asphaltcowgrrl: (Default)
asphaltcowgrrl ([personal profile] asphaltcowgrrl) wrote2024-02-29 11:15 am

February Update

I don’t know what’s wrong with me.  I was doing well with my weekly updates and then, suddenly, I wasn’t.  Ugh.  Anyway, so you get a whole ass February recap now since I’ve been such a slacker.

What I read:

Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate.  If you like family drama and small town secrets, this is a good one for you.  My review is here if you’re interested.  (I also fell off the wagon with my reviews, double ugh.)

A Cold Blooded Business by Dana Stabenow.  Book #4 in the Kate Shugak series.  These are short (usually less than 200 pages) mysteries set in Alaska.  For such short books, the mysteries are fabulous.  The characters are great, too.  I love Kate and Jack both.

Witch Way Did He Go by Dakota Cassidy.  Book #8 in the Witchless in Seattle series.  These are fun paranormal cozy mysteries.

Witches Get Stitches by Dakota Cassidy.  Book #9 in the Witchless in Seattle series. Yes, I’m trying to get caught up.  LOL  This wasn’t my favorite in the series, but still good.  Lots of crazy.

Ghostly Paws by Leighann Dobbs.  First in the Mystic Notch series.  Another paranormal cozy mystery.  Buddy read with Kaige68 and it was super cute.  I’d love to dive further into the series as I liked both the main character, Willa, and the townspeople as well.

The Lies Among Us by Sarah Beth Durst.  I don’t even know what to say about this book.  However, for fiction, it really depicts the differences in the way people grieve beautifully.  It was an ARC and doesn’t release until 4/2/24, but I highly recommend this book.

Season’s Change by Cait Nary.  M/M hockey romance.  I put this on hold at the library after I read and loved her book Lucky Bounce.  While I enjoyed this one, it didn’t have the same feel good vibe as the other did.  However, if you’re into angsty yearning, this might be a good one for you.  Oh, Olly, honey.  I have the sequel on hold currently as it deals with a fake relationship between a hockey player and a country musician.  Riiiiiight up my alley.  Hah.

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie.  The first in The First Law series.  Another buddy read with K.  I had read this years ago and wanted to reread it so I could finish the series.  While I still enjoyed it, I think I need to read his books in either digital or print because audio I found myself lost half the time.  Or, that could be my wandering brain.

What I’m currently reading:

Off the Air by Christina Estes.  An e-ARC mystery with a journalist as the main character.  About 15% in and am enjoying it.

Witch it Real Good by Dakota Cassidy.  Book #10 in the Witchless in Seattle series.  Not far into this as I only started it this morning, but we meet Stevie’s half-sister, Hal, in this one.  And I’ve read a couple of the Marshmallow Hollow books and liked them.

In the House in the Dark of the Woods by Laird Hunt.  Only about 40 pages in this, but it’s very odd.  A woman who is likely being abused by her domineering husband wanders out to pick berries one afternoon and gets lost in the forest.  She meets a strange woman who takes her home and cares for her.  It has a strong fairy tale/taken by the fae sort of vibe.  Eager to see where it goes.

I haven’t watched much at all.  Was spending my mornings listening to audiobooks instead of watching something.

HOWEVER.  Taylor and I are almost finished with The Good Place and I know I’ll cry during the finale.  I’ve also managed to get through Chopped Volume 1 which is THE FIRST TWENTY SEASONS.  God help me, I’m still not sick of Ted Allen’s adorable face either.

One thing I did watch was the first season of Delicious on Acorn.  It’s a British family drama of sorts about two chefs who were once married, but now divorced.  The husband dies and the family is thrown into chaos.  If you have access to Acorn, I highly rec is.  No telling what the later seasons are like yet, but I’ll let you know.

Started season 4 of CSI: Miami this morning because I couldn’t figure out what else to watch, so I went with that.  Have been also watching older seasons of Tournament of Champions.  I like cooking shows when I’m in bed reading at night because I can listen and follow along while still being able to concentrate on my book.  Plus, I need to see Jet Tila get a win in the current season. YOU HEAR ME FOOD NETWORK GODS?

*coughs*

Sorry.  I have lots of feelings about this.

Anyway, that’s about it.  Maddie got a new job and I hope she likes it.  They’re giving her something like 38 hours a week at $15/hr, which is great for her.  Taylor’s still plugging along, enjoying her job.  Los gatos naranjas are as loco as ever.  Las otras gatas are also nutso, but not nearly as bad as the orange boys are.  But then, nothing does crazy like an Orange.

Ten days until my next VGK game and I’m excited.  It’s one of the few interests Taylor and I have in common, so it’s a blast going to the games with her.  Bonus because this one’s on a Saturday so we won’t be rushed and can go have dinner before it starts.

Didn’t get a lot of writing done this month, however, I did get a lot more than I have been lately, so win!  Need to find my next project soon.  Also really looking forward to the original fic challenge that starts tomorrow.  Makes me want to find a new fandom buried in my brain somewhere.  Anything anyone would like to see?  Now taking requests.  LOL

I think that’s all for now.  Oh, besides the fact that my boss, Jeff, randomly decided to put a flagpole out in front of the building.  Why, I have no effing idea.  But I’m going to ask if we can get a VGK flag to fly.  HAH.

