BOOKS READ/LISTEN TO IN 2021

 

BOOKS READ IN 2021

FORBIDDEN FRUIT (CORRINA CHAPMAN) KERRY GREENWOOD

COOKING THE BOOKS (CORINNA CHAPMAN) KERRY GREENWOOD

THE SPOTTED DOG (CORRINA CHAPMAN) KERRY GREENWOOD

COCAINE BLUES (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

FLYING TO HIGH (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

MURDER ON THE BALLARET TRAIN (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

MURDER AT VICTORIA DOCK (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

THE GREEN MILL MURDER (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

BLOOD AND CIRCUSES (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

RUDDY GORE (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

URN BURIAL (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

RAISINS AND ALMONDS (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGRREENWOOD

DEATH BEFORE WICKET (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

AWAY WITH THE FARIES (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

MURDER IN MONTARNASSE (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

THE CASTLEMAINE MURDERS (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

QUEEEN OF THE FLOWERS (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

DEATH BY WATER (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRY GREENWOOD

MURDER IN THE DARK (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

MURDER ON A MIDSUMMER NIGHT (PHRYNE FISHER) KETTY GREENWOOD

DEAD MAN'S CHEST (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

UNNATURAL HABITS (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

MURDER AND MENDELSSOHN (PHRYNE FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

A QUESTION OF DEATH (PHRYNE .FISHER) KERRYGREENWOOD

THE LADY WITH THE GUN ASKS QUESTIONS (PHRYNE) KERRYGREENWOOD

WONDERLAND (SPENSER) R.B.PARKER ACE ATKINS

BAD BUSINESS (SPENSER) ROBERT B PARKER

SILENT NIGHT (SPENSER) ROBERT B PARKER

LITTLE WHITE LIES (SPENSER) ACE ATKINS

APPALOOSA (COLE & HHITCH) ROBERT B PARKER

BLOODLINE FELIX FRANCIS

GAMBLE FELIX FRANCIS

BREAK IN (KIT FIELDING) DICK FRANCIS

BOLT (KIT FIELDING) DICK FRANCIS

WHIP HAND (SID HALLEY) DICK FRANCIS

FRONT RUNNER (JEFF HINKLEY) FELIX FRANCIS

FLYING FINISH DICK FRANCIS

UNDER ORDERS (SID HALLEY) DICK FRANCIS

HOT MONEY DICK FRANCIS

TRIPLE CROWN (JEFF HINKLEY) FELIX FRANCIS

SECOND WIND DICK FRANCIS

TO THE HILT DICK FRANCIS

REFLEX DICK FRANCIS

STRAIGHT DICK FRANCIS

COME TO GRIEF (SID HALLEY ) DICK FRANCIS

10 L.B PENALTY DICK FRANCIS

WILD HORSES DICK FRANCIS

DRIVING FORCE DICK FRANCIS

RAT RACE DICK FRANCIS

ENQUIRY DICK FRANCIS

BLOOD SPORT DICK FRANCIS

BANKER DICK FRANCIS

FORFEIT DICK FRANCIS

NO JOB FOR A WOMAN P D JAMES

DARK CORNERS RUTH RENDELL

GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS MAGGIE GROFF

NOT YOUR ADVERAGE NURSE MAGGIE GROFF

MAD MEN,BAD GIRLS & THE GUERILLA KNITTING INSTITUE MAGGIE GROFF

THE HOUSE OF UNEXPECTED SISTERS (NO 1 LADIES) ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH

PRECIOUS AND GRACE (NO 1 LADIES) ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH

THE COLORS OF ATTTHE CATTLE (NO1 LADIES) ALEXANDER McCALLSMITH

THE WOMAN WHO WALKS IN SUNSHINE(NO1 LADIES) ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH

