to the fence on the far side and decide to use the pipe and see if I can smash some of the fence slats - sure enough one slat broke in the middle just below where that 2X4 runs horizontally to stabilize the fence as there is a 2X4 along the bottom that a fence in nailed into and another about 6 inches down from the top - now If I can break a few more I can bend and probably get through

Using the pipe I break another and when I go for the third I have to reposition myself and starting about 2 feet from the fence the ground has a good size hole where water accumulates during the rains and so I cannot get the same direct force and sure enough the slate only breaks about 18 inches from the bottom - now what - I cannot get through that small and low an area and further sharp pushing does nothing - look at that fence and have a come to Jesus moment where I stand full up and decide since it is getting dark I need to get out of here or I spend the night in the yard - am I going to cry which by now I was pretty close to tears or keep trying - my arms are getting tired but so what - it is keep going or spend the night because my yelling help brought no one - On one side is the vacant wooded lot and the other backs up to some sort of gym where guys come in the evening and on the weekend to practice boxing behind that building and the other stores farm equipment they lease - it is well past 6: therefore no one is there - that side of the yard is on an angle with these two commercial sites backing up to my fence - it is quiet all the time because of the large size lots, acre or more, with all the tree cover - and so I keep at it using the pipe to break off in the middle at the horizontal 2X4 two more slates - now there are two slates broken off half way on either side of the one that only broke off 18 inches from the ground - thought to keep going but that is it - the other slates are nailed too firmly and slats too firm so that I cannot break off any more slats

Bending and sticking my head through the area of broken slates and yelling help along with banging the pipe on the horizontal 2X4 on the fence - throat going dry so I rhythmically bang the pipe on the fence over and over and over each time as hard as I can to make the most noise - notice lights in the upstairs window of the house across the street but nothing - realize how I do not hear anything inside my house and so they probably don't hear me at all - the same with the house that backs up on the other side to the vacant wooded lot - now it is almost dark and again had to talk myself into what to do... I see many joggers going by the house on the street - surely someone - but in all that time no one - I keep yelling and banging - I knew there was the wrought iron chase lounge, no cushion but something to sit and lie on if I have to spend the night - the tornado took off the screen door but there was no other solution so I might just as well keep banging and calling and maybe since there were no vehicles in their driveway the neighbor across the street was just out and would return and hear me

At this point I'm taking breaks from yelling and banging and just before it was too dark to see voila a jogger - I could tell a female - yelled asking for help - she stopped but hesitated - yelling I tried to tell her how I needed help - what a relief she is coming my way using her cell as a flashlight - I explain my dilemma and my age and bum leg is preventing me from bending low enough to get through under the low broken slat and I cannot fit through either section where the slats broke in half -  I cannot remember Paul's phone number and then she suggests looking up on facebook give the information but explain how they seldom use facebook - just looking for a way to make contact after telling her he lived close by - finally she says let's get you out and I will get my vehicle and drive you over to his house

Susan, by then we had introduced ourselves, thought the section of fence separating me from the wooded lot closest to the bit of fence I was breaking was possibly a gate - on the lot side she tried and we decided it may have been a gate at one time but not now - it was nailed firmly to the base - so she squeezed through and after more discussion sharing how the other exits out of the yard would not allow me out, using her foot and all her might she breaks off the slat that was only broken by me the 18 inches from the ground and she asks if I think I can manage - using the pipe placed on the other side and holding onto the top of the fence I climb out - I must have appeared worn out - although Susan said her mother was 80 and so she may have understood how older bodies get worn out - using the pipe as a cane I walk to the front and she rushed ahead and put one of the chairs from the porch on the front lawn for me to sit in while she ran off to get her vehicle -

What seemed like only minutes she returned and in the backseat is her mother Sue - Susan lives half the time with her mother and half the time in Montrose part of Houston with her boyfriend - she looked to be in her early 30s and her mother is 80 who also has another daughter Sandy - by then we were at Paul's - he and Sally were shocked to see me knocking on their door - it was 9:30 - had been out there since 5:30 --- oh yes, Susan had a bottle of water she handed me as soon as I got in her vehicle.

There was nothing in her vehicle to write their address on but when she picked me up to turn around she drove straight ahead past the empty wooded lot and past the house on the corner directly behind the lot and at the entry to a cul-de-sac and across from that corner on the other corner is where Sue lives - she does not drive - appears maybe not to be in good physical condition - we talked about getting together - nothing like a night time drama making an Interesting way to get to know your neighbors  

Could hardly move on Friday and Saturday - using my bum to help knock that low broken off slat ended up re-injuring my spine where all the nerve endings are located and of course the pain is across my hip and down the leg - probably will take at least 6 weeks to be without pain again - but I had to get out and at the time it did not matter how I damaged myself - like a rat chewing off its leg or whatever - you do whatever it takes, now I can see having a way to notify someone is what I need - I can still fall doing things in the yard and before you know it I will have to worry about falling in the house. A cell phone is just too big to carry around doing things like weeding or cooking - and those life alert things are on a chain around your neck that I can see it now I'd end up hanging myself on the chain while pulling weeds in the garden or trying to retrieve something under a table or in the back of the closet - I'm hoping to find something like a wristwatch that is a phone without additional monthly fees over the cost of a cell - least alert system I found cost monthly $30 that allows only one call and no help if you fall - sheesh - I guess having all this technology allows us to live alone independently and so there is no sense in being annoyed and just be glad technology allows us to continue to live on our own terms but they sure do know how to make money from seniors.

