I've had plenty of time to read.
I recently, at the suggestion of a friend, discovered Sharyn McCrumb's Appalachian Ballad Mysteries. I love a good mystery. I'm now on my third one. Each book, in addition to suspense and mysteries, contains a lot of Appalachian lore and history, which interests me. Some of my ancestors hailed from Ireland by way of Appalachia.
Somebody called McCrumb a "natural born storyteller," and that she is. Once I start one of her books, it's not easy to put it away until I'm finished.
Another item on the bright side: I've lost five pounds. Not the most comfortable way to lose weight, true. But I'll take what I can get.
My strength seems to be returning, slowly but surely. I did a bit of grocery shopping yesterday. It wore me out, but I managed.
Who besides me is an absolute fool about "Downton Abbey?" If you are, you surely know that Season 3 began last night on PBS. And before the new episode, there was a documentary about the actual home that serves as the set for Downton, Highclere Castle, inhabited by actual royalty, the 8th Earl and Countess Carnarvon.
Downton Abbey/Highclere Castle
I love following the lives of the Downton Abbey gang, both upstairs and downstairs, and learning about the history of Highclere and the lives of those who live there. I was fascinated to know that the 5th Earl of Carnavon was responsible for the expedition that discovered King Tutankhamun's tomb? And that while on the dig, Earl Carnarvon was bitten by a mosquito and died of blood poisoning, and at the very exact same instant (or so they said), all the lights in Cairo went out and Carnarvon's faithful dog Susie, back at Highclere, let out a howl and dropped dead? And thus the Curse of Tutankhamun's Tomb was born. (I told you I love a good mystery.)
I'm driving the 50-mile roundtrip this afternoon to visit my doctor. I will eventually choose another doctor nearer home, I'm sure. But for now, I'm sticking with Dr. M. Recovering from severe crud is a poor time to choose a new doctor; at least that's my opinion.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 01/07/2013, Jeanmarie said ...
Glad to hear you're on the road to recovery; sorry you have to be on the very long road to your doctor's appointment. I have Irish/Appalachian history as well, so I'll definitely be checking out Sharyn McCrumb!
On 01/07/2013, Barbara Anne said ...
Cheers that you're feeling better! It is a slow process but you are now well fortified with a trusted medical opinion, good food in your pantry, and good books. If you aren't yet up to par, this is an excellent way to make the most of your recovery.
Ohhhh! I love a good mystery, too, without the Stephen King creepy and gory slant. Thanks for the suggestion about these books by Sharyn McCrumb. Do they need to be read in order?
I'm still putting away Christmas decorations (the downside of both the flu and of over-decorating) and have 3 table runners to complete as late Christmas gifts. I'm having trouble pushing myself to do this stuff but I'm also tired of looking at Christmas things. Bother!
Hugs!
On 01/07/2013, Joanne said ...
So glad you're feeling better. I hope the round trip doesn't wear you out worse.
I was a little bit doubtful about Downton Season 3, but it grows on you. Lots of changes going on there.
On 01/07/2013, Linda said ...
So glad you are feeling better; I think it's due to your furry 4-legged nurses. ;)
I enjoy your "Books Read" list and you have many listed that I want to read.
For some odd reason, although our local PBS (Houston) aired a feature about Downton Abbey it is not on their schedule, so we have decided we need to buy the season sets.
On 01/07/2013, Nancy in Utah said ...
AAAAACK!!! I missed Downton Abbey...everything I read said it started the second week in February. Well that sucks, now I have to find it somewhere...*sigh*. Ah well, I'm glad you got to enjoy it....Hugs...
On 01/07/2013, Auntie Em said ...
I'm glad to hear you are feeling better.
I watched the Highclere documentary too and found it so interesting.
On 01/08/2013, Ellen said ...
So glad that you've discovered the Ballad novels of Sharyn McCrumb. I read these many years ago & The Hangman's Beautiful was my favorite. Or was it She Walks These Hills? Guess I need to re-read. I only wish someone would do a TV mini-series of these books.
Glad that you're feeling better. Doesn't it feel good to get out "amongst 'em?" You know you're on the road to recovery when you want to go grocery shopping... even if it does take a lot out of you.
And a reply to commenter Barbara Ann: It is better if you read these books in order. IMHO!
Have a Happy & HEALTHY New Year
On 01/09/2013, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...
Okay, maybe you can tell me. I'm just now getting into Downton Abbey. I've watched the 2010 season on Netflix but can't find the second season. Anybody know where I can find it? I'd like to be caught up rather than just jumping in on the third season.
Hope you're getting better by the day.
On 01/11/2013, Greame Anderson said ...
I enjoy gathering useful information; this post has got me even more info!
On 01/16/2013, Greame Anderson said ...
Hiya! Awesome blog! I happen to be a daily visitor to your site (somewhat more like addict ) of this website. Just wanted to say I appreciate your blogs and am looking forward for more to come!
-----
No comments:
Post a Comment