Saturday, December 26, 2009

I finished reading"

"Blue Night" written by Cindy McCormick Martinusen. 387 Pages.

"Mr Stone and the Knights Companion" written by V.S. Naipaul. 126 Pages.

Books# 68 and 69 finished in 2009 for 22,540 pages at an average of 327 pages per book.

-Richard

Thursday, December 17, 2009

I finished reading:

"Winter Passing" written by Cindy McCormick Martinusen. 377 pages.

"The Don Flows Home to the Sea" written by Mikhail Sholokhov. 688 pages.

Books# 66 and 67 of 2009 for 22,027 pages at an average of 329 pages per book.

-Richard

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

I finished reading:

"Alistair MacLean's Dead Halt" written by Alastair MacNeil. 376 pages.

"The Love-Child and the Innocent" a play written by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. 133 pages.

"Selected Tales" written by Nikolai Leskov. Five Short Stories: "Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District", "The Enchanted Wanderer", "The Left-Handed Craftsman", "The Sentry" and "The White Eagle". 300 Pages.

These are books number 63, 64 and 65 on the year for a total of 20,962 pages at an average of 322 pages per book.

-Richard

Thursday, November 26, 2009

I finished reading:

"Germinal" written by Emile Zola. 499 Pages.

Book #62 and 20,153 pages at an average of 325 per book.

-Richard

Friday, November 20, 2009

I finished reading:

"Humboldt's Gift" written by Saul Bellow. 471 pages.

Book# 61 for the year 19,654 pages at an average of 322 pages per book.

-Richard

Saturday, November 07, 2009

In Memorium:
When I got back from Texas I got home to one of the most horrible shocks I ever experience. I got home to find that one our special, precious foster cats had died. Nimbus. We trapped Nimbus and some of his siblings behind Red Lobster in Raleigh a few years ago. He initially went to another foster home with some of the others. However, they were doing so badly that they came to us. Nimbus was a wild, scared, feral little boy when he came to us. After a lot of time and work (and quite a few scratches and bites!!) he came to be a sweet, loving boy. He stayed a foster cat, but, in reality was a "permanent" foster as he only trusted Jenn and I and could not go to events as he totally freaked out. He lived with his buddies in my home office, made his opinion known on conference calls, helped me write e-mails and sat on my lap purring all day whilst I worked. My home office is a very, very,lonely place at the moment.

We've wondered several times the last few days why and can we keep doing this? The answer is in Nimbus' life. He would have been a wild cat with a very, very low survival chance. We gave him love, a home and above all he learned to trust and love back and was the happiest little boy. This is why we do it and why we will do it again and again in honour of his memory and all the others that have passed before him and those that will after him.

Nimbus: We will miss you, we love you and thanks for all the happy memories and joys you gave us.

-Richard
I went to a my first Ice Hockey game this last week. Despite the fact that we live so close to the RBC Center in Raleigh where the Carolina Hurricanes play and that we watch hockey on TV I had never been to a game. So, ironically enough it wasn't until I went back to Texas and Dallas more accurately for a meeting I went to the first game: Dallas Stars vs Calgary Flames. It was fun and I think we will definitely go to come 'Canes games. The game? It finished 3-2 to Calgary in overtime.

-Richard
I finished reading:

"Seize the Day" written by Saul Bellow. 128 Pages.

Book # 60 for 2009. 19,183 pages at an average of 320.

-Richard

Sunday, November 01, 2009

I finished reading:

"Candle in the Wind" a play written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. 152 Pages.

One of my favourite authors and I enjoyed this, perhaps, not as much as his novels, but, still enjoyed it.

59th book of the year. 19,055 pages at an average of 323 pages per book.

-Richard

Thursday, October 29, 2009

I finished reading:

"Men of Men" written by Wilbur Smith. 561 Pages.

I generally like Wilbur Smith books, but, this one was not one of my favourites.

