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• QOTD for Sunday, April 3rd, 2022 -- kgp, Sun, April 03 2022, 7:58:04
  Forgive the lateness, please. Just woke up 3 time zones to the west.
  
  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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  • Can you say where and why? I sure hope it’s for fun! Totally forgot Buck’s appreciation of Jenny and Roger’s defense. Am I right that Roger had only met young Jenny in person at this point? He knew of her from Claire, but as a grown woman? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 03 2022, 9:55:21
    • Near Spokane to visit family. By the time we got to bed it was nearly time to wake up on the east coast. Roger has met young Jenny and Brian Fraser. Jamie is still in France at university. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, April 03 2022, 16:49:37
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday, 4/2/22 -- Rather silly Betsy, Fri, April 01 2022, 21:18:58
  Hellllooooo, my Lallypeople!
  
  RE: Prevogen. I DID try a brain-helper-thing (not Prevogen)a few years ago. For three months, I faithfully took the supplement each morning, watching for any improvement. After three months, I think it actually made me feel worse. And it's incredibly expensive. So much for that experiment. Sometimes, I write just because I'm being silly, like the Prevogen remark. The gymnastic disasters actually did happen, but I knew what a ridiculous idea they were. I wasn't really trying to resurrect my 18 y/o abilities. I forget what prompted the last pretzel maneuver, but I honestly enjoy laughing about it. Aging = wisdom. For a brief bit of time, I cast wisdom to the winds and was the main attraction in the absurdity party.
  
  Aging, for me, has been an adventure, sometimes capped with a deeper sense of Me and We. Sometimes, rather frightening. There is power in understanding what and how some people walk, or limp, through life. The power is the willingness to feel deeper, even when it's painful. Laughter helps me keep myself in perspective. I don't make things up about my life, but I do make everything that I can, humorous. It keeps me honest with myself and gives me a mirror of how I choose to handle my choices. Laugh or cry. If I can figure out how to laugh, I'm much healthier. This is my therapy, right here.
  
  Enough blathering from me. Thanks, Everyone. How much do I owe you?
  
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  The following quote is from 'Seven Stones to Stand or Fall,' by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2013, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  Rakoczy stiffened at the touch. Blue light exploded from their linked hands, and he gasped, feeling a surge of energy such as he had never before experienced. Raymond pulled hard, and Rakoczy stepped across the line into the pentagram.
  Silence. The buzzing had stopped. He nearly wept with the relief of it.
  
  "I-- you--" he stammered looking at the linked hands.
  
  "You didn't know?" Raymond looked surprised.
  
  "That you were a--" He waved at the pentagram. I thought you might be."
  
  "Not that," Raymond said, almost gently. "That you are one of mine."
  
  "Yours?" Rakoczy looked down again; the blue light was pulsing gently now, surrounding their fingers.
  
  "Everyone has an aura of some kind," Raymond said. "But only my... people... have THIS."
  
  In the blessed silence, it was possible to think again. And the first thing that came to mind was the Star Chamber, the king looking on as they had faced each other over a poisoned cup. And now he knew why the frog hadn't killed him.
  

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  • Just now catching up on your week - you are always a hard act to follow!! Aging is interesting and frustrating. I can still dance, though I walk more reels than I care to admit these days. I never was athletic, I played softball in grad school so DH could also play. He nearly broke my leg with a line drive but touched base before he came to see how I was; crying on the grass. Could have been worse, usually I get hit in the face. I wonder if Raymond or the Comte will end up on Fraser's Ridge. I hope to hell they don't. That would be too contrived and I would only grudgingly finish the series. Leave them in France or stuck in the void. We suspect Raymond was in 1960's USA. WIth all that traveling he should be rather ephemeral looking, rather like the apparation instructor in Harry Potter; not quite solid, maybe missing more than a few molecules. (NT) -- kgp, Sat, April 02 2022, 5:26:08
    • So does this just subtly tell us Clair, Raymond and the Comte are related? Betsy, I believe we all owe you $75 for a ticket to the comedy, it is wonderful! As we are of an age I understand and have wonderful mental images of the ‘60 and ‘70’s. You really do need to write a book of your bleathers. (NT) -- Margaret aging gracefully ;), Sat, April 02 2022, 7:01:07
      • I agree with you, Margaret! I love the laughs and head nods when I read Betsy’s blathers. Everyone, remember “The Grass Is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank”? Very similar, relatable humor. Kgp, I never thought of them showing up on the Ridge but it would be ridiculous. Besides Claire and le Comte, Dr McEwan also had the blue light healing for Roger and Buck. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, April 02 2022, 9:39:00
        • "The Grass is Always Greener....," written by Erma Bombeck. She was hysterical! She died was too young, waiting for a liver (? I think it was a liver transplant... ) Her family and friends all begged her to use her name recognition to get bumped to the top of the waiting list for a transplant and she said no. She'd wait her turn, just like everyone else. She died waiting. The comte on Fraser's Ridge? NNoNoNoNo. If Master Raymond popped in to see Claire, it wouldn't surprise me. He DID say he was searching for his "daughter." We'll see how this all pans out. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Sun, April 03 2022, 13:15:14
  
