COFFEE CHAT: MOVING FORWARD…

Here we are again, rambling on about our thoughts, our feelings, and our perspectives.  Join our host at Bookishly Boisterous,  to see what others are chatting about.  Let’s grab some coffee and share.

It has been two weeks since my surgery.  How great it feels to look back and assess my progress since that day.  What is even more impressive to me, however, is how, over the past six-and-a-half months, I have changed the way I eat, live, and relate to others.  Who could have guessed that I might actually begin to enjoy my life again?

• I am especially relishing my little apartment and the changes I have brought to it, and even now, I keep adding more books and assorted trinkets.  Like this little tray, on the left, that arrived this evening…and a set of four wine glasses on the right.  One might think I am ready to entertain.  LOL.

• Evening meals in the dining room now include a glass of wine.  I also have a bottle in my kitchen that I’m saving for an upcoming dinner, still in the planning stages.  Something small.  I have the dishes, the glasses, and because I am feeling almost my old self again, I’m ready.
• I’ve been enjoying the Netflix show The Crown, this week, after breezing through another show called Unbelievable. Now I just need something else to binge-watch for the weekend.
• This morning, a friend and I went to Mimi’s for coffee and croissants.

• Tonight I plan to keep reading One Little Secret, by Cate Holahan.  Earlier in the week, I read and reviewed The Family, by Louise Jensen.
• Today I received a DVD called Plenty; Meryl Streep starred in this little feature film that I’ve not yet seen.  I plan to watch it later tonight.

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That was my week.  What did yours look like?

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COFFEE CHAT: HIDING AWAY IN MY APARTMENT…

Here we are again, rambling on about our thoughts, our feelings, and our perspectives.  Join our host at Bookishly Boisterous,  to see what others are chatting about.  Let’s grab some coffee and share.

My week, post-birthday, has been calm and quiet.  Mostly because I am fighting a cold and staying in my apartment.  I am really loving the time to myself, and I’ve decided that living among lots of people and spending two meals a day with them in the dining room might have messed with my immune system.  I used to get sick more when I worked with clients, mostly children, and then I retired and was alone in my apartment most of the time and didn’t get sick at all.  Hmm.

• At any rate, I spent the week receiving books and other Amazon packages, and binge-watching movies.
• I finished Season II of The Kominsky Method, which I loved; and Season 5 of The Affair.
• I’ve read and reviewed two books so far:  Just After Midnight, by Catherine Ryan Hyde; and Ladies Who Punch, by Ramin Setoodeh. (Click titles for my reviews).
• I just started reading If You Only Knew, by Kristan Higgins (Purchased in December 2017!).
• As I acquire more hardcover books, I rearrange my bookshelf, which now has 25 books on it, arranged for expansion between two of the shelves.  These are books I’ve purchased and finished reading.

• I’ve added some new clothes to my little cubby, and I’m finally feeling as if I have a few outfits from which to choose.  On the right side are the pants, and the ones you can see in the photo are the tops and tunics.  I like the mix of colors and patterns.

• Since I’m only a week away from my surgery (finally!), I am trying to distract myself with new clothes and books…and hoping that all will go well and I’ll be able to enjoy everything afterwards.  Yes, gloomy thoughts.
• Despite my vow to stay away from other residents until I’m completely well, I am running out of food in my apartment and may have to go to the dining room tomorrow.  Sigh.
• I spent many years being a hermit, and now I’m realizing that I actually like it.  LOL.  But…I shouldn’t go back to my old ways.  I will plan on spending more alone time, though.
• I pre-ordered this biography of Carrie Fisher, which will be released on November 12.

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That was my week…what did yours look like?

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COFFEE CHAT: BIRTHDAY BOUNTY, ETC.

Here we are again, rambling on about our thoughts, our feelings, and our perspectives.  Join our host at Bookishly Boisterous,  to see what others are chatting about.  Let’s grab some coffee and share.

