Anita (FAMeulstee) second round in 2012

Discussão75 Books Challenge for 2012

Entre no LibraryThing para poder publicar.

Anita (FAMeulstee) second round in 2012

Este tópico está presentemente marcado como "inativo" —a última mensagem tem mais de 90 dias. Reative o tópico publicando uma resposta.

1FAMeulstee
Editado: Jun 3, 2012, 5:47 pm

Chimay and Ari in the snow last month:
 

books read June 2012
#40 Het A.P. Beerta-Instituut by J.J. Voskuil, 4,5 stars, msg 203

books read May 2012
#39 Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork, 3,5 stars, msg 174
#38 Plankton by J.J. Voskuil, 4,5 stars, msg 164
#37 The lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, 2,5 stars, msg 161
#36 Inheritance by Christopher Paolini, 3,5 stars, msg 148

books read April 2012
#35 Vuile handen by J.J. Voskuil, 4,5 stars, msg 136
#34 Meneer Beerta by J.J. Voskuil, 4,5 stars, msg 131
#33 The untold tale by Erik Christiaan Haugaard, 3,5 stars, msg 104
#32 Dissolution by C.J. Sansom, 3,5 stars, msg 96
#31 De hemel van Heivisj by Benny Lindelauf, 5 stars, msg 71
#30 Negen Open Armen by Benny Lindelauf, 5 stars, msg 84

books read March 2012
#29 A feast for crows by George R.R. Martin, 4 stars, msg 70
#28 The Fault in our Stars by John Green, 5 stars, msg 57
#27 To Green Angel Tower, Part 2 by Tad Williams, 5 stars, msg 45
#26 The Chow Chow by Lady Dunbar, 3 stars, msg 29
#25 Asterix Collectie VI by Albert Uderzo, 3,5 stars, msg 13
#24 Asterix Collectie V by Albert Uderzo, 3 stars, msg 13
#23 Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, 3 stars, msg 3

books acquired May 2012
De wereld Bosatlas
Heaven's net is wide by Lian Hearn

books acquired April 2012
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
Grass For His Pillow by Lian Hearn
Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn
The Harsh Cry of the Heron by Lian Hearn

books acquired March 2012
Heldere hemel by Tom Lanoye (Book week gift)
Verder alles goed by Nico Dijkshoorn (Book week essay)
De intrede van Christus in Brussel by Dimitri Verhulst
Leegte lacht : gedichten by Tonnus Oosterhoff
Driedelig paard by Ted van Lieshout
Een weeffout in onze sterren (translation of The fault in our stars) by John Green
The Dutch translation of A dance with dragons in two volumes
The Chow Chow by C.E. Collett

total books acquired in 2012: 43

2FAMeulstee
Editado: Mar 9, 2012, 6:01 pm

links
129 books read in 75 Books Challenge 2008: my thread
78 books read in 75 Books Challenge 2009: part one - part two
120 books read in the 75 Books Challenge 2010: first thread - second thread - third thread - fourth thread
81 books read in the 75 Books Challenge 2011: first round - second round

75 Books Challenge 2012: first round

40 Books Off My Book Shelves in 2012


My goal is to read at least 40 (of 555!) childrens and YA books that reside on the shelf, unread or read before LT (as I never kept track of my readings before I joined LT), my BOMBS thread

And I am going for 15.000 pages in 2012


3FAMeulstee
Mar 9, 2012, 5:54 pm


book 23 Huiver by Maggie Stiefvater
from the library, YA, fantasy, translation of Shiver

Nice YA romance with werewolves.
Loved the wolves!

3 stars

4beeg
Mar 9, 2012, 7:01 pm

cool, this thread starred itself

5ronincats
Mar 9, 2012, 8:11 pm

Love the dog pictures, hope both you and Frank are feeling well now!

6PaulCranswick
Mar 9, 2012, 8:14 pm

Congrats on the new thread Anita...all the best to both you and Frank and I hope everything is well with both of you.

7Whisper1
Mar 9, 2012, 11:51 pm

Thinking of you and Frank and sending hugs

8beserene
Mar 10, 2012, 12:45 am

Hey, looks like that continuation thing works pretty well. :)

Love the pictures of your pups!

9saraslibrary
Mar 11, 2012, 3:33 am

I've been wanting to read Shiver for the longest time; I just haven't found a cheap enough copy. I'm glad you liked it! :)

10ChelleBearss
Mar 11, 2012, 6:33 pm

Hi Anita!
I have seen that series around but the author's web page turned me off of reading them (and the voice of the narrator on the first book). Looks like you enjoyed them though so maybe I should take them off my "do not read" list ;)

11Whisper1
Mar 11, 2012, 6:50 pm

Happy Sunday Anita

12FAMeulstee
Mar 12, 2012, 1:29 pm

We had a busy week end, now I finally have some time to catch up on my own thread.

> 4: hi Brenda, it is a nice feature, less chance you loose the threads you follow :-)

> 5: Thanks Roni, we are not there yet, but going in the right direction. Handling Fanks fathers legacy will take time, house market is not very well at the moment. And before all can be finished, the house must be sold...

> 6: Hi Paul, I hope all is well in your corner of the world!
I barely read other threads at the moment... but as I said to Roni, we are doing okayish.

> 7 & 11: thanks Linda, hugs back from all of us!
And a happy Monday to you :-)

> 8: Yes Sarah, it makes it so much easier to keep track with starred threads, I am glad it worked.
I hope to take some new pictures of Chimay & Ari, as SPRING has arrived!

> 9: hi Sara, well Shiver wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either, I am curious about your findings when you find an affordable copy ;-)

> 10: Hi Chelle
Oh, I do hope you will like it!
Your move is coming close, isn't it?

13FAMeulstee
Mar 12, 2012, 1:52 pm


book 24 Asterix Collectie V by Albert Uderzo
own, comic, part of the boxed set Asterix collectie

contains:
-25- Asterix and the Great Divide, 3 stars
-26- Asterix and the Black Gold, 3 stars
-27- Asterix and Son, 3 stars
-28- Asterix and the Magic Carpet, 3 stars
How Obelix Fell into the Magic Potion when he was a little boy, 3,5 stars
Asterix Versus Caesar: the book of the film, 2,5 stars

These stories are written and drawn by Albert Uderzo, after René Goscinny passed away in 1977. Uderzo at his own is not as good as he was together with Goscinny. The stories are all somewhat over the top, too many running gags and just not as funny as the earlier works.

3 stars


book 25 Asterix Collectie VI by Albert Uderzo
own, comic, part of the boxed set Asterix collectie

The last book of the collection only contains one story
29 - Asterix and the Secret Weapon.
As the publisher was already working on the boxed set when this album came ot, so they decided to add it to the set.

Again this story misses Goscinnys touch, although I liked a bit better than the previous albums

3,5 stars

14jnwelch
Editado: Mar 12, 2012, 5:45 pm

I like your new thread, Anita! I should read some Asterix. I've now read a bit of Tintin, and I'll put Goscinny on the tbr. Is there a starter you recommend?

15FAMeulstee
Mar 12, 2012, 5:40 pm

> 14: Hi Joe, welcome on my second thread :-)

In my opinion the best way is to read them in order series Asterix, the first two are not the strongest, but you get to know the main characters in a proper way.
I would not bother the albums by Uderzo alone (albums 25 and further)

My personal favorite is album 6: Asterix and Cleopatra

5 others I like very much:
album 5 Asterix and the Banquet
album 8 Asterix in Britain
album 10 Asterix the Legionary
album 17 The mansions of the Gods
album 20 Asterix in Corsica

16jnwelch
Mar 12, 2012, 5:47 pm

OK, thanks, Anita. Asterix the Gaul is the first, and your fave is Asterix and Cleopatra. I'm good to go!

17Deern
Mar 13, 2012, 6:08 am

Yay - new thread with great doggie pics!

I must reread all my Asterixes some day. Among my faves many years ago were Asterix and Cleopatra, Asterix the Gaul (great story, although the drawings were far from perfect), Asterix in Britain, Die Goldene Sichel (don't know the English title) and Asterix and the Cauldron, so basically the older ones. I stopped buying them after Asterix and Son.

18FAMeulstee
Editado: Mar 13, 2012, 2:39 pm

> 16: go for it Joe! ;-)

> 17: thanks Nathalie, can't start a thread without them at the top.
I stopped buying Asterix albums a little earlier, after Asterix and the great divide.
So I read Asterix and son for the first time now and was very disappointed by the size of Cleopatra's nose!!
The English title of that one is easy, almost the sam Asterix and the Golden Sickle ;-)

19FAMeulstee
Mar 14, 2012, 5:01 pm

Today was the start of our national Book week.
If you buy books this week, you get the Bookweekgift, a novella written by a Dutch or sometimes Flemish autor.
So off we went to the bookshop :-)

Our haul this year:
Heldere hemel by Tom Lanoye (Book week gift)
Verder alles goed by Nico Dijkshoorn (Book week essay)
De intrede van Christus in Brussel by Dimitri Verhulst
Leegte lacht : gedichten by Tonnus Oosterhoff
Driedelig paard by Ted van Lieshout (poems for YA, awarded)
Een weeffout in onze sterren (translation of The fault in our stars) by John Green :-))
The Dutch translation of A dance with dragons in two volumes

20ronincats
Mar 14, 2012, 10:59 pm

Looks like a great book haul--what a wonderful excuse to buy books!

