I am linking up with Deb at Readerbuzz, Kathryn at Book Date, and Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
Hello everyone! It is a rainy morning here this morning, and I have to say, I am loving it. I needed a good rainy day. I am so ready for fall, and fall weather, and most importantly, fall clothes. We are going to Louisville pretty soon, and I know the weather there is going to be thick. Lol. I feel once I get home from there, I am declaring autumn over my own tiny domain. We will be back to school this week, then our trip, then.. fall.
Books:
I missed reading by the archive date on the Books, Iced Coffee and a Side of Dragons book I wanted to read but I will keep it on my TBR. I am still getting used to NetGalley again! I did finish Sunflower Season though.
Sunflower Season was pretty cute, although I did have to skip through some parts! There are some trigger warnings for this one – mainly loss of a parent. Because I really needed a book like that right now. Sigh. I just skipped a bunch of pages until I felt like I was past all of it. I will do a review this week.
This week, hmm. What shall I read?
I am embarking on a quest of reading short little classics this fall, that are slightly edgy, like Lolly Willowes, all the way to scary like Algernon Blackwood and The Wendigo. I am starting with Lolly and there a million editions out there. I picked this one because of that cat. No other reason. And Twig’s Traveling Tomes has been on my radar and I was so excited to get it from NetGalley!
Screens:
We finished up Tales From the Green Valley which is a bummer since I love it. But, lucky for me there are all the farms still to rewatch again if I need to. I think though we are going to start the new Anna Pigeon show. Has anyone watched that? I used to read the books all the time and I am curious about the show.
We are also planning on watching 9 to 5 starring, of course Dolly Parton. That was a blow wasn’t it? I love Dolly for so many reasons – her joy, her music, her compassion and humanitarianism. I feel like she was a real light in this world, and she will be missed. I have always loved the quote of hers, “If you see someone without a smile, give ’em yours!”
And just as sad was the loss of Tim Curry, at least to me. I love Tim Curry. Since our annual rewatch of Clue is coming up, we will be revisiting his work as well. I also learned that he passed on the same day as Dolly, and a gentleman even in death, his people didn’t release the news until the next day so that Dolly could have her day.
Last week I posted a few times:
Cozy Read for the Non-Spooky Reader
Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Places I Have Visited
Fall Reads for Cozy Fantasy Readers
And remember, I am cohosts with Lisa at Boondock Ramblings and Cat at Cat’s Wire, of the linkup A Good Book and a Cup of Tea for all things books -not just books read or reviews, but bookstore visits or author visits or whatever else bookish you can think of! You can find the link up for August here!
In-Betweens:
Warning, this is not the happiest in-betweens I have shared. But life is life, right?
It’s been really a very intense busy week. I am honestly exhausted and looking forward to decompressing if possible today. I spent all week doing rough things. I spent three days at my mom’s apartment, getting it packed up, things donated, and of course bringing things home. I found myself not able to part with the strangest things, like an old pair of her shoes. They are beat to hell but I couldn’t get rid of them. I had to pack them up and bring them here. Billy has been so good, and not complained once about all the bags and boxes of my mom’s stuff I have stuffed our already small house with. But, a month was not long enough for me to say goodbye to all of it, and he is very supportive.
Then, the day before Wyatt was supposed to get his wheelchair growth kit, the place called and cancelled the appointment, telling me the seat hadn’t come in. Guys, we have been waiting a YEAR for this growth kit, and he was already too big for his chair when it was ordered. His feet could no longer rest on the foot plate, but hung over the edge. His legs brushed the sides of the wheels, his seatbelt was tight, his knees practically to his chest. Needless to say, after being as understanding as I could be for a year, I went absolutely bananas (without yelling of course). Instead I took to the internet, and emailed the CEO of the manufacturer and the customer service dept of the manufacturer, asking them what the deal was, and if the problem was on their end, or with the DME supplier. I told them how long Wyatt has been waiting, the whole situation. The CEO immediately forwarded the email to quality assurance, and the manager of quality assurance immediately emailed me. They also reached out to the DME and filed a complaint. I had also in the meantime called Wyatt’s therapist, who made a call too. And weirdly, lo and behold, they found a seat that would work for Wyatt until his actual seat came in. I mean, we should still not be waiting for this seat to come in after a freaking year, but at least the kid is sitting way more comfortably. He is so happy too. Sometimes a mom has to go bonkers. And just saying, some good friends chimed in too – like Lisa who could be a professional at lodging a complaint. She left a comment on the DME facebook page that was very pointed and sharp and well written.
