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 made blueberry buttermilk scones for breakfast. Then I did the usual blog visiting. I’m still reading for the Valentine’s RAT with books which have love. I didn’t make any dinner, we ate some leftovers. I got some chores done and my daughter took the ornaments off the tree.
Monday, I got a Food Lion Instacart with getting everything. I did a bunch more chores which feels great. I was able to do the stairs twice almost with ease. Now if I can just get some sleep instead of reading until 3 or 4 in the morning.
Tuesday, thankfully I did get some sleep last night. I woke to the first sun in days and the temp will get up to around 60F! I happily managed some chores. The broccoli, planted in September, is getting close to eating even with snow and freezing temps. I did take Lulu for a short walk for the first time since December. I even grilled burgers for our dinner. My daughter helped me get the Christmas tree out to the street with the garbage and recycle. We had the last of the mini cheesecakes with fresh strawberries.
My daughter is knitting the blanket more consistently now. I bought these 3 cones of yarn in 2006 intending to make a blanket. She wanted to knit a blanket so I put together the yarn and a pattern. It even matches our colors in the new family room. I went to take this picture and said to Lulu to stay over where she was (not on the sofa) so she came right up and joined the photo, of course! We looked through my yarn stash to find some to make Lulu a winter sweater. We only found one we liked and ordered 2 more closeouts. 
Wednesday, one more sunny day. I was a little stiff overnight but still improving. We had to go out for our chiro appt. Our chiro is having surgery so she’s out this week and maybe next so it was a fill in guy. He was ok. After dinner, my daughter and I finally filled in the “dogs” photo collection for our photo wall. I’d meant to do it over Christmas.
Thursday, I baked another batch of blueberry buttermilk scones. I had just gone upstairs and of course, Fedex delivered our meat package. Usually it takes 2 days to arrive and they deliver it about 3 or 4 in the afternoon. So it took 1 day and came just after 1, so I had to make another trip up and down the stairs. I’m having a little more pain today than the last 5 days. I found the yarn we want to use for her sweater and cast on to get started. I knit while I watched the new Equalizer show on cbs.com. They have 2 episodes out there which can be streamed for free. I loved it. Probably the first tv or streaming I have watched in months. I got my phone stuck in Zoom mode and it dialed my brother. Luckily he knew how to get out of it.
Friday, it finally wasn’t raining. The yard is still puddles. I got an Aldi Instacart. My brother suggested, and I think he’s right, regular movement may be important. So I am setting my phone timer for an hour, and then getting up and walking a little. I’ve been working hard on a combo of emails, reviews, blog visiting and a Library Love email. So many great freebies available today. I managed to cook a batch for Lulu and a chicken pot pie for us.
Saturday, it’s cold sun today. Now that my legs hurt less I can feel my actual back pain. But I’m feeling better and doing more. Carole and I discussed our buddy read which I am posting my review this afternoon. I got a few more reviews written, and did some knitting on Lulu’s sweater. We will have a few more cold and rainy days but about 3 days of sun near 60F ( 15C) midweek!
Today is the COYER Facebook Read-along for Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh!
After much deliberation about whether to read books I own or get at the library, ebooks or audiobooks, I reached a decision. I didn’t want to read more than 4 books. I didn’t want to choose a fantasy since that is the genre we are reading for COYER Book Club. So I chose to read an ebook series from the library, The John Puller series by David Baldacci. I feel a little badly it is not books I own. I also might regret not choosing audio because if my pain is over I’ll be wanting to do gardening and projects which mix better with audio books. I’ve read and enjoyed the first book in the series, so I have the last three to read in March.
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):
Thanks so very much to Penguin Audio, Tantor Audio, Montlake and St. Martin’s Press!
(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)
I got this box set of novellas for 99¢ when usually they are $2.99 each. I have enjoyed this author in the past. I did have the first book already as a freebie.
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.
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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Sounds like a good week overall Anne! I hope the movement helps with your pain – I think the key is some movement but not overdoing it? Which is tricky to find the right balance I’m sure. Yay for getting the christmas tree down and out to the trash pickup, I bet that felt good. I have never had a real tree – it sounds nice, but seems like a lot more work. Looking forward to our chat today – thought I may be a bit too tired to focus well. I’m sure the group will have a good discussion regardless of my level of guidance.
Have a great week!
Definitely movement without overdoing it. It’s a delicate balance. I wanted to get the tree down and other chores but just wasn’t able. So things are improving. I read until 2am which is typical now but it was a great book so I was up until 4 and in pain those 2 hours. I thought I would never get to sleep. So I may be asleep during the chat also. I’m glad to see some people are really getting into the Read-along and I’m enjoying it too.
