Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tuesday



Oh, wait, did I tell you we got the electric wire up in the back yard yesterday? Both boys have been zapped twice while we were here. It only took Tug once. Either they're stubborn or not very smart. I vote stubborn. Ryker is incredibly demoralized by it, that is, his psyche is hurt. Coda is just pissed at it. He came up on the deck after getting zapped and barked at the world. I feel much better about leaving them now alone in the yard. I don't know if they encountered it while we were gone today. I wouldn't be surprised that they tested it again.



I took them for a walk when I got home from work. A loooong walk. All three of us were panting and tired when we got home again. I'm out of practice.

I think Steve is avoiding coming home in a timely manner tonight. The sun has been shining all day. He needs to mow. He can't tomorrow because of shooting. I mentioned it to him in a text today so I think he is now staying away as long as he can. Boys.



I finished the Tremayne book last night. I'm not sure what's next up for me. I'll go through the stack of TBR and see what jumps at me. There are many many from which to choose: Dickinson, Saylor, Jecks, Roberts, Lake, Knight, Sedley....



On tv tonight we have Deadliest Catch. Otherwise tonight, I need to check my Premeditated email to see if any excerpts have shown up. I'm giving the June issue a couple extra days because my requests went out over the holiday weekend for some authors at the end of the alphabet.


Three more days of work at Unemployment Insurance. I went to Occupational Health again today to get the second TB test going. I have to do two before I start on Monday. Blech.


Have a lovely evening!



Much love,


PK the Bookeemonster

Monday, May 30, 2011

Ryker totally believes that



I got the first draft of the newsletter done yesterday. Today, the fine tuning and putting in excerpts from requested sources.



The poor dogs. It's been raining again, yesterday and today. It's just not fun to play outside when it's that wet. Steve didn't mow and hasn't put up the wire yet for the fence. He's got to do at least the wire today. I'm plugging away at the laundry and with two dogs, I'm vacuuming just about every day. :)



I'm currently reading VALLEY OF THE SHADOW by Peter Tremayne. This is 6th of 22 in series featuring Sister Fidelma, a 7th century Celtic sister and legal advocate in Kildare, Ireland. Here is a synopsis:






Sister Fidelma has withdrawn from her religious house to represent her brother, the King of Muman, and the bishop of Imleach when mountain chieftain Laisre invites negotiations for a Christian church in his Druidic stronghold. On the threshold of Laisre's remote valley she and her escort, Brother Eadulf, stumble across 33 ritually slain bodies. Strangely, Laisre prevents Fidelma, a credentialed Brehon investigator, from pursuing inquiries. At the same time, she learns that Laisre's advisers, powerful sister Orla and Druid leader Murgal, did not approve his invitation to Christianity and are hostile to his plan and to all outsiders. Then why is Brother Solin, secretary to the bishop of Imleach's northern rival, welcome in this hidden valley? No sooner do Fidelma and Eadulf realize the political significance of his presence than Solin is murdered and Fidelma accused. Can Roman Eadulf learn enough about Celtic law to exonerate Fidelma? Are the ritual slaughter and Solin's murder linked? Is there a traitor on the inside? Before Fidelma can part personal motives enmeshed in the political, she has to cut through a fabulous swirl of mysterious outsiders, secret meetings, disguised identities, and more deaths.



It was published in 1998 and has 302 pages.



Back to work tomorrow. This is my last week. I'll do finishing up of loose threads on claims as much as I can and dismantle my personal stuff from my cubicle.


The other night we watched the movie I Am Number Four. Meh. Very much targeted, I think, to the "Twilight" crowd. Last night we watched Game of Thrones and The Killing. We missed last week's episodes because of traveling so it was good to catch up.



If I didn't have the newsletter to work on, it would be an excellent day to read. :)


Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Saturday, May 28, 2011

I'll watch these for you....



A bit of a problem last night. Got back from dinner at the folk's and the dogs -- well, probably just Coda -- had the garbage tipped over and strewn around the room, he munch the couch some more big time, and chewed the tip antennae off the phone and another book is damaged. Steve was pissed and I had to run interference. He's a puppy; they do this. Yes, we teach him what is okay and what is not. Sigh. It's my fault. I left them alone too long and didn't provide enough chews.