I also did have a girls night! We alllll needed it. My friend Jill’s stepdad who was really her Dad, just not by blood, passed away two weeks after my mom, and then Kelly’s daughter was leaving for college (she moved in to her dorm yesterday) and we all had some big feelings! It was nice to have some time with my friends, and we are planning a girls trip to Shipshewana for the day this fall.
I did have a laugh over what I brought with me. A chocolate Aldi cake, which was what we used to eat every book club for years, a High Life which I didn’t drink as Kelly had wine, and a yogurt container full of sourdough starter to give to Kelly’s husband. Lol.
And with that I will say goodbye for now. I hope that you do something today that makes you smile, and like Dolly says, if you see someone without one, give them yours!
Erin, you have been having a tough time and I am glad you had the girls night to decompress. I get ya on cleaning out your mom’s things. I’ve had to do it and like you, kept things that (at the time) probably didn’t make sense. You do what you need to heal. Billy is a rock star with his support.
Yea for you getting that wheelchair situation sorted. I usually have to put on my “black belt in badgering” and make calls to get someone to listen to me. A letter is on the way!
Thank you Tina. And thank you for the card you sent as well. I appreciated it.
I could not believe I needed to do that. I got that call and went ballistic. Lol.
The loss of a parent is a hard thing for me these days and it has been 2 years now since my stepdad passed away. Like your friend, he was a dad to me, even if I am lucky enough to still have my blood father who is also a real dad to me. Finding that happen in books hits so hard these days. That is crazy about Wyatt’s seat! I’m glad you were able to make something happen and I hope they get his actual seat to you much quicker too! I did not realize Tim Curry actually died on the same day, how respectful of them to wait to release the news like that. Between those two it is a big loss for the entertainment world and the things that Dolly did for reading as well. Here’s hoping you have a good week!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/08/30/weekly-wrap-up-august-30th-2026/
It is so hard. And yes! I was unprepared for it. Lol. I thought I was reading a light little romance and then it got all sad on me.
And then Wyatt’s chair – that was insane. I hope they do too. I was on the warpath that day! Lol.
I thought that was so respectful of his team\family as well. It really is such a huge loss to the entertainment world, and with the loss of Catherine O’Hara this year as well. 🙁
Sometimes we have to rant a little to get people to listen. I was frustrated in trying to get my money out of a retirement investment account my school district set up for me, and I ranted to the first human ear I found at the company. They ended up sending a very polite note, and I replied this morning, thanking them for their note (I’m not even their customer anymore!) and apologizing for any rudeness I may have shared.
I keep thinking about Dolly and how I can be more Dolly-like. I think she would be happy to see all of us who are thinking about her example.
I told Billy sometimes I get so tired of feeling like I need to push people to just do their jobs. And we do need to be pushy sometimes! I am glad you got your money, and I think it is really nice that they sent you a note. 🙂
She really is such a good example of how to show compassion and love.
Super hero mom!🙌
Lol thanks Carol!! I was like my boy is getting his chair!!!
Good for you to advocate for Wyatt. In the perfect world we wouldn’t have to (and shouldn’t have to). My Dad passed away a year ago next week and I completely understand the emotional impact of grief. I’m glad you could get away for a few days. Take care.
Thank you Jodie. I remember reading about your father passing last year. It is so hard. 🙁
And yes, I was in disbelief that I needed to do that so my son could get what he has needed for such a long time.
What an emotionally exhausting week. I’m glad you were able to get Wyatt more comfortable after such a long wait, and that you had a girls’ night with friends who understand everything you’re carrying right now. Happy Reading!
We had a great girls night. It was nice to get out and be with my friend people, have some cake, vent and laugh together.
