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.
Don’t forget to look at my giveaways on the right sidebar.
Sunday, well even though Lulu was happy to sleep in someone rang my phone just after 6 am. I never get phone calls. WTH. I had to change a couple clocks but I have atomic clocks which change themselves, as do the phones and computers. I got going with my usual tasks. It’s not as cold or windy today so it will be better for a walk. Lulu and I had a nice almost 2 mile walk with the prettiest leaves. I figured out how to make frozen french fries in the toaster oven which made my daughter happy because we wanted something hot when it’s cold outside.
Monday, I woke up really early 4:40am, read a bit and went back to sleep a bit, then still woke well before the alarm. I had a short meeting with the contractors when they arrived and we went over all my questions. Everything’s good. I just wanted to make sure it would be as expected. I’m behind on my reading. I did manage to do a bunch of computer tasks and all my errands. And I finished both books. The big kitchen work today was electrical and moving the old 220 electric and gas into the wall so the stove can be flush against the wall instead of sitting out 3-4 inches.
After Monday:
Tuesday, I decided not to do any errand or food run toady because my daughter wanted my help with taking notes for her schoolwork. She actually says the notes she wants; I just type them for her instead of her handwriting. She’s feeling behind right now and hasn’t felt well. I don’t mind so I juggled my own task list. I got notified a puzzle I wanted from the Buy Nothing group is mine. So I picked it up on my walk with Lulu this afternoon, just over 2 miles. The weather was perfect. Today, the overhead fixture got moved to be over the eat-in area, the new outlets, one with USB ports, and other electrical had work. The wall behind the fridge got painted and it got moved into place.
After Tuesday:
Wednesday, I got to work on things. The countertop folks were early and finished by noon. The weather is really nice so I wanted to fit in a walk with Lulu, and errands, and help my daughter with finalizing her paper due today. I ended up taking a review book on audio which I already had on eARC because I just have too many eARCs to audiobooks mix and audiobooks work much better with errands and other tasks in motion. I also figured out this week how I want to do the review when I have the eARC and audio, when I read -listen. I have done it a couple ways and I have a winning format now. I had a bunch of back and forth with the contractor because I thought the shelves in the pantry would be wood colored and adjustable. I don’t mind that they are white I guess but I’m really sad they are not adjustable. I jumped in to specify the placement of the shelves after I saw what was happening.
After Wednesday:
Thursday, I had mostly a day at home other than a quick run for my daughter’s medical appt. She ended up having 2 quizzes, a test and a paper due last night so she was rather stressed. There was a difference between the syllabus and the online blackboard in what was due so she did it all. The contractors have lots more to do and their tools and supplies are everywhere, all over my garage all over the kitchen including inside the drawers and cabinets. They started the backsplash tile today. I walked Lulu about 2 miles, another gorgeous day. I also spread the pine straw on a few areas and pulled a few weeds in all the flower beds.
After Thursday:
Friday was another busy sort of day for me. I had my sort of physical/ initial appt with our new primary care doctor. Then I stopped at Dollar Tree for a couple little items. The contractors were continuing with the backsplash. I managed to sign up for the Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews Zoom release party! This afternoon Lulu had her biannual bordatella vaccine. It used to be a nasal spray but apparently now it is a pill which tastes like chicken – her favorite. She also got weighed and she has lost 1.5 pounds since August. Yay. She still has about 4 pounds to lose. We ran around and did food pickup for tonight and the weekend. The contractor seems to have finished the backsplash but nothing else. This morning they were trying to convince me I could put dishes away over the weekend but no, not without a sink and dishwasher connected. The stove is connected but it’s filthy. I have to decide if it’s worth cleaning up twice if we want to use the oven, but we don’t have any pans to use the oven anyway. After dinner, Lulu and I took another 2 mile walk on the hilliest route in the neighborhood. It wasn’t too bad after dark with a mix of Halloween and Christmas lights. I saw one house with a Christmas tree already! After that I worked on a few computer things, and then watched a little more Love It or List It.
After Friday:
Saturday, I slept until I woke up a bit later and finished off one of my books. I got up planning in my head all the little tasks I plan to do when I have my home to myself. It’s going to freeze tonight so I will cover some plants but the basil may be on its last legs. I cleaned up the extra boxes and packing supplies that were cluttering up the entry, including the latest Amazon boxes which arrived this week. Lulu and I took our walk, cooler day but still lovely. I felt at loose ends, unable to start the work in the kitchen so I watched 2 more episodes of Love It or List It.
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by 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):
I am grateful to Penguin Random Audio, and Harper Audio.
(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)
I have a few Audible credits to use this month. I read and reviewed the first two books in this series and then what I suspected would be 5 books for 5 sisters, no more were released in the US. This was released internationally and finally I could get the audiobook. The paperback and ebook seem to be only international. It also looks like all 3 other sisters got crammed into this final book?