[Frybabe]

Good heavens, Barb! I am so glad you finally got some help. What an "adventure". Sorry to hear that you reinjured your spine. That has got to suck, especially since it takes so long to recover.

I am not so happy about discovering (or having to acknowledge to myself) that I cannot do some of the things I used to be able to let alone find some reliable help. I am trying to get some idea as to whether or not it is actually less expensive to find a nice apartment rather than try to find good people to do yardwork and home maintenance/repairs. Every time I think about moving to an apartment something comes up to stop or slow me down. Hesitate a month and apartment prices go up another couple of hundred dollars.

I see a lot of new apartment buildings being built around here, but they look really tacky. My sister recently talked to someone who complained that their new apartment building is already showing signs of shoddy work or poor-quality materials. I guess she doesn't like creaky floorboards. Well, I can sympathize. The pandemic created a lot of problems just getting materials, let alone quality materials to do the job. Prices went through the roof and some things just weren't available. I certainly was not pleased with the wood that my contractor used to replace some of my porch boards. They are already splitting lengthwise and won't last long, I am sure.

Amazon saw fit to raise the price of their Kindle Unlimited. I just cancelled it. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that some of the features that I was paying for are also now including in their regular Prime Reading feature without paying extra for the Unlimited. Huh! The only difference I can see now is that the book selection is smaller. I have a ton of bought and freebie books to read as well as my print books that have been neglected during my tear thru Unlimited, so I certainly won't run out of things to read.

Oh, found this on the net this morning. Another article about the AI generated books controversy. https://www.theregister.com/2023/05/22/ai_in_brief/

[ginny]

BARBARA!! Good heavens, what a story. You are are very resourceful and extremely lucky in that Susan did come by. Very. And now you've met a new neighbor, her Mom, that's lovely.

I am sure nobody needs to tell you to carry the your cell  phone, regardless of bulk, in  a pocket somewhere with you ALL the time until you find another device that suits you better?

It's amazing how little time it takes to have that very thing happen, isn't it? Just step outside and whammo.

I had something similar happen many years ago letting the dog out one night, but somehow I managed to break my leg in the process and like you nobody was here and it was at night, and who takes a cell phone to go outside.......now THAT was also quite a time. As you say you do what you have to do but I don't do it any more, so no chance of THAT one happening again...but there's always the potential of something else, and possibly worse.



I am glad this one had a happy ending, except for your back. And you can be happy in the safety of your current home, as well.

[PatH]

Oh, Barb, what a saga.  I'll share with you some of my solutions to problems, which may or may not be helpful, but can't do it until later today.  What a bummer.  Thanks for surviving.

[BarbStAubrey]

Pat look forward to your sharing some solutions that work for you - really a special seminar in the Library on how to age more successfully

Ginny oh oh on the broken leg - yes, it takes a chance happening to help us realize just how vulnerable we are - in our heads we think we have the capabilities of our younger years and even adapting there are some things you just do not think could be a problem - but letting the dog out caused your time alone to deal with your body slam wow - and that was not even an age issue

We are so cavalier with our physical ability but then we cannot go around thinking first and foremost about possible dangers - thinking on it, what did we ever do before cell phones - because yes, carrying a cell is a must - now if clothing manufacturers would only make all pants and skirts with pockets - can't say shirts because we can only wear a shirt in cold weather and Tshirts, that I live in are too light weight to hold a phone even if they were made with a pocket - however I am convinced there has to be a way to contact another with some sort of wrist type device - if the worst is to be I know there are arm bands that are made to carry a cell that joggers use - at least it would free me to bend and do without fear of dropping the cell - carrying anything around my neck would just not work... always chuckled at what I saw as a corny ad - help I fell - but this is a reality that happens. 

Ah yes frybabe, how best to house ourselves - the dilemma is being dependent on something we are subject to constant increase in prices, even an apartment will increase the rent compared to ownership and as you say maintenance not only increases in costs but those who do the work are either less and less capable or have taken less pride in their work or there is so much they can slough off knowing there is another who they can charge more for easier work. While living in Austin I was still in contact with all the repair guys we used to call on when a house had to be made ready for inspections or after the inspection when the parties involved agreed that the seller would make repairs - and since they knew we could refer to them business we always got a good price quoted. Here I'm depending on Paul and his contacts that since he does so much himself he does not have as many contacts and I do not want to burden Paul with all the do dads I need doing.