Today I have to work on the newsletter, go to a wedding, and start the weekend cleaning. Steve has to mow the yard and put up the electrified wire so the boys won't get out anymore.

If I had any spare time there are other projects I'd like to get going on but I'm not counting on it. I'd like a chance to stop by the library and then get a few things at the grocery store, too. It would be nice to move the new bookcase in and do some research on a writing project. But there it is.



The sun is out this morning though it is chilly yet. The dogs need to be walked; maybe Steve can do that one today. I love the dogs but I can't wait until they chill out a bit.



I finished Ian Morson's FALCONER'S JUDGEMENT. Next up, I'm not sure. It may be the next in series of Peter Tremayne.



I was asked where I get my photos for the blog. Mainly from this website: http://icanhascheezburger.com/.


Much love,


PK the Bookeemonster

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Nice kitties



Just a quick note because it's late. I worked on my newsletter this morning, got up to the "Ps". I walked the boys mid-morning and let them off leash at the field to let them run. Coda had a problem coming back so I'll have to work with him at some point. Then this afternoon, Ryker got into the neighbor's yard again. When I told him forcefully to come back over he sat down and had a look on his face that plain as day said "Make me."

I took the boys to Steve's shop so his mom could see them. Then the rest of the staff there. Then I went to M&D's and they met Emmitt, my brother's black lab. They got along okay for the most part but then Ryker the Escape Artist got he and Coda into the neighbor's yard. So I took the boys home and kept them inside the house.

Dinner was delicious; my brother grilled plank salmon. Good company and now rather tired. Steve beat me home and was in the back yard with the boys running their legs off around the yard. I love to watch them play. I'm going to read a little bit then hit the pillow.

Much love,
PK the Bookeemonster

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Rain rain go away....



Well I tell ya... I debated about going home for lunch but decided I would. Good thing. The dogs were out. I don't know how. We're putting up the electrified wire this weekend. We just can't have them getting out anymore.



The other priority for Steve to do is mowing. It hasn't been done in over a week and it has rained. The grass is just too long.



Speaking of rain, we broke the all time record for our area in rain in one day: over three inches. Eight inches in this month alone. We've needed it for the overall drought and people are complaining but I just think ahead to late July and August when it will be so hot.



Steve's shooting tonight is cancelled because of the rain. It has stopped but I'm sure the range is pure mud. He's happy not to have it tonight.



I think I'm sticking to reading FALCONER'S JUDGEMENT by Ian Morson. This is 2nd of 9 in series featuring William Falconer, a 13th century university regent master in Oxford, England. Here is a description:





In Rome, Pope Alexander IV lies dying. From the East, an assassin is sent by a powerful royal family. In Wallingford Castle a young man is held prisoner, charged with a murder he did not commit...In the swirling mists of Oxford, Regent Master William Falconer, Aristotelian philosopher and amateur sleuth, searches for the whereabouts of his mentor, Roger Bacon. But a political intrigue is about to explode. The Papal Legate's brother-a master cook-is killed with an arrow during a student riot. While authorities crack down on the disorder and zealots warn of the Apocalypse, Falconer begins an investigation. Now the man of reason must enter a labyrinth or madness-where ambition, deceit, and murder are the order of the day.


It was published in 1995 and has 224 pages.



Tonight, I don't think I have anything to watch on TV unless we're able to pick up those episodes we missed. Tomorrow, I will leave work early to visit with family. Cross fingers all the dogs get along.



I don't know, otherwise, we're just plugging along.



Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Saw a gecko there; this represents. :)



Rain, rain rain. Flooding going on in the county. Not supposed to stop for another 24 hours.


