The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week, and showcase books and things we have received.
Stacking The Shelves is also a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Marlene from Reading Reality. It’s all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!
Don’t forget to look at my giveaways on the right sidebar.
Sunday, I did my blog visiting. I also finally put away my stuff from Book Bonanza last August. It’s weird how long it takes to do some simple things. I have a bunch of little tasks I keep thinking I will handle. Since I had the HBO screen up after setup, I saw there was a movie called Contagion with Matt Damon and I ended up watching it. Some interesting parallels to our current pandemic. It’s the first thing I’ve watched in 2020. I’m not sure I watched any tv in 2019.
Monday I ended up doing an Instacart order for Lowe’s because my daughter was out of gluten free bread. I had another one scheduled for Tuesday from Aldi’s which is our regular one, but we don’t like their GF bread. Everything went well with both deliveries. I setup some posts including some for the Read-along. Then I got sidetracked deciding I needed another Goodreads shelf to track the next in a series so I remember to continue.
My daughter just has a week of college left for summer before 4 weeks off. She got word the honor society is going to do their induction ceremony online this Wednesday (8th) so she will take part in it. It looks like while the college is going to have some hybrid classes, (which do have small, infrequent class meetings on campus), all of her classes have been changed to online. So we will have to decide which and how many she can do with less support.
Thursday I had a Walmart pickup. I discovered the grill was out of gas when cooking dinner. I did pick the first tomato from the garden and it was delicious. We each had some slices on our burgers. My daughter eats the Beyond meat and I eat grass fed beef.
Friday we got our new HVAC installed after 32 days! I also found out BJ’s Wholesale fills propane tanks. I usually got it filled at U-haul but they didn’t have anyone working who was trained. BJ’s is actually cheaper. I ended up getting a Whole Foods order because the Beyond Meat my daughter likes was on sale. Plus we needed more green beans and butter lettuce and mushrooms to make it through the weekend. I finally felt I could run the oven and do some cooking. My daughter placed orders at Joanns and Michaels for clearance craft supplies, jewelry making stuff mostly.
I was pretty much freezing Friday night since I am used to not having HVAC. I put it up from 74 to 77 and we will see if I need to up it again. It’s great because we are in the mid 90s now (32C). Plus I can run the dryer or stove and not feel uncomfortable. Our gas grill is 5 years old and in sorry shape so I have been looking at new ones. Is stainless steel better than black? I need to get out the power washer I bought last fall and figure out how to run it.
We puttered around on Saturday mostly. I showed my daughter how to start the decreases to finish her slouch hat. I made more ice cream in two flavors: peppermint and strawberry. We had pulled BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, green beans, watermelon, and s’mores for our 4th of July dinner.
June Reading: I managed to read 24 books. Audiobooks were big this month with June is Audiobook month. Some count for more than one challenge. I listened to 13 audiobooks, read 7 library books, 17 COYER reads, and 4 books which I already own.
My Mid-Year Library Love savings update will post later today.
Bookish Resolutions update: I’m still behind because I would have hoped I had broken down my goals more into tasks. I read some library books I just wanted to read, however. I created post shells as I got ARCs. I’m still doing the Library Love emails each month rather than working ahead.
I did manage to read 4 books I own (goal is 3 per month):
- Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
- Days Gone Bad by Eric Asher
- Caught Up in a Cowboy by Jennie Marts
- The Christmas Cowboy Hero by Donna Grant
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality. These are the exciting ARCs I received this week (If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry):
Thank you so much to Brilliance Audio and Karen Grey.
(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)
I got Trust No One, the first in a new series, from Prime first.
Now the really scary one. This is all the Kindle and Audible freebies I grabbed this past week. You can see why I need to do Thrifty Thursday to be sure I read a few at least one each month.
I really meant to cut back on freebies BUT they are free so I guess that won’t be happening.
I’m not including things like reviews posted or upcoming as they are always in the right sidebar. And, my challenge status is also there.