I decided to get the only one of the Iron Druid Chronicles I didn’t own already on audio.
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.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- Sunday Post – 13 April 2025 @caffeinatedreviewer.com @readingreality.bsky.social @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - April 13, 2025
- Series on Saturday: Kelley Armstrong Edition @KelleyArmstrong @kelleyarmstrongauthor#SeriesOnSaturday - April 12, 2025
- 🎧 The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose @NitaProse#LaurenAmbrose @penguinaudio.bsky.social #LoveAudiobooks @PRHAudio - April 10, 2025
The kitchen is really looking good, Anne. Almost done, so maybe next week’s update will be the completed kitchen!? It’s going to be so nice when you can start moving all your things back. Hope you have a good week😁
Thank you Tammy. I got my hopes up for this weekend but that was pushing it. I do hope they can finish this week.
That’s so sweet to help your daughter. When I taught second grade, my mom helped me put together gift bags for the children. She loved this. Brings back great memories, thanks.
She needs the emotional support. She can do the work herself. She’s just very isolated right now with taking classes online.
Definitely an off-balance sort of week, but I do love seeing how your kitchen is coming along. Way to go on all the healthy walks as well as getting some stuff done. Lulu seems to be benefiting from the exercise, too. 🙂
Have a good week, Anne!
Thanks Sophia. I feel sort of at odds and ends. I don’t want to do any cleaning, etc until they are really done. So I’m kind of in limbo. I need to do another round with the leaves but there are many to fall yet. Sadly, Lulu gained 6 pounds in her first year with us and we need to take some of that back for her health. She LOVES the walks and her homemade food so I don’t think she is finding it a problem at all.
Your kitchen looks great! I got an estimate on my patio I wanted to build, nothing fancy, no roof, and they wanted $9,000! So I won’t be doing that. Might look into doing my kitchen for that much instead. Especially after seeing how great yours looks! Mine is much smaller, but would love all the cabinets and countertops like you have. I also got The Singles Table to read this week. It’s my next read in fact. Hope you have a good week!
I’m enjoying Singles Table right now while walking with Lulu or running errands. That was the deal with my planter. No one wanted to do it; couldn’t even get them to give me a quote. Off the cuff they told me it would be at least $5000 so I got the materials for just under $1000 and did it myself. It’s not perfect but it works and I have gotten several compliments on it. Kitchens are very expensive. I saved almost $5,000 by ordering the cabinets myself. It’s still almost $40,000 and I didn’t get any new appliances. The fridge is new and I can replace the others as they die. They all match and oddly are Frigidaire. I didn’t plan it but that’s how it worked out. I don’t have to have them the same brand. The washer and dryer I bought when I moved here aren’t The washer is GE and the dryer is Maytag. That’s how it worked out in finding the features I wanted. They are both white and nobody spends time in the laundry room but me.
Wow the kitchen looks GREAT! You must be excited. And yay for Lulu!
Thank you Samantha. I’m trying to hold back until I can start the clean and organize process. Then I’ll be more excited.
Lulu💜💜💜
Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful. Love the granite countertop choice. They’re doing a good job in keeping on schedule.
We grabbed the same audios this week…so not a surprise. You hit the mother lode of freebies this week! I almost got that Penelope Ward book.
Have a wonderful week, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta! Lulu is the best girl. She’s settled into the construction now or she’s just too tired because I’m walking her every day. She’s still up all day with me and up all night with my daughter so she’s sound asleep under my desk until I get her to go for the walk. The kitchen is so close but I’m just looking forward to them being out of the house with their mess. We both have good taste in books!
I hope your kitchen gets done soon, Anne. It’s so hard to get things done when a kitchen is torn up. But you’ve been very busy anyway! It’s great you’re getting out and taking walks with Lulu.
I hope you have a great week!
Thanks Jan. It’s a process and as long as it seems to be progressing I just hang with it. I hate not having the sink but it’s a short time in the overall scheme of things. I’m looking forward to the improvements when it is finished.
Why is it that renovations steal our reading time so much? But your kitchen is starting to look really nice!
Reading will pick up again. Have a good week and good luck with everything. If all else fails, read a book.
Thank you ! I think I’m just distracted at times.
The kitchen is looking great Anne. And how awesome that you’ve been able to help your daughter out.
Your new books look great!
Have a great week and happy reading.
Thank you Maureen. I feel it is important to give her that emotional support right now as we stay pretty isolated.
The new kitchen is looking really good Anne!
Thank you Sophie! I can’t wait until it’s just finished.
The new kitchen is really looking nice.
Thank you. I just want to be done with the mess but it’s coming along mostly on schedule.
Early phone calls- ugh. Your walk sounds nice though- I like a brisk walk when the leaves are turning. 🙂
I’ve seen a Christmas tree up already too. Too early for me. 🙂
Hope you have a great week ahead!
I love hearing the leaves crunch under my feet! It’s too early for me for Christmas decorations too.
