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, brought the expected rainy and cold. I got 2 Instacart orders. One from Sprouts (new to me) and one from Wegmans (once before). Both places have odd gluten-free items not available elsewhere. I got a bunch of treats to fill the freezer like donuts, onion rings, potstickers and pizza. I also got Yasso bars in many flavors based on Berls mention of them. They’re pretty good. For dinner, I’m planning a Thanksgivingesque meal of rotisserie chicken, green bean casserole and creamed corn, and lemon cupcakes. I wanted apple pie (but that was out of stock). I scrubbed out the jewelry armoire and we are now getting ready to figure out how to get it into the house. It’s heavy and we aren’t sure how it will make the turn on the stairs.
Monday was chilly enough I focused on inside work. We got down to near freezing at night. Tuesday I was doing some yard cleanup with the better weather. I made some doctor appts for my daughter. I started figuring out the placement of the command velcro for the tapestry hanging in her room and sewed strips on the tapestry. I watched a lot of nail-biting election returns, feeling overwhelmed, not knowing how people can vote for a liar, bully, serial adulterer / rapist, who owes someone $400 million dollars and doesn’t honor his oath to uphold the Constitution. I didn’t sleep well.
Wednesday, I was awake early so I read a little bit but then I took my daughter to her doc appt and we picked up some more command velcro stips curbside at Joanns. I brought my computer to try to register her for Spring classes ( which of course was the same time as her doctor appt) but my computer acted really strange and I never even got to try to connect to wifi. I was in the car outside McDonalds. When I got home, I reset it up on my desk and it still misbehaved. It’s like all my history / passwords and stuff are gone. It took me over an hour to get in and register her classes but over 3 hours of setting some things up again. A few things still aren’t working. It’s frustrating. We did move the jewelry armoire inside the front door and I hired moving guys for tomorrow to move it upstairs. The moving van and moving guys are adding $200 to the cost of what was initially a $25 furniture. So it’s a good thing we got it inexpensively. I finished sewing all the velcro on the tapestry.
Thursday was another doc appt. We didn’t want to go in but they required it to refill the prescriptions for the dermatologist. Then I finally got my Penzeys order picked up, and had the air pressure checked in my car tires. The moving guys were on time and did a terrific job of getting the armoire up to her room. Last night, her dad helped her hang the tapestry over her bed. I think it looks great. My daughter and I took Lulu for a walk on the 2 mile loop in our neighborhood. We saw turtles and a pretty purplish plant. Does anyone know what this is? – it sure grows well. Lulu led the way.It was mid 70s and we were hot by the time we got home. Lulu found her one of her usual places to rest. I ate a quick lunch and headed out on the Harley for its annual inspection. On the way home, I picked up my daughter’s prescriptions. And finally, the peonies came! They were shipped Fedex 10/21 from OH and just got here NC on 11/5.
So Friday started with a call from my brother telling me our 93 year old mother has Covid. She is in another state and I haven’t seen her for a year. She does seem to be asymptomatic so far, and her blood oxygen level is 98%. I am still worried. Another guy (younger than me, older than my brother) who went to our small town school had covid in April, “got over it” and is now having more issues. One of my neighbors has had it for a month with a fever. He’s not sick enough for the hospital but not well.
Friday was another gorgeous day. I got a Sam’s Club Instacart. Then I was finally able to do some blog comment responses and review writing. Ashley (Nosegraze) helped me solve the inexplicable problem of my own blog thinking I was a spammer, even when I was logged into the blog. Yeah that’s the kind of week it is. I finished the planting and most of the landscape fabric. It got dark and I ran out of little stakes.
Saturday, just another beautiful day in the neighborhood. BIDEN / HARRIS! We have the first woman as vice president of the US!! I got sidetracked watching celebrations on Twitter. The landscape fabric was finished along with another round of watering the new plantings. Then the bushes got trimmed up a bit. I mowed the lawn. The spinach is growing very slowly. Something is eating the foliage of the broccoli and one of the lettuce plants. Lulu and I sat on the patio swing and watched the neighbor’s fire pit. One more trip to Home Depot for new boxes for the outdoor electric outlets and since the Ryobi Dustbuster I love just dropped from $79 to $59, I bought a new one and took it back immediately with the receipt for the $79 one from 6 weeks ago. I still love it and recommend it. After dinner, I cleaned the jewelry armoire so that project is complete and ready for use. Then I read the 97 blog updates on Feedly which have collected over the last few days while I’ve been busy.
!!! OK I finally plotted out the two series I had narrowed it down to for the Read-along on the calendar. I’ll do a regular post / announcement in December but I have finally decided!!!