That girl’s night sounds perfect! I’m glad you were able to get Wyatt’s chair straightened out (at least for now) though I agree that it is crazy it has taken a whole year. I inadvertently started listening to an audiobook this week only to learn the main character was getting over the recent death of her father…. I’m kind of surprised I was able to listen to the whole thing. My husband couldn’t believe I hadn’t watched White Water Summer either and so we watched that this week.
And it has taken a year with prodding it along by various people! It is crazy to me.
I dislike a book now with a surprise parent death! I hope that you are doing ok, I know that you are on this journey as well.
Lol Kevin Bacon really made the rounds for a minute as a crazy villain!
I am still fired up about that medical supply company. I left that comment on about ten of their posts, and they couldn’t bother to respond to even one. Losers! Even if they had it would have been one of those form letter type responses I’ve seen them use to respond to others anyhow. And then you left out that you had to drive over an hour to get it when they were supposed to bring it to you! Grrrr!!! So annoyed at them.
That part of Tim Curry’s team waiting until the next day to announce his death was so sweet. I had a feeling it was true but wasn’t sure at first.
Lolol!! I can’t believe you left it so many times! Thank you for being enraged on my child’s behalf as well.
Isn’t that sweet? I just thought it was very respectful.
I just copied and kept pasting.lol When I get pissed, I get pissed.
I’m glad you could get the thing with the wheelchair sorted – well, kind of – and really hope they won’t let you wait you much longer as it has already been too long in my opinion!
I’m also glad you the girl’s night, we need breaks like that in emotional situations. I couldn’t help with clearing out my mother’s things because it was during the early phase of self isolation (and felt guilty about it), but I know how difficult that is. I’m thinking of you.
I might check in every week and see how it is coming. Just to be a thorn in their side.
I really needed that night out. We needed that night.
Aw. I’m sorry Cat. I’m sure your family understood though given the extreme circumstances that we were all living in back then.
Thanks Cat.
Grief is a strange thing, I’m glad you have support from both Billy and friends
I’m also very glad you finally got some sort of concession from the medical supply company. I can’t imagine there is any excuse for such an extreme delay.
Thanks for sharing your week, happy reading!
Thank you Shelleyrae. And it is, isn’t it?
I couldn’t believe it. It was insane. This whole thing should have taken three months.
You have had so much. I know what you mean. I am over insurance deciding they won’t cover one of my daughter’s regular medications in the middle of the year. I think if it’s on the formulary when one signs up for insurance it should be available the whole year. It was a tough news week with Dolly, Tim and the cherry trees.
You know if you download it from Netgalley, send it to Kindle or Epub, that it is still there even once archived?
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
That is ridiculous!! I hope that you can get resolution for that! I totally agree with you. And yes. The cherry trees were heartbreaking. I really hate what is happening and I feel helpless about it.
I didn’t know that!! Thank you! I just started using NetGalley again for the first time in years.
So glad you got to enjoy some girly time! My daughter is at college for acting, and her last show was 9 to 5. And now, some of her class is working on Rocky Horror. It’s been a helluva week. Glad they got Wyatt’s chair at least improved for the time being!
It was great being with my girls!
Oh I love that!!
And thank you.
We finally finished Grimm, and I’m feeling a bit verklempt. I loved the show and the characters and the chosen families they created. We are finishing up Remarkably Bright Creatures which is even better than I thought it would be. I also finished When Women Were Dragons, and I have to say it may be my favorite this year.
I’m so sorry you are going through this. My mom was not a collector of anything. When she moved to an apartment, she’d already had us come over and go through stuff. But, it’s still so hard. My daughter has the table and chairs we’d bought Mom for Christmas one year. She keeps talking about getting rid of it, and I don’t know what I’ll do…probably stuff it in my attic! You hang onto those things until you’re ready to say goodbye. You’ll know when the time is right. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, your Billy is one of a kind. I’m so glad you’ve got these close friend with whom you can all grieve and support each other.
