So today, I tried to combine my 3 blogs into one.
Not Just Horsing Around,
Reading Disorder, my book club blog,
and Through the Window, my diary of a quitter.
Not sure how it will all work, but
quickie updates:
THROUGH THE WINDOW
1. I am still quit.
Yes, I still long for Nick on occasion, but I know he is a bastard, so I try to stay quit. I have replaced Nick with cake. Thank you Ricky Gervais for my quote of the year. "It wasn’t my fault I got fat in the first place. Cakes are nice and they sell them in supermarkets."
NOT JUST HORSING AROUND
2. Still mud. No call back from the contractor. I moved the horses to sacrifice the grass field that has been used sparingly. I will sow seed in the other small field that is a mud paradise for early grass next spring.
Fortunately it has not rained for a while. Our midwest month of October had 23 out of 31 rainy days.
READING DISORDER
My book club blog
3. Just finished INK EXCHANGE, Marr, INSIDE MRS. B'S CLASSROOM, Leslie Baldacci, ready to start King's new one.
I have trouble keeping up the blogs with the books--I think there are missing titles.
ttyl
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Reading Disorder my book club blog HARDBALL
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Discuss HARDBALL by Sara Paretsky
Currently reading Paretsky's latest mystery thriller.
I am a big fan of Paretsky's novels featuring V.I. Warshawski. They are set in Chicago,(one of my favorite cities.)
Does everyone love to read books with familiar settings?
Posted by dianalmb at 9:17 PM
Discuss HARDBALL by Sara Paretsky
Currently reading Paretsky's latest mystery thriller.
I am a big fan of Paretsky's novels featuring V.I. Warshawski. They are set in Chicago,(one of my favorite cities.)
Does everyone love to read books with familiar settings?
Posted by dianalmb at 9:17 PM
Reading Disorder my book club blog HARDBALL
Sunday, October 4, 2009
comments on HARDBALL
well, I did enjoy this book. However, in the interests of full disclosure, I had the feeling that parts of it were written by someone else.
It seemed disjointed and disorganized at the beginning. Then I wondered, are all Paretsky's books like that? I had not noticed before.
I enjoy mystery thrillers, especially as I solve parts of the mystery before the main character does. And it's especially fun when I think I have figured out something, but did not!
Paretsky came through in the end, and the last half was great.
I wonder why some her steadfast buddy mr c was so hard on V.I. though. That seemed out of character for him.
What do you think?
Posted by dianalmb at 10:21 AM
comments on HARDBALL
well, I did enjoy this book. However, in the interests of full disclosure, I had the feeling that parts of it were written by someone else.
It seemed disjointed and disorganized at the beginning. Then I wondered, are all Paretsky's books like that? I had not noticed before.
I enjoy mystery thrillers, especially as I solve parts of the mystery before the main character does. And it's especially fun when I think I have figured out something, but did not!
Paretsky came through in the end, and the last half was great.
I wonder why some her steadfast buddy mr c was so hard on V.I. though. That seemed out of character for him.
What do you think?
Posted by dianalmb at 10:21 AM
Reading Disorder my book club blog BANGKOK 8
Sunday, October 4, 2009
BANGKOK 8
Finished BANGKOK 8 by John Burdett
First of all, my ultimate test of whether I consider a book "good" or worthy of my time, is the desire to read other books by the same author.
This one passes in that regard.
Although the Thailand traditions and differences are often a little puzzling, it is really an intriguing book with wonderful characters, interesting twists, great cultural lessons, and a fun travelogue to Bangkok Thailand.
The ending is wow, unexpected, and readers are left wanting more of Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep!
Posted by dianalmb at 10:21 AM
BANGKOK 8
Finished BANGKOK 8 by John Burdett
First of all, my ultimate test of whether I consider a book "good" or worthy of my time, is the desire to read other books by the same author.
This one passes in that regard.
Although the Thailand traditions and differences are often a little puzzling, it is really an intriguing book with wonderful characters, interesting twists, great cultural lessons, and a fun travelogue to Bangkok Thailand.
The ending is wow, unexpected, and readers are left wanting more of Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep!
Posted by dianalmb at 10:21 AM
reading disorder the absolutely true diary of a part time indian
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sherman Alexie: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie
It is a National Book Award Winner and though shelved in fiction, I'm pretty sure it's a "true" story, based on Sherman's life.
I just started this book, shelved in the Young Adult section of the BOOKSTORE at which I am employed. Will let you know how it goes, but the first few chapters are superb.
Sherman Alexie: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie
It is a National Book Award Winner and though shelved in fiction, I'm pretty sure it's a "true" story, based on Sherman's life.
I just started this book, shelved in the Young Adult section of the BOOKSTORE at which I am employed. Will let you know how it goes, but the first few chapters are superb.
Reading Disorder my book club blog
Monday, October 12, 2009
South of Broad
Okay
Currently reading South of Broad by Pat Conroy.
