Sunday, March 14, 2021

The Sunday Salon: March 14, 2021


It's Sunday again and what a difference a week makes! We are now on the road to full vaccination. My husband got his second shot last week (again with the 3-hour drive to Tampa) and I was thrilled to get my first. As a bonus, it was only two hours away in Sarasota...  not sure why Florida can't deliver enough doses to the southwest counties. Still, we are fortunate to be able to travel that distance without issue to receive our vaccines.

Aside from our two days in the car, it was an uneventful week. We enjoyed a couple of beach sunsets, a socially-distant glass of wine with friends, and I finished a book.


Read last week//

Brood by Jackie Polzin

Let's just say that this was not my cup of tea.

 I first read about Brood  on Diane's blog and decided it was a book I could safely skip. It's almost a relief when that happens because there are so many other books I want to read, but the book arrived in my mailbox as Annie's March Shelf Subscription pick.

It's about a nameless woman who raises a brood of four chickens. We come to recognize it as a coping mechanism for her grief following a miscarriage. Now I'm not particularly fond of chickens (other than as a dinner option) but even as a woman who has dealt with miscarriage, I could not connect on any level with this novel.

There is not much in the way of either plot or character development. It's basically one woman's ramblings... though I did appreciate a few keen, beautiful observations. Unfortunately, the cover was my favorite part of the book.


Current listening//

This book has been on my TBR list for a couple of years and is my Women's History Month selection. Just over 25% in and finding it very interesting.


Up next//

Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller

My mother and sister both read this book recently and came away with drastically different opinions, so it looks like I'll be the tie breaker. I just downloaded the ebook from my library and plan to get started tonight or tomorrow.


In the kitchen//

Nothing very exciting happened in my the kitchen this week but, in honor of Pi Day, I made my first Key Lime Pie. It's chilling now... I'll let you know how it turns out.


 I bought a new cookbook last week: Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard. Generally I borrow them from the library first for a "test cook", but I've followed the Half Baked Harvest blog for years and have enjoyed many of her recipes. Besides, I purged half of my cookbooks when we moved so haven't felt too guilty purchasing a few more. There are SO many recipes in this book I want to try. It'll be fun cooking my way through.


The week ahead//

We're anticipating another fairly quiet week. My brother and his fiancé will spend a few days at our condo later in the week... and we can't wait to see them (outdoors, socially-distant, etc.) It's been a long time!


That's if for me. How was your week? What are you reading?


The Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz

It's Monday... What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date. 

54 comments:

  1. I purged many cookbooks when we downsized but they are filling up my shelves again esp being in lockdown! I bought one this week too.
    Thanks for mentioning the Half Baked blog, I am now following too.

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    1. Jackie - Hope you enjoy the Half Baked Harvest blog, too. I've been looking at the newly purchased cookbooks as a form of entertainment. We enjoy cooking and eating new recipes... and it's not like we're going to restaurants these days!

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  2. I'm glad your husband is now fully vaccinated! Did he have any adverse side effects with the second shot? My mom got her second and didn't have anything other than a sore arm. Rod and I got our first on Friday and had very sore arms (and I had a small rash), but other than that, all was fine. We go back in 4 weeks and then wait 2 more weeks until we can gather with friends and family. In some ways, it's unbelievable that we are getting closer to yet another new normal.

    I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Brood, but you've convinced me it's not one I want to bother with. The cover is pretty, though!

    Other than vaccinations and Mah Jong, my week has been pretty quiet. I did get outside yesterday to do some yardwork, but the rain has returned, so I'm catching up on a few things around the house. Started another Pomegranate puzzle, which should be fun. Next week should be pretty quiet, too, although I have a Zoom book club meeting. We're discussing The Underground Railroad.

    Have a good week!

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    1. Les - My husband did fine with his second shot(Moderna) and my parents did well with Pfizer, too. My younger brother got quite sick after his second dose and was in bed with flu-like symptoms. He was fine in 24hours though. So glad you and Rod got your first doses!

      Brood was a disappointment, but that's bound to happen when the selections are a surprise. Annie's first two picks were winners for me.

      I'll be curious to hear what your book club has to say about The Underground Railroad. It's a book I keep avoiding. Hope your week is off to a good start!

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  3. Vaccinations are the best. Happy day!

    It has to be disappointing to receive a book in the mail that you don't want to read. In better days, you might have been able to exchange it, I'd think.

    I'm glad I'm not the only one who tests cookbooks before purchasing them.

    I can't wait to see how your Key Lime pie comes out. I've never made one, and I love citrus flavors.

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    1. Deb - I've been "test cooking" cookbooks from the library for so many years... wold love to know how much money it's saved me! The key lime pie was a recipe from my mother-in-law... almost embarrassingly simple, but really good.

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  4. I'm curious about the tiebreak & the Claire Fuller book. I have not read her but I think I'd like to. I have the Liza Mundy book (print copy) but haven't cracked it. Glad you are liking it. I worked with Liza during my years at The Post. Long ago. ha. I will look forward to your review. & good you have had your shots. Way to go!

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    1. Susan - How cool that you worked with Liza Mundy at The Post. Bet you could write a book about your time there!