  

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• QOTD for Friday, 4/1/22 (Happy Birthday, Sailor girl!) -- Betsy-the-Intrigued, Thu, March 31 2022, 21:04:24
  It takes me quite awhile to realize and accept that I can no longer perform physical feats that I excelled at in high school. Many (many many) years ago I was actually athletic. I played sports, sprinted faster than almost everyone on my field hockey team, played second base in our girls' softball team, and was the only one on the balance beam that could vault on, do a bunch of complicated stuff, and vault off. Being honest about the balance beam, I was the only one on the gymnastics squad who performed on it, but it makes me feel good to know I was the best....
  
  A year or two after high school, my cheeky teens- all three girls-- were laughing and poking fun of me for my accomplishments. So of course I needed to proove to them that their mother could still do a thing or two, even at my advanced age of 43. I managed a decent cartwheel, pulled every muscle in my thighs but did a split, and then decided to do a back-bend. Oh, I COULD do a back bend (none of them could!) and when I tried to finish with a back walk-over, it became painfully obvious to me that, yes, I could do all that stuff, but I was stuck, bent over backwards like London Bridge. All my muscles started to spasm and I couldn't move in either way. Backwards, forwards, I couldn't even fall out onto the floor. My sweet babooes just laughed and laughed, and tried to help me fall over onto the floor. And they laughed harder when Mom fell over in the shape of a rainbow.
  
  A month ago, I don't remember why, I said I thought I could still do a split. It didn't require me to go upside down backwards, so it should be safe. And I tried, slowly, to do a split. Apparently, I hadn't learned my lesson twenty-some years ago, and my brain had conveniently eraced the whole painful humiliation. Here's what I learned this time: 1. Hip replacements aren't terribly flexible. 2. It causes Great Concern when it feels like those replacements are coming unglued. 3. Knee replacement surgery doesn't like splits, either. 4. Arthritis is painful when the body is twisted up. 5. I have arthritis. 6. It might be time to hang up my gymnastics dreams. 7. Falling on my head is scarier at 70 than it is at 18. 8. Write this all down, put it in notes on my phone because dollars to donuts, I'll forget it in a month. 9. Leave a note on my pill separator to remind me where to look on my phone. 10. Put big sign on the ceiling over my bed to remind me to take my vitamins so I can find the note. 11. Prevogen doesn't seem to be working.
  
  Playing T-ball with my grandson, when I tried to catch the ball (I played second base....remember) it flew through the mitt and hit me in the face.
  
  I decided to start knitting more.
  
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  The following quote is from "Seven Stones to Stand or Fall,' by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2013, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  He could feel 'it' there, somewhere in the smothered dark behind him. He knew he couldn't hear it now; it was silent, save on the days of solstice and equinox or when you actually walked into it... but he felt the sound of it in his bones, and it made his hands tremble on the wrappings.
  
  The gleam of silver, of gold. He chose two gold snuffboxes, a filigreed necklace, and--- with some hesitation-- a small silver salver. Why did the void not affect metal? he wondered for the thousandth time. In fact, carrying gold or silver eased the passage--or at least he thought so. Melisande had told him it did. But jewels were always destroyed by the passage, though they gave the most control and protection.
  

