Althes Vestrit, Brashen Trell, and the liveship Vivacia
Amber recarves Paragon's face
Sea serpents, with leader Maulkin at left
Captain Kennit
Rain Wilder man looking at the River and Trehaug
Showing posts with label Robin Hobb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robin Hobb. Show all posts
Monday, September 19, 2016
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Chilly, Books, Vikings
It was a grey, chilly day here. After temperatures around 90 degrees (F) over the weekend, having a high of 55 seems a bit cool. Not to mention the 100% humidity level we've had all day. It's almost 6 in the evening, and I can finally see the mountains, even though they are very hazy. And it looks odd to see the pockets of cloud tucked into the shoulders of the various peaks and arroyos. It's also the first time I've actually seen that the leaves on the trees a block away are green in color. It's typical during snow, but odd during the fall.
I've been catching up on this season's Vikings - saw two hours over the weekend, and three hours today. I'm still in love with Floki, even if he did kill Athelstan. And I was shocked when Aslaug handed Ivar the Boneless over to Floki as his instructor in the gods and the old ways - but it makes perfect sense, in retrospect. Linus Roache is amazing as always in his portrayal of King Ecbert; and I have truly enjoyed every minute that Ivan Kaye has been on screen as King Aelle. Rollo is certainly making waves with Gisla, and I'm rather enjoying the actor taking the part of Count Odo. Bjorn Ironsides is maturing quite nicely... And Lagertha certainly gave her husband an unexpected wedding gift...
I am re-reading Visitor to capture the nuances I missed, and have already found several items that I did not register in my first, hurried reading. I'm about to order the new Pendergast novel by Preston and Child, The Obsidian Room, that will ship out next month. In the meantime, I'm awaiting my own copies of The Rain Wild Chronicles (volumes 1 to 4) for enjoying a leisurely perusal. After that, I'll start the new Robin Hobb series, The Fitz and The Fool. I know there are two components already published, so maybe I'll be just in time for the third of the series... And then it should be time for a new Sigma Force novel by James Rollins, and then a new CJ Cherryh Foreigner book. Looking forward to good reads over the next several months!
I've been catching up on this season's Vikings - saw two hours over the weekend, and three hours today. I'm still in love with Floki, even if he did kill Athelstan. And I was shocked when Aslaug handed Ivar the Boneless over to Floki as his instructor in the gods and the old ways - but it makes perfect sense, in retrospect. Linus Roache is amazing as always in his portrayal of King Ecbert; and I have truly enjoyed every minute that Ivan Kaye has been on screen as King Aelle. Rollo is certainly making waves with Gisla, and I'm rather enjoying the actor taking the part of Count Odo. Bjorn Ironsides is maturing quite nicely... And Lagertha certainly gave her husband an unexpected wedding gift...
I am re-reading Visitor to capture the nuances I missed, and have already found several items that I did not register in my first, hurried reading. I'm about to order the new Pendergast novel by Preston and Child, The Obsidian Room, that will ship out next month. In the meantime, I'm awaiting my own copies of The Rain Wild Chronicles (volumes 1 to 4) for enjoying a leisurely perusal. After that, I'll start the new Robin Hobb series, The Fitz and The Fool. I know there are two components already published, so maybe I'll be just in time for the third of the series... And then it should be time for a new Sigma Force novel by James Rollins, and then a new CJ Cherryh Foreigner book. Looking forward to good reads over the next several months!
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Books, Glorious Books!
While on vacation, I began to re-read The Liveship Trilogy by Robin Hobb. I've been reading them slowly and absorbing a lot more nuances than I did on the first reading, and I've got about 15 pages left of Ship of Destiny. I do have the first book of the next connected series ready to read - Dragon Keeper, which is the first book of four in The Rain Wilds Chronicles. I can't wait to get pulled deep into this world created by Robin Hobb, aka Megan Lindholm, again... But first, I am going to take a short break, and read the last two C.J. Cherryh Foreigner series books - both Tracker and the new Visitor - they are calling me like the wi'itikin on the cliffs. I'm also keeping my eyes open for other new books by favorite authors... In a way, I'm looking forward to ice and snow storms, so I can stay at home and read in warmth and comfort, with a cat on my lap, and one on the back of the chair...
