Anita (FAMeulstee) last round, as reading is reduced to near nothing, won't make 75 this year

Den här diskussionen är en fortsättning på: Anita (FAMeulstee) second round in 2012

Diskutera75 Books Challenge for 2012

Bara medlemmar i LibraryThing kan skriva.

Anita (FAMeulstee) last round, as reading is reduced to near nothing, won't make 75 this year

Denna diskussion är för närvarande "vilande"—det sista inlägget är mer än 90 dagar gammalt. Du kan återstarta det genom att svara på inlägget.

1FAMeulstee
Redigerat: jun 13, 2012, 6:13 pm

Last tread from me, now I am back to the Paxil I am not able to read again... :-(
At least I know now that it won't last forever, in some years the Paxil will stop working again and then I can go back to the Efexor and be able to read again.

I will miss you all, although I will try to stop by once a month or so, I know it is going to be difficult to see you all reading.
Here is a link to my weblog, you can follow my other doings there: Frank, the dogs and my garden.

It has been a marvellous time here, love you all and miss you already.
Of course you can PM me on my profile if you need me.
*sigh*

partir c'est mourir un peu

love & hugs
Anita

2SandDune
jun 12, 2012, 3:45 pm

Anita - just dropping by to say how sorry I am that you're leaving. You were one of the first people to post on my thread and you will be missed. I hope you get to the stage where you are able to read again.

3souloftherose
jun 12, 2012, 3:45 pm

Anita, I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling the effects of the Paxil again (although not sorry, obviously, that they have helped you feel less depressed). I really hope that somehow you might be able to read again whilst you're taking them although I don't know how that will happen...

We would love to be kept up to date with news and dog photos :-)

4mckait
jun 12, 2012, 3:52 pm

:( There are other drugs... this sounds to harsh :(

5FAMeulstee
jun 12, 2012, 5:47 pm

> 2, 3 & 4: hi Rhian, Heather and Kath

I have been here before, from over a dozen of meds I have tried through the years, only two work well against depression. On Paxil I can't read, but feel well, on Efexor I can read, but that gives other problems... Both stop working after some years (I was on Paxil the first time for nearly 7 years, on Efexor for 5 years).
I hoped that this time around I would be able to read, but my reading ability dropped fast, now it is almost a fight to get throug a good and fairly thin book :-(

I don't promise, but will try to leave a message (and a photo) once a month or so...

6Deern
jun 13, 2012, 3:09 am

I am so sorry, Anita. What a sad side-effect. But if the Paxil helps against the depression it definitely takes the highest priority. Maybe one day they'll find something new that both helps and allows you to read.

I will miss you here, and I will now go and bookmark your homepage. And if you'd just send us a *wave* here on your thread from time to time... but do as it feels best for you.

Sending {{{hugs}}} and wishing you (and Frank and the doggies!) all the best

7avatiakh
jun 13, 2012, 3:14 am

I'm also sorry that this is the side effect for you. We've shared some great reads over the past few years and I so hope you eventually get a turnaround in your medication.

8PaulCranswick
jun 13, 2012, 3:42 am

Big hugs to you Anita all the way from the tropics - hope you are fully recovered soon and back to your usual self. x

9bell7
jun 13, 2012, 9:01 am

So sorry to hear about the side effects of the Paxil. I hope, like Heather, that perhaps in the future the meds will still work while allowing you to read. But in the meantime, of course you have to do what you need to do, though I'll miss seeing you here.

10streamsong
jun 13, 2012, 9:25 am

((((Anita))))

Even if you never touch another book, your being here adds to the special-ness of this group.

I'll miss you and look forward to your periodic visits.

Enjoy the summer--your wonderful flowers, photos, dogs. Turn your face to the sun.

11jnwelch
jun 13, 2012, 9:49 am

So sorry to hear the news, Anita. Thank you for letting me know. I didn't know an antidepressant like Paxil could have that strong a side effect. We're going to miss you here! I'm glad we're in a time of good audio books, and I hope that helps some.

We'll look forward to the time you can return, and hope that healthcare developments make that time sooner rather than later.

12torontoc
jun 13, 2012, 10:16 am

I am sorry to hear about the side effects of Paxil- have you thought of listening to audiobooks?

13FAMeulstee
jun 13, 2012, 5:29 pm

> 6: thank you Nathalie, you are so kind!
I might contact you in January 2013, we might travel through Italy in our vacation in February (if you are still there...).
I will spend more time sorting out all kind of things, as I am better with that on Paxil ;-)
hugs back!

> 7: thanks Kerry, yes we did share great reads! :-)
It will take some years, but then the Paxil will stop doing its job, and then I will read again, at least I KNOW that now, as I did not know the first time I went on Paxil, then I thought I would never be able to read much ever again.

> 8: hi Paul, greetings back from rather cool Holland, where everyone is a bit down because we lost the soccer match from Germany...

> 9: thank you Mary
the other antidepressant that works allows me to read, but that stopped doing its job.
I don't know if I will ever be brave enough to take a chance on other antidepressants, as it is a bumpy road to try, it takes months and sometimes they even worsen the problems. I am glad I have found these two that work, so I can change between them.

> 10: dear Janet
Thank you very much, it has been a great time here in this group and I am glad to have met you all here. I remember vividly how I first discovered early in 2008 that I could read again, then I found this site and some time later the 75 group, that was great :-)
Someday I will come back...
Yes, I already enjoy the garden, and my ability to sort out things (I have hundreds of dogmagazines waiting to sort out, keep some articles and throw away the rest, on Paxil I can do that a lot better!).
Chimay is very content wit this med change, and she is usually right on top of it.

> 11: thanks Joe for stopping by.
Yes, antidepressants have side effects like this, I hope that this knowledge makes people aware of it. For me it is not a reason for not taking them, as I can't function without them. Before the antidepressants I was so deep in depression, I only could think about a way to end my life... and nearly succeeded... then being not able to read isn't a too big price to pay...
Thanks for the audiobooks tip, hadn't thought of that yet! I might work, I will let you know.

