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QOTD for Monday, June 12, 2023 -- CindyG, Mon, June 12 2023, 5:17:41
The following quote is from Seven Stones to Stand or Fall by Diana Gabaldon, “Introduction.” Copyright ©️2017 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved,

“So, for the reader’s convenience, the detailed listing here shows the sequence of the various elements in terms of the story line. However, it should be noted that the shorter novels and novellas are all designed in such a way that they may be read alone, without reference either to one another or to the Big, Enormous Books—should you be in the mood for a light literary snack instead of the nine-course meal with wine pairings and dessert trolley.”

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Replies:
- Ha, Ha, the Big Books really ARE a multi course undertaking, but SO deliciously worth it! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, June 12 2023, 8:18:42
  - I found more time to savor them in my 40’s than my 60’s. Anybody else reading less? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, June 12 2023, 11:15:41
    - I find concentrating on a book much harder in my 60s. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, June 12 2023, 12:05:23
    - Yes! I find it harder & harder to concentrate, but I’m enjoying my audiobooks even more now. (NT) -- CindyG, Mon, June 12 2023, 19:23:37
QOTD for Sunday, June 11, 2023 -- CindyG, Sat, June 10 2023, 19:34:33
The following quote is from Seven Stones to Stand or Fall by Diana Gabaldon, “Introduction.” Copyright ©️2017 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved,

“The Outlander series includes three kinds of stories: The Big, Enormous Books of the main series, which have no discernible genre (or all of them); The Shorter, Less Indescribable Novels, which are more or less historical mysteries (though dealing also with battles, eels, and assorted sexual practices);
And
The Bulges,—these being short(er) pieces that fit somewhere inside the story lines of the novels, much in the nature of squirming prey swallowed by a large snake. These deal frequently—but not exclusively—with secondary characters, are prequels or sequels, and/or fill some lacuna left in the original story lines.”

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Replies:
- And I love them all! The mysteries are too confounding in the Lord John books for me to follow but I love the deeper looks into his life. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, June 11 2023, 13:30:01
  - I love the LJG audio books, Jeff Woodman's voice is perfect. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, June 11 2023, 16:27:10
  - Kathy in PA, oh good, I'm glad I'm not the only one!! I find the politics, military intrigue, and subterfuge hard to follow sometimes. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, June 12 2023, 8:16:44
    - Always!! Even when I reread and know what’s going to happen I forget. I get lost in Lord John’s daily life details. Love him ❤️ (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, June 12 2023, 11:13:55
QOTD for Saturday, June 10, 2023 -- kgp, Sat, June 10 2023, 8:20:13
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 23 Trout-Fishing in America, Part Two

“Claire said to me - when I made it clear I kent what was going on - that it was all right; she was trying to forgive the bastard. And thought she was makin’ progress with it. Mostly.” Jamie’s voice was matter-of-fact, but Roger thought he heard an edge of regret in it.

“Do you . . . feel that you should have let her deal with it? It is – a process, to forgive. Not a single act, I mean.” He felt remarkably awkward, and coughed to clear his throat.

“I ken that,” Jamie said in a voice as dry as sand. “Few men ken it better.”

“Aye,” Jamie said, after a moment. “Aye, it’s a point. But I think it’s maybe easier to forgive a dead man than one who’s walkin’ about under your nose. And come to that, I thought she’d have an easier time forgiving me than him.” He lifted one shoulder and let it fall. “And . . . whether she could bear the thought of the man living near us or not - I couldn’t.”

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Replies:
- And it becomes as simple as that. What can a person live with? Do you remember that the rapist’s dog, Blue, showed up at the ridge and Jamie adopted him? He took care of the best part of him and got rid of the rot/rat. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, June 10 2023, 19:11:39
  - Kathy in PA, that's an interesting perspective; I think I might agree with it. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, June 12 2023, 8:14:09
QOTD for Friday, June 9, 2023 -- kgp, Fri, June 09 2023, 6:43:37
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 23 Trout-Fishing in America, Part Two

“Ye never ken how it will be.” Jamie lifted one shoulder and let it fall; he’d lost the lace that bound his hair, snagged by a tree branch, and the thick red strands stirred in the evening breeze. “A fight like that, I mean. What ye recall and what ye don’t. I remember everything about that night, though - and the day beyond it.”

Roger nodded but didn’t speak. It was true that Presbyterians had no sacrament of Confession - and he rather regretted that they didn’t; it was a useful thing to have in your pocket. Particularly, he supposed, if you led the sort of life Jamie had. But any minister knows the soul’s need to speak and be understood, and that he could give.

“I expect ye do,” he said. “Do ye regret it, then? Telling the men to kill them all, I mean?”

“Not for an instant.”

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Replies:
- I really felt that the massacre was something like calling an exterminator to get rid of rats or cockroaches. Individually, the group has some good qualities, but in a mob they are a menace to the homeowners, or in this case, the people of the county. (NT) -- Janet, Fri, June 09 2023, 10:58:28
  - Yes, they had been committing atrocities in the area, they had burned cabins, murdered, robbed, etc. He needed to let it be known that you can't get away with that on the Ridge. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, June 09 2023, 11:34:20
- I started the week thinking I'd focus on Rachel but these deep conversations between Jamie and Roger reached out to me. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, June 09 2023, 13:11:20
  - They’re really good to reread. I totally agreed with killing them all but struggled with him killing the man that raped Claire later. As I write that though I feel that it’s no different and I’m wrong. Because he’s a fat lumpkin and he didn’t physically attack Claire somehow made him seem less evil to me than the Browns. But mob mentality - he paid the price. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, June 09 2023, 14:18:53
QOTD for Thursday, June 8, 2023 -- kgp, Wed, June 07 2023, 18:12:38
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 8 Visitations

“I spent a great deal of time thinking, ken,” Jamie said conversationally, tilting his head toward the creek, “when I lived as an outlaw after Culloden. Out under the sky, listening to the voices ye hear in the wind. And I would look back, wondering at the things I’d done - and not done - and thinking what if I’d done it differently? If we’d not chosen to try to stop Charles Stuart . . . it would have been different for us, at least, if not for the Highlands. I’d maybe have kept Claire by me. If I’d not gone to fight Jack Randall in the Bois de Boulogne, would I have two daughters now? He shook his head, the lines in his face deep and his eyes dark with shadows.

“No man owns his own life.” he said. “Part of you is always in someone else’s hands. All ye can do is hope it’s mostly God’s hands you're in.”

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Replies:
- Jamie is so philosophical and, mostly, accepting of his life choices and consequences. It's also possible that he would have lost Claire during her pregnancies. She almost died with Faith, only Master Raymond was able to heal her. She also talks later of her pregnancy with Bree being dangerous. Would she have survived without modern medicine? (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, June 08 2023, 10:33:39
  - It seems no, to me. Though she is such a warrior, pregnancy wasn’t one of her easily doable things. It is hard not to think about the “what ifs” but mine are sure a lot less dramatic than Jamie’s! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, June 09 2023, 2:46:38
    - I agree - she had a hard time getting pregnant in the first place. Didn't help that Frank turned out to be sterile. But given the times - I think she would have died during pregnancy or delivery, if not from infection afterward. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, June 09 2023, 6:46:27
QOTD for Wednesday, June 7, 2023 -- kgp, Wed, June 07 2023, 10:57:33
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 8 Visitations

“And if ye’d killed him?” he said quietly. “If I hadna been an outlaw, I’d not have been near Craigh na Dun, and in bad need of a healer, on that day when . . . “ One eyebrow lifted.

Roger nodded, wordless.

“Brianna?” Jamie said softly, her name the sound of a cool breeze in the Gaidhlig. “Would she have happened? And the bairns? You, for that matter?”

“It - we - might still have happened,” Roger said, and swallowed. “Another way. But aye. I was scared it might not. But I’m not - “ He bit that off. Jamie knew he wasn’t making excuses.

“Aye, well.” Jamie got to his feet, scattering a cloud of gnats like a shower of gold dust in the evening light. “Dinna fash, then. I willna let Jenny kill ye. Come on, or the supper will be burnt.”

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Replies:
- Sorry I'm late. Busy morning. (NT) -- kgp, Wed, June 07 2023, 10:58:17
  - I’m even later. Lol. Every man knows, or will find out when appropriate, don’t mess with Jenny! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, June 09 2023, 2:48:08
QOTD for Tuesday, June 6, 2023 -- kgp, Mon, June 05 2023, 17:57:21
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 8 Visitations

“I told Buck, then - just, about the - the flogging, not about - “ The fingers of Jamie’s maimed hand flickered as though about to make the chopping motion again. “About your father, and what happened to him then.”

He felt again the cold horror of that conversation. If he did nothing to stop Jack Randall, Brian Dhu Fraser would be dead within a year, dead of an apoplexy suffered while watching his son being flogged to death (as he thought) by Captain Randall. Jamie would be outlawed, wounded in body and soul. Bearing the guilt of knowing that his father’s death lay upon him, knowing that he had abandoned his home and tenants to his bereaved and shattered sister. And Jenny, that lovely young girl, left completely alone, without even a brother’s protection.

Jamie didn’t flinch at the telling, but Roger could feel the words go into his own flesh like darts. Jenny. Christ, how will I face her?

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Replies:
- I have to read this chapter. I can’t remember the context or why the remembrance of it now would make Jamie vomit. Today’s confused me at first then I remembered Jenny comes to the ridge. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, June 06 2023, 12:03:45
  - I'm not sure either, but I think it's that Claire told Roger about BJR raping him in Wentworth. Roger then tells Jamie that he knows "all of it," but that he didn't tell Buck about that, only the flogging. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, June 06 2023, 14:08:01
QOTD for Monday, June, 5, 2023 -- kgp, Mon, June 05 2023, 11:25:05
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 8 Visitations

“She told ye everything, then.” Jamie’s expression hadn’t changed much, but his face had gone pale.

Oh, shit.

“Well, just the . . . er . . . the general outli-” He stopped. Ye’ll never make a decent minister if ye can’t be honest. Buck had said that to him, and he was right. Roger took a breath.

“Yes,” he said simply, and felt his innards hollow out.

Without a word, Jamie got to his feet and, turning away, took several steps into the bushes, stopped, and threw up.

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QOTD for Sunday, June 4, 2023 -- kgp, Sun, June 04 2023, 1:25:26
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 4 The Women Will Ha’ A Fit

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a Quaker before,” Brianna said after a slightly awkward pause. “Is ‘Quaker’ the right word, by the way? I don’t mean to -”

“We say Friend,” Rachel said, smiling again. “Quaker is not offensive, though. But I think thee must have met at least one. Thee might not know, if the Friend chose not to use Plain Speech in talking with thee. Most of us don’t have stripes, spots, or any other physical mark by which thee might discern us.”

”Most of you?”

“Well, naturally I cannot see my own back, but I’m sure Ian would have told me, was there anything remarkable . . . “

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Replies:
- Oh I do love Rachel. She has the best humorous grace and loves Ian fiercely. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, June 04 2023, 9:36:30
- Rachel and Bree - such strong, practical, fierce women. I love them both! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, June 05 2023, 7:29:25
QOTD for Saturday, June 6, 2023 -- Janet, Sat, June 03 2023, 3:02:27
The following quote is taken from Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 148, Not…Yet…. Copywrite 2021, All Rights Reserved.

“Can you hear me?” I said.

His face twitched briefly, fell into stillness, and then---after an agonizingly long moment---his eyes opened. Only a dark-blue, red-rimmed slit, but open.

“Aye,” he whispered.

“The battle’s over. You’re not dead.”

He regarded me for a long moment, his mouth slightly open.

“Not…yet,” he said, in what I thought was a rather grudging tone.

“We’re going home,” I said.

He breathed for a minute, then said, “Good,” and closed his eyes again.

Isn’t it amazing how Diana can write these characters so that we feel we are living with them, take us to the depths of despair, and then bring us back to joy?

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Replies:
- Yes, yes and YES!!! That’s what always hits me - from 1991 on - the power of words she uses to pull us through this whole saga!!! And they’re so succinct and make me feel every sense. A six sentence dialogue with so few words but we were all there, breathing relief and joy of “home.” I really have to read this again. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, June 03 2023, 7:19:45
- I hope very much that the war leaves them alone but I know there's more to come. Let them be in peace for at least a little while. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, June 04 2023, 1:29:19
  - I know. Boring walks in the woods, churning butter, taking care of the kids and the animals, teaching the young boys to become young men - you know - life on the ridge. ………. Sigh (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, June 04 2023, 9:35:11
QOTD for Friday, June 2, 2023 -- Janet, Fri, June 02 2023, 10:41:07

Quote of the Day for Friday, June 2, 2023
Quote is from Go Tell the Bees I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 147, A Lot of Blood. Copywrite 2021, All Rights Reserved.

Couldn’t do anything from Bees with including this…..

“Listen to me,” I said, after what seemed a long time. His face was closed and white and the rumble of the crowds reached me like distant thunder from a clear blue sky. I felt the sound more through me and I fixed my mind on the blue, vast, and empty, patient, peaceful—waiting for him.

“Listen!” I said, and shook his arm, hard. “You think you’re going to die by inches, but you’re not. You’re going to live by inches. With me.”

“Auntie, he’s dead.” Ian’s voice was low, rough with tears, and his big hand warm on my shoulder. “Come. Stand up now. Let me take him. We’ll bring him home.”

Anyone else bawling buckets like me?

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Replies:
- I stopped breathing when the first bullet hit him in the chest. I was trying to count the times he's nearly died. I think he has 3 lives left. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, June 02 2023, 11:14:18
- Yes!! Bawling buckets 😩 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, June 03 2023, 7:15:41
QOTD for Thursday, June 1, 2023 -- Janet, Thu, June 01 2023, 10:36:05
HAPPY OUTLANDER DAY!!! The first book was published on this day in 1991.

QOTD for Thursday, June 1, 2023

So, after I posted yesterday, I found this little nugget, to answer kgp’s post from the May 30

“To Miss Frances Pocock
From Mr. William Ransom

Dear Frances,

I write to enquire after your health and well-being. I hope you are happy in your present situation and beginning to fee settled.
Please give my earnest thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Fraser for their generosity.
I am all right, though very much occupied at the moment. I will write again when the opportunity of a messenger offers.
Your most humble and obedient servant, William Ransom”

“Wil-yum,” she murmured to herself, her finger touching the letters of his name. Her face had changed in an instant; it glowed with a sort of awed happiness.

Jamie moved slightly, beside me, and I glanced up at him. His eyes were warm with firelight, reflecting Fanny’s glow.

Not much of a letter, but it obviously means the world to Frances and Jamie.

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Replies:
- Things are so different now. Fanny savoring the touch of the letter and Jamie’s inner glow - were so used to instant gratification- it’s nice to think about slower times. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, June 01 2023, 14:13:18
- So sweet! I don't remember this (NT) -- kgp, Fri, June 02 2023, 11:11:04
QOTD for Wednesday, 5/31/2023 -- Janet, Wed, May 31 2023, 3:57:17
The following quote is from Go Tell the Bees that I am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 10, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. Copywrite 2021, All Rights reserved.

Brianna telling of coming back to the Ridge:

“I—we—you can’t really talk, but you’re sort of aware of who’s with you, who you’re holding onto. But Mandy—and Jem a little—are…kind of stronger than either Roger or me. And I—we—could hear Mandy, saying “Grandda! Blue Pictsie!” And suddenly, we were…all on the same page, I guess you could say.”

Roger smiled at that and picked up the story.

“We were all thinking of you, and of that specific story, it’s the one with the illustration of a blue pictsie. And…then we were lying on the ground, almost literally in pieces, but…alive. In the right time. And together.”

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Replies:
- Thanks for these Bees quotes, Janet. I really need to do a re-read. I've only read it once so far, and that was fast, because I needed to know what happened. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, May 31 2023, 8:57:34
  - I've only read it once, too, and I also need a reread. This week has been interesting, just opening the book and reading a few pages. Trying to limit what I want to quote....it can be very difficult! (NT) -- Janet, Wed, May 31 2023, 11:11:59
QOTD for Tuesday, May 30, 2023 -- Janet, Tue, May 30 2023, 3:56:18
Quote of the Day for Tuesday, May 30, 2023. The following quote is from Go Tell the Bees I am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 24, Night Alarms. Copywrite 2021, All rights reserved

Jamie has a way of calming women the women in his life (except maybe Jenny!)

Behind me , I heard Jamie say, quite casually, "Frances, no man will ever take ye against your will, while I live."

There was a startled silence, and I turned round to see Fanny staring up at him. He touched her hand, very gently.

"D'ye believe me, Frances?" he said quietly.

"Yes," she whispered, after a long moment, and all the tension left her body in a sigh like the east wind.

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Replies:
- People understand that if Jamie makes a promise, he will keep it or die trying. His honor and protection are resolute. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, May 30 2023, 9:27:27
- Frances is very lucky to have become a Fraser. I wish William would write to her. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, May 30 2023, 11:24:47
  - Actually, William did write--sort of--in Chapter 14, Mon Cher Petit Ami. Five whole sentences! See tomorrow's post! (NT) -- Janet, Wed, May 31 2023, 4:01:57
QOTD for Monday, 05/29/2023 -- Janet, Mon, May 29 2023, 3:54:42
Quote of the day for May 29. The Following quote is from Go Tell the Bees I am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 24, Alarms by Night. Copywrite 2021, All rights reserved.

Today is Memorial Day in the US, a day to remember all who have died serving our country and protecting our freedom. If I was really smart, I would have a great quote for the day, but.....here's a different kind of memorial.

"One of the men dwew--drew--it, one night in the salon," Fanny said, moving aside a little so we could look.

It was no more than a sketch, but the artist had caught a spark of life. Jane had been lovely in outline, straight-nosed and with a delicate, ripe mouth, but there was neither flirtation nor demureness in her expression. She was looking half over her shoulder, half smiling, but with an air of mild scorn in her look.

"She's pretty, Fanny," Jemmy said, and came to stand by her. He patted her arm as he would have patted a dog, and with as little self-consciousness.

