Yesterday the day was so deeply dark, and so rainy, that we decided to escape to a restaurant an hour away for a late lunch. I made sure I tired Sandy out beforehand, walking her up and down and all over so that she would bear being crated for about three and a half hours. Yes, Sandy is one of those dogs who is extremely anxious if she is not crated. She's as calm as can be in her crate when we're gone. We return home to a sleepy dog. And so food and loads of exercise for her, and off and away Ken and I went!
It was a late lunch, when few people in the very large restaurant were present. Our dining experience was stellar. The food was excellent--we each had a glass of wine and talked books a lot, our plans for the coming months, and politics a little. Just enjoying each other's company. What bliss, really.
I am becoming such a fan of Ann Cleeves. Years and years ago I read Raven Black, her first crime/mystery novel, and although I liked it, it was very, very dark, and when several other readers I know told me the next volume was even more grim, I moved on and did not continue with that series. Then, just last fall, I read her latest in another series of her books, the Vera Stanhope series, and was entranced. I love the way Ann Cleeves sets up scenes--so sharply, so clearly, and so distinctly that they become unforgettable so that they endure as I read on. This aspect reminds me of the scenes in the early novels of Elizabeth George (Lord Lynley novels). Now I am reading a brand new series that Anne Cleeves has recently published in 2020. The first novel is The Long Call and it features Matthew Venn, a detective working in North Devon in England. Dear Reader, I started it at 6:30 am this morning and have read nearly 100 pages. SO GOOD. At least it hits all of my criteria for what a great crime novel should be, to my taste, that is.
So glad you were able to have a nice leisurely, safe lunch. Our first out will be Tuesday to celebrate 2 of our granddaughter's birthdays. We will dine outside as it's supposed to be sunny and 70 here.
ReplyDeleteI read my first Ann Cleeves this year, The Darkest Evening - Vera Stanhope, most recent one and loved it. Didn't matter that I started at the end of the series either. Glad you are enjoying The Long Call.
Hi Diane,
DeleteHave a wonderful time on Tuesday (tomorrow), in fact! What a relief to dine with family.
I absolutely LOVED The Darkest Evening, and it was my first read in the series as well. So happy you liked it. I need more of Ann Cleeves in my life right now.
A late lunch at a restaurant sounds heavenly! I'm counting down the days until we can do the same.
ReplyDeleteHi JoAnn,
DeleteDo give a full report of your adventures!
Well, we live in 'Mid' Devon right now but lived in North Devon for 8 years in the 1990s. Barnstaple to be precise. Very nice area, scenically gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to be able to go out for a meal. Peter and I are craving a pub meal somewhere nice but you can only do that outside at the moment, if the pub even has outdoor tables etc., and it's still a trifle chilly here in England. I think pubs and restaurants can have indoor customers come the 17th. May. That will be a momentous day!
Had my second jab today, ok so far but wondering what tomorrow will bring.
Hi Cath,
DeleteBarnstaple figures so prominently in the new Ann Cleeves's Matthew Venn series. I have loved The Long Call and can't wait for the next installment.
Please do report when you have your first dining experience.
And, how did you fare with your second jab? Mine was a "kick in the butt," but so much better than the alternative.
I shall look into Ann Cleeves's new series, I was vaguely aware that it was set in N. Devon but you know what it's like, so many books...
DeleteBoth Peter and I have fared very well after our second jabs. No reactions at all. Not sure whether that's good or bad to be honest!
Oh, do I ever know how it is with so many books, though I would love to read your take on this one set in your old stomping grounds.
DeleteI'm so glad that both you and Peter did not suffer bad reactions to your second shot. Personally, I think the worst second dose reactions were all from Moderna. At least according to what I've heard from all my friends.
I haven't read any of Ann Cleeves books in a while. I did like both the Shetland series and the Vera books a lot. I read the first four in the Shetland series. And the first three in the Vera series. And a couple from an earlier series written in the early 1990s. I would not mind reading more of her books, especially the Vera series.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't eaten out in a restaurant since the pandemic began, not even outdoors. We might try outdoors eating outside once my son gets both shots and is fully vaccinated. He got his first one last Friday.
I have just ordered the first book in the Vera series and it's ready to go on my Nook. It was The Darkest Evening, published last September, the latest Vera Stanhope novel that I so loved. So I'll start at the beginning now.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wish you lots of good fun dining out as soon as it's possible to do so. So good that you will all be fully vaccinated soon.
I liked The Long Call too, although Matthew has so much angst he wore me out. I really enjoyed the relationship of Lucy and her father.
ReplyDeleteI am craving a meal in a restaurant too. I get my second shot next Thursday. But I swear I am really craving a pedicure and I don't know when I will feel comfortable doing that, vaccinated or not.
You're right--Matthew is angst-ridden, but I very much liked that about him. I can't wait for the second book in this series.
DeleteBest wishes on your first dining out!