I spent the last two days hiking and trying to clear snowshoe trails of fallen branches, trees, and debris. Ken and I have noted that the past two years, trail maintenance has become a much more arduous task. More trees are falling, due to storms of greater magnitude than in years past. I can't get over how bad it has become. Every muscle and bone in my body aches.
So what shall I read? From the library I have an exquisitely illustrated edition of The Secret Garden. It's pure enchantment. (Details about the edition to come) Also from the library I have Human Voices by Penelope Fitzgerald, about radio announcers in London during the Blitz. I have Anne Perry's 2019 Christmas novel, A Christmas Gathering , which is set in England during the late 19th century. And I guess I must spend a few moments digging up where I placed the fifth Maisie Dobbs novel, An Incomplete Revenge. Cath of readwarbler (see sidebar) says that it's one of her faves in the Maisie Dobbs series. So I'm very keen to get immersed. I'm so looking forward to this! Ken says he'll help with the dog walking, an acknowledgment that I could use a break. Thanks! And wouldn't it be great to knit while listening to Homework by Julie Andrews. (Still working on that one.)
Spending a day reading is a great way to spend the time. I do much of my reading in bed too. It looks like you have some interesting books. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Brian,
DeleteI did have fun, but you know it wasn't quite enough. I need to plan another bunch of hours in the near future. It's so relaxing and so important. The novel-writing class I'm taking now is a bit taxing.
This the season for the books on your list; sounds like a great way to spend Sunday after your hard work!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
DeleteIt was absolutely marvelous. It was so wonderful that I realize how much I've been missing the two hours per day that I used to read in the afternoons on my bed. Sigh! I need more reading time; that's plain. But sometimes we all do, isn't that true?
Well, I hope you're enjoying your day reading in bed whichever book you chose. Sounds idyllic to me. I spent the afternoon in my favourite chair, in front of the fire, with Moby-Dick. Also reading an Agatha Christie, The Pale Horse.
ReplyDeleteHi Cath,
DeleteI'm so glad you're really into the reading of Moby Dick. It does my heart good to see someone I know enjoying a wonderful classic that I did not enjoy at all. And in front of the fire, no less. Now I can really picture you. Interested in hearing more about the Agatha Christie!
Sounds like a lovely day. I look forward to hearing how it went, and also about The Secret Garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy,
DeleteHave you read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodge(s) Burnett? It is a wonderful children's classic, and the edition I have now from the library has the most wonderful illustrations--so true, and so well-suited to the book. And the book is loaded with illustrations. I must get a copy. But, I realize, I have not reported the edition, which I will.
Although I have very little memory of the story, I have fond memories of the book because a teacher read it to us in class probably about 5th or 6th grade. So I should definitely read it.
DeleteI have fond memories of reading The Secret Garden when I taught a fifth-grade class. A quarter of the class were Russian immigrants, so I had to be quick on my feet to "translate" the Yorkshire dialect into everyday American English so they'd be sure to get it. They loved it and asked such interesting questions after I'd read the chapters for the day. But why did the uncle travel so far from home all the time when his son was so sick? Questions like that. They were passionate listeners, which made it loads of fun. I'm posting the edition that I've found today.
DeleteTrail maintenance is a big job—interesting that the recent storms are escalating in ferocity, thus escalating the maintenance. I read an Anne Perry Xmas story a few years ago and liked it fine.
ReplyDeleteHi Jane,
DeleteI set in to do more trail clearing today. I don't think we did enough last year. Sandy, our new Golden, is "helping." She sees me clearing fallen branches away and then picks them up and walks away with them as well.
The 2019 Anne Perry did not pass muster with me, nor did it with reviewers, I must say. Ach! A hard year finding good Christmas tales!
Oops! This is what I get for not keeping up with blogs! I will have to celebrate next week instead. I did do some reading between laundry and dishes. I like to reward myself with a chapter or two after each task is accomplished. Silly but it keeps me motivated to tidy.
ReplyDeleteYour reading list sounds wonderful. The Secret Garden is a childhood favorite of mine as well. And I love Penelope Fitzgerald and always want to read more from her!
Hi Ruthiella,
DeleteI also like to reward myself after housekeeping tasks. This is because I positively LOATHE doing them so much! This edition of The Secret Garden is an absolute treasure. The illustrations are so fine. I must get a copy! I like to read The Secret Garden especially in March. Oh, those moors!
I hope you had a great Read in Bed Day. I have a lovely Folio edition of The Secret Garden. I can hear your excitement in your plans for the coming winter!
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy it, but how I wish I could do it more often, OR how I wish I could have a two hours' respite each day to just read what I want. But I'm the one who signed up for the novel-writing course!
DeleteA Folio edition of The Secret Garden. Please do tell me more--who published it, when it was published, what it is like--I'm super curious!