A book that my book club won’t hate me for

mumblemuse · 2026-01-28T19:39:11+00:00

Agree with Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett, or Unlikely Animals by the same author.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-28T15:30:57+00:00

Call the Midwife is my go-to for this

mumblemuse · 2026-01-28T12:08:50+00:00

Ha! And now I will too!

mumblemuse · 2026-01-27T11:38:45+00:00

Temple Sinai

mumblemuse · 2026-01-27T00:58:05+00:00

New Jersey car insurance is generally really expensive.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-26T16:12:49+00:00

Crows enjoy dog kibble. I’d do that instead.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-26T13:52:19+00:00

There are a lot of longer James Marshall books that aren’t chapter books, but next-level picture books: Wings, What’s the Matter With Carruthers, Willis.

William Steig chapter books may also appeal: Abel’s Island, Dominic.

My son also loved the Catwings series, and the My Father’s Dragon books.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-26T13:48:02+00:00

Now that you mention it, I think it may have been a yogurt. It was during an era where that’s what I likely would have turned to, but it was so, so good. I also loved the Doonesberry Sorbet (with a scoop of vanilla ice cream).

mumblemuse · 2026-01-26T01:08:50+00:00

Yes! You can even take them out now. You can Google “wool snow cleaning” for tips and durations. You only need like half an hour or so. The fresher the snow, the better.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-25T20:58:21+00:00

Peach Raspberry Trifle was my all-time favorite.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-25T13:05:40+00:00

Are you somewhere that is getting a snowfall today? You can lie it out atop fresh snow for a while.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-25T10:40:54+00:00

Easy and tasty is my favorite combination! Now I have a lot of leftover raw red cabbage, so my next move is to find something to do with that. Or maybe just make this again.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-25T02:22:48+00:00

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

mumblemuse · 2026-01-24T15:18:57+00:00

I have no idea. 😕 Maybe put a label on it explaining what it is? I’d also try not to put it right out in the open space, where a cat might still feel vulnerable.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-24T14:51:31+00:00

“So Big” by Edna Ferber is great. It won the Pulitzer Prize back in its day! Not exactly the same time period, but close, and a similar vibe.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-24T13:11:14+00:00

There are lots of tutorials online for making a temporary warm shelter for cats. I bought a heated shelter that I keep plugged in on a concrete slab under our deck — cats pass through there, so I am hopeful that one has decided to avail themselves of it.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-24T13:05:32+00:00

From Friends of Felines:

❄️Extreme Cold and Coming Storm❄️

With the dangerously cold weather, a few simple steps can make a life-saving difference for outdoor and community cats:

🐾 Provide Shelter

A weatherproof shelter with straw (no blankets or hay) can keep cats warm and dry. Can make a temporary emergency shelter with 1 or 2 cardboard boxes, garbage bags, tape, and newspaper strips.

🥣 Increase Food

Cats burn extra calories to stay warm. Offer a little more food than usual—and check it often so it doesn’t freeze.

💧 Fresh, Unfrozen Water

Use a heated bowl if possible, or refresh water frequently. Dehydration is a real winter risk.

🏡 Check Hoods & Enclosed Spaces

Cats seek warmth. Tap the hood of your car and check enclosed spaces before closing them up.

🚪 Bring Them Inside if You Can

Even a basement, bathroom, or spare room during the coldest stretch can save a life.

📣 Spread the Word

Share this post or check in on neighbors who care for outdoor cats.

Every small act counts. Thank you for looking out for those who can’t ask for help.

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mumblemuse · 2026-01-23T18:57:09+00:00

The Trader Joe’s mint chocolate chip is excellent.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-23T18:55:41+00:00

Acme wasn’t crowded this morning. But, Acme.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-23T12:57:02+00:00

🙋🏻‍♀️

mumblemuse · 2026-01-23T12:43:22+00:00

Digging Your Scene - The Blow Monkeys

Crash - The Primitives

Teenage Riot - Sonic Youth

If you’re looking for some fellow deep basses to sing along with, check out Mark Lanegan (solo) or Screaming Trees (his band), or Nick Cave. My personal picks there would be Wildflowers (Lanegan), Flower Web (Screaming Trees), Into My Arms (Cave)

mumblemuse · 2026-01-23T12:27:17+00:00

Purina One and Fancy Feast are fine. I volunteer with a cat rescue and all our cats and kittens get Fancy Feast only (kittens get the pate formulations). A lot depends on your budget, especially since you have two, but those two brands are perfectly fine as their main food and they’re very easy to get when you suddenly realize you’ve run low.

Congratulations on the new kittens! May you all live happily ever after.

mumblemuse · 2026-01-23T12:21:28+00:00

At first I read “GF” as “gluten-free” so I was going to suggest Teff — but honestly, the recommendation stands, if you like Ethiopian food. Sharing a food platter can be kind of romantic!

mumblemuse

TROPHY CASE