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Replies:
- I love that Fanny has this sketch of Jane and that it captures her personality. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, May 30 2023, 9:25:25
QOTD for Sunday, 05/28/2023 -- Janet, Sun, May 28 2023, 9:15:45
If no one is on for the week.....

The following Quote is from Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, Copywrite 2021. Chapter 16, Hound of Heaven. All rights reserved

"Jamie," I said, and laid a hand on his bare back. "Where did you see the dog before?"

I felt him swallow.

"I left her howling on her master's grave," he said quietly. "Don't mention it to the bairns, aye?"

No theme, just quotes I thought were interesting. This one is a bit eerie.

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Replies:
- Definitely eerie! Why bring in the dog to the story at all? You are welcome to the week, thank you! I'm on next week. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, May 28 2023, 11:38:06
QOTD for Saturday, May 20, 2023 -- CindyG, Fri, May 19 2023, 18:50:39
The following quote is from The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 13, “Beans and Barbecue.” Copyright ©️2001 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“‘Did I ever think to thank ye, Sassenach?’ he said, his voice a little husky.
‘For what?’ I said, puzzled. He took my hand, and drew me gently toward him. He smelled of ale and damp wool, and very faintly of the brandied sweetness of fruitcake.
‘For my bairns,’ he said softly. ‘For the children that ye bore me.’
‘Oh,’ I said. I leaned slowly forward, and rested my forehead against the solid warmth of his chest. I cupped my hands at the small of his back beneath his coat, and sighed. ‘It was … my pleasure.’”

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Replies:
- So beautiful. Jamie always knows the perfect thing yo say. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, May 21 2023, 8:44:16
QOTD for Friday, May 19, 2023 -- CindyG, Thu, May 18 2023, 17:05:59
The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 17, “We Meet a Beggar.” Copyright ©️1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“I had heard what he said to the plover he released. Though I had only a few words of Gaelic, I had heard the old salutation often enough to be familiar with it. ‘God go with ye, Mother,’ he had said.
A young mother, dead in childbirth. And a child left behind. I touched his arm and he looked down at me.
‘How old were you?’ I asked.
He gave me a half-smile. ‘Eight,’ he answered. ‘Weaned, at least.’”

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QOTD for Thursday, May 18, 2023 -- CindyG, Wed, May 17 2023, 19:07:34
The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 42, “The Man in the Moon” Copyright ©️1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“Baby—I wrote, and stopped. Then swallowed hard, and started again. You are my baby, and always will be. You won’t know what that means until you have a child of your own, but I tell you now, anyway—you’ll always be as much a part of me as when you shared my body and I felt you move inside. Always.
I can look at you, asleep, and think of all the nights I tucked you in, coming in the dark to listen to your breathing, lay my hand on you and feel your chest rise and fall, knowing that no matter what happens, everything is right with the world because you are alive. All the names I’ve called you through the years—my chick, my pumpkin, precious dove, darling, sweetheart, dinky, smudge … I know why the Jews and Muslims have nine hundred names for God; one small word is not enough for love.”

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Replies:
- This one brings tears to my eyes EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I honestly don't know how Claire left Bree, knowing she'd likely never see her again. I couldn't imagine myself leaving my kids, even now, when they are grown. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, May 18 2023, 9:59:58
QOTD for Wednesday, May 17, 2023 -- CindyG, Tue, May 16 2023, 18:43:58
The following quote is from The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 98, “Clever Lad.” Copyright ©️2001 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“‘She let go my hand,’ he said. The words came more easily now; the tightness in his throat and chest was gone. ‘She let go my hand … and then she picked me up. That small woman—she picked me up, and threw me over the wall. Down into the crowd of people on the platform below. I was knocked mostly out by the fall, I think—but I remember the roar as the roof went. No one on the stair survived.’”

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Replies:
- This broke my heart. Still does, every time I read it. (NT) -- kgp, Wed, May 17 2023, 18:19:16
- Agreed, kgp. And then when we hear the rest of the story from Jerry, it's heart rending all over again. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, May 18 2023, 9:57:33
QOTD for Tuesday, May 16, 2023 -- CindyG, Mon, May 15 2023, 19:48:55
The following quote is from Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 65, “Return to Fraser’s Ridge.” Copyright ©️1997 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“I called him ‘sweetie’ or ‘darling,’ Lizzie called him ‘dear lad,’ Jamie addressed him with Gaelic formality either as ‘grandson’ or ‘a Ruaidh,’ the Red One—his dark infant fuzz and dusky skin having given way to a blazing fair ruddiness that made it clear to the most casual observer just who his grandsire was—whoever his father might have been.
Brianna found no need to call him anything; she kept him always with her, guarding him with a fierce absorption that went beyond words. She would not give him a formal name, she said. Not yet.”

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Replies:
- Such a tense time for them. I love that they all support and love them. (NT) -- Kgp, Tue, May 16 2023, 9:01:00
- I'm looking forward to seeing more of how Jem (and Mandy) develop. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, May 16 2023, 10:57:11
- A great week of Mother quotes, CindyG! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, May 16 2023, 10:57:54
QOTD for Monday, May 15, 2023 -- CindyG, Sun, May 14 2023, 19:49:54
The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 27, “The Last Reason.” Copyright ©️1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“‘Be useful for the once, and take this wee fiend outside wi’ ye. Mrs. Crook’s in the washhouse; ye can leave him there.’ She moved her foot, dislodging small Jamie, who was clinging to her skirts, chanting ‘up, up’ monotonously.
His uncle obediently grabbed the wee fiend around the middle and swept him out the door, upside down and shrieking with delight. ‘Ah,’ Jenny sighed contentedly, bending to inspect her appearance in the gold-framed mirror. She wet a finger and smoothed her brows, then finished doing up the buttons at her throat. ‘Nice to finish dressing wi’out someone clinging to your skirts or wrapped round your knees. Some days I can scarce go to the privy alone, or speak a single sentence wi’out being interrupted.’”

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Replies:
- I remember those days. Lately it's I can't sit down without a cat appearing in my lap. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, May 16 2023, 8:58:23
- Ah, those days of thinking, "Give me 5 minutes to myself. PLEASE!!!" LOL (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, May 16 2023, 10:55:42
QOTD for Sunday, May 14, 2023 -- CindyG, Sun, May 14 2023, 10:10:54
The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 40, “I Shall Go Down to the Sea.” Copyright ©️1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“I took a deep breath and wiped my cheeks with a corner of my cloak. ‘It was a long time ago, though.’ I rose slowly to my feet and turned to find Mother Hildegarde watching me with an expression of deep sympathy and interest.
‘I have noticed,’ she said slowly, ‘that time does not really exist for mothers, with regard to their children. It does not matter greatly how old the child is—in the blink of an eye, the mother can see the child again as it was when it was born, when it learned to walk, as it was at any age—at any time, even when the child is fully grown and a parent itself.’
‘Especially when they’re asleep,’ I said, looking down again at the little white stone. ‘You can always see the baby then.’”

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Replies:
- Very true. I miss my little boys but I'm proud of the men they've become. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, May 14 2023, 13:01:51
  - While I, too, sometimes miss my "little" ones, I LOVE spending time with my grown kids - DS 32, DD 28. They are such interesting, compassionate, good people, and oh so much fun! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, May 16 2023, 10:54:30
QOTD for Friday, May 12, 2023 -- kgp, Fri, May 12 2023, 10:40:54
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 134 F. Cowden, Bookseller

“I did see Ben. I saw him in bed with a black-haired whore who was sucking his - “ Choler choked her as efficiently as Ben had likely choked his inamorata when he saw Amaranthus looming in the doorway.

William hesitated to say anything, for fear of making her leap up and run inside. Instead, he placed his hand on the bench between them, barely touching her fingers. And waited.

“He got up and pushed me into his dressing room and kept me from going back into the bedroom until she’d got up and run, the filthy twat.”

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Replies:
- Another part I don’t remember at all 🙄. Is it like this for anyone else? The first four I can almost quote whole passages, but the last two need a reread. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, May 12 2023, 17:06:46
  - P.S. it didn’t take her long to see William’s Achilles heel. She’s really laying it on thick here, slighted by a BLACK whore!! Poor deary. Damsel in distress. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, May 12 2023, 17:08:48
QOTD for Thursday, May 11, 2023 -- kgp, Wed, May 10 2023, 17:47:45
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 102 The Winds Of Winter

“You mean you thought that if you’d told him the truth about Ben, he might become so distressed - well, insanely angry - that he might just tiss you and Trevor out on your . . . um . . . ears. Tell you to go to the devil with Ben, I mean. I suppose he might disown Ben, for that matter; he has other sons.”

Amaranthus nodded, her lips pressed tight.

“Whereas,” William went on, not without sympathy, “if you were Ben’s widow, he’d be more likely to receive you with open arms.”

“And an open purse,” Lord John murmured, looking into the depths of his brandy.

Amaranthus turned her head sharply toward him, eyes gone suddenly dark.

“Have you gone hungry a day in your life, my lord?” she snapped. “Because I have, and i would happily become a whore to keep that from happening to my son.”

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Replies:
- It sounds like Amaranthus was ready to play the whore, or at least the bigamist, in order to get what she wants. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, May 11 2023, 12:54:29
  - It's interesting to try to figure her motives. She was certainly the Merry Widow at first. I can sympathize with needing to do whatever to care for Trevor but I think she mis-judged the Greys. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, May 12 2023, 10:42:50
    - And we’re not really hearing much about Trevor anyway, except he makes the Greys responsible. Which of course they are, 110%, for the whole world - they feel. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, May 12 2023, 17:04:18
QOTD for Tuesday, May 9, 2023 -- kgp, Tue, May 09 2023, 7:29:05
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 102 The Winds Of Winter

“Ben had told me a lot about the family,” she said. “After we met. About his mother, and his . . . his brothers, and you. And about the Duke.” She swallowed. “When Ben made up his mind - to - to do what he did, he sent for me. I came to meet him in Philadelphia; Adam was with Sir Henry there. And Ben meant to tell him - Adam, I mean, not Sir Henry - as well.”

“Did he indeed.” It wasn’t a question. Lord John’s gaze was fixed on Amaranthus’s face. It was a perfectly pleasant expression, but William recognized it as his father’s chess-playing face, rapidly envisioning possibilities and just as rapidly discarding them.

“Ben and Adam . . . fought.” She looked down and William saw her hands clench briefly, as though she would have as soon joined in that fight. Likely she would, he thought, aware of a mild amusement, in spite of everything. “With their fists, I mean. I wasn’t there,” she added, raising her head and looking apologetic, “or I would have stopped them. But when Ben came to me afterward, he looked as though he’d gone a few rounds with a professional boxer.” The corner of her mouth twitched.

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Replies:
- Does she think it’s funny his brother beat the shite out of him? Don’t like her. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, May 12 2023, 17:01:37
QOTD for Wednesday, May 10, 2023 -- kgp, Wed, May 10 2023, 8:44:37
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 125 A Woman Of The Second Type I>

Amaranthus breathed for a few moments, her bosom stirring the folds of her pale-blue fichu. She shook her head slightly, as though rejecting the advice of an angel on her shoulder, and clenched her gloved hands upon her knee.

“Do you truly mean you would prefer him to be dead?” she said. In a voice like cut glass. “Is his being a traitor more important than his being your son?”

Hal closed his eyes, his face going blank. Lord John and William exchanged uneasy glances, not knowing what to do.

Hal grimaced slightly and opened his eyes, pale blue and cold as winter.

“He made his choice,” he said, speaking directly to Amaranthus. I can’t change that. And I would rather have him killed cleanly than captured and executed as a traitor. A good death might be the only thing I still could give him.”

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Replies:
- fcf (NT) -- kgp, Wed, May 10 2023, 15:35:44
- Poor Hal. Imagine considering killing your own child as a better choice. I hope life is kinder to him in the next book. He needs to go to Minnie. (NT) -- kgp, Wed, May 10 2023, 15:59:24
QOTD for Monday, May 8, 2023 -- kgp, Mon, May 08 2023, 9:41:54
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 102 The Winds Of Winter

“I wanted a coward, you know,” she said. “A man who’d stay away from danger and blood and all those things.”

“And you thought I might be one?” He was curious, rather than offended.
“At first. Uncle John said you’d resigned your commission, and I could see that he and Father Pardloe were bothered that you did.”

“I expect they were,” he said, careful to let nothing show in his voice.

“But it didn’t take long to see what you were. What you still are.”

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Replies:
- It's going to be very interesting to see just what William becomes - a rebel like Jamie, or Loyalist like John and the rest of the Greys. I don't see John joining the rebel cause. I think he's too honorable to "turn his coat." (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, May 08 2023, 14:00:26
  - Yes, it would be almost “fakey” to have him turn. Maybe if he were younger, like William. It’s interesting how she aimed and picked William and why. I kind of skipped over these parts so I’m enjoying looking at her more deeply. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, May 08 2023, 14:20:32
  - I expect he'll remain loyalist, especially after his encounter with "General Bleeker". (NT) -- kgp, Mon, May 08 2023, 17:59:01
QOTD for Saturday, May 6, 2023 -- kgp, Fri, May 05 2023, 19:37:23
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 102 The Winds Of Winter

“He said it was your idea.” William said mildly. “That he should pretend to be dead.”

“I couldn’t stop him.” She spoke to the yellow toile de Jouy wallpaper, through her teeth by the sound of it. “I begged him not to do it. Begged him.” She turned around then and glared at him. “But you know what they’re like, these Greys of yours. Nothing matters to them when they’ve made up their minds - nothing. And nobody.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” William said. His heart had slowed down a bit after his first sight of her, but it was speeding up again. “It’s true that you can’t change their minds - but they do care, sometimes. Ben cared.” He cleared his throat. “For you.” He had the bruises to prove it.

And still does. He didn’t say it out loud, but he saw from her face that he didn’t need to.

“Not enough,” she said shortly, though there was a quiver in her voice. “Not nearly enough. It was only my telling him what it would do to Trevor - having a traitor for a father - that finally made him agree to disappear quietly, instead of having a blazing row with his father and stamping off to glory with his precious rebels. That’s what he would have liked,” she added, with a twitch of the mouth that might have been either bitterness or reluctant amusement.

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Replies:
- If this is true it makes me wonder if Ben is the crack that might lead Lord John especially, but maybe more Greys to become “traitors” and come on over to our side! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, May 06 2023, 3:32:28
  - Since Dottie has already become a rebel by marriage I think Hal has suffered enough. Losing Minerva Joy just capped it. And poor Minnie - all by herself in London while her entire family is going through so much. (NT) -- Kgp, Sat, May 06 2023, 14:01:48
QOTD for Friday, May 5, 2023 -- kgp, Thu, May 04 2023, 17:16:48
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 102 The Winds Of Winter

“I found him.”

She looked at him for a long moment, then shook her head violently, as though attacked by gnats.

“Where?” she asked, her voice a little husky, and he saw that her free hand had closed on the silk, crushing it.

“A place called Morristown. It’s in New Jersey.”

“His grave? That was in New Jersey, but you said he wasn’t in it . . . “

“He’s definitely not in his grave,” he assured her, not trying to keep the cynical tone out of his voice.

“You mean . . . he’s . . . alive, then?” She kept her face under control, but her cheeks were pink, not white, and he could see the thoughts darting like minnows at the back of her changeable eyes.

“Oh, yes. But you knew that.” He considered her for a moment, then added, “He’s a general now. General Raphael Bleeker. Did you know that?”

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Replies:
- Don't bother lying, Amaranthus; he knows. And maybe, knows even more than you do. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, May 05 2023, 13:45:26
  - Yes, Diana! I never thought about needing a replacement for Leghair until Karen mentioned it. This one will do. Lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, May 05 2023, 18:28:39
QOTD for Thursday, May 4, 2023 -- kgp, Thu, May 04 2023, 8:26:23
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 102 The Winds Of Winter

He touched his own lips with the back of his hand. Such a strange kiss, and somehow wonderful. For those few moments, when their lips had met and their bodies pressed together, kindling each other in the wet, chilly garden, it was as though some connection had been forged between them - as though he knew her now, in some way beyond words.

And he’d bloody wanted to know her a lot further - and she him. At one point he’d slid his hand up the long bare thigh under her skirts, taken her mound in the palm of his hand, and felt the fullness, the slickness of her, wanting him. The pads of his fingers rubbed half consciously against his palm, tingling.

He swallowed and tried to put the memories of Amaranthus away. For now.

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Replies:
- How did I forget this?!? Lol. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, May 04 2023, 14:59:49
  - I find it interesting that this echos (in the bone) the feeling between Jamie and Claire - kindling each other, feeling an uncommon bond, . . . Are they meant to be? (NT) -- kgp, Thu, May 04 2023, 16:59:30
QOTD for Wednesday, May 3, 2023 -- kgp, Wed, May 03 2023, 9:47:45
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 46 By The Dawn’s Early Light

“Well,” she said, as reasonably as though she were describing the eating habits of a firefly, “it’s quite simple. You can’t renounce your title, but you could hand it on. Abdicate in favot of you heir, I mean.”

“I haven’t an heir. Are you suggesting - “

“Yes, exactly.” She nodded approvingly at him. “You marry me and as soon as I have a son, you can give him your title, and either retire into private life and breed dachshunds or perhaps to commit suicide and go off to become anyone you like.”

“Leaving you - “

“Leaving me as the dowager countess of whatever your estate is called, I forget. That might be slightly better that being the Duke of Pardloe’s penurious daughter-in-law, mightn’t it?”

