Ramblings on a chilly Thursday evening

The aroma of meatloaf is "wafting" through the house (I just love that word, I think I'd make meatloaf just to use it). It was meant to be dinner tonight until I had to pick Christopher up in his car earlier than planned and spent about an hour in the McDonald's by the Engineering building... waiting.

He has such a bad sinus infection, he knew he couldn't drive today. Hubby will be home later than planned... so, the meatloaf was popped in the oven when I arrived home to be partially cooked tonight and finished tomorrow.

I felt well enough today to assemble the meatloaf and do a couple loads of laundry. I went through the house to see what little housekeeping "tweaks" could be accomplished with leftover energy... these included combining a few piles of paper into just one, walking out to the mailbox and sorting mail, taking the broom to all the spiderwebs on the ceiling (shudder, where are all those spiders?), and putting away the dishes I'd washed earlier in the day... many little chores adding up to a clutter free house.

Perhaps the most important lesson I've learned in the last ten years of dealing with chronic illness is how much can be accomplished a little at a time.

As you can tell, I was able to write two book reviews but I'm still reading 5 Cities that Ruled the World by Doug Wilson. I've almost finished it so the review will be up very soon.

I set it aside to read the two Christmas books I mentioned bringing home from the library. Elizabeth Goudge's A Christmas Book is a collection of short stories and Christmas selections from a few of her books... lovely stories! The Rumpole Christmas selections are so very British... lots of fun to read. Sometimes having to spend afternoons on the sofa can be a good thing (it would be better if the maid would show up). :)

Christopher's English instructor told the class American English and British English are very different and Americans can find British literature difficult to read. Well, some things are just worth the extra effort. :)

I do know there are times we Americans miss the humor in the wonderful British comedies. I expect many Canadians and Australians "get it" faster than us. I still get enough of the humor that I thoroughly enjoy them. Many people agree with me as we had a lot of recommendations for the British shows.

Someone asked about Good Neighbors... it is one of my favorite British TV comedies. It was a series back in the 1970s in England and then shown on PBS to American audiences. It is about a couple who attempt to live off the land in their suburban home... but it is oh, so much more than that. :)

Now, for those not familiar with British humor... it can be a little on the... ummm... raunchy side. I'm talking potty humor and nothing horrible with those on our list. Think junior high instead of college fraternity guys on Friday night.

Now I must read another chapter of Watchmen (the graphic novel Christopher's class is discussing). It is interesting and I can understand why the instructor is using it in his class... but the filthy language is not appreciated. Such a shame, I don't think it adds anything to the book at all. While graphic novels are not my cup of tea, it did make Time magazines 100 Best Novels (of last century)... I prefer something perhaps less "interesting".

Picture: Bushel of Apples; allposters.com