Frankly I am so used to living in a single family house all my life I do not think I could manage apartment living - I would be looking at an attached  townhouse but then you know the real estate in your area - This house is 20 years old and the bones are good with a 5 year old AC and a 3 year old roof compared the my house in Austin that was 56 years old, needed both a roof and a new AC plus all sorts of other updating. And so maybe your answer is just a newer built house - you'll figure it out - as to the yard, I ended up mowing down most of the flower areas and no longer planted the vegetable garden letting the grass take over - Here only plan on planting in large flower pots and anything that goes in the ground will be a flowering bush that needs very little care.

Thought - what is keeping you in Pittsburgh - I think if I remember that is where you live - would you consider moving to another location where there are condos with a first floor unit having a small garden space or a retired community that is all small cottages - even if you moved into an apartment nearby you are starting over again and so if family is not nearby what about another area of Penn or even further south - I understand from my daughter the area between Asheville and I think about Flat Rock is filled with retired folks - she also found that living on campus taking classes is less expensive with as many perks as living in a senior community.   

Lots to ponder - but you will work it out - I remember going through the stage you are in now - was going to relocate up near Waco in lovely Salado that is known as 'the' location for all sorts of artists, till I finally realized I need to be close to family not starting out alone as if I was 35. Also my tip for what it is worth, leave at least a year to sort and clear out - and be prepared for lots of emotion as you come across things you forgot you had that remind you of the past - plus what looks neatly packed in closets etc end up being a humongous amount - we are good at packing tightly so it looks neat and reasonable but once it is pulled apart for packing - oh my... 

And then to top it off our aging body has its say - oh this closet should only take a day - ha - lucky a week and this room with all the drawers will take me a few days - again ha - talk about frustration thinking I've become a weenie till you finally realize, oh its age - and then the whole issue of age and the frustrations of accepting comes into play that I finally learned is nothing but loss - and so of course the stages of grief over loss play out - the whole thing about change in our living is loss - loss of a place that hold memories, loss of those memories we held onto without even realizing it, loss of various conveniences, loss of neighbors we knew for years, loss of having on hand the many things we end up tossing, loss of time to do enjoyable activities because all time is used now to clear out, loss of our energy level to keep going all day, loss of the use of our body to reach, pull, carry as we once easily did, loss of seeing the sun hit the windows at a certain time of day. On and on the losses... Took me almost the year to finally have some patience with myself and when it finally hit me I was experiencing the grief process.

I know this moving sounds dire but then what else is there - we can hide in our hidy hole or live - so good luck and if you need a boost or a shoulder to cry on during this process please don't hesitate - we may be about books but we are also for each other...

With that since my back is determining my activity level for the next couple of weeks looks like I've time now to do some serious reading.     

[Frybabe]

Well-articulated, Barb. My house was built around 1910 and remained in the same family until I bought it about 15 years ago. Over the years, I've been able to reroof the two porches and the garage, remodel the bathroom, replace six windows and three exterior doors, and just this past year, the porch and kitchen upgrade. There is still a lot to do. The poor yard could use some regrading and seeding, and someone to mow and maintain it. After spending so much last year on the house, I have only two small projects on my mind for this summer. Meanwhile, once this darn cold is history, I am going to talk to some of the apartment managers and my real estate agent. I don't think I can afford to continue dragging my feet much longer.

I've been noticing the last several days that some short AI generated videos have started popping up on YouTube. Some of them are shorts, others are the AI's idea about what different ancient cultures would look like in the future had they survived all these years (Think Rome, Greece, Egypt, Aztecs and such). Interesting building and clothing designs, but they all seem rather similar except for a few accessories.

[Tomereader1]

Oh, Barb! What a tale!  You are so lucky with the jogger coming to your rescue.  For awhile during your store, I felt like I was watching Survivor or some other reality show.  Bless you, my dear, I really hope your back gets better quickly.  A friend told me today that there is NOW a wrist type device, same as the one on a cord around your neck, only like a small wrist watch.  Please look into that.

[BarbStAubrey]

Haha I love it Joanne - this weeks reality show - senior survivor trapped in backyard - how will she get out - it really was funny although yes, it was not so much scary - I knew if all failed I could be safe and probably even nap on the chase in the screened porch but none of it was to my liking that is for sure - back is not as bad yesterday and today as I expected based on how I felt over the weekend but then for once I'm not pushing myself - been sleeping in and still taking long naps

Talked to my grandson in Seattle who teachers in one of the colleges computer generated art and game creation - I'm thinking of a watch like devise that is part of a cell system and he is looking into it - he thinks Apple is the only one that has something similar to what I'm describing but says there is nothing like a Dick Tracy wrist phone that you talk into created yet - All these 'life alert' companies charge a good size monthly fee and I rather buy a more expensive piece of equipment and own it instead of this monthly thing with all their rules and limited service in order to afford the fee. If all else fails than that is what i will do and yes, thanks I will see if there is wrist device - I see these bulky arm bands used by joggers for their cell and no way could I have that attached to me all day.

