Happy Sunday! What’s everyone up to today? Or this weekend for that matter – did anyone do anything extra special? My weekend has been quiet. I’ve got the winter blues I think so I’ve really been keeping to myself. Not usually the best thing to do but it’s what I’ve always done. That being said we are having an unusually warm winter here. We have pretty much no snow left but what we do have is lots of ice because instead of snow we’ve been getting rain which isn’t a good thing here because the temperatures are cold enough that it comes down as freezing rain and makes a skating rink of things. It has been raining on and off here for weeks and unfortunately it doesn’t get quite warm enough to melt. Our backyard is a skating rink and I feel so bad for Sam as he slides all over. I have those little grippy things on my boots so I hold on pretty good but it’s still hard walking in them. But I’m not complaining. I’d take this warm weather over our normally freezing and snowy temps any day!
As for reading I’m doing ok I guess. I’ve read some good ones lately. I posted a review for The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian on Book Trib (my review if you’d like to see it) the other day. Boy that was a good book! I’ll be posting it next month here on the blog as well. I’m going to be starting All the Flowers in Shanghai by Duncan Jepson this week and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve also been reading The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin as well and I’m really liking it. Has anyone read either on of these? What did you think of them if you did? This year I hope to read a lot more of my own books than I have been. I’m still going to participate in tours but my own books are going to be a priority as well.
As for challenges I’m joining in only a few and I’m going to make it a point to succeed at them this year. I didn’t complete any of the goals I set for myself last year but I’m giving myself some leeway on that. After losing Buddy I was crazy to set any goals for myself in the first place. I think this year should go better in that department. The ones I’m going to do this year are as follows…
The first one is the War Through the Generations which for 2012 is going to be focused on World War I and it will run from January 1 – December 31, 2012 and is being hosted by my bloggy friends Serena from Savvy Verse & Wit and Anna from Diary of an Eccentric. I’ve picked out a few books that I’d like to read but I can’t remember the names of them right now for the life of me. You can sign up here and get all the info for the challenge if you’d like to join in. Oh there is going to be a read-a-long this year for the book A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemmingway and I will be joining in for that so that’s one of my books. Oh geez, I’m getting bad at this but never mind – there are various levels you can join at as well but I’m going in for a Dip which is to read 1-3 books. I should be able to handle that. lol.
The second challenge I’m joining in for is over at another bloggy friend’s which is Naida of The Bookworm and it is the Romance Reading Challenge. Yes I know you’re all thinking that I’m always saying I don’t like romances and I don’t for the most part but Naida is very lenient with her challenges (which I really like) and as long as you’re reading a book where there is a romantic love between your main characters, it qualifies. Well even I read books like that. One book that I will be reading for sure for this challenge will be Gone With the Wind. I’ve been saying I’m going to reread it every year and this year I am. I’m hoping that Naida and I will read it together and maybe we’ll be lucky enough to have others join us. You have to choose at least 5 books for this challenge. Now I’m not choosing my books right now other than Gone With the Wind because I’m sure that as I go along a lot of my books will fit into this challenge. Now if you’d like more information or to join in on this challenge just head over to this post and you’ll find everything you need.
So only a couple of challenges. I may join another one or two yet but I haven’t decided for sure. These two I know I want to do. I’m not going to do challenges like 100+ books, ARC’s, or eBooks like I have previously because I keep track of those anyhow.
Now I’m going to leave you with a few pics of Sam. I got a new camera for Christmas but I have to get my computer fixed before I can download them so these are still from my old camera but Sammy is cute no matter which camera I use. Anyhow he’s doing well. He had his shots this past week though and got sick on me. He was throwing up and scared the crap out of me. I phoned the vet and he determined that Sammy was likely just not feeling well from the shot and wasn’t having a reaction because it was quite a few hours later. Anyhow he calmed me down – have I ever mentioned I have an awesome vet. Well I do – he’s been very good to me in these past 10 years that I’ve known him. You don’t find too many doctors that will give you their home number these days and be patient with you while you’re freaking out over things because you’re still much too anxious over losing Buddy. He’s been very understanding and he’s a very gentle man and Sammy likes him which is all that matters. Anyhow Sammy was fine the next day thankfully and doesn’t seem any worse for the wear now.
