Just finished reading #60 & 61

It has been months since by last book post and I can assure that I have been reading non-stop through that period, however I cannot tell you for one moment what it is that I have been reading.  Sad but true.  But I do have my latest two books still in my possession so at least I can tell you about them.

The Red House - Mark Haddon

I have read two previous titles by this author 'A spot of bother' and 'The curious incident of the dog in the night'.  Both I loved although neither is happy or joyous but rather realistic and deep.  'The red house' is also not a joyous romp through a family holiday, rather it is a snapshot of a family gathered on holiday on the Welsh border after the death of the mother of  Richard and Angela.  Both families come to the holiday house with their own issues and problems.  We have a step daughter a lost baby and some other day to day ordinary family things.  Mark Haddon is a really good writer and this book, although heavy going in places and dense in words, is a good read.  My friend Alex couldn't get into it and I can see why.  It takes a certain mindset to wade through the early bits and you are not always in the mood for that.  I was lucky to be in the mood but I could have put it down at some  points.  So, it is more my dedication to the writing of Mark Haddon that I finished it rather than an absolute love of the book.  In saying that, I would read any more of his books in a heartbeat.  It is a dark tale but not horrible and it really is a slice of life so ends with a farewell as you do when leaving a holiday to go back to ordinary life. 

Sweet tooth - Ian McEwan

I love Ian McEwan's books.  Similarly to Mark H above, they are not cheery light little novels to read on holiday.  Although extremely readable they often deal with odd situations and characters and a happy ending is not always on the cards.  In saying that I loved 'Sweet tooth'.  It was very readable but all the way through, knowing McEwan's writing, you are waiting for something bad to happen.  The bad things are always of the personal nature, not guts and gore but dilemma's lies and treachery.  Set in the late 1970's in London this is the story of Serena Frome and her tale of time in the British Secret Service which was short but eventful.  She had one mission which ended badly.  This book is not of the James Bond ilk but has enough twists and turns to keep you very engaged.  I loved it!  That's it, loved it.  Enjoy

 
 

Bounce

When you are on a trampoline you can only smile and laugh.  I love these pics of Nic, Ben and Olivia on Christmas day

Olivia

Ben

 

 

My favourite. 

Distraction

It is Boxing Day morning and I have just enjoyed a little bowl of tarty fresh raspberries from my parents garden, coupled with a couple of dollops of tarty yoghurt.  This is my antidote after a day or two of delicious indulgence. 

When I talk of distraction I am referencing the fact that is has been over a month since my last post.  Days have been flying by and energy levels depleted with work burnout and Christmas preparation.  Perhaps next year will be better.  Apologies to anyone who pops in regularly.

My camera has some issues with uploading photos onto the computer and as Jonty is still asleep and he sorts these things out for me, I am going to post up some pics that Jasmine took of our festive day yesterday.

As you can see, she focused on the table decorations more than the people which is totally cool.  Since I was a child the decoration of the Christmas table has been my job and it is probably still very high on my list of most enjoyable activities.   This year, last minute, I made paper chains which looked awesome.  I also picked some flowers from abandoned sections in our neighbourhood.  As homes are being demolished due to the eq activity, lovely gardens are being left also.  The poppies are courtesy of Churchill Courts  Stunning.

Ruth, Simon and the children bouncing. 

My wish for 2013 is normality, a wish unlikely to come true.  Mended roads, houses fixed or removed, people continuing to thrive and be kind to each other, health and happiness for all my friends and family.  For myself and my small family, I am looking for harmony and adventure on top of all the other things we wish for.  Some things we can make happen ourselves, others are in the hands of others.  I intend to influence what I can and not get too bent out of shape about the other stuff.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!