KOKODA PETER FITZSIMONS

EUREKA PETER FITZSIMONS

NED KELLY PETER FITZSIMONS

MAWSON PETER FITZSIMONS

CHARLES KINGSFORD SMITH PETER FITZSIMONS

GALLIPOLI PETER FITZSIMONS

VICTORY AT VILLERSBRETONEUX PETER FITZSIMONS

GOTTA LOVE THIS COUNTRY PETER FITZSIMONS

TOBRUK PETER FITZSIMONS

TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG PETER CAREY

ILLYWHACKER PETER CAREY

THE CHEMISTRY OF TEARS PETER CAREY

AMNESIA PETER CAREY

NED KELLY (A SHORT LIFE) IAN JONES

AUSTRALIAN CODEBREAKERS JAMES PHELPS

DEATH ON THE NILE AGTHA CHRISTIE

HEARTACHES & CHRISTMAS CAKES AMY MILLER

AGATHA RASIN & CHRISTMAS CRUMBLE M.C.BEATON

MOVIES SEEN IN 2021

 As we end 2021 I will share with you a couple of lists, the first is this one,

MOVIES SEEN IN2021

MOVIE YEAR RATING

HIDDEN FIGURES 2019 XXXX

JO JO RABBIT 2019 XXXX

THE ALAMO 1960 XXX

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE 1965 XXX

PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD 2019 XXX

THE IRON LADY 2011 XX

U571 2000 XXX

KELLY'S HEROES 1970 XXXX

CHJARLIE'S ANGELS 2019 XXXX

THE GOOD,, THE BAD & THE UGLY 1966 XXX

WHERE EAGLES DARE 1968 XXX

RESISTANCE 2020 XXXX

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID 1969 XXX

1917 (2019) XXXX

DUNKIRK 2017 XXX THE YOUNG LIONS 1958 XX

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER 1973 XXX

MIDWAY 2019 XXX

THE A TEAM 2010 XXX

THE HORSE SOLIDERS 1959 XXX

GRACE OF MONACO 2013 XXX

EMMA 2020 XX

THE YOUNG VICTORIA 2003 XX

DIANA 2013 XX

COLD MOUNTAIN 2003 XXX

THE OUTPOST 2019 XXX

KOKODA 2003 XXX

NOMADLAND 2021 XX

OPERATION PETTICOAT 1959 XXX

FATHER GOOSE 1964 XXX

TO BE OR NOT TO BE 1983 XX

THE RAILWAY MAN 2013 XXX

THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN 1995 XXX GREAT ESCAPE 1965 XXX

THE TERMINAL 2004 XX

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBOUR 2019 XX

THE LIGHTHORSEMEN 1982 XXX

THE BOOK THIEF 2013 XXX

GREAT EXPECTATIONS 2012 XX

SULLY 2016 XXX

MACARTHUR 1977 XX

FROST/NIXON 2008 X

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS 2013 XXX

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS 1974 XXX

HEARTBREAK RIDGE 1986 XXX

THE BRIDGE AT REMAGEN 1969 XXX

ENIGMA 2001 XX

FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS 2006 XXX

TORA TORA TORA 1970 XXX

SUFFRAGETTE 2014 XX

BATTLE OF BRITIAN 1969 XXX

THE GREAT RACE 1965 XX

THE BRIDGES AT TOKO-RI 1954 XXX

THE DUKES OF HAZZARD 2005 XXX

THE DESERT FOX 1951 XXX

PATTON 1970 XX

ROOSTER COGBURN 1975 XXX

CAPONE 2020 XX

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4 2011 XXX

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED 1976 XXX

THE COLDITZ STORY 1955 XXX

THE GREEN BERETS 1968 XXX

MISTER ROBERTS 1955 XX

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS 2009 XX

YOURS, MINE & OURS 1968 XXX

MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES 1965 XX

HELL IS FOR HEROES 1962 XX

VIVA LAS VEGAS 1964 XX

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 1951 XXX

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN 1960 XXX

POEM DAY

 

Family

© Josephine Zavala-Florez More By Josephine Zavala-Florez

Published: May 2018

God gave each of us a special family
that we can call our own.
A family that loves us for who we are
so we would never feel alone.

They may not like everything we do
or everything we say,
but the beautiful thing about "family"
is that they love us anyway.

Sometimes we feel rejected
by people who do not care,
but our hearts are warmed when remembering
that our family is always there!

So hug them a little more often,
for sometimes we hurt the ones we love.
And tell them how much you love them,
for they were sent to you from above

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/family-36

MY CHRISTMAS DAY

Another Christmas over and the first without Mum or Dad and in many ways it has been hard so very hard but my girls wanted to make it special for me.

Tasha & Kelli did the cooking and Kathy brought an apple crumble for desert and Kelli bought a pavlova while Tasha made caramel tarts.

The morning didn't start off well with my body being stiff and me being unable to move my arms. It was so hard to move that I rang Tasha and that was a mistake, she went off her head about her father not getting up and helping me. Her tone and what not upset me and Tim, she spoke with no respect and Tim got it into his head that she hates him. She doesn't get why we feel hurt and upset.

Thankfully after all was said and done both Tim & I had a damn good Christmas Day.

I received some nice gifts from my brother and Leigh, Dawson's mother Michelle, my daughter Kathy and niece Kelli. I thank them all.