If you like this and want to see me do the Sunday post, as often as I can manage, leave me a comment and let me know.
Anne
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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- Series on Saturday: Alien Edition @mightymur @lara_adrian @CaraBristol @AnnaHackett #RubyDixon #JackCampbell #Aliens #SeriesOnSaturday - December 9, 2023
- 🎧 Fall by Tracy Clark @tracypc6161 @ChanteMcCormick #BrillianceAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - December 7, 2023
- Lost Hours by Paige Shelton @AuthorPaige @StMartinsPress @MinotaurBooks - December 5, 2023
Congrats on finally getting that HVAC installed, just in time for the heat and humidity? I don’t know that I could go 32 days.
Nice book haul, Anne! I wanted that Caroline Mitchell book but am not current in the series.
Have a fantastic week!
Thank you! Now I’m freezing. But I’m able to cook so it’s a win. I’m not current on the Caroline Mitchell either but I own the first one, the second is in KU so I’m going to make it my series this month. I have less audios now I’ve finished the JIAM collection I had.
Your tomatoes and Swiss chard look in fabulous condition! We also love Beyond meat – it has such a good flavour, though it isn’t cheap… But here we often have a problem getting hold of it. Your reading stats for June are very impressive Anne – I am always awed at how much you read! Have a good week:))
Thank you! We love our garden. I only read so much because I have an audiobook going all the time I’m not reading or writing. Everything else is accompanied by audio.
You did great with your reading stats. Mine are suffering this year. Yeah for finally getting your AC!!!! Sorry I’ve been missing this week. Had to work some long shifts and came home to just fall asleep. LOL
Thanks. I was lower on my reading this month but I blame it on the no AC. And don’t worry I think napping should have priority.
My son will have all his college classes online this coming quarter, but he’s moving down to stay in a single apartment at school because they will have some clubs and activities in person. And my daughter has a hybrid set up but it’s not ideal for her since she’s a music major. Hope you have a good week, Anne!
We only live 3 miles from her campus but they aren’t doing much on campus and I’m ok with that. The issue, like music, for us is foreign language which we prefer as an in-person class.
Hooray for the AC! A solid month without is a long time. Funny that it now feels cold to you. 🙂 Your dinner on the 4th sounds delicious. We had watermelon, too. 🙂
Thank you Tanya! We were stuffed after eating. I want more tomatoes today. I ended up wearing socks with my shorts but it’s better now that I turned it up to 77, so it’s back to flip-flops today. It’s scorching outside though.
I’m so jealous you have tomatoes! I got a super late start and so far, I just have leaves-no fruit at all!
Well we can plant in late April – early May for the “warm” season. I’ve already got seeds and stuff to plant for the 3rd round in Sept of spinach, lettuce and broccoli. We barely got one season in MN so I’m just getting used to 3 plantings here. But I love it.
Ya for AC. Your tomatoes look great. Great job.
Have a great week.
Thanks Angela! I love the 3 plantings we have here in NC. And I love fresh tomatoes. Enjoy your week!
Your foods sound good, and your books are very tempting. I am eyeing Trust No One.
Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
Trust No One is a Prime first one. I’m really excited for it too.
You just made me laugh with the Contagion movie. About two weeks ago I watched it on TV too, and it was more than surreal. As if the producers knew what was coming … I am glad that your air condition is up and running again. Cool air in the house *yay* Happy reading and stay safe and well.
Thank you. I watch almost no tv but Matt Damon so how could I not? I’m almost too cold now. I keep moving the temp to warmer.
I’m so happy to hear you finally got your HVAC back! It’s so hot here (104 today) that I’d be a mess if we didn’t have it. Your tomatoes are beautiful! I have a bumper crop right now. I think I need to give some away so the don’t get wasted. Is Beyond Meat a meat substitute? I wouldn’t mind trying that. I also like to eat grass fed beef. I think it’s worth it to spend a little more for meat that’s good quality.
Yes I’m glad to have the AC. I’m almost cold though so I’m adjusting the settings. I’m going to have a bumper crop I think. Beyond Meat is a plant-based meat substitute. My daughter likes it.
