Wednesday Reading Meme & Books 15, 16 & 17 of 2025
Wednesday, 23 April 2025 07:26 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
spikedluvWhat I Just Finished Reading: Since last Wednesday I have read/finished reading: Mourn Not Your Dead (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) by Deborah Crombie, Gin and Daggers (A Murder, She Wrote Mystery) by Donald Bain, and Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea (Tomes and Tea Series) by Rebecca Thorne.
What I am Currently Reading: Dreaming of the Bones (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) by Deborah Crombie (with The Nightmare Before Kissmas (A Royals and Romance Novel) by Sara Raasch on the back burner).
What I Plan to Read Next: I have another book out from the library.
Book 15 of 2025: Mourn Not Your Dead (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) (Deborah Crombie)
I enjoyed this book. The case was interesting. ( spoilers )
I have the next book in the series out from the library already, so I'm going to continue reading it for now; I liked this book enough to give it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 16 of 2025: Gin and Daggers (A Murder, She Wrote Mystery) (Donald Bain)
Wow, was this bad. I recall reading a later book in the series for a book bingo square and I didn't remember it being this bad, so hopefully he improves quickly. There were a lot of inconsistencies with the tv series and he really doesn't have a feel for the characters. Yet. (I talked specifics at this week's Monday [Fandom] Madness post, if you're interested in reading more.)
If I weren't reading this series for the sole purpose of seeing what details he adds to Jessica's life, I'd probably quit now. (I read a blog post that mentioned Jessica and Frank living someplace else before they moved to Cabot Cove, which made me curious if it came from the books and what else might be in them.) I'm only giving this book two hearts.
♥♥
Book 17 of 2025: Can't Spell Treason Without Tea (Tomes and Tea Series) (Rebecca Thorne)
I really enjoyed this book!( spoilers )
I'm looking forward to reading the next book (when the two libraries that have it take it off the ‘new and popular' list); I'm giving this book five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
What I am Currently Reading: Dreaming of the Bones (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) by Deborah Crombie (with The Nightmare Before Kissmas (A Royals and Romance Novel) by Sara Raasch on the back burner).
What I Plan to Read Next: I have another book out from the library.
Book 15 of 2025: Mourn Not Your Dead (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) (Deborah Crombie)
I enjoyed this book. The case was interesting. ( spoilers )
I have the next book in the series out from the library already, so I'm going to continue reading it for now; I liked this book enough to give it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 16 of 2025: Gin and Daggers (A Murder, She Wrote Mystery) (Donald Bain)
Wow, was this bad. I recall reading a later book in the series for a book bingo square and I didn't remember it being this bad, so hopefully he improves quickly. There were a lot of inconsistencies with the tv series and he really doesn't have a feel for the characters. Yet. (I talked specifics at this week's Monday [Fandom] Madness post, if you're interested in reading more.)
If I weren't reading this series for the sole purpose of seeing what details he adds to Jessica's life, I'd probably quit now. (I read a blog post that mentioned Jessica and Frank living someplace else before they moved to Cabot Cove, which made me curious if it came from the books and what else might be in them.) I'm only giving this book two hearts.
♥♥
Book 17 of 2025: Can't Spell Treason Without Tea (Tomes and Tea Series) (Rebecca Thorne)
I really enjoyed this book!( spoilers )
I'm looking forward to reading the next book (when the two libraries that have it take it off the ‘new and popular' list); I'm giving this book five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Monday [Fandom] Madness! The Murder, She Wrote 1.13 & 1.14 & 1.15 Comments Edition (& Bonus Book)
Monday, 21 April 2025 09:28 amspikedluvI have rewatched the next couple of MSW episodes and I wanted to share some thoughts with you. The eps in question are: 1.13 Murder to a Jazz Beat, 1.14 My Johnny Lies Over the Ocean, and 1.15 Paint Me a Murder. With bonus comments on the first book in the series.
( all comments back here )
What are your thoughts on these eps? And the bonus book?