Book# 58 of 2009. 18,903 pages at an average of 326 pages per book.

-Richard

Sunday, October 25, 2009

End of Read-a-Thon Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
1am Eastern when I fell asleep
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Suspense or Thrillers
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
No
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Good as it was
5. How many books did you read?
Finished 4 and 75% through one more
6. What were the names of the books you read?
The Spire - Golding, Pere Goriot - Balzac, Eugenie Grandet - Balzac, Banker- Francis and currently reading Men of Men - Smith
7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Banker because I didn't really expect to!!
8. Which did you enjoy least?
The Spire
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
N/A
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Definitely as a reader. I will try again to go for 24 hours. This time was the closest I have come to it, but, only managed 20.

-Richard
Read-A-Thon. The End!!

Pages Read Last Hour - 94
Total Pages Read - 1286
Time Read Last Hour - 56 Mins
Total Time Read - 13 Hours 32 Mins
Books Finished - 4

I finished at page 417 of Men and Men which leaves 144 left

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 23. One Hour to go!!!

Pages Read this Hour - 64
Total Pages Read - 1192
Time Read this Hour - 38 Minutes
Total Time Read - 12 Hours 36 Minutes
Books Finished - 4

I am up to page 324 of Men to Men

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 22

Pages Read this Hour - 57
Total Pages Read - 1128
Time Read this Hour - 29 Minutes
Total Time Read - 11 Hours 58 Minutes
Books Finished - 4

I am up to page 260 of Men of Men

-Richard
OK, so I didn't make it and fell asleep. However, I am up for a final hour or so to finish off.

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 17

Total Pages Read this Hour - 91
Total Pages Read - 1071
Time Read this Hour - 56 Minutes
Total Time Read - 11 Hours 29 Minutes
Books Finished - 4

I am now up to page 203 of Men and Men.

I am also in uncharted territory as this is now the latest I have gone for a read-a-thon. I am not sure how long I can keep going, but, we are about to take the dog for a walk to try and freshen up.

-Richard

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Read-a-Thon End of Hour 16.

Pages Read this Hour - 94
Total Pages Read - 981
Time Read this Hour - 54 Minutes
Total Time Read - 10 Hours 33 Minutes
Books Finished - 4

I am up to page 112 of Men and Men

-Richard
Read-a-Thon end of Hour 15

Pages Read this Hour - 56
Total Pages Read - 887
Time Read this Hour - 30 Minutes
Told Time Read - 9 hours 39 minutes.
Books Finished - 4

The new book is Men of Men written by Wilbur Smith. I am currently up to page 18 out of 561.

-Richard
I finished reading:

"Banker" written by Dick Francis. 303pages.

I enjoyed this despite the fact that I was not sure I would. Certainly, not a hard read, but, fun. I will pick up more of his to read.

Book # 57 of 2009. 18,342 pages at an average of 322 per book.

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 13 and 14

Pages Read these Hours - 63
Total Pages Read - 831
Time Read these Hours - 34 Minutes
Total Time Read - 9 Hours 9 Minutes.
Books Finished - 3

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 12. Half Way!!!

Pages Read this Hour - 110
Total Pages Read - 767
Time Read this Hour - 53 Minutes
Total Time Read - 8 Hours 35 Minutes
Books Finished - 3

I am up to page 201 of "The Banker"

As it's 1/2 way I though I would a little comparison to this point last read-a-thon:

I had read 701 pages for 7 hours and 52 minutes so I am slightly ahead this time.

We are now going to pop home to feed the cats and get some dinner as this seems to be a good point for a break, although, we will probably continue to read a little over dinner.

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 11

Pages Read this Hour - 67
Total Pages Read - 657
Time Read this Hour - 53 Minutes
Total Time Read - 7 hours 42 Minutes
Books Finished - 3

Up to page 91 of "Banker"

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 10

Pages Read this Hour - 55
Total Pages Read - 590
Time Read This Hour - 37
Total Time Read - 6 Hours 45 Minutes
Books Finished - 3

I am now up to page 24 of my newest book: Banker by Dick Francis. A change from the "classics" and an author I have never read before.