So, in a nutshell. Puerto Rico. We arrived there at 12 midnight after first leaving an airport at 6am. We were tired. Our room was over the marina; the resort was a sprawling multi-level place on a hillside. We had to take a tram to get to down to our room. Wednesday was a free day for the most part and beautiful and sunny. The humidity was thick. We had an event that evening to kick off the convention. Thursday it rained and we had meetings all day. Friday we had a keynote speaker, Sean Tuoey, the dad of The Blind Side movie. Very good guy. We got a free signed copy of their book and a DVD of the movie. We were supposed to do our activity -- ATV through the rainforest -- but it was cancelled because of the rain. Saturday was all day meetings and rain. That evening was a dinner in the rainforest. We were bussed there; the food was so-so; people were bitten by fire ants. The entertainment was country singer Jo Dee Messina and when we got back to the rooms we had a signed CD of hers. Sunday, our shuttle was leaving at 9 so brunch was rushed. It wasn't raining but the humidity was horrible. We had brunch on an outside terrace and sweat was just dripping. We got home, the plane landed at 12:30am. Tired. I'll get the few pictures up in a day or so. I got bugged as to why we didn't have pictures. I took four. Rain in PR wasn't very inspiring for photos.



Work today was work. They told the temps (I've turned in notice so I'm not in that status really anymore) today that their last day is June 26. That would have been me if I didn't get the job I did. Phew. I came home for lunch to check on the boys. Coda had actually been in the igloo. Up until now they've been treating it like a torture chamber to be avoided at all costs. I left them inside when I went back to work because of all the rain. They had been sopping and I couldn't see the logic in letting them soak up four plus hours more of it. I crossed my fingers they wouldn't destroy anything. They didn't. Good boys.



Tonight, we're having soup and grilled cheese and see what's on tv. I need to figure out what I'm reading next. I finished CHASING FIRE by Nora Roberts. It ended rather abruptly, I thought. But overall not a bad stand alone. I had ordered a couple books from the UK earlier in the month but cancelled them. So I need to peruse the TBR stacks. It may be a Tremayne that's next. We'll see. Otherwise, going to bed early sounds lovely. Cuddling with Steve a little sounds lovely too.



Man, it is just raining without end. Good to sleep by, read a good book by, watch a good movie by, not to walk dogs in or be at work all day. :)



Have a lovely...



Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Monday, May 23, 2011

Back from the land of rain to ... the land of rain...hey!




We got back last night from Puerto Rico. Our flight was delayed from Denver to Billings so we didn't land until 12:30am. We got to bed at 1:30-2am. We've been on Eastern Standard Time so it was really 3:30-4am to our systems. Tired. I HATE flying. I'm not joking or exaggerating when I say that I get motion sick on hammocks, ferheavenssake. Why haven't we improved on this model in a gabillion years? The flight between Philly and Denver hit bad turbulence which -- I didn't throw up -- but it messed up my insides so I was feeling just awful for the rest of the trip.



Puerto Rico was humid and rainy. The resort was lavish and spread out. I'll tell you more tomorrow. It's getting on 9pm now. I've been unpacking, doing laundry, vacuuming, etc. Trying to recover/rest for work tomorrow.





The dogs did okay but acted up a bit. Chewed up some books and a spot on the couch. They've not done that with us before so I'm wondering what was going on in their heads. I'm sure they were feeling abandoned after having us for little over a week and then we were gone for almost a week. They got into the neighbor's (fenced) yard once and played with Clara. But it looks like the fences held to the outside world.



I'll be talking to one of the supervisors tomorrow about maybe taking Thursday/Friday off since Lisa and family will be in town only those two days. It's not like I'm a permanent employee staying for the long haul. I'm a temp short-timer with sick time to use.



Steve went to do coaching at the gun club for their Monday night group. I finished the Nora Roberts book I left behind. I'm ready for sleeping now. :)



Much love,


PK the Bookeemonster

Monday, May 16, 2011

See you later...until next week....



After today the blog will be on hiatus until next week.



The dogs got out again last night. Evening seems to be their "we're bored let's roam" time. Today I'm staying home with them until Steve can get away to fix the spot -- and that is the last of the possible escape routes, we've checked.

I'm making use of the time though. I've packed the majority of my stuff. I gave Coda a huge brushing and he looks good now -- his haunches were pretty scruffy. I've got some other stuff to do until I'm sprung and can get to work.



Steve is very much NOT looking forward to the trip. Even with Puerto Rico, he hates these conventions and he hates to travel. Soooo....it will be interesting.


See ya next week. Hopefully, our trip will be uneventful. No hurricanes, no Bermuda Triangle encounter, no catestrophic event, no political coup... boring. It's supposed to be in the 80s and raining. We can deal with that.



Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Beagle! And yes, that's probably something my boys would do. And with birds. And with bunnies.



I spent most of the day working on my newsletter. I got up to "M". Sigh. Wish it were closer to completion but no more time to work on it now before the trip.






We had a little corner confab of neighbors a little while ago. Steve and I, Barry and his wife, and the mom and dad of Mocha, the husky kitty-corner to our backyard. All agree our dogs are very sweet, especially Ryker. I think Ryker gets the attention because he looks like he could be fierce and people are surprised at how sweet he really is. Steve is out securing more of the fenceline just as an extra precaution. We took the boys for a walk this afternoon.






We have tv tonight so I won't get much done so I'm going to a little pre-packing when I'm done here to start making final choices in clothes. I ran my idea past Steve of what we can do for his birthday while in Puerto Rico but he shot it down so I don't know what I'll do. I just want him to be as happy as possible and if that means he'd like to sleep until noon everyday and do not much at all then that's okay with me.






Gotta keep moving...






Much love,



PK the Bookeemonster



Saturday, May 14, 2011

Saturday



So much to do in not a lot of time. This weekend I have a lot to accomplish. More on that in a bit.



Last night after work we had a drinks/appetizers get together with my buddy Tami in a sort of bachelorette party kind of thing although her fiance was there too and couple other men. It was just a nice get together. I didn't get home until 7:30 and Steve forgot about my deal so he didn't get home until shortly before me he says. The dogs were fine and no great escapes apparently.



Tami's fiance, John, works at MSU-B who was having their bi-annual garage sale on Thursday and Friday. Somehow Tami heard of a wooden bookcase for sale -- knowing I'm always on the lookout -- and told John to hold it for me. They are both sweethearts. So for $5, I've a new bookcase for which I need to find a new place. It is much needed because yes, I have five already, but I'm overflowing again. Well, it's more like a tsunami.

This weekend I need to really work on my newsletter though I have to accept the fact it will be late getting out. I'm not taking a laptop with me on the trip and the programs I need aren't on it anyway. I need to prep the clothes I'll be taking, figure out what will work, shoes, etc. I've got another Tami event this afternoon -- her wedding is Memorial Day weekend. I'll be looking into securing the yard a little better for when we're gone. I have to do the usual laundry and vacuuming with a little extra dose of cleaning because my brother is staying to look after the boys.



Steve's birthday is Monday and I have absolutely nothing to get a present with due to the unexpected expenses because of getting the dogs. Grrr. I mean I'm very happy with the boys but I hate that I have to delay a b-day present.



I was hoping to not take books on the trip, only the Kindle, but I now have one and half library books to complete within 14 days. I'm about halfway through ONE WAS A SOLDIER and the new Nora Roberts stand alone, CHASING FIRE, came available to me.



There it is then. And it is a beautiful day and looking to be a good weekend. I am so hoping Steve will mow the lawn asap because with the recent rain, it is a jungle out there. :)




Have a lovely day.



Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Friday, May 13, 2011

Missing posts

Blogger ate my Wednesday post and wouldn't let me post yesterday due to whatever problems they're experiencing.

Will be back later.....

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Hey, there's a trick I need to teach the boys



Today was the first day the boys were alone all day for the most part. Steve stopped by in the morning and at lunch and I stopped by at lunch. They got out twice yesterday but we think we've plugged all exits now in the back yard. Fingers crossed. We took the boys for a walk yesterday evening and it went okay; they were very interested in the birds. At this point, I won't be walking them both by myself. I may have to do a quick walk each alone after work.



Steve has shooting tonight. I'll probably check out tv or read.



I was back to work today after being gone since Friday. I'm a short-timer: finishing up my work flow box as well as a my buddy Tami's box now that she is gone. I'm not taking on new claimants.



It was a gorgeous day today. The sun was out and no rain. :) I looked at the weather forecast for Puerto Rico -- in the 80s and rain. Uff da. I need to go through my clothes and figure out what I can wear in the least amount of packing space. Reading-wise, I'll probably just take my Kindle (if I finish ONE WAS A SOLDIER). Woot!



