Sunday Synopsis - Tai Pan

Tai-Pan by James Clavell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book number 2 in the Asian Saga. After reading and loving Shogun, I was so looking forward to this one. This is not a sequel, however. There are 5 books in the series, but all except one are actually stand-alone books.

When I first started this one, I wanted to stop. I didn't like it, but my husband encouraged me to keep going, so I did, and I ended up liking it a lot.

This book is set in the 1840's at the founding of Hong Kong. The Tai Pan, Supreme Leader of all China's tai pans, is a Scott named Dirk Struan. The book is mainly about his struggles to keep his fleet as the leading established fleet in Hong Kong and to prevent his rival from sabotaging or taking over his role. These business dealings are accompanied by themes of love, family, politics, and strife between England and China. It's another long book, although not as long as Shogun, but it is well worth the time spent reading it.0

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Let's Confuse the Young 'uns

 This list would definitely confuse some young folks.

Rotary phones

Using the phone to call "Time" and "Information."

45's (records)

8 Tracks

Pong

VHS

Getting film developed

Image Credit

Card Catalog

Encyclopedia

Sears Catalog

Bunny Ears (Antennae)

Yellow Pages

Pay phones

And bonus - paying for long distance calls

What else can you recall that would confuse the young 'uns?

Find more Thursday 13 here.

Not-so-wordless Wednesday

 

In 2018 we went to Memphis to watch the Rockets play against the Grizzlies.  We happened to be staying in the same hotel as our team.  I was able to get several pictures with players. Here is one of them.  (NaNa) Memphis would be a great city to visit even if you were going for a simple vacation.  

I hope you will visit Wordless Wednesday here and here and get them to add me to the list while I'm out of town.

It's Madness!

 Is March Madness supposed to go into April?  Apparently, it usually does.  The biggest games this season were both in April (Final Four and Championship).  At the point of this writing, I don't know the outcome of the game, but I've got my fingers crossed for Houston. (ETA:  sad face)  I find myself watching a lot of basketball lately, college and NBA, and it's so stressful!  The NBA playoffs will start in about two weeks, but they play a series of games with each opponent rather than just one and done.  I'm not sure which way is best.

How about some funnies now?

This is some TRUTH!

Maxine and I can be so immature!

I love a good pun.

Hee hee!

Poor men!  Seems like I'm picking on them.

Truth

Be sure to visit Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts.  Have a great week!

Sunday Synopsis - The Hive

The Hive by Gregg Olsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a suspenseful thriller, although at times it was a little strange. The story begins with detective Lindsey Jackman investigating the death of writer Sarah Baker, who is found at the bottom of a ravine. To understand what Sarah was after, Lindsey needs to examine several members of "The Hive," the inside members of a cult run by skincare guru Marnie Spellman who claims to have had an otherworldly encounter with a hive of bees. This led her to the main ingredient in her line of wildly successful products.

As the story continues, we learn that there were actually two murders, one of them having been an aspiring member of The Hive. We learn each character's story, and more and more secrets are revealed. There are multiple layers to the plot, and surprising twists and turns. Greg Olsen can definitely write a mysterious suspense thriller. It was a little unbelievable, but at least it was different.

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Random Happy Tuesday

 Whoops! I forgot to post last week!

I had jury duty about a month ago, but I didn't get picked.  People complain about having to go to jury duty, but I really wouldn't have minded having to serve.

What is the pay where you are?  The courts here in Harris County have finally gone up to a whopping $30 a day (unless you get chosen, then it's 50).  Yeah.  Thirty whole dollars. (I believe the national average is 50.)

What I really dislike, though, is that they have gone to a debit card system.  Instead of a check, you activate a debit card which is loaded with your pay a couple of days later.  So, you can only use the card for a purchase of exactly or less than $30.  And if you don't use your card within 90 days, you forfeit your pay.  I guess it goes back to the county.  That's not right.  But, at least the pay is no longer just $6.  Yes, it used to be $6! That's a joke, right?

And speaking of jokes...

Truly Groan-worthy!

Please visit my friends at Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts.  Have a great week!

It's Great to be Free!

 My husband and I have been watching the mini-series A Gentleman in Moscow (after having read the book. The show is great, but the book is even better.)  

It made me realize, though, how much we take freedom for granted in much of the world.  I can't imagine not having it! And I've realized that I know very little about Russian history.   It's hard to imagine a world where you are forbidden to do so many things we take for granted. So, today, I am thankful to be free.  And now, moving on to less serious topics!  Feel free to laugh or groan.

Have a great week, and don't forget to visit my friends at Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts.

Random Tuesday - The 70's

 My husband and I recently watched the SNL 50th anniversary show, and it sure brought back some memories! Weren't the 70's the best time to grow up?

Thank goodness there was no social media then, but we did have nosy neighbors who would tell on you if you did something wrong.  Back then, we would go outside and play all day, ride our bikes all around the neighborhood, play freeze tag and Mother, May I, and stay out until the street lights came on.  Such a simpler time.  I don't think we knew then how good we had things!

Here's to my childhood!

Wh

And the TV shows!  That Disney opening music sequence still gives me good chills!

Have a great week, and don't forget to visit my friends at Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts.

Random Tuesday Thoughts

 We are still grieving the loss of our 16 + year old cat Lacy.  We had to put her down last Monday. It was very sudden.  I miss her so much!

  But we had a reason to celebrate this weekend.  Our precious granddaughter turned 5.  For her party, she was visited by Princess Anna and Queen Elsa.  These two young women were great performers.  A good time was had by all.

I'm not much in the mood for funnies yet, so have a great week!

Please visit my friends at Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts.

No Posts this Week

 

Lacy

I'm not in the mood for randomness, funnies, or photos (other than this one) this week because on Monday, we had to put our sweet Lacy down.  She was sixteen years old.  She's been losing a lot of weight, not keeping her food down, then all of a sudden, she went blind.  She must have had a stroke or seizure because it literally happened overnight, and she could not walk well (also arthritis in her back legs).  She also had a serious kidney disease.  This was so hard.  I miss her so much!

Random Nonsense

 Just some funnies today.

This is literally true!  A couple of days ago, we were 80 degrees,  Today, the 60's.  In less than 48 hours, we're due for another hard freeze with temps 20-30 degrees below normal.

Feel free to groan, but this tickles my retired English teacher's funny bone!

Please tell me I'm not!

True story!

Be sure to visit my friends at Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts.  Have a great week!