Well that was just what the doctor ordered!
Arrived at our tent on Lake Champlain, unpacked and immediately took a nap before dinner! Next day was more naps, and a LOT of reading between playing with the nieces and nephews and shooting the breeze with the family.
Been under a lot of stress from work, and taking care of Mrs. Weer’d. Who is doing fine, but understandably needs a bit more help and attention. So this week of fresh air and relaxation really re-charged the batteries.
So for reading I plodded through The Happiest Baby on the Block, which In think is the book version of a DVD. Overall its anthropological take on child rearing is really interesting to me. Still the book is heavy on pages and light on content, so I’ll shelf it for now, and dust it off if I find I haven’t mastered the techniques outlined in the book when I have a real-deal baby in my arms.
Next was Cart Blanche a modern re-boot of Ian Flemming’s James Bond novels, and fully licensed by the Flemming estate. Its a full-reboot of the series where James Bond did his military service not in WWII (as Flemming also did) but in Afganistan for the currently ongoing conflict. Also many of the re-occurring characters are rejuvenated and appear. All of the characters that show up from older Bond books are first seen in Casino Royal, but there is no reference to the events in that book, or a new history to Bond where he might have first encountered them. This makes the book ideal for both a stand-alone novel for those with no history with the books or films, but also full of great Easter Eggs for those who (like Deaver) are deeply versed with the 007 Character. Overall the plot line is impeccable, as is the writing. It was a VERY quick read. My only complaint was Bond’s usage of a Walther PPS in .40 S&W as his primary gun. He never carries it in deep concealment, and he finds himself in frequent shootouts, I’d imagine he’d be better served by any of the larger Walthers, or from the various SIG pistols…if he’s tied to German guns. A S&W M&P9c would be really badass IMHO in Bond’s belt. Since this new Bond is constantly wearing 5.11 gear, maybe an American pistol might serve him better. And you all know I do hate .40 S&W….tho Bond’s PPK from the early books was in 7.65x17mm Browning because the round’s ubiquity in the various nations in the 1960s, maybe .40 S&W is easier to find…it certainly is now in America.
I also read in record time “Suddenly, the Cider Didn’t Taste So Good”, written by a Maine Author my Father met and procured me a signed copy for my birthday. According to Dad his oral story telling is even better than his writing. He’s going to be speaking again in Maine to promote his latest book, and I’ll try to be there to get a signed copy of this one in person, and hear his accounts first-hand.
The book is REALLY good, its more of a rambling collection of funny stories from the woods of Central Maine from a retired Maine Game Warden who wasn’t afraid to rub elbows with the various poachers and ne’er-do-wells who were mostly interesting people who occasionally violated fish and game laws. I loved it, and hearing a few stories from it my 8-year-old niece started plowing through it. Its a really fun read, especially if you like crazy back-woods stories, and animals.
Last, I’m a good way through Dead Six, which is just as magnificent as everything Larry has written. It is NON stop action, and sports a plot so twisty that I’m both engrossed and befuddled right now. Like all of Larry’s books, I couldn’t recommend it more.
Last up I thought I’d share this with you all. While sitting on my deck reading a book my Sister-in-Law decided it would be fun to paint my toenails. I’ve been waking up to this every morning since:
Its been a surprise every morning when I see my shiny blue toes looking back at me. The kids were also deeply amused to see their big hairy uncle sporting the prettiest toes at camp.
Back to work tomorrow!