-Richard
I finished reading:

"Eugenie Grandet" written by Honore de Balzac. 203 pages.

I liked this one better than Pere Goriot, but, in the typical novel from that time also sad and dark.

Book# 56. 18,039 pages at an average of 322 per book.

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 9

Pages Read this Hour - 71
Total Pages Read - 535
Time Read this Hour - 54 Minutes
Total Time Read - 6 Hours 8 Minutes
Books Finished 2

I am up to page 172 of Eugenie Grandet.

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 8

Pages Read this Hour - 65
Total Pages Read - 464
Time Read this Hour - 44 Minutes
Total Time Read - 5 Hours 14 Minutes.
Books Finished - 2

I am now on Page 101 of Eugenie Grandet

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 7.

No additional reading this hour as we took a lunch break.

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 6

Pages Read this hour - 78
Total Pages Read - 399
Time Read this hour - 43 Minutes
Total Time Read - 4 Hours 30 Minutes
Books Finished - 2

I am now reading Eugenie Grandet also by Honore de Balzac. I am up to page 29 (out of 203)

-Richard
I finished reading:

"Pere Goriot" written by Honore de Balzac. 289 pages.

A good, but, sad book.

I will not post a photo as it was part of a two book volume. The second book, Eugenie Grandet I am about to start. I will post the photo when I am done with that one.

Book # 55 for the year. 17,836 pages at an average of 324 pages per book.

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 5.

Pages Read this Hour - 71
Total Pages Read - 321
Time Read This Hour - 46 Minutes
Total Time Read - #3 Hours 47 Minutes.
Books Finished - 1

I am now up to page 240 of Pere Goriot.

-Richard
Read-a-Thon End of Hour 4.

Pages Read this Hour - 80
Total Pages Read - 250
Time Read this Hour - 54 Minutes
Total Time Read - 3 hours 1 Minute.
Books Finished - 1

I am up to page 169 of Pere Goirot.

-Richard
End of Read-a-Thon Hour 3

Pages Read this Hour - 50
Total Pages Read - 170
Time Read this Hour - 44 minutes
Total Time Read - 2 hours 7 minutes.
Books Finished - 1

I am up to page 89 of Pere Goriot.

-Richard
End of Read-A-Thon Hour 2

Pages Read this Hour - 30.
Total Pages Read - 120
Time Read this Hour - 30 Minutes
Total Time Read - 1 hour 23 Minutes.

I am up to page 30 (out of 289) of Pere Goriot.

-Richard
End of Read-a-Thon Hour One.

Pages Read - 90.
Total Pages Read - 90
For the Hour Time Read - 53 Minutes
Total Time Read - 53 Minutes
Books Finished - 1

New Book to be started Pere Goriot by Honore de Balzac. 289 pages.

-Richard
I finished reading:

"The Spire" written by William Golding. 214 pages.

Not my favourite style of writing, but, I have some others by him to read in the future which I will.

Book# 54 on the year. 17547 pages at an average of 325 pages per book.

-Richard
8am. Start of the Read-a-Thon.

I am starting with the book that I am currently reading: "The Spire" by William Golding. At the moment I am on page 124 of 214, which means that I have 90 to go.

-Richard

Friday, October 23, 2009

Tomorrow is fourth 24 hour read-a-thon Jenn and I have participated in.


This time is slightly different as we are staying in a local La Quinta has I had coupons for two free nights which expires next week. So we will sit back, and read in a quiet environment starting 8am Eastern tomorrow.

I will blog my progress every hour and when a book is finish post as I normally do. I will also be reading exactly as normal in the order I bought the books. The only difference being this time as we are in a hotel I had to pick them of the shelves ahead of time so it will not be a surprise when I see what is next.