You sure sound busy and so many fantastic reads. I also have to say that tomato looks amazingly delicious! I’ve tried to grow them so many times along with other things but I’m pretty sure I could even kill a silk plant lol. Tomatoes from the grocery store are just so flavorless. I hope all goes well for your daughter with college. Scary times we are living in. Stay safe and have a great week!
Thank you! I am enjoying the garden. I’m so glad to have great reading options while staying home.
Those tomatoes look delicious! We are still waiting for our vegetables but we had a late start as well, so hopefully we’ll still get something. I hope your daughter’s class planning works out well. It’s hard planning for even one month when so much keeps changing every day. Glad you got the HVAC unit but funny how cold that first day/night is, isn’t it? We had the same experience when we replaced ours last year.
They ARE delicious. There’s nothing like fresh off the plant. I’m really excited about having 3 growing cycles but still figuring it out. There’s only one cycle to support tomatoes and green beans and warmer things. But 2 cycles for lettuce, spinach and broccoli so we have plenty of things to eat. I keep adjusting the thermostat. I broke down and put on socks and a sweater this afternoon.
Yay, glad you can keep cool now!!! The garden looks like it is doing well. I hope the week ahead is a good one!
Thank you! We are hanging in there trying to progress and get to some projects.
It’s so frustrating when Uhaul doesn’t have anyone to fill up propane tanks! I’m glad you found an alternative! Peppermint and strawberry ice cream sounds delicious. I’m trying to remember if we’ve had ice cream this summer and I don’t think we have. Being from North Carolina and spending this summer in Oregon for my husband’s job, we haven’t personally felt warm enough yet to grab ice cream! Enjoy your week!
Well we’ve had some mid 90s so that’s warm enough. I like to make my own ice cream especially since we stay home now. We keep trying different flavors, 2 each time. I make a gallon and split it so we can have 2 flavors. Thank you!
Wow it sounds like you have had a busy week, I think I’ll need to try and make ice cream, your flavours sound fab.
Have a great week!
The recipe we use is extremely simple. I saw it on Ilona Andrew’s blog which she got it from another blogger. Just whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, plus whatever flavoring. No churning or anything either. It’s very rich so small servings Thank you!
I was glad to see you got A/C. LOL, I keep ours set higher so I know what you mean about lower feeling chilly. Neat that your tomatoes are starting to come in. I’m thinking mid July on ours.
Looks like you got several things done or planned. Yay for the sale on the meat you needed. Your 4th dinner sounds delicious.
Congrats on her making honor society.
One of these days we need to get a power washer. Our siding could use a good wash.
Way to go on your reading for the month especially making your goal of personal reads. I didn’t listen to as many books as I had planned for #JIAM, but my actual reading was up so that’s good.
Have a great week, Anne!
Thank you Sophia! I’m excited to have garden eats. I do need to figure out the power washer before the HOA gets a bee in their bonnet. But today I had other problems to handle. I ended up putting on socks and a sweater so I may have to bump up the thermostat again. You have a wonderful week too and stay well!
I like my AC to be moderate and not too cold. After all, our summers here are so short and our winters too long and cold. Looks like you had a great reading month. I listened to audiobooks too but did not write any reviews for them. Enjoy your new books!
Thank you! Yes I keep moving it up. I had to put on socks and a sweater this afternoon. I’m at 78 now.
I miss tomatoes from my garden. I didn’t plant anything this year because of all the chaos going on. Congrats on reading 24 books. I hope you have a great week!
Thank you! We are loving the garden eats. It is something comforting in these crazy times.
24 books is an awesome reading total for the month! How I wish I could hit those numbers… I haven’t for years. Think the last time I managed 20 or over was about 5 years ago. *sigh* My June reading was appalling.
I’m glad you finally got your hvac sorted! As for the grill, I’d probably go black but that’s just because stainless steal drives me nuts trying to keep it “smudge” free, lol.
