Sunday Post 32

Hello, friends!

Well, the power washing and balcony work happened last week and Bell and Fiona were not in the least bit happy about it. On Monday morning when I closed the living room blinds (it's usually kept open 24/7), they threw a tantrum. I could tell they were upset and not just being their hyper, playful selves. I can't say I blame them. I don't like to keep the blinds closed either. Their tower is right up in front of the balcony door and Bell especially loves to sit on the top of it and look outside. Fiona is more of a ground dweller, but she still enjoys looking outside from the comfort of the carpet.

Thankfully, in this day and age we have things like Roku and YouTube. I put on a video of birds chirping and squirrels dining on acorns. The girls were immediately drawn to this 8-hour long video. (I didn't play it for that long.) They were both trying to gently pet the squirrels, especially their tails, and Bell also looked behind the television to see if anything was back there. I'm sort of thankful she didn't find anything. For a while, they stood right in front of the television on a small media cabinet, but since the television is mounted on the wall, they had to raise their heads a little to see what was going on. Eventually they got tired of sitting like that, so they settled for more comfortable options. Basically, the video did the trick. They calmed down and didn't pay much attention to the blinds being closed after that. I did have to put it on for them each day, but at least it worked once it was on. Even after I turned it off each day, they were fine.

Except when it got loud outside and the monster (the lift) was being raised. At one point, Bell was poking her head through the blinds looking at the lift in motion. It was fascinating to her until it got to our level (at the unit next to mine). Then she ran and hid in the laundry room. Fiona didn't like it either, but she's not as timid as Bell is. She's usually more concerned about the fact that Bell is so timid.

All in all, it wasn't that bad (for me, anyway). However, by the end of the week I was getting tired of keeping the blinds and door closed. It just goes to show how natural light and fresh air, even while indoors, is so beneficial. I hope they're done, but I'm not sure.  The lift is still on site. Either way, at least the majority of it is done and they did a really good job.

Despite the commotion, I was able to enjoy some good books and television. Let's see what I've been up to.

Today I am once again linking with Reading Reality, who hosts Stacking the Shelves, and The Book Date, who hosts It's Monday! What Are You Reading?  The latter is posted on Mondays, so be sure to check the link then.  On these blogs you will be able to see links to the posts from others who are participating in these blog hops, and if you're a blogger, you can join too. 

To see how I'm doing with my bookish challenges, click on 2023 Bookish Challenges on the right sidebar.

RECENTLY FINISHED

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I listened to Shady Hollow (Shady Hollow Mystery 1), written by Juneau Black and narrated by Cassandra Campbell. The entire cast in this cozy mystery is woodland creatures. I loved the narration, which is saying a lot because I am picky about audiobooks. The only thing I didn't like was that there were a few of references to the authorities being incompetent. I will most likely listen to the next one, Cold Clay, in the fall, which is when it takes place.

IN PROGRESS

I have 15 chapters left to read in Murder, She Barked (Paws and Claws Mystery 1), by Krista Davis. I'll definitely finish it by Tuesday evening because that's when the book club meets. I am enjoying it so far. The town of Wagtail is so pet friendly and delightful!

UP NEXT

I will start reading A Flicker of a Doubt (Fairy Garden Mystery 4), by Daryl Wood Gerber, this week. I love this series. You can read my reviews of books 1 and 3:

A Sprinkling of Murder

A Hint of Mischief

I read the second one, A Glimmer of a Clue, and I loved it. I just haven't had time to post a review on my blog.

I am also participating in Sunday Post, hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer. With this blog hop, I'll recap what I've recently posted. If you missed a post you want to read (or if you want to read it again!), just click on the link below. 

• Sunday Post 05/21 - What I've been reading and watching
• Top Ten Tuesday  05/23 - Factors That Draw Me to a Book
• Weekly Review 05/24 - Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2023)
• Fun on Friday 05/26 - Book Blogger Hop, Book Beginnings, Friday 56, and Feline Friday
• Puzzle 05/27 - Cottage theme

There was a typo in the title of my review for Carrot Cake Murder, but I corrected it. It premiered this year, not two years ago. :-)

I had planned on re-watching Rogue One last week, but I decided I was done with Star Wars this month. I needed something lighter. Along with a few Hallmark movies, I have continued watching the series Once Upon a Time. I know this series was popular when it first aired years ago, but I just recently discovered it and I am loving it! I'm only ten episodes into the first season, so I have a long ways to go.

Have you seen any of the above movies or series, or read any of the books I mentioned? Let me know in the comments!