( all comments back here )
What are your thoughts on these eps? And the bonus book?
Lycoris Recoil, Bonus Round
Sunday, 20 April 2025 08:10 pmlovelyangel Lycoris Recoil – Friends are the thieves of time –, Episode 1 |
Wednesday, Crunchyroll streamed Episode 1 of the limited (six episode) series Lycoris Recoil – Friends are thieves of time –. The studio calls these “short movies,” but this first episode was only two minutes long – so actually vignettes or shorts, not movies. Still, I thirst for Lycoris Recoil, and even two more minutes is a huge treat. The short made me smile. When the notes of the ED song ramped up, I got deeply nostalgic for my favorite anime series of 2022.
So today, at the end of the anime week, I started a rewatch of Lycoris Recoil. I watched the first four episodes of the 13 episode season. I’ll make time during the week to watch the remaining episodes. I love this show!
Also this weekend, CDJapan sent me some targeted merchandise recommendations, including a Lycoris Recoil Chisato and Takina Figurine Set. I checked, and Crunchyroll offers the Same Figurine for $90 more (which included a $12 member discount). Even allowing $50 for shipping from Japan, the CDJapan item is a better deal – and arrives six months sooner. (I’m hoping in time for Angel’s Month.) Even though the sculpture by Alter isn’t as faithful to the original art (as, say, Good Smile would have done), I went ahead and placed an order. I still don’t know where I’m going to put new figurines. But having Chisato and Takina in my collection would be a delight.
 Lycoris Recoil 1/8 Scale Figurine by Alter |
4.20.25
Sunday, 20 April 2025 02:52 pmfemboyHappy 4/20 to those who celebrate, lol.
My birthday was April 17. I'm 31 years old. My mom didn't contact me to tell me happy birthday; this is the first year she hasn't. I'm not sure why -- she is most likely upset with me over something but isn't emotionally mature enough to come out and tell me.
I thought it would bother me that she didn't acknowledge it, but honestly, I don't care one way or the other. I'm surprised by my own nonchalance haha. My birthday has never been a big deal (no friends to celebrate with since childhood), so yet another person failing to acknowledge the day is pretty normal to me.
The only thing bothering me is the knowledge that eventually one of my parents will explode because I didn't realize (see: I didn't correctly guess) that they were upset with me and didn't reach out to rectify the "situation". And when I say it's bothering me, I mean it in a rolling-my-eyes-and-sighing-in-exasperation way.
Parents can be exhausting when their communication skills aren't up to snuff.
My birthday was April 17. I'm 31 years old. My mom didn't contact me to tell me happy birthday; this is the first year she hasn't. I'm not sure why -- she is most likely upset with me over something but isn't emotionally mature enough to come out and tell me.
I thought it would bother me that she didn't acknowledge it, but honestly, I don't care one way or the other. I'm surprised by my own nonchalance haha. My birthday has never been a big deal (no friends to celebrate with since childhood), so yet another person failing to acknowledge the day is pretty normal to me.
The only thing bothering me is the knowledge that eventually one of my parents will explode because I didn't realize (see: I didn't correctly guess) that they were upset with me and didn't reach out to rectify the "situation". And when I say it's bothering me, I mean it in a rolling-my-eyes-and-sighing-in-exasperation way.
Parents can be exhausting when their communication skills aren't up to snuff.
The Continuing Saga of My Foot
Friday, 18 April 2025 08:03 amspikedluvI updated the previous post with messages from the doctor, but I thought this deserved it's own post. If you think you know where this is going, you're probably correct. ( more back here )
ETA: I received a call from the doctor less than 20 min after I made this post; I will be seeing the nurse at 1pm today!
There was no signs of infection or oozing. I got rewrapped and x-rayed to make sure there was no piece of wire left inside (I didn't think there was; it looked like the whole thing came out) and to make sure the bone was still healing straight. The results were good on both counts.
I was told to keep my foot up as much as possible since there was no wire to hold the bone straight. (I keep shaking my head because no one seemed to care when *I* was freaking out about this very thing, but now that they can't do anything about it, it's a major concern.)