Of course like everything our generation is the vanguard for what is coming - the baby boomers are still so many that devices that will make life easier come along with that generation which I think they must be just hitting age 80 with the bulk still in their 70s. Hm just thought I bet that devise amazon sells that you talk to and order things from anyplace in your house will become or a similar one will be the way seniors can call out for help while in their home - not sure how they will rig up something to use while in the garden.

Been watching the series Cadfael - probably closer to how life was during the middle ages the time of the anarchy between Stephen and Matilda than all the movies we see that feature that war or the spying that went on during that war. I used to watch the nightly news before bed and now I am watching an episode of Cadfael with each episode having a satisfying ending. Derek Jacobi is really a fine actor and has had a long career acting in many TV series - loved the character and how he played Alan in Last Tango in Halifax 

[ginny]

  This might be interesting:  https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/best-medical-alert-bracelets/

I saw one today in Wal Mart but did not read anything about  it. This is probably a commercial but at least it will show what it can do and the cost  as of May 10.

I actually did not realize there were so many. I knew from researching it for a friend, that they can be fixed to call a family member (or the ones I saw then were) instead of 911.

[BarbStAubrey]

Great thanks Ginny - I need to understand more about how these alert systems connect with wifi or my cell - this is one time I wish there was a book alert systems for dummies

Just started to read...Eightysomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness which starts out when the author realized at 80 he was old and his body would no longer do what seemed possible only a year or two before like climb a mountain in the Appalachians with his family - That is really what happened to me with this event being locked in the backyard - I finally realized I'm old - yes, I noticed I was not as physically able for the last few years and at first blaming it on walking in that deep hole with one leg and how it affected my spine along with a serious fall where I really banged my spine - I sorta knew I had become less able but still did not really think of myself as old - well now I have - just a few pages in and already new thoughts and reading about the experiences of others in their 80s - the one example is a women age 89 - just a year younger than I am and so I will read and give this book some attention.

[PatH]

Barb, have you read any of the Cadfael mysteries?  They're very good, and  the series does a good job of sticking to the books.  Jacobi is great as Cadfael.  I agree with you about accuracy.

There are about 20 of the mysteries, varying in quality, and eventually written to a pattern.  I'read about 2/3 of them, mostly when they came out.

She wrote a gazillion other mysteries, and under her real name, Edith Pargeter, got an award for her Translations of Czech poetry.

[BarbStAubrey]

Hadn't read any of Cadfael - thanks for the recommendation - I did notice at the end of each episode they refer to a book title - I wonder how many of the books were used for this series and if there are any others still to read. I am enjoying the costums, way of life and country side as much if not more than the story although the scenes that Derek Jacobi are in are all delicious - 

What is fun for me is some years ago there was one of these soothsayers - not sure what to call her - but she was supposed to be able to read using numbers chosen and a sample of your writing what you were in your prior life - well she came up with my prior life was during this time in history - that I was widowed working a small field to feed and care for my 13 children - oh my... anyhow I have always enjoyed reading about this time in history and earlier the myths of Arthur and the others -

Have not found books taking place during these years except incidences of war for France or Germany - over all history of the Goths and Franks etc but no delightful novels - Even later during the time of Shakespeare - what was happening in France during that time that was part of a novle or series - are you familiar with any before the 15th century that take place in France or Germany - I guess not named France or Germany but that part of the world -

The only thing I ever read that takes place in early Spain is El Cid - lots of novels that take place in Rome and other cities that are now Italy and I did enjoy the series that you led a few years ago that took place in Norway or was it Sweden - it was a a challenge since one contributor had definite ideas based on today's ethics centered in her religion but we struggled through and I enjoyed reading, again of everyday life.  I had planned but never did read the Icelandic Saga's - I think I would enjoy reading them.

[ginny]

 THAT looks like a good book, Barbara! I  went online and read the introduction to it and ordered it, I like her style and it will be here tomorrow from Amazon. (I like paperbacks better than kindle). We must have a distribution center out here somewhere  in the bookdocks but I  haven't heard of one and they are pretty big to ignore. There IS one about 30 miles from here up I-26 toward NC, as big as a small city, and I expect that's where it's coming from.

[BarbStAubrey]

Oh good maybe you can share some of your perceptions and ah ha moments - I realized there was a difference for me between aging and being old - aging I kept thinking would be ok and improve with exercise and keeping a good diet - if not improve it was simply a sign of aging as in on the way to becoming old - however, accepting being old I fell into the stereotype of what this nation thinks of old people. I knew when grocery shopping for several years that once doors were being held open for me I was in another category and few people would chit chat with me while  waiting to have my groceries checked out. I also noticed no one wants to listen to you and even doctors skim over what you say which I think is because all people that have aged in their mind is old and that is the cause of any complaint.