21Deern
Mar 15, 2012, 3:56 am

#17: now that you say it - you're right, they 'beautified' that wonderful characteristical nose of hers! Or should I say 'hollywoodized'?

National book week - sounds great. I don't know if anything of that kind exists here (I'll google it now, but I have my doubts - I never see any readers in buses/ cafés/ other public places).
Great haul!

22FAMeulstee
Editado: Mar 16, 2012, 5:57 pm

> 20: Yes Roni, and it is every year :-)

> 21: It was very disappointing Nathalie, I loved the original nose!

The Book week tradition started in 1932 and is still alive !
More about the Book week on Wikipedia.

23FAMeulstee
Mar 16, 2012, 5:56 pm

Yesterday I took this photo of Frank and Chimay, A Man and his Dog

24tloeffler
Mar 16, 2012, 8:25 pm

I love your pictures of your dogs! They are so beautiful!
(Frank too!)

25PaulCranswick
Mar 16, 2012, 8:31 pm

Wow Anita, Frank's dog is telepathic they are obviously having the same dream! Probably of national book week!

26saraslibrary
Mar 17, 2012, 4:32 pm

lol @ 25. That's what I was thinking--they look so at peace.

27beeg
Mar 18, 2012, 10:46 am

bliss face

28FAMeulstee
Mar 18, 2012, 5:15 pm

Thanks Terri, Paul, Sara and Brenda!

Frank and Chimay are very much in sync, know eachother through and through and both enjoying the sun breaking through at that picture.

29FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 4, 2012, 11:59 am


book 26 The Chow Chow by Lady Dunbar
own, Chow Chows, 9th book in my BOMBS challenge

A reprint of the famous book on Chow Chows (original published in 1914) with Lady Dunbars thoughts on this breed. A lot of the information is outdated, but I found some interesting facts out of the old days.
The pictures are great and show how much most modern Chow Chow have gone away from their ancestors.

I picked up this book because I am writing a new article on colors in Chow Chows for my website, as there was recently a break through in color DNA research in Chow Chows.

3 stars

BOMBS 9 down, 31 to go

30avatiakh
Mar 20, 2012, 2:39 pm

I love the photo in #19, so good to see them enjoying the sun. Just want to let you know that Guus Kuijer has won the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, I'm not sure if he's one of your favourite children's writers or not, but I loved his Book of Everything.

31FAMeulstee
Mar 20, 2012, 3:54 pm

> 30: thank you Kerry!
I saw it on the news, I do love his books.
His Book of Everything is his own favorite too.

Maybe Olle will be translated now, that is a favourite of mine.
I reviewed it in my 2008 thread

32FAMeulstee
Mar 21, 2012, 12:17 pm

Having a hard time weaning of the Efexor, my anti-depressant, it doesn't work well anymore after 5 years of good work. But weaning off is hell :-(

33beeg
Mar 21, 2012, 5:34 pm

take mega doses of omega 3 it helps with the withdrawal, that med is like heroin. are you having body jerks or brain zaps?

34FAMeulstee
Mar 21, 2012, 6:21 pm

> 33: thanks Brenda
Mostly brain zaps, or actually zaps all through my nerves.. will try omega 3.
Can't live without those damned meds, kicking off Seroxat 5 years ago was even worse, but will probably go back on that if living without is getting too bad again.

35beeg
Mar 21, 2012, 7:36 pm

Check your omega 3 if it doesn't come with vitamin E you'll want to supplement it. Good luck, meds can be a necessary evil. any other meds to help you step down? valium, klonopin, any diazepines will knock the edge off. (if you already know all this just tell me to piss off, I just went through this so I feel your pain :)

36saraslibrary
Mar 21, 2012, 8:01 pm

Sorry to hear about the withdrawal symptoms, Anita. :( I got those brain zaps once when I decided to take myself off an antidepressant that wasn't working. Kind of interesting feeling. Not painful, just annoying. Hope everything works out!

37FAMeulstee
Mar 22, 2012, 7:25 am

> 35: thanks again Brenda, no don't stop advising me, it is very much appriciated!
I am sorry you have gone through tis too :-(

Without the meds I get very depressed, suicidal thoughts, harming myself, knocking my head against the wall etc. No fun!
I have been on valium long time ago, but in high dose, to knock me down. Made me sleep most of the day, very calm for those around me ;-)
Some antidepressants had the same effect: Anafranil and Zoloft made me sit on the couch all day, only actually doing anything if Frank told me so. Lexapro and Prozac made the depression worse, so I have tried a lot of them over the years.

> 36: I am sorry you know what it is Sara.
I am going to try how things work out without antidepressants now, but have an agreement with Frank that if it gets too bad I'll go back on the meds. For him it is hard to be around me in deep depression...

38Deern
Mar 22, 2012, 7:36 am

I have no experiences here and therefore no useful advice for you. I can only express my wishes that the withdrawal symptoms are/ become bearable and that you'll soon find some other meds that actually help better against the depression.

39FAMeulstee
Mar 22, 2012, 8:06 am

Thank you Nathalie
Well, some meds do work fine, but after some years they start to do less and then it is time to wean off and try an other one. Weaning off is no fun, but well worth the previous years without depression ;-)
My only fear is that I will loose my reading ablility again. In the years I was on Seroxat (or Paxil as it is called in the USA), I barely could read a few books in a year...

40beeg
Mar 22, 2012, 11:15 am

meds are funny, I took Prozac for 5 years and loved it, I was normal again, I could do things, go places by myself and energy out the wah-zoo. Then it stopped working. But the point I was getting to is I didn't read the whole time I took it. I just realized that now, I went from reading 3 to four books a week to 0. LOL weird the things you figure out years later when comparing notes. I'm sure you've told your Dr you're going off the meds, he or she can give you something to help with the withdrawals, Valium helped me tremendously but the dr wanted to give me klonopin, bottom line it helped knock the edge off and made life bearable for those around me. I still have leftovers and use them to sleep when I'm just laying there waiting for the internal dialogue to shut up.

41alsvidur
Mar 22, 2012, 6:08 pm

I'm curious, what did they discover regarding coat colors in Chows?

42FAMeulstee
Editado: Mar 23, 2012, 6:58 pm

> 40: Funny Brenda, that you only now realise you did not read while on Prozac.
I remember I was so happy when I could read again. We just culled my book collection big time a few years before, as I thought I would never be able to read substancial again. My husband has the same problem, but for much longer and stil continuing, as he sufers from CFS...

> 41: hi Emilie!
There were finally creams DNA tested and now we are sure that creams have ee on the E-locus.
And one tested Chow may have an a on the A-locus, instead of the usual ay. It can be a wrong testing, so they will do it again this summer, but if it is true, that is the key to the illusive white Chow Chow, this color seems to be extinct, but is still in the FCI-breed standard. Samoyeds are aa ee.
For a complete overview of Chow Chow colors you can go to my website genetics of color and coat in the Chow Chow breed

eta: Another break through in color research in dogs is that the location of the C-locus was found (the gene tyrosinase) and that there is no variation in dogs, although there is in other mammals.

43alsvidur
Mar 24, 2012, 1:13 pm

How exciting! Thanks for the link, I'll have to look that over.

44FAMeulstee
Editado: Mar 24, 2012, 3:03 pm

> 43: thanks Emilie, there are not many who can understand my exitement about this ;-)

45FAMeulstee
Editado: Mar 24, 2012, 3:04 pm


book 27 De Groene Engeltoren: Het Ontzet by Tad Williams
from the library, fantasy, translation of To Green Angel Tower, Part 2

"Oh but it's sad when a love affair dies" sings Eva in the song Goodnight and thank you on the album Evita.
And that is how I feel now I fished the last book of Tad Williams sries Memory, Sorrow and Thorn.
I miss you Simon/Seoman, Binabik, Miriamele, Tiamak and all other I have met and loved throughout these books.

I will keep my fond memories of Osten Ard and maybe one day, revisit you all.
Thanks for so much joy (and sorrow, without sorrow no real joy) well crafted mr Williams!

5 stars

46SandDune
Mar 24, 2012, 4:58 pm

I read this series years ago and remember really loving it, but I haven't liked anything else that Tad Williams has done nearly as much

47FAMeulstee
Mar 24, 2012, 6:25 pm

> 46: well so I am warned ahead Rhian ;-)
Have no plans to read more Tad Williams at the moment, as I plan to read more of my own books the next weeks.

Oh and Brenda!!
Thank you very much for pointing me to the Omega 3, it DOES help :-)

48Whisper1
Mar 24, 2012, 7:03 pm

Oh Anita...My heart goes out to you. I'm sorry you are having such difficulty weaning off the meds. Years ago my neurologist prescribed Paxil to help with migraines. I gained 20 pounds and felt flat line, as though my personality was simply gone.

I hope you can find another med that works for you.

You are such a kind, loving, bright, sensitive soul. The world needs more of you my dear!

49ChelleBearss
Mar 25, 2012, 10:14 am

HI Anita! Love the picture of Frank and Chimay, they look so relaxed!

50ronincats
Mar 25, 2012, 10:37 am

What amused me about that picture was that Frank and Chimay have exactly the same expression on their faces.