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  • For a change I’ll talk about the quote first. Yes, this whole thing is weird and I can’t keep it straight either. But Rose Hall = Geillis = another TT. I NEVER picked up on the gold & silver vs gems. Immediately thought of Claire (yes wedding ring) but did Bri and Roger have gold or silver on them with the gems? Is that why they made it alive, even more than once?! . . . . . . . .Wasn’t Melisande the “little kitten” Jamie fought for when he was in Paris with Ian Sr? . . . . . . . He’s got to be talking about the stones vibrations, so where is he? . . . . . Is Master Raymond directing all this all the time? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, April 01 2022, 5:31:18
    • Annalise de Marillac... Just read that name in 🐝s. And yes I'm till tending the hive. Work has been in the way. Still got about 150 🐝s to go. (NT) -- JamesG, Sat, April 02 2022, 21:51:41
      • 👋 Hey James, nice to see you. Bees took me a lot longer to read than any of the others. I don’t know if it’s because I’m 22 years older or if it’s because J & C and their adventures are too! LOL (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, April 03 2022, 5:36:21
  • I have to tell you my first thought was, (excuse the French) “Oh, shit Betsy - nooooo, don’t do it”. Followed by “you’re not giving up your gymnastic dreams, you’re keeping them alive IN MEMORY” 😉 please. You garden, you babysit, commune with deer, spin barefoot ( I love the picture and hope you still find time), love your family all up and take QOTD weeks. You rock!! But don’t waste your money on Prevagen because your lifestyle will keep you young. Google the Doonesbury strip on it. We crones rule ❤️ (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, April 01 2022, 5:38:48
  • Ooooo Betsy, splits and joint replacements "dinna gang thegither." Still, I understand the need to prove to oneself or others that, "Yeah, I can still do that." Once a year or so, I'll try a cartwheel, which I can still manage, but it's not so pretty as it was 45 years ago. I'll take a turn on the trampoline at our family outing, but boy do my calves BURN. I think Kathy in PA is right about keeping things some dreams and accomplishments alive in our memories, no balance beams required! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, April 01 2022, 8:32:32
  • I have to do a reread of the secondary stories! Betsy, I have a theory of aging I call the moist theory. When we are infants and young children, we're very moist/wet. Moisture oozes out of us, we're flexible, learn and remember, good eyesight and hearing. As we age, we start to dry out. In middle age we start slathering on lotion, but can still do the odd cartwheel. Our eyesight starts to go, along with our balance. The older we get, the drier we get, until our skin becomes flaky, our eyesight is bad, our joints are stiff....but in our minds we are still that moist youngster who could do everything easily. I'm also 70 and beginning to be "flaky".... (NT) -- Janet, Fri, April 01 2022, 10:49:37
    • I LOVE this, Janet! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, April 01 2022, 14:06:35
      • Me too! 67 in 2 months and still going strong, but I never could do a cartwheel or balance beam . (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, April 01 2022, 15:22:52
  • This part of the story, even though it is about other characters than the Big Books, is probably the most interesting of any other part of the series, and the most confusing. The Rose Hall-Geilis-time travel piece sends chills up my spine. Actually, I didn't even put all that together until my third re-read. Is Raymond controlling it all? I'm not sure, but I don't think so. He's a whole lot more than we see in The Books, but I don't think he's pulling all the strings. I'll have to look up the name of the woman Jamie fought for. I think it was Annelaise, or something similar. I'm not quite sure what the Comte is up to, either. Why is he insistant on having a baby? What is Madeleine's fate, once he has the baby? Does she carry the baby to full term? What was his reason for kidnapping Joan? I have more questions than answers about this story-part. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Fri, April 01 2022, 20:28:46
  
  

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• QOTD for Thursday, 3/31/22 -- Betsy Snorts at Deer., Wed, March 30 2022, 21:16:36
  Two years ago, I was working in one of our gardens, close to the road. I toodled along, happy and content (I'm always content when I'm barefoot in the dirt and have my hands getting dirtier and dirtier in the soil,) quietly listening to folk music. Plopped in the dirt, on my hands and knees pulling weeds and planting flowers, happily hiding behind tall flowers and the manure pile, I worked away paying no particular time to how long I had been bent over.I sat up, stretched, and slowly stood up. Right in front of me, less than 20 feet away, a large doe raised her head at the same time. We stared at each other, both of us doing imitations of lawn art. Some of the other deer were farther back in the field, including two wee ones, spots still bright. After a bit, the doe twitched her tail and snorted at me. I was thrilled that she trusted me enough not to bolt, and even tried to communicate with me. It was an amazing few minutes and I honestly felt blessed to be a part of it. I snorted back. What the heck. She was "talking to me," mother-to-mother in trust. She snorted back (have you ever heard a deer snort? It sounds like they"re trying to blow their nose with dry boogers stuck inside their nostels.) My snorts were much cleaner, just plain clear snorting. We traded snorting for quite awhile, maybe five minutes, and I blazed the image and the "conversation" in my heart. I think I was channeling Dian Fosse and HD Thoreau.
  
