There’s a place I walk in the mornings that’s always littered with these leaves in the fall. I took some photos of them one day last month after we’d had a rain. I can’t decide which shot I like better – seeing the entire leaf or zoomed in on the pattern of water droplets.
Which photo do you prefer? The first or the second?
Posted in iPhoneography, nature, This or this?
Classics Club book 31 (1922)
The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
FROM AMAZON’S BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“When two unemployed young people in post World War I England decide to seek their fortunes by becoming “Young Adventurers” little did they know that their first commission would lead them into a web of intrigue and deceit. They find themselves searching for secret diplomatic papers which may be in the possession of a mysterious Jane Finn who survived the sinking of the Lusitania only to have gone missing for the last five years, papers, which if revealed to the world would rock the government to its very core.”
FIRST SENTENCE:
(Prologue) “It was 2 p.m. on the afternoon of May 7, 1915”
MEMORABLE MOMENTS:
(8%) “That’s the curious part about speaking the truth. No one does believe it.”
(17%) “”And now,” said the young lady on the morning after their installation, “to work!”
Mr. Beresford put down the Daily Mail, which he was reading, and applauded with somewhat unnecessary vigor. He was politely requested by his colleague not to be an ass.
“Dash it all, Tommy, we’ve got to do something for our money.”
Tommy sighed.
“Yes, I fear even the dear old Government will not support us at the Ritz in idleness for ever.””
(17%) “I’ve often noticed that once coincidences start happening they go on happening in the most extraordinary way. I dare say it’s some natural law that we haven’t found out.”
MY THOUGHTS:
This is Agatha Christie’s second detective novel (published in 1922) and the one in which she introduces the characters “Tommy and Tuppence”. Let me begin by saying I loved Tommy and Tuppence! Their chemistry together was delightful as evidenced by the exchange in the second “memorable moment” shared above. Their relationship alone makes me want to read more of the novels featuring the pair.
As for the plot, it might be my least favorite of any Christie I’ve read so far (which only amounts to a handful, so that’s not really saying much). I think this is because I was expecting a traditional murder mystery and that’s not what it is. Instead, it’s a story of espionage and political intrigue. Well-plotted (as I would expect from Christie), I wavered over who I thought did what with every new red-herring provided, but can’t say I was particularly surprised with the way things were ultimately wrapped up in the end. I thought it was good, but not great. I will certainly seek out more adventures featuring Tommy and Tuppence.
Oh… I have a question for my British friends. One of the characters was often referred to as a K.C. Does that stand for “King’s Counsel”? That’s all I could figure it might be based on the context.
My apology to those who already saw this on Instagram.
When I was a kid, I was always on the lookout for wheat pennies, mercury dimes, and buffalo nickels. It felt like unearthing a treasure when I found one. I was sifting through the change I keep in my car while waiting at a drive-thru the other day when I came across this wheat penny. It’s been years since I’ve found one. Imagine my surprise when I flipped it over and saw the date it was minted – more than 80 years ago! I wonder how many pockets, purses, and grimy little hands it’s passed through in that time?!
If you’ve read many books written by British authors, you know they spell a lot of words differently than Americans do. They tend to swap out letters or have extra letters. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe Aussies and Canadians usually spell things like the British. Is one the right way and the other the wrong way? Of course not! It’s just part of the beauty of the English language! (now, we won’t discuss driving on the wrong side of the road…)
Here we have an American puzzle and a British puzzle.
I’m not happy with my photo of this first one. I could not get a decent shot of it without some blur or glare on it somewhere. It’ll have to do, though.
This was a White Mountain passed along from my brother. It worked up much more quickly than some of the others I’ve done recently.
Cozy Cabin
artwork by David Maclean
(click photo to enlarge)
1000 pieces
24″ x 30″
(61cm x 76cm)
******************************
This Ravensburger puzzle, passed along from another puzzling friend, was a real treat to assemble. It’s a cozy scene, indeed!
The Cosy Shed
artwork by Steve Read
(click photo to enlarge)
1000 pieces
27″ x 20″
(ca. 70cm x 50cm)
Posted in puzzles
The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton
First Line: “It was the best of dress shops, it was the worst of dress shops.”
I’m always willing to read our book club selections, but have to admit this one (for January) really wasn’t my cup of tea (pun intended!). Even so, I found it quite clever in places, filled with humor, and I liked the many literary references. I don’t think I’ll be going back to read the first two in the series.
Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans with Jeff Chu
First line: (Foreword) “I remember Rachel’s tone that day more than her words.”
Prior to this author’s untimely death in 2019, I’d only read one of her books. Since then, I’ve made my way through the others and this, her final book, was published after her death. At the request of Evans’ husband, dear friend and author Jeff Chu took her notes from a work in progress and combined them with other unpublished writings to form this collection of essays. The audiobook I used is narrated by Dan Evans, Jeff Chu, Rachel’s sister, and a number of her friends. Bittersweet, yet wonderful.
Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson and Jay Cooper
First line: (a Note to the Gentle Reader) “It’s happened.”
I saw this book on Instagram and decided to order a copy as a Christmas gift. Ssshhhh, don’t tell anyone 🤫 … I (very carefully) read it myself before wrapping it up to give away. It’s a cute, clever little book, especially for those who like cozy mysteries!
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
First line: (Prologue) “Terminal 4 swarms with people, the smell of wet wool and jet fuel thick around me.”
This is our book club selection for February and one I had not heard of before it was chosen. It might be one of my favorite books I’ve read in awhile! I thought it was a good, fast-paced thriller with a clever plot and characters I could sympathize with. Thanks for picking it, Carol – I think it will give us a lot to discuss!
Murder in a French Village by Merryn Allingham
First line: (Prologue) “Headlights blazing and engines revving, a queue of cars waited behind the traffic lights – an impatient platoon of soldiers, hungry for the signal to advance.”
This is book #7 in the Flora Steele mystery series and I’m still enjoying the books very much. In fact, they seem to be getting better! I loved the way this one ended and how the trip to France affected the central characters in general. I look forward to the next book which will be released in the US early next year. Yes, I’ve already preordered it!
A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith
First line: “Precious Ramotswe was the owner of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, if not the sole private investigation business in Botswana – one or two others claimed to offer such services – then certainly the longest established, most reputable, and definitely the only one run by ladies.”
The word I always seem to use when describing this series is “gentle” and there’s not really much I can say about this installment (number 23!) that I haven’t said about the others. Immersing myself into the world of Mma. Ramotswe, her friends and family, and the wisdom and humor they provide brings me great pleasure. It continues to be one of my favorite series.
Formed in 2009, the Archive Team (not to be confused with the archive.org Archive-It Team) is a rogue archivist collective dedicated to saving copies of rapidly dying or deleted websites for the sake of history and digital heritage. The group is 100% composed of volunteers and interested parties, and has expanded into a large amount of related projects for saving online and digital history.
Kelly
Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings 