Depoe Bay, Oregon
January 2026
Hello, friends. I can't write this summary without bringing attention to the current state of affairs in our country. My heart is heavy. In a single year, there have been countless attacks on our history, our livelihoods, our communities, and our citizens. With each loss of life, each senseless detainment, each deportation, I grow more angry with our government, angry with those who think that this is right, and angry with those who could turn the tide but lack the spine. My way of coping is to escape into books and nature. I am fortunate to be here, on the Oregon coast, and am well aware of my privilege to feel safe, sheltered, and fed. There are so many who aren't. If you feel as I do, and want to help Minnesotans specifically, take a look at this site and this one.
In addition to going for long walks in our neighborhood and on the ocean path, I've taken up an new exercise program (Ladder) and am enjoying the guided programs, which include strength training and conditioning. Feeling stronger every day!
We had visitors in the middle of the month, and the weather cooperated for a change. January was very dry and it looks like February won't be any better. Personally, I don't miss the rain, but I know it's not good going into the summer months. I'm just thankful we didn't get the frigid temps and snow/ice that others experienced last month. Yuck!
With regards to my favorite pastime, I read eight new books and re-read an old favorite that stood the test of time. Of all of these books, all were new-to-me authors except two! I also have a couple of books that I'm reading little by little since they're both quite long (The Emperor of All Maladies and The Winds of War). I have stacks of new books (thanks to my mom and Santa!) that I'm eager to get to over the next few months.
Books Read (click on the title for my review):
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen (3.5/5)
The Maid by Nita Prose (3.5/5)
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (4.5/5)
Durable Goods by Elizabeth Berg (4/5)
The Eights by Joanna Miller (4/5)
The Story of a Heart by Dr. Rachel Clarke (3.5/5)
You Are Here by David Nicholls (4/5)
Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly (4.5/5)
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (3.5/5)
Movies & TV Series:
The Game - We enjoyed this suspenseful, cat-and-mouse series. Jason Watkins is a favorite from McDonald & Dodds. (Britbox)
Seven Dials - Another entertaining series with a great cast. Mia McKenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter, and Martin Freeman are all outstanding. Kept me guessing! (Netflix)
Bookish - I enjoyed this quaint British series, but not quite as much as my husband or my mom. It reminded me a bit of Moonflower Murders. (PBS)
Life of Crime - Not a memorable series, but we were entertained. (Britbox & Prime)
Good Night, and Good Luck (on Broadway) - Outstanding!! I was blown away by this show. I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat during Clooney's final monologue, which is very timely. Highly recommend! (Netflix)
Lynley - Another series that I forgot to include last month. Based on Elizabeth George's mysteries. I hope there's another season. This one was good! (Britbox)
Puzzlemania:
Mom, Mark and Ana
We are fortunate to get so many relatives visiting us here on the coast! My brother and sister-in-law came up from San Diego for a few days. We're looking forward to seeing them again this summer.
Wishing you all peace and love.
I am close to finishing 7 seasons of The Closer. It's good, but not great. I did enjoy watching Seven Dials and my parents also recommended Bookish. I plan to watch the new Shrinking season next.
ReplyDeleteThe state of our county is just appalling and I feel so helpless. Where has our humanity gone? We're seeing the need for power that is so strong, people at the top will not speak up or do the right thing. And, thanks to history, we know where this is going. No one is going to rescue us, though.
Helen, we watch a lot of detective shows, but their almost all British. Not sure if The Closer is one we'll try. I'm excited to start watching the new season of Shrinking, too. Want to wait until all episodes drop, though.
DeleteRegarding our country, I can only hope things turn during the midterms...
Great roundup for the month. The news is dystopian, I never ever thought our country could go down the tubes as it has under such corrupt leadership. But you nailed it when you said you are angry with those who lack the spine to step up. These politicans are elected to serve us and they pander to a corrupt wanna-be-dictator. Can you imagine the outrage if all this were going on under a democratic or libertarian president. Please....
ReplyDeleteOn to good things such as a family visit. That's a good photo of your brother, sis-in-law and your mom. I like your roundup of books. I feel the same about the Maid, don;t want to read anymore by this author. We definitely differ on Story of a Heart! One of my year's favorites.
