Fiction ~ Old ~ New ~ Best Sellers #2

[Babi]

 

This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers. Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?

Discussion Leader:  Judy Laird

Don't give it a thought, ROSEMARY.   Anytime a group of friends get together, the topics of
conversation are bound to range afield.  Thought associations,  responses, etc., etc.  We just
go with the flow.  We always come back to the purported purpose of the get-together...eventually.  

[CallieOK]

A friend and I were known for having what our husbands called "Circle Back" conversations.  We might start with Topic A, which led to Topic B, etc. etc. until we eventually "circled back" to the original subject.  They usually just wandered off to do their own thing and left us to it.  

[pedln]

I was in the hosp for divertiulitisus yesterday so perhaps I am not in the best mood. hehe

Hey, Judy Laird, are you feeling better now?  Did you have to stay overnight?
A friend had to take her husband to the ER for the same thing not too long ago.  That diverticu stuff sounds like trouble.  You take care.

[Judy Laird]

Thanks Pedln, no I don't feel all that much better. I think the anti-biotics may be making it worse in one way. See I gastro type dr on monday.
Have to take a 92 year old lady named Janice to get her hair done this afternoon.
I am sure she will die in the beauty parlor and she may take me wth her. hehe

[CallieOK]

Judy, diverticulitis attacks must be "the current thing".  I had one two weeks ago - but didn't have to go to the hospital.  Just now finishing up the meds.  My sympathies to you.

I'm enthralled with a non-fiction book right now..."The Nine", which is about the Supreme Court in the last 20 or so years.   A James Patterson novel (book club selection) is on the TBR list.

Also picked up some children's books this morning to use at a story time ("OkieTales") at The Oklahoma History Center next week.  The theme next week is "Route 66" and I've been busy finding and copying maps to show the participants. We'll take a look at the Car Exhibit if we have time. 

It's either blazing hot here - or the wind practically knocks you down.  Good weather to stay inside and read!

[rosemarykaye]

Judy, I hope you feel better soon.  I am also on antibiotics and they do not make you feel good.

You reminded me of Muriel, the hairdresser in the village we used to live in.  Most of her clients were elderly, and they all went to get their hair done every Friday, most arriving by taxi and practically being carried in by the (local) driver.  I was in there once when an extremely tottery lady decided to stagger from the chair to the wash basin - the horrified hairdresser rushed behind her with a chair on wheels, which was fortunate because she sank to the ground half way.  The whole place was an experience - they always double booked and once, when I had to get away to collect a child and they still hadn't finished my hair, Muriel just said "oh well, it's better for it to air dry anyway" (no discount, needless to say).  All village life was there.

Rosemary

[maryz]

Glad y'all are getting treatment for your diverticulitis.  My long-time friend is in her third week in the hospital with diverticulitis, which resulted in an abscess formation, surgery, temporary (hopefully) colostomy.  She's just now being started on clear liquids.  It can be bad, so keep on top of the treatment.

[Babi]

 Oh, dear, ROSEMARY.  It must be a lifelong habit with those old ladies...
hair salon every Friday.  Never even think of possibly not going that route.
It's bound to be very tiring for them, but I had to smile at the aghast
hairdresser dashing to the rescue with the wheeled chair. 

[mabel1015j]

Finished the " Harriet and Isabella" book by Patricia O'Brien. It's a fictional account of the Henry Beecher sex scandal and it's effect on his family and those two sisters in particular. This is my second O'Brien book and i like her writing quite a bit.

If you have an interest in Harriet Beecher Stowe, Victoria Woodhull, the suffrage movement, hypocrisy, loyalty, or the difficulty of determining how much/long you stand on your virtues, you may enjoy this book. O'Brien personalizes these events and really makes you wonder about what you would do under these circumstances. I felt the emotions of each character and their responses to the events.

It is au courant, as Ginny would say. What is it about powerful men that gets them into these messes? An arrogance that they are untouchable? Where does that come from? Is lust the most powerful motivator for some men? If you are their friend or family, do you support them? For how long? .......... What a puzzlement! ..... Jean

[Steph]

Busy weekend, not much reading and I do need to start on Book Two of Old Filth.. I am enjoying this months discussion. The book is really good.. Anyone not participating ought to check in..
I did dig out The Three Weissmans... to read next. Looks good and someone just said they liked it.. With the trial, I am not reading quite as much as normal.

