Thursday, December 30, 2021

A Peaceful, Easy Weekly Link Round-Up

 


I've just been responding to comments on my post about the legendary musical instruments on exhibit at the Musical Instrument Museum here in the valley, so that's probably where I got the idea for the musically themed title for this week's round-up. 

After braving an unexpected stampede of people at the Desert Botanical Garden last week, Denis and I made the decision to stay home this week in order to avoid more hordes of winter visitors, people off work, and children of all ages being out of school. Not that it's a hardship; we have plenty to keep ourselves occupied. In fact, we "celebrated" Boxing Day by cleaning out our closet in the bedroom. (After spending all this time clearing out and reorganizing a space, you'd think we'd take extra care in keeping it that way, but we never do... at least where closets are concerned.)

Right now, I'm sitting here in the living room watching a mockingbird take a protracted bath and the next-door neighbor pulling weeds. We've been getting some much-needed rain, and more is expected today. When I'll get done here, I'll curl up with my latest book (I've just experienced another hurricane in John Keyse-Walker's latest mystery) and keep snug beneath one of Mom's afghans. I can almost hear her say, "All those afghans you've knitted, and you're wrapped up in one of mine!"

Another thing I've been toying with is making reading resolutions. This is something I really don't do; I'll have vague thoughts about this and that. If I happen to actually accomplish them by year's end, that's good, but I don't beat myself up if they're not done. What sort of resolutions, you ask? I keep telling myself to read more translated fiction. I certainly didn't follow through with it this year. I'd like to read one non-fiction book and one translated book per month in 2022. It's certainly doable, but will I remember? Guess it's going to take a year before any of us find out!

Here's hoping that you all have received new reading material for the coming year. Enjoy the links!


►Books & Other Interesting Tidbits◄
 
►Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones◄
 
►Channeling My Inner Elly Mae Clampett◄
  • How shark antibodies could aid in the fight against Coronavirus and prepare for future outbreaks.
  • At first she thought her dog was acting weird. Then she noticed something wrong with her baby.
  • This thoughtful buffalo uses his horn to flip over an upside down tortoise.
  • The Australian lyrebird can mimic the sounds of cameras, chainsaws, and car alarms. (I remember watching one of Sir David Attenborough's specials that featured lyrebirds.)
  • A lost eagle from Asia has been flying around America for more than a year.
  • Once a year, capybaras at this Japanese zoo are treated to a fully immersive spa day.
  • Baby elephants can't control their trunks, and it's hilarious to watch them try.
  • Everything you always wanted to know about detection dogs.
 
►Fascinating Folk◄
 
►The Wanderer◄
 
►More of Those Best of 2021 Lists◄
 
►I ♥ Lists◄
 
That's all for this week! Don't forget to stop by next Friday when I'll be sharing a freshly selected batch of links for your surfing pleasure.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. And don't forget to curl up with a good book!

Happy New Year!

14 comments:

  1. Yes, seems like a time to relax and enjoy watching the birds bathe, and to clean the neverending piles in closets. I'm afraid of my hall closet as it spontaneously gets cluttered.

    And I think reading resolutions are good. I have in mind a few books I want to read. But now I have to take the time and study the "best of 2021 books" lists and make lists of what I want to read.

    Enjoy the new year's arrival and I can't wait to see the book reviews coming up.

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  2. It sounds as though you're having a relaxing week, Cathy, and sometimes that's just what's needed! Even clearing out can be a relaxing thing to do, I sometimes find. I wish you and Denis all the best for 2022! Thanks, as ever, for your excellent blog. I'll see you after I get back from that shipwreck!

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  3. Let's hope that The Guardian is right and that all the stupidity of trying to ban books is having an unintended consequence.

    I've been reading about that Steller's Sea Eagle for a while now. I think he just wants to see the world.

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    Replies
    1. I think he's got the right idea. I hope everyone lets him do it.

      Happy New Year, Dorothy.

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  4. I've found the same here, Cathy, when it comes to crowded places all of a sudden. As a retiree, I've come to dread weekends and extended holidays when all the amateurs are out there doing the things I want to do. LOL

    I like your approach to your NF and translated fiction goals. Small chunks like that will add up nicely by the end of next year. Now...to explore your links.

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  5. There is something about the time after Christmas and before New Year's Day that always makes me want to clear the clutter. It also makes me want to set reading goals. In previous years I have joined many challenges, but this year I just don't want to be bothered. I did join two, but they are really not challenges for me as I know that I will read the books necessary, but it is just a way to connect with other readers. I like your goals, you have a general idea of what you would like to accomplish, but no big deal if you don't get to it.

    Happy New Year!

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    Replies
    1. I joined several reading challenges one year, and that one year was enough for me. I guess I don't like much structure in my reading, preferring to fly by the seat of my pants instead just to see where I wind up.

      Happy New Year!

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  6. Happy New Year! I would like to pick up more non fiction too, but usually only read 2 or 3 a year. Has to be the right subject.

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    Replies
    1. Happy New Year!

      I'm the same way about non-fiction. If the subject doesn't light some kind of spark in me, I won't read it.

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