Welcome, Sunday Saloners!
We are rapidly approaching the Christmas holiday, and everywhere we go, there is evidence of it. From the decorations—many of which have been up since right after Halloween—to the crowds.
Alas, the crowds. Sales draw people in, but the downside is the unpleasant pushing and shoving that sometimes occurs.
So I am staying clear. Does online shopping appeal to the rest of you?
This week has been a mix of intriguing and tedious reads, with one notable “tedious” one. But before I plunge into that unpleasant topic, let’s look at other matters.
Here’s what my part of California often looks like in the winter months.
If examined in some ways, it is kind of beautiful. But when you envision driving in it…not so much. I’ve lived many years of my life in these parts, only escaping for brief periods of time when another kind of fog would descend. For those who suffer from snowstorms, etc., the fog probably looks harmless. What do you think?
On the Blogs: (Posts)
HUMP DAY POTPOURRI: A DAY THAT WENT FROM BAD TO WORSE
ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR 2013: MT. TBR
MEG’S FANTASY LIFE – AN EXCERPT
CREATIVE SPARKS: SATURDAY SNAPSHOTS-FAMILY & YULETIDE MOMENTS
On the Blogs: (Reading – Click Titles/Covers for Reviews)
The Search, by Nora Roberts
Bonnie, by Iris Johansen
Midwives, by Chris Bohjalian
The Accursed, by Joyce Carol Oates
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What a mix of reads! For fans of JCO, you might enjoy the last one on this list. For me, it was a tedious read. But I LOVED the other three books.
Today I’m starting a book from this week’s stack: The Good Woman, by Jane Porter. This is the first in a series, and since I’ll be joining the Sequels Challenge for 2013, I will add my preordered copy of the next book as a read for 2013: The Good Daughter.
Today will also be a good one to curl up with tea or wine and a good movie.
What does your day look like?
SERENDIPITY 
Fog is scary. I’m with you!
Enjoy your reading week.
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I’ve driven in some fog that literally had me clinging to hope that I’d somehow get through it….so I try to avoid long trips during foggy weather, as unfamiliar landscapes add to the scariness.
Thanks for visiting, Deb, and enjoy your week.
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It’s snowing here in Wisconsin today. We almost broke a record for the most days with no snow. I will be doing 90% of my shopping online this year! Happy Reading!
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I guess you’re used to the snow, just as we’ve become accustomed to the fog. Which doesn’t make it any less scary…lol
Thanks for visiting, Lori, and enjoy your shopping and reading.
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Fog is beautiful to just look at but less fun to out there in the middle of. Yet another reason to do the Christmas shopping online! The rest of the year I try to shop locally and ethically but at Christmas, anything I can do to avoid those crowds and keep a lid on the stress levels!
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I’m with you on avoiding the crowds. Thanks for visiting, Nose in a Book…enjoy your week!
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I have to go shopping soon but I love fog. It gives me a good reason to stay in and read a book with a cup of something hot! Enjoy the day!
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That’s a good way to deal with the fog…and I’m happy that most of the time I can stay in.
Thanks for visiting, Harvee…and I’m going to go make another cup of tea!
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Lovely photo of the fog. To me the fog can be so mysterious and comforting at the same time. You have a nice mix of books here today. I’ve listened to Bonnie, but haven’t read any of the others. Have to add those to my list.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
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Thanks for stopping by, Mason…I do like the fog if I don’t have to go anywhere. And the books were a good mix.
Enjoy your new week!
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I can’t believe how fast time is flying. I much prefer shopping online these days. I just can’t deal with the crowds and traffic.
Have a great week!
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I vote for online as well…is there anything more convenient? And I don’t know WHAT happened to 2012….can’t believe it’s almost over, either. Thanks for visiting!
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Online shopping: absolutely. I hate the crowds.
As for my day, going to be enjoying a little reading. Dorothy Sayers, as I mentioned on my blog.
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Perfect solution, Bryan…and thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your day!
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Heavy fog is no fun to drive in. Dangerous! Some years I just do online shopping for Christmas and some years I brave the crowds. This year I might not have time for shipping so I’m going dive in to the crowds!
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Good luck with those crowds, Susan…and thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.
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Fog sometimes seems pretty or romantic, but it can be just as hard to drive in as a snowstorm. I have a little over half of my shopping done – some in stores and some on-line. It’s better to hit the stores early and beat the crowds.
It’s been years since I read Midwives.. all I remember is not being able to put it down. Have enjoyed a few more of Bohjalian’s books since then, too.
Have a great week!
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Midwives was my first Bohjalian book, but it won’t be my last. I couldn’t put it down, either. Thanks for visiting, JoAnn, and bravo on your Christmas progress.
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I avoid the crowds around Christmas too. Thank God for the internet. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my Sunday Salon
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I’m grateful for it, too, Rachel! Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the holidays.
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