WEEKLY UPDATES: A DIFFICULT WEEK…

On By Laurel-Rain SnowIn weekly updates

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.

Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

The week was difficult at times, with the wildfires burning close enough that we couldn’t avoid inhaling the smoke.  Staying indoors became a necessity and easier to do.  The predictions suggest that we will be living with these fires for a while, since they are not contained yet.

I did read and review two books, and enjoyed watching shows and movies online.  But the ever-present anxiety about what is happening out there hovered nearby.

Then, to top off the week, the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg added more sadness and anxiety.

I hope that there won’t be a rush to replace her just yet.

Let’s grab some coffee and take a closer look at the week.

LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:

Tuesday Excerpts:  “Monogamy”

Bookish Wednesday…

Let’s Curl up with a Neglected Book…

Bookish Friday:  “Custody”

Review:  Final Cut, by S.J. WatsonReview:  Monogamy, by Sue Miller

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INCOMING BOOKS:

Empty physical mailbox!  I did receive one NetGalley ARC and downloaded three e-books.

ARC:

The Good Sister, by Sally Hepworth- (NetGalley – 4/13/21)

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Downloads:

Rage, by Bob Woodward

Surfside Sisters, by Nancy Thayer

The Truth About Melody Browne, by Lisa Jewell

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CURRENTLY READING: When She Was Good, by Michael Robotham

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That was my week…a little depressing, but with some good moments, too.  The other day, I enjoyed this lunch of cream cheese on Dave’s Bread…and a glass of wine.

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66 thoughts on “WEEKLY UPDATES: A DIFFICULT WEEK…”

  3. So sad about RBG. An amazing woman. And also sorry to hear you’re getting the smoke. I hope things get better there soon…

    The Good Sister looks good, and I’m debating whether to get Rage… I want to read it but will probably just get mad or depressed lol!

    Be well this week!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Greg, and I am glad to have Rage on my Kindle so I don’t have to look at his face on the cover! LOL. I hate that face.

      I probably will read it when I am feeling more positive…or maybe I need to learn more so I can feel better. Who knows how a book like that will affect us?

      Enjoy your week and your books!

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    1. Thanks, Kathryn, I have several T-shirts with RBG sayings on them. They cheer me up. I ordered two more this week. I also want one of those little dolls, but haven’t found just the right one yet.

      Definitely hoping that the fires will be contained soon…and that steps can be taken in the upcoming years to fight against global warming.

      Enjoy your week!

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  5. I hope the situation with the wildfires improves soon. Like you, I mourn the passing of such a positive role model as RBG. I think wherever you live in the world we could do with more of these. I hope you can find some joy in your books this week…and the odd glass of wine 😁

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  8. So sorry about the fires – and about the loss of RBG – she was a remarkable women and right now the world cannot afford to lose such people. Not right now, anyway… Though as a Brit, it’s not my place to comment on your political issues – that was just a general observation.

    At least you have some treats and some good-looking books to turn to! Have a better week, Laurel:)

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    1. Thanks, Sarah, and since our political issues are so horrific and impact everyone around us, you have a place at the table for commenting!

      I am so saddened that the good ones who make a difference, like RBG, are gone, to be replaced by more darkness. Unless…

      I am anxious about the fires and the whole global warming thing that has turned the planet into a frightening place.

      Meanwhile…we need uplifting books and nice chats with online friends. Enjoy your week.

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      1. Yes, it does all look terribly bleak, doesn’t it? And the political situation isn’t that much better here, either – given that we are teetering on the verge of a second lockdown and no one seems to have any real strategic plan to deal with this in the longer term – except to make blustering statements that are often nonsensical (I’m sure that rings a bell with you!).

        And like you – I’m waiting for someone to actually put global warming right at the top of our agenda!

        Thank goodness for books and clever, likeable friends to talk to and offer comfort. Social media has never been more important to me! I hope you, too, have a lovely week, Laurel:)

        Liked by 1 person

  11. I’m devastated by RBG’s death…she was a truly amazing woman. It’s definitely been a tough week. Hope they can get the fires under control before too much longer. Sorry you have to deal with the smoke and poor air quality. I’d like to read Monogamy soon, too… especially after reading your review on goodreads! Take care and have a good week.

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    1. Thanks, JoAnn, I was so happy to have a good book like Monogamy to keep me distracted from all the bad stuff. Let’s hope we have no more disasters this year, but I’m not actually very optimistic. Sigh.

      I have several mugs and T-shirts with RBG’s sayings and quotes. Did you ever see the movie On the Basis of Sex? It was so good.

      Have a great week.

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  12. A difficult week, yes. And here we are in the midwest, fire free so far, but worrying about family in LA. The air quality index does not say anything better for this week, alas. Hope the rest of the year doesn’t bring any more surprises. Have a good reading week.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Harvee, the only surprise I want for the rest of the year is a complete landslide by the blue…with nothing the other side can fight against.

      Meanwhile, hoping for the fires to be contained and the air to improve.

      Enjoy your week.

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  13. Oh, those awful wildfires. I’m sorry the smoke has gotten close to you. I hope the firefighters are able to get them under control soon.

    Very sad about the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I’m so glad we are left with her inspiring actions and words.

    Monogamy looks like it was a good read for you. Sue Miller is always good, isn’t she?

    Have a lovely week!