I love your wall of dog photos? I’m glad your pain seems to be less, I know moving around always makes me feel better when I’m stiff. We have a new Aldi but I haven’t been yet. I’m curious to try it since I’ve been experimenting with gluten free eating and I’ve heard they have some food choices. Have a great week, Anne!
Thanks Tammy! We love Aldi! They also have a bunch of “whole” foods like meats and produce which are naturally gluten-free which is the best and less processed way to eat They have a great selection of GF foods though. I can tell you our preferences in any category if you have any questions just message me on FB as we have been at this a little while now.
It’s hard to know how much movement is good to keep from getting stiff, but how much is too much and is making the pain worse. Hope you can find a good balance. The scones sound so delicious. I try to go easy on the carbs but the next time I have a little indulgence I might just go for a scone. 🙂
yes it’s a tricky balance but it continues to improve. And as I improve I cook more. lol This morning I am trying a new recipe I saw a friend make – pan-cakes. You make the batter and put it in a sheet pan. I’m adding blueberries to mine and choc chips for my daughter which is the same I do our regular pancakes.
I am impressed that you had your christmas tree up until this week. We did our tree out during the second week of January *smile* The warm weather is really good and I hope it will stay warm. Thank you for the cute Lulu picture. I had to smile when I read that she wanted to be in the picture. Smart dog *smile* Happy reading!
Well I wanted to take down the tree earlier but wasn’t able to do it because of my back/leg pain. So I was very happy to move forward on that and other chores this week. There is still a lot I can’t do but it’s getting better. Thank you Vi!
wow a bunch of great looking books. i have back and neck issues so i feel your pain. glad to hear you are a bit better and i hope it keeps improving. take care and stay safe
Thank you Sherry. It seems no movement is not good. I have to move frequently but not too wildly. At least I have lots of great books to read.
I’m glad to read your pain has been improving a little! What a struggle it is!
Those scones look amazing. You’ve made this pregnany lady wanting some scones myself!! LOL!!
Drown Her Sorrows, sounds like a good read.
Have a great week and happy reading.
Those scones are really easy, only a few ingredients. You can change up the fruit too. I tried something new today which I saw a friend make. A pan-cake. You mix up pancake batter and pour it into a sheet pan. It turned out really well. The two books before Drown Her Sorrows were 5 hearts for me. I am loving this series! It is a struggle but I am glad to have some normal moments and I can even walk Lulu a bit now.
Glad your pain is getting better! That is good news! Hopefully that trend continues!
Thanks Samantha! It’s a balance. I need to move but not too much or too something. But at least it’s improving and I occasionally feel normal for a short bit.
Those scones look amazing. Blueberry scones are among my favorite! I hope that you enjoy your knit project. I crochet. I would like to knit, but can not do it well enough to correct a mistake when I have one, which makes it rather impossible to complete a project. I hope that your pain improves and that you can enjoy life to the fullest. Have a good week.
Thank you! It’s improving but I wish it were gone. I crochet sometimes but I definitely knit more often. The scones are easy and you can use different fruits depending on the season.
Very nice that you’re getting around just a little bit better and some projects from your list are getting done and started on with the photo wall and knitting. Mary showed pics of her dog photobombing, too. Lulu is a cutie. Your blueberry scones sound delicious. Ha, just read in my gardening book just how hardy broccoli and a few other plants are in the cold weather- you proved it.
Got several of the same ARCS- Wild Sign, Fate’s Edge, and Drown Her Sorrows. Snagged several of those freebies, too.
Have a good week, Anne!
Thank you Sophia! I am glad to finally feeling able to do a few things and not being in pain all the time. I really enjoy cooking but sometimes at night I’m just too wiped out to stand long enough to make things. We have had broccoli in snow for 2 years in a row. I’ll have to talk to you about the timing for buddy reading. I’ll try to get better organized on it the next couple days. Have a safe, warm, wonderful week Sophia!
Your dog photo wall is so great and blueberry buttermilk scones sound absolutely delicious! I hope you have a great week and that you’re able to get outside and enjoy those warmer temps midweek. We’re supposed to warm up like that too and I can’t wait!
Thanks Suzanne! I’m sure Lulu will be excited to get out and walk a bit in the better weather. We could go these last few days, it’s mid 40s but mid 60s will be much more pleasant. I love to cook. If I can manage standing up long enough to do it right now. Sometimes it is fine and other times I can’t do it. We had so many cute photos we are going to have to change them up every few months.
Yes… keep moving and don’t stiffen up – but not too much. It’s a tricky balance! I love the photo-feature of Lulu – what fun. And your broccoli is looking very promising. I hope the coming week is a good one and you manage to keep as pain-free as possible:)).
