I finished Ken Follett's "Fall of Giants" which is his first in a trilogy. Very interesting and filled with quite a cast of characters from all over the world. There's Maud and "Fitz" Fitzherbert from England who are brother and sister of gentry. Billy and Ethel Williams from the coal mines of England. Also, brother and sister. Gus Dewar of the US and aide to Pres. Wilson. Walter Von Ulrich from Germany. Last and far from least are the brothers, Lev and Grigori Peshkov of Russia. All their lives become intertwined at some point and changed through the onset of World War I. It's hard to put a novel of almost a 1000 pages into a short summary so I'll just say this one is worth a read. I look forward to the next two installments. Just hope I remember enough about this one to enjoy the next ones.

chalk another one up

Finished Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" today. I saw the movie many years ago and have been wanting to read the book for a long time. Now, thanks to iPhone and my boring job, I've accomplished my goal. I own the book but iPhone made it easier to read at my desk. I didn't remember much about the movie when I saw it other than the hidden secret in the attic. The book takes you through many years of Jane's life as an orphan that was thrust on an unwilling guardian and her life was made miserable. She was eventually sent to a charitable school for orphans and there obtained an education and taught for a while. She left there to be a governess and that's when the real story began. She was to marry the lord of the manor when on her wedding day it was disclosed to her that her groom to be was still married. That wife was insane and kept locked in an attic ceil. Jane runs away and is taken in by a family who care for her and make her a school teacher in the local school. Unbeknownst to her, or them, these are cousins of hers. A year passes and Jane has no word from anyone as to what has happened to her former "master." She decides it's time to go back and see. Have to leave you hanging at this point. Can't ruin the story for those that haven't read the book or seen the movie.

iPhone classic

I finished "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexander Dumas. I enjoyed it but it did drag at certain points. I guess when it's been translated from a different language (my son wanted to know if I read it in French, HA!) and written in the early 1800's, then it's bound to have some slow areas. Poor Edmond Dante was living a great life until he was erroneously thrown into prison. A dungeon, no less! There, after many years, he's discovered by another prisoner who has tunneled 50 feet from his cell to Edmond's. They form a great friendship and when the other prisoner dies, he leaves Edmond with the map to his treasure and also a means to escape the prison. Now he's out and rich! Revenge is utmost on his mind. 24 years it has taken Edmond to become the Count of Monte Cristo and to plan the demise of those who put him in prison for 14 years.

Successful reunion

Still working my way through two novels. Might as well throw in "War and Peace" while I'm at it.

Had a great Cousin Reunion last Sunday! Good turn out! More of the next generation would be nice but the ones that were there were greatly appreciated. A great thanks to my daughter for her help in providing the location and cooking the chicken and pasta dish.

It was strange to sit around with the girls and discuss our health issues. My God, we're our mothers afterall. Who hasn't had a hysterectomy and who takes most after our grandmother who spent so much time in the hospital. That's one honor that I sure don't want. Most of us are plagued with a neck or spine problem so those problems were discussed at length.

It was fun watching the food being brought in with all the modern devices to keep everything warm or cold. Our poor mothers had to wrap everything in towels and blankets to keep it warm and now we just look for outlets to plug our crockpots into or warming trays to put things on. The amount of electronic devices that were in most peoples' hands was interesting also since we're all in or near 60 years of age. About half pled ignorance to most computers or smartphones. The rest of us were pretty comfortable using them and they were never far from our reach. Surprisingly the younger generation (26-40 years old) had the same split. My daughter and grandchildren have their's as an appendage. Must admit that I'm never without mine in my pocket but it's not constantly in my hand. The iPhone has been a great purchase and I love having my computer in my pocket. The majority of the relatives are now on "facebook" and that will probably be the way we inform each other of all upcoming events.

Be careful what you wish for

I wanted a job with a desk and chair. Little did I know that it would be the kiss of death. I'm so bored that I could scream! If it weren't for my iphone I would be GONE! I'm halfway through "The Count of Monte Cristo." This is definitely a good way to force me into reading more of the classics. They are free downloads and I've already prepared for my next one. Also, I've downloaded some games and take turns exercising my mind and reading. I've been promised that I'll get more assignments which probably means that "crap" work will be flowing my way. They did paint my area and I immediately got runny eyes and nose from the paint. Two days of suffering! Everybody thinks this is a cushy job and it would be if I just wanted to sit and wait for the phone to ring! I did set an all time record today with 33 calls so far. Yesterday I had 11 and the day before 20. Sad! I still have two hours to go.

work

This new job will be the end of my sanity. Sitting here in my little secluded area in the back of the building waiting for the phone to ring so I can assist customers. Not happening! Boredom and sleepiness are taking control. I've downloaded a couple of free classics into my iPhone so that I can sneak a little reading time in. Don't think bringing in my new novel by Ken Follett would be something I could get away with. Not at almost a 1000 pages. I'm doing what I said I never do. Reading two books at once. "The Count of Monte Cristo" is the classic that I've downloaded and I'm getting into it. I read the Follett novel at lunch and at home. At this rate my next review will be next month.

Sounds like we will have a pretty good turnout at my annual cousin reunion next Sunday. We are actually having a few 3rd cousins coming. They are under a year old and will be very welcome since I'm in need of a baby fix. I'm hosting it even though it is at my daughter's house so I need to get busy and get the necessary stuff for the event. After that it's my husband's big birthday party. Not many people have responded so it may be a tiny big birthday party. I feel bad for him that a couple of his kids are not going to make it. The friends that I would have invited have passed away. He's alienated from his brother so the gang will be small.

More Frankenstein

I finished Dean Koontz's "Frankenstein: City of Night." This Book Two of his series. I'm glad I'm reading them pretty quickly or I would have trouble remembering the previous book. This one is still pursuing Dr. Helios (Frankenstein) to try to destroy him and all his New Race. The third book is on order and I'm hoping to read something else before it gets here.

My new job started today. I just got back from vacation and the new phone sale center is up and running. Unfortunately no one is calling! Boredom is inevitable!

My brother left this morning after his two week stay. We managed one fishing trip two days ago but caught nothing. Yesterday we were rained out. Sure hope I get another chance at fishing before my license expires at the end of the year.