CHRISTMAS WEEK

 A late start to the day, didn't wake till 6.10am. No Kathy today she was a close contact of a positive Covid case, so needs to isolate until she gets a negative result.

A stinking hot day.

Tim received a $100 gift voucher for Coles as a reward for 10yrs service at work, along with a 10yr badge. So he went to Coles and did some shopping.

18-12-21

Had a horrible nights sleep I feel like I spent more time awake then asleep. I was up at 4.30am, it was already bloody hot.

Managed to write another letter although half way through it I had to get Tasha to rub deep heat into my left arm.

19-12-21

Slept well more or less, woke at 4.50 when Tim pushed me because I was laying in the middle of the bed.

Much cooler this morning but by 9am it is stinking hot again.

My left arm is sore when I use it to type.

20-12-21

Awake at 4.30 and up washed and ready for the day, gonna be another hot one.

Tried to vacuum the lounge room but the vacuum cleaner must need emptying so it's a half ass job. So asked Kelli if she would bring her vacuum down and run it over the floor which she did.

Been stinking hot even with the air con going. Decided to have a cool shower before I go to bed.

21-12-21

A bloody early start,woke at 3.20 hot and unable to settle, tossed and turned kinda till 4.30 when I got up.

I opened both sliding doors to cool the house down. I also turned the air con in Tim's office and opened Leo's door to cool his room down.

Kathy is back at work she got a phone call telling her to go back to work. This is good and not so good news, as she was expecting to be off till the 29^th.

Sandy wasn't able to take me to the cemetery but Kelli will take me tomorrow.

22-12-21

Another warm night and early start to the day.

Jono's birthday he is 34 sent him a birthday text at 5.30am.

Kelli drove me to visit Mum & Dad, Sue met us there.

Had some rain but not much.

Kelli putting me to bed as Tash is super stressed, after going shopping.

Going too have a shower on my own to wash the sweat off, this I can do kinda.

23-12-21

Slept in till 5am, not as hot this morning.

Kelli drove me to Dave's for a siblings lunch. I took some grog and of course gifts for the family.

Kelli said she will pick me up when I am ready to come home.

24-12-21

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I am having a shit morning, woke with stiff arms. I made the mistake of ringing Tasha. She went off yelling and slamming stuff and going off about Tim not helping.

Tim got up in a depressed mood because of Tasha, this upset me.

Lunch was great the food was delicious, Tasha & Kelli did a bloody great job.

I received some great gifts, a new blender, a skirt and top, sleepers for my ears, body creams and wash.

25-12-21

A CHRISTMAS POEM

 

Christmas Wishes For You

© Sherry Asbury

Published: December 2018

May peace dwell with you,
may prosperity huddle near.
May family gather together
without heartache or tear.

There is a star shining
in the night sky ... just there.
It is for you to wish upon
to keep you safe from care.

May everything you need
be yours to have and proclaim
as you're due; just close your eyes
and ask it in His precious name.

Merry Christmas to you, friend.
Let your season be a blessed one
filled with love and cheer and more.
Smile, laugh, and enjoy the fun.

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/christmas-wishes-for-you

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

 

No Christmas tradition is more joyful than the singing of Christmas carols. From age to age and country to country, the rich collection of well loved melodies and lyrics has grown until today it is a revered and sizeable part of our musical heritage.

With the advancements of today, we can hear these beloved carols sung by choirs and soloists from across the world.

Isn't it a thrill to hear “Silent Night” sung in the original German?

And isn't it fun to go a-caroling as people did in Dickens' time in England? Or to welcome those who sing to our doors?

Fashions in music will come and go, popular works will have their day and the classics will hold their own. But Christmas carols, they will only be more beloved than ever as each new generation learns to sing them!

CHRISTMAS CANDLES

 No lovelier tradition exists than the custom of lighting candles to honour the Infant Jesus. Today candle-lit churches and homes everywhere echo the pleasant belief so popular in the Middle Ages that the Holy Child might be guided by candlelight through the dark night to a sheltering house. Indeed, no stranger was ever turned away from the door, for who knew but that it might be Christ himself who stood there!

The candles we use today we amaze the medieval populace. All shapes, all sizes, all colours are available but also we have flame-less candles operated by battery.

No candle can be a Christmas candle unless its lovely light reminds us that it shines to honour the birthday of a King!

ANOTHER WEEK DONE

 

Had a decent nights sleep, woke at 3.30 to pee, did that and went back to bed till 4.30.

Tasha on the warpath about dishwasher not being unpacked and dirty dishes everywhere.