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Replies:
- I just have never liked this whole theme...I know it's set up for other things to come, but it just seems a little contrived to me. Almost too coincidental and illogical (but then again, time travel is logical?) (NT) -- Janet, Wed, May 03 2023, 11:20:47
- I haven't trusted her since the beginning, and the more we learn about her, the less I like her. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, May 03 2023, 14:26:35
- Yes, all of it is off. I still haven’t totally warmed to William either so to me, this is a lot of unnecessary BS for Lord John. Who I love and the last time we saw him he is in peril. So to heck with Amaranthus!! Thanks for picking a great topic, Karen. Lol. Does anyone feel sorry for her? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, May 03 2023, 14:52:09
- I can't figure out how she got from Philadelphia to being a hostage locked in a room. It's kind of fun to have an unsympathetic female again. Since Leghair got sorted Amaranthus is kind of fun to pick at. (NT) -- Kgp, Wed, May 03 2023, 16:25:06
QOTD for Tuesday, May 2, 2023 -- kgp, Mon, May 01 2023, 16:33:46
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 31 Pater Familias

The boy was handsome, when not screeching, with soft dark hair and the pale-blue eyes common to the Greys.

“Wotcha, then, Trev?” he said, lowering his head and pretending to butt the child, who giggled and clutched at his hair.

“He looks quite like Benjamin,” he said, extracting his ears from Trevor’s grip. “And my uncle. I hope I don’t give you pain by saying so?” he added, suddenly unsure. She shook her head, though, and her smile turned rueful.

“No. It’s as well that he does. Your uncle was somewhat suspicious of me, I think. We married rather in haste,” she explained, in answer to William’s enquiring look, “and while Benjamin did write to tell his father of the marriage, his letter apparently didn’t reach England before His Grace left for the colonies. So when I discovered that His Grace was in Philadelphia, and wrote to him myself . . . “

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Replies:
- It still just feels fishy to me. I do think the baby probably is Benjamin's, or at least there's indication that he is. But, from there onward? I'm not sure. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, May 02 2023, 11:50:20
  - She says they married in haste which I take to mean she was pregnant at the time. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, May 02 2023, 15:00:48
    - And when she said “SHE discovered he was in Philly” and then “SHE wrote him herself.” I don’t remember - did she say, or do we have any idea where he might be? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, May 03 2023, 2:17:28
      - At that time she knew Ben had been captured, I think. But hth did she end up being held hostage in the south? (NT) -- Kgp, Wed, May 03 2023, 11:17:12
QOTD for Sunday, April 30, 2023 -- kgp, Sun, April 30 2023, 7:02:19
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 31 Pater Familias

The young woman caught a glimpse of William’s face and glared at him.

“And who the devil are you?” she demanded.

He blinked. “My name is William Ransom, madam,” he said, rather stiffly. “Your servant.”

“This is your cousin Willie, Amaranthus,” Lord John said, coming forward and patting the top of Cinnamon’s head in an apologetic fashion as he pushed past him. “William, may I present Amaranthus, Viscountess Grey, your cousin Benjamin’s . . . widow.” It was almost not there, that pause, but William heard it and glanced sharply from the young woman to his father, but Lord John’s face was composed and amiable. He didn’t meet William’s eye.

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Replies:
- And so we meet Amaranthus 😉. Poor William is destined to encounter all these damsels in distress, but they’re never quite what he wants. My initial reaction to her is suspicion. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, May 01 2023, 12:58:09
- I have been suspicious of Amaranthus from the beginning. Why was she "captive" of the dirty, slovenly woman? The more we get to know her, the more questionable she becomes. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, May 01 2023, 13:25:03
  - Definitely! Wth was that all about? (NT) -- kgp, Mon, May 01 2023, 15:16:52
QOTD for Monday, May 1, 2023 -- kgp, Sun, April 30 2023, 17:33:15
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMIE!!!!"

The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 31 Pater Familias

“In Philadelphia. That’s where I met Benjamin,” she added, with a barely perceptible catch in her voice. “In my father’s shop.” She turned her head slightly, watching to see what he made of this. Would he disapprove of the connection, knowing her now for a tradesman’s daughter? Not likely, he thought wryly. Under the circumstances.

“You have my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, madam.” he said. He wondered what she knew - had been told - about Benjamin’s death, but it seemed indelicate to ask. And he’d best find out just what Papa and Uncle Hal knew about it now, before he went trampling into unknown territory.

“Thank you.” She looked away, her eyes lowered, but he saw her mouth - rather a nice mouth - compress in a way suggesting her teeth were clenched.

“Bloody Continentals!” she said, with sudden violence. She lifted her head, and he saw that, far from being filled with tears, her eyes were sparking with rage. “Damn them, and their nitwit republican philosophy! Of all the obstinate, muddle-headed, treasonous twaddle . . . I - ” she broke off suddenly, perceiving his startlement.

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Replies:
- After being suspicious of her, the good patriot that I am 😊, doesn’t like that she’s against the Continentals. And made me wonder if they got Benjamin in war or he hooked up. Amaranthus and Benjamin are taking some getting used to for me. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, May 01 2023, 13:01:16
  - The Amaranthus and Benjamin angle is very odd. Things are not what they seem. I'm interested in how this story pans out (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Mon, May 01 2023, 13:10:58
QOTD for Saturday, 4/22/23 -- Betsy BFS, Fri, April 21 2023, 20:21:21
It's Saturday! That's the day I try to take the whole day doing just what I want to do. Reading, sewing, spinning, walking, gardening ..... that sort of self-indulgent stuff. Notice the word Try. It never works. I start out with good intentions but get derailed after, oh, five minutes. Apparently, my husband also has an agenda for me. So do each of my children. As the good nurse that I am, my response is always drop my life and see what I can contribute to the patient's needs. I forget, all the time, that this is my Family, not my patients. I've never reached the point where I don't switch into Nurse Mode, making myself available to all in need. My family knows this and are stealth divers, jumping in with "Can I talk to you, Mama/Betsy?" and they know how much time it is before I go from Nurse to Mama.

When I say, "I've been thinking..." it clears the room. When they say "Are you doing anything?" I'm well into a two hour "Yes, I'll listen to you for as long as you need," place before I realize Once Again, my day has turned into everybody else's day. It's a trick. They ALL know how to catch me off guard, and hit that Nurse button.

But I tricked THEM.....heehee....I went to therapy. That threw a wrench in the works.

David handles the phone calls differently. They have ten minutes, and at the ten minute mark, he says "It's been ten minutes," and he hangs up. Mid-sentence sometimes. If they call to talk about something they're angry about, he says, "It's been ten minutes. Shut the F8ck up." Yup.... that's a true statement. Don't gasp in horror. It's a family joke at this point. If one of them gets him talking longer than the allotted ten minutes, it's like scoring a goal on the ice during a Bruins hockey game. They all keep score of who got him over his limit for the longest time.

He gets to watch the Bruins/Patriots/RedSox/soccer/golf/roller derby/box-car derby......

I get a head ache.

It's Saturday. I'm turning my phone off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following quote is from 'Outlander,' by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 26, "The Laird's Return." Copyright © 1991, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

"Can ye tell your uncle how old ye are, sweetheart?" she asked him, throttling her voice down to a coo-- under which the sound of clashing steel was all too apparent. The boy heard it; he turned and buried his face into his mother's neck. She patted his back mechanically, still glaring at her brother.
"Since he won't tell ye, I will. He's two, come last August. And if you're bright enough to count--which I take leave to doubt--you'll see he was conceived six months past the time I last saw yon Randall, which was in our own dooryard, beating the living daylight out of my brother with a saber."

"That' so, is it?" Jamie glowered at his sister. "I've heard a bit differently. It's common knowledge you've taken the man to your bed, not just the once, but as your lover. That child's his." He nodded contemptuously at his namesake, who had turned to peer under his mother's chin at this big, loud stranger. "I believe ye when ye say the new bastard you're carrying is not; Randall was in France 'til this March. So you're not only a whore, but an unchoosy one too. Who fathered tis last devil's-spawn on ye?"

The tall young man beside me coughed apologetically, breaking the tention in the room.

"I did," he said mildly. "That one, too." Advancing stiffly on his wooden leg, he took the little boy from his fuming wife and set him in the crook of his arm. "Favors me a bit, some say."

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Replies:
- I'm a bit surprised that Ian didn't call Jamie out for impuning the reputation of his wife. I suppose he figured letting Jenny deal with it was better than inviting Jamie to draw blood himself. (NT) -- kgp, Sat, April 22 2023, 18:40:33
  - All through the books Ian is the calming balm to the Frasers. He is smart enough to have mastered “put the brain in gear before the mouth motor starts.” I need to work on that. I absolutely love the family stories you share. For a difficult time in my life, STFU, became my own silent mantra. Go Dave! Lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 23 2023, 3:20:40
  - I sometimes wondered about this too, kgp. Ian is so much more level headed than the Frasers, even when Young Ian drives him to distraction. His retaliation in making Jamie dicipline YI was brilliant. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, April 24 2023, 13:36:37
QOTD for Friday, 4/21/23 -- Betsy BFS, Thu, April 20 2023, 21:24:28
Happy Friday, All in Lallyland!

The best, guaranteed to work, way to get some time alone is for me to enter the room, sit down, and say "I've been thinking." Everyone mysteriously has somewhere else to be. The bathroom is a favorite. It usually works when I'm talking to one of my kids on the phone, too. "I've been thinking." "I just remembered, I forgot to pick up my daughter from school. Gotta go, Bye." Never fails.

One would think (there's the 'think' word again,) I'd avail myself of the alone time to be constructive in some way. What actually happens is I get so excited about 10 different things, that I start them all but finish none. I have self-diagnosed myself with adult ADD, with a touch of OCD, but only about certain things. How the bath towels need to be folded and put away. Making beds. Putting silverware in the dishwasher- just a few more things, but not full-blown OCD. Can someone be ADD with just a touch of OCD?? I won't discuss this with my provider because I don't want any more diagnosies (I think I made that word up. What's the plural of diagnosis? I don't know. Hence....diagnosies.) We have online access to our charts and when I pulled up my records, I felt like I should be close to death, or institutionalized. There's a list of things I've never been seen for. One time, my provider asked me if I had heartburn. No. Once a year, I take a Tums for heartburn. Maybe every two years. In my chart, I have a diagnosis of GERD. And apparently I've had surgery on my right ankle, but I must really be getting confused because I don't remember having right ankle anything. I've told the office many many times that I don't have GERD and my right ankle is fine and always have been. They're both still listed in my chart, along with 20 other things that aren't really issues. I'm not sure why I'm such a mess. Apparently, because I stop and take a 30 second break while climbing a long hill translates into congestive heart failure. Ummmmmmm.....

So, I don't complain about anything in the Dr's office unless I'm doubled over in pain or coughing up blood. We have lovely chats about gardening, pets, different uses for coconut oil... I make sure I don't cough, get heartburn, or limp while I'm there. The two issues I really DO have are last on the list. Isn't that dandy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following quote is from 'Outlander,' by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 9, "The Gathering." Copyright © 1991 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

Dougle MacKenzie was the first man to advance to Colum's platform. The small rostrum gave Colum enough height that the brothers met face to face. Dougal was richly dressed, but in plain chestnut velvet with no gold lace, so as not to distract attention from Colum's magnificence.

Dougal drew his dirk with a flourish and sank to one knee, holding the dirk upright by the blade. His voice was less powerful than Colum's, but loud enough so that every word rang through the hall.

"I swear by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the holy iron that I hold, to give ye my fealty and pledge ye my loyalty to the name of the clan MacKenzie. If ever my hand shall be raised against ye in rebellion , I ask that this holy iron shall pierce my heart."

He lowered the dirk, kissed it at the junction of haft and tang, and thrust it home in it's sheath. Still kneeling, he offered both hands clasped to Colum, who took them between his own and lifted them to his lips in acceptance of his oath so offered. Then he raised Dougle to his feet.

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Replies:
- I'm not sure what makes a blade Holy. The relationship between Colum and Dougal is very complicated and I find it intriguing watching the interactions between the two. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Thu, April 20 2023, 21:27:21
  - Making an oath on one's dirk happens several times on the book. Maybe because they all carry one and at the haft it resembles a cross. There's also iron under the hearth to protect the home. I'm also particular about towel folding, putting things away, etc. I think it's a normal part of maintaining the home. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, April 21 2023, 12:01:09
    - Do you think it has anything to do with being able to use it on oneself if the oath is broken? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 23 2023, 3:22:32
- Betsy, this has been a terrific week of sibling relationships in the Books. Collum & Dougal are certainly intriguing. I'm also particular about a number of things around our house - towel folding, laundry sorting, where things go on the kitchen counters, etc. Some stuff though, doesn't phase me. I will say that I've gotten more particular as I've gotten older, maybe because with the kids grown and flown, it's not such an impossible battle! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, April 21 2023, 13:02:39
QOTD for Wednesday, 4/19/23 -- Betsy BFS, Tue, April 18 2023, 20:59:35
Happy Times, Lallylovies!

"Mama, come get this child and take her far away," said daughter #3. Her daughter is 13.

"Mama, come get this child and take him to Maine and don't let him leave the basement," said daughter #1. Her son is 13.

No. Just No. Not that either daughter would ever send their child away, but No. Both of the mothers are fierce mama bears, but they both have 13 year olds. I sooo remember this picture. Both of these grandchildren are acting exactly like their moms did, so I get it very well.

Grandson who is 13 really IS a pain in the a**, as was his mom. He's sneaky and his mom was much more in-your-face about it, but the frustration and anger is the same. He is absolutly sure he is smarter than everyone he has ever known, but has told his mother it isn't fair when she talks to him. She has a bigger vocabulary than he does. He busily looks up each word he doesn't know so he can keep ahead of her. So I sent her a bunch of Gaelic words, with their definitions, so she'll always have a bigger vocabulary.

Granddaughter who is 13 is EXACTLY like her mother, except she has perfected crying hysterically into a pillow while rocking back and forth. I'd be concerned, but I've seen this tactic before. Her mother didn't cry and rock. She hurled fury as a weapon to deflect any issue she didn't want to discuss. Jai is getting very good at it, too.

So now, I am teaching my kids how to torture their kids for shock value. What a Grammie, eh? Tonight, I told daughter #3 how to carefully pick the time, when it's most unexpected, to smash something that is very loudly breakable, by hurling it onto the floor. There are some rules for this tactic. First, it only works if you do it every three to four years, and it has to be WAY out of character. Second, no yelling. They expect that. Furious stare, silently smash something. Extra credit if you can manage a maniacle face while doing this. It also is effective to glare and make huffing and growling sounds while furiously scanning the croud after you've caught their attention. Third, make sure to smash something that you don't like and that doesn't splinter into a million pieces, because you'll be cleaning it up and big chunks are easier than tiny ones. Four. It only works for about ten minutes. Then you need to find another surprise torture technique because throwing something only works if it comes out of the blue, but no more than every three to four years.

Yes, I really did have this discussion with my daughter. She did tell me that I wasn't scarey at all, but it was fun watching me try to be.

So much for inventive parenting.

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The following quote is from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 41, "Shelter From the Storm." CVopyright© 2014 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

"He's dead," Rachel said, her voice colorless.

"Yes." He didn't know how he was meant to feel in such a situation and had no real idea how he DID feel. He turned away, though, with a slight sense of relief, and came to look at the prisoner.

"Did she...?"

"She tried to cut Denny's throat, but she stepped on my hand and woke me. I saw the knife and screamed, and he siezed her, and..." She pulled a hand through her hair, and he saw that she had lost her cap, and her hair was loose and tangled.

"I sat on her," she said, "and Denny rolled her up in the sheet. I don't think she can speak," Rachel added, as he stooped to look at the woman. "Her tongue is split."

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Replies:
- Oh Betsy, I remember my DS at 13! For a whole summer, neither of us could look or speak to the other without a major argument ensuing. It was horrible, and much out of character for me. It took a LONG time for me to decide which battles were worth fighting - plenty of them! - and it got slightly better. It was an ugly year, though. It was never dramatic with DD; she's always been pretty even keeled, except for when she was a clingy Mama's girl. DS has run hot and cold since he was an infant. Thank goodness we all survived it. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, April 19 2023, 13:56:12
  - The teen years - it IS amazing we all survived them. It’s very interesting doing it as a grandma though, isn’t it? Diana, do you have any grandchildren? Re today’s quote, they were a horrible nasty couple weren’t they? Yukky. I think this is where Rachel made her intentions clear about Ian vs William. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, April 19 2023, 16:35:53
  - Diana,, I so know how this goes. Those LONG times of continuous emotional upheaval are exhausting in every way. Having tenuous relationships with your kids, even when they're adults, is always an Oh Good Gravy. What is it going to be this time? Nice conversation, or not-so-nice? Stomach in knots with each ring of the telephone. We parents need to hug each other and repeat the mantra: This, too, shall pass. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Wed, April 19 2023, 21:35:39
    - Betsy, no grandchildren yet. Fortunately, we can MOSTLY look back on those years and laugh. Our kids are now 32 & 28, college grads, in their own homes, working jobs they love, and being responsible citizens. We LOVE spending time with them, especially when they STILL bring friends over for a party. Some days I wonder how we survived it, but the house is a LOT quieter most of the time. Thank goodness for the Hooligan kittens to keep DH and I entertained. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, April 21 2023, 12:53:06
- I love the image of Rachel sitting on the woman and Denny, working with his sister in a totally Quaker way, wrapping her up in a sheet. Poor William was true to form as a good soldier is, and handled his fight in a more permanent manner. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Wed, April 19 2023, 20:19:37
  - I think Rachel and Denny have been lucky in choosing their companions. I know Young Ian has been trying to walk a nonviolent path but he is who he is. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, April 20 2023, 16:10:45
    - I think Rachel knows Ian well, and accepts him for who he is. Ian respects Rachel's beliefs, as well. They're a good duo. (NT) -- BFS, Thu, April 20 2023, 20:13:17
QOTD for 4/20/23 -- Betsy BFS, Wed, April 19 2023, 21:21:53
Good Morning/Day/Evening/Night to our International Crew,

My grandson, in his 13 year old wisdom, stayed home from school today for a head ache. Not an issue, except he took tylenol, lots of tylenol, all day for his pain. Sooooo, when nurse Mom gets home from work and noticed the bottle of tylenol was WAY too depleted and asked him what was up, well, he spent the last several hours in the ER waiting for his blood levels to decline past the danger zone. This wasn't an attempt to harm himself. It was just teenaged invincible stupidity. I mean, who reads instructions anyway?