Have a lovely evening!


Much love,
PK the Bookeemonster

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tuesday



I finished PROPHECY by SJ Parris. I was able to overlook most of the time the first person tense. I enjoyed it a very much. Next up is a library book, ONE WAS A SOLDIER by Julia Spencer Fleming. This is 7th of 7 in series featuring Clare Fergusson, a newly-ordained Episcopal priest, and Russ Van Alystyne, Chief of Police, in Millers Kill, New York. Here is a description:






On a warm September evening in the Millers Kill community center, five veterans sit down in rickety chairs to try to make sense of their experiences in Iraq. What they will find is murder, conspiracy, and the unbreakable ties that bind them to one another and their small Adirondack town.The Rev. Clare Fergusson wants to forget the things she saw as a combat helicopter pilot and concentrate on her relationship with Chief of Police Russ Van Alstyne. MP Eric McCrea needs to control the explosive anger threatening his job as a police officer. Will Ellis, high school track star, faces the reality of life as a double amputee. Orthopedist Trip Stillman is denying the extent of his traumatic brain injury. And bookkeeper Tally McNabb wrestles with guilt over the in-country affair that may derail her marriage. But coming home is harder than it looks. One vet will struggle with drugs and alcohol. One will lose his family and friends. One will die. Since their first meeting, Russ and Clare’s bond has been tried, torn, and forged by adversity. But when he rules the veteran’s death a suicide, she violently rejects his verdict, drawing the surviving vets into an unorthodox investigation that threatens jobs, relationships, and her own future with Russ. As the days cool and the nights grow longer, they will uncover a trail of deceit that runs from their tiny town to the upper ranks of the U.S. Army, and from the waters of the Millers Kill to the unforgiving streets of Baghdad.



It was published in April 2011 and 336 pages.

I went in today to complete paperwork and do drug test/physical for the new job with St Vincent Hospital. I was gone from 7:30 until about 10. When I got home the boys had somehow pushed the gate to the backyard open -- a gate that is secured in three different ways. They were just in the side yard thank goodness. Steve is reinforcing it tonight when he gets home. Grrr. Otherwise they're doing well. It's been raining like the dickens so we haven't been able to play that much. That will change soon hopefully.


Tomorrow I'll be back to work for the full day. I hope they behave. I may have to come home at noon to check on them.


Have a good evening....


Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Monday, May 9, 2011

Two Dogs, Day Three - Oh, brothers.



With Coda being able to go downstairs now, last evening was more enjoyable as we had programs on tv to watch. The boys slept the whole time. Today I left for a bit to see how they'd do -- I knew they would be fine but still. They were fine but VERY glad to see me when I got home. It's been raining most of the day so they're wet but they don't seem to mind it. I consider it a free bath for Coda. Tomorrow I have to leave for a few hours to deal with stuff for my new job so they'll be alone for longer and then on Wednesday it will be the full working day. My only concern is that Ryker had gotten out of the yard of his former home which is why the original owners took him back. But I'm thinking it won't be as big a concern for us: we have a big yard (the original owners thought that was a problem with the middle owners) and I think he's happy here. We love dogs and we treat them well. He's got a buddy here with him and they play with Clara the neighbor dog when they're outside. They're napping now.






I need to have a bite for lunch and then go downstairs and make more progress on the newsletter. No napping for me this afternoon. :)






Much love,



PK the Bookeemonster

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Ryker and Coda



Day Two, Two Dogs - Happy Mother's Day


Hey, Coda finally went down the stairs inside! The washer got off balance this morning and started banging so we all (Coda, Ryker and I) charged downstairs. Coda's been down twice more since then. Yay!

The dogs had a good night. They slept mostly in the living room I think. They got up about 6-ish and have been playing and napping all morning. They play together well. Oh what a relief. I think it's going to work. Ryker is such a sweet dog. In the photo we saw on the shelter's website, he looked kind of fierce, being a Shepherd/Akita. Oh so sweet in person. We really lucked out: both dogs have such wonderful personalities. Steve took Ryker for a walk yesterday -- and it rained -- and to me, as they left, he looked to have the same go-go tendencies that Tug had.