Glad the Omega 3 is helping, Anita!

51jnwelch
Mar 25, 2012, 10:56 am

That's a great picture, Anita. They do look relaxed and peaceful.

52beeg
Mar 25, 2012, 4:13 pm

yay! I take tons of it to help joints and memory

what?

53FAMeulstee
Mar 25, 2012, 4:29 pm

> 48: dear Linda
Thanks for your kind words.
I know the feeling, or better non-feeling, you describe, I had it with other medicines, not Paxil.

> 49: hi Chelle, I am glad to see you are back online!
Yes, very relexed, both of them, enjoying the sun.

> 50: That is exactly why I like the picture so much Roni.
I am glad too to feel a bit better, Frank even more ;-)

> 51: thanks Joe, love them both!

> 52: Brenda, most of the brain/nerve zapps are gone after two days of Omega 3 capsules. Makes weaning off a lot easier, and the ups and downs within the minute are less too, Frank thanks you too :-)

54beeg
Mar 26, 2012, 7:40 pm

happy to be of help :)

55PaulCranswick
Mar 26, 2012, 8:06 pm

Anita - my mum is an ardent advocate of Omega 3. She suffered terribly from Rheumatoid Arthritis for a number of years and the stuff has help her greatly. So pleased that it is giving you some comfort too.
#50 love Roni's irreverent comment! Actually people say that over time our pets start to resemble us. This is more a case of Frank soaking up the sun and trying to change his hue to match!

56FAMeulstee
Mar 27, 2012, 11:00 am

Paul, I thought most of my life that your regular food should contain enough vitamin, minerals etc. to maintain ones body. Of course I mean healthy food. But after finding shortages of vitamin B12 and D after bloodtests, my thoughts are changing as supplementing those do make a difference.
I still think that your regular healthy food should contain all you need, but with 7 billion humans on this earth this is not easy, hence we are not even able to destroy famine worldwide! Our food is more and more farmed and processed, not looking at all like the originals. Farmed salmon for instance contains a lot less of the benificiairy contents as the wild salmon...
So it feels that I am wealthy enough to take supplements... but what for those who can't afford it? That is a moral dilemma for me, but I have captured and take supplements now.

I am glad Omega-3 helps your mom too!

57FAMeulstee
Mar 27, 2012, 11:06 am


book 28 Een weeffout in onze sterren by John Green
own, YA, translation of The Fault in our Stars

WOW
I did not think it was possible that John Green would write again a better book than the ones he wrote before... but he did!

It was odd to see Dutch names in a translated book, as part of the story takes place in Amsterdam.
Better reviews than I can write are already around on LT, so I won't even try.

5 stars

58jnwelch
Mar 27, 2012, 12:25 pm

Glad you liked The Fault in Our Stars so much, Anita! Me, too. He really turned out an extraordinary one.

59FAMeulstee
Editado: Mar 27, 2012, 1:04 pm

Yes he did Joe.
I have never seen a fiction book with such an high average rating (4.68) on LT.

60Deern
Mar 27, 2012, 1:53 pm

Omega-3 helps with rheumatoid arthritis?? I'll tell my mum!

Years ago when I was still in Germany we had a mouse in the office. We found crumbs and paper bits, and I noticed it had obviously been in one of my drawers and had eaten my old omega-3 capsules. The shells were still there, just the omega-3 inside was gone. Traps were placed, but the mouse was never caught. We joked that thanks to omega-3 it must now be "super mouse" and we were quite proud that it was never caught.

61saraslibrary
Mar 27, 2012, 7:42 pm

#56: I take omega on a daily basis, too (mostly flax); however, it doesn't help with my depression. I'm not sure why.

But I found this cool little table comparing certain sources of omega. I've never tried salvia sclarea oil, but I might now.

#60: lol @ the thought of Super Mouse.

62FAMeulstee
Mar 27, 2012, 8:34 pm

> 60: Omega-3 is good for the brain they say, so the mouse used it well ;-)

> 61: The problem is that everything works different for different people. The same antidepressants can have completely other results in the one or the other, my guess it that it is the same with supplements. There are more sources of omega-3, some say hempoil is a good source too.
All I can say is that the fish-based omega-3 is working for me at the moment.

63PaulCranswick
Mar 27, 2012, 8:43 pm

Nathalie - love the idea of Super Mouse watching over the office replete with Omega 3.

64suslyn
Mar 29, 2012, 12:45 am

love the pics :) And I'm glad you're enjoying the dragonbone chair series. I really enjoy that one. Hmmm.... wonder if I can find my copies?

I haven't done anything with supplements for my depression. Maybe I should look into it. Wouldn't it be nice not to need anything at all?

I was in Holland briefly in a few weeks ago. Wished I'd had time and foresight to try to connect with you guys. Maybe next trip. We were north of Utrecht -- it was up Saturday and back down Sunday. ~ five hours each way.

cheers.

65beserene
Mar 29, 2012, 12:56 am

I often take Vitamin D supplements, which help moderate my depression or "take the edge off" if my mood is fluctuating. Vitamin D can be really helpful if you live in an area that doesn't get much sun (like here in central Michigan). I haven't tried Omega-3 as a separate supplement, though I think my multi might contain some, but that's a good idea -- thanks for the reminder.

I have found, with these types of supplements, that getting a "raw food source" or "whole food source" supplement works the best. That's just my experience, of course, but my understanding is that they absorb into the body better. I also sometimes take a whole food B-complex supplement, which is good if I'm feeling fatigued.

Of course, if I remembered to take the darn things every day, I would probably be better off. :)

66dk_phoenix
Mar 29, 2012, 9:13 am

Taking a sublingual B12 supplement really helped my husband's fatigue. He used to sleep only 4 hours a night, get up and work, maybe go back to bed for an hour, maybe not, and then feel exhausted all day but unable to sleep. The B12 regulated his sleep schedule, thank goodness. However, he's stopped taking it since cutting out carbs and eating a higher protein diet, and that seems to be doing the trick just as well!

I agree that getting the vitamins from a raw / whole food source is always best, but sometimes it's not always possible on a busy day.

>64 suslyn:: I take rhodiola rosea, and it's been like a miracle. Zero side effects, non-addictive, completely herbal capsule. I'll send you a note about it.

67Whisper1
Mar 29, 2012, 1:01 pm

I'm so glad you liked The Fault in Our Stars. I believe it will be my #1 read for this year. It is one of those books you want to tell everyone to read!

Take care dear one.

68FAMeulstee
Mar 30, 2012, 3:50 pm

> 64: hi Susan,
It would be nice not needing anything for my depressions, but have tried that, results were not nice ;-)
Ohhh, wished I had known, Utrecht is less then an hour from here, pleas let me know if you go up that way again!

> 65: Sarah, I already take vitamin D supplements, no effect on depression, but does help with energy. I do agree that a natural supplement often works better.
I have incorporated my medicines and supplements in my daily routines, works for me :-)

> 66: Never heard before of sublingual B12 supplements Faith.
I take vitamin B12 by intramuscular injection, doing it myself and after 6 months I still hate to do it *sigh*
Sometimes I think of cutting the carbs from my diet, but that is darn expensive :-(
The rhodiola rosea sounds good, but when I was searching a bit I found warnings against using it when anxiety is part of the problem...

> 67: yes it was a great read Linda, it might as well end at the top of my reading list of 2012!

69FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 1, 2012, 8:32 am

First quarter recap:

Books read: 29
• from the library: 9
• owned: 20
  - bombs challenge: 9
  - aquired in 2012: 11

Books aquired: 36
• inherited from my father in law: 17
• bought: 19
  - on my wishlist before 2012: 2
  - awarded childrens/YA: 3
  - George R.R. Martin: 7
  - other: 7

genre
• YA: 12
• fantasy: 9
• comic/graphic novel: 7
• non-fiction: 1

gender
• female author: 5
• male author: 24

ratings:
• 3 stars: 4
• 3,5 stars: 3
• 4 stars: 11
• 4,5 stars: 7
5 stars: 4

total pages read: 10.646

70FAMeulstee
Mar 31, 2012, 1:02 pm


book 29 Een feestmaal voor kraaien by George R.R. Martin
own, fantasy, translation of A feast for crows

Not as good as the previous book, I really missed some of my favourite charcters, but still a very good read.
At the end of the book mister Martin promises that the next book will pick up on the other charcters again.

4 stars

71FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 4, 2012, 12:00 pm


book 30 Negen Open Armen by Benny Lindelauf
own, YA, awarded, Gouden Zoen 2005, 10th book in my BOMBS challenge
Sadly I can't find an English translation of this one :-(

Three sisters, four brothers, Dad and Grandma live together in Sittard, in the South of the Netherlands. It is 1937 and again they move to an other house. Dad always has great plans for the future, and now he has again. But they are still barely surviving.
The new house, outside the city, is strange with the front door in the back and the back door in the front. What has happend here? The truth is more unbelievable than the stories one of the sisters can make up!

5 stars

72FAMeulstee
Abr 4, 2012, 12:28 pm

Yesterday our new canopy swing arrived, here a picture of one just like ours:

Now we can always sit in the shade :-)

73ronincats
Abr 4, 2012, 9:04 pm

Nice swing, Anita. Now you can both be comfortable and watch the dogs play in the garden!