The "bundle" of services we get - telephone, computer and cable television - are paid monthly, by the bank, electronically. Our charge suddenly increased by $24+ this month, so Beatrice went to the office, as she pays the "utility" bills. They informed her she was behind in her payments, and, even though she disagreed with them, finally paid for two months of service then and there. I showed her the paid receipt for that month, and for the previous month. She went back to the office again, fit to be tied. They refused to give her a refund - just told her she wouldn't have to pay in September... So our finances are a little tight with three days left of the month. We have plenty of cat food, kitty treats and kitty litter. There is plenty of soda, juice and Gatorade in stock. We have fruits and veggies, soup, and all sorts of canned and frozen foods and meals. But we don't have any free cash - and we're (now) used to being to buy what we feel like eating on the spur of the moment... Let's order a pizza... I don't feel like cooking, let's go to Turley's, or Five Guys, or Glacier, or The Cork, or the Outback Grill.... It's seems extremely silly to be suddenly aware that we don't have any "throw away" money at the end of this month. Of course, we'll have plenty next month... But it's funny how that nibbles at your subconscious....
The "bundle" of services we get - telephone, computer and cable television - are paid monthly, by the bank, electronically. Our charge suddenly increased by $24+ this month, so Beatrice went to the office, as she pays the "utility" bills. They informed her she was behind in her payments, and, even though she disagreed with them, finally paid for two months of service then and there. I showed her the paid receipt for that month, and for the previous month. She went back to the office again, fit to be tied. They refused to give her a refund - just told her she wouldn't have to pay in September... So our finances are a little tight with three days left of the month. We have plenty of cat food, kitty treats and kitty litter. There is plenty of soda, juice and Gatorade in stock. We have fruits and veggies, soup, and all sorts of canned and frozen foods and meals. But we don't have any free cash - and we're (now) used to being to buy what we feel like eating on the spur of the moment... Let's order a pizza... I don't feel like cooking, let's go to Turley's, or Five Guys, or Glacier, or The Cork, or the Outback Grill.... It's seems extremely silly to be suddenly aware that we don't have any "throw away" money at the end of this month. Of course, we'll have plenty next month... But it's funny how that nibbles at your subconscious....
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Racing and Books
Bright sunshine and patchy snow on the ground... Kits outside playing (and tracking in mud) and squirrels filling their tummies. It's a nice morning. I've watered and fed the chickens, and collected 3 eggs; watered and fed the kits who live with the chickens. Fed and walked Rosie. Come home and taken care of my kits... The internet connection is completely gone at Rosie's, so I'm happy I'll be returning home tonight. Still have the chicks and kits until next Sunday, and next weekend, I'll be staying with Boo. I'll be keeping busy.
There were some exciting horse races yesterday - and a terrible death. The San Luis Rey Stakes race finished pretty close - Fire With Fire, who led from the starting gate, won by a half-length over Lucayan, who was a nose in front of Temeraine. Vagabond Shoes, however, an older horse that I really like, was put down after the race. Vagabond Shoes was bumped coming out of the gate, and just "didn't feel normal" to his usual jockey. When the rider asked the horse to increase his speed, the rider heard a loud "pop" from a hind leg, and the horse stumbled badly. The jockey pulled Vagabond Shoes up, and he was vanned off the track. The horse's left hind cannon bone was shattered; and the decision was made to euthanize him. ... The Spiral Stakes ended with a "blanket finish" - three horses hit the finish line at almost the same time. We Miss Artie won by a nose, with Harry's Holiday beating Coastline by a head for second place. It was a thrilling race. ... The Bourbonette Stakes was touted as the return of Sloane Square - but she could only finish second, two and a quarter lengths behind Aurelia's Belle, and two and a half lengths ahead of Kate's Eyes.
The more I read, the more I love the books of Robin Hobb. I recently re-read The Liveship Traders trilogy; I just finished the four books that make up The Rain Wild Chronicles; and last night I started reading The Tawny Man trilogy, which (I just found out) follows The Farseer Trilogy. So I still have six more books of hers to read, not to mention another series, and all of her other books. This woman writer is absolutely fantastic! She creates viable worlds, sets the scene with interesting characters, and interweaves history, magic, and ancient lore into a wholly believable universe. I highly recommend her books to everyone!