[serenesheila]

ROSEMARY, your story about the hairdresser and her 92 y/o lady gave me a good laugh.  I am having a similiar experience, with my balance.  With multiple health problems, I have now lost my sense of balance.  I am 77 years old, and for the past year, I have fallen numerous times.  The result is that I am not going anywhere.  I am afraid of falling.

The last fall resulted in spending all day in the ER.  Once I fell, I was unable to get up.  My daughter, and my house cleaner were here at that time, and insisted on calling an ambulance.  The total cost was more than $12, 000.00.  All of the tests came back normal.  Now, I am afraid to go anywhere.

Sheila

[Octavia]

Good grief, Shiela how could one day cost that much? The instruments must be gold plated

[roshanarose]

Sheila - That is astronomical!!

Clearly, you don't have any special benefits for seniors.  What is the story regarding medical health benefits in the US?  Do they vary from State to State?

When I shattered my ankle I had to be in hospital for 5 weeks because I contracted MRSA - Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.  It was a terrible time for me.  Including checkups (when an ambulance came to get me and take me home again)  it cost me absolutely nothing.  When I went home I was given free meds, including morphine for 6 weeks, a nurse to change my dressings every 3 days, and a free physiotherapist.

[rosemarykaye]

Sheila, that is appalling.  We are forever complaining about our NHS here - the waiting lists, the impossibility of getting a GP's appointment, etc etc, but really we are so lucky.  My doctor neighbour told me that our system is never going to last into our old age, which is a thought - but on the other hand, I can't imagine that any political party will dare to tamper with it, it's the real sacred cow of the UK.

I have been amazed to find that in Edinburgh the NHS seems to function much better than it did in Aberdeen.  Edinburgh is of course a much larger city, but so far I have been able to get a same day doctor's appointment twice with no trouble at all.  The local NHS practice also has an NHS podiatry service - I have asked for an appointment, haven't got it yet - but in Aberdeen there would have been all sorts of hoops to go through, here you just fill in a form and post it through their door.  And it is all free at point of delivery, as they say - it comes out of our (40%) taxes.  Alex Salmond, the First Minister in Scotland, has just abolished prescription charges too - they were introduced a few years ago and have always been a huge bugbear, as it was often cheaper to buy the medicine from the pharmacist than pay the prescription charge, but our medicines are much more strictly controlled than I think yours are, and we cannot, for example, buy antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.  On the whole I think that is a good thing, in that antibiotics are already massively over-used.  

Having read your post, I am going to make a big effort to be more appreciative.

Rosemary

[Steph]

 No , no, she definitely has medicare.. There might be some charges depending on what was done. I think she was simply telling you what it would have cost her.

[Babi]

 SHEILA, it's time to get a cane or some other type of walking assistance. I've been using
a cane for quite a while, thought I confess somewhat inconsistently. Depends on how well
I'm doing, but it does enable to feel more confident getting around in unsteady times.

 I'm glad you were able to overcome that MRSA, ROSE. That is a tough one. What makes it
most upsetting, is that generally one only runs into that  in the hospital.
  Now I am amazed, ROSEMARY, that you were able to get a same day appointment. That's
unheard of! If you have an emergency, they tell you to go to an emergency room. But....
40% taxes?!!!  Mercy!! Well, there is undoubtedly bad new and good news about both systems.

[rosemarykaye]

Babi - that is exactly what we used to be told in Aberdeen - go to A & E (Accident & Emergency).  Then there was an outcry about how many people were turning up at the hospital without real emergencies - but they had been told to do so by their GP receptionists.  So then everyone was told instead to phone NHS 24, a new service manned by nurses, who were expected to give you advice and stop you bothering the doctor (well that was what they really meant...) - needless to say, the only advice they ever gave you was to call your doctor - and who can blame them?  They are not trained or paid to take a doctor's responsibilities.  Eventually NHS 24 became so overloaded you could never get through, so the next thing we were told was to consult our pharmacist, ie in the chemist shop.  Surprise surprise, they are also unwilling to take any decisions at all - and again who can blame them - and every single time I ever asked them about anything for my children, they would inevitably say "you need to see a doctor".