Thank you! My brother says stainless because it holds up better. My last one was black and is falling apart. Like the metal is disintegrating. It’s just us especially now so we aren’t going to worry how it looks.
It sounds like you had a great reading month. Is your daughter looking forward to her break from cllasses? That is good news about the new HVAC. What a relief to have one that finally works after all this time. I hope you enjoy your new books! Have a great week.
Thanks. It is great to have the HVAC running again. My daughter will have 4 weeks now and hopes to do some crafting and some unpacking. Really she has been in school most of the time since we moved except 2 weeks at Christmas and then 2 week at spring break when the whole COVID lockdown started. So it will be nice for her to have the time.
what a delicious 4th of July dinner you had….hope it was a fun day for you and your family!!
Luckily we are having the best food these days. Thank you, we are pretty relaxed so we didn’t plan much.
It sounds like you’ve had a great week! I feel for your daughter, as I’m approaching the start of a potentially hybrid semester. I don’t know that nay of us know what we are getting into this semester until we are in the thick of things. I wish you the best of luck!
What a great haul! Bringing in new books-no matter where they come from- always feels great! I hope you have a great week!
Thank you! She’s on Microsoft Teams right now with her class studying for the final.
Yay for A/C! And I need to try a Lowes order, I need some stuff! Your tomatoes look wonderful!
I am so weird about stainless steel, the smudges drive me crazy so I can’t ever have it or I would probably lose my mind. Lol. We needed a new grill and decided to just get a teeny little portable one. It turned out to be a good decision, my brother had us over for a socially distanced gathering on the 4th so we were able to take all of our own food and grill really easily. Lol. My brother also recently ordered Impossible Burgers and liked them but usually orders Beyond. 🙂
Thanks. Well I ordered one and am trying to get the gumption up to go pick it up. I hate to go into stores now. Things are getting worse here so it’s not a good time to be out shopping. But the grill I wanted is somewhere without curbside pickup.
Oh gosh, I don’t know if I could watch Contagion right now, lol. Yay for getting your new AC unit installed. Just in time for the hottest months of the year. Well done on your June reading too. You’ve got some impressive stats there. 🙂
Thank you. July is the hottest and it does seem to always be in the 90s now. Matt Damon!
Freshly made ice cream sounds fabulous – especially strawberry. Enjoy it and happy reading.
Well it is 2 days later and I haven’t tried it yet. We have so many delicious options. My daughter says the mint is good and it’s my first try at that flavor.
Having endured part of summer without an air con, I know you must be relieved to be able to cool down.
I had to do a double take at your mention of Lowe’s, here Lowe’s is a chain of menswear, and for someon reason I thought is was a hardware chain in the US. Either way, glad you got your bread.
Wishing you a great reading week
lol There is both a Lowes home improvement and a Lowes grocery in the US This was the grocery. I’m glad to have the ability to control the temperature although it took me a bit to get it not too cold.
I’m glad to read I’m not the only one.. It’s always the little things that seem to get done way past when they should be done. Big stuff.. gets done almost right when I think of it. Crazy really!
Your new books look fun. Happy reading. 😉
Thanks Maureen. I try to make lists to get things done but sometimes it is just a bigger project and I need a bigger block of time which makes it harder to fit into a day. I’m happy with my book hauls.
Congrats on your daughter and the honor society. I hope college works out well for her this coming semester. The world definitely looks different doesn’t it? We bought a new grill last year from Lowes and went with the black. Easier to keep clean. Mr. Barb is old-school though and is 100% charcoal all the way.
I’ve been getting some work done around the yard last week but it’s been miserable hot this week so other than a few errands and walking the dogs early in the morning, we’ve been inside a lot. The Governor finally made masks mandatory. About time.
Thank you. I would do black with charcoal but I have trouble getting those lit so I went to gas eventually. I want to grill but I’m not excited about spending a couple hours putting it together when it’s in the 90s. I think she’s going to be fine with the online. She likes it better than she thought she would.