74Deern
Abr 5, 2012, 3:51 am

I love that those swings have made a comeback, I missed them! And they look much nicer now than the old "Hollywood swings" with the screaming flower patterns and the long fringes.
I wish I had the space for one of those on my terrace, I'd sit there all Sunday, into the night.
Are the doggies allowed to sit on it?

75scaifea
Abr 5, 2012, 7:45 am

Oooh, lovely swing! My parents have one, and they *love* it - hope you do too!

76FAMeulstee
Abr 5, 2012, 2:26 pm

> 73: Thanks Roni, as I put the cushion away because of the rain, we tried it today without the cushioin. That was not bad either ;-)

> 74: hi Nathalie:
The shop had them with those flower prints too, don't know why, but they seem popular.
I had seen this one on their website, we were just in time, he had only ONE left.
Chimay is allowed to sit or lay on couches, indoor and outdoor, so she can have a quiet place away from Ari. Ari stays on the floor, except when we have him on our lap :-)
Chimay is not sure yet about liking the swing, Ari loved to sit in Franks lap while we were gently swinging.

> 75: thanks Amber, the weather is not very good at the moment, but we have spend each day a lovely half hour on the swing, I think that time will increase when the weather gets better.

77beeg
Abr 5, 2012, 7:22 pm

there's a nap waiting to happen, nice swing :)

78avatiakh
Abr 5, 2012, 7:59 pm

The swing looks great. We've had one for a few years and it needs replacing but our old cat practically lived on it at one stage.

79ChelleBearss
Abr 5, 2012, 10:27 pm

Love the new swing! Hope you guys get some good use out of it
I have one (without the canopy, no room for it on my porch) and I love to lay on it and read in the summer.

80FAMeulstee
Abr 6, 2012, 6:05 pm

> 77: I expect it will happen, Brenda, but waiting for better weather...
The back can be lowered to make it a bed, but then you can't swing.

> 78: hi Kerry, it is great, we hope to enjoy it for a long time.
Your old cat knows where it is comfortable! Cats usually do know these things ;-)

> 79: Waiting for summer Chelle.
We had some nice days in March, but the weather turned colder. I tried to sit and read today, but it was too cold. Next days we will have a lot of drizzle... not garden weather, but I am sure our time will come!

81FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 6, 2012, 6:46 pm

And I blamed my fatigue on weaning off the Efexor, or maybe the high Cholesterol values....
Well, both NOT true, Cholesterol still high, but slowly going down, weaning off Efexor gives troubles, but my THYROID was off, TSH way to high, so adding half a Thyrax to the medicine mix. Feeling a bit better already after two days...

This morning we had a bit of sun, the tulips looked great:

More tulip pictures at my weblog.

82beeg
Abr 7, 2012, 8:46 am

yay for tulips and yay for feeling better

83FAMeulstee
Abr 7, 2012, 3:25 pm

thanks Brenda :-)

And there are more flowers, besides the tulips, in the garden, I thought this picture of a white Narcissus was rather nice:

Again, more pictures at my weblog.

84FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 7, 2012, 3:35 pm


book 31 De hemel van Heivisj by Benny Lindelauf
own, YA, awarded with THREE important awards in 2011: Nienke van Hichtum prijs, Woutertje Pieterse prijs and Dioraphte Jongerenliteratuur Prijs, 11th book in my BOMBS challenge
Sequel to Negen Open Armen, sadly I can't find an English translation of this one either :-(

The three sisters, four brothers, Dad and Grandma still live together in Sittard, in the South of the Netherlands, near to the German border. It is 1939 and Germany started the war. Dad is convinced that the Netherlands will saty neutral again, like in WW I. But alas, the Germans occupy the Netherlands too.
Dad and the brothers behave foolishly against the Germans and are sended to a work camp. Grandma and the girls stay behind...

5 stars

85tloeffler
Abr 7, 2012, 3:56 pm

Beautiful flowers, Anita! Feels like spring!

86FAMeulstee
Abr 7, 2012, 3:59 pm

> 85: YES Terri, spring arrived, althoug the weather is rather cool, but that is good for the tulips, they flower longer in cool temperatures :-)

87mckait
Abr 7, 2012, 4:17 pm

!! grief, I way too far behind !

I did see the Frank and Chimay photo.. and I love it :)

Pretty tulips :) mine are out, too !

Have you spend some time in your swing yet?

88FAMeulstee
Abr 7, 2012, 5:02 pm

hi Kath!
Frank and Chimay is probably one of the best shots of the year :-)
Yay for tulips everywhere, what colors?

Only very little, it is way too cold to sit outside, last two days even too cold to work in the garden...

89souloftherose
Abr 8, 2012, 7:20 am

Delurking to say I'm so glad your thyroid medicine has worked and you are feeling a bit better. I love the pictures of the flowers - we're starting to get more flowers and blossom here too but it's been rather cold and grey for the last few days.

90FAMeulstee
Abr 8, 2012, 1:45 pm

thanks for delurking Heather
It is still a bit off and on, but coming from mostly off, a bit on makes me very happy ;-)

Yes, the weather hasn't been very good, we had a few good days at the end of March, but eventually everthing will bloom, maybe a bit later as usual, but that doesn't matter.

The extreme cold in February only killed a few plants in my garden, the Rosemary did not suvive and I think one of the roses won't make it. I was afraid I had lost my Apple tree and regretted not have taken pictures of the big red apples we had from it last year. Now I am pretty sure I will have an other chance to take pictures ;-)

91SandDune
Abr 8, 2012, 4:00 pm

I love your flower pictures.

We've had some very varied holidays in The Netherlands at Easter, weather wise. We won a holiday to a campsite at Easter 2007 - the weather was absolutely gorgeous - warm and sunny every day - we managed to get sunburnt on the beach. We had such a nice time we went again the next year - the coldest Easter for 40 years apparently. We had snow on our first four mornings - I remember driving on a visit to Gouda in a blizzard. It was so cold in the caravan that both me and my husband got bad chest infections - I was off work fora week when I got back home.

92FAMeulstee
Abr 8, 2012, 4:32 pm

thank you Rhian

The Easter weather isn't reliable over here, as you noticed ;-)
But I think it is the same at your home. And Easter is between March 22nd and April 25th, the earlier, the more chance on bad weather.
Yes, 2008 was a cold Easter, last year was very warm (a record) and this year is cold again...
If you ever dare to come over again, I would like to know, maybe we could meet :-)

93ChelleBearss
Abr 8, 2012, 6:12 pm

beautiful flowers! we don't have flowers here yet, we still have snow :(

94mckait
Abr 9, 2012, 8:34 am

Mine are red, a beautiful red.. and they have spread out a little since last year..
I have no idea why they started to grow there. I planted some on the other side of my house,
tulips and daffs.. no tulips there. I only see daffs.

Sadly my Lily of the Valley were dug up and destroyed when they took out my tree.
That makes me very sad. They are saying it could snow a bit int he morning for the
next two days. :( I hope they are wrong!

95SandDune
Abr 9, 2012, 4:58 pm

#92 The Easter weather is just as unreliable here - last year we went to North Wales for a week at Easter and the weather was absolutely beautiful - but I think it was the warmest weather we had all summer.

I don't think there's much chance of us getting back to the Netherlands in the near future - but I would like to go to Amsterdam at some time. I have been to the Netherlands three times now and never been to Amsterdam apart from Schiphol airport.

96FAMeulstee
Abr 10, 2012, 2:22 pm


book 32 Kloostermoord by C.J. Sansom
from the library, mystery, 16th century, translation of Dissolution

Matthew Shardlake is send to a monasty by Cromwell as royal commissioner. The commisioner who went before him was murdered and Matthew must find out what has happend. He also must try to convince the Abbot to give in the monastry.
The plot is well crafted, I did not see all of it coming, at the end the puzzle is complete.

Good read, Matthew Shardlake isn't always likable, but that is understandable, as he is a hunchback, not liked by many, only his excellent brain has brought him where he is now.
This book takes place in troubled times in England, King Henry VIII abandoned the Catholic Church and dissolved many monastries in a short period of time.

I will be looking for the next book in the library and hope all books will be translated!

3,5 stars

97saraslibrary
Abr 10, 2012, 7:56 pm

Beautiful photos, Anita! :) I especially love your canopy swing.

98mckait
Abr 11, 2012, 9:29 am

just popping in to say hello!

99Deern
Abr 11, 2012, 9:37 am

Beautiful flowers, Anita! And I am relieved you are feeling better.

Today's weather in my place after a cold Easter weekend is rain, with snow down to 800m. Sure, the plants need rain after such a dry winter, but it could have waited some days longer.
There is some strange law in Italy that forbids the activation of the heating between April and October in condominium and office buildings, so it's cold inside as well.

100FAMeulstee
Abr 11, 2012, 1:26 pm

> 97: thanks Sara, we hope to enjoy the swing when the weather clears up ;-)

> 98: hi Kath!

> 99: thanks Nathalie, so am I
Between April and October??
I could understand that in the south of Italy, but the north... brrrrrrrrr...

One of the appartments we lived long ago (between 1988 and 1993) had central heating for the whole flat. The heating went out on May 1st and went on at November 1st. We still tend to keep these dates in mind using our heater LOL

101Copperskye
Abr 12, 2012, 1:02 am

Loved seeing your photos, Anita, especially the sun worshipers in #23! Such peaceful bliss.