Our GPs are highly paid but seem to me to be getting out of more and more - for example, they used to do night calls on a rota, but now all of that is covered by out of hours services, - this has unfortunately led to some tragic disasters, as most of the doctors manning these services do not speak good English and have made some big mistakes.

I suppose it is all the result of a growing population, and especially  a growing elderly population.  Unfortunately, there is also the attitude amongst some sectors of the community that it is their "right" for example to have a home visit from the doctor, even when they are perfectly capable of getting to the surgery.  This is a hangover from the early days of the NHS, and some people don't seem to realise that all of these services are now seriously stretched.  It is the same as people not taking responsibility for their own health by trying to keep fit, give up the cigarettes, etc - although so far as the keeping fit goes, our councils are not exactly helping that by closing all the swimming pools, etc.

Better get off my soap box now 

Rosemary

[Judy Laird]

You guys surely got my attention about the diverticulosis.  Went to the doctor yesterday and didn't take the medicine because I was sure they made me sick, figured they would have something different.  I basically got suck it up take the medicine or would will be in a lot worse shape.

Came home and took the medcine and will do it faithfully but I still feel crummy.

[CallieOK]

Judy,  Good Girl!     I just finished my meds and am ever so much better - but am eating very cautiously because I really don't have time to deal with it again!

I just finished "Dream A Little Dream" by Elizabeth Berg.  It's set in WWII and, just as I thought she couldn't possibly work in another cliche of that era..............she did!   However, the story line was light-summer-read-interesting so I'm willing to give her a second chance and checked out another one by her today.

On Saturday, I couldn't find my library card while I was there - although I could recite the number.  The clerk punched a few buttons on his computer and told me no one else would be able to use my card.   Of course, I found it as soon as I got home - but it never dawned on me that I might not be able to use it, either!!!!  
Was I ever surprised when I went on-line yesterday to reserve a book and had a big red notice saying that mail sent to me had been returned - please come in and bring proof of your address. (They don't send me mail!)
So I found the current utility bill receipt and off I went this morning.  Turned out the clerk had punched the wrong button and blocked all access for everyone.  Fortunately - another click and all was well.  Whew!

[maryz]

Our youngest who has also had an attack of diverticulitis (a number of years ago) is ever so careful to avoid corn and tomatoes.  Sometimes when we're together in the summertime, I'll fix her some fresh tomato pieces with the skin and seeds all removed.    But she won't chance it otherwise.

[CallieOK]

Mary,  by the time I fix a tomato so I can eat it - there's not much left!   I get the tomato taste by making aspic with lemon gelatin and tomato sauce.  Can't beat the taste of a good summer tomato - but one does what one has to do.

After a very pleasant morning, the temperature has soared.  Good time to settle in an see if I like this Elizabeth Berg novel any better - or maybe dip into one of the other two I brought home.

Hope it's a Lovely Day wherever you are.

[rosemarykaye]

Callie - here, on Midsummer's Day, it has poured since early morning and shows no signs of stopping.  I went out around 6pm and all the cars had their lights on.  Offices have had theirs on all day.  I told my son that we shouldn't complain about this, as at least there's no chance of forest fires in Edinburgh.

Rosemary

[marjifay]

It's a little on the warm side here in southern California, 84 degrees.  I'm settling in to read some more in James Michener's ALASKA, and that's keeping me cool.

You're lucky you have no forest fire worries in Edinburgh, Rosemary.  Ours will probably be beginning before too long, altho' I live in a surburan area, not in the woodsy hills where they get started.

Marj

[serenesheila]

Thanks for the feedback about my huge medical bill, for a day in the ER.  Sorry I wasn't clear about who paid it.  I do have both Medicare and a supplement plan for retired military.  Between the two, I do not expect to have to pay anything, myself. I apologize for not pointing that out.

The $12,000+ did not include the cost of the ambulance.  Many tests were done, including an MRI, blood work, EKG, etc.  The total time with a doctor, was less than 30 minutes.  I am still stunned at the total cost, even if I did not have to pay it. The Medicare is for people over 65.  Now, the government is arguing about changing what is available for seniors in medical insurance. 