Until the morning....

-Richard
I finished reading The Bible book of Psalms.

"Let everything that have breath praise The Lord.
Praise The Lord". Psalm 50 vs 6 (NIV).

-Richard

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I finished reading:

"H.M.S. Unseen" written by Patrick Robinson. 526 pages.

Book # 53 of 2009. 17,333 pages at an average of 327 pages per book.

-Richard

Friday, October 16, 2009

I finished reading:

"Robert Ludlum's The Hade's Factor" written by Robert Ludlum and Gayle Lynds. 420 Pages.

Book # 52 for 16,807 pages at 323 pages per book.

-Richard

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I finished reading:

"The Army Times Book of Great Land Battles From the Civil War to the Gulf War" written by Colonel J.D. Morelock. 330 Pages.

"The Lions Game" written by Nelson DeMille. 926 pages.

Books 50 and 51, 16, 387 pages at 323 per book.

-Richard

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

On Saturday I went to see U2 in concert. One of the bands that I really have wanted to see live. The concert was at the home of North Carolina State University, Carter -Finley Stadium.

It was well worth it. The concert was excellent. The thing I like about U2 is that apart from the good, tight musicianship and entertainment they have a relevant message. They are political without being biased. By that I mean they jump on just causes, but, do not publicly endorse a party. For example on Saturday they thank both the John Edwards family, a very liberal democrat and the Jesse Helms family a right wing Conservative for both supporting their cause against poverty One.org

They also have a spiritual element. One of my all time favourite songs is "Pride" and the line "One Man came in the name of Love" always gives me goose bumps. Unfortunately they did not sing that song on Saturday. One thing they did sing was the first verse to "Amazing Grace" which most of the 60,000 crowd sang. Talk about goose bumps.

The other thing about the concert I really like was the opening act, an English band called Muse. I had never heard of them, but, thoroughly enjoyed them and would recommend them. I am in the process of listening to their latest album "The Resistance". They are not the typical run of the mill modern group, but, more of a concept and varied sound. At least Jenn can't say to me now that I don't listen to modern "Popular Music".

-Richard

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I finished reading:

"Indian Country" written by Peter Matthiessen. 330 Pages.

This is a subject I've written on and read about before: The total disgraceful treatment of the American Indians. The upsetting thing about this particular book is that the stories it told of Corporate or Government Exploitation was taking place in the late 70's and Early 80's (when this book was written). Not, that it makes it any better, but, sometimes when it's a different century or before one was born it seems a long time ago and we have progressed since then. However, when it happens in your lifetime or even when I was going to school it is somehow more shocking. Yet, we still do not hear much about this. We hear about discrimination against African Americans, Hispanics, Woman, Homo-sexuals etc... but how often do we hear it against the people that were here first before any of these groups ever even thought about setting foot on this continent.

Book # 49 - 15231 pages at 311 per book.

-Richard

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Church today made me think. The subject was connecting by God and by Confessing His name.

This made me think because all the time I talk about sports teams. For example today, being an NFL Sunday I proudly wore my Giants Championship T-Shirt and Cap. Nearly every day I probably wear some item of clothing that "confesses" my support of a sports team. How often do I confess the greatest thing in my life? My faith and love of Jesus? I surely have this the wrong way around?

-Richard

Saturday, September 19, 2009

I finished reading:

"The Causes of the War of 1812, National Honor or National Interest?" edited by Bradford Perkins. 117 pages.

An interesting collection of Essays from different perspectives. What causes the War of 1812? Was it because of the British Blockade, or the impressment of American sailors, British incitement of the Indian Tribes against the Settlers, the desire for expansion in Canada or purely Nationalism and pride. Lots of different theories. Having read this and other books on the subject I am tempted to go with a combination of the economic affect of the British Blockade Policy and the piracy of the British Navy forcing Americans to serve on the British Ships.

