February Books

 

Historical account of Mark Twain's life. Have to admit I didn't come away liking him as much as I wanted to. And it was long. Very long. So not my favorite, but it had its moments. 

Another Shakespeare. I didn't like this as much as I did Macbeth, but it still was fun. I found a website that talks about the intricacies of Shakespeare words / language and I feel like I'm understanding more. Favorite quotes: 

Much Ado About Nothing

Being that I flow in grief, the smallest twine may lead me.

   Leonato; act IV, scene I

Fiction set in England during late 20th century concerning an early romance between classes. And murder. Dual time period stories. It's quite the page turner, but not a light read. 

My favorite of the Mistborn Era one. Caught some things this time I didn't the first time through. 

Interesting play concerning power. Julius plays less of a role than I imagined. Some of my favorite quotes: 

Julius Caesar 

Men at sometime are masters of their fates.

    Cassius; act I, scene II

Your wisdom is consumed in confidence.

     Calphurnia; act II, scene II

O, that a man might know 

The end of this day’s business ere it come!

    Brutus; act V, scene I

Another on my long term to read list. Have to say a horrific account of North Korea and some of those who have escaped to South Korea. Well written and eye opening. Definitely worth the not easy read. 

Yes, another Emma M. Lion. Enough said. 

Historical fiction concerning prejudice, Pakistan, Jihad, and so forth. I think it was supposed to be a romance of sorts as well. Coming of age even. I didn't like the story. Thought the ending was somewhat over the top. But that's only one opinion. 

Historical fiction retelling of the true story of Crow Mary. Anytime it's a fictional recount of a true story my interest is pretty high. The plot focuses on an Indian girl who marries a fur trader. There's a lot of culture struggle and historical time period elements. I've read a few of her other books and like the author. This might be my favorite one of hers. Recommendable. 

First historical play. It's a two part play and I, as of yet, have not read the second part. 

King Henry the Fourth part I

Thou wilt not utter what thou dost not know

   Hotspur; act II, scene III

…Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety. 

   Hotspur; act II, scene III

Our hands are full of business: let’s away; advantage feeds him fat, while  men delay. 

   King Henry; act III, scene II

More Emma. Lovely. 

I wanted this to be more. It's suppose to be historical fiction / mystery / period drama book. However, the mystery part was a bit dark for me. I didn't like any of the characters. Kind of felt like a waste of time. 

Delightful. 

First book of Mistborn Era 2. Again, I caught much more this time then I did the first time. Love that Sanderson can do that. 

This is a book I decided to read thanks to Jane Austen's Bookshelf. I did remember Austen referencing this book in Northanger Abby. So I thought I should take a look. It's long. Really long. And it's somewhat whiny at times. And surprisingly dark. But she did a great job explaining the mysteries. So, not something I would recommend, but glad I went through it. 

My second read of this one too. I just really liked the book. I'm currently trying to get Rebekah to read it but we shall see. Royalty, the death of a prince, a king's messenger complete with a Scottish accent and good manners, mistaken impressions, sword fights, visions of wraiths and more. Oh, and maybe some kissing involved. Fun stuff. 

Listed as a historical account of slavery through trees. It basically works. It seemed less about the trees and more about slavery, but I liked the references. Kind of made it more visual. I'd recommend the book. 

The Merchant of Venice.

By troth, my little body is aweary of this great world.

   Portia; act I, scene II 

Whiles we shut the gate upon one wooer, another knocks at the door.

   Portia; act I, scene II 

O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath! 

   Antonio; act I, scene III

I like not fair terms and a villain’s mind. 

   Bassanio; act I, scene III

The quality of mercy is not strain’d —

It droppeth has the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath: it is twice blessed, —

It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes:

‘Tis mightiest and the mightiest: it becomes

The throned monarch better than his crown;

His scepter shows the force of temporal power,

The attribute to all and Majesty,

Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;

But mercy is above this sceptered sway, —

It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,

It is an attribute to God himself;

And earthly power doth then show likest God’s

When mercy seasons justice. Therefore,

Though justice be thy plea, consider this, —

That, in the course of justice, none of us

Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render

The deeds of mercy.

   Portia; act IV, scene I

Russian classic, tale of 3 brothers, separated by their father. One brother tries to reunite the brothers. Many of the characters are dark and have little to no redeeming qualities. The story itself is dark.  I wouldn't recommend Russian classics to just anyone, but there is some religious philosophy to be had. 

So my stats: 

Want to Read

January:         1478

Last Month:   1468

To Date:         1466 (I added 4 this month. Sigh.)

Read 

January:         1708

Last Month:   1721

To Date:         1734

February things

February house goal was the kitchen. I made a good start. Pantry sorted. 

Misc tupperware drawer. 

Fancy Tupperware drawer. 

I did a few more drawers and cupboards but then the Great Sickness of 2026 happened. And the rest of the kitchen was put on hold. 

Before the Great Sickness, we went to Menards to think about a color for an accent wall in the main living area. Will it happen? Who knows. But if it does, this will be the color portion of said wall. 

Valentines day happened as well. I believe this was right before the Great Sickness. I got Don some cinnamon hearts and Rebekah an overabundance of candy. Then Don got Rebekah more candy and me some candy as well. 

Wind was a thing in February. How very symbolic for I felt somewhat like our backyard bench during much of the month. 

At this point we sick the Great Sickness weeks, only to say that we are now all well and hydration is very important, and hopefully it comes but once. 

My conscious is suggesting I need to say more. Here's a run down. 

Sunday: Don at church with family, everything fine. He came home, made a glorious mess while cooking dinner and then put himself to bed. 

Monday: Don woke up in the morning long enough to cancel an appoint for imagery. I brought in water and checked on him often, other wise I stayed away for as not to get what he got. 

Tuesday: I decided I needed to get him to a doctor, however he got up and began moving around even ate a popsicle. 

Wednesday: Apparently Don fell during the night. I was unaware. I decided I would take him into the doctors. Rebekah said she was feeling unwell but decided to attempt school. While helping Don get dressed he passes out, and I think he had a stroke. Once I was sure he was functioning, we made it to the doctors to find Don has Flu and is severely dehydrated. At this point Rebekah texted me saying she felt really bad and wanted me to come get her. So I, as ordered by the doctor, took Don to the ER, (and McDonald's - NOT ordered by the doctor, but ordered by Delirious Don who "needed a McDonald's coke, medium ice." Once I got Don to the ER and checked in, I drove to get Rebekah, notifying the school that she probably also has the flu, all the while she is texting me asking, "what's taking so long?" So now Rebekah's home, while at home I change the sheets, open windows (it's warm enough outside for that, thank heavens), and get Rebekah settled. Then I go to the pharmacy to get Don's medicine. Then I head back to the ER to find Don still waiting. Eventually he get's in and they give him the ER treatment. Finally he gets fluids and it's like watching a raisin turned back to a grape. His whole demeanor changes. Eventually we get home to find Rebekah, who, when we were gone so long, decided to pass the time with a nap. 

Thursday: Everyone rested. Except me. 

Friday: And I'm down. 

Then next few weeks are a blur. But as I said, we are well now. 

Because the weather was so nice things decided to begin growing again, so I forced myself to trim off the last year's growth. It was about all I could do to clean up the mess. But I'm glad it got done.