> 12: Thank you too Cyrel for the audiobook tip, never even thought of that. That would be a great way to keep reading without reading ;-)

14ronincats
jun 13, 2012, 5:54 pm

Anita, I'm glad that the Paxil is effective for you again, but very sorry for the side effects. I am terrible at following blogs, but will try to check out your webpage frequently and see how you, Frank, Chimay and Ari are doing. I'll miss you here. But audiobooks do sound like a possibility!

15Deern
jun 14, 2012, 3:15 am

I'll do my best to still be here in 2013, I would love to meet you and Frank!
I am sorry that Holland is out of the Euro 2012 already. I know it's untypical for a German, but I always liked the Oranje team. Back in 2006 they played a match in Frankfurt against Argentina and the whole town was orange for a day. They have the greatest fans!

16xieouyang
jun 14, 2012, 7:30 am

Anita, sorry to see you go-- hopefully you'll be able to return to reading soon. I always enjoyed your thread and comments- yours is one of the few that I am reading even though I may not make any comments on it.

I'll look forward to your return.

17beeg
jun 14, 2012, 11:48 am

Well poo, I only have a handful of starred threads and I hate to see your name go. Take care of yourself, I'll be on the look out for you.

18FAMeulstee
jun 14, 2012, 4:25 pm

> 14: hi Roni, I hope the audiobooks will work out, if so, I will let you know!
I am not very active at my weblog, but try to write at least twice a month.

> 15: A German Oranje fan, awesome Nathalie!
The greatest fans..? The weirdest you mean LOL
If you are somewhere else (in Germany or an other part of Italy), we could try to get it in the travel scheme. We travel with the whole famely, including the dogs.

> 16: thanks Manuel for your kind words.
I did the same with your thread ;-)

> 17: thank you Brenda, for everything, gonna miss you too....

I have unstarred all threads, will check in here now and then, one more time the link to my weblog.

*sigh*
love you all!

19humouress
jun 24, 2012, 1:02 am

So sorry you have to go, but hope the new treatment works out well for you. Till we see you here again; best of luck.

20PaulCranswick
jun 24, 2012, 1:21 am

Anita - all the very best to you and Frank. Take care of yourselves. x

21FAMeulstee
jun 24, 2012, 9:12 am

thanks Nina and Paul

All is well here, enjoying our new car, the weather is cool (we like that) but also very wet (we like that less).
Ari is doing good, his back problems are over :-)

And I finished a book!


book 41 De vuurvreter by David Almond
own, YA, awarded, Zilveren Zoen 2006, translation of The Fire-eaters by David Almond

How I love the writings of David Almond!
Although I read very slow at the moment, I enjoyed the beauty of this book.

Bobby Burns lives near the sea in a village of coal-miners. He is accepted at the Catholic School, together with Daniel, a new boy in town. The school still uses servere punishments and Daniel and Bobby stand up against them.
When Bobby and his mum go to Newcastle, they meet the Fire-Eater: McNulty, a WOII veteran who lost himself in the war in Birma. He makes a living by eating fire on the market place.
Bobby's father has been in Birma too, and knows McNulty from the journey home. But he can't reach him either, only Bobby can contact him.

The the Cuba-crisis starts and everyone feels the world may be doomed...

5 stars!

22ronincats
jun 24, 2012, 3:16 pm

I have only read one of David Almond's books, Skellig, and keep meaning to read the rest. Thanks for reminding me. And I'm delighted you are able to do some reading, even if slow, and that Ari is completely well. Thanks for checking in!

23streamsong
jun 24, 2012, 3:37 pm

Yay! Glad Ari is doing well.

Did I tell you this story?

Several years ago I had a getting-elderly black lab named Styx.

I called the vet, but the appointment was a couple hours later after my call. It was obvious that Styx's back legs were becoming weaker and weaker during that time and he could barely stand.

I was SO afraid I would have to have him put down that day. I sat on his cushion with him and scratched his ears, hugged him and fed him bits of meatloaf until his vet appointment. It was a very large meatloaf--probably two pounds (almost a kg). I had made it with the idea of portioning it out and freezing it.

So the vet took xrays and came back into the room with a very serious look on his face. "I can help his back", he said. "But something else is going on, too. Maybe an intestinal blockage. The xray showed his stomach is very distended."

The vet laughed and laughed when I confessed about the meatloaf. He injected Styx's back which fixed it for many years and Styx's cast-iron digestion had no problem with the meatloaf. Styx's only disappointment was that there wasn't more meatloaf the next day. :-) (And yes, the vet did point out to me that if Styx had required surgery we would have been in deep doodoo with his full stomach).



24suslyn
jun 26, 2012, 4:18 pm

Hey Anita ... so sorry it's been so long.

I will certainly contact you when I'm in Holland again! Hope you're getting the meds worked out. Hate that! I had trouble last year but we got it worked out-- thankfully!! Now if my vertigo would just go away...

xox

25Whisper1
jun 26, 2012, 5:39 pm

Anita, Anita...Please do check in when you feel inclined to do so. I will miss you dearly!

26FAMeulstee
jun 30, 2012, 4:53 pm

> 22: hi Roni
Yes, David Almond books are always worthwile to read, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

> 23: thanks Janet
The thing we do for our beloved companions :-)
The story makes me think of our first smooth Chow Chow, the black male Nemo.
Nemo liked our vet as a person, but disliked him in fuction... When he was fairly old he got a growth on his eyelid that had to be removed. We were in the waiting room at the vets, when the vet came in, looked at Nemo and sighed and Nemo did exactly the same... both looking like: OH no, it is HIM.
The surgery went well :-)

> 24: Yes Susan, please let me know!
I hope your vertigo will go away, I have heard it can be pretty dreadful :-(

> 25: dear Linda
Thanks for your lovely postcard, it really brightened my day!
I try to read my messages at least one a week.

27FAMeulstee
jun 30, 2012, 4:59 pm

I have updated my weblog with pictures of the garden, mainly roses.

Two photos I wanted to share, a "siamese twin" rose:


and Chimay in front to the climbing rose "Westerland" in full bloom:

28ronincats
jun 30, 2012, 5:04 pm

YOur roses are gorgeous!!

29beeg
jun 30, 2012, 6:35 pm

Lovely

30beserene
jul 1, 2012, 2:04 am

Hugs for you. And thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures. :)

31Britt84
jul 1, 2012, 9:47 pm

Hi Anita!
Oh my... it must be terrible not being able to read, I really feel for you :(
I do hope your meds start working soon and will work well; as a fellow borderliner I understand the importance of medication, and how that's more important than anything else, even more important than reading books!
Hope you'll be doing better soon :)
Hugs,
Britt

32ChelleBearss
jul 3, 2012, 3:41 pm

HI Anita! Your roses are so pretty, and Chimay too!

Sorry to see your meds are messing with your reading time. Feeling better is more important than reading though. Have you tried audio books?
Hopefully you keep updating us even if you aren't reading!

33FAMeulstee
jul 14, 2012, 6:33 pm

> 28: thanks Roni, I love roses and they know ;-)

> 29: thank you Brenda, how are you doing?

> 30: hugs back Sarah, I love to share my garden (and dogs) with you all!

> 31: Welcome Britt,
Thanks for stopping at my thread :-)
Yes I need those antidepressants, as depression is unbearable... At least this time I know it will not be forever, that was what I thought the fist time I took Seroxat (Paxil), didn't knoe either it was no permanent solution as the antidepressants stop working after some years.

> 32: hi Chelle, you are busy with your plannings for the great day I presume ;-)
I haven't tried audio books yet, have to go to the library for those and have not been brave enought to go and see all these books I WON'T be reading someday soon... But I will try, not anytime soon, but someday.
I'll try to keep up once in a while.

34FAMeulstee
jul 14, 2012, 6:41 pm

We had a rough week, last Friday evening Frank suddenly could not walk, as his ankle was badly hurting. Of course these things always happen in weekends, so at monday he went to our doctor. Turns out it is gout :-(
Looking back he probably has had gout for over TEN years... he always thought these nightly episodes were a past of his allergies, well NOT :-(
He got an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) to get the inflammation down and to kill the pain. He feels better now and he can walk again *sigh*

Richard dear gave some good advise and we are now digesting this... changing Franks diet, looking how to reduce stress etc.
Luckely I am fairly stable at the moment, so I can do some of the things Frank normally does.

Love you all
Anita

35streamsong
jul 15, 2012, 4:27 pm

Yikes, Anita!

Glad Frank is feeling better. That must have been so stressful for both of you.

Hugs.

36Britt84
jul 15, 2012, 5:30 pm

Oh my, that really is some bad luck! Hope Frank is doing better and drugs are helping...

Good to hear that you are fairly stable and are able to do some things, that's great!
I have been on the same meds for years, and they're still working very well, so I feel lucky about that; their the same meds that my uncle is taking and he has also been taking them for years now, so I'm sort of hoping I can just keep taking those and be alright...
Best wishes, hope you'll stay on an upward slope for a bit :)

37ChelleBearss
jul 26, 2012, 2:10 pm

oh dear! Sorry to hear that Frank has gout. Honestly I have no idea what it is but I've seen Richard talk about it on his thread and I get the gist about how bad it can be
Hopefully Frank is doing ok!

38Whisper1
jul 26, 2012, 5:05 pm

So sorry to hear that dear Frank has gout. Please tell him I'm thinking of him.

Love to you

39ronincats
jul 26, 2012, 6:04 pm

Anita, I have been on the road since the 15th and been online very little, so missed your account until today. I hope Frank is doing much better now, and that things are going well for the two of you.

40tloeffler
jul 26, 2012, 7:53 pm

Poor Anita! How awful to not be able to read! But I'm glad you could muddle through one--maybe stick to the little ones!

And Poor Frank! Heavens, what will be next for the Meulstees??? DON'T answer that! We don't want to tempt fate!

Do take care of yourself!

41dk_phoenix
jul 27, 2012, 8:55 am

Big {{hugs}} to you!

42FAMeulstee
jul 27, 2012, 3:52 pm

> 35: Yes it was stressful Janet,
and 10 days later Frank had a second gout attack :-(
But we'll survive, I just wish sometimes we had a less eventfull life!

> 36: thanks Britt
Frank is very gratefull there is something to ease the pain, as gout is a very painfull thing to have...
Second time around on Paxil I notice the difference with Efexor better, both meds have good and bad, just different goods and bads.
May I ask on what meds you are?

> 37: hi Chelle!
How are the wedding preparations going?
I truly hope you will never experience gout in someone close to you, as it is no fun.
Luckely chances for women are far less to get gout (95% men, 5% women who suffer from gout).

> 38: thank you Linda
from both of us, love you too sweetie!

> 39: hi Roni, I hope you enjoy your travelings! Taking some time without internet is good sometimes ;-)
Frank is recovering from his second gout attack and we keep on going on...

> 40: thanks Terri
not reading isn't as bad as it sounds, there are other nice things to do ;-)
After that last book I did read two Harlequin Historic Romances, bought over 5 years ago, when I was taking Seroxat and could barely read. I had not read them because on the Efexor I could read so much more, but these were still patiently waiting for me on the shelf, like other books are now waiting for the time I can go back to them.
I will report about them later.

I am happy I don't know what is ahead of us LOL, I somehow just can not imagine it will be quiet and peaceful... My English teacher in higschool once said about me: It has occurred to me lately that noting much has occured to you lately. And it stayed that way ;-)

> 41: thank you Faith!

43gennyt
aug 13, 2012, 5:48 pm

Hey Anita, just catching up a bit. Sorry to hear about Frank's gout - I gather that is very painful (my Mum had it a few years back). I hope the medication is working to help him feel better.

Have you had a chance to try the audiobook option, if you are missing books? But I'm glad you are finding other nice things to do anyway.

44lunacat
aug 16, 2012, 3:48 am

Eesh, I can't imagine how rubbish it must feel to not be able to read. At least the paxil helps with everything else.

I'm so glad my antidepressant doesn't have that effect on me. Not sure how I could stand it. But I fingers crossed that things have settled down for you and you're finding some new ways of entertaining yourself, and some new hobbies.

take care.

45Whisper1
aug 16, 2012, 6:37 am

Stopping by to say hello to you.