Reading I'm seeing a few who have accepted they are old but keep on keeping on and so there is hope - I know where I was slowing down I did work till I was 85 but even there I noticed those last few years the only people I worked with were past clients - no one was referring me any longer. Again I did not either it was because I didn't want to accept or I was oblivious to having become old. My sister who is 2 and half years younger I considered old because all she did and does is complain about health and every day life - so yes, she fit the stereotype - and it is that stereotyping that I was trying to protect myself from - but like it or not it is the mantel that crowns everyone who society labels old.

The author does talk about facelifts etc but as a vein glorious attitude - to stay young - my take is anyone who can afford to safely do any facelifts or eye lifts or whatever just wants to look better - it is not fun looking in the mirror or seeing how others look at you - not just because of how they look at you but how you are treated once you look old.

Ok it is most likely because of her being on TV however I'm pretty sure Martha Stewart must have had some work done on her face because she is 80 and I notice her ads and show have her sitting in chairs more than standing behind counters or in gardens. But let's face it no one would buy a product she is representing if she looked 80 which goes back to this stereotyping of the elderly which means they are boring and no longer have a functioning brain much less the ability to learn anything.     

[PatH]

My humble opinion is that facelifts etc make you look smoother, but they don't make you look better.  They give a harsh, taut look.  One of the most beautiful women I've known had a face that was a mass of wrinkles, but somehow the beauty of her character just shone through, and you couldn't help  but admire her.

[ginny]

 I agree, Pat.  I think the lady in question's physician has said that it's not plastic surgery but carefully done injections over a long period of time which have produced that smooth effect.

Barbara, it's so funny to go anywhere now, to me. Everybody wants to help, which is lovely of them and, to me, makes the world a happier place for the exchanges,  even though I don't take the help,  or hopefully advertise I want/need it, and it's always startling to me to have it offered.

 Just the other day I had three offers of help (I must look pitiful but in my own mind I'm 50) and I tensed up when two workmen straightened up as I passed, waiting for the inevitable "hit," and guess what? Not only was there no "hit" or were  there no improper remarks but instead one of them, young enough to be my grandchild, said, 

"Have a nice day, Sweetheart."  So now I'm "sweetheart or sweety, or love,"  it doesn't matter who the speaker is.  I figure it's better than the alternative, stealing my purse, or being shot, etc.

It's different.  hahaha I think it's meant respectfully?

[BarbStAubrey]

Interesting Ginny - talked with my daughter last evening and she too was saying how pleasant and the offer of help is typical with a cheerful kindness she sees and even experiences - however the kind of attitude toward elders I have been familiar with is how she sees her Mexican American friends are treated and hearing the stories I'm am baffled - then it hit - of course I am still functioning with experiences in Austin and yes, here, going to the grocery everyone is helpful without feeling because of help you are sidelined but then I have only visited the grocery however the difference I think is Austin is a young town -

Austin average age 33 - and from what I observed they are still young enough to be full of themselves with many to make it an average not even in their early 30s - high tech jobs with high salaries is typical - however, in Austin the Mexican American population is also over 33% with whites in the low 40s - near equal - where I am now in Montgomery County the average age is older - average age 40 and the report was in a local paper that Magnolia has increased the number over age 75 from 14% to 26% where as in Austin the average over age 65, not even over age 75 is 9% -

My thinking is I have been living where there were few elders but the Mexican American community it not a separate community - it is part of the Austin culture with Hispanic neighbors in all price range neighborhoods - here in Montgomery County the Hispanic population is lower than in most parts of the state - 26% however, not only is the white population high 62% but of those, there is a high percentage of families from original settlers who were Czech or German - there are are several German festivals each year and German speaking churches - all to say I think elders are more common here as compared to Austin and I may see a difference in acceptance and treatment where as, there is a high percentage of Hispanics, not as high as Austin, compared to counties in and near where my daughter lives in North Carolina the Hispanic population is about 10% - 10.1 or 10.3 highest I found was 10.8% and in her community of Saluda the Hispanic population is 1% - also the over 65 population in Saluda is 39%

All to say I think the more common a culture, regardless age or ethnicity the more that culture is understood where as, with no understanding it is easier to buy into a stereotype viewpoint. Also, not really understanding a culture it is easier to dismiss and minimize or think unusual what is not understood.

[ginny]

Happy Memorial Day Weekend and Memorial Day,  and if any veterans are looking  in, thank you for your service.

One of the most moving and unexpected part of a trip long ago was the
American Cemetery in Luxembourg where General Patton was buried. I found that cemetery very moving, more than 5,000 American graves, and it took forever to find his own marker. It was like all the others but was situated in such a way turned  as if he were addressing the troops, pretty unforgettable. Most of those deaths  were from the Battle of the Bulge.

NOW I have time to read and can't seem to stop ordering books. Do any of you know anything about this Book Bub thing? I was taken by some of the titles offered and so took a look, and the titles offered within the thing were  not those they were advertising as a come on, and most all of them are kindle?

I have two coming from  Amazon, in paperback form, one called The Guest List and one called  The Cruise, mysteries....I won't categorize them further, after first  reading an example first page....and how they start out (I do love that feature wherever it's offered)...