I'm currently downstairs about to work on my newsletter and Steve is upstairs with them. Steve is going shooting this afternoon and I was thinking of maybe putting them outside with the door closed while I worked a bit to see how they do "alone" and begin the weaning process of being alone all day while we're at work. My next concern is food. I had bought a medium-sized bag on Friday before getting Coda, thinking we're only having the one dog and a puppy (under one year) at that. One step at a time.


So today I'm doing laundry and working on the newsletter. It's a cool and dark day, threatening rain. I've been up since 6am with the dogs so maybe a nap will be in future. In order to get the boys used to us and the house and settling in, I've been reading in the living room the past couple evenings. PROPHECY by SJ Parris is very good. Tonight, though, we have TV to watch but with Coda now able to come downstairs maybe it will be okay.

Much love,
PK the Bookeemonster

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Day One, Two Dogs "You did WHAT?"



Okay, so, been a little busy. We added two family members since yesterday. Yesterday we got Coda from a shelter. He's just under a year old, black with white feet and chest. Probably a Labrador something mix. Today we added Ryker a 3-year old Shepherd/Akita mix. We had been considering having two dogs and in fact I had tried it once with Tug since he was alone all day but he was just too jealous of any other dog being around me. Both Coda and Ryker are socialized around other dogs and are starting sort of at the same time. We're hoping we're doing the right thing, we're thinking so. They can keep each other occupied during the day while we're at work. They're getting along with the neighbor Shepherd, Clara, and have been doing some fence running. This in itself is amazing because that dog is a barker at anything.



Coda had a good night last night. No crying which I thought could have been possible because he's used to being around 50 other dogs all the time. He stayed by me lying on the floow when I was in bed and then later when I moved to the couch he slept on his bed and the floor by me. He's a lover, kisses. At some point soon I need to take him to a vet because his eyes are a little weepy. He won't go down stairs inside the house though. Ever see a mule that decided it didn't want to go anywhere? They sit down and refuse to budge. That' Coda. He never had to use stairs at the shelter: they don't have stairs there. But he will go down the stairs from the deck to the back yard. We're thinking Ryker will show him it's okay eventually. We've been spending the afternoon in the backyard with them both, getting them acclimated.


So this is going to be what will be taking our attention for a bit while we get them settled. No one will or can take Tug's place in our hearts, but we are dog people and our lives have been so lonely without him. Maybe we can make a forever home for these two dogs who are looking for a family. I'll get pictures soon.



Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster



Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wha..what? That's why we won't be getting a cat.



So. I turned in notice today at Unemployment Insurance and have accepted a job with Rocky Mountain Health Network. In terms of timing, our trip to Puerto Rico in a couple weeks wreaks a little havoc on the start date. It looks like I'll work until the end of the month and start the new one on June 6th. The job pays about the same -- a little more -- and is permanent but nothing is permanent but better than the temp one I'm in now.






It's funny. In my 20s and 30s I really enjoyed starting new jobs. I liked the challenge and the adrenaline rush. I don't enjoy it so much anymore. But I have to accept that that is what my personality was; it can't be changed; but it would be helpful to know what it is I'm supposed to be doing. But the way the economy is and the lack of job openings/opportunities, one must take what is offered.






I've got a lot to do this evening: pay some bills, send the newsletter to printers, get some paperbackswap books ready to go. After work I stopped to get groceries. What I'd like to do is soak in the shower and then read for a bit.






Much love,



PK the Bookeemonster

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tuesday



I finally finished THE ABBOT'S GIBBET by Michael Jecks. It was a book that I kept putting down for other things but I just had to finish it. There's too many books in the series to be slow poking.



I'll be starting PROPHECY by S J Parris next. It is 2nd of 2 in series featuring Giordano Bruno, a monk, philosopher, and astronomer on the run from the Roman Inquisition, serving as an agent for Queen Elizabeth I. Here is a description:




It is the year of the Great Conjunction, when the two most powerful planets, Jupiter and Saturn, align—an astrologi­cal phenomenon that occurs once every thousand years and heralds the death of one age and the dawn of another. The streets of London are abuzz with predictions of horrific events to come, possibly even the death of Queen Elizabeth. When several of the queen’s maids of honor are found dead, rumors of black magic abound. Elizabeth calls upon her personal astrologer, John Dee, and Giordano Bruno to solve the crimes. While Dee turns to a mysterious medium claiming knowledge of the murders, Bruno fears that some­thing far more sinister is at work. But even as the climate of fear at the palace intensifies, the queen refuses to believe that the killer could be someone within her own court. Bruno must play a dangerous game: can he allow the plot to progress far enough to give the queen the proof she needs without putting her, England, or his own life in danger?