Book #48. 14901 pages at an average of 310 pages per book.

-Richard

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

I finished reading:

"Skeleton Man" written by Tony Hillerman. 336 Pages.

Book# 47 read for 14784 pages at an average of 315 pages per book.

-Richard

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I finished reading:

"The Rise and Fall of T.D. Lysenko" written by Zhores A. Medvedev. 254 pages.

An interesting book how the Stalin's Personality Cult could effect science if it was contrary to what his favourites think. For example Bohr's model of the Atom, Pauling's Resonance Theory and even Einstein's Theory of Relativity were declared wrong because they did not fit. Many good scientists had the life ruined just because they stayed true to their research.

"The Great Taos Bank Robbery and Other Indian Country Affairs" written by Tony Hillerman. 176 pages.

Several short non-fiction essays written by Hillerman.

Books # 45 and 46 for the year. 14469 pages at 315 per book.

-Richard

Saturday, September 05, 2009

I finished reading:

"John C. Calhoun" written by Richard N. Current. 162 pages.

Book #44 for the year. 14039 pages at 320 pages per book.

-Richard

Monday, August 31, 2009

I finished reading:

"Richthofen, The Red Baron" written by Emile C. Schurmacher. 184 Pages.

Book # 43, 13877 pages at 323 per book.

-Richard

Saturday, August 29, 2009

I finished reading:

"Gideon's Power" written by J.J. Marric. 224 pages

"Golden Girl" written by Simon Gandolfi based on Alistair MacLean's screenplay. 291 pages.

These are books 41 and 42 for the year. 13,693 at 326 pages per book.

-Richard

Friday, August 21, 2009

I finished reading:

"The English Channel" written by Nigel Calder. 352 pages. This book is about the Geography, Geology and History of the Channel.

"Will you Choose Joy, reflections of Philipians" written by Captain Normajean Honsberger. This was a special book for two reasons. The first is the inspiration of Mrs Honsberger who despite suffering from cancer herself and losing her husband from cancer never lost her faith. The second is that she and her husband were in charge of the Camp where Jenn and met and more importantly she was the minister who married us. She was an inspiration when she was alive and her example is still an inspiration even though she is no longer with us.

There are books 39 and 40 for the year for a total of 13,178 pages at 329 per book.

-Richard

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Health Care debate in this Country is now really starting to irritate me. I have expressed my views many, many times before so I do not wish to re-hash them at the moment. What has my ire at the moment are the lies and fear mongering that is going on, or lobbyists trying to add clauses to the bill that they want. Isn't about time that the Country get beyond Party Politics, get beyond any individual agenda and for once do what was right.

The Country and Constitution was formed by men trying to do what was right. Putting aside their own differences and doing what was right. We need to do this again. What is right is that every single hard working family, every person who has given so much to their society, every kid who has not even had the chance to live have the right to be able to get their health taken care of without worrying about it, without having to give up all other dreams. In fact we hear of the American dream, how about not destroying it just because through no fault of their own they get sick despite working for 40, 60, 80 hours. This is "a right". It is just. It is fair. It is putting it plain and simply the RIGHT thing to do.

Before I finish this rant I have one more. I am especially angry when I hear Christians be against this because a fear of "Socialism". I want to challenge every one to ask what would Christ do? The Christ who ate with outcasts in Society, who gave everything he had for free. Gave his life for free because it was the right thing to do. A healing Christ, a healing Church and you are opposed to everyone having the chance to have health.

Come on. Let's do this Country, the founding fathers, Christ, every individual proud and to the RIGHT thing.

-Richard
Being a Christian is easy right? An easy option, a crux to fall back on?

In some ways if you want it to be I guess the answer is it could be. Accept Christ and that's all you have to do for peace of mind.

However, that's not at all it. It is trying to live a life that follows Christ. It's also not who shouts the loudest, who preaches the loudest, who gives the most or even if one can raise someone from the dead.