46xieouyang
aug 16, 2012, 6:43 am

Hi Anita, catching up slowly on LT and I'm sorry to hear about Frank. I've heard how painful that is- hopefully he'll get some relief.

47FAMeulstee
Redigerat: aug 17, 2012, 4:02 pm

Hi everyone, its good to come here and see some messages, thanks!!!

> 43: hi Genny,
yes gout is very painfull, Frank had two attacks and it is slowly getting better now. On a scale from 1 to 10 the pain was 9 and is now bearable at 3...
The problem with audiobooks it that there are now many, and most available audiobooks are books I have read. So now I use the library to lend some CDs with songs I used to have on LP, creating a collection to burn on CD for our next vacation ;-)

> 44: thanks Jenny
Not reading is not so bad, I'm spending more time in the garden and with the dogs.
As I said above, I like to listen to music more and don't really miss books at the moment (although I will be immensly happy when someday reading comes back into my life!)

> 45: hello back to you dear Linda ;-)

> 46: hi Manuel
Nice to see a message from you!
Frank is doing a bit better, the pain is bearable now. We hope it won't come back full force. He made some changes in his diet and we hope this will prevent future attacs.

48FAMeulstee
Redigerat: aug 17, 2012, 4:01 pm

Things have been rather hectic the last few weeks, finally some good news to tell!

The appartment in Rotterdam, where Franks father lived, is as good as sold!
Wednesday Frank signed the "provisional selling contract", I am not sure if that is understandable, it means the buyer wants to buy the appartment, but he can cancel the contract if he doesn't get a mortgage.
If all goes well on October 5th the appartment is sold.

Then Franks aunt, who is is a nursing home since last September, because the dementia got too bad and she could not live on her own anymore. At that moment there was no room in the nursing home of our preference, so she went where she is now. There have been some troubles, they promished she would get a room of her own, but she is back to a two person room, she was pushed by an other patient and fell, well to make a long story short, we were NOT happy how she was treated there, and put her back on the waiting list of the other place.
And this week we heard there is room for her there, so in two weeks we will move her to the other nursing home, where she finally will have a room for her alone, in a smaller department (only 6 other patients) and a much better feel there.

And now we have a heat wave... summer has been rather cool, as I like it, but the next week will be HOT. The dogs & I try to keep ourselves as cool as possible , as we are not very comfortable in hight temperatures... Luckely Frank is more heat resistent ;-)

49ronincats
aug 17, 2012, 4:04 pm

Congratulations on the apartment sale and hope the move of the aunt goes smoothly! Keep cool--we have been fighting the heat here for the last week!

50humouress
Redigerat: aug 18, 2012, 12:08 pm

I'm glad you've had some good news. Looks like it's due.

(Roni : I glanced at your message as I was typing, and misread 'sale of the aunt'. Sorry!!) :-D

Yes; best of luck with the apartment sale and Frank's aunt's move.

51FAMeulstee
sep 8, 2012, 4:14 pm

thanks Roni and Nina

The move of Franks aunt went well, she was angry when Frank came to pick her up, but she did not hurt him. He left her in the new place to get some groceries and when he came back she was happy to have a room of her own :-)
We have heard nothing but good of the staff YAY!!!!

The apparment sale looks like it is going good too, we had one setback... After Franks father died he and his sister went to an office of notary where his sister authorized him to handle the estate. But then we found out he didn't have authorisation for the sale, so his sister (who lives in the USA) has to send a veryfied authorisation to the notary... But it looks like that will arrive in time.

We are just back from a short vacation, will report later about our visit to the Floriade & Frank went to the Leonard Cohen concert (awesome!).

But the next post will be about the 4 hisorical romances I managed to read :-)

52FAMeulstee
sep 8, 2012, 4:33 pm


book 42 Dame als inzet by Miranda Jarrett
own, historical romance (Harlequin), translation of Rake's Wager
finished 8 July 2012

Fluff, but at least I can read it!!!
3 stars

--


book 43 Boze tongen by Nicola Cornick
own, historical romance (Harlequin), translation of The Notorious Marriage
finished 28 July 2012

Early 19th century, two families, a generations long feud... In dispair she marries a man from the other family and then he disappears... she becomes societies outcast...
3 stars

--


book 44 Ontmoeting incognito by Nicola Cornick
own, historical romance (Harlequin), translation of Lady Allerton's Wager
finished 16 august 2012

Early 19th century, two families, a generations long feud... but what if a man from tho one side and a woman from the other side fall in love....
3 stars

--


book 45 Te vuur en te zwaard by Debra Lee Brown
own, historical romance (Harlequin), translation of Ice Maiden
finished 7 september 2012

A nearly drowned man is found on the shore of Fair Isle, Rika sees achance to free her people and reinstall her brother as chief. But then the man must become her husband and he is not willing at all...
3 stars

53tloeffler
sep 8, 2012, 5:19 pm

Good to see you back for a little bit, Anita!

54ronincats
sep 8, 2012, 5:42 pm

FAntastic to see you are getting some reading done, Anita. How are our furkids? And Frank's gout?

55PaulCranswick
sep 8, 2012, 7:46 pm

Anita nice to see you back for at least a little while and that the two moves are moving nicely in the right direction with one completed.
Roni - hahaha

56alcottacre
sep 8, 2012, 7:49 pm

((Hugs)) to you, Anita

Those roses are gorgeous! I wish I was any kind of gardener.

57avatiakh
sep 8, 2012, 7:49 pm

Lovely to see you reading again. I read quite a bit of fluff when my children were born.

58Deern
sep 9, 2012, 2:21 am

Good to see you posting, Anita!
We all need some fluff reading from time to time. The important thing is that our reading makes us feel good.

Sending you (((hugs)))

59humouress
sep 9, 2012, 12:18 pm

Nice to see you back. You're tempting me to read some fluff!

60beeg
sep 12, 2012, 1:54 pm

yay for reading again!

61lunacat
sep 12, 2012, 1:58 pm

Fabulous to see you reading again, and long may it continue. I hope you're starting to feel more yourself.

62souloftherose
sep 12, 2012, 2:29 pm

#52 You're reading :-) Well done!

