Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.
**Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.
Another week has sped by, and while my reading has remained pretty even (three books read and reviewed), my blog posts have dropped…to seven.
In my reading challenge, I’ve now read and reviewed 113 books that I’ve purchased…and my grand total read, combining review books and purchases, is 165. So far.
My Netflix bingeing sky-rocketed this week when I discovered The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel…and I watched all of Season I. I hope more will come, as I LOVED this one. Yesterday I started watching Season II of The Crown...and while I’m enjoying it, I only watched two episodes so far.
On Tuesday, I had a hair styling appointment with my daughter…and she “silvered” my hair. I still get a jolt when I look in the mirror.
My youngest grandson is coming to spend the weekend…and I’m trying to stock up on teenage food. Yikes! He will come equipped with his X-box, so, judging from past occasions, he will be holed up in the bedroom…and even food will not sever the bond between him and his device.
I’m getting an early start on this post…as the weekend will not be my usual blogging, reading, etc. So…let’s grab some coffee and talk about the past week.
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Sunday Potpourri: Swept Back to a Time and Place…
Tuesday Excerpts: “The Girls in the Picture”
Tuesday Potpourri: Bookish Anticipation…
Coffee Chat: Movies, Reading, & Hair Styling…
Bookish Friday: “A Season to Lie”
Let’s Ignite Some Sparks on a Saturday…
Review: A Bella Flora Christmas (e-book, Ten Beach Road Novella), by Wendy WaxReview: The Wife Between Us (e-book), by Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen – (NetGalley – 1/9/18)
Review: Fragments of the Lost (e-book), by Megan Miranda
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INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
One Purchased Book Arrived in my Mailbox…and I downloaded one e-book (also purchased).
The Edible Woman, by Margaret Atwood (Mailbox!)
Download:
An Early Wake (e-book, County Cork #3), by Sheila Connolly
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WHAT’S NEXT?
Currently Reading: Little Broken Things (e-book), by Nicole Baart
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Then…
A Season to Lie (e-book, Detective Gemma Monroe Novels), by Emily Littlejohn
Sing, Unburied, Sing (e-book), by Jesmyn Ward
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That was my week…what did yours look like? And…because I can’t resist, here is the delicious soup I had on Thursday evening – Tomato Basil Bisque (with a margarita, of course)…
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I could use that soup today – we’ve had our first snowfall and the temps tell me that winter is here for the duration. Time to tuck in on the cozy couch with a good book. I’m hoping to start the new Kristan Higgins novel. Have a good weekend with your grandson!
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Thanks, Mary, and I couldn’t resist the soup. The last time I was at CPK, the server (who knows what I like by now!) offered me a taste of this one…and I had to get it.
Stay warm and cozy! I need to read Kristan Higgins…her books look very tempting.
I’m thinking there will be lots of pizza in my day and night…LOL.
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We had chicken tortilla soup today with a slice of Boudin’s sourdough, oval dark bake. Have fun with your grandson. I need to continue that County Cork cozy series; I really liked the first one.
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Thanks, Stefanie, I love the sound of your soup…my grandson and I are waiting for our pizza delivery. LOL. Teenage boys are easy to feed.
I loved the first two County Cork books….enjoy your week.
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Your hair looks great and therapy made me hungry. Have fun with your grandson.
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Thanks, Barb, and I am hungrily waiting for our pizza delivery, while my grandson plays on his X-box and talks to his friends on the phone.
Enjoy your week!
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Netflix has been bad for me too, this week. Lots of binging, not so much reading. Oh well. Have a great weekend with your grandson (and his device ha ha). It is hard to tear them away…
That soup look so delicious, and the bread (and olive oil on the side, looks like?). Yum. 🙂
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Thanks for visiting, Greg, and yes, that is bread and olive oil on the side…I do love that feature in some of my favorite restaurants.
My grandson has been eating pizza, too; after a full day of X-Box, he was starving. LOL.
I have been reading more today…as it is hard to binge-watch when there’s a teenager in the house who might need food…or more food.
Enjoy your week!
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Oh six posts a week is awesome, Laurel. I hope you’re having a great time with your grandson. Enjoy your new books and have a wonderful week. ❤️😁
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Thanks, Geybie, I just finished the awesome Little Broken Things…ate pizza with my grandson, and he is enjoying TV now, after most of the day with his X-box. Enjoy your week!
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I wish it was soup weather here (we’re heading into summer, unfortunately!)