The guide, as discussed in Church the last series is found in 1 Corinthians 13, the so called "Love Chapter" that many, many people know from weddings. "Love is patient, love is kind etc.." What this chapter states sounds easy. Love. Yeah I can do that. It's not that easy. What does this involve in a daily life. Some example: Self-Control, patience, kindness, joy, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, slow to anger etc.. etc.. Characteristics that have to exhibited in every aspect of your daily life no matter what situation. Not so easy.

My goal: To try. I will fail many, many times every day, but, the goal is to try, try and try again.

-Richard

Saturday, August 15, 2009

I finished reading:

"Blood on the Shores, Soviet SEALs in World War II" an autobiography written by Viktor Leonov. 213 Pages.

Book number 38 this year for 12,686 pages at 334 per book.

-Richard

Sunday, August 09, 2009

This is something I've been planning to do on my blog for a while. In some just to ramble on and crystallise my thoughts.

I am talking about discussing things that crop up in my faith. Mainly I was planning on discussing questions or thoughts that I may have had during a Church Service or Small Group meeting.

Why? I post about books I read, music I listen to, Cats we fostered, politics, sports, my family etc... However, a very important part of my life, the most important part is my faith and it is only mentioned in passing.

Why haven't I earlier? I think it was because I did not want to come across to any who read this blog as preaching as that's not what I want or am about. Also, people who read this will know, or it will be patently obvious that I am not perfect, therefore, I did not want to come across hypocritically or false an imagine that Christians are so often perceived. For me my faith is not a thing to preach it is an attempt at a way of life, a way of life that I so often fail in everyday, but, a way of life that I strive to reach, despite these failures.

Why Start now? The message at Church today was about relationships, especially with God and how it should infuse all of ones life and how everything should be committed. Therefore, despite my reticence I have decided to move forward with this. I am sure I will not write every week, but, I aim to frequently.

For those who read this I hope it does not drive you away or you think, oh no another religious crazy, but, I hope you will see how this is important in my life and how it shapes so many other opinions and thoughts in my life.

-Richard

Saturday, August 08, 2009

The next kitten we fostered was Sloane. He was a little orange boy that we got at an adopathon in October 2006. A couple who had previously adopted from Snowflake found him under an overpass in Cary, NC. They picked him and brought him to where we would be. We took him and he was adopted out on December 3rd.

-Richard

Friday, August 07, 2009

I've just got home after a couple of days on the road. This incorporated going to four States: Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. Two of these Missouri and Kansas are new States for me. This means that I now been to 37 of the 50 States. It also meant that I went to a new airport for me: Kansas City.

I also read two books on this trip:

"Catch a Falling Spy" written by Len Deighton (322 pages) and "The Moscow Club" written by Joseph Finder (530 pages).

These were books 36 and 37 of the year for 12473 pages averaging 337 pages per book.

-Richard
I finished reading:

"Spy Sinker" written by Len Deighton. 435 pages.

The last of the three book series.

35th book of the year. 11621 pages at 332 pages per book.

-Richard

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Wasteland

The strings scream out
Trying to be heard
Above the noise and
Racket
Trying to impact
The desert that is
This cultural wasteland.

Christ cries out
Trying to be heard
Above the sin and
Destruction
Trying to impact
This nation that is
This spiritual wasteland.

28th March 1997 - Spring Harvest, Skegness, Lincolnshire, England.

-Richard
Time for the next cat we fostered. She was Pumpkin. She came to us after her original foster Mom died and she did not work in another foster home. Unfortunately she was not with us very long because she also did not settle into our foster home. After moving through two other foster homes she's found her perfect home with two other Snowflake volunteers who fell in love with her and she now has a fantastic loving home.

- Richard
I finished reading:

"Spy Line" written by Len Deighton, the second book of the trilogy. 323 pages.

34th book this year, 11186 pages at 329 pages per book.

