Little Whale Cove
Depoe Bay, Oregon
February 2021
February usually feels like a super short month, but this year it didn't feel any different than the past 12 months. Our weeks are pretty much the same as they've been: my husband's physical therapy twice a week, my weekly get-together with friends to play Mah Jong (masked and outside) and Zoom book club. We did both have dental appointments and annual physicals for the first time in a year, and I was a little nervous about the COVID risk of those, but once there, I felt all precautions were observed and felt very safe. My mom has had her first vaccination, but Rod and I are still waiting for ours. I'm trying to be patient, but I'm so ready to start traveling again!
I had another good month of reading, finishing seven books and enjoying all but one (which I would have given up on, but it was my book club's selection). I read two mysteries (one was a reread), one nonfiction, one ebook, one ARC, one YA, and one audio. My favorite was Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin.
Books Read (click on the title for my review):
A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie (4/5)
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff (1/5)
The World We Found by Thrity Umrigar (3/5)
Stars of Alabama by Sean Dietrich (3/5)
Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin (4.5/5)
All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie (3/5)
If I Stay by Gayle Forman (4/5)
Movies & TV Series:
Lupin - Clever! I wasn't sure about this show until the second episode; then I was hooked!
River - Oh my goodness. This is simply one of the best detective series we have ever watched. What a shame that it's only one season. Unforgettable!
The Bay - We finished this series and enjoyed it, but I wouldn't say that it's one I loved.
Nomadland - Not bad, but the book was better. Frances McDormand was, as always, outstanding.
Perry Mason - After five episodes, I still can't decide if I like this show.
Puzzlemania:
Stay safe and keep wearing your masks, my friends. The rain is gone (for now), the sun is shining, and I see the light at the end of this very long tunnel!
You had a good month Les. D. Crombie was one of those authors that I always meant to try but, haven't. Trying to avoid new series. Nomadland is one we will catch at some point. I love Frances McD.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good month, Diane. I'm looking forward to another Crombie book, as well as another reread (not sure which book, though). I've already finished my book club's choice for March and can now focus on the books I want to read. :)
DeleteI'm glad you had a good reading month! I tried Lupin, but now since you say it took the second episode to get involved, I'll try again. As for River, it was terrific! Watched it several years ago and recommended it to my daughter who also loved it. What a great photo of Little Whale Cove--a place I'd like to visit some day.
ReplyDeleteJenclair, yes do give Lupin another chance. It gets better!
DeleteMy header photo is also of the cove in our neighborhood. It's quite lovely, even if the sun isn't always shining. :)
I'm glad your mom has been able to get her shot, and I hope you and your husband are able to get yours soon. We were just starting to plan a trip when our governor decided to make Texas mask-free. I'm so frustrated with our leadership here.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to see Nomadland. The book was eye-opening. I see many of my generation may be living in that way soon.
Young Jane Young is at the library for me. Can't wait to give it a try.
Thank you so much for sharing that technique for DNFing books on Goodreads, Les.
Deb, I was pretty shocked to see that Texas is now open and mask-free. Other states are doing the same and I'm afraid we're going to see another surge in the next few months. Sigh. Enjoy Young Jane Young. It's a good one! Glad you were able to get things sorted with Goodreads. Take care!
DeleteNice picture of Whale Cove and the puzzlemania. That's a large puzzle, was it hard?? So the Umrigar novel wasn't as good as her other ones? I haven't tried that one. I'll add the Zevin book to my TBR ... thanks. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteSusan, we are so lucky to live in Little Whale Cove. The header picture is also of our little cove. Such a lovely spot, especially on a warm (60F) day! The puzzle wasn't too difficult, but it took a few weeks. The whale's tail was probably what gave us the most trouble. You're safe to skip The World We Found. It sounds like most of her other books are better.
DeleteI was okay with waiting for my turn to get the vaccine. I really didn't think I'd be getting it before fall even though I have an auto-immune condition. But then they added education to the approved list so it became a reality. I had many opportunities to sign up but then my recent shingles shot is throwing a wrench into it. There is some concern about the two interacting or cancelling one or the other out. Not enough data on it. They want me to wait a few more weeks. I will try to book an appt after 3/17 just to be safe. I can't wait. So many of my friends and colleagues have gotten theirs now.
ReplyDeleteFebruary didn't seem short at all. It was an okay month for us. This month will be more of the same with the addition (hopefully) of some good news on the college front.
Reading has been great. I want to keep it going so I am very careful about what to read next.
Ti, I hope we can both say that we've had our first shots by the beginning of next month. Fingers crossed!
DeleteI love that puzzle, it reminds of the massive Mary Blair picture at the Contemporary at Walt Disney World.
ReplyDeleteThat’s my parents and in-laws both had their vaccines now, my husband has had his due to his MS, I reckon it’ll be about six weeks till I get done the way they are going through them. It’ll be a relief that’s for sure.
Have a lovely month.
Heather, I had to Google Mary Blair and love her artwork. I wish I could find a puzzle with something she's created. Yes, it will be a huge relief when we all get our shots, won't it? I'm sorry your husband has MS. I have a couple of friends with it, but they seem to be managing quite well with their treatments. I hope he is, as well. Thanks again for introducing me to Mary Blair's works. Take care!
DeleteI thought that must be a Charley Harper puzzle! He's one of our favorite artists. I'm reading Young Jane Young right now and loving it. And we're watching Lucifer on Netflix...have you seen it? We're enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteLaurel, we've done a few puzzles with Charley Harper's artwork. He's wonderful!
DeleteSo glad you are enjoying YJY. The final chapter is a bit odd, but I still loved it.
Thanks for the rec for Lucifer. We'll check it out. We're currently watching Fortitude. Only one episode so far, but it's good.
Oh, boy, River!!!!!!!! Loved it so much. Nicola Walker is one of the best.
ReplyDeleteNan, we are anxiously awaiting Season 4 of Unforgotten. We love Nicola Walker!
DeleteA great reading month! I agree that the Nomadland book was better than the movie, but enjoyed Frances McD's performance and the gorgeous scenery... makes me long for the day when we can travel again. I didn't like Young Jane Young quite as much as you did. Loved the first third, but started to get skeptical when the choose your own adventure format began. An enjoyable read overall though, and at just the right time!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, it sure felt like a great month of reading. I hope I can keep up with the momentum. I understand about the "choose your own adventure" part of YJY. It kind of threw me off initially, but I eventually settled back in to the story and didn't mind it so much. I sure did love Ruby's chapter!
DeleteLes - I loved everything about Ruby! Thanks again for the recommendation.
DeleteYou're welcome, JoAnn!
DeleteSo glad your mom got her vaccine. Like you, we can't wait to get ours, especially now that our Governor had the brilliant idea of ending the mask mandate (major sarcasm!). I watched a couple of episodes of River and liked a lot but for some reason we didn't finish it. I love both of those actors. Here's wishing a fantastic reading month!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Iliana! I hope she doesn't have a serious reaction to her second shot, which is coming up on Thursday. We're prepared for just about anything, though. Yeah, what the heck is going on with your elected officials?! I feel for you, Deb, Trish, Andi and Kay. Scary times, so stay safe! At least you aren't having to deal with freezing temps any more, right? Take care!
DeleteI really want to see Nomadland, so thanks for remining me to read the book first. I just put it on hold at the library. There is light...if only people would keep their masks on for a but longer!
ReplyDeleteStacy, I actually think you could read the book before or after watching the movie. Just don't skip it, as it gives a much broader picture of those living the nomadic life.
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