Instant Gratification

Well, that's an interesting trend...  In the past 72 hours, my blog has been read more often in Russia than in the United States.  Haven't had that happen before!  I finished reading Wayfaring Stranger by James Lee Burke yesterday.  That man is a master of writing.  When I read his work, I am immediately swept away to the environs that he describes, and I experience the joys and pains of his characters.  Mr Burke is truly a word-smith, a craft master extraordinaire, and I am thankful to have been able to read all of his 34 novels so far.  I highly recommend him as an author, and as the father of another author, Alafair Burke.  Ms Burke also constructs thoroughly enthralling novels.  I wish I had that gift!
   I missed seeing both The Blacklist and Vikings last night.  The Grand Jury was meeting, and we had several interesting witnesses.  I hope to see my missed television shows tonight, while spending a couple of hours with Miss Rose.  Her papa is golfing at St. Andrews, and her momma is working, so I'm filling in as Auntie Betty, so Rose won't feel deserted.  She is an extremely social dog - tries to pull me down each and every driveway and house walkway that we pass, just to see if anyone's home.  She loves to see other dogs out walking, and totally soaks in any attention that is given her by humans.
  I'm slightly worried about Nedi.  He went out this  morning, as usual, then ate some grass.  He has to come back inside to up-chuck the grass, but he normally gets rid of it and then goes about his merry way - it doesn't seem to be a big deal.  Today, he has continued to choke, hack and gag well past his original regurgitation.  I've looked in his mouth and throat, but don't see anything unusual.  But he's curled up under the afghan on the sofa - which he doesn't normally do until late afternoon.  Maybe he's just changing his routine - I'm not sure, so I'll keep a close eye on him today.
   I've also finished reading Cuba Straits by Randy Wayne White, and The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell.  One of the main problems I have in my reading is that I finish a new book by an author, and I'm ready, right away, for the next book in the series.  Then I fret and chafe for what seems like forever before the next book is available.  I do realize how much work, research, editing and re-editing takes place for each and every novel or non-fiction book that is published.  I know that these things are labors of love for the author, and that I should be very grateful for the sharing of their gift.  But, it seems that I'm a greedy so-and-so - I want many, many more books, just as well written and crafted as before, but I want them instantly.  I think that want, need, and desire is a direct response to our new technical society - everything else is available in, seemingly, a split second.  And, these days, I want new books from the authors as soon as I read their latest work.  I know it's impossible - but I still want it, and have a feeling of loss when another new book is not instantly available.   Instant gratification: that's what this current generation should be known as - the IGs.

Books and Vikings

I met an older lady the other day, and we were inside a building, without bright light.  She suddenly asked me how I managed to be so tan...  I was surprised, but I told her that I'm out nearly every day walking dogs, and that I thought if she'd look closer, she'd see my "tan" was masses of freckles.  I guess that means it's time for me to start wearing my sun hat and sun glasses again.  I was going to do so yesterday - but after an hour of bright sun shine, we had a huge mountain wave cloud that closed off the sun until 2 in the afternoon; then it finally moved off to the east.  Today, it's bright out, even though it's almost 20 degrees cooler than yesterday. It reached 75 degrees yesterday, and we're expecting mid-60s through Saturday, but rain and snow Sunday and Monday....  Oh, well.   We can use the moisture!
   I've been waiting for the second book of the Farseer Trilogy to be available from the library.  Yesterday I finished Assassin's Apprentice but was still waiting for Royal Assassin.  So I picked up and began reading the next book in The Saxon Tales series, by Bernard Cornwell, The Pagan Lord.  If you're interested in England, and English history, during the Viking invasions and during the Dane Law, I highly recommend this series of books.  It follows the life of a Northumbrian lad into manhood and old age, including his raising by Danes, his return to the Saxons and his grudging loyalty to King Alfred the Great.  The author has done extensive research into the ways of life at that time, and the beliefs of the different peoples, including the spreading wave of Christianity.  The books are all superbly written!
  Both of my kits are back inside, and I'm preparing to go walk Rosie and Lucy.  I was amazed yesterday evening because the woman who owns the service dog was actually walking around, picking up all the poop in the back yard yesterday.  She had a very disgusted look on her face, but at least she is now following the community rules.  After walking the dogs this  morning, I'll stop by the library to return three books and pick up the second and third installments of the Farseer Trilogy...  I received an e-mail this morning that they are ready for pick-up.  Yippee!
  And, of course, today is Thor's Day - which means another new episode of Vikings on the History Channel.  There have been hints that Floki and Helga's romance might be heating up, and a warning that someone comes to join forces with King Ecbert of Wessex.  I wonder if that means we'll see King Aelle again?  I know that Aelle is instrumental in Ragnar's eventual death, so it seems fitting that he will appear, off and on, in the series.  And, hopefully, all of you know that Vikings has been signed on for a third year!