We don't have Britbox but what I do is list tv shows or series and whihc streaming service. When we have enough to make it worth it we will subscribe. Currently using Amazon Prime and Apple.
Love the puzzles!
Thanks, Tina! Maybe we should move in with Susan. :)
DeleteYeah, I guess The Story of a Heart just wasn't one that resonated with me as much as it did with you.
That puzzle was fun. I loved the company (Pomegranate) and the artist (Charlie Harper).
Love the family picture! Always nice to see your Mom with her smiling face. We've watched some of the shows you listed and liked some and didn't care for others. I watched Lynley and it was OK, but I had a hard time with the new actors for both Barbara and Thomas. We tried The Game and didn't care for it. We've enjoyed Bookish or the episodes we've seen so far. Love the quotes you shared. Beautiful and thought-provoking! Take care, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kay. We sure enjoyed seeing my brother & sister-in-law. Enjoyed a couple of nice meals out and saw a great sunset (I used it at the top of this post) from Tidal Raves.
DeleteI haven't seen the original Lynley, so the new actors were fine with me. Now we're watching The Night Manager, which is super intense!
It is heart breaking to turn on the news at night. This isn't the country I grew up in.
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading Finding Grace. It was quite a beginning. I am intrigued to see how it develops. The only other book I read on your list was You are Here. I had a hard time putting that one down.
We did watch the much of the same TV. Lynley was good and the lead was very easy on the eyes. Loved The Game. It was odd to Robson Greene play such a different role from Geordie on Grantchester. We also watched and enjoyed Seven Dials. My husband liked Bookish more than me. I told him it was one step short of being a great show, but I couldn't say why.
I may have to add that Charley Harper puzzle to my collection. My favorite one is still the one with the big whale tale.
Nice picture of your family. Mine is coming at the end of the month. I am really looking forward to it.
Thanks for all your recommendations.
Sharon, yes the beginning of Finding Grace had me stunned at the end of the first chapter. Whoa! Yes, the lead in Lynley is very easy on the eyes. :) I think my issue with Bookish is that it felt just a little silly, bordering on slapstick or something of the sort. Like you, hard to say why I didn't love it. Ooh, I like the Charlie Harper with the whale tail, too. We have quite a few of his puzzles. Enjoy your visitors. We get more in June. Yay!!
DeleteHow did I not know there was a show called Bookish? Will definitely need to check that out.
ReplyDeleteWishing everyone in America all the safety and that your country takes a turn for the better sooner rather than later. (Also desperately hoping that we manage to do this here in the UK BEFORE the elections and not after....)
Keira, I don't know how I heard about Bookish, but it was worthwhile. Enjoy!
DeleteThanks for the good thoughts. I hope the UK doesn't fall into a similar situation...
I thought the writing in Bookish was exceptional, and it had a wonderful cast.
ReplyDeleteI have been sitting here aghast at all that is going on in our country. Everything feels flipped. But I volunteered in a school the other day, and the spirits of the children lifted my own!
Deb, glad to hear you enjoyed Bookish so well. It does have a very good cast, doesn't it?
DeleteVolunteering at a school sounds like a great way to lift your spirits. I'll bet the children adored you!
I feel much the same way about the state of affairs here. It's appalling how far things have fallen. Thank goodness for books. I am glad you are finding comfort in reading and being outdoors. I really need to make a point of getting outside more and go for walks.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a good month reading wise. Of the books you read, I have only read The Maid. I haven't really been watching much lately. I just can't seem to stay interested in anything for long. When I saw the title "Lynley", I thought, where do I know that from and then you mentioned Elizabeth George. Of course! I have only read one book in that series, but it's one I have always hoped to get to.
I hope you have a good weekend. Take care!
Yes, I'm so glad we have our books, Wendy. I try not to doomscroll too often, but I also want to stay informed. It's a very fine line.
DeleteI've never read Elizabeth George. Her books are so long! Maybe I should try one on audio.
Hope you're having a good weekend, too. Hugs to you!