Since this is my birthday week, I’ve been enjoying the bounty that goes with that occasion…shopping with my gift cards, having lunch with friends, and this Saturday, dinner at my daughter’s house.  My week has been a good one with books, too, although I’ve only finished reading and reviewing one book so far:  Good Girl, Bad Girl, by Michael Robotham. (Click title for my review).

• I am almost finished with Queen Meryl, by Erin Carlson, which is a fascinating peek at the life and career of the iconic Meryl Streep.
• In between my reading, I’ve been watching Prime movies and a few new episodes of The Ranch on Netflix.
• My blog header obsession continues.  I created a new one at Curl up and Read.

• My lunch on Wednesday was Corn Chowder and a Mimosa at Mimi’s with my friend Barbara. I forgot to take a photo, but here’s what that delicious soup looks like:

• Today will be another one with Amazon packages, as I’ve ordered some DVDs that I “lost” in the move (sold, given away by others, lol).
• Of course I couldn’t bring all of my movies and books…not enough space.  And if I hadn’t been “under the weather,” I could have had more control.  But that’s how it goes.
• The silver lining:  it’s so much fun to pick and choose what to order from Amazon, and I now feel like it’s a birthday every week.

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What has your week been like?  Are you enjoying fall and upcoming holidays?

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COFFEE CHAT: BOOKS, DOLLS, ETC.

Here we are again, rambling on about our thoughts, our feelings, and our perspectives.  Join our host at Bookishly Boisterous,  to see what others are chatting about.  Let’s grab some coffee and have a chat.

 

Welcome to another Coffee Chat.  I planned to write it at my Rainy Days and Mondays blog.  I do like changing things up, and since I’m pretty much done with rearranging my apartment, the blogs are the next focus for me.  LOL.  But, I ended up back at An Interior Journey!  This week has brought some good books again.  First, I read and reviewed an Amazon Vine book:  Lifelines, by Heidi Diehl. Next I was glued to the pages of The Lying Room, by Nicci French. (Click titles for my reviews).

• Now I am intrigued by Demi Moore’s memoir Inside Out. I ordered the hardcover version for the photos.

• I’ve seen most of her movies, and I even stayed awake for her appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s late show the other night.  I do miss my DVR, though; back in those days, I could record late shows to watch the next day.
• I have a stack of hardcover books awaiting my attention:

• On Monday, I went boot shopping.  Yes, time to set aside the sandals, and the boots I already had…well, the heels were too high!  So here’s what I bought, and they’re actually comfortable.

• Last night, I was trying to shoot photos of the dining room, etc., and nothing was working on my phone.  I was in a state of panic, of course; but then noticed that there was a software update available, so I thought:  why not?  It worked.  But I was nervous, since sometimes those updates mess everything up.
• Last week I mentioned massive PG&E outages…and I’m happy to report that ours stayed on throughout.  I think the outages helped in the areas with wildfires.
• I was also waiting for a doll that I “lost” in the move, but the one that came was just as tiny as the previous one.  But I’m thinking they work well together.

• I still have a collection of dolls in a garage near my daughter’s house.  She has reluctantly agreed to take me there…just to find another old favorite or two.  Then I’ll be done.  LOL.

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That was my week…what did yours look like?

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COFFEE CHAT: A BUSY WEEK…

 

Welcome to another Coffee Chat, in which we share bookish and not so bookish thoughts.  Head on over to Bookishly Boisterous to add your link.

My week has been full of appointments and activities.  Mani-Pedi on Tuesday, dental appointment yesterday, and more medical testing today.  Today’s test is one of those fasting ones, but just a short fast.  Tea or black coffee are allowed.  So, naturally, I am especially hungry today.  LOL.

• On Monday I finished reading Without a Doubt, by Marcia Clark.  (Click title for review).
• Now I’m reading The Stranger Inside, by Lisa Unger.
• Yesterday two hardcover books came from Amazon:  Queen Meryl, by Erin Carlson; and Inside Out:  A Memoir, by Demi Moore.
• On Tuesday, after my mani-pedi, I had lunch with Fiona…she had pizza, and I had soup.  Plus a cocktail.

• I’ve been ordering all kinds of things from Amazon, including tops, books, and household items.  I’ve stuffed my little cubby with some outfits.

