7 Fragments...

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It it time to round up some of those loose thoughts floating around my head...

Esmé's Mommy playing along with

and

and even

this time and giving you 7 fragments of STUFF...

1. I REALLY want to play golf. Not that I can play - I think the last time i kept track of my score it was like 64. On a 9-hole course. But I was just thinking the other day that I really want to play.

Couple of problems. First, my clubs are on the ocean somewhere. Second, I don't think anyone would want to play with me. It's rather burdensome playing with someone who is holding up everyone behind you. But I still really want to play!

2. Speaking of the ocean. We were kind of expecting our stuff to be here from Mozambique by now. But at last check, it left Hong Kong and should be arriving in Portland on August 25th. Not sure how it will get down here.

Yeah! It'll be like Christmas in August!

3. Now my rant. Douglas County librarians, take note...

I checked out a book that was in bad condition. Water damage; part of the front cover torn off. The damage had been noted in the book by a librarian. No problem - it was still readable, and I really enjoyed that book.

While in my possession, the book sustained a little more damage. I admit it. It was still readable. It's certainly not something that happens to the books I check out as a general rule. I consider myself a reasonably good library patron who loves books and who happens to have a two-year-old who also loves books.

After I turned the book back in, ahead of the due date, I might add, I received a bill in the mail from the library for $19. Huh? Like I said, the book was badly damaged before I checked it out.

I head to the library, hoping for reasonability. I'm given an option - I can buy a new book to replace it, rather than pay the $19. I ask if I can just give them a badly damaged used book, since that's what I checked out to begin with. Absolutely not, they say. Of course, they want to be reasonable. How about if I just pay $9.50, or half the bill?

I order a "like new book" from bestbargainbook.com. $0.72 plus shipping of $3.99. It's cheaper than $9.50, and I do like my library privileges.

Beware of bestbargainbook.com. The book I got was indeed like new, only with a big black mark across the bottom - I assume intentionally put there to indicate that it was NOT actually new.

I'm a little nervous to take it to the library. And I am extremely annoyed. Because while I have this block on my library card, I am not able to renew or check out books. And the book I had on hold for months that just now became available to me has now been passed on to another patron, and I won't be able to get it for another few months.

So, my dear Douglas County librarians, take note. I am annoyed. I liked you. I really did. Now, if I could take my business elsewhere, I would.

There. Now I feel better. And yes, I admit it's petty.

4. I guess I don't quite feel better yet.

I just want to say that those "You are posting comments too quickly! Please slow down!" messages that WordPress gives when I leave two comments in a row are really starting to bug me. I don't care if it takes you a little bit of time to process my second comment - just don't accuse ME of being in the wrong.

It was funny at first. Now it's annoying.

5. I got a handwritten note from our mail carrier that we probably need to get a bigger mailbox. LOL! I do love all the review books I have been getting.

6. In the spirit of disclosure that has been sweeping through the blogosphere, I want to set something straight.

If I don't like a book, I will be honest about this in my review, regardless of whether the book copy was provided by the publisher or author.

However, as much as possible, I limit my book reviews on this blog to books I recommend. If I wouldn't recommend a book to you, I won't post about it here unless I'm required by agreement with the publisher to do so.

ALL of my book reviews, good or bad, are posted on Goodreads.com, and possibly on other sites such as Amazon.com.

Just to clear up any confusion by people wondering why I say I LOVE all the books I review!

7. Rural life has its pluses.

We've been loving the wildlife around here lately! We went out on Uncle Jaques' boat this week, where Pappa and others wakeboarded amongst the Canadian geese. A doe and fawn came down to the lake to drink as we watched. On the drive home, in addition to stacks of deer, we saw a bandit-faced racoon family with babies... And we've had some deer turds in our yard, though I've yet to see any actual deer.

And we finally managed to make it to a local (Glide) farmer's market. Not much there if you're into great deals, but who can resist pumpkin pies being sold by a kid? And zucchini cookies, banana bread, and lemon tarts? And fresh peppers, beets, tomatoes, cucumbers, and blueberries. And fresh BLUE chicken eggs - not brown ones.

And that 8,386-acre forest fire? It's pretty much contained - they are just finishing up mop-up efforts for now. The highway was opened last weekend.

So all is well in our little corner of the world. Have a blessed weekend!