Parents and grandson are on the way home. Grandfather and grandmother are now breathing again. Gotta love those teenagers.

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The following quote is from 'A Breath of Snow and Ashes,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 114, "Amanda." Copyright © 2005,by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

"What's P-H-A-L-L-U-S?" Jemmy asked his father.
"Another word for prick," Roger said briefly. "Don't bloody well use it. Listen--can ye hear anything, when ye listen to that stone?" He indicated Jamie's ring lying on the table. Jem's face lighted at sight of it.
"Sure," he said.
"What, from there?" Brianna said, incredulous. Jem looked around the circle of parents and grandparents, surprised at their interest. "Sure," he repeated. "It sings."
"Do ye think wee Mandy can hear it sing, too?" Jamie asked carefully. His heart was beating heavily, afraid to know, either way.
Jemmy picked up the ring and leaned over Mandy's basket, holding it directly over her face. She kicked energetically and made noises-- but whether because of the ring, or mearly at the sight of her brother...
"She can hear it," Jem said, smiling into his sister's face.
"How do you know?" Claire asked, curious. Jem looked up at her, surprised.
" She says so."

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Replies:
- So very glad you noticed the Tylenol bottle was low and that Grandson is OK. When I think of some of the things I got away with.....let's just say I'm glad I'm still here to read Diana's books! (NT) -- Janet, Thu, April 20 2023, 11:02:44
  - It wasn't me that noticed the tylenol bottle, it was my daughter. She's a nurse as well, so she knew it was more serious than "drink a lot of water to flush it out of your system." I understand very well, like you, how amazing it is that I'm alive, considering...... (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Thu, April 20 2023, 20:09:19
- Teenagers are a challenge. Their bodies grow faster than their brains. I like the psychic connection between Jim and Mandy. I wonder how that will affect them as they grow older. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, April 20 2023, 16:07:46
  - When Bree was searching for Jem, after Rob Cameron abducted him and locked him in the tunnel, she used Mandy's connection with Jem to find him. Jem and Mandy are definitely attuned to each other. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Thu, April 20 2023, 20:00:26
QOTD for Tuesday, 4/18/23 -- Betsy BFS, Hospice nurse., Tue, April 18 2023, 8:17:46
I actually DID work as a hospice nurse for awhile in my interesting career.... it was some of the most powerful interactions and care I've been part of as a nurse. Honestly? What I do now is probably the most rewarding nursing I've ever experienced.

Every summer, for many years now, I have been a camp nurse for a non-profit camp in rural Maine. I did it for a couple of weeks a summer when my kids were young, so they could go to camp. They got to go free if I was working. I'd take my vacation time and work at camp. Several years later, after I no longer had children at home and had been away from camp for a long time, the director of the camp called me. Want to come run the health care needs for the whole summer? Ummmmm.... So here I am.

Another time, I'll tell you about how the work has changed in the two decades between then and now.
I had no intention of talking about nursing. It just came out like that. Oh well, Go with the flow.

After tinkering and tinkering some more, we got this sad old computer to work. Now I can post the quote.

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The following quote is from 'A Breath Of Snow And Ashes," by Diana Gabaldon. Chapter 118, "Regret."

"Sweet Jesus," he said, apprehension making his scalp prickle. "Will she tell him?"
Fraser shook his head, his eyes on the two young people below.
"She will not," he said quietly. "She gave me her word."
Relief coursed through his veins like water.
"Thank you," he said. Fraser shrugged slightly, dismissing it. It was, after all, what he wanted, as well -- or so Lord John assumed.
The two of them were walking together-- William said something and Brianna laughed, throwing back her hair. Jamie watched in fascination. Dear God, they were alike! The small tricks of expression, of posture, of gesture... It must be apparent to a casual observer. In fact, he say a couple pass them and the woman smile, pleased at the sight of the handsome matched pair.

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Replies:
- Whether Jamie wanted William to know at that point or not, how heartwarming it must have been to see his children together for the first time. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, April 19 2023, 13:44:55
  - Oh, yes! I love the way she describes the tiny things that get passed in genes. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, April 19 2023, 16:37:53
    - I used to believe Diana was channeling the Books from somewhere "else." Several books later, I'm not as pationate about where the story originates. DG is a most amazing writer, unfurling the story in such intimate ways that the reader can see each detail, down to the flies buzzing around a dead body, their size, color, and sound. For me, the dichotomy of the situation in this cabin....the use of deadly force, and the use of passively aggressive force pulls me into a mental argument with myself. I'm really much more of a passivist than anything else, but I wonder if there was another way to deal with the husband. The Rachel-Denny duo was a mighty force, but I'm glad William was not a Quaker. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Wed, April 19 2023, 20:45:04
      - Oops....this was supposed to be written under the next quote, not this one. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Wed, April 19 2023, 20:48:36
        
        But I was saying “Yes! Yes! Yes!” as I read it. She HAS ruined me for most other authors. We’re doing a Bible study based on a historical novel, Esther. I want to drop out because, to me, the historical novel writing is horrible! 🙄. But how do I say this to the group? Should I just shut up and enjoy listening and fellowship at the end? I can’t keep reading. Lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, April 20 2023, 5:17:25
QOTD, Sunday, 4/16/23 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sat, April 15 2023, 21:26:45
It's been a long day here, so I'll be short. No lallygabbing tonight for me.

The following quote is from "The Fiery Cross," by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2001, by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 81, "Bear-Killer."All rights reserved.

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"Aye, a bear'll do that," he said. "They're no picky eaters, bears. Carrion is fine by them."

Jamie nodded in response, but his attention was still fixed on Josiah.

"Aye,I've heard that, forbye. Bur Tsatsa'wi said he did see the bear that his friend-- so it DOES kill people, no?"

"Well, it killed that one," Josiah agreed. There was an odd tone to his voice, though, and Jamie's look sharpened. He lifted a brow at Josiah, who worked his lips slowly in and out, deciding something. He glanced at Kezzie, who smiled at him. Kezzie, I saw, had a dimple in his left cheek, while Josiah's was in the right.

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Replies:
- I know this is about the bear, but the tiny details grab me.”odd tone to his voice, though” and a dimple in his left cheek, while Josiah’s was in the right.” The whole Beardsley story is genius to me! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, April 17 2023, 3:31:00
  - Never spotted that - so there was a way to tell them apart! (NT) -- kgp, Mon, April 17 2023, 16:07:36
  - It's not really about the bear at the moment. It was about the twins. I love the whenever they show up along the way. (NT) -- BBS, Tue, April 18 2023, 8:35:44
QOTD for Monday, 4/17/23 -- Betsy BFS, Sun, April 16 2023, 20:18:45
Howdy-do, Lallylovies!

Does anyone remember The Howdy Doody Show? It was a kids show in the 50's and I LOVED it! Buffalo Bob, Clarabell the Clown, Chief Thunderthud, Princess Summerfall Winterspring, and a ton of others. One of the episodes was about books and reading. I forget which characters were involved or who the "guest" was, but the guest said if you said Skoob Era Nuf (that's Books are fun, backwards)and turned in three circles to the left, you would arrive in Book Land.I spent the entire summer twirling three times to the left saying Skoob Era Nuf, and was heartbroken that I was doing something wrong because I never found Book Land. All I found was grass, gravel, and hot tar that bubbled up through the asphalt in the road. If you stepped into it by accident, it would burn the bottom of your foot and would be adhered there for weeks. It was a very sad summer.

Romper Room? Another blast for the long-ago past. Miss Sally had that darned magic-mirror she looked into and would rattle off names of kids who she could see watching the show from home. "I see Nancy, and Carol, and Johnny, and every other possible name known in the English language. Never said Betsy. I waited every day for Miss Sally to see me and wave to me. Nuh-uh. What was her problem??? Bet-seee. Easy peesie. Nope. Beth, Betty, Lizzie, but no Betsy.

Howdy Doody, Magic mirrors that couldn't see me..... I can see why I still feel better sitting in the back of any room, bus, etc. It's probably a good thing that I never found the magic because I'm thinking all that Magic stuff was straight out of the clutches of Evil. I need to work on being Thankful that I was saved from entrapment into dark places.

I have never told my children and grandchildren about spinning into Book Land,nor ever mentioned Magic mirrors. I don't want them wondering what's gone wrong and feeling badly. Nope. We stick to Faery houses, adorned with whatever we find outside, and we plant flowers that attract Wee folk. We sprinkle faery flower petals around the door of the houses and invite faeries from far and wide to bless us with their presence. No magic that doesn't work allowed.

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The following quote is from 'An Echo In The Bone," by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 17, "Wee Demons." Copyright © 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

He didn't see Arch pull the knife, but it was there, in his right hand, held awkwardly because of the missing fingers, but doubtless useful enough.

"All right," Arch said calmly, and put the point of the knife under Herman's chin.

A scream burst from behind Ian, and Vermin half-ran, half-fell down the last few feet of the trail. Arch Bug looked up, startled, and Ian crouched to rush him, but was forestalled by Vermin.

The little boy rushed at Arch Bug and gave him a tremendous kick in the shin, shouting, "You bad old man! You let her go right now!"

Arch seemed as startled by the speech as by the kick, but didn't let go.

"Her?" he said, and looked down at the child in his grasp, who promptly turned her--her?--head, and bit him fiercely in the wrist. Ian, seizing the moment, lunged at him, but was impeded by Vermin, who had now seized Arch by the thigh, and was clinging like grim death, trying to punch the old man in the balls with one small clenched fist.

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Replies:
- I’m sensing a theme - definitely odd, but also very lovable siblings? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, April 17 2023, 3:33:43
  - Half right. Just siblings and their interactions. I adore the picture of Hermin and Vermin taking on Arch Bug..... (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, April 18 2023, 7:40:47
- I read the quote and answered before I read your personal thought of the day. I remember those shows but guess I’m too “grounded German” to have thought the magic was real. I’m sorry they left you feeling sad! And I love that your gardens are fairylicious ❤️ My sister is a Betsy, but you’re right there are a lot of variations on Elizabeth. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, April 17 2023, 3:44:30
  - I think I remember feeling sad, then annoyed. I think I resented it that I was given the wrong instructions to Book Land. Miss Sally? She was just insipid, even looking through the eyes of a four/five year old. After jumping around a few times to attract her attention, I gave up. After pouting for awhile, I just stopped doing the stuff she did, with all of us kiddos copying her. Like saying grace before snack time, (my family said grace every night, but even then, I had grown WAY farther than her "God Is good, God is great..." When she did bend and stretch time, I jumped up and down instead. Maybe that's why she never called my name when she looked through her Magic Mirror. (NT) -- Betsy, definitly a Scorpio., Tue, April 18 2023, 8:30:03
- BBS, I remember watching Romper Room and Captain Kangaroo, mostly when I was too young to go to school. I don't remember Miss Whatever's name, but she never called Diana or Dee-Dee (family nickname) either. I love your faerie magic ideas! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, April 17 2023, 9:47:56
- Vaguely remember those but I was a devotee of Captain Kangaroo and Ranger Andy - which was a locally produced show that we went on as Brownie Scouts. Herman and Vermin, I'm glad Mrs Sylvie figured out how to deal with them . The vision of Vermin trying to punch Arch in the nuts is so funny. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, April 17 2023, 16:12:15
  - I know!! There was an episode of Call the Midwife that featured a set of twins that reminded of these two. SO feisty. And protective of each other, like Josiah and Kezzie (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, April 17 2023, 17:17:29
- I loved Howdy Doody!!! Never watched Romper Room. Also a Captain Kangeroo fan! (NT) -- CarolE, Mon, April 17 2023, 20:36:58
  - I loved Captain Kangaroo, too. (NT) -- BBFS, Tue, April 18 2023, 8:32:35
Qotd -- Betsy, who seems to gather dinosaurs, Mon, April 17 2023, 20:35:53
After messing around with my Very Old computer (the tech guy confirmed that yes-indeedy, our computer is officially on Hospice mode,) for 3+ hours, I don’t have anything to use to post my quote except my phone. Even David took over to fix everything, which made it all worse. Normally, I’d just use my phone, but I’m about cross eyed; trifocals and tiny keys aren’t good dance partners at 11:30 at night. I’ll have to post in the morning when my eyes aren’t seeing double.

I’m sorry. I love this next quote, too.

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QOTD for Saturday, April 15, 2023 -- CindyG, Fri, April 14 2023, 17:39:06
The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 15, “Revelations of the Bridal Chamber.” Copyright 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“Suddenly he lifted me in his arms and sat down on the bed, holding me on his lap. He spoke a little hoarsely.
‘Tell me if I’m too rough, or tell me to stop altogether, if ye wish. Anytime until we are joined; I dinna think I can stop after that.’
In answer, I put my hands behind his neck and pulled him down on top of me. I guided him to the slippery cleft between my legs.
‘Holy God,’ said James Fraser, who never took the name of his Lord in vain.
‘Don’t stop now,’ I said.”

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Replies:
- Is it warm in here? (NT) -- kgp, Sat, April 15 2023, 10:22:05
  - If not it should be! (NT) -- CindyG, Sat, April 15 2023, 11:39:47
- I loved your week, Cindy! (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Sun, April 16 2023, 8:20:40
QOTD for Friday, April 14, 2023 -- CindyG, Fri, April 14 2023, 5:32:19
Sorry I’m a little late posting this. I was traveling yesterday and while I certainly could have posted while on the plane or waiting in airports, I just didn’t think of it. I’m in Indiana now at my son’s house, he’ll take me to my new home later today, just a couple of miles away. Everything went so smoothly the last few days I feel like I’ve been dreaming! Being very tired adds to that feeling, I’m sure.

The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 15, “Revelations of the Bridal Chamber.” Copyright 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved. The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 15, “Revelations of the Bridal Chamber.” Copyright 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“He lifted me to my feet then, and bent his head to kiss me. It went on a long while, and his hands roamed downward, finding the fastening of my petticoat. It fell to the floor in a billow of starched flounces, leaving me in my chemise.
‘Where did you learn to kiss like that?’ I said, a little breathless. He grinned and pulled me close again.
‘I said I was a virgin, not a monk,’ he said, kissing me again. ‘If I find I need guidance, I’ll ask.’”

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Replies:
- The Wedding -- Kirsten, Fri, April 14 2023, 7:06:25
  - I'm glad someone intervened. The scene would have been lessened significantly. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, April 14 2023, 8:50:53
- How fun to be moving into a new home! Was it to be closer to family? I fantasize about moving but honestly, I dread packing up 35 years worth of stuff. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, April 14 2023, 8:52:33
  - We've lived in our house 20+ years....and our closest family is in Missouri (we're in Detroit area). I've been asked about moving back, but.....when we moved into this house I said my next move will be in a body bag. The thought of going through stuff, packing, selling, donating, etc. is mind boggling! But I'm very happy you've landed in your new place! (NT) -- Janet, Fri, April 14 2023, 10:04:26
- CindyG, best wishes for years and years of happy new memories to be made in your new house! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, April 14 2023, 12:38:19
- Yes, I moved out here from California to be near my son. I’m getting old & need help! moving was difficult to say the least. But, if I ever do have to move again I have much less stuff! But I hope to be here till I die. (NT) -- CindyG, Fri, April 14 2023, 13:55:26
  - Best wishes to you, Cindy!! I can’t believe you still did QOTD during this week! YOU are a prime example of how dedicated we fans are. Lol. I’m loving remembering these beginnings too. I’m glad they fought for these classic lines in the show. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, April 15 2023, 3:39:31
QOTD for Thursday, April 13, 2023 -- CindyG, Wed, April 12 2023, 19:13:13
The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 15, “Revelations of the Bridal Chamber.” Copyright 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“‘You dinna need to be afraid of me,’ he said softly. ‘I wasna going to jump on ye.’ I laughed in spite of myself.
‘Well, I didn’t think you would.’ In fact, I didn’t think he would touch me, until and unless I invited him to; the fact remained that I was going to have to invite him to do considerably more than that, and soon.
I eyed him dubiously. I supposed it would be harder if I found him unattractive; in fact, the opposite was true. Still, I had not slept with any man but Frank in over eight years. Not only that, this young man, by his own acknowledgment, was completely inexperienced. I had never deflowered anyone before. Even dismissing my objections to the whole arrangement, and considering matters from a completely practical standpoint, how on earth were we to start? At this rate, we would still be standing here, staring at each other, three or four days hence.”

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Replies:
- Claire -- Kirsten, Thu, April 13 2023, 15:58:11
  - I do, too. She's very quick witted and I think funnier in the books. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, April 13 2023, 17:51:08
    - Claire -- Kirsten, Fri, April 14 2023, 7:02:02
QOTD for Tuesday, April 11, 2023 -- CindyG, Tue, April 11 2023, 8:08:34
The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 14, “A Marriage Takes Place.” Copyright 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“ I had so far avoided looking at him, but now glanced up to find him staring down at me. His face was white and carefully expressionless; he looked as he had when I dressed the wound in his shoulder. I tried to smile at him, but the corners of my mouth wobbled precariously. The pressure of his fingers on mine increased. I had the impression that we were holding each other up; if either of us let go or looked away, we would both fall down. Oddly, the feeling was mildly reassuring. Whatever we were in for, at least there were two of us.“

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Replies:
- This whole scene is wonderful...so well written. Diana captures their spirits. And in all honesty, I felt a little like this at my wedding, too. Like, "OMG, this is real!" (NT) -- Janet, Tue, April 11 2023, 10:42:22
- It's so sweet that he was scared, too. It really does capture the uncertainty and nervousness of the ceremony. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, April 11 2023, 12:44:33
- The beginning of all their “two of us” adventures ❤️ (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, April 11 2023, 13:21:54
- CindyG, I'm loving this trip back to the very beginning! (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, April 13 2023, 11:48:11
QOTD for Wednesday, April 12, 2023 -- CindyG, Tue, April 11 2023, 21:19:43
The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 15, “Revelations of the Bridal Chamber.” Copyright 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“Dougal took me by the arm as I started for the stairs to freshen myself before eating.
‘I want this marriage consummated, wi’ no uncertainty whatsoever,’ Dougal instructed me firmly in an undertone. ‘There’s to be no question of it bein’ a legal union, and no way open for annulment, or we’re all riskin’ our necks.’
‘Seems to me you’re doing that anyway,’ I remarked crossly. ‘Mine, especially.’
Dougal patted me firmly on the rump.
‘Dinna ye worry about that; ye just do your part.’ He looked me over critically, as though judging my capacity to perform my role adequately.
‘I kent Jamie’s father. If the lad’s much like him, ye’ll have no trouble at all.’”