I hope you enjoy your grandson’s stay 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
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Thanks for visiting, Wattle…I actually like soup even in the summer! LOL.
My grandson and I are having a good time, eating and doing our own thing, too. Have a great week.
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I haven’t heard of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, so I’m going to check if it’s available here! Your soup looks yummy! Have a great week 🙂
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Thanks, Trish, and I had it in my queue because it was new…but I didn’t start watching until I saw some raves from bloggers….good call, that one. I loved it! I don’t often binge-watch a whole season in a sitting.
Enjoy your week!
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It looks like you had a very good week, Laurel-Rain! I hope you’ll enjoy your new books. Sing, Unburied Song, Sing looks so good. I can’t wait to see what you think of it.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading 🙂
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Thanks, Lexxie, Sing, Unburied, Sing has been getting a lot of buzz. Hope to enjoy it. I’m getting ready to start A Season to Lie…after “inhaling” Little Broken Things.
Have a great week!
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Love your new hair color! It looks so sophisticated. You look great in the new pic 🙂
Yummy soup! I should make pumpkin soup (how I miss tomato!)… I am currently still on the low FODMAPs diet, tried to go off yesterday, and it did not work in my favor xD
Have a great week 🙂
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Thanks for visiting, Evelina, and I’m sorry about the food issues. I have to be careful about some foods, too. Pumpkin soup sounds good.
Thanks for the compliments on my hair…it was a big change!
Have a great week!
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Enjoy your time with your grandson, however limited. Maybe you could join him in a game?!
https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2017/12/snow-day.html
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Thanks, Deb, video games and me…probably not. But I did enjoy watching him occasionally and snapped a photo…after which he growled at me. LOL.
Have a great week.
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I really enjoy your new hair. I love the colour. ❤ I hope you enjoy your time with your grandson – maybe there will be a short-times blackout and he won't be able to play for a few hours. 😉
Happy readings & Wishes of a great week.
Tânia @MyLovelySecret
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Thanks, Thannya…I am getting used to the hair…and as for my grandson, with time outs for food, etc., we stayed connected.
Enjoy your week!
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165 is such a high number, you did awesome!
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Thanks, Nina…I used to read more…but when I was participating in the Goodreads Challenge. However…I don’t like to think about numbers…the pressure! So I now just read. My only challenge has been to read more of the books I buy.
Enjoy your week!
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Enjoy your weekend with your grandson – hopefully you’ll get to see him at some point!
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Ha! Yes, teenagers tend to disappear into a hole…BUT I did hear him, as he talked to other game players through his headphones. And…when hunger struck.
Thanks for visiting, Emma…and I am still feeling the pizza I had with him last night. Not my usual fare. Although…after I posted a photo of it on FB, my eldest son, who lives in Prague, sent me a message about it…he LOVES pizza. He said something about me trying to convey some messages, with my photos of Mexican food and pizza…things that are not that great where he is. I’m hoping they will visit again soon.
Have a great week.
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I know from my husband (who is from the states) food is one of those homesickness things. No wonder your son is missing them (and you!)
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I love your hair – doesn’t it look flattering? You must be thrilled it has turned out so well. That tomato and basil soup looks delicious and I’m impressed with your reading scores – you have done so well! I hope this coming weekend with your grandson is enjoyable and that you have a great week, Laurel:)
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Thanks,Sarah, I was pleased with the outcome. I knew that letting it grow gray slowly would drive me nuts…so stripping the color and adding some “silver” made me feel all glittery.
I can’t believe I kept the redhead thing going so long! LOL
I’ve been enjoying the weekend, although my bedroom, where the X-Box is set up, is a bit of a mess. No worries…it will straighten out in good time. It was either my bedroom or the office…and my office is my sanctuary. LOL
Have a great week…and I LOVED that tomato basil soup.
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Oh, I can completely sympathise with the hair – I REFUSE to let mine go au natural as it plain doesn’t suit me!
Yes… when the grandchildren come to stay their rooms tend to get very messy, but I stay really laid back about it. As you say, it can be sorted out later:). Glad to know that tomato and basil soup tasted as good as it looked and have a great week:)
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Your soup looks very tasty indeed and I’m glad you’ve found something to watch in addition to The Crown on Netflix
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I couldn’t believe that I powered through Season I of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel…I didn’t get to bed until 1:30 that night! Thanks for stopping by, Cleo…and I LOVE that soup, too.
Back to The Crown after my grandson goes home. His mom isn’t coming until early afternoon, and he is still lounging on my sofa.