I've gotten hooked for some reason on watching these vlogs  on youtube of people offering cruising  advice...I have no idea why. I have NO intention of ever taking another cruise. The two we did go on were  MORE than enough.

But they take a cruise, and then they tell you what to do and what not to do, and...compare the different ships...and for some reason I find that fascinating. Have you seen these?

There's  Gary Bambridge, an older man, I hope I've got his name right,  who normally  cruises alone and gives advice on that score, and Emma, a young woman who has done a million cruises, ditto, and then  Fain and Laura,  a young couple who  are not married who are quite...intriguing.  She definitely wants to get married, he does not, it's interesting. As a matter of fact the last show I saw  which was perhaps the most recent one, that subject came up from the viewers and he...did he actually say....  why would I marry you...? Sort of like an interesting question proposed in genuine interest?  I think he did.   Other than that he seems quite nice, intelligent,  and open minded? They actually seem happy?   That, of course, would be the end of him for me.  I mean they are definitely a couple and travel everywhere together? They both seem like nice people.  I mean, really?

Apparently they can make money by sharing their trips this way? On youtube. Then there's  the Luxury Trip people like Trek Trendy who does these first class flights and cruises and train rides...a nice appearing young man who... for some reason.... wears jeans with holes in the knees at the most expensive venues,  and NASA banded sweat shirts,   who has no, apparently,  affiliation with NASA...It's like a different world.

And it's a strange world? But they seem harmless, all of them, and possibly are getting paid by youtube to share their experiences?

Sitting here watching wild turkeys in the front yard, walking across the yard. It's amazing what bird feeders bring out of the woods. Am becoming quite a bird watcher and there's a new APP which will tell you which bird made that sound. We have an odd one in the woods and I'd like to know.

Anyway, that's it for me, what's everybody reading? I'm almost finished reading Reliquary and I can see all the flaws in it now but still am going to finish as well as the entire Mapp and Lucia series, still reading.

[BarbStAubrey]

This is from a young man Vance, who posted it on twitter - Just beautiful...Deep in the deserts of the American southwest



The area north of Lake Powell in Utah is one of the least hospitable and sparsely populated areas of the US. The Escalante River and the Henry Mountains were the last major river and mountain range surveyed in the lower 48. Nobody lives out there. Rough terrain. Very dry.

Because of how dry and inaccessible it is, there are still thousands of Native American archaeological sites in the area. Many are mostly undisturbed, only rarely visited by lonely hikers who find themselves off trails in desolate places.

There was a remote canyon adjacent to Lake Powell. Powell has more coastline than the west coast of the United States, and the middle portion is hours away from the marinas by boat and never busy.

I was dropped off by boat at my chosen canyon entrance at 7:00am and we set a pickup time of 5:00pm. My plan was to hike 7 miles up the canyon and come back down. No cell reception obviously. I'd be all on my own. I had a backpack with a ton of water and snacks.

There was no trail up this canyon. I was bushwacking my way through sage and tumbleweed, keeping to the high ground where I could see better. I got turned around multiple times going up side canyons and had to backtrack, which is surprisingly easy to do in a redrock canyon.



I remember feeling slightly scared, but also thrilled, at the thought of being cut off from civilization. If anything happened to me I'd be all on my own. It was dead quiet, just the wind and the summer desert heat. Occasionally a jetliner above would break the silence.



I thought about how this was completely normal for my ancestors. Hundreds of generations of my bloodline spent their entire lives in the exact same circumstance. What's abnormal is having 911 and GPS and cell signal 24/7.
photo

I found an old cowboy glyph. Something like "Jedediah Smith 1905". They used to run a lot of cattle down these canyons. That was just the start of my discoveries.



In the redrock it's easy to guess where the hunter gatherer tribes that moved through the area would have taken shelter under rocky overhangs and alcoves. Whenever I came to one I would first look at the ceiling to check for burned rock from the smoky campfires.

If I found one, I would start looking at the ground. I found all sorts of things in the canyon that day in a dozen different locations. I made sure to leave all of it as undisturbed as possible.

I found several metate grooves, where they would grind their maize. I also found two of the metate stones. Poking around I would uncover their corncobs, dessicated in the heat and buried in sand, hilariously small compared to today's corn which has been bred to a monstrous size.



Pottery sherds were everywhere. I even encountered a woven piece of basket. Probably made of yucca by an Anasazi woman 500 years ago.

As I was reaching my turnaround time, I saw one last large cave in the redrock. Probably 50 feet high and 100 feet deep. I had to check it out. I walked in and as my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I saw something I had never seen before.



Painted on the walls of the cave, in vibrant reds and blues, were seven life-size figures of Anasazi warriors, all holding spears, with huge horned grotesque masks. I can't even find a picture on the internet right now that is as impressive as what I had found.

These figures would have looked like they were moving and dancing in the flickering firelight of a small group sleeping in the cave. Maybe they felt more protected with them there. If the past is indeed a foreign country, this is the closest I ever came to visiting it.