63jnwelch
sep 12, 2012, 3:01 pm

Glad you're back, Anita!

64Whisper1
sep 13, 2012, 3:28 pm

so good to see posts from you Anita. Sending lots of healing hugs your way!

65FAMeulstee
sep 13, 2012, 5:06 pm

> 53-64 thanks Terri, Roni, Paul, Stasia, Kerry, Nathalie, Nina, Brenda, Jenny, Heather, Joe and Linda!

Yes I do read a little, those four books (1016 pages total) are nearly THREE monts of reading...
The furkids are doing fine, although Ari broke a thump-nail this morning and thinks he is terrible injured. Sadly keeping his bandaged paw in the air doesn't result in the wanted respons, so after 10 minutes he went back to his normal routine ;-)

Drinking lots of water seems to keep Franks gout bearable, the last weeks he has not had an attack YAY

And the letter with verified signature of his sister arrived at the notary office, so all we can do is set and done. If the buyer got his mortgage, the appartment will be sold at October 5th! :-)

I was pleasantly surprised to see you Linda (Whisper1) on my thread! Are you doing a little bit better? I try to keep up with your thread to see how you are doing.

We have been away for five days at the start of this month, I am busy to write my journal of this trip on my weblog, it is not finished yet, but the first two days are up:

A short trip

the Floriade - part one

the Floriade - part two

the Floriade - part three

And a photo of me, Ari and Chimay at the Floriade:

66ronincats
sep 13, 2012, 5:22 pm

Lovely picture, and good to hear things are going well, except for Ari's dignity.

67humouress
sep 14, 2012, 6:15 am

>65 FAMeulstee:: Silly Ari; but isn't that the way of all kids?

Looks like you had a lot of fun on your trip. Nice photo.

68alcottacre
sep 14, 2012, 8:55 am

Thanks for the link to your weblog, Anita. I loved the photos.

69Deern
sep 16, 2012, 11:47 am

So many lovely pictures Anita. Glad you enjoyed the Floriade and could tak the doggies with you.

70FAMeulstee
sep 18, 2012, 4:13 pm

> 66: thanks Roni,
fortunately Ari's thumb-nail is almost well again and he is allowed to walk without bandage ;-)
*Ari dances in sheer joy*

> 67: I suppose so Nina, but my only experience is with fur-kinds, never had a human-puppy.
Yes we had a good time, sometimes a break from daily routine does wonders!

> 68: thank you Stasia for visiting my weblog.

> 69: thanks Nathalie
I still hope to visit the Floriade once more, at October 7th it closes, but I haven't found someone to go with me, Frank thinks one visit was enough for him.

And the last part is up at my weblog:

Venray and Mönchengladbach

71markon
sep 18, 2012, 4:59 pm

Anita, thanks for the wonderful links. Sounds like that stroller was a good investment. And I love the colors at the garden in Germany!

72Whisper1
sep 23, 2012, 8:00 pm

What great photos. How I wish I had our computer savvy! I hope you are feeling well and life treats you with all good things!

73gennyt
sep 25, 2012, 12:01 pm

Hi Anita, loved reading your blog about the Floriade and seeing the pictures. I think my stepmother was involved in some way last time, 10 years ago (or maybe it was even 20 years ago, I'm forgetting how long since they lived in the Netherlands) - I do remember her talking about it a lot, and she is very much into gardening. I hope you do manage to get back for another visit before it closes. If no-one else will go with you, surely the dogs will be company!

I'm so glad you've managed to read some books too, fluff or not they serve their purpose. I'm intrigued how different all the titles are in their English and Dutch versions!

74FAMeulstee
sep 25, 2012, 1:25 pm

> 71: hi Ardene,
yes the stroller was an good investment, I used it here already too!
I love colorful gardens too, but keeping it THAT colored well into fall, that is a bit too much work, even for me ;-)

> 72: thanks Linda,
I hope you are on the mend, life is fairly good at the moment, in ten days the appartment of Franks father will be sold! Then Frank can handle the last things and finally have some time to mourn...
I am still a bit tired, could be that the Paxil still makes me tired, I know it took a while the last time I started with Paxil, although I don't remember exactly HOW long.

> 73: hi Genny!
Thanks for leaving messages at my weblog :-)
Ten years ago the Floriade was in the Haarlemmermeer, near Schiphol. Twenty years back it was in Zoetermeer. Yesterday it was anounced that the next Floriade will be in Almere, that is near Lelystad, so I am happy with that.
I have a date with a friend to go again next Friday!

Yes I wondered the same about the titles, maybe fluff readers have their different preferences...

75humouress
Redigerat: sep 29, 2012, 9:17 am

>70 FAMeulstee:: I try to convince my active, independent 3 year old that he still needs to go in the stroller - mainly because it's easier for me to pile all my shopping on it. Looks like it's easier for you to convince your kid! He seems to be enjoying the ride.

76streamsong
sep 29, 2012, 9:52 am

Love the pictures of the Floriade--how beautiful! Thanks for posting them.

77FAMeulstee
okt 1, 2012, 5:07 pm

> 75: Yes he does enjoy the ride Nina.
Friday I visited the Florade again, with a friend and Ari. Ari jumped out of the stroller once... when he thought I was a bit far away from him ;-)

> 76: thank you Janet,
in the next msg the link to the first part of my second Floriade visit :-)

78FAMeulstee
Redigerat: okt 2, 2012, 5:39 am

First part of second visit to the Floriade is up at my weblog:
Floriade, second visit - part 1: World Show Stage

sneak preview:
Ari and Guido at the Chinese pavilion


edited to fix the link

79avatiakh
okt 1, 2012, 7:04 pm

So cute, I'm happy that you found a solution for Ari.
I'm about to read Crusade in Jeans by Thea Beckman which I see in your LT library, I read somewhere that the translation is a bit rough at the edges. And a Dutch/Polish translator, Greet Pauwelijn, here in New Zealand has just started a publishing company to translate Dutch children's books into English.
Book Island; http://bookisland.co.nz/index.html

80ronincats
okt 1, 2012, 11:13 pm

Anita, your link above just takes me back to this thread.