I hope you all have a fantastic week ahead and get lots of reading done! I sure hope to. Here’s Sammy to send you off…
I just love those green stringies mommy left for me to chew. I like to pull the chair across the floor once in a while too.
Here I am sitting like the King that I am. Mommy said we couldn’t put the whole picture for you cause the house was messy. I’m not very concerned with things being messy cause I make most of it anyway.
I was watching Midnight in paris last night and decided that I should give a farewell to arms a go 🙂
Linda, it sounds like a pretty good book. I hope it will be.
Dar, I’m sorry you have the Winter Blues! My Grandmother used to get the winter blues every year and I felt bad for her. Hope you get out of them soon! I’m doing any challenges this year, I’m taking a year off. I’m reading for pleasure alone this year. I’m reading The Gilder right now and it is really good. Sammy is so cute, I can picture that poor pup sliding all over the yard when he goes out poor thing! Take care and I hope you get cheery soon! HUGS to you my friend!
Sherri, thanks. The winter blues are miserable for sure. I’ve never heard of The Gilder before. I’ll have to look it up. Thanks for the hugs and right back at you.
What you’re calling warm, I would call freezing! If it’s cold enough to make ice, it’s freezing. It was in the 70’s (20’s Celsius) here yesterday.
You’re lucky to have such a great vet, but I’m sure he can tell how much your animals mean to you.
Kathy, you wouldn’t survive here. lol. I spoke too soon because the weather is calling for plugging in the car and that means extra cold.
This warm weather is very odd, we have it too. Yesterday we were negotiating mud puddles in unpaved parking lots!
Coop was in the same boat with a vaccine a few days ago. First he got sick on the Benedryl that he is supposed to take to prevent a reaction. I wasn’t thinking and gave it to him on an empty stomach. You can bet I won’t be doing that again! Then he looked wore out and horrible the rest of the day after the shot. Thank goodness he’s all better now and currently wrestling around with my hubby and the kids. 🙂
Oh no Janel, poor Coop. It’s scary because they need the shots but then you don’t want them getting sick or worse from them. I’ll be a basket case next year. I’m glad Coop is doing fine too.
This is such odd weather isn’t it. We have puddles during the day in some places where the sun is really hitting. Apparently the cold weather is on the way though.
We have hardly had any snow this winter…it has been crazy warm! Poor Sammy…no one likes to get shots 🙁 He is as cute as usual…and he looks so comfortable sitting on your lap. I just put The Night Strangers on hold at the library…I’m really eager to read it so I’ll have to check out your review. Hope you have a great week Dar!
Sam, I know I’ve seen you talking about how you have no snow too. Last year we had too much and this year none yet. Like I said I’m not complaining though. I’d rather have no snow but I bet your kids want it.
I look forward to your thoughts on The Night Stranger when you read it. I loved it.
Cracking me up with the Sammy pics and captions 🙂 I haven’t read The Night Strangers but I’ve read a couple of Bohjalian’s novels and liked them. We don’t have any snow either (the photo I use in my blog header is from last year). Yuck on the ice. That is so dangerous.
I hope the blues leave soon, Dar. Sending you a hug.
Mary, The Night Strangers is the first of his novels that I’ve read but I will read more in the future.
Yup, Sammy has a lot to say on the blog. I just don’t print all of his thoughts. lol.
Thanks for the hug.
Also: your vet sounds like a wonderful person in the perfect profession. Lucky you, lucky animals!
It has been really warm here too. Doesn’t seem at all like winter! I LOVED The Night Strangers, but not everyone did. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because he put a huge dose of fear in me for flying now. He traumatized me. And I am amazed that your vet calls you at home. That is a special guy.
Sandy, I was already scared of flying so that just made me more scared. lol. I read a few reviews of people that didn’t like it and I don’t get it but everyone has different thoughts on what they love right. I’m with you- it was great.