      Claire Fuller's Swimming Lessons was a favorite a few years back, but I wasn't interested in reading Our Endless Numbered Days... didn't sound like my kind of book at all. Neither my mother or sister had read her, but their differing opinions made me even more curious about Bitter Orange. I also just noticed that she has another new novel out soon. We'll see...

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  5. Congrats on your first dose! I'm getting mine tomorrow, tho I'm relieved I only need to drive about a mile for it. :)
    Do you know a blog called Well Plated? I bought her cookbook based on liking the blog and although I haven't cooked from it yet the recipes seem very promising.
    I'm glad to know about Brood because it had seemed vaguely interesting, but I'll skip it. I have very mixed results with contemporary memoirs...

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    1. Audrey - I hope did well with your shot today... a sore arm was my only side effect. Thanks for mentioning Well Plated. I'd not heard of it, but am following now. If you want Brood, I'd be happy to mail it to you. Let me know.

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  6. Congratulations on getting vaccinated!

    Oh dear, I think I will steer clear of Brood. Have you read H is for Hawk? That's another book about dealing with grief by taking on the care of a bird, although a hawk in this case. It was good.

    I'm currently reading How to be a Victorian by Ruth Goodman. Anyone who is interested in day to day life in the past would like it.

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    1. Aileen - I've had H is for Hawk on my miles-long wish list for a long time... seems like everyone liked that book. I may get to it eventually, and I prefer hawks to chickens ;-)

      Off to look up How to be a Victorian!

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  7. I am fortunate that I share a house with my parents and my daughter so I've spent the pandemic with family. However, it is almost 18 months since I've seen my brother and 2 years for the rest of his family. I can't wait!

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    1. Helen - How wonderful that you and your daughter share a house with your parents! I can't wait to see my parents this summer... it will be such a relief when we are all fully vaccinated! Life has been so very different this past year...

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  8. So happy for you about the vaccinations. I'm get part 2 on April 2 and the hub is fully vaccinated. I agree with you that the best part about Brood was its lovely cover...too bad. I am curious about Code Girls, I think I would be interested in this one. I think I may have Bitter Orange as an eBook - funny how easy it is to lose track of those. I am curious what your mom and sister thought now.

    Have a great week.

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    1. Diane - Code Girls is reminding me of The Girls of Atomic City and The Radium Girls, and I enjoyed both of those. Claire Fuller has another novel coming out later this spring, so I'm glad to finally start Bitter Orange. My sister really liked it and my mom did not.

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  9. Congrats on riding the road to vaccination! My husband is fully vaccinated, but I am still struggling to get my first dose. Our monster Colorado snowstorm isn't helping--there are lots of cancellations I could nab, but I cannot drive to any of them in >2 ft of snow. Enjoy that FL weather!

    I just saw Code Girls on my TBR bookcase and had forgotten that I had it. I just started a big book, but I may opt for it next.

    Enjoy your week, your reading, your cooking, and your sunshine!

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    1. JaneGS - I was wondering if that snowstorm would bring vaccinations to a temporary halt... looks like it's been a bad one.

      I'm more likely to forget about ebooks and audiobooks purchased as daily deals... unless I start them almost immediately, they just fade into the background. Ugh...

      This really is the ideal time of year in Florida - warm and sunny, but not too hot yet. Not much humidity either. Wish it could stay this way into summer!

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  10. Yes, I think I'll skip Brood!

    I have Bitter Orange, and I really need to read it. I've had it on my shelves for a while.

    Enjoy your week, and I'm glad you got started on your vaccines and that your husband has had both.

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - Yes, Brood would be a good one to skip. There are too many other good books out there! I just read the first few pages of Bitter Orange and am reminded of how much I like Claire Fuller's writing. She has another new book coming out later this spring. Hope your week is off to a good start!

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  11. Congrats on your first vaccine. Me, too. I felt a little bad yesterday so it makes me worry a bit about the second shot since everyone says it is worse than the first. My Sunday Salon post

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    1. Anne - My younger brother had a tough time with his second Pfizer shot (was better within 24hours), but my husband and parents did fine. So hard to predict... hope you sail through the second dose.

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  12. Yay, glad you both are moving forward on your vaccines! It's always nice to hear that people have been able to get them.

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    1. Angela - We both feel so fortunate... and relieved! I'm looking forward to taking very small steps back to normalcy in another 6 weeks.

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  13. Beach sunsets. Now that's what I miss up here in the midwest!

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    1. Harvee - Florida sunsets are just the best! I could sit and watch eery night.

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  14. Nice to hear that vaccinations are being had where you live (sort of). I have a couple of weeks to go before my second Moderna but it's just a short drive from my house to downtown for me - maybe two miles. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - I got the Moderna vaccine, too. Very happy we had no issues with traveling that far to get it, but that's simply impossible for many people. Have a good week!

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  15. So glad to hear about your vaccines!!! That is awesome! I am eligible right now in Michigan as a caregiver but it's hard to find somewhere. I am trying though!