2021 Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh (new to me)
2022 Night Huntress by Jeanienne Frost (reread)
2023 Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne (new to me)
2024 Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher (reread)
I really appreciate everyone who voted and helped me with the decision. If you are interested in reviewing one of the Psy-Changeling books as part of the Read-along, please let me know. I’ll be contacting some of my regular helpers to see if you are interested.
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):
NOTHING.
(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)
NOTHING.
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.
This has been a real week of ups and downs. Some really great things happened and some worries remain. How was your week?
Anne
- The Traitor by Ava Glass @AvaGlassBooks #Ballantine@randomhouse - September 21, 2023
- 🎧 The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman @richardosman @fionakshaw @PRHAudio #LoveAudiobooks - September 19, 2023
- Sunday Post – 17 September 2023 @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - September 17, 2023
If you haven’t read Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice series, you’re in for a treat! I “discovered” her years ago and became an instant fan.
I exploded with joy yesterday and immersed myself in the television coverage…all day?
I’m sure your week is going to improve from the last one, Anne? Enjoy!
Thank you! I am excited to read the Cold Justice series. I think I had the first one but haven’t read any yet. With my computer problems resolved, the landscaping all set for winter and Biden/Harris on the way in, it definitely should be a great week.
That’s nice you found two new places to buy some gluten free items from. That tapestry looks great. Your computer troubles sound frustrating :(. It always takes so much time too to fix those things. Those purple plants look interesting, no clue what it is, I don’t think I’ve those here. I am sorry to hear your mom has covid, I hope she keeps doing well and her symptoms don’t worsen. Have a great week!
Thank you Lola! The computer problems seem to be over. I think it was just loading some updates because of the reboot. I’m worried but will have to wait and see about Mom. With cases rising all over, we just stay home.
I love those Yasso bars and almost always have some in the freezer. Computer issues are such a pain. And losing the history is even more of a pain. It was a stressful week news-wise with so many lies being spewed but what a relief it was to see Biden/Harris on that stage last night! Such a great night.
Thank you Tanya! Our favorite is the sea salt caramel. The computer seems fine now, maybe just loading some updates during the reboot. I was happy to see Biden/Harris. I loved the tweet by Jeanniene Frost about complete sentences and how they were missed.
It was definitely a nail biting week, but everything worked out, and I’m thrilled to have Kamala as our VP Elect. Hope you have a good week, Anne!
Thank you Tammy! I am very happy to see a woman in the White House. It’s time.
I wish your mother all the best and that she will be well soon. The past week was for sure a nail biting one and I hope that from now on things will change for the better. Stay safe and well.
Thank you Vi! I think there will be some ups and downs and plenty of work ahead to fix problems like covid in the world. It’s not a one-time thing, even in our personal lives, we need to work to improve things, learn and be better.
The Psy Changeling books are AMAZING. The audios are superb as well. I need to do some yard work today while its nice, but my allergies are killing me!
I read that allergies are much worse this year just yesterday but I don’t remember why it was true. Climate change? It’s been superb weather here since the beginning of September, my favorite time of year. I hope you will join in on the Read-along.
wegman’s…now that’s a name that’s familiar to me. i used to work for their sister company, chase pitkin in pittsford new york. it was a privately owned hardware store, like home depot and lowes. when they closed, i went to wegmans, as a pharmacy tech. great place to work
Wegman’s has a huge selection of items which includes some gluten-free stuff I haven’t seen elsewhere. I was a pharmacy tech at Walgreens for 4 years after retiring because I like science. I just couldn’t stand the last minute and erratic scheduling. And of course, low pay. Under $15 per hour even with certification. In my business with computerized accounting, I ended as a partner in an international firm making $250 per hour. I made $20 per hour doing computer coding while still in college years ago.
unfortunately i have no credentials to go on. when i worked as a pharmacy tech you didn’t need credentials, then i left wemans and moved south and they changed the rules…so i ended up retiring. i couldn’t imagine myself making 250 and hour. just goes to show…do the right major in college and the work will be there
Well I had a double major Accounting / computer science and a minor, plus an MBA, and came into that at a perfect time.
I hope your mother will be all right Anne! And yes for Bidden/Harris!!!!!! Have a great week.
Thank you Sophie!
The Tapestry is pretty! I like it a lot.
I was very happy with the win, I know they still have votes to count but I think it is safe to say it’s over. We can all sleep a little easier now.
I hope your mom stays asympomatic. and gets better soon!
I hope you have a great week, Anne! Happy Reading!