  Last year I was reading some wildlife manual and I looked up communicating with wild deer. When a deer snorts at you, it's an act of aggression, mostly ending with the deer charging and stomping the perceived threat.
  
  So much for Communing with Nature.
  
  
  The following quote is taken from 'Seven Stones To Stand or Fall,' by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2013, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  "He is an old friend, Leopold," she said, gazing affectionately at the snake. "I brought him with me from the West Indies, many years ago. He is a "Mystery," you know."
  
  I didn't, no." Rakoczy drank more wine; he had sat long enough that he was beginning to feel sober again. "And what is that?" He was interested -- not so much in the snake but in Fabienne's mention of the West Indies. He'd forgotten that she claimed to have come from there, many years ago, long before he'd known her the first time.
  
  The afile powder had been waiting in his laboratory when he'd come back; no telling how many years it had sat there-- the servants couldn't recall. Melisande's brief note-- Try this. It may be what the frog used-- had not been dated but there was a brief scrawl at the top of the sheet, saying, Rose Hall, Jamaica. If Fabienne retained any connections in the West Indies, perhaps...
  

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  • I really need to re-read this story. Certainly DG will bring some of this back in Book 10, and I'll be wondering what the heck she's writing about. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, March 31 2022, 6:54:53
  • BBS, we too, often get deer in our yard, though not as many as you. I think they mostly keep to our woods, coming out to graze in the yard or browse the peach tree when it has fruit. When I kept my horse at home, Seeks would often get excited to see the "girls" just on the other side of his fence. He'd prance and flag his tail to show off to them. The does would mostly just watch him, neither threatened nor overly impressed. One morning while coming back to the house after feeding, the group of 6, including 2 spotted fawns, merely watched me instead of running off to the woods. As I slowly walked, murmuring as I would to a nervous horse, one of the littles edged toward me curiously, so I stopped and held out my hand. The fawn, nostrils flaring for scent, came within a foot of me before Mama Doe snorted, and the group bolted for the trees. It was very cool. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, March 31 2022, 7:03:36
    • I think you both had a moment of grace with the deer. Most animals are smarter and more communicative than we give them credit for - if we just give them a moment. Diana, it is so cool that you have a horse! And I love the name - is Seek a girl or boy? My childhood into tweener was filled with an obsession and love for horses. It was an impossible dream but we did have a riding academy close which was wonderful. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, March 31 2022, 11:13:09
      • Kathy in PA, I agree about a "moment of grace." Living where we have some land with grass and woods is what I always dreamed of growing up in the city. I no longer have Seeks (Secret Permission, a great grandson of Secretariat), as I had to put him down because of his back issues, but he was a very handsome Thoroughbred that I bought off the track at 3. I now own Land Rover, a 9 y/o Friesian Sporthorse who is the love of my life. (Yes, DH and the kids know where they are in the pecking order!) I wish I could post pictures for you.;) My childhood obsession with horses started in 3rd grade. I finally convinced my parents a few years later to let me take riding lessons. My Mom's thought was, "This will either last 6 weeks, or the rest of her life." I'm pretty sure it's the second one, Mom! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, April 01 2022, 8:42:36
        • Diana, that is so amazing about Seeks and just wonderful that you’ve been able to keep a horse in your life. Does Land Rover look like Phillip Wylie’s beloved pony? They sound so beautiful with flowing black hair. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, April 01 2022, 15:18:49
  • This novella is confusing to me in many ways. Each time I read it, I find something I hadn't noticed before. Trying to figure out where in time the Comte is at the moment, and how many times he has traveled.... it's hard to keep it all straight. I find it addicting. The Comte is one interesting character. I don't compare the Starrz version of the story to the books; If I don't separate the two, I get peeved at the series. However, the scene in the palace when the Comte drank what he knew was poison made me look at him just a bit differently. I think it was the tears in his eyes..... For whatever reason, he intrigues me. The "brief scrawl" at the top of the sheet on the box of afile powder that said 'Rose Hall, Jamaica,' what's THAT mean? Who will we see again?? (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Thu, March 31 2022, 19:39:08
    • Each season I’m more grateful that I’m a book reader first. Knowing the whole story it’s easy to see how they’re going for the “instant shock” because they only have three minutes instead of thirty pages. I also hate the idea of Claire self medicating because it just doesn’t seem that she would. I do think there’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back but I think for Claire it would be harm to a loved one not herself. Just my opinion. The Starz production in itself is magnificent - I never thought anybody could come close to getting it on screen and positively dreaded a movie attempt. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, April 01 2022, 5:45:27
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday, 3/30/22 -- Betsy BFS, messy but nice, Tue, March 29 2022, 21:37:59
  Good Morning, Loyal Lallypals,
  
