Mouse is over two years old and only just had her first visit to a zoo this past weekend. It's a little zoo, about 40 miles away from where we live. It's well known for its monkeys. No matter how often her dad and I tried to explain what an anteater was, she insisted the anteaters were elephants (no elephants at this particular zoo), and she was very disappointed that she didn't get to see a hippopotamus. She did like watching the various kinds of monkeys swing from vine to vine, however. Her favorite though was riding the carousel. She was not too happy when it came time to get off.
We also spent some time at the park this weekend, enjoying the pleasant weather--not too hot and not too cold. Memorial Day sees the start of the water fountain play area at the park, and Mouse took full advantage. We didn't take part in any of the city's Memorial Day festivities in honor of fallen soldiers, but our hearts were with them and the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones. Memorial Day is always a difficult one for me now, having lost my father in recent years. He'd been a veteran. And while he didn't die in battle, he had left a part of himself behind just as many who have served their countries do. Memorial Day is just one day, but, really, every day is a day to celebrate and honor those in the armed forces.
I managed to squeeze in a little reading this weekend, although not much. This past week was quite busy at work. I was on the interview panel, interviewing perspective employees, and this is one of our busiest times of year; so I have had plenty of work to keep me occupied.
I have fallen behind in my review writing again. I used to be good about keeping up, needing to write my thoughts about a book right after I finish it as a way to decompress and debrief. Now it seems I let them pile up. I am not sure that's the best idea.
I most recently read the follow up to Jamie Quaid's Boyfriend From Hell with the second book in her Saturn's Daughter series, Damn Him to Hell. I am still trying to decide what to read next. I was toying with the idea of reading World War Z by Max Brooks. Sarah Jio's Violet's of March is calling to me though as is Richard Kramer's These Things Happen. But Chris Bohjalian's Trans-Sister Radio is looking really good right about now too. Choices, choices . . .
What are you reading right now?
Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts
First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where
participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a
book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.
I recently read Laura Lippman's And When She Was Good. What do you think of the introduction? Would you keep reading?
SUBURBAN MADAM DEAD IN APPARENT SUICIDE
The headline catches Heloise's eye as she waits in the always-long line at the Starbucks closest to her son's middle school. Of course, a headline is supposed to call attention to itself. That's its job. Yet these letters are unusually huge, hectoring even, in a typeface suitable for a declaration of war or an invasion by aliens. It's tack, tarted up, as much of a strumpet as the woman whose death it's trumpeting.
© 2013, 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.
Oh wow, this sounds like a story that I would like. I'd keep reading. Thanks so much for joining us this week; I appreciate it and hope that you join us again next week.
ReplyDeleteBTW - I loved the pictures of "mouse" having summer fun. This must be such a fun age.
Diane - It was such a good book, Diane!
DeleteThis really is a fun age. Mouse has her moments, but she's such a happy child . . . I wish it could always be this way.
We have two zoos within an hour of our house, and our kids went there all the time when they were little. They are both small zoos, so they were perfect to visit on a lazy Sunday. Good memories! I'm not getting much reading done because it was a busy weekend, and this week won't be much better.
ReplyDeleteSandy - The Santa Ana Zoo was just perfect for a child Mouse's age. I am sure we'll go again in the near future. :-)
DeleteI hope you are finding time to squeeze in some reading! I know the end of the school year can be quite busy.
Your trip to the zoo sounds like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteKathy - It was! I love seeing Mouse discover new places and experience new things.
DeleteI like it that Mouse thought that the ant-eaters were elephants. They do sort of look like mini-elephants, in a way! Very perceptive kid! I would totally recommend World War Z. Just started it this weekend, and am loving it. I am listening to the audio with the husband, and we both are wowed. My heart goes out to you on this Memorial weekend. I know your dad was a really special part of your life. In every soldier, there is a hero. I'll raise one up to your dad.
ReplyDeleteHeather - LOL It was pretty funny. Especially since she was very adamant about it. "They not anteaters! They elephants!"
DeleteI am reading World War Z now too and really enjoying it. I bet the audio is even better!
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Yay for the zoo! There is so much to introduce children to, it's inevitable some will get left until later :) The problem with leaving reviews, I've found, is that you can forget to write them.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - There are so many experiences I want to expose Mouse too--time and money don't make everything possible, but I can sure try, right? Everything will have it's time, I am sure.
DeleteAnd you're right about putting off review writing. I am still behind and nearly forgot I have one to write still!
I would definitely continue reading this one. Laura Lippman knows how to draw readers in and tell them a thrilling story.
ReplyDeleteHere's my Tuesday post:
http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2013/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-15-and.html
Catherine - Yes, she's a very engaging storyteller. I can't wait to read more by her!
DeleteI'm a fan of Laura Lippman, so I'd definitely keep reading. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - I am too! I love her books.
DeleteI love your Mouse stories - I miss those days. :)
ReplyDeleteI just finished Reconstructing Amelia this evening - and, wow! - what a ride that book is.
Carrie - I really want to read Reconstructing Amelia. I wasn't sure at first, but the more I read about it, the more I want to.
DeleteAlways love visiting the zoo! I'm glad that you all had a wonderful time! :)
ReplyDeleteMelody - I wish we had one in town to make it closer, but it's a nice outing just the same. It was fun!
DeleteWe took Gage to the zoo last summer and he wasn't really into it. WE did take him to a farm over Memorial Day and had more success. I think because he got to be so close to and pet most of the animals. He was totally freaked by the cows - what he wanted to see the most - they are surprising large in person :)
ReplyDeleteStacy - I do think it makes a difference when they can get close up to the animals. Mouse went to a farm last Halloween and was so excited about all the animals. She wouldn't touch any of the ones in the little petting zoo area, but she was quite taken with the cow. I think the animal of the week at her school had been cows so they were the freshest in her mind.
Delete