There were some exciting horse races yesterday - and a terrible death. The San Luis Rey Stakes race finished pretty close - Fire With Fire, who led from the starting gate, won by a half-length over Lucayan, who was a nose in front of Temeraine. Vagabond Shoes, however, an older horse that I really like, was put down after the race. Vagabond Shoes was bumped coming out of the gate, and just "didn't feel normal" to his usual jockey. When the rider asked the horse to increase his speed, the rider heard a loud "pop" from a hind leg, and the horse stumbled badly. The jockey pulled Vagabond Shoes up, and he was vanned off the track. The horse's left hind cannon bone was shattered; and the decision was made to euthanize him. ... The Spiral Stakes ended with a "blanket finish" - three horses hit the finish line at almost the same time. We Miss Artie won by a nose, with Harry's Holiday beating Coastline by a head for second place. It was a thrilling race. ... The Bourbonette Stakes was touted as the return of Sloane Square - but she could only finish second, two and a quarter lengths behind Aurelia's Belle, and two and a half lengths ahead of Kate's Eyes.
The more I read, the more I love the books of Robin Hobb. I recently re-read The Liveship Traders trilogy; I just finished the four books that make up The Rain Wild Chronicles; and last night I started reading The Tawny Man trilogy, which (I just found out) follows The Farseer Trilogy. So I still have six more books of hers to read, not to mention another series, and all of her other books. This woman writer is absolutely fantastic! She creates viable worlds, sets the scene with interesting characters, and interweaves history, magic, and ancient lore into a wholly believable universe. I highly recommend her books to everyone!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Little Bits
Wow. I did not expect to see the martyrdom of Saint Swithin on Vikings Thursday night. I had seen the Bishop admonish Athelstan in the preview, but hadn't realized his name until the Vikings started shooting arrows into him. - And I only know about Saint Swithin from reading about the Early Church in England, and about the history of the Viking invasions in England. - It was almost like the jolt of reaction I had to hearing Donel Logue's voice on Law And Order: SVU on Wednesday night...
Spent last night with Boo, and began the first of four books by Robin Hobb in The Rain Wild Chronicles, which is a continuation of the stories from The Liveship Traders. This woman is a fantastic writer! Her ideas, and the complex weaving of the stories are totally enthralling. If you ever want to lose yourself in another world or different time, read a Robin Hobb book!
The weather forecast called for a sunny morning, and a combination of rain and/or snow this afternoon. The wind started blowing in from the northwest last night, and we have a cloudy grey sky. It's 45 degrees out, but the wind is constantly blowing, so the wind chill is 28 at the moment. My kits ran around outside for an hour after I returned home this morning, and are both curled up in my bed at the moment.
As my husband was Irish, I want to wish you a wonderful weekend of celebrating St. Patrick's Day - but please do so carefully. Have a designated driver. Don't drink and drive. Don't get high and drive. Be safe, both for yourself and everyone else. Thanks.
Spent last night with Boo, and began the first of four books by Robin Hobb in The Rain Wild Chronicles, which is a continuation of the stories from The Liveship Traders. This woman is a fantastic writer! Her ideas, and the complex weaving of the stories are totally enthralling. If you ever want to lose yourself in another world or different time, read a Robin Hobb book!
The weather forecast called for a sunny morning, and a combination of rain and/or snow this afternoon. The wind started blowing in from the northwest last night, and we have a cloudy grey sky. It's 45 degrees out, but the wind is constantly blowing, so the wind chill is 28 at the moment. My kits ran around outside for an hour after I returned home this morning, and are both curled up in my bed at the moment.
As my husband was Irish, I want to wish you a wonderful weekend of celebrating St. Patrick's Day - but please do so carefully. Have a designated driver. Don't drink and drive. Don't get high and drive. Be safe, both for yourself and everyone else. Thanks.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Pirates and Vikings
I just started the second book of a trilogy by Robin Hobb. The Liveship Traders is the name of the trilogy, and it's made up of Ship of Magic, The Mad Ship, and Ship of Destiny. If you enjoy well-written fantasy, multiple characters, pirates, sailing, ships, dragons, sea serpents, and romance and adventure, then this series was written for you. I admit the Prologue intrigued me, but the first chapter seemed dreary; then the entire story line came into view, and I was hooked. This is a super group of books, and Robin Hobb is an excellent, and prolific, writer.
With Mom growing up on Chincoteague Island, and Dad serving in the US Navy, and with me spending my summers on the island while growing up, I've always been drawn to pirates and pirate stories. There have been stories of pirate treasure being buried on Assateague Island since the mid-1600s. It was rumored that Blackbeard, Edward Teach, left treasure on or near Assateague (which is the island next to Chincoteague) - and treasure hunters have dug all over both islands and any long-lived "tumps" nearby. It was also rumored that a few families along the Eastern Shore made their spending money by pirating, but also had the family farm along the creek to keep up appearances they were honest, hard-working citizens.