I'd already left, but was called back to get a full-on boot instead of wearing just the shoe. (That sucker is very uncomfortable.) I have an appointment next Friday to see my surgeon (moved up a week).
It was mentioned in passing that she might want/have to put in another wire. TBH, I almost wish she would because if the bone doesn't heal straight this surgery was for nothing.
ETA: I received a call from the doctor less than 20 min after I made this post; I will be seeing the nurse at 1pm today!
ETA2: The appointment
There was no signs of infection or oozing. I got rewrapped and x-rayed to make sure there was no piece of wire left inside (I didn't think there was; it looked like the whole thing came out) and to make sure the bone was still healing straight. The results were good on both counts.
I was told to keep my foot up as much as possible since there was no wire to hold the bone straight. (I keep shaking my head because no one seemed to care when *I* was freaking out about this very thing, but now that they can't do anything about it, it's a major concern.)
I'd already left, but was called back to get a full-on boot instead of wearing just the shoe. (That sucker is very uncomfortable.) I have an appointment next Friday to see my surgeon (moved up a week).
It was mentioned in passing that she might want/have to put in another wire. TBH, I almost wish she would because if the bone doesn't heal straight this surgery was for nothing.
Backlit Buttons
Thursday, 17 April 2025 08:43 pmlovelyangelToday I learned that the Buttons on the Nikon Z8 Light Up. I was surprised. So tonight I turned off the lights in the room and tried it out. And, yes, the text/symbols on the buttons do light up when the camera is awake. It’s pretty cool.
(I checked. My D810 does not have buttons that light up, while the article author’s D850 has buttons that illuminate.)
I’m reminded of the Heart concert when I was using the Panasonic Lumix ZS99 for the first time, and I couldn’t find the Play (image) button in the dark. So I know the benefit of backlit buttons.
(I checked. My D810 does not have buttons that light up, while the article author’s D850 has buttons that illuminate.)
I’m reminded of the Heart concert when I was using the Panasonic Lumix ZS99 for the first time, and I couldn’t find the Play (image) button in the dark. So I know the benefit of backlit buttons.
Hitsujibungaku Concert
Thursday, 17 April 2025 05:13 pmlovelyangel Revolution Hall • Portland, Oregon April 16, 2025 Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 f/6.3 @ 53.8mm • 1/8s • ISO 1600 |
Back in January, I bought a ticket for the Hitsujibungaku concert at Revolution Hall last night. I did very little preparation in advance. Fortunately, my sudden concert activity in the past couple of years has set me up with a standard checklist. I modified the checklist I used for the Heart Concert last month.
( Concert Night Below This Cut )
The Week in Spikedluv (Apr 11 – Apr 17)
Thursday, 17 April 2025 02:35 pmspikedluvLast Friday: I had my follow-up appointment with the surgeon this morning; she was out sick so I actually met with the nurse, which was fine with me so long as they didn’t cancel. (I made a brief post (with photos) about it here.) I did two loads of laundry, changed kitty liter, prepared and filed income taxes, stirred up cabbage salad for tomorrow’s gathering, and made pulled pork in the crock pot for supper.
Temps started out at 34.5(F) and reached 48.7. Thankfully there was just a dusting of snow this morning so I didn’t have any issues getting out to my appointment. Expecting a mix of snow and rain overnight, so we’ll see what tomorrow morning brings.
( more back here )
Temps started out at 34.5(F) and reached 48.7. Thankfully there was just a dusting of snow this morning so I didn’t have any issues getting out to my appointment. Expecting a mix of snow and rain overnight, so we’ll see what tomorrow morning brings.
( more back here )
Graduation (of a sort)!
Wednesday, 16 April 2025 02:38 pmfemboyAfter six weeks, my partner Levi has officially "graduated" from his post top surgery care! (Did I mention that my partner was getting top surgery in March? No, I probably didn't.) I don't have anything to add; I'm happy and excited for him. No more drains, no more ace bandages & compression vests, no more back sleeping, no more ointments and gauze and medical tape.