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That is my week so far.  Soon I will call Lyft for a ride to the hospital for testing.  How is your week shaping up?

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COFFEE CHAT: LOOKING BACK…AND PLANNING AHEAD…

Welcome to another Coffee Chat, in which we share bookish and not so bookish thoughts.  Head on over to Bookishly Boisterous to add your link.

 

Moving along, reading and blogging more, and planning ahead for the upcoming surgery (hopefully).  I have a telephone consultation on Friday…and an in-person consult on 10/2 with the Bay Area physicians.  Evenings are pleasant, with Amazon Prime videos and the ongoing saga of Mary Tyler Moore.  However, as much as I loved the show back in the day, I am sometimes annoyed with how “too nice” Mary is…and I really can’t stand Ted Baxter.  LOL.  I’m pretty sure I didn’t like him in the 70s, either.  But I do love seeing the settings, the outfits and the hairstyles, and immersing myself in the memories of that time…nostalgia rules!

• So far I’ve read and reviewed two books…and written six blog posts. The  books:  The Favorite Daughter, by Patti Callahan Henry; and Seven Letters, by J. P. Monninger (NG-10/8).  (Click titles for reviews).
• I am currently reading a Marcia Clark book that has been on my Kindle for a while:  Without a Doubt, the story of the O.J. Simpson trial.  In a case that tore America apart, and that continues to haunt us as few events of history have, Marcia Clark emerged as the only true heroine, because she stood for justice, fought the good fight, and fought it well.
• While visiting blogs this morning, I discovered a new Elizabeth Berg book that will be released on 11/19:  The Confession Club is Book 3, following up on the setting and characters of The Story of Arthur Truluv and Night of Miracles.  Of course I added it to my list.
• I have a  nice little stack of hardcover books (and paperbacks) to read soon.  Check out how great they look on my nightstand:

 

 

 

 

 

 

• This week I spent time changing up a couple of my blogs.  Here is my new header at Potpourri.  I feel whimsical now!

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That was my week…so far.  What did yours look like?

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COFFEE CHAT: NESTING, BINGE-WATCHING, ETC.

Welcome to another Coffee Chat, in which we share bookish and not so bookish thoughts.  Head on over to Bookishly Boisterous to add your link.

 

My week has been been an “interior journey,” with cozy moments in my apartment and a continuation of my nesting obsession, aided by several Amazon orders.  Yes, the packages have been arriving regularly, as I add to my space.  I love these colorful dishes.

• I also rearranged my little entry way to incorporate another of my Amazon books, a Mary Engelbreit decorating journal: Home Sweet Home.

•  This week, I have read and reviewed two books so far:  The Last Widow, by Karin Slaughter; and Lady in the Lake, by Laura Lippman. (Click titles for my reviews).
• My granddaughter Aubrey has sent some photos of her first month in New Zealand.  I really have enjoyed them…here is a peek at her new adventures:

• I am still binge-watching the Mary Tyler Moore series on Amazon Prime, and I’m now on Season III.
• In the residence, I am feeling more in control of my food choices, having added my voice to the food committee.  I now have an improved attitude about my daily life.

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How has your week unfolded for you?

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COFFEE CHAT: WAITING FOR FALL…

Welcome to another Coffee Chat, in which we share bookish and not so bookish thoughts.  Head on over to Bookishly Boisterous to add your link.

 

My routines are humming along, not quite what they used to be, but close enough that I feel comfortable.  Just when I thought the moving was finished, I prodded my daughter into bringing copies of the books I’ve written.  So she finally did…and here they are, lined up in my little Jelly Cupboard.  You can find out more about them here: 

• I’ve  read and reviewed two books so far:  My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding, by Wendy Wax, and  California Girls, by Susan Mallery. I have started my third one:  The Last Widow, by Karin Slaughter.
• I love fall!  Even though we still have hot days, some in the triple digits, the promise of crisp days and colorful leaves gives me an extra burst of energy.  Note the fall leaf in my blog header!