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    1. Erin - Good luck trying to find a vaccine appointment this week. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

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  16. Yes, things are definitely looking up. Hopefully your reading will too! I made my mom's famous beef stew this week and it went well with all the blessed rain we have been having.

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    1. Judy - Rain and beef stew are a perfect pairing! I just read the first few pages of Bitter Orange and it seems promising... hope that means a better reading week for me.

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  17. It's never a good thing when the "cover was my favorite part of the book" happens to you. That had to be a frustrating experience.

    Congrats on your progress on the covid shots. I think we're getting to the point now that the vaccines are having a real impact on the numbers. I had my second one three days ago, and my wife finally gets her first dose this Friday. We're still going to be pretty cautious though, so life won't change all that much in the short term. Now, I hope we all don't need a booster in early Fall.

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    1. Sam - Under normal circumstances I would not even finish a book like that, but this one was fairly short and part of the 6month Shelf Subscription I received for Christmas. This was the third book and the first two were winners.

      Glad you are both on the road to full immunity, too! We were just talking about whether we'd need a booster along with our flu shots this fall. We won't be making major changes either, but at least I'll feel a lot safer in the grocery store!

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  18. I feel so bummed when a book I get from a subscription service just doesn't work out. Hopefully, that's the only one - the others are great. :)

    Yay - glad to hear that you have the first shot already and will be done soon. :)

    Enjoy the family time this week! It's exciting to be able to step out of our bubbles soon.

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    1. Athira - This is my first experience with a subscription service and, even with one dud, I'm still enjoying it. Let's just hope there aren't many more!

      Can't wait to see my brother! It will be nice just sitting outside and talking even if we can't go out to dinner quite yet. They are both fully vaccinated.

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  19. A couple of things, Half Baked Harvest has the best recipes.

    Our pharmacies CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens have really ramped up vaccinations with the addition of the J&J vax. Dozens of appts and soon the priority groups will include the entire population. I still wait for mine, 4/6. Can't come soon enough.

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    1. Ti - So glad you have a date when you can get your first dose. Pharmacies are really ramping up here, too, but still not enough appointments available in the counties immediately surrounding us.

      It seems like I've got post-it tabs on every single page of the Half Baked Harvest cookbook. Making my grocery list today and trying to decide which ones to try first!

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  20. Glad you got your shot. Hubby gets #2 this week, I get mine next week. Glad that's about done

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    1. RAnn - So glad your hubby is all set and you will be on the road to immunity soon! Things are looking up!

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  21. So glad your husband is fully vaccinated and you are almost there. And glad you get a shorter drive. We spent a month or so in Tampa years and years ago and my dad lived in St Pete for a few years when he was a kid so I have a fondness for the area (especially the used bookstore in St Pete!) but not nearly so fun when you're not there to sight see. The cookbook looks like a good one! I don't think I've looked at that blog so I will have to check it out. I hope you have a great week!

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    1. Katherine - You should check out the Half Baked Harvest blog when you get a chance. Have a feeling you might like some of her recipes... I've got three on our menu in the next week.

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  22. We're reading Flight Girls (a novel) for our book club, not to be confused with Fly Girls (NF) which we read last year for Women's History Month. The year before that we read Radium Girls, and I STILL think about that book often.

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    1. Laurie C - I really liked Radium Girls, too, and still think about it after two years. It was made into a movie (not as good as the book, of course) and we finally got around to watching it on Netflix last month. I'm going to look into Fly Girls...not familiar with that one.

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  23. Yay for the vaccine :)
    I’m curious about Code Girls, having just read a novel that features Australian women whose role it was to break codes during WWII (The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair)

    Wishing you a great reading week

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    1. Shelleyrae - It sounds like Code Girls and The Codebreakers would be an excellent fiction/nonfiction pairing!

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  24. A lot of people have pointed out that spouses should be able to sign up for appointments together to lessen the driving!

    I have had Code Girls on my TBR for a while. I may request the audio version. Currently, I am listening to The Goldfinch which has about 30 CDs! I think it will last me until summer at this rate!

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    1. CLM - Here in Florida, Publix has recently changed their sign-up page to let you signup a second person once your appointment is scheduled. The only problem is that they book so quickly, your sight may no longer be available when the second person tries booking!

      The audio version is keeping me going with Code Girls. Not sure I could read it all in print, but a read/listen combo would be perfect!

      The Goldfinch has been on my kindle for years! The length keeps putting me off, but I'm thinking it would be an ideal candidate for a read/listen combo. Might be the only way I get to it, lol.

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  25. JoAnn, I am so pleased you and your husband are well on the way to be fully vaccinate now, and I really hope you enjoy your time with family and your new cookbook! 🙂 Last week, was a pretty quiet week of work and sinus headaches for me! However I did finish reading The Testament of Loki by Joanne Harris. Take care and happy reading!

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    1. Jessica - Ugh, sinus headaches are awful! Glad you were able to read though... and I hope you are feeling better this week. We are both so happy to be getting the vaccinations!

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  26. Ah, visits with family sound lovely. Enjoy!

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  27. YAY for Key Lime for Pi Day!

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    1. Care - It was delicious and ridiculously easy.

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