I really like it very much
but I do realize that all his characters are...
however he makes up in vivid colorful setting descriptions
and don't we all want to visit the charleston sc and san fran ca after reading the book
Posted by dianalmb at 10:50 AM
South of Broad
Okay
Currently reading South of Broad by Pat Conroy.
I really like it very much
but I do realize that all his characters are...
however he makes up in vivid colorful setting descriptions
and don't we all want to visit the charleston sc and san fran ca after reading the book
Posted by dianalmb at 10:50 AM
Reading Disorder-my book club blog
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
blog falling behind
Okay-just finished her fearful symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger.
It didn't go where I thought it would, that's for sure.More later. Have to tell you that Niffenegger writes beautifully and I kept reading and waiting, reading and waiting. Seriously though, this book took me longer to finish than it should have. I would give it a must read rating though.
Previous to that finished Michael Connelly's Nine Dragons. Oh Harry Bosch, I love you. No spoilers, but I always enjoy an international setting. Plus, wow, readers will be shocked at what transpires. Since we never quite understand the ex-wife thing anyway, (what is her problem, fer chrissakes), we're not left too upset. If you love Connelly, if you love Harry, you will not want to miss this one.
Currently reading The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell. Cornwell, like Connelly, been delivering the really fine goods for a few decades. Will keep you posted
Posted by dianalmb at 10:17 AM
blog falling behind
Okay-just finished her fearful symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger.
It didn't go where I thought it would, that's for sure.More later. Have to tell you that Niffenegger writes beautifully and I kept reading and waiting, reading and waiting. Seriously though, this book took me longer to finish than it should have. I would give it a must read rating though.
Previous to that finished Michael Connelly's Nine Dragons. Oh Harry Bosch, I love you. No spoilers, but I always enjoy an international setting. Plus, wow, readers will be shocked at what transpires. Since we never quite understand the ex-wife thing anyway, (what is her problem, fer chrissakes), we're not left too upset. If you love Connelly, if you love Harry, you will not want to miss this one.
Currently reading The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell. Cornwell, like Connelly, been delivering the really fine goods for a few decades. Will keep you posted
Posted by dianalmb at 10:17 AM
Not Just Horsing Around
Monday, September 28, 2009
Not Just Horsing Around
Hello and welcome to my not just horsing around blog.
this is for horse crazies, be they ladies or not
i have 3 each of my favorite things
horses
dogs
daughters
not exhibiting favoritism: list is not necessarily in order-
my horses live on my property.
i ride trails
and live on a private trail system in the midwest
meet the horses
Oscar 28 year old liver chestnut TWH gelding. I've owned him since he was a wild and crazy 8 year old. We've been there and done that. He is still a silly horse sometimes, but is great on the trails.
Teagan 10 year old Haflinger mare
owned since she was 6 months
spoiled princess type
draft (nickname given by middle daughter: bitch tank, kind of says it all)
drives, and rides although Michele claims her gaits suck.
Gypsy- chestnut and white overo TWH mare 8 years old; bought as a green 3 year old to be my replacement trail horse when oscar's arthritis slowed him down a bit. She's a DOLL, gorgeous and great fun
Will post pics later
and introduce rest of my favorite threes in later posts
hay,
thanks for reading!
Diana
Not Just Horsing Around
Hello and welcome to my not just horsing around blog.
this is for horse crazies, be they ladies or not
i have 3 each of my favorite things
horses
dogs
daughters
not exhibiting favoritism: list is not necessarily in order-
my horses live on my property.
i ride trails
and live on a private trail system in the midwest
meet the horses
Oscar 28 year old liver chestnut TWH gelding. I've owned him since he was a wild and crazy 8 year old. We've been there and done that. He is still a silly horse sometimes, but is great on the trails.
Teagan 10 year old Haflinger mare
owned since she was 6 months
spoiled princess type
draft (nickname given by middle daughter: bitch tank, kind of says it all)
drives, and rides although Michele claims her gaits suck.
Gypsy- chestnut and white overo TWH mare 8 years old; bought as a green 3 year old to be my replacement trail horse when oscar's arthritis slowed him down a bit. She's a DOLL, gorgeous and great fun
Will post pics later
and introduce rest of my favorite threes in later posts
hay,
thanks for reading!
Diana
Not Just Horsing Around
Thursday, October 15, 2009
HELP. Mud.
Well, I need to get some followers who can advise me...
what do you all do about a mud problem?
It's been a wet season here and the mud has turned to goo in front of the little shed.
Should I try gravel?
what size?
First rock, then gravel, then limestone?
Any one have any bright, inexpensive ideas?
Plus, lets consider it may be something I have to do myself.
All by myself...
Thanks
Diana
Posted by Diana LMB at 11:27 AM
HELP. Mud.
Well, I need to get some followers who can advise me...
what do you all do about a mud problem?
It's been a wet season here and the mud has turned to goo in front of the little shed.