  We have deer all over the place here. During the winter, a large herd of deer romp in the huge field across the street from us. It doesn't matter that we see these animals every day, early morning and at dusk, and have for 40 years, it is a thrill each and every time we see them. We hollar at each other to come look at the deer, and stand on our front steps in quiet awe. They're beautiful and graceful and most of the time, there's at least one baby hopping around merrily. These deer, or the offsprings of the deer from 40 years ago, know us, too. They raise their heads, twitch their tails in warning, and go back to looking for food. We're on a first name basis with them.
  
  Yesterday, the deer found the tiny pieces of the flowers and trees in our back field. We have thousands of flowers, trees, and bushes in that field. They're not so awe-inspiring when they're in chomping the not-even-discernable green leaves and buds. We run out to see the deer when they're across the street in David's sister's field and talk about their beauty, marveling in the Magic of the scene, then we run through the house and greet these same deer, who have made a transformation as they cross the road into OUR field, and are now demons from Deer hell.
  
  Yesterday, they finally found edibles in our back field. David started clapping his hand and hollering at them, I followed suit, and there we were, out on the deck (which is 12 feet above ground level, so we're quite visible to the deer, both clapping and hollering at the herd. They didn't even look up from their munching. "It's no big deal. It's that bald guy and wacky lady. No problem." We threw things at them, which was ridiculous because neither of us can throw that far, even when we were, ummm, in better shape and playing sports. Fifty years ago. Then David started barking. And yodeling. and making some noise that sounded like a corkscrew being pried out of a wall. I couldn't help because by this time, I was laughing so hard, I had to go inside to compose myself. Finally, not for anything we did, they sauntered slowly into the edge of the woods, still in plain view, and I swear I saw one of them flip David the bird.
  
  Enough blathering.
  
  
  The following quote is from "Seven Stones to Stand or Fall," by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2013, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  He had to SEE the frog. Not meet him, perhaps -- he made a brief sign against evil-- but see him. Above all else, he needed to know: had the man --if he's a man -- aged.
  
  "Certainly he's a man," he muttered to himself, impatient. "What else could he be, for heaven's sake?"
  
  He could be something like you, was the answering thought, and a shiver ran up his spine. Fear? He wondered. Anticipation of an intriguing philosophical mystery? Or possibly ...hope?
  

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  • I love our deer too. The herd isn’t as large as yours but developers have taken so much woodland in our area, they’ve become our “outdoor pets.” I used to feed them dried corn in the winter when food was scarce and then buy gallon containers of Liquid Fence to keep them out of my gardens in the summer. Go figure?! Animal people, right? MIL took over feeding deer, we feed the birds and I still need Liquid Fence. Because you’re so right - they do flip us the bird, but it’s a fluffy white one LOL. Does anyone else think le Comte and Claire are related? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 30 2022, 4:29:59
    • Yes. More on that another day. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Wed, March 30 2022, 19:45:07
  
  

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• QOTD for Tuesday, 3/29/22 -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 29 2022, 20:09:09
  Technically, it's still Tuesday. Technically. I'm a few...ahem... hours later than usual and I apologize. Sometimes, life wanders along, separate to my plans. Sometimes? Who am I kidding. Always. It's sort of been like that since birth. I marvel at people who are organized and actually complete chores, projects, and dust the furniture. No matter what I do and how much I swear I will stick to the plan, it always looks worse after I've cleaned.
  
  I'd love to ask you all to visit and have tea and biscuits, but it would take me about a month to clean. I have a friend, one of my favorite humans, who lived in a trailer with her two young girls. When someone drove into her driveway, she would race around grabbing everything except the essentials, throw it all in one of the bedrooms, and toss a big blanket over it all and close the door. She could actually do all of it in three minutes or less. It didn't work for me, and yes, I tried it, because we had no doors on any of the rooms in our house. People could see the huge pile of stuff with a blanket thrown over it and I'd be outed. sigh. My late posting had nothing to do with cleaning my house. In case you were wondering.
  