102dk_phoenix
Abr 12, 2012, 9:30 am

Beautiful photos!!!

Just popping back to the rhodiola discussion -- it worked for me even with my extreme anxiety, and I do know that some people take it for that. But, of course it's going to be different for some people, so what works for one person may not work for another. I liken it to caffeine -- for some of us it's a stimulant, but for at least 3 people I know, it puts them right to sleep! So while rhodiola may reduce my anxiety, it may heighten another person's. You never know, but I'm very glad I tried it! :)

I'm also very glad to see you've read some good books lately! Crossing my fingers for you that it keeps up!

103FAMeulstee
Abr 12, 2012, 1:43 pm

> 101: thanks Joanne.

> 102: hi Faith
So basicly rhodiola works the same as most anti-depressants, it can help and it can turn completely into the wrong way. I might try it before turning back to Paxil.
Reading still goes very well.

104FAMeulstee
Abr 12, 2012, 4:05 pm


book 33 Dag van de Koningsakker by Erik Christiaan Haugaard
own, YA, awarded Zilveren Griffel 1974, 12th book in my BOMBS challenge, translation of The untold tale

1611 war in Danmark/Norway, the Kalmar War, a young boy has lost his parents and travels through the country. Happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time... The sad story of war.

3,5 stars

BOMBS 12 down, 28 to go

105PaulCranswick
Abr 12, 2012, 6:22 pm

Anita - I can see how the narcissus got its name it should be proud of its looks - nice photo. The YA book on the Kalmar War looks fascinating - I wonder if it is available in English?

106FAMeulstee
Abr 12, 2012, 6:35 pm

> 105: thank you Paul, I especially like the all white Narcissus :-)
Yes, in English it is The untold tale.

107PaulCranswick
Abr 12, 2012, 7:03 pm

Thanks Anita - I will look that one up.

108FAMeulstee
Abr 13, 2012, 2:27 pm

After reading a lot of fantasy lately I started something completely different Meneer Beerta the first book of the 7 about Het bureau by J.J. Voskuil. 5000 pages about the working life of the writer at the institute for Ethnology.

This is the only Dutch literary work that got people en masse to the bookstores when the next book was published, even some people staying all night in front of a bookstore to be among the first readers.

I have read the first 100 pages and understand why it is so appealing to many, like at every office nothing much happens, besides office politics and human likes and dislikes, but somehow it is like a soap-opera: you really want to know what happens next!

So if I am a little quiet in the next weeks, you know why, I am reading all seven books of Het bureau ;-)

P.S. sadly no translation available

109ChelleBearss
Abr 13, 2012, 7:19 pm

5000 pages? Please tell me that is a typo!

110FAMeulstee
Abr 14, 2012, 7:44 am

No, that is not a typo Celle ;-)
It was also turned into a radio play: 475 episodes, in total more than 110 hours, with 192 actors!

111mckait
Abr 14, 2012, 7:55 am

typos! they are the bane of my life here at LT. Sometimes I sweat that there is always someone
watching carefully to point out any of my typos. I never do that... rude! I haven't ever experienced
that at any other site. I guess it is okay to have differing opinions, but goddess help those who don't notice a typo before clicking post !

Anyway.. 5000 pages? I hope you like it :)

take care :)

112FAMeulstee
Abr 14, 2012, 8:17 am

hi Kath
Always nice to see you on my thread :-)
Just blame the rudeness about typos on bad cases of OCD, try to ignore, they can't help either!

Yes 7 books, 5000 pages and I think I am going to like each page, the start is good.

113mckait
Abr 14, 2012, 8:27 am

Glad to hear that you are liking it so far, that is promising..
Don't forget to stop by and check in with us.. you will be missed if you
fall too deeply into your books :)

114jnwelch
Abr 14, 2012, 9:24 am

Have fun, Anita. 5000 pages could be a nice vacation if you're liking it!

115FAMeulstee
Abr 16, 2012, 1:23 pm

> 113: ahem... yes Kath, I am deep into the first book (and was away yesterday), so not much time for LT left ;-)

> 114: having fun, as you ordered Joe LOL
I will see how far I get, might need a break somewhere and read some easier books in between.

116FAMeulstee
Abr 16, 2012, 4:27 pm

YES!!!!!

We just booked a ticket for Frank, so he can go to the Leonard Cohen concert on September 6th in Mönchengladbach, in Germany. I would love to go with him, but I could not stand so many people around, so we decided, as we expect this is the last time Leonard Cohen goes on tour, I won't go and Frank will go.

Now looking for cheap 5 day (mid-week) holliday in Limburg (province in the south east of the Netherlands, Mönchengladbach is just over the border) at that time (September 3th - 7th), so we can visit the Floriade 2012, the World Horticultural Expo that is held once every ten years in the Netherlands. We visited the Floriade 1992, it was amazing. I am SO looking forward to this!!!!

117scaifea
Abr 17, 2012, 7:18 am

Ooooh, that sounds lovely!

118FAMeulstee
Abr 17, 2012, 5:43 pm

Yes Amber,
who would have thought that I ever would be all exited over a few days AWAY from HOME!
I seem to have lost my homesickness after a few hollidays in France, and I don't miss it ;-)

119FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 18, 2012, 8:40 am

Saw this on some threads, fun!

Hardback or paperback?
Hardback if available

Amazon or bricks and mortar?
??

Barnes & Noble or Borders?
Neither is available here, I prefer the good old (second hand) bookstore

Bookmark or dogear?
Bookmark!!! Have dozens of them laying around. I reaaly hate it when people damage books, dogears, broken spines...

Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?
Alphabetized by author in 3 collections (Childrens/YA, fiction, poetry), some (publisher) series have an own spot, because the shelves of their collection got full.

Keep, throw away, or sell?
Keep! if possible, culled our library two times and if we go on like this we will have to go through that once more within 2 years :-(

Keep dust jacket or toss it?
If it has one keep it.

Read with dust jacket or remove it?
Read with dust jacked, can be uses as bookmark ;-)

Short story or novel?
Novel

Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)?
Neither

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?
Love Harry Potter! I haven't read Lemony Snicket, the series is only partly translated :-(

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?
Prefer to stop at a chapter break, but sometimes the chapters are too long...

"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?
Both

Buy or Borrow?
Prefer buy, but as space is limited borrow is better. But when I really love a book I want to HAVE it

New or used?
Does not matter

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendation or browse?
I collect awarded YA books, some writers I want all they have ever written and in the library I browse

Tidy ending or cliffhanger?
Tidy ending.

Morning reading, afternoon reading or nighttime reading?
Mostly morning reading, evening is for the laptop

Stand-alone or series?
Series, that is COMPLETE series, then I don't have to decide what to read next for some time

Favorite series?
At the moment A song of Ice and Fire and Het Bureau
And Julian Mays Pliocene Exile and Galactic Milieu, Harry Potter, Karl Mays Winnetou and other series, Jean Auels Earth's Children, Barbara Willards Mantlemass, Cynthia Voigts Tillerman, Aubrey - Maturin and I am sure I forget a few...

Favorite children's book?
Oh, so difficult to choose... Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt, The Mark of the Horse Lord by Rosemary Sutcliff and some others that are only available in Dutch

Favorite book of which "nobody" else has heard?
Het teken van Wichart en De wateren van Finn both by Alet Schouten a Dutch YA writer

Favorite books read last year?
Maus by Art Spiegelman, Every man dies alone by Hans Fallada, Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay and
A game of thrones by George R.R. Martin

Favorite books of all time?
Lord of the Rings, Moby Dick, Holes by Louis Sachar, most of the series mentioned before and many more...

Least favorite book you finished last year?
No real bad books last year, I had high hopes for Hugo Cabret but found it okayish...

What are you reading right now?
Meneer Beerta, first book of Het Bureau

What are you reading next?
Book two of Het Bureau: Vuile handen and then the next five books of the series ;-)

120alcottacre
Abr 17, 2012, 6:47 pm

*waving* at Anita

121ronincats
Abr 18, 2012, 12:09 am

Hey, Anita, glad my pictures brightened your day! Sound like an ambitious reading program--5000 pages is a lot. Looking forward to your review.

122SandDune
Abr 18, 2012, 4:22 am

#119 I'd forgotten about those Julian May's Pliocene Exile books. I remember reading the first one years and years ago and really enjoying it.

123PaulCranswick
Abr 18, 2012, 5:38 am

Anita - Het Bureau I need to ask my best friend in Malaysia (a Dutch ship's engineer) to buy and read on his 6 week tours of duty! The translations are eagerly awaited if it gets you all queueing.
Great news but a tad jealous of Frank getting to catch Leonard Cohen giving his unique version of singing in Germany. Some of his early stuff is poetry set to music in the finest sense.
The Meme - I agree with you old second hand stores are where the joy of reading is really paramount. How I wish I had some here! Found a couple recently in New Zealand and I could gladly have ensconsed myself there for a day or two.

124scaifea
Abr 18, 2012, 7:46 am

#118: I'm a complete homebody - I'd love to travel to Europe - Italy especially - but I doubt that I'll ever get there, because I get debilitatingly home-sick.

