I did start reading Jenna Guillaume's new book You Were Made For Me. I am not really the target audience for this book, but it is a lot of fun. It was perfect 4am reading over the weekend.
I am also a mere couple of hours away from finishing The Switch by Beth O'Leary and then it will be time to pick a new audiobook. There are several options,but I don't really know which one I am going to pick yet.
I'm watching...
Over the last couple of weeks we have been all about the feel good crafty type shows. Last week I mentioned that we were watching Great Canadian Baking Show and The Repair Shop. We are still watching those, as well as shows like Selling Houses Australia.
This week we added another crafty show into the mix - Making It which is hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. This show is so much fun. The only thing that was a bit odd is that the first five episodes were available to stream, but the sixth episode, which also happens to be the final, was not available. In order to watch it wehave now had to subscribe to yet another streaming provider. We got a free two week trial so I assume we will see what else is available on there, and then maybe cancel it, if we remember.
We did start a couple of other drama series this week. The first was Trackers, which is based ona series books by Deon Meyer featuring a former policeman by the name of Lemmer. I have read one of the books in the series. This show is set in South Africa which is where my husband was originally from, and the series rated really highly there, even beating out Game of Thrones apparently. The first episode was a fair bit of set up and introduction of the characters so was a bit slow but there was enough to keep us interested in what happens next.
We did come up with one fun game. I pronounced all the place names in the most Aussie way possible and he got to correct my pronunciation. Hours of fun. Although he does win because he doesn't need to read the subtitles when the characters are speaking Afrikaans.
We also starting watching Singapore Grip which is a story set during WWII. The series starts just before the Japanese invasion of Singapore. The main families are involved in the rubber industry and live a lavish colonial lifestyle. Years ago I read a book called Tanamera by Noel Barber and it had a very similar premise and I loved that book. There was also a mini series made of that back in the 80s.
It's interesting to think how huge mini series used to be back in the day. The whole coming soon scenario, a stunning/gripping/enticing 4 part series. And there was some great TV. Series like North and South, The Thorn Birds and so many more. There is some times that sense of anticipation now, but it is usually expected that it will be for a whole series, rather than a 4 part epic, and of course, there's always the expectation that there has be
In Life
It was very exciting this weekend. Remember we bought a car a month ago. We finally put petrol in the car! It is so economical. I mean, it's taken a month to need to put petrol in. Let's not talk about the fact that is because we aren't allowed to go anywhere.
On that basis, the current tank of fuel may end up lasting us until November because we have now gone into Stage 4 Lockdown for at least the next six weeks. There has been a state of disaster declared and as such there is a curfew in place from 8pm to 5am. You can only leave home for work, medical reasons and caregiving. Only one person per household can leave once each day to purchase food but you have to stay within a 5km radius of your home. Schools go back to online learning, and non essential businesses are closing. There's more but that is most of the rules.
While the numbers continue to increase I do understand the need to put these restrictions in place, but it is disheartening. We have now been working from home for nearly 5 months, and as much as we are trying to keep ourselves entertained, there are moments in the day where it is easy to feel discouraged.
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I have heard about the new lockdown in Melbourne - Australia was doing so well and we were quite envious. Our country never ever did go into a national complete lockdown which is why our numbers are so super bad. I'm afraid that with this attitude we will never get out of it. States with high numbers have started with in-person school - stupid!
ReplyDeleteI told me daughter about Trackers. She spent a summer (well, winter there) in Cape Town for an internship and fell in love with South Africa. We have to see whether we can get it here. Thanks for the tip!
the reality is that our numbers are a drop in the ocean compared to the ones we see in America, but they are higher than we want them.
DeleteWe watched another TV show set in Cape Town a couple of years ago.It was called Cape Town so maybe see if you can find that one too.
I am so sorry to hear you're back to lockdown. I pray they can lift it soon. I am feeling like you do--totally understand the restrictions, but so tiresome at this point.
ReplyDeleteYou Were Made for Me sounds like fun. I've been binge watching Fuller House. I watched a lot of HGTV while we were in NC, too.
Hope you have a nice week.
https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2020/08/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-aug-3.html
That's exactly how I feel too Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteFuller House sounds like a nice feel good show to watch too!