Okay, that really is all.  Have a good one, y’all.
keli: (Default)

[personal profile] keli 2024-03-09 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Looks like some good books there! I love when I find a good series. I will have to put the Witchless in Seattle series on my TBR list.

I remember the Good Place! I think I watched the first two seasons and then I lost track of it. It was very cute. I loved it. Chopped it good too! My daughter and I watched that but when she moved away I stopped watching the cooking shows. We loved the kids baking challenges. Dang, I miss watching that stuff with her.

I don't watch much tv either unless you count youtube. lol I watch a lot of crafting videos and a lawyer who dissects the biggest cases of the moment. My husband and I are watching the newest season of Resident Alien. It's so funny. He wants to start Shōgun on Hulu, which actually looks really good. I like historical shows.

I am so glad Maddie likes her job! It's so stressful when they don't.

VGK is hockey?

Glad things are going well!!

[identity profile] kaige68.livejournal.com 2024-02-29 07:56 pm (UTC)(link)

I am just over half way through The Blade Itself, and while I do enjoy the naration, and the story, I feel like I am plodding through. I like Logan's story line, and Farrow's so far, but the other two I find I don't care about much at all. I suppose they are not supposed to be wonderful fluffy comfy characters but I'm just "Whatever, crank it up to 1.5 speed".



I have to cram to get a manga finished tonight so I can maintain my 5 a month.



LOOK AT YOU GO!!

[identity profile] asphaltcowgrrl.livejournal.com 2024-02-29 08:09 pm (UTC)(link)

I totally get what you're saying. Logen's the 'hero' of sorts and Farrow's definitely an interesting character, a good foil for the Bloody Nine. But Glotka's an asshole and Luthar is such a wimp that they can both disappear. However, I can hope that Luthar finds a backbone and Glotka gets some kind of character development. Also, Bayaz makes me think of Fizban the Fabulous from the Dragonlance Chronicles, although not as nutty.


Oooh, enjoy your manga! I love them because they're usually quick reads.


Thanks. :D

[identity profile] kaige68.livejournal.com 2024-02-29 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)

I really like the way Logen is read. Like I said from the start, It sounds like Holy Grail. :)



I will do my best!

[identity profile] asphaltcowgrrl.livejournal.com 2024-02-29 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)

Yes! And the constant talk about Inquisitor Glotka or the Inquisition itself always make me think.... Nobody expects the Spanish Inquistion!"


You've got this. :) And if nothing else, maybe it'll help you get six read in March.

[identity profile] kaige68.livejournal.com 2024-02-29 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)

A 5 hour cat book will let me do that. It's the 22 hour book that crunch me.

[identity profile] asphaltcowgrrl.livejournal.com 2024-02-29 09:32 pm (UTC)(link)

*coughs* Who was the crazy person who chose a 22 hour book? 🤣

[identity profile] honor-reid.livejournal.com 2024-02-29 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)
In the House in the Dark of the Woods, sounds interesting. I can't wait to hear what you think of it.

I totally cried at the end of The Good Place. It was so good but sad because it meant saying goodbye.

I'm so glad all the cats are doing well even if they go a little crazy from time to time. lol

[identity profile] asphaltcowgrrl.livejournal.com 2024-02-29 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)

It's definitely been interesting so far. And I'll definitely let you know.


Man, I think you'd have to be heartless to not! It's funny how deep a comedy can get at times. I'm interested to see how Taylor will react.


They are lunatics. Taylor refilled her water bottle the other day and missed some ice that fell into the tray. Gideon could see it, but not reach it, so he pawed at the fridge just below the tray for a good five minutes solid.

thatwasjustadream: (Default)

[personal profile] thatwasjustadream (from livejournal.com) 2024-03-01 04:47 am (UTC)(link)

Nice roundup, thanks for sharing!


I may need to read the Cait Neary series. For inspiration. ;}


Ah the Good Place. I will watch it a third time, eventually. It was just so creative and witty, and the characters were so endearing. Did I tell you my Wizard of Oz realization with it? Was watching the scene with the balloon, and they're all in a semi-circle looking at Michael expectantly it just HIT me. Oh...mg. TV show runners do love riffing on that story.


Glad you are finding some writing mojo, that's great!


I finished knitting a hat today. I'm liking how my knitting is coming out now that I'm using double pointed needles.


This weekend will be mild — going to get some outdoor walking and lawn care in while it's pleasant out.


And... i'm rambling on your post. Lol. Sorry.


Here's to March!

[identity profile] asphaltcowgrrl.livejournal.com 2024-03-01 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)

Thanks!


Hah! Definitely read Lucky Bounce if nothing else. It's super cute. Season's Change was more angsty.


I might have to go back and watch it again in about 6 months by myself. I'm seeing things I forgot and things I think I missed the first time around. Oh, I'd never made that connection before, but you're right.


Thanks, I've missed writing and it's been so refreshing to get back at it.


Oh, fun! I'm slowly trying to learn how to crochet. Not having a ton of luck, but I need to get back at it. Glad you found needles you like better.


Enjoy your mild weather! It's windy as heck here, thanks to the snow storm hitting the Sierra Nevada Mtns this weekend. But, I'll take wind over the snow that's dropping in CA.


Heh, take over whenever you want. I like hearing about other people's lives.


Yay March! My mom's birthday is on the 20th, too.