A year is unbelievable when a child is growing. You would think Wyatt is not the only child who is in a wheelchair and that age. So, wouldn’t there be a supply…maybe not a huge one…but a supply nonetheless.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I loved Rosalee and Monroe. I would have watched a show just about them. I couldn’t stand Juliette for some reason and then they made her character even weirder! But I loved everyone else. That was such a good show.
Ok. I have had When Women Were Dragons on my shelf for years and you have made me think I need to get to it this fall or winter.
I think that was the craziest part. When we moved mom from her house to the apartment, we did all the big important things like pack up her actual things. Devin and I could not believe how long it took, since it had felt like we didn’t move her in with too much, just sort of what she needed and certain items she wanted. She was in a senior living facility, that you could start independently in and then move up levels of care as needed and the rooms were nice but not super spacious. But I think just the memories of her using certain things, seeing her with them, that is what got me.
He has grown like crazy in the past year. And combine that with having already have outgrown it when they ordered it, he was like squished in there! It was a cycle of errors for an entire year – this whole process should have taken 3 months.
It sounds like a very emotional week, especially the wheelchair ordeal! I would be furious too! I hope this week is more relaxed😁
That just tipped the scales. Lol. I was done by that point!
Well, you DID have a week. And well done, Mama Bear! Sometimes you have to be the sticky wheel and look how it paid off. But what a horrible and annoying situation. Well done, you! I can’t imagine how much Wyatt has grown in one year and to be in the wrong position — that’s bad for the whole body. Well, three cheers. I’m glad you had the girls night to decompress.
And may I say that if Billy has a fan club, I am one of his most ardent fans. It is so difficult doing as you are, the cleaning out. Even the physicality of it is tough — dealing with boxes and packing and clothes and determining where things should go. All the harder when it is a place that is not owned but rented, so doing it sooner is more important than, say, waiting a month or two or doing a bit at a time in a house. And under those circumstances, it is absolutely impossible to make decisions on things you aren’t ready to part with. (I still have one of my dad’s old wool shirts and it has been 33 years.) You’ll figure out what to do when it is time. Meanwhile, thanks to Billy for letting you have that space to do that.
I could not believe it. He was so scrunched in there. I still can’t believe it!
Thank you Jeanie. He is really a good guy. And yes, that was so rough. That is what I told Billy too, that it was hard to have to decide in that short time frame. And I love that you still have one of your dad’s shirts. These things mean so much once someone is gone.
Girls Nights/Lunches/Days are such amazing medicine and I’m so glad y’all were able to have one <3 I did giggle when I saw your picture of "goods" 😉
Yay Lisa and her fb comment! And I don't blame you for going bananas … that's ridiculous.
Still sending all the hugs, friend <3
Thanks Rebecca. And lol! I had to laugh too. I was like this is such an odd array of things. It was nice for us all to be together and share and rant and help each other out.
I’m so sorry about your Mom! I kept odd things, too, like two shirts that I personally would never wear but I remember her wearing them and I remember what it felt like to hug her when she was wearing them so, I must keep them, for now.
I’m furious about Wyatt’s seat but glad you’ve been heard and seen by that one company. If you ever need to rage at a company in the future, a lot of them are very responsive on Tiktok, I’ve noticed.
Thank you Jinjer. Yes, it is all stuff I wouldn’t wear but same, I can picture her wearing them, remember being with her doing things in those outfits. It is just hard. It is so hard to believe she is not here.
And thank you Jinjer. I will try that next time – because unfortunately there will be a next time.
Lolly Willowes is excellent, I hope you enjoy it or have so by now. That’s really quick to have to pack up your mum’s stuff, very difficult indeed. When Matthew’s parents just even moved into the care home he brought back some very odd selections here, so this has taught me to be more patient with those, thank you (he has placed the most hideous little figurine that has ever existed in our display cabinet, even he knows it’s hideous, but there we go, it can live there as long as it needs to!). Sorry about the wheelchair place, that’s rubbish. I think we have high expectations of places that support people with needs like this, but of course they’re just as rubbish as other companies. My friend Ali who has RA was sold one of those chairs that tips up to help you get up that was completely unsuitable for her, and a powerchair, and both times blamed herself till we found good, decent companies that provided a good service. But it’s so much worse somehow when that kind of provider is bad.