I’m loving seeing all the progress in your kitchen! It is gorgeous! It looks almost done at this point right? What do you have left to do?
I love waking up “early” on the Sunday and Monday after Fall Back. The day already tends to feel accomplished. 🙂
That’s a lovely picture of Lulu!
Thank you! Well there’s finishing the backsplash and shelves in the pantry, the handles on the cabinets, painting on the walls and ceiling. The big thing is plumbing with the sink, garbage disposal and dishwasher getting reconnected.
I have a serious case of kitchen envy! Yours looks amazing. I love watching it all come together.
I love watching the progress on projects so I have taken a picture or two every day. I have very distinct preferences – like wood colored cabinets – and I’m more focused on function than design.
The progress on the kitchen is great, I’m sure you will be pleased when the contractors are gone though.
I spotted the Murder Rule on edelweiss but weirdly it’s only available on audio for review.
Wishing you a great reading week, and more sleep!
Thank you Shellyrae. I will be glad to be done with this project, hopefully this week. I’ve wanted this kind of functionality for the past 10 years, 8 years in 2 rental places and 2 years here. I LOVE Dervla McTiernan. But sometimes you can get things before the US and sometimes only certain formats are available.
Your kitchen looks gorgeous, Anne. Glad everything goes well with it. Please, tell your daughter, she looks beautiful in the picture with Lulu. Have a great week.
Thank you Vi! It’s getting there.
Your kitchen is looking great already – I bet you can’t wait for the work to be finished! An Oxford Murder looks good and since it’s free I might as well grab a copy myself. Have a great week.
Thanks Louise. I am ready to be finished with construction. I don’t both having any control when it comes to freebies!
Another busy busy week! I loooooove the kitchen. It’s coming along so nicely! Great choices on all the cabinets and appliances. <3
Thank you! The appliances are all old though. I’ll just replace them as they die. The newest is the fridge which I bought 2 years ago when we moved here.
Oh wow…the nerve of someone calling that early!
We have an atomic clock, too! Has a little thermometer we hang on the porch so it can tell us the inside and outside temps, too.
Thanks for the fries reminder. I want to buy my favorite crinkle cut. I can heat up a handful in the air fryer,
“moving the old 220 electric and gas into the wall so the stove can be flush against the wall instead of sitting out 3-4 inches” — I don’t fully understand this, but I think that must be the current situation with my gas stove in my 1940s apartment in L.A.
I need to figure out if I have a Buy Nothing group near me!
Who knew that outlets could have USB ports????????
Adjustable shelves are a MUST!! Non-adjustable shelves should not even be an option!
Have a great week, Anne!
Right and on the weekend! I love the atomic clocks we have. We have found the toaster over a great option for reheating takeout fries, better than the microwave. Then I tried them from the freezer and that works too. The Buy Nothing group is awesome. People give and get everything from really inexpensive options to appliances and treadmills, really anything you can think of. They aren’t shy to ask for really expensive stuff too. I try to just post things I don’t need and ask to be considered for things we could use. I don’t do the ASK much. We have surge protectors with USB ports and found that outlets can have them too.
Your kitchen is looking nice! It is tough when your kitchen is torn apart. I think more so when it’s cold outside because like you said you crave something warm to eat. Yay for getting into the Fated Blades launch party. I didn’t even know there was one, lol! Things were soooo busy last week that when I got home from work I just did the necessary things like eat and sleep so I didn’t see anything about it.
Thanks Rachel. I can relate to the just doing the necessary things. I’m hiding in my own home from the contractors. But I also have to run get takeout every few days. We did get the sink connected yesterday and the stove is in place so we made a frozen pizza in the over last night. Because so many restaurants are not open on Monday so I will do a takeout run today. I think the release party will be the same time as I finally get my kitchen / house to myself again but no doubt I’ll need a break as it’s only an hour. I see much scrubbing in my future and dishwasher loads.
Anne!! The kitchen looks amazing. Are you happy with it as it progresses? I had a pretty normal week. However, my kiddos & I were off on Thursday, so I took my daughter and a friend to the movies. That was a nice mid-week adventure. Then on Saturday, our HS team was in the state football semis and won – very exciting.
That sounds like you had a pretty exciting week. I love seeing progress. I hate having people in my house. There are a few things to clear up now as we are getting close to the end but overall, other than them being messy and having tools everywhere it’s fine. I stupidly thought they might be done last week but now I really think they might finish this week.
Your kitchen looks great. Your dog is so cute, love the picture.
The kitchen is getting there. Lulu is our best girl.
LOVE seeing the progression of your kitchen renovation! And I think it’s so nice that you type notes for your daughter sometimes. I help my daughter out in whatever ways I can too—sometimes she needs that extra burden off of her so she can succeed.
I love seeing the progress. It’s slow but sure. Typing her notes helps her feel supported. There is no issue with her ability, but she does have anxiety and things like this help.