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, a Party, & Catnip

I'm halfway through Dan Brown's new book, Inferno, and am enjoying it - it's one of his usual thrillers, with a certain amount of time left to save the world, using ancient texts and paintings.  And, since I want to know it all, I'm also getting a good grounding on the history of Florence and Venice, as well.  I'm still getting over a few emotional upsets caused by recent books - In Randy Wayne White's latest novel , the 20th in a series about Doctor Marion Ford (marine biologist) and his buddy Tomlinson,  one is left not knowing whether Doc will live or die...  And after 20 books in the series, there is always the possibility that the author is tired of his main characters.  But I want to read another twenty books about Doc Ford's adventures!  (That's me, whining.)  I was also amazed when I reached the final page of Dana Stabenow's latest Kate Shugak mystery - is the tale of Kate, Mutt and Jim going to end this way?  I am praying that it doesn't.  Again, I want to read more adventures involving Kate and Mutt - and Jim and Liam, too.
   I think Max's graduation party was part hit, part flop last night.  His folks had invited equal numbers of student friends and adult friends to attend; but Nancy told me they had received less than a 10% response to the RSVP invitations.  So they planned on at least 50% of the folks to turn up; and the party was catered by Chipotle, which means really good food.  But they had more than 80% of the food left at 9 p.m., when I returned Rosie back to the family home - they kept trying to convince me to take some of the chicken or steak, but they didn't know what the marinades consisted of, and I refused because I didn't want to get sick due to my food allergies.  I returned at 8:30 this morning to take Rosie out for our walk, and woke Joel up; then I woke him again, upon our return at 9:40...  I felt bad about that, but Rosie needed the exercise.  I know that a lot of Max's friends came to the party, and when I left last night, he was sitting on the sofa surrounded by girls - that's why I think the party was a hit (in some ways).
   Lovey and Nedi were treated to a new batch of organic catnip when I arrived home this morning - and I'd swear, that 90 minutes later, Lovey is still high as a kite.  My vet says that the effects of catnip only last for 15 minutes, but Lovey acts like she's high for up to 3 hours, depending on the type of catnip I give her...  Nedi is high, also, and is chasing Lovey all over the apartment.  (Jim is mowing the back yard and the kids don't like the roar of the riding mower.)  Going out for supper with a friend tonight; we should have a good time.