• I can’t believe the weekend is almost upon us.  My weekends are different these days.  In the mornings, I head to the dining room for breakfast, which is my favorite meal here…and then, back to my apartment for reading, blogging, and a little movie watching.  On Amazon Prime, I find movies from the past…they seem to be calling to me.  Plus, I added Season I of the Mary Tyler Moore Show to my list.  I’m loving the familiar scenes and dialogue from that 1970s show.  Valerie Harper, who played Rhoda, recently passed away, and Mary has been gone for a while, so watching the show brings them alive again for me.
• As it cools down outside, I plan to walk around out there, which is more fun than stepping the hallways.  The gardens here are lovely!  I will photograph them soon.
• I am still finding the silver lining these days!
• Last Friday I enjoyed lunch in a favorite place with a favorite person:

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How are you spending your days?  What gives you energy each morning?

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COFFEE CHAT: A GOOD WEEK SO FAR…

Welcome to another Coffee Chat, in which we share bookish and not so bookish thoughts.  Head on over to Bookishly Boisterous to add your link.

 

The week is speeding by, just as the month of August seems to be in a hurry to end.  My reading has improved, with 11 books read this month so far.  This week, I’ve read and reviewed the NetGalley ARC The Long Call, by Ann Cleeves, with a 9/3 release date.  (Click title for review).  I also enjoyed The Perfect Son, by Lauren North (click for review).  Today I started reading a 9/10 ARC, 29 Seconds, by T. M. Logan.  Another page turner.

• Monday was a day for more medical testing, not related to my gall bladder, but another potential issue…the ultrasound revealed that all is well for now.
• Thursday will be a day for Rock ‘n’ Roll here at the residence, with Jeremy Elvis Pearce entertaining us with Elvis tunes.  The staff are encouraging us to bring out our poodle skirts, but mine went by the wayside many years ago.  LOL.

• In honor of the occasion, I plan to bring my “Elvis” handbag along for the event (see it hanging on the hall tree in my FB cover photo below).

• Tonight we finally had a dinner that really pleased me!  Salmon was the centerpiece, and I had been craving it, not to mention keeping my eye out for any foods that I can actually eat and enjoy.

• Tonight I plan to keep reading my book…and perhaps watch something on Amazon Prime or Netflix.

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That was my week so far.  How was yours?

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COFFEE CHAT: MORE SETTLING IN…

Welcome to another Coffee Chat, in which we share bookish and not so bookish thoughts.  Head on over to Bookishly Boisterous to add your link.

 

After spending some time rearranging things on my blogs, I felt like reading some of the books that have been languishing on my shelves for a while (mostly my Kindle).  Today I read and reviewed Kristan Higgins’ book Good Luck with That, which I enjoyed.  Then I started reading Best Beach Ever, by Wendy Wax, which I bought in May 2018.

• In my new residence, I am finding ways to work around the food issues by requesting things that are not on the menu…lol.  Sometimes it works.
• It also helps to befriend the kitchen supervisor!
• Last weekend, I had two outings in local restaurants, thanks to my son Brett’s visit here.  On Sunday I had spaghetti, half of which I brought home for the next day.  Does it seem like spaghetti would be a “forbidden item”?  For some reason, I have no problems with it.

• I haven’t had any doctor visits for a couple of weeks, but that reprieve is about to end.  I have an appointment for an ultrasound on Monday.  But my granddaughter Fiona is taking me, and then we’ll have dinner.  I like combining these “unpleasant” outings with something we’ll enjoy afterwards.
• My new best friend is Amazon!  I’ve always enjoyed ordering from them, but receiving items in the mail is a real treat these days.  It is especially helpful since I can’t jump in a car to go shopping like I once did.  I’ve ordered all kinds of items to set up my little household.  Things you might take for granted, like ziploc bags, saran wrap, paper clips, and a stapler.  Also…books!  This paperback is one I’ve been waiting to buy.
• My granddaughter Aubrey is settling into her new “home” in New Zealand.  I am eagerly checking her FB page for photos.  Nothing so far!

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How has your week unfolded?

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