In any event, it was due to this that a new news article caught my eye this morning - "new" evidence of 17th-century Irish pirating, near the southwest coast of Munster. The evidence has been there, in plain sight, all along, but it took an archeologist's eye and experience to prove it. Almost invisible stairs cut into sheer cliffs in two coves show where both smuggling and pirating activities took place. Dutchman's Cove at Castletownsend, County Cork, and the Gokane headland at Crookhaven, West Cork, have been examined, and the archeologists agree that both places were in use before and after the Dutch shattered the Irish pirates in 1614 (with the blessing of King James the First and Sixth). Shades of "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh!" I dearly loved Patrick McGoohan as the Vicar/Scarecrow in that Disney movie - his Scarecrow persona scared the daylights out of me, as a child.
And, yesterday afternoon and evening, I had a magnificent time watching the 9-hour marathon of the first season of Vikings on the History Channel. I fell in love with Floki in the first episode of the first season - Gustav Skarsgard brought a lot of the characteristics of Floki with him, and has really honed this character. Floki has a biting wit, a love of women, enjoys good food, has an extensive knowledge of healing, and is an expert boat builder. Floki "communes" with trees, and knows which ones will make an excellent keel, which to use as the figurehead, and which to use as the strakes. Since he usually carries an axe, he seems to tilt to one side instead of standing upright. He is loyal, honest, and giving to his friends. He has "odd thoughts" that cause him to giggle at unusual times, and most people believe he has been "touched by the Gods." In the preview for the new season that begins tonight, we see a battle, with Ragnar leading his men (including Floki) against warriors led by his brother Rollo. One sees, for a moment, what appears to be Rollo striking a heavy blow, with an axe, onto Floki, and Floki falls. I really hope that Floki does not die in this season - I look forward to his sly wit, giggles, and open honesty in dealing with his own feelings. Gustav Skarsgard deserves year-round employment!
With Mom growing up on Chincoteague Island, and Dad serving in the US Navy, and with me spending my summers on the island while growing up, I've always been drawn to pirates and pirate stories. There have been stories of pirate treasure being buried on Assateague Island since the mid-1600s. It was rumored that Blackbeard, Edward Teach, left treasure on or near Assateague (which is the island next to Chincoteague) - and treasure hunters have dug all over both islands and any long-lived "tumps" nearby. It was also rumored that a few families along the Eastern Shore made their spending money by pirating, but also had the family farm along the creek to keep up appearances they were honest, hard-working citizens.
In any event, it was due to this that a new news article caught my eye this morning - "new" evidence of 17th-century Irish pirating, near the southwest coast of Munster. The evidence has been there, in plain sight, all along, but it took an archeologist's eye and experience to prove it. Almost invisible stairs cut into sheer cliffs in two coves show where both smuggling and pirating activities took place. Dutchman's Cove at Castletownsend, County Cork, and the Gokane headland at Crookhaven, West Cork, have been examined, and the archeologists agree that both places were in use before and after the Dutch shattered the Irish pirates in 1614 (with the blessing of King James the First and Sixth). Shades of "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh!" I dearly loved Patrick McGoohan as the Vicar/Scarecrow in that Disney movie - his Scarecrow persona scared the daylights out of me, as a child.
And, yesterday afternoon and evening, I had a magnificent time watching the 9-hour marathon of the first season of Vikings on the History Channel. I fell in love with Floki in the first episode of the first season - Gustav Skarsgard brought a lot of the characteristics of Floki with him, and has really honed this character. Floki has a biting wit, a love of women, enjoys good food, has an extensive knowledge of healing, and is an expert boat builder. Floki "communes" with trees, and knows which ones will make an excellent keel, which to use as the figurehead, and which to use as the strakes. Since he usually carries an axe, he seems to tilt to one side instead of standing upright. He is loyal, honest, and giving to his friends. He has "odd thoughts" that cause him to giggle at unusual times, and most people believe he has been "touched by the Gods." In the preview for the new season that begins tonight, we see a battle, with Ragnar leading his men (including Floki) against warriors led by his brother Rollo. One sees, for a moment, what appears to be Rollo striking a heavy blow, with an axe, onto Floki, and Floki falls. I really hope that Floki does not die in this season - I look forward to his sly wit, giggles, and open honesty in dealing with his own feelings. Gustav Skarsgard deserves year-round employment!
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