It's been a lovely autumnal week around here. I've gone for long walks (but didn't take any photos, oddly) and generally just enjoyed the cool nights and clear days. After a long, hot summer I'm happy to have nighttime lows a little above freezing. When I look at the weather map, the alerts for the … Continue reading Sunday Sum-Up: September 26, 2021
The Two Towers
Tolkien Tag
Look! Another tag! A Tolkien Tag at that! I'm sure you're all shocked that I'm doing one. I'll just wait over here while you get over this great shock. I'll be over here with Haldir and the Elves of Lothlorien, who most certainly did not pledge their allegiance to Elendil. Anyway. I saw this tag … Continue reading Tolkien Tag
Sunday Sum-Up, December 27, 2020
It's the last Sunday Sum-Up of 2020. Here's to hoping that 2021 is a better year than 2020 was. I had a good Christmas, as far as Zoom Christmases go. We got online together around 9:30 on Christmas morning, and once my parents got their laptop oriented so that they weren't silhouetted by the sun's … Continue reading Sunday Sum-Up, December 27, 2020
Sunday Sum-Up: December 20, 2020
Fall and winter are popular times for baking. And sometimes people are passionate about getting just the right ingredients. Do you know how I know that? Because when I went grocery shopping the other day, I needed to pick up buttermilk for the Irish soda bread I plan to make later today. I wandered to … Continue reading Sunday Sum-Up: December 20, 2020
Classic Remarks: How The Two Towers Film Differs from the Book
Classic Remarks is a meme hosted by Krysta and Brianna at Pages Unbound. Each week, they pose a question about classic works of literature in order for readers to engage in a continuing conversation about elements of classic literature, the literary ‘canon’, and the timelessness of story. If you’re interested in participating, you can find … Continue reading Classic Remarks: How The Two Towers Film Differs from the Book
Sunday Sum Up: December 29, 2019
After the busy madness in the lead-up to Christmas, I was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief and relax on Christmas Eve. I had an easy drive to my sister's house where I hung out with her family and our parents until the last of us went to bed around midnight. Christmas morning … Continue reading Sunday Sum Up: December 29, 2019
I Want to Start Reading Adult Fantasy, But Where Do I Start?
At a recent meeting of my book club, one of my friends told us about how a guy friend was teaching her how to play Dungeons and Dragons and had suggested that she read Robert Jordan's Eye of the World, the first installment of the Wheel of Time series. I refrained from rolling my eyes … Continue reading I Want to Start Reading Adult Fantasy, But Where Do I Start?
LotR Reread: Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls
Chapter V: The Window on the West As the chapter opens, Sam wakes up from an accidental nap and finds Faramir questioning Frodo about their presence in Ithilien and what his business was with Boromir. Both are cagey in their responses; Frodo because he can't reveal the nature of the Quest, and Faramir because he … Continue reading LotR Reread: Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls
LotR Reread: The Trees That Hit Back
Chapter VIII: The Road to Isengard The Battle of Helm's Deep is over. The sun has risen, Gandalf has returned, our main heroes have survived, and now there's a forest. Everyone is confused. There wasn't a forest there last night. Everyone things Gandalf is responsible for that, but no, it's not his doing: "Gandalf laughed … Continue reading LotR Reread: The Trees That Hit Back
LotR Reread: ‘This is the hour when we draw swords together!’
Chapter VII: Helm's Deep As the chapter opens, Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, Theoden, Eomer, and a lot of other warriors are riding across the plains of Rohan toward the fortress of Helm's Deep. Why aren't they holing up in Edoras, where the king normally lives? Location, location, location. Edoras is in a great location if … Continue reading LotR Reread: ‘This is the hour when we draw swords together!’
Traveling in Books 