Happy Sunday Dar 🙂 Sammy is too cute, I like that second pick. He looks very spoiled…lol.
I went through the same thing with Diego a few weeks ago, I took him for his yearly shots and he got so sick 🙁 Scared the heck out of me. I called the vet and they said to give him baby aspirin and wait it out 🙁 I was nearly up all night with him. He recovered and is back to normal thank goodness.
I know what you mean about the Winter Blues, I always find Jan, Feb and March to be looong and so cold. The cover on All the Flowers in Shanghai is beautiful, I hope the book is good.
*yay* Welcome to the Romance Reading Challenge! Glad you are joining 🙂 We should definitely read GWTW! I’ll email you.
Enjoy your weekend.
Naida, Sammy is very spoiled. He gets away with too much which doesn’t always make him very well behaved. lol.
I’m glad Diego was ok too. I know exactly how you felt. I was beside myself.
I think I’m worse from late December through February although the blues start in September for me.
I can’t wait for us to get started reading GWTW! It’s going to be fun.
I’ve been a bit blue myself. I typically am this time of year. Plus, my computer has been limping along and hasn’t worked well since Christmas so I am trying hard to keep up with posts and blog reading but it’s difficult from home.
Sammy looks good. Our Otter Pup is due for her one year boosters. Can’t believe we’ve almost had her for a year already. Time sure flies.
I wanted to hit a museum today but I woke with a horrible headache so after running an errand, I just hope to relax at home.
Ti, I remember you saying before that you suffer the blues as well. Wow, you’ve had the Otter Pup for a year already. Wow, you’re right, time has flown by.
Hope that headache got better!
Sorry to hear you have the winter blues, Dar. I have a friend who swears by using a Happy Light. She lives in Washington state where it is gloomy quite a bit.
Sammy is cute as ever! I think he is getting used to posing for pictures! That is nice that your vet is so wonderful. I can imagine how scared you were. I would have been too.
I am running errands today even though I would have liked to spend the day in some big, comfy sweats and slippers, reading a book.
Beth, I can’t use the Happy Light because it gives me migraines. I tried.
Sam likes my new camera better as it doesn’t make as much noise so I’m hoping I’ll be able to get some good shots of him.
I hope you managed to get all your errands done.
It does sound like you got lucky with having a great Vet. Our Vet is more like a clinic, so you get any one of 3-4 Dr.s depending on what day you go.
Sammy is so stinkin cute!I love that curly hair.
Hey thanks for the Romance reading challenge link. I am doing a different challenge each month this year and of course in Feb. I am reading Romance/Love stories. So I signed up for the month of Feb.
And – Girl! get rid of those Blues! choose the pinks instead! LOL Pink is suck a pretty color.
Wendy, Sammy’s curls will be gone soon. He’s about due for the groomers already. That’s great that you joined the Romance Challenge. Maybe I’ll get some good ideas from what you read.
I so wish Sammy and Romeo could meet and play together! I bet they would have a blast. Romeo had a bad reaction after getting a shot one time and I brought him in to our vet … maybe it is the breed! Glad that you have such a good relationship with your vet. That is a rare and wondrous thing.
Jenners, I bet Sammy and Romeo would have a blast – probably chasing each other and socks. You know I’ve read a few articles about Havanese being sensitive to certain things but I didn’t remember it being shots. I’ll have to go back to that website and read it again just in case. I know I’m lucky to have my vet. I just hope he doesn’t retire anytime soon.
Ahhhh … come sit on the sofa with me; I’ve had a bit of the winter blues myself and was glad to have the bright sunshine today.
Your vet sounds like a truly wonderful person!
Big hugs to you and little Sammy, I hope you have a lovely week, Dar!
Beth H, sitting on the sofa with you sounds awesome – with Sammy in between. We got some sunshine today and you’re right, it does help.
Hugs to you from Sammy and me!
I’ll sit on the sofa with you and little Sammy anytime!