Thank you Sarah. It’s a balance but I am glad to be doing a bit more and having a bit less pain.
Yea for starting to feel better! I hope things continue to improve for you.
Have you read Kelly Siskind before? I adore her work and that series… I just finished the most recent book and LOVE it. I hope you have a good week ahead!
Thank you Jen! I am continuing the best I can. I love Kelly Siskind. I am already reading that series which I got the freebie which is the first book I missed. I saw your review and look forward to getting caught up on the Showmen series.
Glad to hear your pain is getting better. I think your brother is right about movement helping. That’s what I’ve heard and experienced as well. Chicken pot pie sounds wonderful! I love eating comfort food when it’s cold outside.
Loved the audio of Fate’s Edge. I’ll be buying an audio copy of Wild Sign to listen to with my hubby when it releases. I read the e-copy already and loved it, but I’m sure I missed a few details that I’ll notice then. Have a lovely week!
yes I keep trying to move but not hurt myself more. It’s working a bit better and Lulu loves to walk when it’s not raining. I have read the whole Edge series and own some of the audios but they are rereleasing the audios so I will read all 4 and review them over the next month or so. Wild Sign will definitely be one of my favorite reads of 2021.
I really hope that your pain starts to fade completely. I really enjoyed discussing Bloodline with you this week. You picked up some amazing ARCs this week! I hope you have a fantastic week!
Thank you Carole! It was great to be in closer touch with you and discuss Bloodline. I think I always get such amazing ARCs. Hopefully, we will be able to read together again sometime in the future.
Love the dogs collection of pics—what a nice way to celebrate them! 🙂
Thank you! We will have to rotate photos in them as we had so many great Lulu and Gina pics.
Well I have missed something. What’s up with your pain? Did you fall? Hope you are okay. And now I’m going to check on some of those freebies. Thanks for posting them.
Thank you Lorna. I don’t know what I did but something wrong obviously. I was doing my regular stuff including push-ups and weights,etc , and walking in the neighborhood. Then it hurt starting Dec 27th and at first the pain was so intense (back and legs) I tried not to move at all. Now I think I have to move but not wildly which seems to be working as the pain gets less. I post freebies on each Sunday post but I also tweet and post to the FB page daily with deals and freebies.
Have you been x-rayed or anything? That doesn’t seem right. Some sort of arthritis? When I had rheumatic fever when I was 12, I’ll never forget the pain in my joints. Not trying to scare you and I don’t think it’s Rheumatic fever as that’s a childhood thing I think. But rheumatoid arthritis? I don’t know. Just throwing an idea out there. I hope you are okay.
Thanks Lorna. Yes the chiro Xrayed me before she did anything. I am seeing a new primary care doc today and we will see what she suggests. Our old primary care left the practice or I wouldn’t be having an appt.
I’m glad there’s been some improvement Anne, the trick will be not to push too far on your good days.
I happen to have some buttermilk in the fridge at the moment, I might use it to make some scones tomorrow.
Wishing you a great reading week
yes exactly move but not too much or too wildly. Right now no squatting. Squatting is hell. I love buttermilk in scones, biscuits and pancakes so I almost always have some in the fridge.
When I had a desk job, I made sure to stand up at least once every hour. It did help with the stiffness I got from sitting for so long. Have a good week!
yes AJ I’m finding that is an important aspect of my road to normal. Keep moving. Thank you. But definitely no squatting. That is worse than hell.
Oh no I am so sorry that you are in so much pain!! Hopefully you are doing better. 🙁
Thank you. I’ve been improving but it’s slower than I want.
Those blueberry scones you made look delicious! I hope you continue to improve, that’s nice you had a good night of sleep at least and hopefully the movement will help for your legs. Too bad you can feel your back pain more now. Your picture wall looks nice. I hope that sweater for Lulu will turn out great.
Thanks Lola. Things are continuing to improve. I made a new kind of pancakes which will be in this week’s Sunday post and Lulu’s sweater is maybe 2/3 finished.
Lulu is so adorable. I love your photos. Thank you for sharing. 🙂 I hope you have had some relief from the pain, Anne. My back has been bothering me these past few days. I’ve been trying to do more stretching and what my daughter calls my “funny exercises” when I get up now and then from my desk during the work day. I’ll do leg lifts or side step as I walk or something different. It makes her laugh, anyway. LOL
I hope you have a great week.
Thanks, Wendy. Nothing would be the same without Lulu. I am still having my ups and downs. What I dislike the most is when something I did yesterday all of a sudden causes horrible pain another day. If it was consistent, I could build gradually on things I can do.