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    1. Thanks, Deb, I love Sue Miller’s books! I have several of hers, and the movie The Good Mother based on the book was one of my favorites. I also have another one, While I Was Gone, and enjoyed the movie based on that one. I think Monogamy would be a good movie. Just IMO.

      Sadly, RBG is irreplaceable and I hate that the politics will get ugly right now, trying to fill that seat before the election.

      Meanwhile, we just need to keep breathing, and stay inside. Enjoy your week.

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  14. I do hope they can contain the fires soon. It can’t be easy to always have to stay inside – first the pandemic and now this. RBG’s passing is just so sad.

    Your books look good, though. I’m hoping to read The Good Sister soon. Take care and stay safe.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Yvonne, every time I feel like complaining, I remind myself that I am lucky to be retired and have a safe place to live, and that I don’t mind being isolated with books and movies, lol.

      We are actually going to be allowed in the dining room every day starting next week, and can participate in more activities. (I’m not a fan of most of those, however, but I can retreat to my apartment).

      Now I just need a good haircut! But…the woman they brought in doesn’t do that great of a job on the others I’ve seen who use her. So I will wait. Until someday when my daughter can do my hair again.

      But nothing can make me feel better about the loss of RBG!

      Enjoy your week and your books.

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    1. Thanks, Jen, I hope that someday there will be an administration that cares about climate control and other environmental issues.

      Meanwhile, we wait out the disasters as they come, one right after the other.

      Have a great week, and rain is a good thing!

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    1. I am also so very sad about RBG, and anxious about what will happen now.

      I was a fan of Bob Woodward during the Watergate scandal, so I have been eagerly following his work…which is why I will read his book. I read the book Fear a couple of years ago.

      I also am very sick of Trump and I’m just glad that I can read the book on my Kindle; I won’t have to look at the cover with his face on it! LOL.

      Enjoy your week, Anne.

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    1. Thanks, Shelleyrae, I have been slow at reading today; binge-watching The Good Wife, of all things.

      I need all the distractions I can get. I stay indoors, and that helps me avoid some of the smoke. Stay safe and enjoy your books.

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  21. I am sorry the smoke is impacting you. You have been in my thoughts and prayers during the week.
    RBG was a remarkable woman and inspiration. It will be interesting to see who becomes the next Justice and how it will change the rulings.
    I hope you stay safe and have a good reading week.

    Liked by 1 person

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  22. Anne Bennett

    I’m debating with myself about reading RAGE. I don’t need help hating Trump more than I already do. So sad about the death of RBG. Hope that the senators do the right thing.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Oh, I feel the same way, Anne, but I always enjoy reading more to reinforce what we already know.

      I am very sad about RBG and I’m not sure we can count on those senators. Although some might be turning to the light. Hopefully.

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    1. Thanks, Cheryl, so true! Just when we think we’ve seen the worst, another unfortunate event comes along. I guess we just have to handle it all one thing, one day at a time.

      Enjoy your week, and I’m loving my books.

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  25. Sounds like a good week to have wine with lunch! The political news never seems good these days; I hope the climate (political and weather) will improve in a few months! Your reading looks like a nice variety so you’ll be sure to find something that suits whatever mood you’re in at any given time!

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  26. Kathy Martin

    You know Trump will nominate someone ASAP. I just hope the Democrats can delay things enough to get to the election and, hopefully, a new president and balance in Congress. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

    Liked by 1 person

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  28. diane

    The week’s new has been one of the most depressing. RBG’s passing was sad enough, we knew she was very ill, but the timing OMG. It’s affected my reading focus as well. I purchased Rage, but, it sits there as I can’t bear to think read about (T) right now. Time and Nov 3 might begin to heal us but, so much damage has been done. I grieve,

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    1. I feel the same, Diane…the sadness and anxiety are all around us, and RBG’s passing felt like the last straw. I can’t even imagine if the election doesn’t bring relief…and even then, we could see all kinds of hell breaking loose from his base if/when he doesn’t win!

      We will be struggling for years. Sigh.

      Now I’m depressing myself. I haven’t even finished one book this week…

      Stay safe!

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  29. Susan

    Oh Laurel: I agree … there’s so much anxiety right now after the loss of RBG. Ugh I can barely turn on any news this week … there’s just so much darkness politically, nationally, environmentally & socially … the only good news is that we’ve been on a getaway trip this week … so I’m trying to avoid it all. Perhaps you can lose yourself in good books, shows, & wine. (It’s all we have!) … I’m glad to hear that Sally Hepworth has a new upcoming novel … I enjoyed her book The Mother in Law, which was good. Don’t fret too much …. we will figure out how to win in Nov. and hopefully cooler temps will put an end to smoke & fire. take care.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Susan, even my books are not as captivating lately…although I did really love Monogamy. Sue Miller is a gem.

      Good things happening: I am loving binge-watching a show from a few years ago, one that I had only seen via weekly episodes on the networks, The Good Wife. I am a fan of the spin-off streaming show The Good Fight, so I was reminded of how much I enjoyed the original.

      In the residence, we are now allowed to go to the dining room every day, and participate in activities as long as we socially distance and wear our masks. However, except for taking part in the dining room experience, I am staying in my apartment and reading/viewing things. So far that is helping.

      Enjoy your getaway and stay safe!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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