Audiobooks - March to May 2026
May. 10th, 2026 02:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbitMy current TBL list has shot up to 28, plus I pre-order. Audible had a couple of sales, one for series and one mega sale which I took full advantage of. So this will take me well into next year, especially as a number belong to series which I'm listening to and which are unavailable in the library and it was cheaper to buy and audio copy than a second hand one.
Here's the titles I've listened to in the last couple of months:
Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Croft read by Gordon Griffin
An Inspector French mystery, which I'd been planning on reading for a while (British Library Crime Classics series). Two bodies are discovered on a deserted yacht in the middle of the English Channel. French has to work out who killed them, why and how. Slightly long-winded but an interesting mystery. I wasn't completely surprised at the eventual murderer.
A Curiously Convenient Demise by Hannah Hendy read by Jenny Funnell
Next in the Dinnerlady Detectives series. An entertaining listen with an enjoyable cast of characters.
Calamity in Kent by John Rowland read by Peter Wickham
Another British Library Crime Classics series. A clever impossible crime, but the narrator (in the story, not the reader) annoyed me, stating every chapter he was a newspaper reporter, which, if you hadn't realised that by halfway through the book you clearly couldn't have been paying any attention.
A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith read by Matthew Lloyd Davies
This had been in my TBL since last year, as I'd seen a lot of recommendations for it. I enjoyed it, and may well read the next in the series at some point. I knew the solution to one of the mysteries by about halfway through and towards the end had my suspicions as to the other.
Murder on Milverton Square by G B Ralph read by Philip Battley
I had put this on my list as being set in New Zealand and a cosy mystery - i.e. ideal for listening while driving. The protagonist Addison Harper is a bit of an idiot, but I enjoyed the story overall. I was thinking I'd listen to more, but since the next three stories all have Harper being the one to find a dead body and being the main suspect, I won't be - for me that plot works once not several times.
Here's the titles I've listened to in the last couple of months:
Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Croft read by Gordon Griffin
An Inspector French mystery, which I'd been planning on reading for a while (British Library Crime Classics series). Two bodies are discovered on a deserted yacht in the middle of the English Channel. French has to work out who killed them, why and how. Slightly long-winded but an interesting mystery. I wasn't completely surprised at the eventual murderer.
A Curiously Convenient Demise by Hannah Hendy read by Jenny Funnell
Next in the Dinnerlady Detectives series. An entertaining listen with an enjoyable cast of characters.
Calamity in Kent by John Rowland read by Peter Wickham
Another British Library Crime Classics series. A clever impossible crime, but the narrator (in the story, not the reader) annoyed me, stating every chapter he was a newspaper reporter, which, if you hadn't realised that by halfway through the book you clearly couldn't have been paying any attention.
A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith read by Matthew Lloyd Davies
This had been in my TBL since last year, as I'd seen a lot of recommendations for it. I enjoyed it, and may well read the next in the series at some point. I knew the solution to one of the mysteries by about halfway through and towards the end had my suspicions as to the other.
Murder on Milverton Square by G B Ralph read by Philip Battley
I had put this on my list as being set in New Zealand and a cosy mystery - i.e. ideal for listening while driving. The protagonist Addison Harper is a bit of an idiot, but I enjoyed the story overall. I was thinking I'd listen to more, but since the next three stories all have Harper being the one to find a dead body and being the main suspect, I won't be - for me that plot works once not several times.
Jokes
May. 10th, 2026 02:13 ampattrose* The owner of the tuxedo store kept hovering over me when i was browsing, so I asked him to leave me alone. He said, “Fine, suit yourself.”
* Why did the egg have a day off? Because it was Fryday.
* Have you ever heard about the kidnapping at school? It's okay, he woke up.
* Why did the coffee taste like dirt? Because it was ground just a few minutes ago.
* Why do quarterbacks tell obvious jokes? So they don't go over their receivers' heads.
* What is the best present? Broken drums! You can't beat them.
* Why do people who live in Greece hate waking up at dawn? Because Dawn is tough on Greece.
* Why did the egg have a day off? Because it was Fryday.
* Have you ever heard about the kidnapping at school? It's okay, he woke up.
* Why did the coffee taste like dirt? Because it was ground just a few minutes ago.
* Why do quarterbacks tell obvious jokes? So they don't go over their receivers' heads.
* What is the best present? Broken drums! You can't beat them.
* Why do people who live in Greece hate waking up at dawn? Because Dawn is tough on Greece.
