Gung Hay Fot Choy! Despite my lack of Chinese ancestry, my mother introduced my brother and I to the Chinese New Year early on. The house would be cleaned the week before the New Year was ushered in to get rid the old--and the bad. Oranges and tangerines were a must on New Year's Eve, and we'd find red envelopes with a little money tucked inside on New Year's Day. It is the year of the Dragon, a year expected to be exciting and unpredictable. This past year, the year my daughter was born (the Year of the Rabbit), was supposed to be calm and tranquil--well, we know where that got my family! Hopefully this New Year will be a bit calmer and less intense despite the predictions.This past week everyone in the house was struck down by a very nasty stomach virus. It was quite the nightmare. It seems to have subsided at last, and we are on the mend. I joked with my husband that perhaps it was a fitting end to such a tumultuous year.
I wish I could say I was reading something to fit the occasion of the Chinese New Year. Alas, my reading has taken me back to the familiar waters of the mystery. I am smack dab in the middle of my first Deborah Crombie mystery, No Mark Upon Her, featuring Scotland Yard detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. I love the setting--and so far the characters and mystery as well. Duncan Kincaid was about to go on family leave when he was assigned a possible murder case, one involving a fellow police officer and prospective Olympic rower. While the investigation into the death is the main focus, I admit I am also quite drawn to the side story. Crombie offers a glimpse first hand at how work can interfere with not only the personal life of the investigator putting in the long hours, but also the family of that investigator. I will let you know what I think of the novel once I am finished with it.
Next up, I will be tackling the Independent Literary Awards' Mystery Short List books, and since I won't be able to post my thoughts until after the awards are announced, I am afraid you won't see many reviews from me in the coming weeks. I will try to fill the gap with more From the Archive reviews as well as perhaps an essay or short story now and then.
Have a wonderful week everyone! Happy Reading!
First Popsicle. Pedialyte in Disguise.
© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Glad to hear you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly!
DeleteThere is nothing worse than watching your baby struggle with a stomach flu...especially if you have it too. I am glad you are on the mend. I tend to reach for mysteries when I am in need of comfort. I don't know what that says about me, but it is like comfort food.
ReplyDeleteLuckily she was starting to feel better as I was hitting the worst of it. But still, it was a challenge. Thankfully one we survived. :-)
DeleteMysteries are among my favorite comfort reads too. :-)
Oh, I remember the days of pedialyte! I am so glad that everyone is now on the mend. It is so pathetic to see those dark circles under a little one's eyes.
ReplyDeleteI know precious little about the Chines New Year - despite having lived near chinatown for four years. I enjoyed reading your family's past traditions.
Thanks, Molly! I hate seeing her so sick and not being able to comfort her more. :-( She took it surprisingly well though given the circumstances. My little trooper!
DeleteI received a couple of red envelopes in the mail from my mom yesterday along with a Happy New Year card. LOL She's so funny.
I'm glad you're feeling better. It looks like she's enjoying the popsicle!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy. Yes, she definitely does seem to like the popsicle. :-)
DeleteI had a Crombie book checked out from the library but it just went back unread :/ Seems to be the story lately but I still keep checking books out :) I haven't checked out the Indi Lit Awards shortlists yet but I'm going to. I have been on an award kick lately so that should fit perfectly. Hope you have a great week and everyone starts feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI know that would happen to be all the time too if I used the library. :-S So many books . . . I hope you have a great week too, Samantha!
DeleteI wish they had those popsicles when my boys were little..is Mouse getting better????
ReplyDeleteI want to read your final thoughts on the Crombie book...I may have to add that one to my list!
Mouse is feeling much better, thanks. Nothing can keep her down for long. LOL The popsicles are so convenient! Mouse refused to drink the actual pedialyte so the pediatrician suggested the popsicles.
DeleteFingers crossed this year is calmer for you but full of lots of good, new, memories. Hope you all feel much better soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kris!
DeleteHappy New Year! I hope you're all feeling much beter!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jill! We are all doing much better today. I hope you have a good New Year too. :-)
DeleteSuch a perfect, cute little face! Love those cheeks!
ReplyDeleteShe's such a darling. :-)
DeleteShe looks serious about that Popsicle!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't she? LOL
DeleteSo glad to hear that you guys are on the mend. Stomach flu is SO not fun. Especially as a family affair. I am a sympathetic gagger so when my kids hurled, I did too regardless of whether or not I was sick.
ReplyDeleteTi, I imagine it would be hard not to--the smell alone! Thank you. I am so glad we are all feeling better. It was quite the nightmare.
DeleteI'm happy to hear that you are all feeling better! Those stomach viruses are the worst, especially when the whole family ends up with them. I'm hoping this year will be much more tranquil for you and your family! You had enough excitement in the Year of the Rabbit.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathleen! I hope you have a good year too. We are all due one, I think. :-)
DeleteUgh - stomach bugs are the worst! We had a fair share of them - two or three a year, it seemed, when the kids were younger and bringing all sorts of fun things home from the church nursery! Glad you're feeling better - fortunately, the stomach viruses are usually short-lived.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie. I can imagine what it must have been like in your house. I keep telling myself at least she's getting it out of the way early. Hopefully this means she won't be so sick later. Hopefully. :-)
DeleteHappy Lunar New Year, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteMy youngest was down with a stomach flu last week... It's never fun to have a sick child around. I'm glad you all are feeling better!
Thank you, Melody! Same to you. :-) I am sorry your child was sick with the stomach flu. I hope everyone else was able to avoid it and your youngest is all better now.
DeleteThat is such a cute picture! Sorry it had to do with a need for electrolytes, though. That is always rough with a baby. I remember having to change both baby's outfit and mine about a half-dozen times in one day, when Kiddo had a stomach bug (20 years has not dulled the memory one bit). Fortunately, we really only went through that once in that kid's babyhood. Hope you're as lucky.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, it's horrible, Nancy! I hate seeing Mouse so sick--she handled it well though. Even with all the clothing changes. Luckily I didn't have to change my clothes quite as often as I had to change hers.
DeleteIt's tough when you are all sick! Love Mouse and the popsicle. Gage has only tried them recently and isn't much of a fan. He does make the best faces though :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure popsicles will grow on Gage. :-) Imagine the messes when they are older. Haha!
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