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I’m still debating whether to try Sing, Unburied, Sing so I’ll look for your opinion… that’s sure to help me decide! Need to get going and finish season one of The Crown so I can get started on season 2. And your ‘silvered’ hair looks good!!
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I hope I love it, JoAnn…it is so hard to tell going into a book! Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for stopping by.
I hope to continue with The Crown this afternoon.
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Tomato basis bisque soup sounds really good right about now! I really like all the new books too. Your grandson sounds like my son. He loves his xbox and now tries to take of my Switch too. Enjoy the time with him and your week ahead too. Thanks for stopping by earlier. 😉
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Thanks, Jenea, and I do recall having to share our toys when my own kids were growing up…and I ended up giving them their own TVs, VCRs (which we had back then), and reclaimed my own. LOL.
Enjoy your week!
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I love your silvered hair. I will check out Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Enjoy the visit with your grandson!
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Thanks, Kimberly, it grew on me…and now I love it, too. Enjoy your week…and Mrs. Maisel.
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Your hair looks beautiful! I watched one episode of Mrs. Maisel but haven’t had a chance to watch more. That soup looks really good. Have a great week!
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Thanks, Yvonne, I really enjoyed Mrs. Maisel…I think I mentioned that I binge-watched the whole first season. Hope you get a chance to watch more…and that you enjoy it. I hope you have a great week, too. Tomorrow is GH!
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I hope you can at least get your grandson to come out and visit. Hopefully it will be a fun visit. That Tomato Bisque soup looks amazing.
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Thanks, Heidi, and there is a strange thing I’ve learned about teens over the years…you get your best conversations with them when you’re driving them somewhere. Overall, a great weekend.
I want more of that soup. Enjoy your week.
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Oh that soup looks amazing! I have The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on my To Watch list and have been wanting to watch The Crown. Enjoy your visit with your grandson and hopefully you can sever him from his XBOX for just a little bit! Have a great week!
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Thanks, Katherine, and we did have moments away from the X-box…and when I was driving him home, an actual conversation! But I learned this about teens during my social work days…when you’re driving them somewhere, they can open up and actually share some thoughts. As long as you’re not asking them questions. LOL.
Enjoy your week…and Mrs. Maisel. I’ve finished five episodes of The Crown now.
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I need some soup. It’s been so cold lately. Enjoy your visit with your grandson. (Hopefully he comes out of his room for a little while.) Have a great week!
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Thanks, AJ, it was a nice weekend. Some good food together and a little bit of conversation on the way home. We used to call it “automobile therapy” in my social work days. Your eyes are straight ahead and not boring into them…and they can actually talk. LOL
Enjoy your week!
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The soup looks really good & the margarita of course! Hope you had a nice weekend with your grandson. He doesn’t eat when he’s on the Xbox? He needs nourishment! LOL. What’s this Mrs. Maisel show? I’ll have to look for it. thanks. Enjoy your week.
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Thanks, Susan, and when I found out that the creators of Gilmore Girls had also brought us Mrs. Maisel, I knew I would enjoy it. Fast-talking women, but in the era of Mad Men, with Jewish characters. Very interesting.
Pizza slices go well with X-box, of course. We don’t seem to be a family of sitting down all together to eat…unless it’s a holiday…or we’re at a restaurant. LOL.
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Whenever teenagers go anywhere they act like they are fricking moving XD
Have a great week!
Anne @ The Reading Life
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Thanks for visiting, Anne, and teens are definitely a breed of their own…LOL. Enjoy your week!
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Okay, am officially jealous of the number of title you’ve read this year! And I got all excited hearing about your bingeing on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel series (the title alone sounds fabulous), but I just checked and I don’t have it on my Netflix here in Australia yet 😦
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Oh, I’m sorry you don’t have it! Will you get it later? I got excited about it when I learned that its creators are the same ones who created Gilmore Girls.
Thanks for visiting, Jo, and enjoy your week.
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Soup looks great and so does The Edible Woman. Have a great time with your grandson.
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Thanks, vvb, I can’t believe I missed The Edible Woman along the way…the title felt so familiar that I thought I might have read it…but no. I love the cover.
I had a nice weekend…and now for a busy week ahead. Enjoy your week.
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One of the authors I follow was raving about how good The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is so good, unfortunately not on Netflix here in NZ. Enjoy your reading this week.
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I’m sorry, Kathryn, I’ve been hearing that about my down-under friends missing out on that show. Maybe it will come later? It was created by the Gilmore Girls team.