Quotes
May. 10th, 2026 02:13 ampattrose56. Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Mark Twain
57. “Old age comes at a bad time.” – San Banducci
58. “You don’t get old. You get better.” – Shirley Bassey
59. “Age is not important unless you’re a cheese.” – Helen Hayes
60. “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney
“Having one child makes you a parent; having two, you are a referee.” – David Frost
57. “Old age comes at a bad time.” – San Banducci
58. “You don’t get old. You get better.” – Shirley Bassey
59. “Age is not important unless you’re a cheese.” – Helen Hayes
60. “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney
“Having one child makes you a parent; having two, you are a referee.” – David Frost
90 discussion questions
May. 10th, 2026 02:07 ampattrose59. Identify the biggest distractions in your life and ways you can reduce or eliminate them.
My biggest distractions are medical problems. I just need to face it all and move on. And hopefully, I can eliminate the problems.
My biggest distractions are medical problems. I just need to face it all and move on. And hopefully, I can eliminate the problems.
Crunchy questions
May. 10th, 2026 02:05 ampattroseDo you binge read, take your sweet time, or somewhere in between?
I love all three. It depends on my mood.
I love all three. It depends on my mood.
May questions
May. 10th, 2026 02:00 ampattrose9. In 1896, the first horseless carriage show in London featured ten models. Do you own a car? What kind of car is it?
Yes, we own a car. It's a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. It's 4 years old.
10. Are there some colours you would never wear or use in your home?
Orange. I love the color but it washes me out.
Yes, we own a car. It's a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. It's 4 years old.
10. Are there some colours you would never wear or use in your home?
Orange. I love the color but it washes me out.
The Friday Five: Fandoms and Related
May. 9th, 2026 10:29 amsmallhobbitThis week's ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thefridayfive
thefridayfive 1. What do you consider your current main fandom? (This can include hobbies and collecting. Anything you feel fannish about!)
Sherlock Holmes (ACD - ie orginal books); Miss Marple (Agatha Christie); Spooks (MI5) but definitely AU
Also cross stitch, which I've spent probably at least a couple of hours a day on this week.
Sherlock Holmes (ACD - ie orginal books); Miss Marple (Agatha Christie); Spooks (MI5) but definitely AU
Also cross stitch, which I've spent probably at least a couple of hours a day on this week.
2. What was your first fandom?
Life on Mars (UK)
Life on Mars (UK)
3. Do you have any favourite headcanons or fan theories?
Holmes and Watson live a happy retirement together in Sussex.
Adam Carter and Lucas North belong together, regardless of the fact they only had one episode together.
Holmes and Watson live a happy retirement together in Sussex.
Adam Carter and Lucas North belong together, regardless of the fact they only had one episode together.
4. Have you ever created fanworks?
I write fanfiction
I write fanfiction
5. Are you still active in any old fandoms?
I still occasionally write drabbles/ficlets for Life on Mars. And, of course, Sherlock Holmes is considerably older than even I am!
I still occasionally write drabbles/ficlets for Life on Mars. And, of course, Sherlock Holmes is considerably older than even I am!
V E Day
May. 8th, 2026 04:42 pmsmallhobbitToday is V E Day - Victory in Europe Day, when Germany surrendered at the end of WWII. In memory of those from many countries who fought and died in the conflict, this is a collage of some of the gravestones we saw on our recent holiday.
90 discussion questions
May. 7th, 2026 06:42 pmpattrose57. Name one song that means a lot to you. What does it remind you of? What does it mean to you? Why is it important to you?
The song is called Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum. It's a wonderful song about when you die and where you go. Both hubby and I chose this for our goodbye music. I didn't want anything depressing. Everyone will smile when they hear it.
The song is called Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum. It's a wonderful song about when you die and where you go. Both hubby and I chose this for our goodbye music. I didn't want anything depressing. Everyone will smile when they hear it.
Crunchy Questions
May. 7th, 2026 06:36 pmpattroseHave you ever felt culture shock in your own country?
Yes during Trump years and now it's here again. I don't even know what to say about them. Trumpets, I mean.
People keep saying they hate it when trump falls asleep during meeting. I on the other am always disappointed that he wakes up. (saw this on a meme and had to use it)
Yes during Trump years and now it's here again. I don't even know what to say about them. Trumpets, I mean.
People keep saying they hate it when trump falls asleep during meeting. I on the other am always disappointed that he wakes up. (saw this on a meme and had to use it)
Jokes
May. 7th, 2026 06:30 pmpattrose* A termite walks into a bar and says, "So, is the bar tender here?"
* How does an octopus go into battle? Well-armed.
* What do you get when you mix a cocker spaniel, a poodle, and a ghost? A cocker-poodle boo.