Blain's 16^th birthday. I sent him a birthday message.

At 10.20 I tripped coming in the back sliding door and fell over hitting my head on the dining room table. Blain was here and I was going to get his birthday present. No blood just a sore head.

12-12-21

Had a restless night but I am feeling ok.

My left upper arm is extremely sore, I suspect from falling on it. I am wearing the shoulder brace.

This afternoon I did some online Christmas shopping at Big W for Tasha to pick up on Wednesday.

13-12-21Had a restless night but I am feeling ok.

My left upper arm is extremely sore, I suspect from falling on it. I am wearing the shoulder brace.

This afternoon I did some online Christmas shopping at Big W for Tasha to pick up on Wednesday.

13-12-21

Woke at 4.15 and started shaking all over bad enough for me to get up.

Tim drove me to Xray place had Xray and ultrasound done. I was 35 minutes early but got straight in and was home 15 minutes before appointment time.

My left arm is very painful. I also now have a black eye and a bruised head.

I feel like shit this afternoon.

14-12-21

Awake and up at 4.30, I had just started my wash when Tasha arrived to shower me.

My black eye is more noticeable today.

Kelli picked up my click & collect order from Sandy where Dave took it at lunch as Tash forgot about it.

Been a bloody hot day.

15-12-21

Woke at 4.30 thought I would just lay there for a bit but after only a few minutes my whole body started shaking, so I got up at 4.35am.

By the time Tash arrived at 4.55 I was washed and drenched in sweat.

Kelli took me shopping at Hot Bargain she pushed me in my wheelchair as there is no room to take the scooter in.

When we went back to the car it started to rain heavy, we all got pretty wet.

16-12-21

A latter start didn't wake till 5am.

First day of school holidays, so no need to wake Leo which is why his mum didn't before she left for work. No idea what work she is doing but she will be home by 10am.

Kelli came over this arvo and we wrapped and bagged more Chrissy. After that I had a bath and laid down and listened to a book.

Been another hot day.

Jess had to go and finish her days work at 5pm, she will be home by 8pm.

17-12-21

PHOTO FRIDAY

 

                                    .                         DAD AND HIS GIRLS

CHRISTMAS GREENERY

 

Evergreens, the symbol of eternal life, are as much a part of Christmas today as they have been for centuries. The wreath upon the door seems to say, “welcome the spirit of Christmas is in this home”.

The garlands that decorate stairs and mantels fill the air with spicy fragrance. There is a feeling of joy and friendship is home made with Christmas greens.

Kissing under the mistletoe is as popular now as it has been since the custom was first started in ancient Rome. Love and kinship take on a new glow when the twinkling tree sends out its little messages of warmth at the holiday season.

There is no other time of year when our homes are as open to our friends and dear ones. As we decorate our rooms and trim our trees and hang our wreaths, in a very special sense we are preparing our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child. For, when all is said and done, that is what Christmas is really all about.

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE

Christmas is a happy and cherished time all around the world. This is a time when family ties seem stronger and closer than ever. It is a time to draw together the strands of friendship that may have loosened throughout the busy year.

Christmas means many things to many people, but the key words to its joy are “loving and giving”. Gifts and greetings pour out in a great flood during the holiday season.

New friendships are formed-old ones are renewed and revitalised. This is a time when heart speaks heart and the message is LOVE 

ANOTHER WEEK DONE WITH

 Up and waiting for Kathy at 4.30 she arrived at 6.30. I had breakfast at 5.30. So all Kathy had to do wash shower and dress me. She also did my fruit and vacuumed lounge-room floor.

4-12-21

Sunday here and a dry fine morning it is, I have been awake more or less since 3am, up since 4.20am.

Read some blogs then turned to doing Christmas cards managed to do 6 before the pain got to bad and I packed it in

Also answered a couple of letters

5-12-21

Had another good night awake and up at 4.30 again.

I had Tasha cut the sleeves out of the tee shirt I'm wearing, much better.

Wrote another letter and did 4 more Christmas cards.

Kelli came and wrapped Mrs Claus which we will deliver maybe tomorrow.

6-12-21

Slept in till 5am don't think I woke at all last night.

Kathy told me that there is a state wide teachers strike, so Leo isn't going to school.

Kelli & Freya drove me around to drop off Mrs Claus gifts, as well as Leigh's birthday gift, it took a couple of hours.

I'm in a lot of pain.

7-12-21

Tim woke me at 2am to pee, after that it was difficult to get back to sleep but I did till 4.55am when I got up.