Just freedom to be.
He had top surgery on 3/3 (2025) and I had top surgery 4/4 (2024). It's real neat how the dates worked out.
Just freedom to be.
He had top surgery on 3/3 (2025) and I had top surgery 4/4 (2024). It's real neat how the dates worked out.
Wednesday Reading Meme & Books 13 & 14 of 2025
Wednesday, 16 April 2025 02:08 pmspikedluvWhat I Just Finished Reading: Since last Wednesday I have read/finished reading: Now or Never: Thirty-One on the Run (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich and Leave the Grave Green (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) by Deborah Crombie.
What I am Currently Reading: I have a book out from the library that I haven’t started and occasionally plug away at The Nightmare Before Kissmas (A Royals and Romance Novel) by Sara Raasch.
What I Plan to Read Next: I’ve requested more books from the library, so one of those most likely.
Book 13 of 2025: Now or Never: Thirty-One on the Run (A Stephanie Plum Novel) (Janet Evanovich)
This book ended way better than it started out. If you’ve been following along at home, you know how frustrated I get with Stephanie. ( spoilers )
The very beginning of this book made me grit my teeth, but the ending (well, the last 3/4 maybe) saved it for me. I’m actually giving it five hearts because I felt so good when I finished reading it!
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 14 of 2025: Leave the Grave Green (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) (Deborah Crombie)
Interesting case and one screwed-up family.( spoilers )
I enjoyed this book well enough to give it four hearts. I’ve already requested another from the library, but I’m not sure how much further in the series I’m going to read.
♥♥♥♥
What I am Currently Reading: I have a book out from the library that I haven’t started and occasionally plug away at The Nightmare Before Kissmas (A Royals and Romance Novel) by Sara Raasch.
What I Plan to Read Next: I’ve requested more books from the library, so one of those most likely.
Book 13 of 2025: Now or Never: Thirty-One on the Run (A Stephanie Plum Novel) (Janet Evanovich)
This book ended way better than it started out. If you’ve been following along at home, you know how frustrated I get with Stephanie. ( spoilers )
The very beginning of this book made me grit my teeth, but the ending (well, the last 3/4 maybe) saved it for me. I’m actually giving it five hearts because I felt so good when I finished reading it!
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 14 of 2025: Leave the Grave Green (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) (Deborah Crombie)
Interesting case and one screwed-up family.( spoilers )
I enjoyed this book well enough to give it four hearts. I’ve already requested another from the library, but I’m not sure how much further in the series I’m going to read.
♥♥♥♥
More Drama with My Foot (That Might All be In My Head)
Wednesday, 16 April 2025 06:43 amspikedluvAs you all may recall, I had my foot rebandaged on Friday. ( more back here; nothing gory )
Am I overreacting?
Short version: No one has gotten back to me yet (it's 3pm now) and the wire has continued to move, at least during the morning. When I took my sock off to put a folded tissue between the wire and my toe, the wire was ABOVE my toe now. (I'm not freaking out, you're freaking out.)
I went back and looked at the photos I'd taken. Friday: top of wire at bottom of pinky toe. Tuesday: top of wire at midpoint between bottom of pinky toe and where the toenail begins. (I hadn't realized it when I took the pics yesterday that it had moved.) This morning, 5:30am: top of wire where toenail begins. This morning, 8am: top of wire ABOVE pinky toe. I haven't checked since then.
I'm concerned because they said they wanted the wire to stay in for a couple more weeks AND no one told me what to do if it started coming out on its own! With it being above the toe, it is definitely going to get caught on something, I just know it.
I got a message back from the doctor last evening that basically only said, is there pain? is the wire still in the foot? I was like o_O that's all you're giving me? I replied, so we'll see what they have to say next.