I have seen plenty of carved petroglyphs in rocks, which obviously easily last for centuries even when exposed to rain and wind, but actual painted pictographs are much rarer. And to see so much of it, in such large lifelike detail was stunning. I was in awe.

When I got home I scoured the internet and every guide book looking for a reference to the cave I had found. Nothing. It's like there was an unspoken rule between all of us who had found it to never reveal its location and keep it special for those who come after us.

[PatH]

Beautiful indeed.  Thanks for sharing.

[PatH]

Barb, your post reminds me of a powerful reaction I once had to artifacts.  I was looking at an exhibit of Swiss Lake dwellers, including some pottery, of simple design, with patterns made by poking dents in the surface.  Looking closely, I could see the mark of the potter's fingernail at the edge of the dent.  Somehow, that tiny detail really hit home, that these were real people, with real, probably difficult lives.  it made everything seem so vivid, just like the hollows for grinding corn in your post.

[BarbStAubrey]

Pat that is how I felt going into some of the churches in Europe - the stone stairs were worn down by inches and I became aware the thousands of people who walked into the church for hundreds of years, in all manner of dress, some from the time of the Middle Ages - it just hit how yes, all these people for all this time doing the same thing, walking across the threshold to spend some time in a place where we make contact with our soul and with God - Even if the church is really an organization that is not only political but those who serve represent all levels of behavior as in any organization these churches would have witnessed both good and bad but mostly people with faith in something bigger than themselves and their expression of devotion and faith had been going on in this building for hundreds of years - Not as old as your nail print but to really feel a connection more than reading about it almost feels like the bottom drops out of our individual concept of today or even knowing our grandparents - Your nail print was what, at least several thousands of years old - do you think it was a million years - cannot even imagine a million years - the worn stone church steps were hundreds and some a thousand years old - if nothing else I guess we leave behind our trace in tiny ways that are not a memory of ourselves as an individual.   

[PatH]

Now that you mention it, Barb, I felt the same way about the stairs too--stone worn down into deep hollows.

[PatH]

Barb, you were talking about not finding any books about the time of the Cadfael mysteries.  I thought of one just the next generation of kings later.  Have you read Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings by Amy Kelly?  The four kings are her two husbands, Louis VII of France and Henry II of England, and two sons, Richard I, the Lionheart, and John. Henry, Richard, and John were the next three British kings after the Steven in the Cadfael stories.

My impression when I read it eons ago was that the history was accurate, but with probably some speculation about the feelings involved.  It seems to be still respected as history, and certainly the story of this colorful, complicated, and interesting woman doesn't need any embellishment.  The politics of the time were quite complicated, and Eleanor was a heavy player, but my memory is that one could keep things straight.

[BarbStAubrey]

hmm sounds good - need to look into it - sounds like lots of intrigue - I let a sale kindle go the other day and now I'm kicking myself - something about a historical figure who was from France but became entwined in the English royal's goings on and among other things carries the reputation of being or causing the end to chivalry - tra la found it - it ended up in the list of things I browsed on Amazon - his name is Simon de Montfort and the story takes place during the reign of Henry III - of course the other day it was a daily sale for 2.99 and now it is 9.99 -

oh my found Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings by Amy Kelly - earlier then the Simon de Montfort story - before and during the reign of Henry II hmm what was that wonderful movie with Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn during their later years - seems to me she was being kept in a tower and yes, this would have been much closer to the time of Cadfael. I really need to get these British Monarchs in order and their dates in history - sorta know but now I really want to know and organize it based on books I've read.  If Eleanor of Aquitaine... was originally in a series it is no longer available to buy one book at a time - the whole series - can't tell if it is in a single book or what but, it is now all one order on sale from $37 to $27.99 hmm that is close to my monthly budget limit... need to think about this... 

Several times I tried to go cold turkey on buying books with many in my pile not read - my latest gambit is to give myself a monthly amount - hate to break it because once broken then I found all sorts of excuses to break the limit over and over till it has no meaning. I think even if it is on sale I will see if I can use less this month and add it to the remainder budgeted amount next month. The book does sound like just what I'm looking for...thanks Pat

[PatH]

The movie is The Lion in Winter, and yes, it's about Eleanor of Aquitaine.  I think I didn't see it, but Hepburn was wonderful in just about everything she played in, and would certainly make a good Eleanor.

[Frybabe]

Barb, there is hope. I was not successful with reducing my Audible book account. But about a week and a half ago I did drop my Kindle Unlimited. Since then, I have been busy going through my collection of Science Fiction (started there because it is the largest of my categories). Some of these I have had for years. Of the ones I have not already read and wanted to keep, I have managed to delete about ten so far that were not worth finishing. This is a good thing because my Paperwhite was just about full.

