Archive for April, 2026



Your Dog Can Talk: A Step-By-Step Guide to Button TrainingYour Dog Can Talk: A Step-By-Step Guide to Button Training by Christina Hunger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have thought for a while that communication is what we all need, and that goes beyond humans. Remember the conversation Koko held with Betty White? It doesn’t take much to see that animals have adapted to our language. Outside? Food, water, hugs, shake paw, roll over, etc. My dog understands my English words. I have no idea what he needs to say to me. I do not know doglish. What if he could talk to me? What would he say? Today I think he cursed out the cable guy nonstop for hours! No amount of reward for silence or punishment in the crate, stopped the heart stopping and ear splitting sounds. I do wish we could sit and have a talk we could come away from with understanding.

The zoo shows on Animal Planet, etc. show how even the most dangerous animals can be trained to do simple tricks to make their care more efficient. And so I feel obliged to do what I can to make my pets’ care better for all of us.

I started reading this on Libby but soon bought all the versions and joined all her websites. And I just bought my first two buttons. Outside, and water is what I’ll assign them.

If you get the chance find the books but even if not find Christina Hunger’s Instagrams and Facebook pages. See the many dog talks and cat talks people are having with their pets.

View all my reviews


The Night Swim (Rachel Krall, #1)The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A podcast gets too real. Megan Goldin has written quite the thriller. With Bailey Carr, January LaVoy, and Samantha Desz reading, it kept me in the story awake.

I was fortunate to find this on Libby. As you can see on Amazon, the audio version is $500! Apparently, there is a second book, but I couldn’t find it in my Libby. It was only that I finished another book before I was ready to sleep that sent me looking for whatever interesting book was available at the moment. This one showed up on the list.

View all my reviews


Project Hail MaryProject Hail Mary by Andy Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! This one was so good that I had to start the reread immediately after I finished. I had checked out the book from Libby, but had to buy the Audible version, as I know I will want to relive this adventure often.

It didn’t hurt that the Artemis was flying as I read.

I can’t wait to watch the movie!

If you haven’t tried this yet, you have so much fun awaiting you. Get it and enjoy!

By the way, the narration by Ray Porter was such a pleasure!

View all my reviews


Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “tan/ten/tin/ton/tun.” Use one, use ’em all, use ’em any way you’d like. Bonus points if you manage to get four of them into your post. Have fun!

How many tanned tins of tuna would fit in a tun? Tons? Ten tunas? Ugh! It’s smells fishy in here!

Finishing Friday


Finished the book. I found that even book 5 was within reach. That was reassuring. I have the book on my printer so I can print out favorites or ones I think will be good to be a better pianist.
Nearly halfway through with the dragon. I bought three. One for each of two friends and one for me. I like how well this one is working up.

I don’t think I have enough finished to show my knitting progress. My shoulder is giving problems so I have been stopping when it hurts. Trouble is, when I sit I need to do something so I end up playing apps on my fire. Boo!

So outside of reading and bingeing some shows, reviews coming, progress has been slow. But turtles win races, right?


Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly ImperfectGetting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect by Valerie Bertinelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This autobiography was pleasant even when dealing with life’s heartaches. I felt lighter after reading it than I usually do after an author shares their highs and lows. I’ve always appreciated the positive energy Valerie Bertinelli shares with her audience.

In this audiobook from Libby, I found the author’s voice uplifting and loving to everyone.

I highly recommend this book. Refreshing!

View all my reviews

One-Liner Wednesday


A part of Linda’s One-Liner Wednesday

The trouble with the breathing tube and swallowing tube and being ADD results in lukewarm coffee spewing from my nose all over the cat and my sweatpants. I’m fine. 🥴

But what a waste of good coffee!

Serenity Found: More Unauthorized Essays on Joss Whedon's Firefly UniverseSerenity Found: More Unauthorized Essays on Joss Whedon’s Firefly Universe by Jane Espenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am so far behind in my reviews. Sorry. I’ll do my best to remember.

Usually, I find anthologies or essays a bit boring. But I took my time reading (listening) to this one, just an essay or two at a time, between other bigger reads. By doing it this way, I found myself loving the thoughts presented in this collection.

Colby Elliott narrated, captivating the reader with plenty of emotion and vocal variation.

I bought this version from Audible. If you are a Firefly fan, you’ll love this, too.

View all my reviews


Long time no see. Still processing. Lots of book reviews coming. But for now other things are being processed. And a couple of finished projects.

First finished hat in a long time!
Finished hat on top. 3 pairs of socks at toe stage. Yoga socks nearing the heeless heel section. Bottom right, new hat, third row of ribbing.
Finished scary DP.
New diamond painting, bottom, progressing.
Surprise!
Nearing the end of this omnibus. Book 5. Found some fun songs. Learned ways to get better with jazzy or blusy rhythms.

The Queens of CrimeThe Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun diversion. Favorite mystery writers come together to solve a crime. Bessie Carter narrated, changing accents and characters as needed to keep the story moving and the reader engaged.

I was lucky to pick this audiobook up on Libby. Those more into mysteries will love it.

View all my reviews

THE AVOERIA ARCHIVE

The Depth Behind The Ordinary

Life of Chaz

Books, games, music, and life — filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.

Pieces Of My Heart

"Words & Wonders - Where thoughts meet art

💫The Afterlove Voice💫

Justice, Channeling,Spiritual,Astrology,Truth- Seeker.

Amin Academy

Education, Information, Motivation

Luso Loonie — Devin Meireles

Exploring Portuguese Culture, Azorean Heritage, and Luso-Canadian Identity Through Writing

UNDER THE WILL... OVER THE DRAMA...

Inheritance. Narcissism. Turf. Welcome to the family.

Selma

Finding the extra in the ordinary

Sip, Snack, See

A Blog About Food and Travels

Golu lodhi

I upload photos & videos Golu lodhi village pairakhedi

Creative

Travel,Tourism, Life style "Now in hundreds of languages for you."

intricate cantrips

twisted yarns, unraveled

Introverted Growth

The Introvert's Roadmap to Self Discovery and Growth