  The following quote is taken from 'Dragonfly in Amber,' by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  
  "Drink, Monsieur," said the King. The dark eyes were hooded once more, showing nothing. "Or are you afraid?"
  
  The Comte might have a number of things to his discredit, but cowardice wasn't one of them. His face was pale and set, but he met the King's eyes squarely, with a slight smile.
  
  "No, Majesty," he said.
  
  He took the cup from my hand and drained it, his eyes fixed on mine. They stayed fixed, staring into my face, even as they glazed with the knowledge of death. The White Lady may turn a man's nature to good, or to destruction .
  
  The Comte's body hit the floor, writhing, and a chorus of shouts and cries rose from the hooded watchers, drowning any sound he might have made. His heals drummed briefly, silent on the the flowered carpet; his body arched, then subsided into limpness. The snake, thoroughly disgruntled, struggled free of the disordered folds of white satin and slithered rapidly away, heading for the sanctuary of Louis's feet.
  
  All was pandemonium.
  

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  • Claire is so brave. I wouldn’t have made it for one minute in this scene. I’m sure le Comte isn’t a good guy and this did work for Claire with Master Raymond’s help, but the whole creepiness and evil aura is yucky. I have to admit he summoned up balls to just drink it. P. S. I loved the stories about your kids plotting. We were five spread over 9 1/2 years and had so much fun plotting together for OUR common good. But I often wonder how my Mom did it, her Mom died when she was 6 months old and she was raised by her aunt, and it wasn’t a pleasant childhood. Then she had 5 kids! I admire that she kept her sanity. I love the mental picture you paint of your home - I think of the Weasley’s - comfortably messy - constantly busy/crazy - and just overflowing with love. And not just for immediate family. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 30 2022, 4:43:59
    • I agree with everything you posted, Kathy in PA! (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, March 30 2022, 8:32:07
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday, 3/28/22 -- Betsy BFS, Sun, March 27 2022, 22:04:42
  I've been thinking about forgiveness lately. I find I am spending more time being angry than any other time in my life. I'm sure it's all connected to the insanity in Ukraine, contentiousness in Washington that makes me embarrised to be an American, constant bombardment from all angles to give my opinions on every political stance, which I feel is totally inappropriate... there's a reason we vote privately. If I wanted to announce my political leanings, I'd hang a banner outside. Covid and all its spin-offs-- there's a happy train of thought.
  
  When my children were young and living at home, when two or more kids were fighting, I had them sit facing each other, holding hands, and say something good about each other. They hated it, but I wanted them to learn to face their anger and hurt, not to bury it, and start to learn that the World was bigger than their own circle of self. No yelling. No negatives. One thing they could say that was positive. Did it work? Nah. It did give me a few minutes without fighting and taught my kids to fight where I couldn't hear them. Points for being a mother who taught their kids how to be a part of a group, function as a group, and learn how to forgive.
  What it did teach them was how to be creative circumventing Mama.
  
  At least I learned how smart they all were. They devised very cleaver, sneaky, involved plans on How To Out-Maneuver Mom. Maybe that did have some benefit. They sort of worked together to become sneaky little things. Not quite what I had in mind, but I'll take what I can get. Working as a group toward a common goal.
  
  Getting back to forgiveness: The more experience I get in being a seasoned human, the more I see that forgiveness is not a one shot deal. Sometimes I have to make a decision each day to forgive people who have inserted horrid pieces into my life. Sometimes, I decide to carry anger for that day, and make a decision tomorrow how I want to feel. Kinda crazy, but it works for me. Carrying a lot of anger and resentment around eats my energy and makes me physically ill. Sometimes, I don't care about that. I want to wallow in my own resentment until I'm done with it for awhile. Forgiveness isn't absolution for the other person. It's for me, so I can accept that forgiveness makes me feel better and be a better human.
  
  I saw a quote last summer that struck me deeply. It's not my own. and I'm not sure where I read it, but here it is: Secrets don't go away. They hide and collect interest. THAT'S an uncomfortable truth for me.
  