I am still trying to find a way to get my newer audiobooks stored offline. Since the Window 10 app does not accept the newer audiobooks, and Windows 11S does not support Audible, it has been a struggle. The two SSD(?) that I bought for my tables to handle the audiobooks work fine for regular books files, but it turns out that the Kindle tablets I have do not support transferring audiobooks to the SSD cards for some reason. (and here I thought my cards weren't working) That little limitation was not mentioned in the sales blurb for the chips. I had to dig deep into Kindle specs, in a not easy to find place, that mentioned that. Several programs that do conversions from .aax to .mp3 do work, but the Kindles Fires are .aaxc. The "c" is specific to Kindle formatting. The only one I found that may work requires another conversion program to first strip the "c" coding away before conversion to .mp3. Still looking. Still waiting for Audible to play nice with Window 11. I really, really want Audible to play nice with Windows 11 so that I can listen to my audio and also check out the additional .pdf material (often Great Courses, but some other non-fiction) on a larger screen. Well, what I want and what I get are so often two entirely different things.

All in all, I have not been doing much reading or listening this past week other than a space military crime investigation novel. There are two audio books I started a few weeks back but have not listened to for about a week.

[Tomereader1]

Barb, could you not find the Eleanor of Aquitane & Four Kings available on Abe Books or other online book outlets, probably same price or lower than you quoted?

[BarbStAubrey]

Hmm good idea - will look - I'm determined to stay on budget although I did not know how these kindle points work and it appears it is easy peasy to cash them in for credit toward a Kindle purchase and that may be a solution...

[ginny]

I'm reading a "hand me down" book, in that I had given it to my oldest son for Christmas and he already had it (also previously given by me) hahaha  and had enjoyed it and so I asked him if I could read it then. ...It's just been sitting here. It's called Fortune's Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt, by Arthur T Vanderbilt II. We don't live far from the Biltmore House and used to go every year to see the Christmas decorations or have a picnic,  or see the gardens, etc., and he's interested in a mystery about Cornelia....anyway....

I picked it up out of curiosity this morning and hit on a chapter near the end, about  Reggie Vanderbilt, husband of Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, (whose daughter Little Gloria is the mother of Anderson Cooper)  who squandered the entire fortune available to him. It's impossible to put down! It has also lots of great photos, including all of their great houses, and I'm looking forward to reading about all the Vanderbilts. I already know more about them than I have in all these years and it's ALL so well written and unforgettable.

When I finish with Gloria's chapter (Reggie has just died) I will go back and start at the beginning.

Two thumbs  up.  Fascinating, and stranger than fiction.

[BarbStAubrey]

Forgot how the Vanderbilt family originally made their money - you have to wonder now what is the shame of loosing a fortune - seems like if you are not continuing to make your fortune grow which seldom helps anyone it is not considered a worthy use of an inheritance but then by spending it you are spreading the wealth to at least those who produce something or who sell something - that would be to me an interesting tracking of these huge sums that are no longer only producing more wealth unless the wealth is actually supporting industry or commerce or the arts - would like to see what wealth does support and how it compares to what many with wealth consider frittering it away.

I remember Gloria being a big name and then she was big in innovative decorating - I Remember cutting from a magazine her covering her bathroom sink cabinets painting flowers on a green background - shocking at the time but now it would be embraced by many. She always dressed with a flair - I thought there was more than one husband but then maybe at the time they used to include in the newspaper the balls and large dinners, who took whom to these events and she may have attended some event with men other than her husband which at the time was not unusual.

One thing I always thought Biltmore house missed was doing more with that monster size library. With several colleges in the area I thought it would be an opportunity for students and a money maker for them - since they do have so many activities as money makers - students not only could catalogue and publish the contents of the library but have a monthly magazine featuring a review of a couple of books that were included in a series of collected books about that subject and then the books that contain notes by those who read and left notes in the book publish the note and each month have one of these books for sale with a new special binding as a collection that could be created by those who purchased the books that would be available with top notch binding as well as a less expensive version in paperback. Any book needing repair is also how the local college students studying library science could have direct experience. I just thought it a shame walking through that huge room of books without browsing the stacks and yet, I can imagine the books would not be taken care of if the public had access however, there in my mind should be something if only to know which of all those books were actually read by George Vanderbilt or his wife. 

[Frybabe]

Wow, I just started reading The Bookseller of Florence by Ross King, the same guy who wrote Brunelleschi’s Dome. I think we read that one here, eons ago. It is humungous. It is sure to take a while to get through it even if I suspend all my other reading, so I just bought it so I can concentrate at my leisure rather than fret over getting it back to the library in 19 days. Paper, ink, writing, bookmaking and avid book collectors among others. I am ecstatic.

I have a mind to see if I can find buy a copy of his Ex Libris, an historical novel set in London during the English Civil War. It doesn't seem to have made it to an e-book format yet.

Barb, I read a crime mystery some years back that featured the Biltmore library and estate and the area around Ashville. It was called Blackman's Coffin and is the first of a series by Mark de Castrique. 

[PatH]

Barb, here's one more item I found about the British kings--a list of them all, from the Saxons to the present, with brief amusing descriptions of their character and what they did.

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/KingsQueensofBritain/