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QOTD for Monday, April 10, 2023 -- CindyG, Sun, April 09 2023, 20:10:39
The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 14, “A Marriage Takes Place.” Copyright 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“If I was a radiant bride, the groom was positively resplendent. My mouth fell open and stayed that way.
A Highlander in full regalia is an impressive sight—any Highlander, no matter how old, ill-favored, or crabbed in appearance. A tall, straight-bodied, and by no means ill-favored young Highlander at close range is breath-taking.
The thick red-gold hair had been brushed to a smooth gleam that swept the collar of a fine lawn shirt with tucked front, belled sleeves, and lace-trimmed wrist frills that matched the cascade of the starched jabot at the throat, decorated with a ruby stickpin.
His tartan was a brilliant crimson and black that blazed among the more sedate MacKenzies in their green and white. The flaming wool, fastened by a circular silver brooch, fell from his right shoulder in a graceful drape, caught by a silver-studded sword belt before continuing its sweep past neat calves clothed in woolen hose and stopping just short of the silver-buckled black leather boots. Sword, dirk, and badger-skin sporran completed the ensemble.
Well over six feet tall, broad in proportion, and striking of feature, he was a far cry from the grubby horse-handler I was accustomed to—and he knew it.”

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Replies:
- I absolutely love this description. “ A Highlander in full regalia is an impressive sight” is one of my Outlander mantras. Lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, April 10 2023, 4:45:37
- The grubby horse handler was pretty good looking also. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, April 10 2023, 5:11:30
QOTD for Sunday, April 9, 2023 -- CindyG, Sat, April 08 2023, 21:08:35
The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 4, “I Come to the Castle.” Copyright 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“The lad had nice feelings. Instead of calling for help or retreating in confusion, he sat down, gathered me firmly onto his lap with his good arm and sat rocking me gently, muttering soft Gaelic in my ear and smoothing my hair with one hand. I wept bitterly, surrendering momentarily to my fear and heartbroken confusion, but slowly I began to quiet a bit, as Jamie stroked my neck and back, offering me the comfort of his broad, warm chest. My sobs lessened and I began to calm myself, leaning tiredly into the curve of his shoulder. No wonder he was so good with horses, I thought blearily, feeling his fingers rubbing gently behind my ears, listening to the soothing, incomprehensible speech. If I were a horse, I’d let him ride me anywhere.
This absurd thought coincided unfortunately with my dawning realization that the young man was not completely exhausted after all. In fact, it was becoming embarrassingly obvious to both of us. I coughed and cleared my throat, wiping my eyes with my sleeve as I slid off his lap.“

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Replies:
- They had a connection from the beginning (NT) -- kgp, Sun, April 09 2023, 9:10:46
  - An easy trust and I think that means a lot. Theirs seems to be the love at first kind, even if they didn’t know it yet. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 09 2023, 9:31:11
    - I think Jamie did. (NT) -- CindyG, Sun, April 09 2023, 13:45:34
      - Good point! Claire was still feeling being a MARRIED stranded woman. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, April 10 2023, 4:43:47
QOTD for Saturday, April 8, 2023 -- kgp, Fri, April 07 2023, 18:11:22
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 74 The Face of Evil

The lawyer looked as though he’d been taxidermied by someone who hated him, but Beauchamp spluttered negus and began to protest. Fergus looked at Roger, who obligingly put back his coat to show his knife and set his hand upon the hilt, keeping his face impassive.

Beauchamp froze. Fergus nodded approvingly.

“Just so. And so, gentlemen . . . say for the sake of argument that persons less discerning than I might accept the truth of this document. What did you propose to do, had I been willing to do that? Plainly you had something in mind - something that Monsieur le Comte’s heir might accomplish for you, eh?”

Color was coming back into Beauchamp’s face, and the lawyer lost a little of his stuffing; they exchanged glances and some decision was made.

“All right.” Percival Beauchamp sat up straight and touched a linen napkin to his port-stained lips. “This is the situation.”

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Replies:
- I think the "lawyer" is Richardson aka the archaeologist/time traveler in cahoots with Rob Cameron. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, April 07 2023, 18:12:54
  - Thanks for a thought about it because I don’t get this st all. 🙄 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 09 2023, 9:32:39
QOTD for Friday, April 7, 2023 -- kgp, Thu, April 06 2023, 17:29:22
The following quotation is from Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 45 Not Quite Like Leprosy

“You saved my life, John,” he said quietly, looking at him. “Thank you for that; I hadn’t the chance to say so at the time.”

John flipped a hand dismissively, though his chest had tightened as Percy’s words. He’d suppressed everything at the time and he didn’t want it back now, twenty years later. Any of it.

“Yes. Well . . . “ He turned slightly; Percy was standing between him and the terrace with the French doors.

“So I thought you might possibly be willing to do me a much less dangerous favor.”

“Think again,” John advised him briefly, and, stepping round his erstwhile lover, walked rapidly away.

He heard nothing behind him; no protest, no offers, no calling of his name. At the French doors, he glanced involuntarily behind him.

Percy was standing by the hydrangea bush. Smiling at him.

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Replies:
- They did always have that connection - John “looking back involuntarily” and Percy smiling. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 09 2023, 9:29:29
QOTD for Thursday, April 6, 2023. Tartan Day. -- kgp, Thu, April 06 2023, 6:56:52
The following quotation is from Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved Chapter 62 The Mule Dislikes You

The teamster looked mildly dazed but still homicidal. He stood with his fists clenched, legs braced wide apart and shoulders hunched, glowering at the crowd.

“What I think . . . ?” he began. “I think - “

But Percy had managed to get to his feet and, while still somewhat hunched, was mobile. Without hesitation, he walked up and kicked the teamster smartly in the balls.

This went over well. Even the man who appeared to be a friend of Belden’s whooped with laughter. The teamster didn’t go down but curled up like a dried leaf, clutching himself. Percy wisely didn’t wait for him to recover, but turned and bowed to Fergus,

”Ǻ votre service, monsieur. I suggest that you and your son - and the mule, of course - might withdraw?”

"Merci beaucoup, and I suggest you do the same, tout de suite,” Fergus replied.

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Replies:
- The dialogue always gets me. Last sentence yesterday and the whole thing today- such perfect words that clarify the situation so succinctly. I did love Percy here, one of the few times! (NT) -- I Kathy in PS, Thu, April 06 2023, 11:16:51
  - He did come through for Claire and try to extricate Germain. Glad he got in a solid kick! (NT) -- kgp, Thu, April 06 2023, 17:19:45
Sorry, I had to report for jury selection at crack of stupid this morning. I'll post after I walk the dog -- kgp, Wed, April 05 2023, 9:35:21
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Replies:
- I've been called for jury duty twice. Once I was excused shortly after I got there (all the cases were settled) and once I got to spend two weeks as a juror on an attempted murder trial....interesting experience, but not one I wat to repeat. Luckily, I've now "aged out" of the jury pool! (NT) -- Janet, Wed, April 05 2023, 11:06:58
  - This would have been over by next Wednesday. I was kind of hoping to be selected. Glad it wasn't a murder trial. It was police brutality. (NT) -- kgp, Wed, April 05 2023, 16:06:06
- I didn’t know you could age out of jury duty. State by state or federal? I’ve never been on a jury and have been a great “armchair” jurist over the years but don’t think I’d want to actually do it. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, April 06 2023, 11:21:55
QOTD for Sunday, April 2, 2023 -- kgp, Sun, April 02 2023, 6:38:33
The following quotation is from An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 1 Sometimes They’re Really Dead

A wave of heat engulfed him and he gasped for air, involuntarily. Just as well, as it prevented his uttering the blasphemy that had sprung to his lips.

The gentleman occupying the room’s only chair was indeed “Frenchy” - his very well cut suit set off by cascades of snowy lace at throat and cuff, his shoes buckled with a silver that matched the hair at his temples.

“Mr. Beauchamp,” Grey said, and slowly closed the door behind him, and he could feel his pulse thumping in his own temples. “I fear you take me at something of a disadvantage.”

Perseverance Wainwright smiled, very slightly.

“I’m glad to see you, John,” he said.

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Replies:
- What a complicated relationship. I was thinking of Percy the other day. A man came to the cemetery to see about replacing a WW I veteran marker that had severely deteriorated. When he showed me all the documentation needed for the VA, he told me that even though this young man was reported KIA on the a Russian front, he actually killed himself. How horribly sad for the family that they would feel shame, how that could NOT be known. It wasn’t as bad as Percy’s young lover being executed, but it reminded me of it. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 02 2023, 15:19:13
  - Percy himself is complicated and I think John really dodged a bullet for all they had so much in common. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, April 02 2023, 18:13:25
    - Yes! I always wonder if Hal protected John more than anyone ever knew. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, April 03 2023, 15:56:10
      - Hal had a reason to send John to Ardsmuir - supposedly there was a whiff of scandal, and John had been careless after Hector died. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, April 06 2023, 7:11:38
QOTD for Tuesday, April 4, 2023 -- kgp, Mon, April 03 2023, 17:34:41
The following quotation is from An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 58 Independence Day

"I am looking for a printer named Fergus Fraser.” Grey blinked at that; he hadn’t been expecting a concrete answer.

“Who is . . . ?”

Percy held up a hand, folding down the fingers as he spoke.

“He is, first, the son of one James Fraser, a notable ex-Jacobite and current rebel. He is, secondly, a printer, as indicated - and, I suspect, a rebel like his father. And, thirdly, I strongly suspect that he is the son of Amelie Beauchamp.”

There were red and blue dragonflies hovering over the creek; Grey felt as though one of these insects had flown suddenly up his nose.

“You are telling me that James Fraser had an illegitimate son by a French whore? Who happened also to be the daughter of an ancient noble family?” Shock didn’t begin to describe his feelings, but he kept his tone light, and Percy laughed.

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Replies:
- Am I wrong in thinking that Fergus and perhaps Le Comte are related to Claire? Thanks for cleaning the spam! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, April 04 2023, 14:16:36
  - She was thinking maybe Master Raymond was. (NT) -- kgp, Wed, April 05 2023, 16:06:55
QOTD for April 5, 2023 -- kgp, Wed, April 05 2023, 11:15:25
The following quotation is from An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 18 Pulling Teeth

Beauchamp was taking his leave of Northrup now, with a very Parisian bow, accompanied by a graceful flutter of his silk handkerchief. Fortuitous that the man had happened to step out of the warehouse just in front of them, Jamie thought. They’d planned to go and have a keek at him later in the day, but his timely appearance saved them having to go and look for him.

“It’s a good ship,” Fergus observed, his attention deflected to the sloop called Huntress. He glanced back at Jamie, considering. “You’re sure you do not wish to investigate the possibility of passage with this Monsieur Beauchamp?”

“Aye, I’m sure,” Jamie said dryly. “Put myself and my wife in the power of a man I dinna ken and whose motives are suspect, in a wee boat on a wide sea? Even a man who didna suffer from seasickness might boggle at that prospect, no?”

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I just cleared at least 8 SPAM posts this morning. I hope we can get through the day without more. -- kgp, Tue, April 04 2023, 7:29:23
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QOTD for Monday, April 3, 2023 -- kgp, Sun, April 02 2023, 18:37:34
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 27 The Honorable Thing

“You do this,” he went on, voice trembling, “you not only destroy yourself, you embroil us all - “

“All. You and your bloody brother and your goddamned family honor, you mean - “

“Yes, our goddamned family honor! And the honor of the regiment - of which you are a sworn officer, I remind you. How dare you utter the word honor? Yet you do dare - and presume further to demand that I not only perform some miracle to save your life, but to save you from all consequences of your folly?”

The pistol lay on the bench before him, loaded and primed, requiring only to be cocked. For one instant, he thought how simple it would be to pick it up, cock it, and shoot Percy between the eyes. No questions would be asked.

Last edited by author: Sun, April 02 2023, 19:12:14 Edited 1 time.
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Replies:
- To echo Kathy in PA's remark yesterday, such a complicated relationship! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, April 03 2023, 10:07:38
  - Yes. Love and hate so intertwined. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, April 03 2023, 15:54:36
QOTD for Thursday, March 30th 2023 -- Cait, Thu, March 30 2023, 4:18:10
The following quotation is taken from Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 1992 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 37, Holyrood:

I let the lid of the small chest fall shut and rested my hands on top of it. So he didn't mean to waste away in a drugged state, leaving the leadership of the clan uncertain. And if it were not a temporary oblivion he sought from me, what else? A permanent one, perhaps. I knew Colum Mackenzie. And the clear, ruthless mind that had planned Geillis Duncan's destruction would not hesitate over his own.

Now it was clear. He had come to see Charles Stuart, to make the final decision whether to commit the MacKenzie's of Leoch to the Jacobite cause. Once committed, it would be Dougal who led the clan. And then...

"I was under the impression that suicide was considered a mortal sin," I said.

"I imagine it is," he said, undisturbed. "A sin of pride, at least, that I should choose a clean death at the time of my own devising, as best suits my purpose. I don't, however, expect to suffer unduly for my sin, having put no credence in the existence of God since I was nineteen or so."

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Replies:
- All of the rights and wrongs, what is considered a sin, being able to die with dignity - Diana explores so many things that matter but does it in a way that makes me think about it so much deeper. So many gray areas that are hard to decide. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, March 30 2023, 13:46:09
  - Choosing how to die -- it's a difficult question. Is it suicide or death with dignity? Either way, your dead and others are left to grieve and deal with what you've left behind. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, March 31 2023, 7:53:33
    - And hopefully if you can make that choice you don’t leave a mess for your loved ones to deal with, besides their grief. I recently had a friend tell me her two daughters are totally opposed in their opinion of burial or cremation. She says she’ll let them fight it out when she goes. I said that’s horrible! Don’t leave them to have that fight! You decide what you want. Column had to set things right first as best he could. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, March 31 2023, 13:58:41
      - My FIL had his burial arranged and paid for before he passed. It was an unexpected gift to his family. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, April 02 2023, 19:15:11
QOTD for Saturday, April 1st 2023 -- Cait, Sat, April 01 2023, 5:29:25
The following quotation is taken from Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 1992 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 37, Holyrood:

"I've never met your sister. Were ye close, the two of you?"

Jamie didn't speak, but nodded slightly, studying his uncle closely, as though looking for the answer to a puzzle in the warm face before him.

Colum nodded, too. "It was that way between Ellen and myself. I was a sickly wee thing, and she nursed me often. I remember the sun shining through her hair, and she telling me tales as I lay in bed. Even later" --the fine-cut lips lifted in a slight smile-- "when my legs first gave way; she'd come and go, all about Leoch, and stop each morning and night in my chamber, to tell me who she'd seen and what they said. We'd talk, about the tenants and the tacksman, and how things might be arranged. I was married then, but Letitia had no mind for such matters, and less interest." He flipped a hand, dismissing his wife.

"We talked between us -sometimes with Dougal, sometimes alone- of how the fortunes of the clan might best be maintained; how peace might be kept among the septs, which alliances could be made with other clans, how the lands and the timber should be.... And then she left," he said abruptly, looking down at the broad hands folded on his knee. "With no asking of leave nor word of farewell. She was gone. And I heard of her from others now and then, but from herself--nothing."

"She didn't answer your letter?" I asked softly, not wanting to intrude. He shook his head, still looking down.

"She was ill; she lost a child, as well as having the pox. And perhaps she meant to write later; it's an easy task to put off." He smiled briefly, without humor, and then his face relaxed into somberness. "But by Christmas 12-month, she was dead."

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Replies:
- I couldn't have a week of quotes about the Mackenzie brothers without having one that mentions Ellen too. Reading and writing this passage chokes me up now, having lost my own sister who was such an anchor in my life. It's been 6 years this year, they say grief gets easier to carry, and it does, but I find myself wondering how it feel when I reach Colum's stage in life and how much I will remember. It's been a great week quoting for you all, thank you so much!!! (NT) -- Cait, Sat, April 01 2023, 5:34:24
  - Thank you, Cait, for a great week of the beginning. I’m reading these passages and realize I’m still having new feelings; I don’t remember this scene and how close Column and Ellen were. She gave him the knowledge to be the brains of the outfit. Early on she knew her brothers. But when that passionate McKenzie fire got lit - she was gone. I’m so sorry you lost your sister so young. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, April 01 2023, 7:38:01
- Families are so complicated sometimes. I'm sad there was no reconciliation between Ellen and her brothers. I wonder if she wrote to Jocasta. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, April 02 2023, 6:41:09
  - I never think of Jocasta in relationship to her brothers, weird isn’t it? Her three husbands, Jamie and Claire, Phaedra, Bri and Roger, Ulysses and Duncan - all these people in her life so intertwined. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 02 2023, 15:21:31
QOTD for Friday, March 31st 2023 -- Cait, Fri, March 31 2023, 6:21:43
The following quotation is taken from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 1991 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 46, Timor Mortis Conturbat Me

In the doorway, watching me with the look of absolute revulsion, was Dougal Mackenzie.

The last months had aged him; Rupert's death, the sleepless nights of fruitless argument, the strains of the hard campaign, and now the bitterness of imminent defeat. There were gray hairs in the russet beard, a gray look to his skin, and deep lines in his face that had not been there in November. With a shock, I realized that he looked like his brother, Colum. He had wanted to lead, Dougal Mackenzie. Now he had inherited the chieftainship, and was paying its price.

"Filthy... traitorous... whoring...witch!"

Jamie jerked as though he had been shot, face gone white as the sleet outside. I sprang to my feet, overturning the bench with the clatter that echoed through the room.