I was also surprised that the Medicare bill did not include an itemized statement for the charges.

Sheila

[serenesheila]

BABI, I consistently walk with a cane, since my last fall.  Even with a cane, I have come close to falling, several times.  A cane is not a completely safe protection from lack of balance.  I think it is time for a walker. LOL

Sheila

[rosemarykaye]

Sheila, I'm so glad you didn't have to pay that bill, but as you say, it is still stunningly awful.  Although we don't have to pay for our healthcare (yet), I am constantly stunned by the level of charges for veterinary care - which we do have insurance for, but you can't get it for an animal over the age of 8 unless it's already insured.  I know that my last vet, who was a lovely woman, did not get paid well at all, so I would like to know who gets all this money, - yours and mine (via our insurance, that is).  Where does it go?

And isn't that so typical that as soon as people start to claim on their insurance, the insurers all throw up their hands in horror and want to start cutting the benefits, refusing to cover anyone who might claim, etc?  My mother is 82 and finds it virtually impossible to get travel insurance, although she herself has never claimed.

Rosemary

[Gumtree]

Rosemary:

here, on Midsummer's Day, it has poured since early morning and shows no signs of stopping.

Here, on Midwinter Day, it was a warm, bright sunshiny day - no clouds in the sky, no rain (well there never is these days), - same again today....and tomorrow....and

Only the ash cloud from Chile's volcano put some interest into things as it hovered over our city and disrupted airlines again.

[Babi]

ROSEMARY, that would drive me nuts!  Ah well; if there was a perfect
system we would all be using it, wouldn't we?  Hopefully?

  CALLIE, I only wish all clerical foull-ups could be corrected with
a click of a button!

  SHEILA, a walker may be wise, though you might like to try one of
those three-footed canes first. They do provide better grounding than
a simple cane.

[Judy Laird]

What I want to know is after thr 14 days how do you know if its gone??

[MaryPage]

Not following that.  How do you know if WHAT is gone?

[serenesheila]

BABI, I think that you are right.  I will try the 3 footed cane.  I had forgotten, but either a nurse, or the doctor mentioned my getting one, when I was in the ER.  Thank you for reminging me.

Sheila

[Steph]

 Judy, are you talking of the library and ebooks?? I gather they simply disappear from your library app..

[Aberlaine]

Hi folks, haven't been here in a while.  I just finished The Plot Against America by Philip Roth.  A bit disturbing but very well written.  I'm now starting the first book written by Michael Connelly: The Black Echo.  Gonna read them in order.  Time for a change.

Nancy

[Babi]

 Glad to be of service, SHEILA. 

 STEPH & MARYPAGE, ..I assumed Judy was referring to the diverticulitis, wondering when
she could be confident it was gone.

[Judy Laird]

thats right Babi I wondered aFTER THE14 DAYS how can you be sure the infection is gone.

[CallieOK]

Judy,   I can tell because nothing hurts and I no longer have intestinal cramps.  That doesn't mean the diverticula is gone - just that it's healed.

[BarbStAubrey]

Those who read the Tiffany book and live in or near NC may be interested in this
http://biltmore.com/visit/calendar/tiffany.asp?eid=Brand&mid=062211

[Steph]

 Oh Judy, I had the problem many years ago in my late 40's.. I was in the hospital for a week with all sorts of different drugs.. But yes, the doctor had me back a month later and did another exam..and another xray.. Then I was released and told not to eat seeds..Hmm. But I do and have for years. When I have my colonoscopy every five years, they also mention the diverticula pockets.

[Judy Laird]

Thanks Stephanie
Ann Alden told me yesterday they have decided the seeds were a myth and you could eat them.
I haven't been able to find anything about it yet.

Thanks Callie also

[ursamajor]

When I had my colonoscopy the doctor told me that I had diverticulosis, as opposed to -itis.  I have never had any symptoms.  He told me not to eat seeds or nuts (I didn't tell him I had two tablespoons of each every morning with breakfast) but half of gastroenterologists would say do not eat and the other half that it makes no difference.  So I have continued with almonds and sunflower seeds every morning.