Saturday, August 21, 2021
#TheSundayPost TBH, I've think I've had enough humidity for one year.
Thursday, August 19, 2021
While Justice Sleeps! A thriller by Stacey Abrams
A rarity in my bookcase, a hardback version of a book. I received this book from my dad for my birthday. A great choice on his part as it was on my TBR list and my library hold list. While Justice Sleeps is a thriller about a cover-up that goes all the way to the President. Our main character is Avery, a Supreme Court Justice Clerk. Avery is not just book smart, but street smart, she is passionate and she is able to keep working on a problem until she is able to solve it with not just a good outcome, but the best possible outcome.
The book contains many details about how the court system works, a fair amount of discussion on genetic research, and some new vocabulary words for me. I enjoyed that this book required more attention and taught me about things I didn't already know. It's a challenging ride, which I appreciated! I also appreciated that Avery isn't beat up or attacked physically over and over in the book. She outsmarts not outfights.
I thought the ending left things open enough that there could be a series staring Avery--if Stacey Abrams has time to write it!
All in all a quality thriller 4.25 stars from me!
Week 3,4 and now 5: Thursday #BCSM Post: Notes on taking Lynparza aka Olaparib
My mom gave me this mug when we visited a couple of weeks ago. Being agnostic, it didn't hit me on a spiritual level, but I really enjoy the quote from proverbs. I might like the bible more if we chucked everything outside the beatitudes and proverbs. Oh and the part where Jesus tells rich people they suck!
Exciting news I'm on my second bottle of this drug! One bottle (ie one month) down 11 to go. Taking this drug as prevention against a possible recurrence has given me a deeper respect for those who are living with metastatic cancer who take this drug until it stops working. It's not easy and there have been about three days each week where I want to just stop taking it. However, I remind myself of that old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Plus there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer.
Side effectwise, I had too many days of fatigue and nausea and that lead to me not posting for a couple of weeks. This week I am hoping I have turned a corner, the fatigue has been greatly reduced. The nausea is much less frequent. I tell you what, if I had to pay for this drug out of pocket, boy I don't think I could do it, it's not pleasant to take, it would be hard to justify if the cost was say $100 or more a month.
Fingers and toes crossed that my tolerance of the drug continues!
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Some October in August! #MrsClausandtheHalloweenHomicide #NetGalley
Saturday, August 14, 2021
#TheSundayPost #I'mBack!
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Second Book in a Witchy Cozy! #TwoWickedDesserts #NetGalley
Two Wicked Desserts is the second book in Lynn Cahoon's Kitchen Witch Mystery series. I would say that this is a paranormal lite cozy. I think if you are not interested in a cozy that really leans into the magic, you will probably enjoy this series as while there is some magic, the amateur sleuth still solves the murder using traditional questioning and observations.
I like Mia our main character, she is steadfast and remains calm even when bad people are after her. There is a nice slow romance with Trent, who is a grocery store owner and not in law enforcement, which is nice. Instead we have a competent sherrif in Mark Baldwin and Mark and Mia have an entertaining bit of bickering throughout the book.
The food and catering talk in the book is mouth-watering and the pets and Mia's grandma give the story just right amount of magic. This second book is a nice continuation of the first and I look forward to what happens next!
4.5 Stars for Two Wicked Desserts
***
Now that it is August is it time to start reading books about Autumn? What do you think? I think anytime after my birthday (which is in August) is a fine time to start dreaming of the fall.
Saturday, July 31, 2021
#TheSundayPost! Bye July! Hello Air Fryer August!
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Fanciful, Magical Cozy Hits The Spot! The Ghost Camper's Tall Tales by Elizabeth Pantley
This is the third book in Elizabeth Pantley's Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series. I enjoy the whimsy of this series and the real coziness of the magic. Houses and gardens changing daily to suit the needs of their occupants--how cozy!
I was having a rough week and this book was a perfect escape for me. On one hand, you have the ongoing mystery of Hayden's missing mother, and a new murder in Destiny Falls and on the other hand you have the magical mansion and grounds of the Caldwell Family ---plus a witch, ghosts and telepathic cats. This is a book to read and forget all your worries.
The book is out on Monday 8/2 via Amazon. Treat yourself to a fun tale, that could be even more fun read around a campfire!
The twist with the solo ticket to Gladstone at the end was so sweet.
4 Stars! Whimsy at it's best!
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Week 2: Thursday #BCSM Post: Notes on taking Lynparza aka Olaparib
Yeah I'm still trying to navigate side effects. I'm starting to wonder if I have anticipatory nausea and if that is even a thing.
Thursday (361 to go) I struggled with fatigue and then when I tried to take a nap, then I wasn't able to sleep. For dinner we got carryout and I ate too much and didn't feel very good afterward.
Friday (360 to go) I went for a run and felt good for the run. I made sure to eat small meals/snacks and that helped me feel less queasy. Overall I felt the best since starting the drug, but then after the second dose at night then I felt more nausea and had real trouble falling asleep.
Saturday (359 to go) Long run today, 7 miles it was really tough, but it was also really hot so I don't know if it was the medication or the weather. I made sure to practice better-eating habits and drank lots of water. This helps. I also found a little bottle of peppermint essential oil. I am going to try putting a little on my pillow to help at night.
Sunday (358 to go) Day of rest, so no running for me. Hot and humid as can be outside so I spent time in my little pool and took the dog for a walk. Also went to Aldi to get groceries. I had to push myself to do the grocery shopping since I felt queasy, food didn't appeal to me in the store, which reduced impulse purchases, but that was offset by having the hubs with--he did some impulse shopping! The best time of day was late afternoon/evening. Had trouble falling asleep, which is the opposite of how this drug is supposed to work!
Monday (357 to go) My main focus today is on eating. I began the day with greek yogurt. Small meals often are going to be key in me being able to tame the constant queasiness. If I can manage that, then I'll be (knock on wood) golden.
Tuesday (356 to go) Changing my eating to small meals and snacks is paying off in a big reduction in queasiness. I am finding random foods I usually like have lost appeal, a bummer, but I can handle that. In the late afternoon, I have fatigue. I do not have fatigue at the right time--which would be at bedtime!
Wednesday (355 to go) The number #1 most common side effect of this drug is diarrhea. For me, this means the number one side effect I will have is the opposite of that, at least I have experience in how to manage that side effect.
Overall, I feel much better than last week. Thank goodness. Now to manage the latest side effect, I need to go buy some Benefiber. The Hubs asked if they will be able to do a test to show if the drug is working and I explained to him that there isn't. Monday I have bloodwork to make sure my red and white blood cells are doing well. I don't have much fatigue so I *think* they are in good shape.
Sunday, July 25, 2021
Death Bee Comes Her - The July Book of the Month for The Cozy Mystery Book Club!