Dougal Mackenzie advanced on me slowly, putting aside the folds of his cloak, so that the hilt of his sword was freed to his hand. I hadn't heard the door behind me open; it must have stood a jar. How long had he been on the other side, listening?

"You," he said softly. "I should have known; from the first time I saw ye, I should have known." His eyes were fixed on me, something between horror and fury in the cloudy green depths.

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Replies:
- Sorry I'm a little late today, the morning got away from me! (NT) -- Cait, Fri, March 31 2023, 6:22:18
  - No worries. This is such an intense scene, but Claire's observation of him suffering under the weight of responsibility is bang on. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, March 31 2023, 7:51:07
- Such a powerful scene! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, March 31 2023, 12:42:48
- This title always knocks me over. Once again, with only four (Latin!) words, Diana makes me feel really, really bad. This part was so horrible. (NT) -- Kathy inPA, Fri, March 31 2023, 14:02:08
QOTD for Wednesday, March 29th 2023 -- Cait, Tue, March 28 2023, 21:22:06
The following quotation is taken from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 1991 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 11, Conversations With A Lawyer

"And then," Mr. Gowan went on with a sigh, "he rose from his bed too soon, and took a tumble down the stairs that broke the other leg. He lay in his bed close on a year, but it soon became clear that the damage was permanent. And that was when Jacob died, unfortunately"

The little man paused to marshall his thoughts. He glanced ahead again as though looking for someone. Failing to find them he settled back into the saddle.

"That was about the time there was all the fuss about his sister's marriage too," he said. "And Dougal...well, I'm afraid Dougal did not acquit himself so verra weel over that affair. "Otherwise, d'ye see, Dougal might have been made Chief at the time, but 'twas felt he'd not the judgment for it yet." He shook his head. "Oh, there was a great stramash about it all. There were cousins and uncles and tacksmen, and a great Gathering to decide the matter."

"But they did choose Colum, after all?" I said. I marveled once again at the force of personality of Colum Mackenzie. And, casting an eye at the withered little man who rode beside me, I rather thought Colum had also had some luck in choosing his allies.

"They did, but only because the brothers stood firm together. There was nae doubt, you see, of Colum's courage, nor yet of his mind, but only of his body. 'Twas clear he'd never be able to lead his men into battle again. But there was Dougal, sound and whole, if a bit reckless and hot headed. And he stood behind his brother's chair and vowed to follow Colum's word and be his legs and his sword-arm in the field. So a suggestion was made that Colum be allowed to become laird, as he should in the ordinary way, and Dougal be made war chieftain, to lead the clan in time of battle. It was a situation not without precedent," he added primly.

The modesty with which he had said "A suggestion was made..." made it clear just who's suggestion it had been.

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Replies:
- This quote may be a little longer than normal but I had to grab all the important parts :) and I was so excited to share today's quote I'm posting early! :) (NT) -- Cait, Tue, March 28 2023, 21:23:52
  - I forgot all about this exchange and all the subtleties in it. Ned Gowan was such a likable fellow and a prime example of the pen being mightier than the sword. And I really liked him because he was on Claire’s side right from the start. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 29 2023, 3:52:06
    - Yes! I've always loved Ned for the same reasons! When he reappeared in Voyager to help with Jamie's separation from LegHair I was so thrilled! So many of the classic characters had been killed off by that point that it was reassuring to see Ned again (NT) -- Cait, Wed, March 29 2023, 14:30:50
      - And the line, "Has she brought a gun?" "No, a lawyer!" (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, March 30 2023, 10:17:19
QOTD for Tuesday March 28th, 2023 -- Cait, Tue, March 28 2023, 3:48:36
The following quotation is taken from Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 1992 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 21, Untimely Resurrection:

"Circumstances?" I said, turning to his earlier question. "Well, I don't suppose one would consider it in the best of taste to come calling on a man whom you'd left for dead and whose wife you tried to seduce."

Being Dougal Mackenzie, he laughed. I didn't know quite what it would take to disconcert the man, but I certainly hope I was there to see it when it finally happened.

"Seduction?" He said, lips quirked in amusement. "I offered ye marriage."

"You offered to rape me, as I recall," I snapped. He had, in fact, offered to marry me - by force - after declining to help me in rescuing Jamie from Wentworth Prison the winter before. While his principal motive had been the possession of Jamie's estate of Lallybroch - which would belong to me upon Jamie's death - he hadn't been at all averse to the thought of the minor emoluments of marriage, such as the regular enjoyment of my body.

"As for leaving Jamie in the prison," he went on, ignoring me as usual, "there seemed no way to get him out, and no sense in risking good men in a vain attempt. He'd be the first to understand that. And it was my duty as his kinsman to offer his wife my protection, if he died. I was the lad's foster father, no?" He tilted back his head and drained his glass.

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Replies:
- Do you think Dougal could be called narcissistic? He does care about the clan, but it seems to me he cares about himself first - all the time. I think Geillis was the only one to slightly crack that shell. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, March 28 2023, 4:18:40
  - I think he thought he was smarter than Colum and chafed at being second to him in the clan hierarchy. Being widely thought of as Colum's legs (and c***) would get tiresome. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, March 28 2023, 7:14:50
    - I agree, I definitely think he thought he was smarter than Colum, forgetting of course that a man unable to use his penis has but the one brain to think with and is therefore more focused on other things *g* (NT) -- Cait, Tue, March 28 2023, 17:19:38
- Cait, your quotes are very apt in showing the many sides of the MacKenzie brothers. Great week! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, March 28 2023, 8:58:13
  - Thank you! (NT) -- Cait, Tue, March 28 2023, 17:17:54
QOTD Monday March 27th, 2023 -- Cait, Mon, March 27 2023, 5:26:27
The following quotation is taken from The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2001 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 22 The Fiery Cross

"Ye saw, then?" He asked quietly, reading my own face.

"Yes. Is it, it's to do with the cross in the door yard, is it?"

"Oh, in a way, I suppose."

"What is it for?" I asked bluntly.

He pursed his lips, rubbing gently at Jemmy's sore gum. At last he said, "Ye never saw Dougal Mackenzie call the clan, did you?"

I was more than startled at this, but answered cautiously.

"No. I saw Colum do it once -- at the oath taking at Leoch."

He nodded, the memory of that long ago night of torches deep in his eyes.

"Aye," he said softly. "I mind that. Colum was chief, and the men would come when he summoned them, surely. But it was Dougal who led them to war."

He paused a moment, gathering his thoughts.

"There were raids, now and again. That was a different thing, and often no more than a fancy that took Dougal or Rupert, maybe an urge born of drink or boredom - a small band out for the fun of it, as much for the cattle or grain. But to gather the clan for war, all the fighting men - that was a rarer thing. I only saw it the once, myself, but it's no a sight ye would forget."

Last edited by author: Mon, March 27 2023, 13:55:48 Edited 1 time.
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Replies:
- No. It isn't a sight you ever forget, then and now. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Mon, March 27 2023, 8:51:47
- Preparing for war? (NT) -- kgp, Mon, March 27 2023, 15:06:22
  - No, just the brothers Mackenzie and the scenes about them that have stuck with me, there's a bit somewhere about how Jamie stills asks Dougal's spirit for protection in battle that I was trying to find when I found this and I like the description of the brothers, you hear similar ones throughout the books. (NT) -- Cait, Mon, March 27 2023, 15:12:56
    - The two together were quite a force. I wonder how it would have been if Column was whole. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 27 2023, 16:48:08
The following quotation is taken from Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 1992 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 36, Prestonpans: -- Cait, Sun, March 26 2023, 5:38:18
"You're looking very well...niece." from the corner of my eye, I saw Charles's mouth drop open.

"You aren't," I said bluntly.

He glanced dispassionately down at the boat and twisted legs. And 100 years time, they would call this disease after it's most famous sufferer -- the Toulouse-Lautrec syndrome.

"No," he said. "But then, it's been two years since you saw me last. Mrs Duncan estimated my survival at less than two years, then."

I took a swallow of the brandy. One of the best. Charles was anxious.

"I shouldn't have thought you'd put much stock in a witch's curse," I said.

Last edited by author: Sun, March 26 2023, 5:39:41 Edited 2 times.
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Replies:
- Cait, I was texting with kgp last night and said I'd do half of the next week, which is actually THIS week. Ummmmm... oops. Driving back from dropping my grandson to his mother's, it hit me. OH SHYTE! THIS IS SUNDAY AND I WAS BLISSFULLY OUT IN THE OZONE. I am so so sorry. What a dork! I'll do the next few days, unless you had planned to, which I think you hadn't. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Sun, March 26 2023, 12:33:43
  - Cait offered to do this whole week. My mistake, Betsy. Can you take the week of April 16?? I'm the one messaging after a half bottle of wine. 😎 (NT) -- kgp, Sun, March 26 2023, 14:04:59
  - Sorry, Cait. Kgp just messaged me that there was a snafu. You had taken this week. I'm down the road a bit. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Mon, March 27 2023, 8:48:52
- I'm glad you are taking this week. DIA is under-represented. I like that Claire is never intimidated by Colum. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, March 26 2023, 14:06:38
  - And it seems like she knows right off the bat that Column is the brains of the outfit and not as superstitious as the others. He knew there was “something” about her but he was more subtle trying to find out what it was. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, March 26 2023, 15:35:59
- Sorry everyone I was out of the loop yesterday! I have a plan for the week so I'll just keep going! If you look at this and today's you might sense a theme :) (NT) -- Cait, Mon, March 27 2023, 5:28:09
  - I love themes. I need to think of some new ones. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, March 27 2023, 15:02:57
QOTD for Saturday -- kgp, Sat, March 25 2023, 8:48:22
The following quotation is from An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 52 Conflagration

Had I ever doubted the existence of something like telepathy, this would have been enough to quell my reservations. The soldiers were already at the breaking point from St. Clair’s delay and the constant drum of rumors beating on stretched nerves. As the fire on Mount Independence spread, the conviction that the redcoats and the Indians would be upon us at once spread from mind to mind without the necessity for speech. Panic was loose, spreading its broad black wings over the fort, and the confusion at the water’s edge was disintegrating into chaos before our eyes.

“Come, then,” Jamie said. And before I knew it, I was being hustled down the narrow steps of the battery. A few wooden huts had been set on fire - these on purpose to deprive the invaders of useful matériel - and the light from the flames lit up a scene from hell. Women dragging half-dressed children, screaming and trailing bedclothes, men throwing furniture from windows. A thunder mug crashed on the stones, sending shards of sharp pottery slicing across the legs of the people nearby.

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Replies:
- How fear and panic can cause mob mentality so quickly. It spreads like gas on fire pulling everyone in. The horror of being swept along in this nightmare of escape and basically just hoping to get down and away without being trampled. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, March 26 2023, 3:38:57
- It's easy to get caught up in the panic. The brain switches gears, knocks out common sense, for the most part, and all goes kaboom. It is frightening how easy is to capture a person's inclinations, their thoughts and beliefes,twist them, and be swept away with the crowd, shouting chants and beliefs that you don't agree with. You wake up from your stupor of emotion and wonder what in the name of God did you just chant? (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Mon, March 27 2023, 9:13:52
QOTD for Friday - not my week, just tossing one out. -- kgp, Fri, March 24 2023, 15:03:23
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 43 Apparition

“Ah, Mrs. Jenny.” Buck made the humming noise again. “I wouldna blame Captain Randall. That skin! And those bubs, come to that - “

“Shut up right this minute!”

Buck did, shocked out of his jocularity.

“What?” he said, in quite a different tone. “What is it?”

Roger unclenched his fist, with an effort.

“It’s a bloody long story; I haven’t time to tell it to ye now. But it’s - something I know from the other end. From my time. In a year or so, Randall’s coming back here. And he’s going to do something terrible. And, God help me, I don’t think I can stop it.”

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Replies:
- Diana makes the quandary of “can/should I try to change things” so real. My stomach was clenching as I read this; Roger has so many conflicts thrown at him all through the books. Buck is just a horn dog. Lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 25 2023, 5:05:03
QOTD for March 22? -- kgp, Wed, March 22 2023, 7:31:52
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 57 Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

“It’s a woman in childbed, Denny,” she called. “Three campfires over!”

“Urgent?” Denny at once began unwrapping the pack he had just done up.

“This child says so.” Dottie straightened up and tucked her straggling fair hair back under her cap. “It’s her mother’s fourth; no trouble with the first three, but given the conditions . . . “ She sidled past the baggage to the lowered tailboard, and Ian gave her a hand to hop down.

“She really wanted Mrs. Fraser,” Dottie said to Denny, sotto voce. “But she’ll settle for thee.” She dimpled. “Is thee flattered?”

“I see my reputation spreads like pomade on a silken pillow,” he replied tranquilly. “And thy use of plain speech inflames me. Thee had best come with me. Will thee watch the wagon, Ian?”

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Replies:
- I really love these young couples. Diana is easing the transition to the next generation for me. “Thy use of plain speech inflames me.” “I’m a physician!!” Denny has some classic lines too. 😊 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, March 24 2023, 12:04:40
  - I agree with you 100%, Kathy in PA. Our next generation of couples are terrific! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, March 24 2023, 14:21:38
- It's his description of his reputation that made me laugh (NT) -- kgp, Fri, March 24 2023, 15:04:10
  - Yes! That’s another one. He probably saw it taking care of someone, and it’s really kind of gross. But he often sounds so poetic with his “plain speech.” (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 25 2023, 5:00:48
QOTD for Saturday, March 18, 2023 -- CindyG, Fri, March 17 2023, 22:21:27
The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 11, “The Torremolinos Gambit.” Copyright 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“The bishop made a soft thump as he set the felted base down with precision. Without stopping, his hand rose, as though it moved without his volition. The hand traveled the short distance through the air, looking as though it knew precisely what it wanted, and set itself on Fraser’s, palm tingling, curved fingers gently imploring.
The hand under his was warm—so warm—but hard, and motionless as marble. Nothing moved on the table but the shimmer of the flame in the heart of the sherry. He lifted his eyes then, to meet Fraser’s.
‘Take your hand off me,’ Fraser said, very, very softly. ‘Or I will kill you.’”

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Replies:
- Thank you for the slow walk through this evening. It seemed so good - Jamie AND John in this horrible place - recognizing a smart, compassionate person just to have a decent conversation, let alone a good meal and game of chess. But John was still too young; he didn’t read people right all the time yet. So this lovely interlude ended in disaster. I’m SO glad this wasn’t the end of their story. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 18 2023, 3:52:07
- Do you think if Jamie hadn't been through hell at Wentworth he would have had a less vehement reaction? Not that he'd have a physical relationship with John, but would it have left their regard better intact? (NT) -- kgp, Sat, March 18 2023, 12:58:45
  - Definitely. He knew about homosexuality, didn’t condone it, would probably still have been repulsed - but I don’t think it would affect him the way it did. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 18 2023, 13:57:37
- Cindy, thank you so much for still posting QOTD as you prepare for a massive move. “Discombobulated” is almost too mild!! I’m so happy for you to be able to make this move to be near your son😊❤️ (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, March 19 2023, 3:28:35
QOTD for Thursday, March 16, 2023 -- CindyG, Thu, March 16 2023, 5:58:49
The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 11, “The Torremolinos Gambit.” Copyright 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“‘Do you find your life greatly burdensome, Mr. Fraser?’
The Scot looked up then, and met his eyes with a long, level gaze. Evidently, Fraser found nothing in his own face save curiosity, for the broad shoulders across the board relaxed their tension somewhat, and the wide mouth softened its grim line. The Scot leaned back, and flexed his right hand slowly, opening and closing it to stretch the muscles. Grey saw that the hand had been damaged at one time; small scars were visible in the firelight, and two of the fingers were set stiffly.
‘Perhaps not greatly so,’ the Scot replied slowly. He met Grey’s eyes with dispassion. ‘I think perhaps the greatest burden lies in caring for those we cannot help.’
‘Not in having no one for whom to care?’
Fraser paused before answering; he might have been weighing the position of the pieces on the table.
‘That is emptiness,’ he said at last, softly. ‘But no great burden.’”

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Replies:
- So sad 😞 We know who he’s thinking about. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 18 2023, 14:00:14
QOTD for Wednesday, March 15, 2023 -- CindyG, Tue, March 14 2023, 21:03:29
The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 11, “The Torremolinos Gambit.” Copyright 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“‘I remember,’ he continued, sucking fiercely on his cheroot, encouraging it to draw, ‘a friend of my mother’s—saw the book—in Mother’s drawing room—‘ He drew deeply, and blew once more, giving a small grunt of satisfaction as the new ring struck the old, dispersing it into a tiny cloud. ‘Lady Hensley, it was. She picked up the book, looked at it in that helpless way so many females affect and said, “Oh, Countess! You are so courageous to attack a novel of such stupendous size. I fear I should never dare to start so lengthy a book myself.”’ Grey cleared his throat and lowered his voice from the falsetto he had affected for Lady Hensley.
‘To which Mother replied,’ he went on in his normal voice, ‘“Don’t worry about it for a moment, my dear; you wouldn’t understand it anyway.”’”

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Replies:
- Oh, the Grey wit is beautifully sharp and clever!! (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, March 15 2023, 8:59:23
  - Yes!! Love most of John’s conversations. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 18 2023, 13:59:24
QOTD for Friday, March 17, 2023 -- CindyG, Thu, March 16 2023, 21:01:36
The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 11, “The Torremolinos Gambit.” Copyright 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“‘I had meant to thank you sometime, Major,’ the Scot said softly.
Grey was startled.
‘Thank me? For what?’
The Scot looked up, eyes dark over the finished game.
‘For that night at Carryarrick where we first met.’ His eyes were steady on Grey’s. ‘For what ye did for my wife.’
‘You remembered,’ Grey said hoarsely.
‘I hadna forgotten,’ Fraser said simply. Grey steeled himself to look across the table, but when he did so, he found no hint of laughter in the slanted blue eyes.
Fraser nodded at him, gravely formal. ‘Ye were a worthy foe, Major; I wouldna forget you.’
John Grey laughed bitterly. Oddly enough, he felt less upset than he had thought he would, at having the shameful memory so explicitly recalled.
‘If you found a sixteen-year-old shitting himself with fear a worthy foe, Mr. Fraser, then it is little wonder that the Highland army was defeated!’
Fraser smiled faintly.
‘A man that doesna shit himself with a pistol held to his head, Major, has either no bowels, or no brains.’
Despite himself, Grey laughed. One edge of Fraser’s mouth turned slightly up.
‘Ye wouldna speak to save your own life, but ye would do it to save a lady’s honor. The honor of my own lady,’ Fraser said softly. ‘That doesna seem like cowardice to me.’”

