The chaos of opening presents with all the kids and grands was in full swing, and I thought, “Where’s Buddy.” I look behind my chair and he is “enjoying” aka destroying his Christmas present.
— Namaste
Nearly Wordless Wednesday
What I’ve been reading
There are plenty of books I read to the final page that I am not going to mention in this blog. They are fine but nothing exceptional. Not worth the mention.
Boy, do I have a good book for you this month. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is everything a book should be. I enjoyed the characters, it taught me a little about Russian history, so funny and clever, it held my interest — so much so I can’t wait to read Towles other book, Rules of Civility.
In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. The story of Rostov’s 30+ years in this hotel has heart, such wit and the subtle back handed humor of a true gentleman. A must read.
Here are other great books I’ve read recently.
The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott. This was a hand-me-down from my mom. I was pleasantly surprised by this. It’s an easy read. Great for when you want a good story.
Tess, an aspiring seamstress, thinks she’s had an incredibly lucky break when she is hired by famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon to be her personal maid on the Titanic. Once on board, Tess catches the eye of two men—a kind sailor and an enigmatic Chicago businessman—who offer differing views of what lies ahead for her in America. But on the fourth night, disaster strikes, and amidst the chaos, Tess is one of the last people allowed on a lifeboat.
The story then takes us on the aftermath of the survivors and starting a life on a new continent. Check it out.
Modern Lovers by Emma Straub. I had some issues with this book but it had many positives and I’m glad I read it. It certainly is a book that sticks with you and those are the best kind.
(Straub is also the author of The Vacationers, if you have read that. I haven’t.)
The story involves a tight-knit group of friends and bandmates from college who go on to remain each other’s lives in middle age, but how relationships change and evolve is explored. A splash of the next generation and it’s a nice, thoughtful read.
So curl up on the couch this weekend and read whatever you like. Hope it’s a good one!
— Namaste
Mother-in-law or monster-in-law
It’s hard being a mother-in-law. And nothing reminds me more of this, than a holiday. Why can’t we all just get along?
But we can’t.
Well we can, but it’s strained. I whole heartedly believe when a son takes a wife, she should be his focus. He should side with her; do what she wants; respect her wishes; etc. etc. etc.
I have three sons and one daughter. I’ve had good mother-in-law experiences and these strained times. It is a tightrope that is so hard to walk when all you want is a slice of your son’s life so you can maintain a relationship.
I’d ask all those young wives of men out there to remember, we are all just trying to love everyone and have no ulterior motives. We are going to make mistakes but it’s just because people aren’t perfect. If we could all start there — myself included — I think it would go a long way.
Any advice out there?
— Namaste
Nearly Wordless Wednesday
When I work from home in the winter, I usually have my laptop on my lap on the couch. Giving my back a rest from an office chair.
Kitty and Buddy tend to watch over me on these days. 🙂
Why does the back of couches draw pets to them? And, remember when we used to call them davenports?
— Namaste