I get the winter blues too. The weather here is has been really weird too. In the day-time it’s almost shorts weather and at night it is a bit chilly. Even in Texas we are usually in the 40s and 50s this time of year. I have yet to pull out my cote or a jacket. I just wear sweaters.
Alexis, I don’t wish the blues on anyone but I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one. Even with our warm weather we couldn’t be in shorts although I did see a young guy last week in shorts and a sweat jacket while I was wrapped in a scarf and hat. lol.
The winter blues are crummy – so sorry you’re dealing with them Dar. Do you have any humorous fiction to read or something really absorbing? Just an idea :o)
I really enjoyed The Night Strangers, too! That was a book I had trouble putting down once I started reading it, it grabbed my attention so much! And I just started reading All the Flowers in Shanghai! I’m so excited we’ll be reading it at the same time – we’ll have to compare notes!
I signed up for War Through the Generations too! I have no idea what books I’m going to read for it and need to look into that. I’m really looking forward to The Farewell to Arms group read.
The photo of Sammy sitting on someone’s lap is adorable! I love all Sammy’s pics. I cannot believe he drags that chair across the room! Oh boy!
Dar, I hope you feel better! Have a good week – let me know when you’ve started All the Flowers in Shanghai!
Amy, I’ve been trying to find a book that would really take me away but haven’t yet. I haven’t been able to focus enough I guess.
I must have missed your review on The Night Strangers. I’ll have to go check it out. I couldn’t put it down either and yet sometimes I was scared to hear the next thing.
I think I’m probably going to start All the Flowers in Shanghai on Wednesday. I’d love to read along with you and discuss it!
Yup, Sammy can drag chairs. He’s a strong little guy although I’m not sure 26 lbs qualifies as small. lol.
I can’t believe how grown up Sammy looks…such a cutie! Glad he’s doing better after the shots, your vet sounds like an angel. So glad that he is so kind and patient! We are having warm temps for winter as well…hoping it stays that way:) Have a good week!
Bonnie, Sammy is pretty big now. He’s 26 lbs so pretty grown up although you know he’s a pup when you see him get going. Yes thankfully he was ok after being sick on Tuesday night.
I’m just heading off in a minute to email you. I haven’t managed to get myself organized to get everything done that I wanted to today.
Sammy sure does look kingly! Glad you have such an understanding vet. Have a great week Dar!
Nise, lol – Sammy is the ruler of the house and he knows it! I hope you have a good week as well!
Dar, love the Sammy pics, especially the one on the lap! Sorry you’ve got the winter blues. I get up and down as well in winter. Yesterday I was happy, and today sad. It probably has to do with having to go to work tomorrow:(
Have a great week.
Diane, that’s how I am too-very up and down. Going to work on a Monday morning definitely doesn’t help. I hope you have a good week!
I cut back on challenges this year. LOL I failed a plenty last year. 🙂 Thanks for joining the WWI reading challenge…we’ll post a reminder for everyone closer to the day. Sammy is looking good. I hope you have some great reading time ahead…
the weather has been crazy everywhere!! We had t-shirt weather on Thurs/Fri and looks like we may get some wintry stuff on Friday..who knows!!??? I think you’ll have fun with those challenges!! Our puppies are something else aren’t they? So glad that you love your vet…that makes all the difference!! Have a great week, my friend! 🙂
Hope the middle of the week finds you well Dar. We have strong winds and temps back in the more normal 20’s and 30’s now. We have been blessed with a mild winter, even a few days in the 50’s and 60’s. Just amazing.
Sammy looks great, looks like he is having fun.
How do you like your new camera? What kind did you get? (You might’ve told me but I forget).
Take care!
I’m already looking forward to spring. I hate this cold weather.
Sammy is as cute as always. It does sounds like you have a wonderful vet.
I’m glad to hear that your reading is looking up! And I look forward to seeing what you pull off the shelves. I have to admit that I’ve kind of missed the older books on your blog–because I don’t read newer books I’m just not familiar with the books you highlight. :-/
Can’t believe how big Sammy is!! And can’t wait to see pics with the new camera.