Little Whale Cove
Depoe Bay, OR
November 2022
Yikes! It's already the beginning of the second week in December and I'm just now getting this posted. That's how my life has gone this fall, and I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling a little overwhelmed with all that needs to be accomplished before Christmas. But that's for another story. Let's chat about how busy November was, shall we? We had a total of four days with absolutely nothing on the calendar. Every other day was scheduled with at least one or more activities, appointments, or social gatherings. It was a fun month, but a little hectic. How did we manage our lives when we were both working?
For those who have asked, Rod is going to cardio rehab twice a week and feeling great. We celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary early in the month, and once again, I felt particularly grateful to his doctors and the first responders.
Despite the busy month, I managed to finish six books. I loved three, enjoyed two, and was somewhat disappointed with one. Ann Patchett has always been one of my favorite authors, but her nonfiction works really are quite remarkable. I'm still toying with the idea of sending her a fan letter...
Books Read (click on the title for my review):
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (5/5)
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (5/5)
House Lessons by Erica Bauermeister (4.5/5)
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May (2/5)
Suddenly 60 [and other shocks of later life] by Judith Viorst (3/5)
More Home Cooking: A Writer Returns to the Kitchen by Laurie Colwin (3/5)
Movies & TV Series:
Karen Pirie - A very good show based on Val McDermid's series. Each of the three episodes is two hours long, so we really got engrossed! Fingers crossed it will be renewed for a second season.
Case Histories (Season One) - Based on Kate Atkinson's novels, this show is pretty confusing. The final two episodes were great, and I'm looking forward to watching Season Two.
Visitors!
We had a very nice Thanksgiving with family and neighbors, and thankfully, it only rained a little bit. I forgot to take any pictures except for this one.
Despite the crazy, busy month, I finally got back on my bike. Instead of taking instructed classes, I've opted to ride the scenic routes (while listening to my favorite music on Spotify), which are a lot of fun. I've ridden in Big Sur, Monterey, London, Barcelona, Brisbane, Canyonlands, Oahu, Trentino, South Africa, Grand Tetons, Haleakala, Rhone-Alpes, Tierra del Fuego, French Pyrenees, and Westfjords (Iceland). It's a fun way to see other parts of the world while getting in some good cardio!
Only 17 days until Christmas. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
Good reading month you had! The tv shows are interesting and i think it was you who suggested Van Der Valk on a previouos post. We tried season one and liked it very much. Looking forward to season two from the library.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely table setting and I think I can spot some pretty scenery out your glass doors! Love the idea of "traveling" on your Peloton. We have a rowing machine and I can't get too much time on it befoe I wear out. It's a great overall body workout though.
Thanks, Tina! I'm always happy if I can anything read in November & December. There's always so much going on. Glad you're enjoying Van DerValk. We really liked that one. Yes, lots of greenery outside our windows. We live in a forest, so we're surrounded by trees, fern and rhododendrons. And pine needles. LOTS of pine needles. :) I would love a rowing maching (specifically one by Peloton), but we don't have room for more equipment. I hear it's a great workout!
DeleteDespite the crazy busy month, you read some great books! House Lessons and These Precious Days were hits for me, too, and I plan to read We Begin at the End in 2023. Glad you're back to regular Peloton workouts. The scenic routes sound like a nice change of pace! I managed to hurt my knee again and have stopped morning audiobook walks... will give myself the rest of the month to recover, but I really miss them! Might try water aerobics when we get back to FL. They're planning to reopen the rec center pool soon.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I think you'll enjoy We Begin at the End. I'm eager to read more by Whitaker. I'm sorry your knee is giving you trouble. It's always something, isn't it? I'm not walking nearly as much for exercise, so my audio listening is way down, but I feel like I get a better workout on the bike. That's wonderful that your rec center pool is opening soon. We have two water aerobics groups that meet M/W/F, but I've never tried out the classes. Might be fun and a good way to mix things up a bit.
DeleteI did so enjoy the last episode of Shetland, with DI Jimmy Perez. I thought they ended it perfectly. Such a good, good series. But there will be more! Just not with Douglas Henshall. The new one is played by Ashley Jenson! More here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/shetland-season-8-cast-ashley-jensen-confirmed-as-the-atmospheric-bbc-drama-s-new-lead-detective-but-which-regular-characters-are-returning-alongside-her/ar-AA14tyMG
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, Nan! I'll miss Henshall, but I enjoy the rest of the cast, so it should still be entertaining. We're currently watching Three Pines, which is better than I thought it would be. The cast isn't exactly how I envisioned the characters, but I can overlook that and still enjoy the show.
DeleteYou have so much going on and I love the idea of listening to music while watching video of far away places. And, you don't have to deal with the London traffic!
ReplyDeleteHelen, it's been a busy fall! Some of the scenic rides are better than others. I like the ones that take the rider in and out of populated areas so there's more to look at than the same scenery for 30 minutes. You're right about not having to deal with traffic, but the other day a goat ran out in front of the camera (not sure if Peloton is using motorcyles, cars, or drones to film) and it was a little startling! I gasped as if it was really in my path! ;)
DeleteYou have had a busy month. I'm glad your husband is doing well, and I know you are glad to be doing so well personally with your bike.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely need to send Ann Patchett a fan letter.
Thanks, Deb! December is feeling just as busy, but in a good way. I'll let you know if I write to Patchett.
DeleteReally glad Rod is feeling well & his recovery is good. I'm envious of your Peloton; it looks like some really great routes, and with the music it seems like it won't get boring. We plan to get a spin bike for the new house but not sure when that will be. And Happy Belated Anniversary! Wow 34! Going strong. I think Patchett's nonfiction books are terrific. December looks to be very busy as well .... hold on to your hats!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. We're very happy that Rod has made a full recovery (although he's on a few new meds to keep that ticker ticking properly!). The Peloton was a life saver during Covid, especially during the rainy season when I couldn't get out for my daily walks. It's a better cardio workout than walking, too, so I'm trying to ride at least 4 days a week. Yep, December has been pretty busy, too. Next week should calm down a bit, but tonight we host a cocktail/happy hour party. Should be fun!
Delete