A good morning managed a few more Christmas cards.

Kelli putting me to bed, Tasha had to go out and was stuck in traffic.

8-12-21

A good start to the day, up dressed and fed by 5.30am.

There are workmen at Mrs G's aka NO:10 taking out her vertical blinds and bathroom vanity. As place has to look like it did when she moved in.

Went with Jess & Kelli to Jesmond just for the drive. Kelli had a click & collect order to pick up.

Jess picked up a bed base for Leo with Kelli's help.

9-12-21

Another has arrived, I was up washed, dressed & fed by 5.35 again.

Sandy came over for a visit it was great seeing her. Kelli & Freya came over while Sandy was here.

Sandra reminded me that there is a Christmas Eve lunch at Dave's. I had forgotten all about it.

Kelli putting me to bed.

10-12-21

Woke at 5am, Kathy arrived at 6.30am showered me and help get my breakfast.

After reading some blogs I started on Christmas cards till I ran out of cards. Kelli came and help.

11-12-21

PHOTO FRIDAY

 

MY MUM & DAD

VIRGINIA'S ANSWER FINAL

 

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest men nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart.

Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view the supernal beauty beyond. Is it all real?

Ah Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus? Thank God! He lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia nay ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

VIRGINIA ANSWERS PT 2

 There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment except in sight and sense. The eternal light which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus!

You might as well not believe in fairies!Cl

You might get your Papa to hire men to watch all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they do not see Santa Claus coming down what will that prove?

Nobody sees Santa Claus but there is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.

VIRGINIA'S ANSWER PART 1

 

They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their minds, Virginia whether they be men or children are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect in intellect as compared with the boundless world about him as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth.

Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!

It would be as dreary if there were no Virginias.

ANOTHER BLOODY WEEK

 Had another good night, I remember Tim asking me if I wanted to go to the toilet when he came to bed and me saying no. I do not know why I said no but I did.

Woke to the sound of rain again. I have only berries in way of fruit and I can't eat berries without apple or grapes or a mandarin. So no fruit for me this morning.

Kathy came and showered me.

Because it is raining I decided not go shopping also our groceries will be delivered between 10-11am. I don't want to go to a crowded shopping centre because it is difficult to manoeuvre the scooter.

27-11-21

Managed to sleep till 5am, Tasha came down without me needing to ring her, another cool wet day. Tasha started cleaning out the laundry cupboard. It now has more room as we tossed out a lot of old unused stuff.

Kelli came and cleaned off the dining room table and placed my Christmas snow globes on it. She also hung my family wreath for me, in a place that I can now leave it 24/7.

28-11-21

Monday again and out of bed at 4.45am I was having my morning wash when I heard Tasha arrive.

A cool dry start to the day, no rain all day.

While watching telly I saw Kelli's dog trying to get over the fence again, so I rang Jono and let him know.

29-11-21

Slept well woke at 4.45,up washed and dressed another cool dry morning.

My arms are very sore had Tim rub ice gel into them for small relief.

Wrote a list of overseas penpal addresses ready for Christmas card, which I must do this week.

30-11-21

A new day has began I was awake and up around 4.30am. Tash turned up without me calling her.

Had a doctors appointment for my care plan review and scripts all went well, except I stumbled and nearly fell while walking to the nurses room.

Other then that another run of the mill day.

1-12-21

Damn I woke up early 3am, I got up and peed then back to bed but unable to go back to sleep. I dosed on and off till 4.30 when I got up.

My left knee is super painful stinging something awful. Paracetamol does shit when it's like this.

Kelli came over with Jess to ask me about Christmas Day as in what I am doing, answer spending it here with my girls.

While she was here Tash arrived to settle me down for the night and they started talking about Christmas lunch.

2-12-21

Slept well woke at 4.30 up at 4.45am washed and dressed for the day.

A hot day, hot enough for air con.

Did the grocery shop, read some blogs and found some more Christmas cards and that's about all,no motivation to do anything else.

Kelli putting me to bed.

3-12-21

Yes Virginia

 We have now entered December so since this is Christmas month I will be doing a number of Christmas them posts.

This first one is taken from a Christmas card Mum & Dad gave my sister Sue.

The Answer to Virginia

Many years back the editor of the New York Sun received a letter from Virginia O'Hanlon.....

Dear Editor, I am eight years old, some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Please tell me the truth.....

The answer to Virginia published in the Sun the next day caused such a nation-wide interest it was reprinted for many Christmas's afterwards.

I will start the answer tomorrow............

Why do one long ass post when I can spread it over two or three posts.