Local Library

Do you use your local library?  Our local library was recently under threat of closure, but thankfully it has been awarded a stay of execution.  I love our library, though I admit I haven't used it for over a year.  In the past few years the library has moved from an old building on the flat part of the village to a new building attached to a new school but it is up a steep hill if you go the quickest way.  I suspect that this hill has put a lot of people off of visiting the library.  It is a shame as it is lovely in every other way.

I had stopped visiting the library because my lovely Mum threatened me with awful things if I kept getting library books rather than reading some of my own books.  When I saw the library was under threat I was determined to start going back.

This morning, Dave and I wheeled up there to re-join for me, and to join for him.  The ladies who work there were so happy to have 2 more members.  I was happy to get 4 new books and Dave took out an audio book to see if he could still  enjoy books even those his eyes don't focus enough to read them.  I just need to order him some ear phones so I don't have to listen too!!

Am I sad that I was uber excited to choose my books...... don't answer that one.

I have started with "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern.  Have you read it?  I am 4 pages in and I already know that I am going to enjoy it.

Making me HAPPY

Hello,

Apologies for the lack of a holiday post but we've had problems with the camera.  Now sorted so I should be able to update this week.

In the meantime, things making me happy this week;

1) Collecting Anni from the kennels.  I would love to say that she was happy to see me - but she went into submissive position until I spoke - my tan must have frightened her :-)  She DRAGGED me up the hill to get home quicker, so I think she was happy to see me really!!!!

2) Baking.  I made a cake for my M-I-L's Birthday.  Chocolate cake with a cream and orange filling and a chocolate topping with broken chocolate digestives.  She seemed very happy with my choices.

3) Actually getting us all on a photo - without anyone gurning!!

4) M opening her Birthday present.  I even learnt a new pattern for her!!!  I didn't see her reaction, but I have evidence that she loved it :-)

5)  I read 10 books on holiday - the lowest amount I have ever read and there were so many in the hotel that I wanted to read, I brought 5 home with me!!!!  The one below is one I brought home and I LOVED IT.  I have read Liane Moriarty books before and I have loved one and thought one was ok.  This one is definitely in the LOVED category.  Kept me guessing until very close to the end.

Brick Lane

I have had the book "Brick Lane" for many years now and it has stayed on my bookshelf looking at me ever since.  In fact I'd say I may have had it for nearly 10 years (it was published in 2003).

I am enjoying it, but I find it slow going.  If I love a book I can devour it in one sitting and I have been reading this for over a week now and when I pick it up it's ok - I just don't keep picking it up.  I find this weird, as I do love to read.  I hate when it feels like a book has beaten me - cause I don't just love it.  If I am being honest, I am already skimming it so I can feel like I have read it, without spending the rest of my life trying to get through it!

Have you read it?

What is your favourite read recently?

PS I have started my pile of books to take on holiday.  When we book a holiday I start to hit the charity shops to choose books to take with me.  As we are largely inactive due to H's MS, I lie by the pool with a good book each day.  Then when he has a siesta, I read more of the book.  I have been known to read up to 20 books in 2 weeks.  This year, I have 8 put aside and I hope it'll be enough.  (I also plan to crochet.)  My Mum is already planning on borrowing some before we go - she hates to miss out!!!   Hopefully I'll have time at the airport to buy 2 more - I don't often buy new books so it feels a real treat to do so at the airport.  

Reading

Hello,

I love reading - FACT.  Since the Summer of 2012 I have been keeping a diary of the books I've read.   In 2013 I read 64 books over the year.  Last year I only read 56.  This year I am on my 3rd book.  3, yes 3, at this rate by next year I won't be reading anything.  Not impressed with myself at all.  Talk about getting twitchy about my reading!!!!!!!

Have you read anything fabulous lately that may get me back on track.

This year I have read;

I was a little disappointed with "The Last Anniversary".  I have read other Liane Moriarty books which I loved, so I am unsure whether some of my disappointment is that I didn't love this one.  I'd recommend "The Husband's Secret" over this one.

This was a Christmas present from my s-i-l.  Again, I thought this was ok.  It's split between 2 different time zones and I don't usually like books set over different periods - it tends to confuse me!!!!

I am currently reading the book above.  It's mostly set in Sheffield and I am really enjoying it.  I should probably be finished with it tonight so I can chose another book.  I am doing my best not to buy anymore books (I love books!) until I get rid of some.  The way I figure it is if I get rid of books as I read them, then there will be less to pack up when we finally get the house on the market.

Do you give in or keep going?

I love reading.  I don't fell complete if I don't have at least one book on the go, maybe one in my bag, one by the bed.  A pile of charity shop finds to take on holiday so I can leave them and let others enjoy them too.  Books are great.  Except when they aren't.

I have been plowing my way through the following book.

I love Tami Hoag books so was really excited to treat myself to this book.  I was sadly disappointed and here lay my dilemma.  Should I ditch it or keep reading?  I hate a book defeating me and it has only ever happened twice so far.  Yup, I have only given in twice and stopped reading a book.  The first sticks in my mind and was "Robinson Crusoe" which currently lives in the void under our bath, where I threw it in a fit of disgust (apologises to whoever buys our house eventually!!).  I hate giving in and giving up. It's only a book, just words on a page but god when it just doesn't click it is so hard.

So what do you do - do you keep going with gusto, do you give in and move on or does it bug you so you slowly keep going?  I kept going, for  a week.  Books don't take me a week to read.  Arghhhhhh.  Have to say it's put me off Tami Hoag books for a while.

Am now reading fluff and enjoying it much more.  Phew.