I heard back from the doctor. She basically said to not remove any dressings (I haven't) and to wear the walking shoe any time my foot is on the ground (I do, except for late night runs to the bathroom). She's going to try to move up my appointment, presumably with my doctor/surgeon. So, bottom line, I should have skipped this doctor (the one I saw on Tuesday who said, call me if you have any issues) and gone straight to my doctor, even though I wouldn't have been able to see her until tomorrow at the earliest. *head desk*
Am I overreacting?
ETA: Which I typed in once already and lost, ugh.
Short version: No one has gotten back to me yet (it's 3pm now) and the wire has continued to move, at least during the morning. When I took my sock off to put a folded tissue between the wire and my toe, the wire was ABOVE my toe now. (I'm not freaking out, you're freaking out.)
I went back and looked at the photos I'd taken. Friday: top of wire at bottom of pinky toe. Tuesday: top of wire at midpoint between bottom of pinky toe and where the toenail begins. (I hadn't realized it when I took the pics yesterday that it had moved.) This morning, 5:30am: top of wire where toenail begins. This morning, 8am: top of wire ABOVE pinky toe. I haven't checked since then.
I'm concerned because they said they wanted the wire to stay in for a couple more weeks AND no one told me what to do if it started coming out on its own! With it being above the toe, it is definitely going to get caught on something, I just know it.
ETA the second
I got a message back from the doctor last evening that basically only said, is there pain? is the wire still in the foot? I was like o_O that's all you're giving me? I replied, so we'll see what they have to say next.
ETA the third (at this point, just for my records)
I heard back from the doctor. She basically said to not remove any dressings (I haven't) and to wear the walking shoe any time my foot is on the ground (I do, except for late night runs to the bathroom). She's going to try to move up my appointment, presumably with my doctor/surgeon. So, bottom line, I should have skipped this doctor (the one I saw on Tuesday who said, call me if you have any issues) and gone straight to my doctor, even though I wouldn't have been able to see her until tomorrow at the earliest. *head desk*
One of Two
Tuesday, 15 April 2025 10:54 amlovelyangel iPhone 13 mini photo • 0.5x |
While waiting for my computer assembly and delivery from China (and keeping fingers crossed), I had two Apple Studio Displays sitting idle. I’ve been having problems with my second monitor, a very nice seven-year-old LG 5K Thunderbolt 3 display, and that display occasionally flickered off and on at irregular intervals. Even with a different cable, the display wouldn’t consistently stay on. The flickers didn’t happen frequently, so the problem wasn’t critical.
I needed to make sure that I had bought the right equipment and things worked well together, so on Monday I decided to swap out the LG monitor and install one of the two Apple Studio Displays. I’ve never done a VESA mount configuration before.
( Monitor Issues Below This Cut )
Monday [Fandom] Madness! The Murder, She Wrote 1.10 & 1.11 & 1.12 Comments Edition
Monday, 14 April 2025 06:49 pmspikedluvI have rewatched the next couple of MSW episodes and I wanted to share some thoughts with you.
The eps in question are: 1.10 Death Casts a Spell; 1.11 Capitol Offense; and 1.12 Broadway Malady.
( all comments back here )
What are your thoughts on these eps?
The eps in question are: 1.10 Death Casts a Spell; 1.11 Capitol Offense; and 1.12 Broadway Malady.
( all comments back here )
What are your thoughts on these eps?
Gen Prompt Bingo
Monday, 14 April 2025 02:27 pmspikedluv![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
genprompt_bingo opened for another round on April 1. I may have decided to sign up for a card. o_O If you want to give it a go, the sign-up post for round 28 is right here.( card back here )
Anime Overview Spring 2025
Sunday, 13 April 2025 05:30 pmlovelyangel Ninja to Koroshiya no Futarigurashi, Episode 1 |
While I’ve ended my weekly anime summaries, I’m still checking out most series at the beginning of each anime season. I’ve sampled each new show, and I’ve got a quick take on which shows I’m watching, may be watching, and dropping. I hope to do a wrapup at the end of the season.
( A Pandemonium of Shows Below This Cut )