81FAMeulstee
okt 2, 2012, 5:48 am

> 79: thanks Kerry, it is much better than carrying Ari half of the day ;-)
Oh, that is one of my favourite books, I think I read Crusade in Jeans over a dozen times!
I hope you enjoy it.
It would be nice if Book Island will work out, I am always in favor of more translations of Dutch children's books.

> 80: I have fixed the link Roni.

82PaulCranswick
okt 2, 2012, 5:55 am

Just stopping by to wish you well Anita and to say that I am so pleased that things seem to be going a little better for you lately. The pictures from your trip are great.

83FAMeulstee
okt 2, 2012, 4:34 pm

> 82: thanks Paul
We're slowly coming back to life, next Friday the appartment of Franks deceased father will be sold and then Frank can finish the financial part of the inherentence between him and his sister.

84FAMeulstee
okt 2, 2012, 4:37 pm

Second part of second visit to the Floriade is up at my weblog:
Floriade, second visit - part 2: Tropical Treasures

sneak preview Gloriosa flower:

85lunacat
okt 2, 2012, 5:01 pm

Wow, your pictures of the tropical flowers are amazing. Why is it that the tropics have so many prettier things than us in temperate climates?! It's amazing.

86humouress
okt 3, 2012, 10:04 am

Gorgeous flower. Gloriosa is a good name.

(Just whizzing through)

87FAMeulstee
okt 4, 2012, 3:47 am

> 85: Yes amazing it was, Jenny!
I don't know why, maybe because there are no seasons in the tropics, so the plants have a longer time to develop flowers?
We have nice and pretty things too, but we tend to overlook them ;-)

> 86: Hi Nina, the gloriosa grows from a rootstock, I used to have one long time ago in my house.
They are not too difficult to grow, but very toxic, so I got rid of them when I got pets.

88FAMeulstee
okt 4, 2012, 3:51 am

the third and last part of my second visit to the Floriade is up at my weblog:
Floriada, second visit - part 3: and more

Ari tired:

89streamsong
okt 4, 2012, 7:38 am

Stunning flowers and stunning photos as always. And Ari is so cute with his sweet espressive face.

I've never heard of the Floridiae before you started posting about it. Now I would love to see it! Wikipedia calls it the 'World Horticulture Exhibit.' Did the US or Canada participate?

Wow--alpaca! I bet that is soooooo soft. Will we get to see a photo?

90Deern
okt 5, 2012, 5:21 am

Aaaaw... the Ari pic! You just want to cuddle him.

And those flowers are so beautiful, thanks for sharing with us.

91FAMeulstee
okt 5, 2012, 3:12 pm

> 89: thank you Janet
Ari is way too cute ;-)

From the American continent Mexico, Bolivia and Ecuador participated.
The next Floriade, in 2122, will be in Almere, that is only 25 km away from Lelystad. If we still live here (you never know what can happen in 10 year time), am sure we will visit often!

Not only soft and warm, but it does not weigh much, I have no photo yet, I will try to take one later this week.

> 90: thanks Nathalie, yes Ari was cuddled a lot at the Floriade.
We are preparing to plan our vacation in January/February. We will probably go the Germany first to visit Dresden and the Karl May museum that is near to Dresden. Then to Italy to visit you, so then you can cuddle Ari in real life! And then on to the Côte d'Azur....

92Deern
okt 6, 2012, 12:53 am

#91: my parents have just been to Dresden for the first time and said it was such a beautiful city with all the canals and the nicely renovated buildings.
Do you already know where you'll be going in Italy? I should have a car again in some weeks, so it shouldn't be a problem driving up to where you're staying - as long as it's in the north half.

93FAMeulstee
Redigerat: okt 7, 2012, 11:42 am

> 92: Nathalie, it would be the first weekend of February, 2 or 3 nights somewhere near you.
Arriving Friday and leaving Sunday or Monday...

94FAMeulstee
okt 7, 2012, 8:26 am

Finished a book!


book 46 De ziel van het zwaard by Ruth Langan
own, historical romance (Harlequin), translation of Highland sword
finished 5 October 2012

Allegra Drummond is a healer who lives with her sisters, mother and garandmother in the Magic Heighlands. They went there because the outside world calls them "witches" and those are not treated well.
Merrick MacAndrew kidnaps Allegra to save his son's life.
Intrigues, problems, gossip and a very ill boy at Merricks castle...

Son lives, they live happy ever after.

not bad for a romance,
3 1/2 stars

But I'm done with romance for a while, totally fluffed up ;-)
So started Sun horse Moon horse by Rosemary Sutciff today.

95SandDune
okt 7, 2012, 8:53 am

Just dropping by to say hello. So glad to see that you've been able to do some reading again. That picture of Ari above is just lovely, by the way.

96ronincats
okt 9, 2012, 3:40 pm

Hello, Anita! Glad to see you are getting some reading done. That Ari is still cute as a bug!

97ChelleBearss
okt 9, 2012, 7:27 pm

#88 that is the cutest picture that I've seen in a while! Ari looks so adorable!!

98gennyt
okt 10, 2012, 3:38 am

Loving cute Ari photos!

And a Rosemary Sutcliff is always something to look forward to. I hope you enjoy it!

99FAMeulstee
Redigerat: nov 4, 2012, 8:14 am

thanks Rhian, Roni, Chelle and Genny for leaving a note.
Ari is way to cute on that picture ;-)

He and Chimay are doing fine and Chimay had her 8th birthday on October 30th:

100FAMeulstee
Redigerat: nov 4, 2012, 8:39 am


book 47 Zonnepaard, Maanpaard by Rosemary Sutciff
own, YA, historical fiction, translation of Sun horse Moon horse
finished 16 October 2012, 96 pages

This story is set in the time before the Romans came to Brittain.

Lubrin Dhu is the youngest son of the chieftain of the Iceni. They live in the Chalk Hills and keep horses.
In his young days he dreams about leaving and starting over somewhere else, together with his best friend. But his friend is chosen to marry his sister and will become chieftain in time, as Iceni succession goes by the female line.
Then the Iceni are conquered by an other tribe, the Atrebates, within their tribe succession goes by the male line, so they make Lubrin, as only remaining son of the chieftain, head of the remaining Iceni.
He wins freedom for his people by creating a giant White Horse in the chalk of the hills.
The remaining Iceni can go, including his sister and her husband, but for Lubrin remains the last sacrifice...