Enjoy your week…great reading ahead for you. Thanks for visiting…and hosting.
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Tomato basil bisque, Yum. Enjoy your books!
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Thanks, Harvee, I keep hearing how good it looks…I may have to go have some more this week!
Enjoy your books, too.
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Have fun with your grandson! Your soup looks awesome. I really like the cover of A Season to Lie.
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Thanks, Candace, I am already enjoying A Season to Lie…and that is definitely a great cover.
It was a nice family weekend…my grandson is at an age where he doesn’t share a lot; he is absorbed in his games. But when he does talk, it can be interesting.
Have a great week!
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I hope you and your grandson had a good weekend.
Love your hair.
Jealous of A SEASON TO LIE.
Have a great week, Laurel.
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I am enjoying the new look, too. A Season to Lie is good so far..and I am loving Netflix, with The Crown….after bingeing on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
It was a treat to have my grandson visit for the weekend, even though he was attached to his X-Box. LOL
Enjoy your week!
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They love their game systems. 🙂
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Your hair looks fabulous! I just read a review of A Season to Lie – it sounds really good.
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Thanks, Kathy, I am glad I took the leap to have these silver highlights put in…after my daughter stripped the old color from my hair.
A Season to Lie is very enjoyable so far. Have a great week!
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I like the hair color. I hope you have fun with the grandson too. It is hard to separate me from my computer so I understand device loyalty. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, I agree about devices…my laptop and iPhone are my friends., LOL
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Ooo that tomato basil bisque looks amazing! I’ve been eating a lot of soup lately mostly because of how cold it’s been – it’s the perfect lunch. Your hair also looks great! I love the silvered look I’m trying to get my hair done before the end of the year. I haven’t cut it since April and it’s getting just a tad bit out of control (okay, a lot out of control but shh I don’t want to admit it). Have a great week! 🙂
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Thanks, Lauren, it is easier for me to get mine done regularly, since my daughter is a stylist. Otherwise, who knows when I would ever get it done?
Enjoy your week…and the soup was very delicious.
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I make the kids keep their game devices at home when we travel. Have a good week. Come see what I’m reading.
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Thanks for visiting, Sarah…enjoy your week!
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Enjoy your reading. That soup looks delicious for this weather!
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Thanks, Carol, I definitely enjoyed the soup…and I’m loving my reading this week.
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When I saw Mrs. Maisel, all I could think about was my high school home ec teacher, since that was her name. I keep paying for Netflix, because my daughter is always watching it, but I cannot think of the last time I logged in. I just don’t watch much TV, but glad you have found so many things to watch.
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Thanks for visiting, Sam, and my daughter hardly ever watches TV either…but I find that I enjoy turning to Netflix and TV for movies and shows…after reading a bit.
Have a great week!
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I love the hair! Very nice!
I am intrigued by the Atwood book. And also by the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. My BFF just told me she loved it too. I guess I need to watch it! 🙂 Have a great week!
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Thanks, Erin, I do love changing my hair now and then.
I was surprised that I hadn’t yet read the Atwood book…so I’m eager to do so. I hope you enjoy The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as much as I did.
Have a great week, too.
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Enjoy the family time. They will emerge for food and laundry!
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Thanks, Mystica…so true! Have a great week.
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Great novels you have here! I have review copies of The Edible Woman and Sing Unburied Sing – it’s really a matter of finding the time to read these great titles! 🙂 Enjoy your time with family!
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Thanks, Myra, even though, in retirement, I have a lot of time, something always seems to come up. I guess it’s like I read once: “Activities expand to fill the time available.”
I am looking forward to the reading…have a great week!
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The soup looks perfect for this cold weather here. Happy reading this week. I’ve pulled back from the blog and reading this month.
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Thanks, Serena, and I am hoping to eat more of that soup soon. Enjoy your week, too, and thanks for visiting.
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The silvering looks lovely.
Hope you had a great visit with your grandson – especially if he spent some time out of his room. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the last set of reading.
The cover of the Edible Woman pops but I like the looks of An Early Wake for reading choice.
Hope this is a good week for you full of Happy Reading!
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Thanks, Martha, I am enjoying the silver…and my new books. I agree about An Early Wake, as I loved the first two County Cork books.
Enjoy your week!
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Teenage food! That made me laugh.
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Thanks for visiting, Leslie, and they do seem to have their own language…and their own food. LOL
Enjoy your week!
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