Thank you Michelle! My daughter likes vibrant colors. I lean more towards cooler and jewel tones. But she has great taste. It’s wait and see with Mom.
Nice getting all those orders in, but bummer about the wifi wigging out on you like that. I’ll bet that armoire looks amazing. Look at you not adding to the review pile this week. I need to have lots of weeks like that. LOL Looking forward to your PsyChangeling Readalong.
Have a good week, Anne!
Thanks Sophia! I appreciate being able to count on you. It was a good week for nothing new. I hope to do some catchup here at year end.
This past week of the election was CRAZY SAUCE!!! People need to chill LOL And its not even over yet until it gets worked out in the courts. I just hope whoever is President, that we can move on as a country and learn to work together and rebuild and find some unifying direction since we have become so divided in recent years.
I see the Psy Changeling books on your list….you are going to LOVE that series so much. Its superb in every way!
Normally, the courts have nothing to do with an election. Each secretary of state certifies the state. The courts are only involved if there is fraud. The certification can take up to 30 days in some states from what I understand.
I hope you will join us in the Read-along and maybe share a review for one of them?
What a week, huh? I’m so excited about the possibilities for our country to heal moving forward. And a female woman of color vp!!!!
I’m so sorry again about your mother. I hope she has a mild case. Keep us posted.
Excited for the next read along. I think it will be a fun series to read that I’ve wanted to read for a long time.
No idea about the purple plant, I’m curious now! Let us know if/when you find out.
Have a great week! Oh and I’m glad you liked the Yasso! I love them ?
Thanks Berls. I’m just keeping going on everything for now and trying not to stress. I’m excited for the Read-along and had great news from one publisher today! Thanks for the rec – sea salt caramel is our fave but we haven’t tried the blackberry one yet.
We’ve finally got some colder weather and rain (yes!) here. I’ve been cleaning up the garden and just bought some flowers. I special ordered a Camelia bush (Debutante) and just got it in. I’m so excited because it’s so healthy and already has a lot of blooms. I have a perfect spot picked out to plant it and I hope to get that done today.
I’m sooo happy the election is over. I’m still amazed that Trump won four years ago. I’ve always thought he was a hateful, morally corrupt person. I didn’t like that he encouraged that behavior in others. That poor Michigan Governor! Now I don’t have to see him endlessly on my TV screen after January 1st!
I’m thrilled you chose the Psy-Changeling series. I’ve only read the first book in the original series and this pushes me to read the rest. The spin off is fantastic!
Thank you Rachel! You are so much fun! I hope you got the camelia planted I googled it and it’s gorgeous. I’m looking forward to having some blooms next year. I agree 100% on the election; he’s not a good role model in any way. And exciting to have a woman succeed. Thank you for joining in the Read-along. It’s always more fun with friends. It’s a series I’ve been meaning to read for something like 10 years.
Praying that your mother stays asymptomatic!! And, yes, I agree that I’m feeling such relief after the end of this election. I truly hope that this country can move on now.
Thank you Nicole! I’m trying not to stress anything and wait and see.
I avoided the news and CNN all week. I new it was going to be a long election and even more drama, but I’m glad we have the first women VP.
I hope your mother stays asymptomatic. My hubby was sick the last two weeks and this past week he went for a test. It turned out negative, but we where a bit worried.
I hope you have a great week ahead.
Thank you so much Angela. I’m glad your husband was negative. I am also very excited to have a female VP,
Saturday sure was something. We were riveted that afternoon as well. I hate all the drama going on though. It’s rather depressing. I do like your daughter’s tapestry and hope she got all the classes she was wanting/needing. Glad Lulu enjoyed her walk. We took the boys to their favorite field yesterday where they could run. Apollo and Cass had a blast! You’ve picked some great series and I’ll have to remember the Iron Druid one when it comes up. That’s one I’ve always wanted to read. Hope you guys have a wonderful week!
Thanks Barb. My daughter did get all but one class we put on the waitlist. I’ll be so glad to not have election ads. I came SO close to choosing Iron Druid this year. I’ve started collecting the audio books, because I love Luke Daniels. I’ve never enjoyed politics but I’ve always voted and I can see why it is important to keep an eye on things. I’m excited to have a woman vp!
I hope your mother quickly recovers. And I’m thrilled about the election results, even though they aren’t officially over yet.
Thank you Laura. It’s all a try not to stress out while I wait and see.
I’m in NC (north of Charlotte) and gluten-free too! It’s always good to find new gluten-free treats. We usually end up making the unusual things like onion rings. The Harry Dresden series is on my TBR. I’ve heard very good things about it. Hope you have a good week!