125mckait
Abr 18, 2012, 7:54 am

scaifea... I am the same.

Anita.. Hi!!!! Hope today is a happy day for you.
I am glad that you have a nice trip in your future :)

126FAMeulstee
Abr 18, 2012, 9:17 am

> 121: hi Roni
It seems to be the theme this year, long series...
It started in December when I read A Game of Thrones, the first book in George R.R. Martins "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, this year I read book 2, 3 and 4. Book 5a and 5b are waiting on the shelf.
I love it, no deciding what to read next for some time ;-)

> 122: You did not read the others Rhian?
If you liked the first the you will like the next 3 too.

> 123: hi Paul
I doubt that Het Bureau ever will be translated, it is so Dutch!
The books were published between 1996 and 2000, when we had a little more money to spend on books, so we bought them all, but I had not read them yet.
We both love Leonard Cohen, The future (1992) was the first CD we bought and that is my favorite. We saw him that year at the BCC in the program Later with Jools Holland and bought the CD. Frank is more smitten of I'm your man (1988), we know and appriciate his earlier works, but think his later work is, although less known, much better.

> 124: I do know the feeling Amber, had the same for more than 20 years!
I still don't know if I ever dare to travel by plane, traveling by car gives me the comforting feeling that I can go home immediately if needed. And I would not travel without Frank and the dogs.

>125 mckait:: hi Kath!!!
Still cold and wet here, longing for some better weather...
Franks ticket for the concert arrived today, so now we will book the trip.
It isn't far away only two hours by car.

127ChelleBearss
Abr 18, 2012, 10:03 am

wow, that sounds like a good vacation for you guys and a good compromise! Hope your plans go together smoothly!

128FAMeulstee
Abr 18, 2012, 10:23 am

> 128: thanks Chelle,
But first your wedding plans should work out, planned for August, isn't it?
Our vacation will be in September.

129mckait
Abr 21, 2012, 1:19 pm

I find my self feeling very frustrated. This stupid accident!
I feel like someone dragged me back 6 months in my anxiety issue.
I had been doing better.....but now? Every day since the accident I feel worse.
More anxious. Have not been able to go into a store yet....
GAH! :(

130FAMeulstee
Abr 21, 2012, 1:34 pm

oh Kath
That is indeed frustrating!
Baby steps, I am afraid that is the only way....
(((hugs)))

131FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 23, 2012, 12:43 pm


book 34 Meneer Beerta by J.J. Voskuil
own, Dutch literature, first book of Het Bureau, 13th book in my BOMBS challenge, not translated

1957, Maarten Koning starts to work at the institute for Ethnology, after a short carreer as teacher.
The book ends at the day his boss, Mr Beerta the director of the institute, retires (1965).

4,5 stars

BOMBS 13 down, 27 to go

132ChelleBearss
Abr 25, 2012, 10:12 am

HI Anita. Yes we are planning for August. I've been working on the invitations and tomorrow and all weekend we will be checking out resorts. Wish me luck! :)

133FAMeulstee
Abr 25, 2012, 3:28 pm

hi Chelle
I saw the invitations on your thread, looking awesome!
Wish you all the luck you need ;-)

134FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 25, 2012, 3:48 pm

Yesterday I added four books to my collection.
In 2009 I read the Otori trilogi, in Dutch translation, and I liked the books very much.
Sadly the 4th book and the prequel are still not available in translation, so when I spotted the 4 books on a second-hand book site, I decided to buy them.
As I have read the first three books, I think it will not be too hard to read them in English ;-)

Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
Grass For His Pillow by Lian Hearn
Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn
The Harsh Cry of the Heron by Lian Hearn

And I ordered the prequel Heaven's Net is Wide today :-)

135beeg
Abr 25, 2012, 7:13 pm

yay for new books!

136FAMeulstee
Abr 26, 2012, 12:26 pm


book 35 Vuile handen by J.J. Voskuil
own, Dutch literature, second book of Het Bureau, 14th book in my BOMBS challenge, not translated, unread on the self since 1996

1965, after Mr Beerta's retirement Maarten is now head of the section. He still feels insecure about it and is not very good in office politics. He doesn't understand why he should hire an extra man if one of the other sections does. Despite his section grows. The Bureau moves to an other location, Maarten feels lost at first, as he does not like changes.
At a congress in Sweden he becomes the representatieve of his generation as he critisizes old habits in his speech. He is even invited to Germany for a lecture (1972).

4,5 stars

BOMBS 14 down, 26 to go

137FAMeulstee
Abr 26, 2012, 12:30 pm

> 135: yes Brenda :-)

138FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 26, 2012, 5:23 pm

139souloftherose
Abr 26, 2012, 5:24 pm

#136 I love reading a book that has been lingering on my shelf for a long time and finding that I love it :-)

#138 Thanks for the link Anita. The Breivik case just defies belief...

140FAMeulstee
Abr 26, 2012, 5:42 pm

Yes it does Heather... I really admired the Norwegians for their reaction.

Found a video of it at YouTube: http://youtu.be/rF3HJS65Vk8

141Deern
Abr 27, 2012, 3:27 am

Just want to say 'Hi' and hope you are doing well. Can't comment on the books you are currently reading. They look interesting, maybe they will be translated some time, at least into German, when they are so popular in the Netherlands.

Yay for the Cohen ticket! I looked at your Floriade links and it looks amazing. It's certainly worth a visit.
Btw. I have been to the Netherlands last year on a business meeting, hoping to sell my products there. No success yet, but should something develop in the future it might give me the occasion for a meet-up. We are still working on it. :-)

Breivik... I can't help it, somehow I don't believe his motives, but whatever they were won't change a thing.
I agree, I admire the reactions of the Norwegians, ever since it happened.

142PaulCranswick
Abr 27, 2012, 3:51 am

Anita - darned frustrating that there is no chance for the moment to enjoy Het Bureau along with you as you seem to be lapping them up.

143mckait
Abr 27, 2012, 11:25 am

The articles are fantastic!

144FAMeulstee
Abr 27, 2012, 2:55 pm

> 141: Hi Nathalie!
I am still going up and down, yesterday some blood was drawn, I suspect my thyroid levels are not right yet :-(

I doubt any translations of Het Bureau will ever come, as it are 7 lenghty books, soooo Dutch and the setting in a graduated civil servants office... then there are large portions in German and English, when the main character goes to international meetings, I was surprised that well into the 70s German was the language used at those meetings.
I guess this is way too difficult to transplant into an other language.

The Floriade is great, missed the last one, ten years back, but visited the one 20 years back twice.
Yes I would like to meet you when we get the chance!

> 142: well it happens to me too paul, I see a great review and find out it isn't translated ;-)
After the second book I take a little break as I found 3 interesting books when I was at the library yesterday. I started with Inheritance (Inheritance Cycle, Book 4) by Christopher Paolini. After those I will continue with Het Bureau.

> 143: thanks Kath.

145FAMeulstee
Editado: Abr 28, 2012, 12:57 pm

I just saw that there is a German translation of Het Bureau on its way!

Translator Gerd Busse tried for years to find a German publisher for his translation of Het Bureau.
In July 2012 Direktor Beerta, the first book of Das Büro, will be published by publisher C.H. Beck in München. It is not sure yet if the whole series will be published in German translation
.

146Deern
Abr 28, 2012, 1:31 pm

Great - thanks for the info! I put the Dutch book on my amazon.de WL and noted the July publishing date, to make sure I'll look out for it.

147FAMeulstee
Abr 28, 2012, 2:27 pm

I soooo hope you won't dislike it, Nathalie, when you get it ;-)

148FAMeulstee
Editado: Maio 2, 2012, 3:52 pm


book 36 Erfenis by Christopher Paolini
from the library, fantasy, translation of Inheritance the last book of the Inheritance Cycle

A very nice last book of the series, the final adventures of Eragon and his dragon Saphira are an entertaining read.

3,5 stars

149FAMeulstee
Maio 4, 2012, 3:58 pm

Energy fading away, depression raising its ugly head... so my idea to go without antidepressants for a while does not work.
As good as weaned off the Efexor, started Paxil today after too many days of depression & reliving all sad events of the past 40+ years & crying, crying, crying.
Starting back on Paxil won't be easy, but this doesn't work either ;-(

I so hope Paxil doesn't influence my reading as much as it did the previous time...

150SandDune
Maio 4, 2012, 5:19 pm

Anita, I hope your new medications work and that you will see some improvement soon.

151FAMeulstee
Maio 4, 2012, 6:00 pm

thank you Rhian, I hope so too!

152beeg
Maio 4, 2012, 7:19 pm

:( hope you do better on Paxil (dunno about you but they stepped me up too quickly I found I did better on the lower dose)

153ronincats
Maio 4, 2012, 10:14 pm

Sorry to hear about the renewed level of depression and hope the Paxil can bring you relief this time without the side effects. {{{hugs}}}

154FAMeulstee
Maio 5, 2012, 12:13 pm

> 152: thanks Brenda,
I have done well on a fairly low dose of Paxil in the past, it was the first antidepressant that worked without turning me into a zombie ;-)
After 6 years it didn't work anymore, first we tried to upp the dose without result. So then we tried some others that didn't work well, finally Efexor did work fine until a few months ago.

> 153: thank you Roni, I do hope so!

