Mother-Daughter Murder Night
Book Notes Yeah, kitt finished writing this at 20:40 on 14 January 2024
I feel this is one of those books that caught my attention when I was in Libby looking at something else. I enjoyed the book.
It tells of Lana, the grandmother, Beth, the daughter, and Jack, the granddaughter, weaving their history through the immediate couple months of investigation of the death of a person found in the slough close to Beth's house, by a member of a kayaking excursion that Jack was leading. Lana is a high powered real estate executive estranged from her daughter. Beth is a competent nurse in a nursing home. Jack is the teenager with big dreams on the water.
The death is considered a murder, so, of course, we have the bumbling cop, the competent upcoming cop, the suspicious everyone else. We have land trusts and big ranches, many people with their own motives, and three different misdirections. Simon does a great job of introducing plausible suspects, introducing characters early, with motives, and with plenty of suspicious behaviours. Which is great for those misdirections.
The character growth is pretty good, without being forced. A couple situations were the of the kind of moments where someone realizes the other person is trying, and that receiving the offer with grace is going to help. I appreciated those moments written down, if they happened more in real life, we'd all be better off.
I am uncertain why the book felt long. I looked several times at the page number, wondering how much more I had left to read, which is either a sign the book is too long or, more likely, the author's writing style doesn't quite fit with my brain at this moment. Which is fine, the book is an entertaining mystery read with a strong female lead (always a win!).
“What?” Lana asked.
“You know how you told me winners never mumble?” Jack held up the book she was reading about Theodore Roosevelt. “He says you should speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Lana scoffed. “You think they let women have sticks?”
Location: 4,760
Lana looked at her. “Jack, that’s not true. You could escalate. You could threaten to do something way more reckless if she doesn’t let you buy it.”
“That seems kind of immature.”
“Okay . . . maybe you could show her that the alternative is you being unhappy. Stifled. Not able to be your full self.” Lana could see this was starting to click. “Listen, Jack. Life is a negotiation. With yourself. With others. You can’t sit around waiting for someone else to guess what you want. You have to ask for it, even if it’s scary.” Lana took a sip of her soda. “But yes, you’ve got the concept.”
Location: 4,806
How Dare They?
Blog Posted by kitt at 16:34 on 14 January 2024Dad and I went out grocery shopping today. The house doesn't have much food in it, as he doesn't eat here much, and it definitely doesn't have food that I normally eat ("You fixing broccolli?" "Should I not buy any for you?" "No, I don't eat that stuff."), so out we went for food. Dad has opinions™ about grocery shopping, what to buy, what he's willing to spend on food. I'm less stingy with my food, if I want to try something new, I will try it. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't.
After shopping, we hustled out to the truck. It was -22˚C without wind chill, and we chilled quickly. The walk wasn't very far, but wow, being out of the wind in the cold truck cab was such a relief, even with the groceries piled up along the front seat.
When Dad started pulling out of the parking spot, he was able to go forward, so he started moving perpendicular to the parking lot rows (columns?). He went across the space in front of us, missed being hit by the person driving down the row, across the row to the next space. He continued driving straight across the lot, gaining speed, until another car driving diagonally across the parking lot crossed our path, forcing him to both slow down and swerve slightly.
"That driver!" he yelled.
"I know!" I yelled immediately after. "How dare they do exactly what we are doing?"
Dad looked at me, and started laughing. I joined in. I don't recall the last time that Dad and I laughed together for 15 minutes straight, but it was glorious.
I'm a bad influence
Blog Posted by kitt at 15:31 on 14 January 2024For various health reasons, my having lots of sugar is not a good idea.
For various health reasons, my dad's having lots of sugar is not a good idea.
These two statements are linked by genetics.
So, what do I do when we both have a day off?
I insist we head over for cupcakes.
Best New Year's Eve Photo
Blog kitt decided around 21:00 on 31 December 2023 to publish this:I helped Jonathan host his new year party with his HS friends. Lots of emotions for me with this party. It was lovely and amazing. I met the previously-not-met wives of his HS friends, as well as the other Jon, whom, despite knowing Jonathan for 13+ years and living in Ottawa for 4 of those year, I had not met before. Hayden and I bonded somewhat with the "wow, we are awkward here" sort of introvert experience. I delighted in helping Jonathan keep the cocktails and mocktails plentiful.
My favorite picture of this evening is this one of Jonathan. He is focused and, IDK, just perfect in this photo.
Christmas Coffee
Blog Written with a loving hand by kitt some time around 11:50 on 25 December 2023Dad likes, uh, not great coffee. After our walk downtown yesterday, and having the proprietor tell us they were open today, I knew that I wanted one of Dad's birthday gifts to be those new coffee drinks. Which is to say, an espresso drink.
Today, we drove at least.
So today, Dad had his first espresso-based drink: a latte.
His review?
"It was pretty good."