* Why don't sharks eat clowns? Because they taste funny.
* A horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Why the long face?"
* How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it.
* I couldn't figure out why the baseball kept getting larger. Then it hit me.
* What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? A stick.
* What did the full glass say to the empty glass? You look drunk.
* Justice is a dish best served cold. Otherwise, it's just water.
* What do call a criminal landing an airplane? Condescending.
* Why should you never throw grandpa's false teeth at a vehicle? You might denture car.
* Why are Christmas trees bad at knitting? They always drop their needles.
* What did the lunch box say to the refrigerator? Don't hate me because I'm a little cooler.
* Did you hear about the fragile myth? It was busted.
* I can always tell when someone is lying. I can tell when they're standing too.
* Why did the egg hide? It was a little chicken.
* What did the dirt say to the rain? If you keep this up, my name will be mud!
* Why couldn't the sunflower ride its bike? It lost its petals.
* How does an octopus go into battle? Well-armed.
* What do you get when you mix a cocker spaniel, a poodle, and a ghost? A cocker-poodle boo.
* Why don't sharks eat clowns? Because they taste funny.
* A horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Why the long face?"
* How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it.
* I couldn't figure out why the baseball kept getting larger. Then it hit me.
* What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? A stick.
* What did the full glass say to the empty glass? You look drunk.
* Justice is a dish best served cold. Otherwise, it's just water.
* What do call a criminal landing an airplane? Condescending.
* Why should you never throw grandpa's false teeth at a vehicle? You might denture car.
* Why are Christmas trees bad at knitting? They always drop their needles.
* What did the lunch box say to the refrigerator? Don't hate me because I'm a little cooler.
* Did you hear about the fragile myth? It was busted.
* I can always tell when someone is lying. I can tell when they're standing too.
* Why did the egg hide? It was a little chicken.
* What did the dirt say to the rain? If you keep this up, my name will be mud!
* Why couldn't the sunflower ride its bike? It lost its petals.
Quotes
May. 7th, 2026 06:28 pmpattrose50. Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.” – Jim Carrey
51. Age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying you. Cheers to you!” – Unknown
52. “You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” – Bob Hope
53. “The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” – Lucille Ball
54. “Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.” – Bob Hope
55. “Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened.” – Jennifer Yane
51. Age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying you. Cheers to you!” – Unknown
52. “You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” – Bob Hope
53. “The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” – Lucille Ball
54. “Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.” – Bob Hope
55. “Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened.” – Jennifer Yane
May question meme
May. 7th, 2026 06:13 pmpattrose7. Do you take your phone everywhere, or sometimes leave it at home and not worry about it?
I don't leave it at home, but I don't take it from room to room, with me, either. I figured someone can always leave a message.
8. Henry Dunant was born today in 1828 – he was the co-founder of the Red Cross. Have you ever learned first aid? Could you resuscitate someone?
I took a course in first aid about ten times for my work. I've never used it. But I know it if duty calls. We also donate to the red cross.
I don't leave it at home, but I don't take it from room to room, with me, either. I figured someone can always leave a message.
8. Henry Dunant was born today in 1828 – he was the co-founder of the Red Cross. Have you ever learned first aid? Could you resuscitate someone?
I took a course in first aid about ten times for my work. I've never used it. But I know it if duty calls. We also donate to the red cross.
I can't seem to catch a break.
May. 5th, 2026 11:56 pmpattroseSince I had the procedure on Friday, I have been coughing up a lung. I can't sleep lying down at all. I cough until I throw up. I sent a note off to the doctor and told him what's going on. He said if I'm not better by tomorrow, he’ll call in antibiotics for me. They took an X-ray after procedure and found pneumonia in my left lung. Now I know why I'm coughing. Oh well, it's not the end of the world. I was fairly sick today with low grade fever and chills. I bet it'll be gone this afternoon. I hope! This is the latest with my lungs.
Courses - February to April 2026
May. 4th, 2026 11:37 amsmallhobbitOpen Learn
The Restless Universe
My interest is more looking at the stars and planets and this course was more concerned with the physics of this planet, so, although I completed the course, I don't think I gained much from it.
Lottery of Birth
As might be expected this looks at the different factors which can affect how a child will grow up and thrive, or not. I don't think I learnt anything new.
Exploring Ovid's Big Ideas
I studied Ovid's Metamorphoses for Latin O-level an eon ago, but, if anything, by the end of the course I was less interested in Ovid that when I started.
An Introduction to Geology
Life in the Palaeozoic
Earthquakes
Looking around for something to study, I decided a look at how our planet is formed might be interesting. I know a little more now, but wouldn't say this was a subject I'd be particularly interested in progressing with. However, they all helped with building the big picture of 'life'.