155mckait
Maio 5, 2012, 8:56 pm

I read the first two of Inheritance Cycle, and enjoyed them. Kim has all of the books, so one day
I will start at the beginning and read them all .

Best wishes with the other problem. I can so feel your pain there........

156Deern
Maio 6, 2012, 6:30 am

Oh Anita, I am so sorry to hear about your problems. I hope the Paxil will bring you relief and agree better with you this time.

Have a nice Sunday!

157xieouyang
Maio 6, 2012, 6:56 am

Hi Anita, sorry to hear about your problem that I wasn't aware of till today. I hope that the medicine works for you and you feel better.

158FAMeulstee
Maio 6, 2012, 3:02 pm

thanks Kath, Nathalie and Manuel

At least I feel a bit better with the Paxil, I am tired, but not depressed.
Reading is a bit slow, but that may be because The lies of Locke Lamora isn't really great, but not so bad that I quit half way...

159PaulCranswick
Maio 6, 2012, 8:40 pm

Anita - hope your weekend went swimmingly and that the blues are turning rapidly to a more agreeable colour.

160FAMeulstee
Maio 7, 2012, 2:40 pm

It's a little bit more than the blues Paul,
I have suffered Major Depression for a great part of my life. I tend to forget how bad it is when I take my antidepressants, and think I might be able to do without them. Spiraling down fast swept me back to reality, back to antidepressants and very glad they do their work!

Frank, the dogs and the garden brighten my days, I think tomorrow the first peony will open up :-)

161FAMeulstee
Editado: Maio 7, 2012, 3:03 pm


book 37 De leugens van Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
from the library, fantasy, translation of The lies of Locke Lamora

I never got really into this book.
Although the story is original: an orphan becomes apprentice in the temple of the (unofficial) Thirteenth God, the Crooked Warden, the God of Thieves. Lamore becomes a master, together with his fellow thieves he robs the rich people of Camorr.
But his lifestyle gets threatenend by both the ones in power and The Grey King, it takes a master thief to deal with those!

The descriptions of the city of Camorr are sometimes lenghty, but that never bothered me with other writers, violent scenes throughout the book, I am no fan, but not a problem. Locke Lamora is a hero with humor, all good... I am not sure why this book didn't grab me, maybe others will like it more than I did,

2,5 stars

162SandDune
Maio 7, 2012, 3:19 pm

I've had this on the shelf for a while - my husband read it some time ago and enjoyed it but it hasn't appealed to me. Maybe I'll give it a miss.

163ronincats
Maio 9, 2012, 9:43 pm

I started The Lies of Locke Lamora once, didn't get past the first few chapters. I still have it around, though, intending to give it another try at some point.

I love peonies, Anita, but that's something I can't grow here.

164FAMeulstee
Maio 12, 2012, 1:56 pm


book 38 Plankton by J.J. Voskuil
own, Dutch literature, third book of Het Bureau, 15th book in my BOMBS challenge, not translated, on the shelf since 1997

The years 1972-1975, office politics make Maarten still insecure. At the congress in Budapest Maarten continues his critisism. Just before changes can be made, the chairman falls ill. So nothing is changed at all.
And ongoing problems with the ethnologic magazine Ons Tijdschrift, in cooperation with the Flemish. The Flemish editors want easy to read articles, Maarten wants academic articles, a few times the Flemish seem to give in, but on the next meeting even worse proposals are done...

4,5 stars

165FAMeulstee
Editado: Maio 12, 2012, 2:01 pm

> 162 & 163: Rhian and Roni,
well I can't recommend Lies of Locke Lamora, although the average rating on LT is high.

I took a picture of the peony today, but haven't taken it of the camera yet, I am so slow at the moment... sleeping away most of my day, I remember I had that for some months the first time I took Paxil. At least I know now that it will pass again.

166streamsong
Maio 12, 2012, 2:23 pm

Hang in there Anita. Hope you are feeling better soon. In the meantime, take chocolate, book and fur friend with you to bed and be good to yourself.

167mckait
Maio 12, 2012, 7:33 pm

Just checking in .. how are you feeling? I'm with >166 streamsong:
good advice

168souloftherose
Maio 13, 2012, 10:01 am

Hi Anita. So sorry to hear you have been feeling more depressed - crying a lot is also a sign for me that things might be heading downwards. It's horrible...

I was reading somewhere that Paxil and related antidepressants can take 6-8 weeks to reach their full effect so I hope you will feel even better soon and less slow and sleepy once your body adjusts.

169FAMeulstee
Editado: Maio 13, 2012, 6:40 pm

> 166: thanks Janet, still reading and cuddling up with Ari.
Not much chocolate, as I have to be carefull with my suger intake... but very little bits taste good too ;-)

> 167: thank you Kath, feeling bit less depressed, but tired, no energy to check other threads...
hope all is well with you.

> 168: gladly the crying is getting less Heather, the worst of the depression is over now, Paxil is doing what it is supposted to do. The sleepyness will go on for a while, but will pass in some weeks I hope.

170avatiakh
Maio 13, 2012, 8:38 pm

Hi Anita - I'm hoping too that your mood brightens with the spring blooms and the medication does its job.
I've read the first two Inheritance books but they're such doorstoppers I'm not sure if I want to read the next ones.

171PaulCranswick
Maio 13, 2012, 9:12 pm

Anita - I trust the blooming garden, your lovely canines and, of course, Frank, are helping to lift your spirits. I do wish Het Bureau was up for translation as it seems to have you gripped.

172beserene
Maio 13, 2012, 9:14 pm

Best wishes for a strong upward swing, Anita. Depression sucks. Sometimes literally. So I hope this medication change does what it ought to do and you have better days going forward.

Also, I did like The Lies of Locke Lamora but I think that one is really a mood book -- unless one is feeling particularly feisty already, I can see how it would be hard to latch onto.

I hope your upcoming reads are better. :)

173FAMeulstee
Maio 15, 2012, 1:18 pm

> 170: thanks Kerry, I am slowly moving into the right direction...
Yes the Inheritance books are large books, but I tend to read mostly doorstoppers this year ;-)
They are not the greatest fantasy books I have ever read, but nice enough to be worth the time spend reading.

> 171: thank you Paul, I will put up some photos of the garden, finally took them of my camera.
Can you read German? In July the german translation of first book of Het Bureau will be published.

> 172: Yes it does suck Sarah, I am sorry you know what it is...
Antidepressants are good, but the problem is, at least for me, that after some years of using them, they become less effective. At least I have two (of the dozen I tried in my life) that work, so I can change from one to another.
I understand what you mean about Lies of Locke Lamora, the next book is translated as well, so I might try it when I am in a better mood.

My next read was Marcelo in the Real World and I think that one suffered a bit on my mood too.
Today I started Het A. P. Beerta-Instituut, fourth book of Het Bureau and that goes better ;-)

174FAMeulstee
Editado: Maio 15, 2012, 1:29 pm


book 39 Marcelo en de echte wereld by Francisco X. Stork
from the library, YA, translation of Marcelo in the Real World

Marcelo is 17 and is diagnosed with an Aspergers-like condition. He attended a special school and likes to take care of the ponies there. His father thinks he should learn to cope with the real world and gives him a job at his law firm for the summer. Marcelo learns a lot that summer, some good, some bad...

At first I did not like the book, the way Marcelo's father forces him to stretch his boundaries. Maybe because I am at the moment in a state my boundaries only get narrower and there is no room to stretch them... Reading on I got more into the story and liked the way Marcelo tried to live a good life by helping others.

3,5 stars

175FAMeulstee
Maio 15, 2012, 2:01 pm

And now the pictures of the garden!

A "black" tulip


Peony


Columbine with lady bug

176beserene
Maio 16, 2012, 12:47 am

Beautiful pictures. I LOVE the color on that tulip. So richly yet subtly varied.

177PaulCranswick
Maio 16, 2012, 1:08 am

Now they are really beautiful photos from your garden in spectacular and satisfying bloom. Agree with Sarah that the tulip in particular is a joy to behold.

178scaifea
Maio 16, 2012, 7:21 am

Oooh, lovely flowers - thanks for sharing!

179The_Hibernator
Maio 16, 2012, 7:28 am

I loved Marcelo in the Real World. I think Stork did an excellent job of showing how difficult it is to stretch one's boundaries, and how innocence might perceive the "real world."

180mckait
Maio 16, 2012, 7:47 am

I liked Marcelo too! Good one :)

What pretty flowers!

181FAMeulstee
Maio 16, 2012, 6:13 pm

> 176: thank you Sarah, it is very dark red, in certain light almost black, a very special tulip :-)

> 177: thanks Paul, many bright colors im my garden, to cheer me up when needed!

> 178: thank you Amber, for looking ;-)

> 179: hi Rachel, I agree that the writer did show both well, but I had at first a somewhat uneasy feeling with the story... his dad pushed a lot in my view.

> 180: thanks Kath

182ronincats
Maio 16, 2012, 6:17 pm

Gorgeous photos, Anita!

183jnwelch
Maio 16, 2012, 6:23 pm

Another fan of Marcelo here, Anita. I'm glad you read it.

184Copperskye
Maio 16, 2012, 11:58 pm

Beautiful spring photos, Anita! Thank you for sharing them.

I hope when the new meds kick in, you're feeling better.

