It's the time of year when Christmas, which affects everyone including non celebrants, is over, the calendar New Year isn't here yet, it's cold and dark and raining all over the planet, so here's the plan. The setup
Then a movie to be picked up on DVD from the library for viewing pleasure just unserious stuff I'm finally getting around to now that I find Emma Thompson is in it.
And upcoming reading
I saw him in an extended interview with Meredith Constant and was impressed by his quiet, intelligent analysis, with aspects of history, here Royal history, I hadn't thought of.
This is a long serious book about the juncture of the current English establishment, which I think is worth some time, given the current juncture of the Western world. It's not the gossipy froth the tabloids would like you to think.
Meanwhile, yesterday was the follow up with my doctor who asked me to bring in my own bp cuff to check its accuracy against hers. Readings on both are high, mine higher, the little overachiever, and after she'd listened to areas all over with a stethoscope, probably in search of some sneaky problem, she concluded that we can just increase one med. She also said don't worry about measuring bp for now. See her in February.
So that's fine for now, and happy birthday, did I have a good time, she's very good on spotting potential loneliness in single seniors. This senior is doing fine.
Happy day everyone, enjoy your reading and listening and if you have any recommendations, please mention them.
“The covenant of water” by Abraham Verghese (audio book, 31 hours, read by the author). Chosen as one of the best books of 2023. Exceptional.
ReplyDeleteGill
Thank you. I still haven't read his Cutting for Stone. Way behind.
DeleteI listened to that book. It's very good. You have a good doc and you have good people around you. Gary takes any risk of boredom right out of the equation!
ReplyDeleteThat's so true! I have other colorful neighbors but he's the most entertaining. I have a great doctor, after a few duds. She's definitely keeping me well and cheerful.
DeleteThe Cutting was good, and the Covenant was excellent. It’s long but I don’t see that as a problem. Just don’t have to find another book!
DeleteYes, this is the "in-between time," which I kind of like. It's raining and blowing here as I write! Glad you can let go of the BP monitoring for the time being.
ReplyDeleteI also like this in between time. When I was working it was a great time to get big things done, because the top people usually worked then, other people out. So you could get straight through to the policy maker, no gatekeepers, and get fast decisions. It saved a ton of energy in a high pressure job.
DeleteI also recommend both of those Verghese books. He's a very fine writer. I seem to just be finding mostly froth these days.
ReplyDeleteSO glad to hear your doctor's report. I know you feel somewhat relieved. I would, anyway.
The sun keeps trying to come out here today and I am enjoying that. Mostly I am enjoying just being home with no xmas pressure, listening to the birds, visiting with the stray cat who has boldly made a move up to near the back porch. I think he wants to move in but my cats are not in the least interested in that happening.
I just read a chapter of Cutting for Stone. Hm.
DeleteI wonder if the new stray will become your outdoor cat. It's not as if you have bitter cold to shelter from.
I pretty much always spend the week between Christmas and New Year's with my nose in a book(s). Got two new ones for Christmas (both fluff & feathers novels) so am enjoying those. Awaiting imminent delivery of yarn for kitchen scrubbies for which I have an order to make 12 before Jan. 12th so I'll be firing up the knitting needles shortly.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your doctor wasn't concerned about the higher numbers for your BP - a relief I'm sure!
You've got plans, I see. My doctor was concerned but not over the top. She sees the situation as manageable.
DeleteEnjoy your reading and knitting.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I will. Plenty to choose from.
DeleteGlad your birthday was a good one!
ReplyDeleteVery cool that you brought your own in to compare.
That's a smart idea for sure.
I've never seen that movie, Love Actually though
I hear lots of folks talking about it.
This year I watched Candy Cane Lane.
My son's doctor also had him compare his cuff to the office one. Maybe it's a thing now.
DeleteMy doctor did the same with my cuff, and she (the cuff) is a cheeky overachiever too. Good to know!
DeleteChris from Boise
That's smart thinking.
DeleteIt's raining all over my part of the planet for sure. We have no snow except for little bits where it has been piled from previous snowfalls.
ReplyDeleteConsidering how much rain, it could have been a lot of snow. At least we don't shovel rain.
DeleteHappy Reading!
ReplyDeleteRainy here as well. No ice is good.
Stopped at library yesterday. Picked up two good reads that will last through New Year's Day.
I'm with you on celebrating the absence of ice. What are you reading?
DeleteHold on, i'm getting the book bag...ah, hanging off a chair...a first novel by Maine writer, Nick Fuller Googins, "The Great Transition," and Walter Isaacson's biography, "Elon Musk." Reading starts today.
DeleteThank you! Noted.
DeleteAlthough we are supposed to be in summer, it’s grey and miserable outside. It’s not cold, it’s a pleasant temperature. Although the humidity from all that rain is terrible. And it makes it hard to breathe.
ReplyDeleteI adored. Love actually. I’ve watched it twice in this Christmas period
A bit disappointing for people on vacation. I hope it brightens up.
Delete"Flop Dead Gorgeous" -- what a great name for a mystery novel!
ReplyDeleteAll his titles are great!
DeleteI get most of my reading suggestions from fellow bloggers so nothing new to offer!
ReplyDeleteYour doctor is a gem. There should be more like her.
I've told her she can't retire till I say so! I've had good leads from other blogs,too.
DeleteI just finished a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, long overdue reading.
ReplyDeleteWhich one? I need to note it.
DeleteAfter listening to all Spencer Quinn's audiobooks about the Little Detective Agency (narrated by Chet the Dog, in case not all your readers know), I will have to check out the Andy Carpenter series. Thanks for the tip! And for the other titles too, though right now a light detective novel would hit the spot.
ReplyDeleteYou have an excellent doc. What a treasure good doctors are!
Chris from Boise
Chet is great! I love passages where he's not sure exactly what happened but he's got the perp by the pantleg!
DeleteCarpenter is different but I think you'll like him. Strong women characters.
Good weather (and time of year) to wrap up warmly and go for long(ish) walks. Dark is the best time to enjoy lights - some are garish, many are heartwarming. Fireside reading and a small glass of mulled cider for the evenings. My reading is nowhere near as exotic as yours but I note your recommendations - variations on detective novels will provide some relief from reading about the psychology of 'nudging'.
ReplyDelete"Love Actually" is a definite favorite of mine and on the list to watch before New Year's. And I'm very intrigued about Endgame!
ReplyDeleteThis is a time for a light mystery.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great doctor you have. I love the Provincial lady. A lifetime and a class away from me. Interested in your audio book.
ReplyDeleteBut you often make the little throwaway comments she does, to great effect.
DeleteI do get very annoyed with Alan Rickman though.
ReplyDeleteThis I must see. I usually love him.
Delete