Having looked at most of the OpenLearn courses I'm currently interested in, and, in the case of some of the scientific courses, can actually understand, I've now picked out a few FutureLearn courses to continue to widen my horizons.
The Restless Universe
My interest is more looking at the stars and planets and this course was more concerned with the physics of this planet, so, although I completed the course, I don't think I gained much from it.
Lottery of Birth
As might be expected this looks at the different factors which can affect how a child will grow up and thrive, or not. I don't think I learnt anything new.
Exploring Ovid's Big Ideas
I studied Ovid's Metamorphoses for Latin O-level an eon ago, but, if anything, by the end of the course I was less interested in Ovid that when I started.
An Introduction to Geology
Life in the Palaeozoic
Earthquakes
Looking around for something to study, I decided a look at how our planet is formed might be interesting. I know a little more now, but wouldn't say this was a subject I'd be particularly interested in progressing with. However, they all helped with building the big picture of 'life'.
Having looked at most of the OpenLearn courses I'm currently interested in, and, in the case of some of the scientific courses, can actually understand, I've now picked out a few FutureLearn courses to continue to widen my horizons.
Quotes
May. 3rd, 2026 10:29 pmpattrose41. Love is sharing your popcorn.” – Charles Schultz
42. “Love is an electric blanket with somebody else in control of the switch.” – Cathy Carlyle
43. “I love you more than coffee, but please don’t make me prove it.” – Elizabeth Evans
44. “Love is being stupid together.” – Paul Valery
45. “Marriage is the chief cause of divorce.” – Groucho Marx
46. “Love is like a tornado; it picks you up off your feet and sometimes takes half your house.” – Unknown
47. “Love is the answer, but while you’re waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions.” – Woody Allen
48. “Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.” – Albert Einstein
49. “Love is only a dirty trick played on us to achieve continuation of the species.” – W. Somerset Maugham
42. “Love is an electric blanket with somebody else in control of the switch.” – Cathy Carlyle
43. “I love you more than coffee, but please don’t make me prove it.” – Elizabeth Evans
44. “Love is being stupid together.” – Paul Valery
45. “Marriage is the chief cause of divorce.” – Groucho Marx
46. “Love is like a tornado; it picks you up off your feet and sometimes takes half your house.” – Unknown
47. “Love is the answer, but while you’re waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions.” – Woody Allen
48. “Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.” – Albert Einstein
49. “Love is only a dirty trick played on us to achieve continuation of the species.” – W. Somerset Maugham
Jokes
May. 3rd, 2026 10:26 pmpattrose* What did the snail who was riding on the turtle's back say? Wheeeee!
* What do you call a lazy kangaroo? A pouch potato.
* What does a pig put on dry skin? Oinkment.
* How do you open a banana? With a mon-key.
* What do you call a pony with a sore throat? A little horse.
* How did the pig get to the hogspital? In a hambulance.
* Why did the cow jump over the moon? The farmer had cold hands.
* What do you call a lazy kangaroo? A pouch potato.
* What does a pig put on dry skin? Oinkment.
* How do you open a banana? With a mon-key.
* What do you call a pony with a sore throat? A little horse.
* How did the pig get to the hogspital? In a hambulance.
* Why did the cow jump over the moon? The farmer had cold hands.
May question meme
May. 3rd, 2026 10:21 pmpattrose1. Have you ever contributed to something being crowdfunded? Was there an incentive to do so?
I have not.
2. Have you heard of the ‘Language of Flowers’, published in 1884? Victorian Britain and America were caught up in the concept in the 19th Century. Do you know the secret meaning of any flowers?
I sure don't.
3. Have you ever traced any of your family tree?
Yes, I got quite far with my fathers family. Very interesting stuff.
4. Today is a holiday in many countries, either to celebrate Labour Day or May Day. If you have a day off today, what are your plans?
When I was young we would deliver a may basket for all our favorite neighbors. They were filled with peanuts and mints. I probably did that until I was 10.
I have not.
2. Have you heard of the ‘Language of Flowers’, published in 1884? Victorian Britain and America were caught up in the concept in the 19th Century. Do you know the secret meaning of any flowers?
I sure don't.
3. Have you ever traced any of your family tree?
Yes, I got quite far with my fathers family. Very interesting stuff.
4. Today is a holiday in many countries, either to celebrate Labour Day or May Day. If you have a day off today, what are your plans?
When I was young we would deliver a may basket for all our favorite neighbors. They were filled with peanuts and mints. I probably did that until I was 10.