185FAMeulstee
Maio 17, 2012, 2:25 pm

> 182: thanks Roni!

> 183: hi Joe, I must have missed that you read it too.
I might try that other book of him The Last Summer Of The Death Warriors, it is translated too.

> 184: thank you Joanne, I love to show off my garden ;-)
The meds do work, the depression is gone, now wait until my energy level gets normal again...

186jnwelch
Maio 17, 2012, 3:01 pm

>185 FAMeulstee: I liked The Last Summer of the Death Warriors, Anita, although for me it didn't reach the heights of Marcelo. Given what you didn't like so much about Marcelo, you might actually like this one better.

He had a new one come out here in January, Irises, which is about two sisters and apparently has a strong religion component.

187FAMeulstee
Maio 17, 2012, 4:07 pm

> 186: thank you very much Joe!
I will take it the next time I visit the library, if it is there ;-)

188ChelleBearss
Maio 17, 2012, 7:41 pm

great photos! Love the columbine and lady bug!

189Deern
Maio 18, 2012, 3:17 pm

Great pictures, Anita. The color if that tulip is so beautiful, I've never seen that variety.

190PaulCranswick
Maio 19, 2012, 2:05 am

Anita - here's wishing you a splendid weekend with Frank and the dogs in that wonderful garden.

191streamsong
Maio 19, 2012, 10:08 am

Not only are your flowers beautiful, but your photographs are stunning! You have a talent I envy. Is there a particular camera you prefer?

192FAMeulstee
Maio 19, 2012, 4:49 pm

> 188: thanks Chelle, I have a lot of columbines in the garden, blue, white, purple, dark red and combinations of these colors. They are easy and sow themselves. I weed a lot out and keep a few to see what color they are.

189: hi Nathalie, It is called black tulip, although it is not really black, but very dark red. If you can find a bulb specialist, it will probably have it.

190: thanks Paul, have been working hard in the front garden. Lots of weeds... I neglected that part for a while, but now it looks good again :-)

191: thank you very much Janet!
I used to have a Sony cybershot dsc-f828 for years

Great camera, but large and heavy.

The newer cameras are smaller and better, they can do (almost) the same.
Last year I got a Sony cybershot dsc-hx9v, a compact camera that is easier to take with me.

193FAMeulstee
Maio 20, 2012, 5:36 pm

My reading has slowed down, although I still do read a bit.
Reading now Het A. P. Beerta-Instituut, fourth book of Het Bureau, after 5 days at page 398 of 987...

194mckait
Maio 20, 2012, 6:45 pm

You have been doing a great job of reading, if you ask me..
Nice camera's too..
I hope you are feeling well ?

Nothing much going on today..
except that I sadly finished a good book :)

195FAMeulstee
Maio 21, 2012, 10:33 am

Thanks Kath,
my reading until now has been great, but it is getting difficult to concentrate...

Feeling okayish... sleeping a lot and my heart beats very fast sometimes, part of adjusting to the Paxil :-(

Oh yes, sometimes it is sad when a good book ends.
I hope you find an other good one soon!

196streamsong
Maio 23, 2012, 9:07 am

Thank you for the info on the cameras. I grew up taking photography projects in 4H--a youth club for (mostly rural) kids. Back in the 70's we had to spend the first year taking only black and white photos and then in subsequent years we progressed onward. I still have my nice-but-elderly Nikon slr. I have a digital camera, but have never felt the same about it (darn I'm old!). But your photos are inspiring me to pick a camera back up!

197PaulCranswick
Maio 31, 2012, 9:07 pm

Anita - hope you and Frank are well as you have had a ten day break from us! Trust the garden is in shape and that you are not feeling down looking at the wonderful colours I am sure are there to behold.

198FAMeulstee
Editado: Jun 2, 2012, 4:28 pm

> 196: hi Janet, I hope you get used to your digital camera. It is so much easier to take a ton of photos and pick up the best, as developing is no longer needed :-)
Almost my whole life I take pictures, but since I went didgital I do a lot more.

> 197: thanks Paul, have been tired and a bit busy: indeed lots of work in the garden, today the first rose opened up :-)
I hope to take some photos soon.

May 30th our new car arrived, a Volkswagen Polo Highline, color Hot Orange:
 

And Ari wasn't feeling well, so on Tuesday we went to the vet. It turned out his back was hurting, the back-muscle was all stuck (sp?), so he got a painkiller and muscle relaxer. He is slowly returning to his own happy self. But he still has to be kept restrained, has to take it easy and only short walks.

199beeg
Jun 2, 2012, 6:00 pm

congrats on the new car - excellent color choice :) hope the puppy feels better soon.

200FAMeulstee
Jun 3, 2012, 5:09 pm

> 199: thanks you Brenda
It is so depressing on the road these days, nearly all cars are white, grey, greyish or black, we need COLOR in cars! So we did :-)
Ari is improving, and does not agree with short walks anymore, so I think that is a good sign. At least I could comb him today without hurting him.

201ronincats
Jun 3, 2012, 5:12 pm

Love the car, and glad that it was nothing too serious for Ari.

202FAMeulstee
Jun 3, 2012, 5:39 pm

> 201: thank you Roni,
I hope Ari stays better, else his back will be x-rayed... do hope it won't be necessary...

203FAMeulstee
Jun 3, 2012, 5:44 pm


book 40 Het A.P. Beerta-Instituut by J.J. Voskuil
own, Dutch literature, fourth book of Het Bureau, 16th book in my BOMBS challenge, not translated, on the shelf since 1998

In 987 pages the years 1975-1979 are described.
The former head of the section, Mr Beerta is transferred to a nursing home after a stay in hospital after his stroke. Maarten tries to visit him every week.
He is lured into more committees and boards, he spends a lot of his time outside the office.

4,5 stars

It wasn't easy to finish this book. Concentrating is a bit difficult and there is a lot to do in the garden in this time of year. But I managed! I think my next book is going to be a light and short book ;-)

204tloeffler
Jun 3, 2012, 6:28 pm

Love your flowers, love your new car! Hope you're feeling back on track again!

205Deern
Editado: Jun 6, 2012, 6:23 am

Love the color of the new car. I am one of those boring grey/silver/black people myself, but I am always happy to see other people being more courageous with colors.
Keeping my fingers crossed for Ari.

206beeg
Jun 6, 2012, 9:19 am

*raises hand* I too am a boring grey/silver/black person only this time it's white

207FAMeulstee
Jun 9, 2012, 5:31 pm

> 204: thank you Terri,
I am still not there yet, but I need a bit less sleep, so I am still heading into the right direction. Was sleeping 7-8 hours a night and 3-4 hour in the afternoon, that was a bit much. The afternoon naps are getting shorter.

> 205: thanks Nathalie, I don't blame you personally, but it has been more colorfull on the road some years back ;-)
Ari seems to do well without the painkiller, so it looks good now.

> 206: hi Brenda, our previous car was white too ;-)

Reading now De vuurvreter (translation of The Fire-Eaters) by David Almond, progress is slow...

208avatiakh
Jun 10, 2012, 4:11 am

Hi Anita - I'm a fan of red cars and miss the great sporty one I owned many years ago. Hope the David Almond livens up, that's one of his I haven't read.

209mckait
Jun 10, 2012, 9:11 am

nice new car :)
How is Ari?

210tloeffler
Jun 10, 2012, 10:37 am

I used to have a beautiful, electric blue car. I cried when it died, and had to scramble quickly for another car. I ended up with black, and although it has been a wonderful car for 7 years, I still have trouble adjusting to having a plain black car.

211Whisper1
Jun 10, 2012, 9:33 pm

Hi Anita

I'm sorry for being out of touch. I'm also sorry that depression reared its ugly head. Much love to you my friend!

212FAMeulstee
Editado: Jun 11, 2012, 4:38 am

> 208: hi Kerry
It is a great car to drive, we are very happy with it.
The David Almond book is good, but my reading ability is serverely affected by the Paxil, I can only read a few pages a day :-(

> 209: thanks Kath
Ari is not going well, after 5 days without painkiller he is going worse again. We have an appointment at the vet this afternoon to take x-rays....

> 210: I am sorry Terri that you blue car died... We have had a plain white car for the last three years and never adjusted either, left it without regrets for this one :-)

> 211: hi Linda
Good to see you here, as I know you are busy with work and puppy :-)
Depression is succesfully treated with Paxil, but that affects my reading capacity as it did before :-(
Well I willl come back to reading when the Paxil stops working in a few years... At least I know now that it won't be forever.

213mckait
Jun 11, 2012, 7:30 am

Anita.. consider acupuncture?

214FAMeulstee
Jun 11, 2012, 12:37 pm

Hi Kath

The x-rays showed no big problems *sigh of relief*, so we still don't know how his back became so upset. Three vertebra at shoulder hight look a bit too close together, his hips look fair enough.
We consider to consult a chiropractor as he gets problems again, I have heard of a very good one. But acupuncture might be an option too, we will keep in mind, thanks for reminding :-)

215ronincats
Jun 11, 2012, 12:54 pm

Glad the x-rays came out well! Give Ari a hug for me, and have Frank give you one from me as well.

216FAMeulstee
Jun 11, 2012, 4:44 pm

Thank you Roni!
Hugs given & hugs back!