one lonely egg

My pantry and fridge are looking a bit empty. The egg carton has one last egg in it, so as I type, I'm also making pancakes for breakfast. So, please excuse me when it is time to flip or pour more batter.

I'm almost finished with "A Discovery of Witches."  What a wonderful read. I knew before I started the book, that this title was kicking off a series. If the next novels are as wonderful as this one, Deborah Harkness has secured her place on the bestsellers list.

The job interview yesterday was interesting. I'm still digesting my thoughts and feelings on this. My brain is clogged with all the random bits of 'stuff' and the 'noise' of it all made its way into my dreams. Not a restful night.  I'm a bit tired this morning and hoping that the sun shines today to give me a boost of much needed energy.

Tuesday, dead ahead.

Fictional character cameos, or when Lestat makes an appearance

I was reading along in "A Discovery of Witches" when the plot took our hero into New Orleans. Yep. And in this world where vampires, witches and daemons coexist with humans, a trip to New Orleans can only mean one thing.

At the top of page 206, although not called by name, Lestat makes an appearance. I reread the paragraph more than once, just to make sure I was reading what I thought I was reading. To confirm, I logged into facebook, shot Anne Rice a note on her 'wall', and waited for a reply. She did so, and noted that she'd heard of this inclusion and wondered, as she hasn't read the book, if she and her character should be flattered. I said, yes, absolutely, as the book is well written and the story a good one.  I included a bit of the description, and although she disagreed with Lestat being described as 'foppish', she prefers to think of him as a 'dandy', she seemed humored.

Ah, the joys of the Internet age. Of course I was and am tickled pink that she wrote back on my comment. But, that is the kind of author she is.  Her fans mean a great deal to her and she interacts with them daily.

This isn't the first time I've discovered characters from different authors and novels making cameo appearances in another writer's fiction. Sara Donati had a scene where Jamie and Claire Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's series make an appearance. Loved it.  Charlaine Harris even had Lily Bard show up in a Sookie story. Very Fun.

It seems, as I communicated to Anne Rice, a delicious inside joke between the author and the reading fans. Just an added bonus to bring a smile to the reader's face, if they understand the connection.

a discovery of witches and other new things.....

While at the library for my regular Thursday morning routine, I had a lovely chat with the adult ref librarian about books. We talked about authors, novels and book marketing. Fun times for me!! I had recently put a couple of titles on hold and she let me know that one of the books was available and ready to be checked out. I was happy to learn that the book in question was "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness. This book is getting a lot of buzz and so far, it is well deserved. I'm loving it. The plot had me firmly in its clutches by page five.

In other discoveries, I have a 'real' job interview on Monday afternoon. Real. Interview. Bank.

Good grief, am I really going to return to the career I left 17 years ago?  Well, after trolling the Internet sites of all the banks in the area and making a list of possibilities and then thinking of who I knew at said institutions, I made one phone call. The lady in question is a regional manager now, who told me 7 years ago to call if I ever wanted back 'in'.  I did and she said meet me Monday at 1:00. Just like that.

Now, that is not to say that the interview will secure me the job. But it is more than I've done in a long time.  I'm very conflicted about this. The money would be most welcome. The hours are tolerable. The location is tolerable. The co-workers, according to my contact, are tenured and this is a very stable staff....which is usually a good thing in a neighborhood bank.

So, we will see. In the meantime, I need to acquire some interview clothes. My current wardrobe isn't what anyone would consider business ready, but that can be remedied, I hope, by a strategic strike at the mall. A nice outfit and a new pair of shoes should do the trick.

Lots of discoveries ahead for me as I contemplate this huge change in my life and in the lives of the four folks who mean the most to me in all the world.

Downton Abbey

I discovered Netflix has Downton Abbey on its Instant menu. Waaaahhhhooo. Nothing better for those stay at days than some lovely Masterpiece Theatre drama set in merry old England at the turn of the century. Fabulous. Brilliant.

The laundry gets done and I get to be entertained.

We are in for a very rainy, blustery day today. We had downpours off and on all afternoon yesterday as this new system moves into the area. My guess is no soccer tonight for the girlies, but things should dry out in time for a soccer filled weekend.

Off to my regular Thursday events today, slowly life is returning to normal. The girls drove off in their new vehicle this morning with me muttering prayers invoking a host of guardian angels to watch over my babies.

soccer, soccer, soccer

The middle kid had her first league game last night. It was the late game, which means getting to bed by 10:30 is expected. It also means, during this time of year, that we will be freezing our rears off. Brrrrrr. I was bundled up like an Eskimo and I was quite frozen when that final whistle blew.  The girls ended with a 0-0 tie. We had at least 6 solid shots on goal, with Abbey actually diving into the goal on one and still no score. She swears the ball was in, but the goalie had a hand on it and managed to knock it back out, just enough, that the ref didn't count it. Ugh.

She has a scrimmage tonight and then both girls are in a tournament this weekend. That means FOUR games Saturday and two on Sunday. Let's hope Mother Nature cooperates just like the weatherman said she would during last night's 'futurecast'!!

In the meantime, I have car stuff to finish. I have Excel to learn. I'm teaching myself via an online tutorial. I have all my regular things to do.

Plus, as a special treat, I discovered Downton Abbey is on Netflix!  What a pleasant way to spend my laundry folding time.

Yep, it is Wednesday.

the big fantasy series

Our book donation pile for the library is a wonderful thing. I've found some real treasures in those bags and boxes folks bring to us for our sales and store. Several months ago I found a series by Gail Z. Martin. This is a four book series, from what I can tell, containing all the elements of the 'big' fantasy stories. I've started the first book, "The Summoner" which clocks in at 637 pages. Each subsequent book is just as long. The series is called The Chronicles of the Necromancer. The hero has the magical ability to summon ghosts, ghosts who are quite resourceful and able to help him in his quest to reclaim his father's throne.

I've read a variety of this huge fantasy series, everything from Tolkien to George RR Martin to Terry Brooks.

I used to love them, back in the day. For now, I can't say that I'm loving this current book, but it is entertaining and perhaps just what I need to read to keep my mind occupied in those moments when I'm not dealing with the current real world issues.

moving on

Hubby and I spent our weekend wandering around used car lots and looking at cars. Oh joy.  The bad news is the weekend is gone. The good news is it seems we found a vehicle practically down the street from us that will solve our problems. Now all that is left is to settle up with the insurance company and finish that paperwork.

Time to move on. Time to leave that week behind us. Time for the black cloud to disperse and sunny skies to shine again.

It is going to be a busy week and I have lots of 'ducks' to get line up and accounted for so when the kids head back to school, I'm ready to move.

Happy Monday.