I have some friends in the Concord area. Harry Dresden is one of my top 5 series ever. UF is a favorite genre of mine. I hope you can join in a Read-along, that one is a few years off. But I’ve decided to plan ahead.
I hope your 93 year old mother continues to be asymptomatic. This disease is hard on seniors and she seems like she’s strong. Enjoy your new books!
Thank you Laura!
I hope your mother has a mild case and recovers quickly.
The purple plant might be a purple heart?
I’m not gluten free but I was shopping at Aldi for the first time in ages yesterday. I noticed and remembered that they have a largish selection of gluten free items. And their prices are excellent. You may know that already though.
I spent Tuesday doing housekeeping on my blog. I wasn’t able to concentrate on anything else but that took just enough of my attention to keep me from worrying excessively. I’m glad we have a projected winner, I just hope we make it through to the inauguration without any big problems.
Enjoy your week!
Thank you Jen. I hope things go well these next few months for the country and my Mom. I heard today that Biden’s covid task force got started. We often shop at Aldi and they do have both gluten free items and great prices. But when you get tired of the same old things, you end up trying some new stores. Or because shortages mean one store has some things where another store doesn’t. Thank you – it looks like it is a purple heart plant!! They seem to grow well here. I never saw one in MN and I paid attention to plants and went to the Arboretum.
We had a rainy chilly weekend. My husband broke down and turned on the heater today. I love the rain–probably because we get so little of it.
I am sorry for your computer troubles. That would be so frustrating. I am glad you were able to finally register your daughter for her spring classes.
I hope your mother continues to do well, despite her diagnosis. I can understand how worried you are about her. I would be too.
Such relief that we will have a new President and Vice President. I might have spent too much time watching the celebrations streaming on my computer too. 🙂
I hope you have a great week, Anne. Stay safe and well.
Thank you! Our rain starts tomorrow for a few days so I ran around trying to get all the outdoor stuff done yesterday and today.
I hope that your mom stays asymptomatic but I understand the worry. There was definitely a lot of stress over the election. I am sad by how divided our country is but hopeful. I am glad that you were able to find someone to move your piece of furniture. We bought a big heavy tool chest and after we got it home realized that we needed help which was a challenge. I hope you have a great week!
Well uhaul has moving help all the time and I knew this from using it when I rented trucks to move from MN to NC and also moving in town last summer. It’s not completely inexpensive but help is available for a short job at the last minute or even a longer task sometimes. I know a few of them in the area so that helps now too.
My goodness you had a week! I LOVE the Yasso bars too. So good.
I’m glad you got your computer issues sorted. Those can get pretty snarled at times. I also hope your mom gets to feeling better. We’re seeing a big spike in our area which was sort of expected considering regular flu season is upon us.
I hope this week is wonderful to you!
Thank you Stephanie. My Mom is there in Iowa, in Waverly.
YEA!!!! Last week was so stressful. There were many times I felt physically ill. I’m still concerned over how the next couple of months will go, and that his “cult” followers will cause many problems down the road, but it is so nice to hear intelligent, thoughtful people speak!
I didn’t realize you’ve not read Psy-Changeling. I’m glad then, that you are doing it. There are a lot of books, and even thought it’s a “different series,” the spin-off is part of the actual series. LOL. I’ll have fun reading your reviews.
Thanks Jen! I’m cautiously hopeful. The next few months will be rough. And even going forward if Mitch is determined to let nothing get accomplished. Yes there are so many series I want to read but have yet to read. That’s a piece of why I started the Read-along. But mostly it is fun to read a series with friends. Are you not up for a reread? If not, will you consider sharing a review?
I’m not up for a reread but I’d be happy to share a review or two, as long as you are okay with them being older. I think I started actually reviewing them about book 8 or 9.
yes of course, that’s fine. Pick one and let me know.
I hope your mom stays asymptomatic and gets better quickly. Have a great week!
Thank you! We just do the best we can.
I like your pictures. I hope your mother comes through okay. That is added stress.
The tapestry looks beautiful and I bet your armoire will be lovely.
I love the Iron Druid series and might like to try the Psy Changeling books.
I snagged Red Gambit from your new freebies -Thanks.
Have a good week and Happy Reading!
I hope you will join us on Psy-Changeling and Iron Druid, at least as much as you can. That’s why I announced them far in advance so people can plan if they are like me, a planner. I hope to read Red Gambit this month for Scifi month. We will see how I do. Thank you for your kind words Martha.