-Richard

Thursday, July 30, 2009

I finished reading:

"Spy Hook" written by Len Deighton. 339 Pages.

This is the first book of the second Bernard Samson Trilogy.

33rd book of the year, 10863 pages at 329 per book.

-Richard

Saturday, July 25, 2009

I finished reading:

"Hitler's Death March" written by Morris Krantz with Louis Aster. 235 pages.

This is the story of Krantz's survival of the Holocaust. Reading it is staggering that people could be treated like this, that it could actually happen and that it still happens in the World today. My small brain cannot comprehend such hate, such illogical discrimination and above all how so many people could just follow to allow it to happen and how today some people can just deny it actually happened.

The 32nd book of the year for 10524 pages at an average of 329 pages.

-Richard

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

I finished reading:

"City of Gold" written by Len Deighton. 408 pages.

Book number 31 and 10,289 at 332 per book.

-Richard

Saturday, July 18, 2009

I finished reading:

"Cannery Row" written by John Steinbeck. 123 pages.

The 30th book I have read this year, 9881 pages at 329 pages per book.

-Richard

Monday, July 13, 2009

I finished reading:

"Dreadnought - Britain, Germany and the Coming of the Great War" written by Robert K. Massie. 908 pages. A big book, but a very good and enjoyable history.

This is the 29th book I have read this year for 9,758 pages at an average of 336 pages per book.

-Richard

Saturday, July 11, 2009

The next cat was Fiesta. He was adopted out as a kitten, but, was unfortunately returned. He was a very playful, friendly black boy. He came into is October 13th 2006 and got his second chance at a home on December 3rd that year.

-Richard

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Saturday was my first 4th of July as an American Citizen. A proud moment in a many ways as I am very happy to be a Citizen of this Country. However, there is still the English side of me that has the conflict. This made me think of the day we spent and the day and the two sides of the US we experienced.

For lunch we spent at a picnic organised by a local Christian Ministry called Love Wins Ministries
The idea of this was to meet with homeless people in Raleigh and try and give them the experience of the 4th. In the evening we went to watch a spectacular fireworks display. A different group of people with different lifestyles. This made me think about freedom and what it is all about.

Two Americas

The crowds are gathered
The parking lot
Waiting with anticipation
For the first explosion of light.
Fireworks in the sky above
To celebrate the freedom they enjoy.

The crowds are gathered
Waiting in line
With all their possessions in hand
For a chance of a hot dog,
Water melon and drink
Their only relief in another day
Of hunger, poverty and no roof.

Two events, one day
Two sides of this country
As it celebrates Independence.
Some free to enjoy it
Others tied to bad fortune
"God Bless the USA",
But we forget those in the street!


-Richard

Friday, June 19, 2009

I finished reading:

"Patriots, The Men Who Started the Revolution" written by A.J. Langguth. 563 Pages.

This is the 28th book I have read this year for 8850 pages at an average of 316 pages per book.

-Richard

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

I think I am now becoming a redneck. I assume it's the natural progression after becoming a Citizen and living in the South?

A couple of weeks ago we went to see George Strait in concert in Raleigh. A great concert by a great artist. Then Memorial Day weekend I went to my first NASCAR race, the Coca Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway near Charlotte, NC. It was fun and despite the first day being completely rained out and the the race only eventually going 227 of the 400 laps I think it is something I would do again. Part of the the fun is chosing a driver. In my ignorance I chose Tony Stewart. Not for any particular reason except I heard an interview with him on a radio and I was impressed how the
"bad boy" became a team owner.

On top of this we are now back in Texas for a vacation and my love for Texas is still as strong as ever.

So, from North-East Englishman to a Southern US Redkneck???

-Richard
I finished reading:

"Only When I Laugh" written by Len Deighton. 241 Pages.

"Circus" written by Alistair MacLean. 192 Pages.

These are books 26 and 27 of the year for a total 8287 pages at 307 pages per book.

-Richard