Nehalem River
Nehalem, Oregon
June 2022
The above photo was taken on our final day of camping on the coast in early June, and I only took a couple of pictures the rest of the month. I was uninspired and feeling out of sorts (and angry) after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade. And Covid cases are once again climbing and some of our relatives are sick, so they've had to cancel their trip to see us next week. But the sun is shining and I'm getting back outside for my daily walks, which helps keep me sane during this unsettling time in our country.
I did well with my reading in June, listening to a couple of audiobooks and reading several from my stacks. I loved Jodi Picoult's latest and two other novels were very enjoyable. I'm knocking a lot off my summer reading list, but now need to focus on the Paris in July challenge.
Books Read (click on the title for my review):
The Staircase - Wow! This was such a great series. Colin Firth and Toni Collette are outstanding. I plan to watch the documentary later this summer and hope to find time to listen to the HBO podcast.
Traces - Meh. Not the best acting and the only reason we watched every episode was to find out whodunnit.
Acceptable Risk - We have a couple of episodes remaining, but so far, so good.
The People We Keep by Allison Larkin (3/5)
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland (4/5)
Necessary Blood by Deborah Crombie (4/5)
We Run the Tides by Vendela Vida (2/5)
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult (4.5/5)
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (3/5)
Movies & TV Series:
The Year Earth Changed - Very good. Thought-provoking and great cinematography.
Puzzlemania:
Visitors!
My brother and nieces came for a visit (unfortunately, my sister-in-law couldn't get away) and we had a very nice time. The rain even let up for part of their time here, but living in Nebraska, I think they welcomed the cooler weather.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Rising Covid cases and all of the Supreme Court's horrible recent decisions are a lot. I'm glad you have had time with some family and friends even if they can't all make it. Happy 4th!
ReplyDeleteHelen, the news just keeps getting worse in this country. I was heartbroken to hear about the 4th of July shooting in Illinois. Time to escape into a good book.
DeleteThere is so much in the news that has me frustrated and angry right now... getting outside and walking with an audiobook definitely helps. I haven't done a puzzle lately, but there's one ready to go here for the next rainy day. Unfortunately it's not from the New York Puzzle Company - those are my favorite! It's been years since I last read Jodi Picoult. Her latest is on my my list. Happy July!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I think I need to take a break from the news. It's all so upsetting. The gun violence has become too normalized... are we safe anywhere?? Yes, walking and listening to a good book helps. Hope you enjoy Picoult's book. It will give you a lot to think about!
DeleteThanks, Vicki. I'm off to a slow start (reading) this month, but hopefully I'll find a book that really grabs my attention.
ReplyDeleteI've been feeling out of sorts and a large part is due to the news - talk about going backwards. You had a good month. Loved the new Jodi P book but, the People We Keep - not so much. Great puzzle. My daughter, SIL and DIL have all had COVID in the last 2 weeks after avoiding it for 2+ years - frustrating.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I keep looking for the good and try not to let the news upset me too much. Between Covid, mass shootings, the economy, and the war in Ukraine, it's a challenge to remain positive and upbeat. I'm so sorry to hear that your family has Covid. One of my neighbors just tested positive and we're hoping it hasn't spread any further in our inner circle... I'm finally getting my second booster this afternoon!
DeleteI've taken a big step back from social media. I just can't deal with that on top of everything else right now. I was already feeling pretty out of sorts about Independence Day when I saw the news about the shooting in Highland Park. Then I read an article about veterans and military speaking out more about their political beliefs that included an interview with a woman who doesn't believe in abortion under any circumstances, ever. I was so upset by them both that I asked my husband if we could just stay in and avoid the fireworks.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your expected visitors are sick and had to cancel but I'm glad your brother and nieces could make it!
I love your header photo! I hadn't seen it yet. And your other photos are lovely too.
Jen, the news has been so disheartening for so long. I quickly scroll the headlines once a day and that's it. Same with social media. The news about Highland Park was so heartbreaking and yet I only saw mention of it once or twice on FB & IG. Just another day in 'Merica. :( Thanks for the nice comment about my photos. I love that view of Sisters and can't wait to go back. Thank goodness for RV travel where we really do unplug from reality.
DeleteI'm in shock...again...at how terrible things are in our country. And angry. And sad. And although I'm generally an optimist, I do not feel optimistic about the trajectory of our country. Still, like you, I'm searching for moments of joy in daily life. Long walks, good books, spending time with loved ones and friends. We all need to keep ourselves sane and balanced. By the way, I just finished Rules of Civility, and absolutely loved it. I looked back at your blog and see that you loved it, too. Take good care, Les.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Laurel. Me, too. :( I'm at a loss for uplifting thoughts, so I escape into my reading and puzzles. And long walks on the ocean path. Glad you enjoyed Rules of Civility. I still have The Lincoln Highway in my stacks, but will wait until later this year to read it. I'm struggling with Klara and the Sun, but it's a book club selection so I'll stick with it. Not sure why so many readers love it... Hugs to you. Safe travels. xo
DeleteI'm frustrated with the world right now, too. I'm trying to stay hopeful, and focus on finding ways for people to look carefully at the information they are taking in as factual (I have a relative who thinks the election was stolen...sigh...) The gun violence is honestly beyond my understanding, as is the lack of interest in taking measures to stop it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have been able to get together with family and friends lately. That helps me a lot.
I look forward to seeing what you will do during Paris in July, Les.
Deb, kind of makes you wish you lived in France (or Canada), doesn't it? Yes, seeing family and friends helps a lot. My only fear is that they bring Covid with them. I'm getting a slow start to Paris in July since I'm focusing on a book club book. I am getting a few pages of Lunch in Paris read during my lunchtime, though. :)
DeleteYeah I'm very ticked and anxious about the overturning Roe. It's the worst thing imaginable and it's almost surreal like we're living in a very bad dystopian novel right now. It's hard to believe!! I don't know what to do or think at this point -- it's beyond maddening. And that Supreme Court will ruin things forever. Thank goodness for the puzzle, wow. We had been watching The Staircase and thought we were done ... but now there are more episodes, ha! They tricked us so we need to return to it. We started the Old Man series with Jeff Bridges .... hmm.
ReplyDeleteSusan, it's hard to not start feeling apathetic. I know voting can make a difference and I hope there's a huge turnout for the midterm elections. Ah, The Staircase is so good! We've just started Blood (on Acorn) and it has a similar storyline. Let me know how you like the Old Man series.
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