Should I try gravel?
what size?
First rock, then gravel, then limestone?
Any one have any bright, inexpensive ideas?
Plus, lets consider it may be something I have to do myself.
All by myself...
Thanks
Diana
Posted by Diana LMB at 11:27 AM
Not Just Horsing Around
laminitis sole abscess
If I have learned anything in my few decades of horse owning, it should be to trust my own instincts.
My 28 year old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding came down the hill to eat and he was lame lame lame yesterday.
He's arthritic, but never this sore. So I hose him off, pick his feet. I notice some warmness in both front feet. Since I am always a worry wart, I assume laminitis. Don't know how he got it, but i have been splitting two loads of hay, one more alfalfa than i prefer so i split the feed amount between the alfalfa and some grass hay from a new hay vendor. now i have fed fresh hay before without problem but this grass was too grassy weedy leafy and new. but the hay guy seemed to think it was okay since he dried it in the field quite well.
Not so said the vet.
It should be cured, aged, whatever you want to call it for at least 30 days. Take note. My instinct of not liking the hay was correct, so I should have followed it.
However; Oscar had a sole abscess. Now I saw nothing in his hoof when i picked it, but when the vet carved into it, he found a hole in the sole, and it did the sole abscess ooze. Yuck. But, and this but is bigger than my own; BUT I am glad, and maybe he's so sore from a sole abscess which i can treat easier with medicated wraps, soaks, and pain killer. Laminitis scares me. And I am always so careful about things that cause it. Too rich hay (hence dislike of pure alfalfa,) too much lush grass, too much high powered concentrates, no hard riding on hard pavement, etc, etc.
So wish us luck. My old 'been there done that' Oscar should be fine in 5 to 7 days!
Happy Trails
Diana
Posted by Diana LMB at 5:03 PM
If I have learned anything in my few decades of horse owning, it should be to trust my own instincts.
My 28 year old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding came down the hill to eat and he was lame lame lame yesterday.
He's arthritic, but never this sore. So I hose him off, pick his feet. I notice some warmness in both front feet. Since I am always a worry wart, I assume laminitis. Don't know how he got it, but i have been splitting two loads of hay, one more alfalfa than i prefer so i split the feed amount between the alfalfa and some grass hay from a new hay vendor. now i have fed fresh hay before without problem but this grass was too grassy weedy leafy and new. but the hay guy seemed to think it was okay since he dried it in the field quite well.
Not so said the vet.
It should be cured, aged, whatever you want to call it for at least 30 days. Take note. My instinct of not liking the hay was correct, so I should have followed it.
However; Oscar had a sole abscess. Now I saw nothing in his hoof when i picked it, but when the vet carved into it, he found a hole in the sole, and it did the sole abscess ooze. Yuck. But, and this but is bigger than my own; BUT I am glad, and maybe he's so sore from a sole abscess which i can treat easier with medicated wraps, soaks, and pain killer. Laminitis scares me. And I am always so careful about things that cause it. Too rich hay (hence dislike of pure alfalfa,) too much lush grass, too much high powered concentrates, no hard riding on hard pavement, etc, etc.
So wish us luck. My old 'been there done that' Oscar should be fine in 5 to 7 days!
Happy Trails
Diana
Posted by Diana LMB at 5:03 PM
Not Just Horsing Around
Monday, October 26, 2009
regarding mud mud mud
my horse crazy daughter scolded me yesterday. she said why do i always bitch about the mud, but don't do anything about it.
well, first off all it costs money which isn't growing on the trees in the back yard
secondly, time and weather changes make it better and then i forget about it until the next time.
but after 19 years of horses on this small horsekeeping property, i realized and she pointed out...that we haven't done any serious erosion maintenance. In fact, all the mud scraping and erosion has dropped the ground level about a foot from where it used to be.
so the kid shamed me into making some phone calls. have a few estimates on digging out mud poo glop and laying down some inches of 5/8 inch rock, some inches of pea gravel, and maybe topping it off with some screenings.
so will keep the blog posted on what happens.
even so, if it doesn't stop raining soon, i am going to go insaner than i already am.
Not just horsing around either!
Diana
regarding mud mud mud
my horse crazy daughter scolded me yesterday. she said why do i always bitch about the mud, but don't do anything about it.
well, first off all it costs money which isn't growing on the trees in the back yard
secondly, time and weather changes make it better and then i forget about it until the next time.
but after 19 years of horses on this small horsekeeping property, i realized and she pointed out...that we haven't done any serious erosion maintenance. In fact, all the mud scraping and erosion has dropped the ground level about a foot from where it used to be.
so the kid shamed me into making some phone calls. have a few estimates on digging out mud poo glop and laying down some inches of 5/8 inch rock, some inches of pea gravel, and maybe topping it off with some screenings.
so will keep the blog posted on what happens.
even so, if it doesn't stop raining soon, i am going to go insaner than i already am.
Not just horsing around either!
Diana
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