Another beautiful book by Rosemary Sutcliff, shorter than most books by her, but very impressive. A nice look into the Iron Age and a how the famous White Horse could be created.

4 1/2 stars

101ronincats
nov 5, 2012, 12:02 am

Yes, it's about time Chimay, beautiful Chimay, got some photo time!!

102Whisper1
nov 5, 2012, 12:12 am

Hello Dear Anita

103FAMeulstee
nov 7, 2012, 6:05 am

> 101: Completely true Roni, but the problem is that she rarely "allows" a picture taken...
If it was my choice I would have a lot more pictures of Chimay!

> hi dear Linda
How are you doing?

104gennyt
nov 7, 2012, 9:28 am

Hello Anita, lovely to have an update from you, and a beautiful photo of Chimay.

I don't think I've read that one of Sutcliff's; I'd like to read all of hers one day.

105FAMeulstee
nov 16, 2012, 2:15 pm

thanks Genny
It's hard to believe Chimay is 8 years now, time flies!

I have been reading more Sutcliff, see next msg ;-)
I am planning to read all translated books by her.

106FAMeulstee
nov 16, 2012, 2:33 pm


book 48: Om het rood van de krijger by Rosemary Sutcliff
own, YA, historical fiction, translation of Warrior Scarlet
finished 13 November 2012, 209 pages

This story is set in the Bronze Age in Brittain, around 900 BC.

Drem lives with his grandfather, mother and brother in a small Celtic village. Soon he will be old enough to start his three years in the boys-house, where he will be trained to be a warrior.
But Drem can only use his left arm, and he overhears his grandfather saying that an one-armed probably never will make the training...

Luckely ther are others who DO believe he can make it, Talore, the warrior who lost a hand in battle and his friend Vortrix.

When it is Drems turn to kill a wolf, to prove he is a warrior, he miserably fails... al his dreams are lost and he goes to live with the shepherds, the half-people.

Sutcliff has written a delightfull story, set in ancient times. All characters are lifelike, not all are pretty, not all are bad. A tad of romance, but never too sweet. It were rough times and only the tough survive.
I love how Rosemary Sutcliff puts in many of her stories dogs as mans faithfull friend.

4 1/2 stars

107Whisper1
nov 17, 2012, 8:42 pm

Wonderful to see a post from you. You are missed. How are you feeling?

108thomasandmary
nov 20, 2012, 7:47 pm

Glad you enjoyed the Sutcliff book. She was an amazing writer and I wish children read more of her work, instead of so much of the dark works that are popular today.

109FAMeulstee
dec 9, 2012, 1:31 pm

> 107: hi Linda
It is still off an on, some days I feel good and get some things done, other days I am tired...

> 108: Yes she is an amazing writer Regina, I just started another Sutcliff :-)

110FAMeulstee
dec 9, 2012, 1:44 pm


book 49: De machtige boog by Reginald Maddock
own, YA, historical fiction, translation of The great Bow
finished 24 November 2012, 135 pages

This story is set long ago, the poeple use spears to hunt.
Atta lives in the village of the Wolf-men, the wolf is sacre to them. On the day he and the other boys of the same age will become a man, he is chosen to kill a buffalo for the meal of the village.
But Atta is afraid to kill a living animal and he fails. He is pronounced dead and leaves the village, goes into the wood. Half starved a girl, Fransi, of the Vulture-people finds him, feeds him and leaves a piece of wood and a rope to make fire.

When Atta rolls the wood with the rope he discovers that a twig is thrown away by it, he has a vivid imagination and creates the first bow ever.
He thinks this will make hunting easier and goes back to his people to learn them using the bow. But instead of making hunting easy, his people kill far more buffalos than needed and start talking about war agains the Vulture people...

Atta goes back to the Vulture-people because he wants to marry Fransi. As a wedding gift he learns them the use of the bow too. Although the Vulture people are wiser and still don't kill more prey then they need, they start to talk about war too...

This childhood favorite of mine still stands as a fabulous book, enjoyed it as I did many times before.

5 stars

111thomasandmary
dec 9, 2012, 9:02 pm

Book 49 sounds good. I'll have to look for it in the library system. Hope you are well.

112FAMeulstee
dec 19, 2012, 5:48 pm


book 50: Op de splitsing van de weg by Rosemary Sutcliff
own, YA, historical fiction, 5 stories of wich I own 3 as small books:
  
translations of The chief's daughter, A circlet of oak leaves , Shifting sands, The changeling and The truce of the games, finished 19 December 2012, 119 pages

Five delightfull stories by Rosemary Sutcliff, the only complaint I have is that the stories are too short, I want to know more about these people, so vividly described by Sutcliff ;-)

Recommended for any Sutcliff or history lover and especially for thos who don't know Rosemary Sutcliffs work and want a short book as introduction.

4 stars

113FAMeulstee
dec 19, 2012, 5:54 pm

> 111: All is well here Regina
Exept for the reading that goes so awfully slow... Thanks for asking!

114FAMeulstee
dec 19, 2012, 5:55 pm

The above, 50th book will probably my last finished book this year.

I don't think I will start a thread next year, as participating in the group is difficult too, reading other threads takes much more time than it used to and it is hard to see others recommending great books that I want to read, but can not read now or in the near future :-(

I might return some day when my reading abilities come back, but for now all the best to everyone and keep enjoying this group and your readings in 2013!

Anita

115avatiakh
dec 19, 2012, 6:38 pm

Hi Anita , wishing you all the best for the New Year and hope that you can return when it best suits you.
Kerry

116ChelleBearss
dec 19, 2012, 7:13 pm

HI Anita
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and the best in 2013! Hope to see you back someday

117humouress
dec 20, 2012, 9:04 am

Best wishes, Anita; for the new year and until we see you next.

118gennyt
dec 20, 2012, 9:45 am

Well done on reading another Sutcliff - I don't know those stories so thanks for the recommendation.