It was just published and has 384 pages.



Steve has a board meeting tonight so dinner will be quick, sandwiches from the Pickle Barrel. Work was the usual, however, my friend there has turned in her notice and accepted another job so I'll be without my bud Tami soon. Very happy for her as our jobs are temporary status and could be ending who knows when. I'll be seeing her again or her evening of celebrating her upcoming wedding and then at the wedding itself at the end of the month.



It's been very lovely out today but a storm is moving it. It has cooled off and the wind has picked up. Maybe a nice evening for reading or ... wait, I have Deadliest Catch to watch tonight. I was going to say catch up on The Borgias but probably not tonight now. I keep meaning to be more productive in the evenings but by the time it gets here I lose my ambition. :)


Have a good one....



Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sloths by definition are content


Ahh, we just got May Day'd. I didn't think anyone did that anymore. The girls down the street made teeny paper baskets and put two chocolate bits in them and knocked on all the doors of our street and then ran. That is just simply the best that it is still upheld by SOMEONE. Those girls will have richer, deeper lives for it.


Isn't it amazing that's it's already May? It was just January I swear. Here's a bit of May Day lore:


Many of the earliest references to May Day are ambiguous, but those which give any detail nearly always refer to the practice of going out into the countryside to gather flowers and greenery—‘going a-maying’ or ‘bringing in the may’. This greenery was used to decorate houses and public buildings to welcome the season, and for the early period this was the archetypal activity of the day. Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, provides one of the first written references to May Day customs by complaining, c.1240, about priests joining in ‘games which they call the bringing-in of may’ (Hutton: 226). Although this early reference is an ecclesiastical grumble, medieval May celebrations were often officially sponsored and both churchwardens' and municipal account books regularly include money paid out to support the custom. Similarly, the gatherings could include all levels of society including nobility and even royalty...The bringing in of the May remained a staple of the traditional calendar throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, but voices of opposition began to be raised from reforming Protestant quarters from the time of Edward VI (1547-1553) onwards, gathering pace almost year by year. The assault on May Day took many forms, religious, moral, and legal (public order), but the focus of disapproval of the Bringing-in custom was primarily the concern about what unchaperoned young people would be doing in the woods....Many of the customs associated with the first day of May may come from the old Roman Floralia, or festival of flowers. These include the gathering of branches and flowers on May Day Eve or early May Day morning, the choosing and crowning of a May Queen, and dancing around a bush, tree, or decorated pole, the maypole. The sports and festivities that are held on this day symbolize the rebirth of nature as well as human fertility. In fact, the ritual drinking and dancing around the maypole in colonial America so horrified the Pilgrim Fathers that they outlawed the practice and punished the offenders. This is probably why May Day has remained a relatively quiet affair in this country.


And of course, the Socialists had to go and ruin it as well:


The Second Socialist International in 1889 designated May Day as the holiday for labor, and since that time it has been the occasion for demonstrations, parades, and speeches among socialists and communists.


I finished the May issue of Premeditated and emailed the PDFs. The printed one will go out on Wednesday; have to wait for that other great holiday, Pay Day. I've started the June issue. I've also posted some books to paperbackswap.com and doing laundry.



Last night we watched Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole on DVD. The animation is unbelievable. Steve and I have always liked to watch animated films and I believe we both liked this one. Tonight we have much on TV: The Ax Men, The Killing and The Game of Thrones, wham bam, one after the other.



Steve almost forgot he had to help with an orientation this afternoon. Doh! Why put it on a Sunday? Tuesday he has a board meeting and Wednesday he shoots. Otherwise, not much going on this week. :)



It's been off and on raining, hailing, etc. today. Good napping weather.



Much love,
PK the Bookeemonster