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Replies:
- I felt like this exchange sowed the seeds of the mutual respect that is the bedrock of Jamie & LJG's friendship. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, March 17 2023, 11:56:57
- CindyG, thank you for a wonderful week of the chess match if two of our favorites! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, March 17 2023, 11:58:24
  - This isn’t what I had originally intended but I think it’s been ok. I’m glad you enjoyed it (NT) -- CindyG, Fri, March 17 2023, 13:03:37
QOTD for Tuesday, March 14, 2023 -- CindyG, Tue, March 14 2023, 13:41:45
The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 11, “The Torremolinos Gambit.” Copyright 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“‘Of course, I admit to some prejudice in that regard, Major. Given the circumstances under which I read Pamela, I should have been delighted had the book been twice as long as it was.’
‘And what circumstances were those?’ Grey pursed his lips and blew a careful smoke ring that floated toward the ceiling.
‘I lived in a cave in the Highlands for several years, Major,’ Fraser said wryly. ‘I seldom had more than three books with me, and those must last me for months at a time. Aye, I’m partial to lengthy tomes, but I must admit that it is not a universal preference.’”

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Replies:
- I would imagine Jamie had the books practically memorized by the time he got different ones to read. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, March 15 2023, 8:57:52
QOTD for Sunday March 12 & Monday March 13 -- CindyG, Mon, March 13 2023, 23:25:46
Forgive me please! I completely forgot to post quotes. I’m getting ready to move from California back to Indiana to be near my son, and I’m totally discombobulated. I’ll do my best to remember the rest of the week.

The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 11, “The Torremolinos Gambit.” Copyright 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.

“This evening, they had come from the dinner table, still discussing Samuel Richardson’s immense novel Pamela.
‘Do you think that the size of the book is justified by the complexity of the story?’ Grey asked, leaning forward to light a cheroot from the candle on the sideboard. ‘It must after all be a great expense to the publisher, as well as requiring a substantial effort from the reader, a book of that length.’
Fraser smiled. He did not smoke himself, but had chosen to drink port this evening, claiming that to be the only drink whose taste would be unaffected by the stink of tobacco.
‘What is it—twelve hundred pages? Aye, I think so. After all, it is difficult to sum up the complications of a life in a short space with any hope of constructing an a substantial effort from the reader, a book of that length.” Fraser smiled. He did not smoke himself, but had chosen to drink port this evening, claiming that to be the only drink whose taste would be unaffected by the stink of tobacco. ‘What is it—twelve hundred pages? Aye, I think so. After all, it is difficult to sum up the complications of a life in a short space with any hope of constructing an accurate account.’
‘True. I have heard the point made, though, that the novelist’s skill lies in the artful selection of detail. Do you not suppose that a volume of such length may indicate a lack of discipline in such selection, and hence a lack of skill?’
Fraser considered, sipping the ruby liquid slowly.
‘I have seen books where that is the case, to be sure,’ he said. ‘An author seeks by sheer inundation of detail to overwhelm the reader into belief. In this case, however, I think it isna so. Each character is most carefully considered, and all the incidents chosen seem necessary to the story. No, I think it is true that some stories simply require a greater space in which to be told.’ He took another sip and laughed.”

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Replies:
- I've always seen this as a thinly veiled attempt to justify the size of DG's books. Fortunately, I love big thick books so no justification needed. (NT) -- Susannah, Tue, March 14 2023, 4:30:54
  - Exactly! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, March 14 2023, 14:18:10
QOTD for Saturday, March 11, 2023 -- kgp, Sat, March 11 2023, 7:35:16
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Epilogue

Tom Byrd, newly outfitted in proper livery for the occasion, was standing by the bamboo screen that hid the chamber pots, charged with watching the guests to prevent petty thievery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Short one today. This is our annual Highland Ball Weekend and I'm a co-chair. Lots of details and it could all go to smash. Wish me luck - I don't think any of the dancers will steal anything but you never know.

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Replies:
- Hope you had a blast!! Tell us about it. Diana does realize the importance of “dress” and describes it well. I learned a lot about costuming when Teri Dresbach was the designer for the first few seasons of Outlander. The attention to detail in ALL the costumes honored Diana’s descriptions throughout the books. I assume you dress up for the Annual Highland Ball. I wish we could share pictures here. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, March 12 2023, 10:42:14
  - We do dress up. I squeezed into a gown I haven't worn in years, navy blue sleeveless, pleated v neck with soutache around the bottom half of the skirt. The men were completely kilted up, they looked really good. The live music was amazing, the food was good, everyone had fun. We got home after midnight but had to be up at 7 to set up for the brunch dance that was all afternoon today. I'm exhausted, everything hurts, but we had fun. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, March 12 2023, 15:38:19
    - It sounds like so much fun! A roomful of MIKs 😊❤️👍. What is a soutache? It was a floor length gown, right? I love navy blue and the sleeveless would keep you cool. And getting up at 7 was really 6! (NT) -- Kathy in Pa, Mon, March 13 2023, 10:21:38
      - Soutache is a ribbon design applique usually in the same color. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, March 13 2023, 10:28:15
        
        I just googled imaged it, how beautiful! Was the whole gown navy? Sounds so striking! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 13 2023, 12:13:17
QOTD for Friday, March 10, 2023 -- kgp, Fri, March 10 2023, 8:10:43
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Chapter 13 Barber, Barber, Shave A Pig

“Do you get used to it, me lord?” Tom glanced at him, round face troubled in the transient glow.

“To what? Death, do you mean, and bodies?”

“Well . . . that sort of death, I suppose.” The boy made a diffident gesture toward the bundle. “I’d think this was maybe different than what you see in battle - but maybe I’m wrong?”

“Maybe.” Grey slowed his pace to let a group of gay blades pass, laughing as they crossed the street, dodging an oncoming detachment of mounted Horse Guards, harness glittering in the wet.

“I suppose it is no different in the essentials,” he said, stepping out as the sound of hooves clattered off down Piccadilly. “I have seen more dreadful things on a battlefield, often. And yes, you do get used to that - you must.”

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Replies:
- I really didn’t like this story too much at first. I’m not sure if it was because it was a spinoff and I only wanted more from Diana, I wasn’t in love with Lord John yet 😉, I couldn’t quite grasp the machinations going on, …..……. Although I did learn about asparagus piss! And that I have it. Lol. Those times I wondered if I was getting a UTI but didn’t - NEVER connected it with eating asparagus. Thank you, Karen. for breaking it down into juicy morsels of Tom Byrd, who I love too!! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 11 2023, 6:28:14
- I always have to read the Lord John stories a couple of times to get the plots sorted. (NT) -- kgp, Sat, March 11 2023, 10:14:53
QOTD for Thursday, March 9, 2023 -- kgp, Wed, March 08 2023, 17:41:02
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Chapter 13 Barber, Barber, Shave A Pig

“Mr. Byrd.” he said, making space for Tom to approach closer. “You are our chief expert on the art of shaving; what can you tell us about this?”

Nostrils pinched against the reek of the corpse, Tom the barber’s son motioned for the lantern to be brought closer, and leaned down, squinting in professional fashion along the planes of the body.

“Well,” he said judiciously, “he does it - did it, I mean - regular. More like, someone did it for him - a nice professional bit of work. See, there’s no cuts, nor yet no scraping - and that’s an awkward bit, round there.” He pointed, frowning. “Hard to manage by yourself, I should think.”

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Replies:
- What still amazes me is how Diana can set the scene, show each individual’s emotions, explain some of the backstory in a few sentences of genius words and conversations! Today and yesterday’s quotes are perfect examples. I’m there! Smelling it, stomach clenching, anxious, curious but scared………. I’m so glad we do QOTD ❤️ (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, March 09 2023, 4:41:17
  - Kathy in PA, you are spot on! So much of Tom's character comes through in just a short passage. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, March 09 2023, 8:32:34
QOTD for March 8, 2023 -- kgp, Wed, March 08 2023, 9:54:16
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Chapter 15 One Man’s Poison

Grey was sweating heavily from the effort of walking, and the dizziness set his head spinning fresh. He took an iron grip upon his will, though, and stayed upright.

“Tom,” he said, low voiced, so as not to draw the attention of the embattled butler. “Go and search the house. Come and tell me what - or who - you find.”

Byrd gave him a suspicious look, obviously thinking this a device to get rid of him so that Grey could die surreptitiously - but Grey stayed rigidly upright, jaw set tight, and after a moment, the boy nodded and slipped quietly out, unnoticed by the fulminating butler.

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QOTD for Tuesday, March 7, 2023 -- kgp, Mon, March 06 2023, 17:12:54
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Chapter 9 Molly Walk

“It is a gentlemen’s club,” Grey replied, with a certain grimness. “For gentlemen of a particular sort.” He removed his hat, and, untying his hair, shook it free over his shoulders; the time for disguise was past.

“Now you must go home, Tom.” He pointed the way, across the park. “Do you see that light, at the end? Just beyond is an alley; it will take you to a main street. Here - take some money for a cab.”

Byrd accepted the coin but shook his head.

“No, me lord. I’ll go to the door with you.”

He glanced at Byrd, surprised. There was sufficient light from the curtained windows to see both the dried tears on Byrd’s round face and the determined expression under them.

“I mean to be sure as these sodomitical sons of bitches shall be aware that somebody knows where you are. Just in case, me lord.”

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Replies:
- He’s so sweet and loyal and determined. Lord John is so cool I forget just what a fine line he was walking his whole life. There was no grey (oh geez, pad pun) area about homosexuality then. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, March 07 2023, 14:58:18
QOTD for Monday, March 6, 2023 -- kgp, Sun, March 05 2023, 17:37:56
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Chapter 4 A Valet Calls

“On the other hand, whoever stamped on his face didn’t like him much,” Tom completed the thought shrewdly. ”That was no accident, me lord.”

“No, it wasn’t,” Grey agreed dryly. “That was done after death, not in the frenzy of the moment.”

Tom’s eyes went quite round.

“However do you know that? Me lord,” He added hastily.

“You looked closely at the heelprint? Several of the nailheads had broken the skin, and yet there was no blood extravasated.”

Tom gave him a look of mingled bewilderment and suspicion, obviously suspecting that Grey had made up the word upon the moment for the express purpose of tormenting him, but merely said, “Oh?”

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Replies:
- Occasionally I have to look up LJG vocab. 'Excrescence' and 'impedimenta' are particular favorites. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, March 06 2023, 12:42:42
  - I love the interchanges between John and Tom. I wonder if Tom ever found out what some of those fifty-cent words meant? I know I need to look up excrescence again. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 07 2023, 6:48:41
QOTD for Sunday, March 5, 2023 -- kgp, Sun, March 05 2023, 12:56:53
I love Tom Byrd. I wish he were still with LJG.

The following quotation is from Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Chapter 4 A Valet Calls

“A person, my lord,” Adams reported, and stood smartly to attention.

Never at his best early in the day, Grey took a moody swallow of tea and nodded in acknowledgement of the announcement. Adams, new both to Grey and to the job of personal orderly, took this for permission and stood aside, gesturing the person in question into the room.

“Who are you?” Grey gazed in blank astonishment at the young man who stood thus revealed.

“Tom Byrd, me lord,” the young man said, and bowed respectfully, hat in hand. Short and stocky, with a head round as a cannonball, he was young enough still to sport freckles across fair, rounded cheeks and over the bridge of his snubbed nose. Despite his obvious youth, though, he radiated a remarkable air of determination.

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Replies:
- Tom Byrd is such a great “valet” and so much more to Lord John. I love the interplay between them. John is so educated and upper class and Tom is the exact opposite but the relationship that develops and the conversations they have are so enjoyable to read. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 06 2023, 4:05:30
  - Absolutely! Tom is such a favorite. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 06 2023, 10:46:56
  - Tom is do very “not upperclass” but his wisdom is spot on. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 07 2023, 6:01:04
Spammers causing trouble -- Judie, Sat, March 04 2023, 14:33:38
.
.
Hi, gang.

Some spammers came in and posted a bazillion spam messages. I am currently deleting them, but they pushed everything into the archives. So if you are looking for quotes they MAY be under the archives.

JHRC!

Judie

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Replies:
- Whew! I managed to fix it - yay! :) (NT) -- Judie, Sat, March 04 2023, 14:36:57
  - Thank you!! It don’t know how they do it but it sure is annoying. Glad you can fix it for us. Hi Janet in Michigan!!! I’m waiting to hear it’s warmed up out there. I have an old Dodge power wagon that sprung a leak in the fuel tank, which turned out to be plastic! Gas saving measures to reduce weight in 1980 I guess. Anyway, that part is NOT to be found and a fix wouldn’t hold. I googled old Dodge truck parts and came up with a father and son team in Zeeland, MI who are making one for me. I’m so happy!! But until spring I’m sure it’s on their back burner. Are you anywhere by them? “Dodge Classic Motors” 😊 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, March 05 2023, 10:59:32
    - I live in the Detroit area (no one is from Detroit!) Zeeland is about 2.5 hours from me. We used to live on the West side of the state 30+ years ago. I don't recognized that business, but things have changed a lot since I lived there. Good luck! , but (NT) -- Janet, Mon, March 06 2023, 10:59:05
- We've been averaging about one of those per week. Occasionally there are more. Thanks, Boss! (NT) -- kgp, Sun, March 05 2023, 12:40:24
QOTD for Saturday, 03/04/2023 -- Janet, Sat, March 04 2023, 4:05:18
Quote of the Day for Saturday, March 4, 2023 from A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 14, People of the Snowbird. Copywrite 2005, all rights reserved.

This has been a very strange winter! Warm with little snow, then the back to back ice storms, now a heavy snow overnight. Woke up to 10 inches of snow. Gotta love Michigan.

Now for something lighter to end the week, I laughed throughout this scene.

He was just drifting down through the first layer of sleep when he felt a hand on his privates. Jerked out of drowsiness like a salmon out of a sea-loch, he clapped a hand to the intruder's, gripping tight. and elicited a giggle from his visitor.

Feminine fingers wiggled gently in his grasp, and the hand's fellow promptly took up operations in its stead. His first coherent thought was that the lassie would be an excellent baker, so good as she was at kneading.

.....

"Ian, there is a woman in my bed," he said in Gaelic, trying to match his nephew's calm tone.

"There are two of them, Uncle Jamie." Ian sounded amused, damn him! "The other will be down by your feet. Waiting her turn."

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Replies:
- Somehow the line, "thinking she'd be a good baker" just gets me...... (NT) -- Janet, Sat, March 04 2023, 4:06:47
  - Should have started that with “For me…..” because Diana mostly writes the best erotic love scenes I’ve read in any other novels. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 04 2023, 5:17:37
    - Oops answered the wrong place, please refer to yesterday’s QOTD. 🙄 (NT) -- K in P, Sat, March 04 2023, 5:19:52
- Now I’ll answer today’s. I never picked up on the good baker line before; but ever practical Jamie. 🤣 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 04 2023, 5:22:47
- This section cracked me up the exchange between Jamie and Ian! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 06 2023, 10:45:44
QOTD for 03/03/2023 -- Janet, Fri, March 03 2023, 11:18:01
Quote of the Day for Friday, March 3, 2023 from Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 40, Virgin Sacrifice. Copywrite 1997, all rights reserved.

This passage sets up a world of trouble for Roger....

He felt more drunk than before. Not groggy or sleepy, though, alive to everything. He could smell his own sweat; he could smell hers, smell the faint tang of fear that tinged her desire.

He closed his eyes and breathed. Tightened his grip on her shoulders. Pressed slowly. Slid in. Felt her tear and bit his own lib, hard enough to draw blood.

Her fingenails dug into his chest.

"Go on!" she whispered.

One sharp hard thrust, and he possessed her.

He stayed that way, eyes closed, breathing. Balanced on an edge of pleasure sharp enough to cause him pain. Dimly he wondered if the pain he felt was hers.

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Replies:
- I wonder if men can actually feel if a hymen tears. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, March 03 2023, 13:24:17
  - I certainly don't know, but it's a consistent theme in many bodice rippers, so it must be so! ;>] (NT) -- Janet, Sat, March 04 2023, 4:09:36
    - There’s just a wee, wee bit of bodice ripping in the Outlander world. This and “he could ride me like a horse” made me smile but wince just a wee bit . Lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 04 2023, 5:15:27
QOTD for Thursday, 03/02/2023 -- Janet, Thu, March 02 2023, 10:53:13
Quote of the Day for Thursday, March 2, 2023. Taken from The Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 6, I Encounter a Hernia. Copywrite 1997, all rights reserved

Not exactly a penis, but definitlly brings an...interesting...episode about.

"Not to say ill, I don't reckon," he replied. He suddenly stood up, and began to fumble up the tail of his buckskin shirt. "It ain't the clap or the French pox, anyhow, 'cause I seen those before." What I had thought were trousers were in fact long buckskin leggings, surmounted by a breechclout. Still talking, Mr. Myers had hold of the leather thong holding up this latter garment, and was fumbling with the knot.

"Damnedest thing, though; all of a sudden this great big swelling come up just along behind of my balls. Purely inconvenient, as you may imagine, though it don't hurt me none to speak of, save on horseback. Might be you could take a peek and tell me what I best do for it, hm?"

.......

"What is it about ye, Sassenach, I wonder?" he said conversationally, eyes still fixed on Myers.

"What is what about me?"