I'm sorry you won't be back in 2013, but understand how difficult it must be. I hope you do gradually get more reading ability back again, and it will be lovely to see you if and when you feel able to participate again.

Very best wishes to you and Frank, and your wonderful dogs too!

119dk_phoenix
dec 20, 2012, 10:01 pm

Merry Christmas -- I guess we'll see you when we see you. :) *hugs*

120saraslibrary
dec 21, 2012, 2:08 am

Congrats on making it to 50 books, Anita. :) I'm sorry to hear you won't be starting another thread next year, but I completely understand how time-consuming it can be to keep up with others' threads, as well as your own. I'll see you around when you decide to drop by LT again. :) Happy holidays!

121bell7
dec 21, 2012, 6:38 pm

Hi Anita, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to chatting with you again whenever you get back to LT. :)

122thomasandmary
dec 22, 2012, 10:17 pm

You make me want to push all my other reading aside and get back to Rosemary Sutcliff's books! I'm so sorry reading has become difficult for you. I hope things will improve for you soon. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

123xieouyang
dec 23, 2012, 6:22 am

Hi Anita, sorry about your reading problems- I was hoping that they would have improved. Also, I'll miss reading your thread next year- you may want to reconsider since you have fans!

But have a Merry Christmas and Happy New year.

124SandDune
dec 24, 2012, 7:18 am

Wishing you a great Christmas & New Year, Anita!

125FAMeulstee
dec 24, 2012, 11:34 am

thanks everyone!

I have decided not to abandon LT groups completely, I started a thread in the ROOT - 2013 Read Our Own Tomes group, as I read only my own books at the moment. I hope to read a book a month...

It may take a long time, but I hope to come back to this group some day.

love & hugs to all
Anita

126ChelleBearss
dec 24, 2012, 11:46 am



Merry Christmas!!

127ronincats
dec 24, 2012, 6:30 pm


Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics


I want to wish you a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All. Merry Christmas, Anita!

129Deern
dec 25, 2012, 4:52 am

Hi Anita, I can't catch up on posts, but I'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year!!
Hope to see you in Merano in February!

130norabelle414
dec 25, 2012, 6:57 am

Merry Christmas Anita!

131saraslibrary
dec 25, 2012, 8:03 pm

#125: Yay! I'm glad to hear you didn't leave LT completely. I'll look for you on that thread. :)

132gennyt
dec 26, 2012, 5:49 pm

I'm also very glad to hear you are keeping a toehold in the LT groups!

Prettige Kerstdagen!

Genny

133FAMeulstee
dec 31, 2012, 5:55 am

Thanks everyone, 2012 wasn't easy, but having you all around did help me!



I wish everyone all the best for 2013!!!

Anita

134PaulCranswick
dec 31, 2012, 6:59 am

Anita - wishing you all a much better 2013. Heartfelt best wishes from the Malaysian branch of the 75ers.

135FAMeulstee
dec 31, 2012, 7:38 am

Thank you Paul

best wishes for you and your family in 2013!
I won't join the 75ers next year, but will lurk at your thread once in a while ;-)

Anita

136xieouyang
dec 31, 2012, 7:40 am

Hi Anita, best wishes and a Happy New Year to to...I will check that group from time to time to say hello and see what you are up to.

137thomasandmary
dec 31, 2012, 3:01 pm

Wishing you a very blessed and happy New Year!

138FAMeulstee
dec 31, 2012, 4:20 pm

Thanks Manuel and Regina,

best wishes & lots of happy readings in 2013!!

139ronincats
dec 31, 2012, 4:48 pm



Here's to a great new year ahead, Anita!

140FAMeulstee
dec 31, 2012, 6:13 pm

thank you Roni!

Here the new year just started, Ari does not like the fireworks and lays beside me on the couch. Gladly he doesn't panick, as some previous dogs of our did.
Chimay is not bothered at all and sleeps right through the noise.

Frank is away, he always works this night.

Anita

141saraslibrary
dec 31, 2012, 11:37 pm

I'm glad to hear your dogs aren't too bothered by the fireworks. Most of our dogs really freak out over the loud noise. New Year's hasn't hit here yet, so our fingers are crossed no fireworks will be set this year. (They're illegal anyway in our town, but still, we have some people who set them off. ::grumble::)

142Whisper1
dec 31, 2012, 11:43 pm

Happy New Year to a very special person!

Love you lots

143FAMeulstee
jan 1, 2013, 6:37 am

> 141: hi Sara
Sadly fireworks are not illegal anywhere here although it should be used only on New Years Eve and the first hours of the New Year... There is illegal firework that is not safe and way too loud, there is a lot of those around this year :-(
Ari is more offended than afraid, no one asked him for permission!

Chimay was born at our place at the end of October in a big city (Rotterdam), where some start to use the fireworks at that time, so she got used to these noises from the day her ears opend up. Just lucky to be born in the right time of year ;-)

> 142: dear Linda
Thanks for visiting my thread and wishing you a happy 2013 filled with love!

144jadebird
jan 1, 2013, 12:01 pm

Happy New Year!

145FAMeulstee
jan 1, 2013, 1:17 pm

thanks Ren, to you too!

146FAMeulstee
Redigerat: jan 4, 2013, 5:58 am

2012 wrap up

50 books read

18.702 pages read

most was read in the first half of 2012 (40 books/ 16.600 pages)

5 star reads:
De vuurvreter by David Almond
Een weeffout in onze sterren by John Green
De machtige boog by Reginald Maddock
Negen open armen and De hemel van Heivisj by Benny Lindelauf
De strijd der koningen and Een storm van zwaarden : Bloed en goud bt George R.R. Martin
Het ontzet by Tad Williams

worst book:
De leugens van Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (2 1/2 stars)

37 own books
13 library books

For 2013 you can find my thread at the ROOT - 2013 Read Our Own Tomes group

147Whisper1
jan 1, 2013, 5:47 pm

I'm so glad you liked David Almond's the Fire eaters.

You were the one who recommended him to me back in 2008, and I believe it was one of his books that I read that lead me on the path of YA.

Thanks again for introducing YA to me. It has opened an entire new world of reading.