The restrictions are pretty brutal in Victoria but needs must I guess, I think we in NSW will fund ourselves in the same predicament sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteMaking It sounds fun, I’ll have to look for it.
Wishing you a great reading week
Needs must is exactly right Shelleyrae! It is what it is.
DeleteYour description Singapore Grip reminded me of Neveille Shute's novel A Town Like Alice, the begiinings when they were marching in the heat. Oh, it's been ages since I've seen The Thorn Birds and now I want to reead he book and get the movie.
ReplyDeleteThe lockdown and this virus stuff will be with us a long time, I'm afraid. My son's exwife has tested positive for it and I don't see that going well. She is actually the first person I know who has gotten it. Doug and I stay home as much as we can.
Very cool you put petrol in the car! That is indeed an economical vehicle.
We know people who know people but not too close so far, but I do think it is probably a matter of time Tina
DeleteI've been on the fence about The Switch and can't decide whether to pick it up or not. I liked The Flatshare but didn't love it. Maybe I should go the audio route.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Flatshare. I read it in one take on a plane trip. The Switch was good but I enjoyed The Flatshare more
DeleteMany parts of our country have not been locked down enough. I live in a senior residential community, so we have been locked down since March 11. I've only been out in the courtyard a few times; otherwise, in the apartment. We ate in the dining room on alternate days for a while, but then they cut that back as there were some positive tests from staff!
ReplyDeleteIt is a mess, but I'm glad to be locked down for now.
Enjoy your month. I do love streaming shows.
It is interesting. Our numbers aren't that high comparatively speaking but we are now in the strictest lockdown in the world
DeleteThat's the way it is with my new car too. When you only drive a few miles a week, the gas usage stays low. We aren't under lockdown but I tend to stay home anyway. I fit into too many of the at-risk categories to want to take any chances. Come see my week here, Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteProbably a good idea to stay home as much as possible Kathy
DeleteI don't really understand why those restrictions haven't reemerged here. Our numbers have skyrocketed. It's frightening.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to enjoy some good books during this time.
Not as much as I would like. I am really only doing middle of the night reading which is problematic really
DeleteI read What I Like About Me from Jenna Guillaume and enjoyed it. My sister who is in Spain said that restrictions are starting to be put back in place because their numbers are going up. Yes, it can be disheartening. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI read that last year and really enjoyed it Laura
DeleteMaking It sounds fun. I really like Amy Poehler.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear you are on lockdown again, as I know it can't be easy. I am glad though you are staying safe and that officials in your country have that in mind. It's a free for all where I live--at least it feels like it. I know the state government at least is trying somewhat. Masks are mandated, schools have to start online, certain businesses are supposed to be shut down (but aren't--and are flaunting being open). It's a mess.
I hope you have a great week, Marg. Enjoy your reading and hang in there.
Making it is a lot of fun. It is one of the positives for me.
DeleteIt would be so hard to go back into total lock down! If it keeps you guys safe though.... We're big hikers so we do that on my husband's days off from work. It seems pretty low risk to us, especially since we put on our masks when we come across other people and most people are doing that as well now that it's been mandated by the state. The governor here in Oregon is starting to put individual counties back in varying degrees of lock down. Our county is on a watch list so we'll see what comes next. We'll do as we're told. We wouldn't want to make anyone else sick or catch it ourselves. Hang in there! Hopefully stricter rules now mean lower numbers so you can get back out and about earlier!
ReplyDeleteThats supposed to be the big plan. The numbers aren't coming down yet though..
DeleteThat is a bummer that you are again in lockdown. I keep thinking we should be but I'm sort of doing my part anyway as I only go out to the grocery store once a week. Praying for positive changes! And, really curious about the show Trackers you mentioned. We just started watching a new series on Netflix but will have to see if I can find this one for our queue. Hope you are having a great week!
ReplyDeleteWe've watched a couple more episodes and it is really good Iliana.
DeleteTraditional publishing is the process of publishing a book through a publishing house according to a contact. The publishing house turn, prints, publishes and sells your book through booksellers and other retailers. You'll get royalties from the selling of the book.
ReplyDelete