H turned then, and gave me a narrow eye.

"What is it that makes every man we meet want to take off his breeks within five minutes of meetin' ye."

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Replies:
- I enjoy all the visits with John Quincy Myers! (NT) -- Janet, Thu, March 02 2023, 10:56:00
  - Me too! And that last sentence of Jamie’s, hysterical 🤣 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, March 02 2023, 18:39:25
QOTD for Wednesday, 03/01/2023 -- Janet, Wed, March 01 2023, 4:44:50
Quote of the Day for Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Chapter 17 Possession. Copywrite 2004, all rights reserved

Sorry there was no QOTD yesterday. I was awakened at 5:50 am by a bright flash filling the sky, followed by a loud humming noise. This happened twice more, then no electricity. My first thought was transformer...but why did it flash 3 times? My next thought was EMF attack, but why would that happen in Detroit???? Background info: we have had two ice storms in a week, with many people getting their power back after 5 days, only to lose it again. We were lucky, power back on by 5:00 pm, but we're on a well, so no power, no pump, no water. The power company blamed ice on the equipment. All in all, an interesting day!

I stripped off his shoes and stockings, then loosening the buckle of his kilt, I flipped it open. His hands went reflexively to his crotch, but my eyes were focused elsewhere.

"What," I said again, "happened to you?"

Several long scratches marked his thighs, angry red welts against the pale skin. And high on the inside of one leg was what could be nothing other than a bite; the toothmarks were plainly visible.

The maid, pouring hot water, cast an interested eye at the evidence, and thought fit to put in her tuppence at this delicate moment.

"Un petit chien?" she asked. A little dog? or something else. While I was far from fluent in the idiom of the times, I had learned that les petits chiens often walked the street on two legs and painted faces.

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Replies:
- I forgot the part about “le petite chien,” clever, nasty maid. Sorry about your power. It’s such a pain and it does seem like we have more ice and hardly any snow anymore. It’s hard to believe how heavy it makes the branches. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 01 2023, 13:43:14
- This is a late answer to Betsy about a blog: just pop in here and write, we all love it and relate to a lot! 😊. It’s still the Social Board and QOTD. Thanks for taking this week, Janet! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 01 2023, 13:50:22
- We are on a well also. It gets really hard after a couple of days. Longest we've been out is 12 days. (NT) -- kgp, Wed, March 01 2023, 15:13:05
  - OMG. 12 days!!!! We still burn coal so can stay warm and even heat stuff if necessary. Attacking our electric grid is my biggest “terrorism” threat. We are so dependent on it. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, March 02 2023, 4:21:01
QOTD for Saturday, 02/25/23 -- Betsy BFS, Sat, February 25 2023, 2:38:55
Happy Saturday, or Sunday, whichever it is where you are, and a glorious weekend to us all,

People seem to be de-cluttering and purging their home lately. What a grand idea! What a joy is would be to look around and see order, tidy rooms, clean counters, shiney copper pots and pans hanging in an organized array from polished, shiney hanging hooks. Nothing on the bathroom counter except a beautiful flower arrangement that smells exotic.

Welllll, Ain't gonna happen. Not because I don't WANT my home to look like that, but because most of the junk that festoons every flat surface is stuff that needs to be tended to, is awaiting its permanent home, may be needed/desired/required for something as soon as it goes out in the garbage. I have a ton of my "stuff" that I can't bear to part with because it was my mother's or my Gram's. Or the irreplaceable gifts given to me by my kids when they were in school. I now have a whole wall of paintings by my grandchildren! How does a grammie through those things out? I have a whole set of wooden utensils (standing in a broken, but usable ceramic pitcher daughter #2 made for me in the tenth grade,) but the only utensil I use is my mother's wooden spoon.

I could go on and on, but I won't because if I did, no one would ever visit, except Wendy and Meredith who don't mind my eccentricities. I DO clean, constantly, but it always looks worse when I'm done.

It's a sad thing. I keep thinking I'll become a better organizer when I get a little older, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Yesterday, David asked me why I had all of the Books out on the floor, surrounding my chair. It's because at this point, I don't remember where certain things are in which book and while I'm searching for exactly what I'm loking for, I get caught up in some different part of one of the Books, find something I re-discovered for an hour or two, and if they aren't all there, it would be a terrible thing. It all makes perfect sense to me.

If, perchance, anyone ever visits (and I need a weeks notice, please, or heaven only knows how many books will be strewn about on the floor,) don't be alarmed if we lose electricity. I have an array of hand-dipped candles (four kids worth,) hanging on a hook by the door leading to the laundry room. In third grade, each of them spent a day at an historic home, learning about life in the early 19th century. They all made a few sets of candles. I dust them off if I know someone's arriving at some point in the next month.

I bet you think I'm kidding.

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Another random quote. I'll save my planned theme for another week. If I remember what it is.

The following quote is from 'Dragonfly in Amber,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 31, "Mail Call." Copyright© 1992 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

I sat quietly, hands loose in my lap, and listened to the beat of my heart. Beating fast from the exertion of the climb, it slowed quickly to a resting pace. The autumn breeze lifted the tendrils of hair from my neck and cooled my fire-flushed cheeks.

I sat, eyes closed, and traced the path of my blood, from secret, thick walls of my heart, blue-purple through the pulmonary artery, reddening swiftly as the sacs of the lungs dumped their burden of oxygen. Then out in a bursting surge through the arch of the aorta, and the tumbling race upward and down and out, through carotids, renals, subclavians. To the smallest capillaries, blooming beneath the surface of the skin, I traced the path of my blood through the systems of my body, remembering the feel of perfection, of health. Of peace.

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Replies:
- Claire is so in tune with her body, she reviews organs and bones regularly to be sure all is well. I don't. I wonder if she did that in her own time or was it the experience of being molecularized and thrust through time that makes her feel she has to be sure everything is still working. (NT) -- kgp, Sat, February 25 2023, 6:17:24
  - On the decluttering - I have to admit most of it is mine. I'm trying, a bit at a time, to donate things that caught my eye at some point but have no real emotional attachment. I have to confess to impulse purchases. I feel like an idiot when I think of money wasted on junk. (NT) -- kgp, Sat, February 25 2023, 6:31:39
    - Regarding sensing the organs, didn't she begin to do this after Raymond healed her uterus in Dragonfly in Amber? That's the first I recall her "seeing" her organs. As for decluttering, every time I toss or donate something, I need it 2 weeks later...My niece and nephew will have a great time going through the house when we're gone :>) (NT) -- Janet, Sat, February 25 2023, 10:32:13
      - I think it’s a genetic thing like being a night owl or an early bird. My Mom used to keep piles of newspapers and magazines because there “was an article I want to keep.” I swore I wouldn’t do that but had to stop subscriptions not to. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 01 2023, 13:48:02
QOTD for Monday, 02/27/2023 -- Janet, Mon, February 27 2023, 10:45:22
Quote of the Day for Monday, 02/27/2023 from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Chapter 12, L'Hopital Des Anges. Copywrite 2004, all rights reserved.

Dashing into a gloomy hallway, past a startled porter, and through a hanging drape, he had shot into the center of a large, well-lighted room, and came to a screeching halt in the middle of one Madame Elise's salon, the scent of perfume heavy in his nostrils.

"I see," I said, biting my lip. "I, um, trust you didn't draw your sword in there?"

Jamie narrowed his eyes at me, but didn't deign to reply directly.

"I'll leave it to you, Sassenach," he said dryly, "to imagine what it feels like to arrive unexpectedly in the midst of a brothel, in possession of a verra large sausage."

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Replies:
- Another classic!! Large sausages and ripe peaches 😉. Totally different thoughts when I see them since reading Outlander. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 01 2023, 13:37:27
QOTD for Sunday, 02/26/2023 -- Janet, Sun, February 26 2023, 9:48:45
Jumping in here....a few weeks ago I guessed that a theme was penis's and the trouble they get men into....this quote quickly came to mind.

Quote of the Day for Sunday, 02/26/2023 from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 26, The Laird's Return Copywrite 1994. all rights reserved.

"Och, is that a fact?" She eyed her brother, standing at the window with his legs braced wide apart, hands on the sill, and back stubbornly set against her. She bit her lip and a calculating look came over her face. Quick as lightning, she stooped and her hand shot under his kilt like a striking snake.

Jamie let out a roar of sheer outrage and stood bolt upright with shock. He tried to turn, then froze as she apparently tightened her grip.

"There's men as are sensible," she said to me, with a wicked smile, "and beasts as are biddable. Others ye'll do nothing with unless ye have 'em by the ballocks. Now, ye can listen to me in a civil way," she said to her brother, "or I can twist a bit. Hey?"

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Replies:
- I think this was the first really big “I hate Jenny” - “I love Jenny” moment. I admire her strength but sometimes her self-righteous judgment (Laighore) was really bad. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 01 2023, 13:33:07
QOTD 2/22/23 -- Betsy BFS, Tue, February 21 2023, 21:14:13
The other day, I asked my daughter how to start a Blog. "Why?" she asked. Because writing is very therapeutic for me. "That's why people journal, Mom." I know. But I'm thinking of starting a Blog.

"No. I. Will. Not. People read those things." I don't think anyone will read it; maybe to identify that insanity can be fun?? I don't know.

"No. Just NO. You will be arrested by the Internet police. So No."

I'm going to try a different daughter this weekend. Maybe she'll be more open minded.

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The following quote is from 'The Fiery Cross,' by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 44, "Private Parts." Copyright © 2001 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

She had been beautiful, was handsome still, and quite accustomed to the admiration of men; sightless or not, I had seen her flirt skillfully with Andrew MacNeill, Ninian Bell Hamilton, Richard Caswell -- even with Farquard Campbell. Perhaps she had been surprised, and even mildly discomfited, to provoke no apparent show of physical interest from Duncan.

Now she knew why, though, and drew in a deep breath, shaking her head slowly.

"My God, the poor man," she said. "To suffer such a thing, and come to terms with it and then, all at once, to have it dragged up afresh to worry him. Dear Bride, why cannot the past leave us be in what peace we have made with it?" She looked down, blinking, and I was both surprised and touched to see that her eyes were moist.

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Replies:
- This was a side of Jocasta that surprised me a bit. Perhaps she was remembering all the losses she had endured in her life, and understood "Let the dead past, bury it's dead." Or is she assured her need of physical intimacy, (not sex, per say, but the need for There's the two of us now,) comes from elsewhere. Not everyone has that deep need for physical closeness, but I think Jocasta does. As much as she infuriates me (she IS a MacKenzie through and through,) I understand her, sort of. Jocasta is another example of DG's mixture of a negative, with very real positives. IMHO. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, February 21 2023, 21:26:14
  - I’m glad you pointed that out. It’s always thought Jocasta really didn’t care much about him; she needed a man and he should/would be happy to lead an easy life compared to his past . When we found out she and Ulysses were lovers it reinforced my thoughts. So I was delighted when I found out Duncan and Phaedra were an item for awhile. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, February 23 2023, 4:43:22
    - I think there was a mutual admiration between them. Not passionate, but a solid caring deeply for each other. When Jocasta was cut from the ropes that bound her after Bonnet et al left her, she was furious, but the first thing she actually said was "Duncan. Where is my husband?" Ulysses was at her side, and she was leaning on his arm, but her first words were about Duncan. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Thu, February 23 2023, 6:29:45
- Betsy, I would ABSOLUTELY read your blog. Fun and comfort in shared insanity for sure. Definitely try a different daughter. It's just like when the kids used to get a NO from Mom, then go ask Dad! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, February 24 2023, 11:04:25
QOTD for 02/24/23 -- Betsy BFS, Thu, February 23 2023, 18:36:33
Enough of Jocasta and her fluid love life. I couldn't find what I was looking for, so I closed my eyes, reached for a Book, opened it, and pointed my finger. The following is totally random.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

The following quote is from 'A Breath of Snow and Ashes,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 56, "Tar and Feathers." Copyright © 2005, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

The doorway was filled by a short, stocky woman, dressed in a very odd combination of garments. For an instant, I thoughtshe was an Indian, for she wore no cap, and her dark hair was braided-- but then she came into the shop, and I saw that she was white. Or rather pink; her heavy face was flushed with sunburn and the tip of her pug nose was bright red.

"Which one of you is Claire Fraser?" she demanded, looking from me to Melanie Bogues.

"I am," repressing an instinctive urge to take a step backward. Her manner wasn't threatening, but she radiated such an air of physical power that I found her rather intimidating. "Who are you?" I spoke from astonishment, rather then rudeness, and she did not seem offended.

"Jezabel Hatfield Morton," she said, squinting intently at me. "Some geezer at the docks tellt me that you was headin' here." In marked contrast to Melanie Bogue's soft English accent, she had the rough speech I associated with people who had been in the backcountry for three or four generations, speaking to no one in the meantime save raccoons, possums, and one another.

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Replies:
- I liked Jezabel Morton. I wonder why Isaiah cheated on her. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, February 24 2023, 10:08:05
QOTD 02/23/23 -- Betsy BFS, Thu, February 23 2023, 6:12:11
Halloooo the House!

Senior sexuality wasn't my intended theme of the week. While I was searching for the quotes I wanted, it kept popping up. Not one to ignore Life when it hits me in the face, I could see that the angels who oversee Lallybroch were sending me a sign. So there you are.

DG and I are 2 months apart in age. I'm the elder. She and I have shared the same orthopedic issues, usually within a month or two of each other, so I KNOW how this not-a-20 year-old-any longer thing goes. One thing that has bothered me the last couple of years is how she portrays Claire's ability to bend easily. And her voracious sexual appetite. I'm tired. I sit down and Clonk. I fall asleep. There are times when I want too say "You're kidding, right?" Outside, under the bushes, at this point in my life, causes laughter more than groans.

I'm not disparaging the Joys of Sex after 50. Or 60. Or 70. But Lordy, Claire.... I love you, Woman, but you're a hard act to follow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross,' by Diana Gabaldon, Copyright©2001. All rights reserved.

"It was a beautiful wedding, wasn't it?" She didn't resist as he took the glass from her hand and set it down with his own. "Quiet, but awfully nice."

"Aye, very nice." He kissed her, softly, and held her close against him. He could feel the back lacing of her gown, criss-crossed under the thin knitted shawl.

"Mmm. You taste good."

"Oh, aye, like sausages and wine. So do you." His hand twitched up the edge of her shawl, getting beneath and fumbling for the edge of the lace, somewhere down near the small of her back. She pressed against him, making it easier.

"Will we still want to make love, do you think, when we're as old as they are?" she murmered in his ear.

"I will," he assured her, getting hold of the small bow that secured the lace. "I hope you will, too; I shouldna like to do it alone."

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Replies:
- I also know that I'm closer to Jocasta's age than Claire's. I do know when arthritis starts, though, and that unless you remain a cheerleader as you age, some muscles become less agile, even at Claire's age. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Thu, February 23 2023, 6:15:49
- I'm still fairly flexible at 64 thanks to dancing and stretch exercises but I need furniture and a bit of groaning to get up off the floor. Given the exigencies of mountain life with no modern amenities they should both be needing naps and a lot more willow bark and moonshine. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, February 23 2023, 9:05:55
  - Naps. The nectar of the Gods. Willowbark tea and moonshine work well, too. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Thu, February 23 2023, 18:07:13
QOTD for Tues., 02/21/23 -- Betsy BFS, Tue, February 21 2023, 8:21:02
Just a quicky today. Ummm....that came out wrong. Just a short quote.

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The following quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross,' by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 40, "Dundan's Secret." Copyright 2001, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

"Damn," I said, resting my forehead briefly in the folds of his shirt ruffle, and inhaling the scents of starch and man with longing. "You know, if your aunt and Duncan DON't need the bed, perhaps..."

"Oh, so ye WERE wondering."

"No, I wasn't," I said. "Besides, what business is it of yours?"

"Oh, none at all," he said, unperturbed. "Only I've been asked by four men this morning if I think they will ---or have done already. Which is rather a compliment to my aunt, no?"

It was true; Jocasta MacKenzie must be well into her sixties, and yet the thought of her sharing a man's bed was by no means unthinkable. I had met any number of women who had gratefully abandoned all notion of sex, directly the cessation of childbearing made it possible ----- Jocasta wasn't one of them. At the same time ---

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Replies:
- I have many many thoughts about this, but I'm totally busy until after supper.... (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, February 21 2023, 8:22:36
- I think historically sex was a woman's duty as was reproduction. Education for everyone on the matter was lacking, thank the puritans for that. Spread your legs and think of England. Jamie himself was told women don't enjoy it so get it over with. Frankly, if neither is expected to put much effort into pleasing the other you might as well skip it. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, February 21 2023, 12:28:19
  - I wonder if sex within marriage was duty. Certainly not full of the passion and delight of shared intimacies, in most cases. 'Leery is more the norm, Claire is the exception. Lovers, if one was fortunate to have one, filled the need for sexual passion. Marriage wasn't about love. It was about business. I wouldn't have fared well if forced to procreate with some wretched a**. I'm not sure when social mores began to shift, maybe in the '60's? Thank God. I can't imagine living happily married, but devoid of the passion of desired touch. I don't mean sex, either. Sex is great, but the desire to be close, feel safe, yearn for the intimacy of touch... I think sex is a byproduct of intimacy, and not necessarily required. But I'm not complaining. Monkey bars be dammed. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, February 21 2023, 20:43:53
- Nothing wrong with a quickie, Betsy. Sometimes they're even preferable! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, February 21 2023, 13:33:27
- Of course, it WOULD make me think of this joke -- Do you know the definition of a Yankee? It's just like a quickie, but you do it by yourself!! Yes, I have a lecherous mind as well. LOL (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, February 21 2023, 13:35:49
  - Hahahaha.... (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, February 21 2023, 20:25:19
  - That's not lecherous... That's the truth. Spoken as a life-long Yankee. (NT) -- BBFS, Tue, February 21 2023, 20:46:48
    - OMG I love this place!!!! Don’t have time to write more but lol and agreeing vigorously. 😘 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, February 22 2023, 9:34:28

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