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  The following quote is from 'Seven Stones to Stand or Fall,' by Diana Gabaldon, "The Space Between." Copyright © 2013, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  He didn't recall any feeling of regret or fear, just astonishment. This was nothing, however, to the astonishment he'd felt when he regained his senses, naked on a stone slab in a revolting subterranium chamber next to a drowned corpse. Luckily, there had been no one alive in that disgusting grotto,and he made his way-- reeling and half blind, clothed in the drowned man's wet and stinking shirt-- out into a dawn more beautiful than and any twilight could ever be. So-- ten to twelve hours from the moment of apparent death to revival.
  

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  • Going from a disgusting grotto to a dawn more beautiful than any twilight had ever been. All in the same sentence. DG is amazing. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Sun, March 27 2022, 22:12:03
    • So much description in that one sentence that we can feel, see and smell - the corpse's wet and stinking shirt also. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 28 2022, 9:37:47
  • BBS, I can appreciate your feelings about wanting to hold on to anger and resentment. I'm pretty easygoing and usually willing to forgive transgressions against me personally. But when someone close to me (especially one of my most beloved) is wronged, it can be very difficult for me to forgive. Mess with me if you must, but mess with mine, and the lion in me comes out. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 28 2022, 9:42:08
    • That's my biggest stumbling block as well. Sometimes I can decide to forgive someone who has hurt a loved one, just for one day. Some anger runs wayyyyy too deep. For one day, even half a day, gives me a break from carrying all that fury around. I can't sustain it for some people. Just can't. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 29 2022, 6:08:36
      • Oh, I like that idea. Can I forgive someone for a day, or even a few hours to put down the burden for a rest. That's inspired, BBS. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, March 29 2022, 7:08:50
        • And is it really forgiveness when a loved one says “ I forgive you but I’ll never be able to forget it”? When you forgive, can or does it go in the past? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, March 29 2022, 9:58:26
          • I believe it should be in the past. Otherwise It will be in the back of the mind and brought up at the most inappropriate time in the worst way. And gutting the person supposedly being forgiven. To forgive is to let it go - maybe for a short times until you let it go (NT) -- Margaret, Tue, March 29 2022, 16:01:09
            • Thank you, Margaret; that’s what I think too. It is “forgive and forget” right? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, March 29 2022, 16:13:07
  
  

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• QOTD, or QOTLater today -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 29 2022, 6:15:18
  Very very late night last night. Very busy day today. I need to post later, hopefully late afternoon, if all goes according to plan. This evening if all falls apart and plan takes on its own life.
  

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• QOTD Thursday, March 24th. the following quote is taken from Lord John And The Hand Of Devils written by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- -- LadyDuBois, Thu, March 24 2022, 5:41:20
  
  
  
  
  What he saw was that one frightful glimpse of nakedness he had surprised in Fraser’s face, naked in a way he would wish to see no man naked, let alone a man such as this.
  
  
  “I understand,” he said softly, the sound of the words surprising him. “I wish it were not so.”
  
  
  He looked down at the muddled mess of paper before him, blotched and crumpled, marked with spider blots of confusion and regret. It reminded him of that terse note, written with a burnt stick. Despite everything, Fraser had given him help when he asked it.
  
  
  Might he ever see Jamie Fraser again? There was a good chance he would not. If chance did not kill him, cowardice might.
  
  
  The mania of confession was on him; best make the most of it. His quill had dried; he did not dip it again.
  
  
  I love you, he wrote, the strokes light and fast, making scarcely a mark upon the paper, with no ink. I wish it were not so.
  

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  • 😭 🥲 😫 😟 😔 😰. But in the end they have saved each other’s lives and loved ones so it will be ok in the end. You know that saying “Everything will be all right in the end……. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end.” ? But this just made me fill up anyway. He’s pouring out his heart for something that will never be exactly what he hopes. I love Lord John so much. He’s almost more perfect to me than Jamie. Since I’m almost 67 the cerebral has a bit more power than the physical 😉 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, March 24 2022, 8:23:50
    • Lord John has always been a favorite of mine. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Thu, March 24 2022, 11:33:33
      • Mine as well. Thank you for the Lord John quotes, Lady DB (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Sun, March 27 2022, 20:01:41
  
  

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• Qutd for Sunday, 3/27/22 -- Betsy BFS, Sat, March 26 2022, 22:29:37
  The following quote is from 'Seven Stones to Stand Or Fall,' by Diana Gabaldon, "The Space Between." Copyright © 2017, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  
  Paris, March 1778
  
  
  He still didn't know why the frog hadn't killed him. Paul Rakoczy, Comte St. Germain, picked up the vial, pulled the cork, and sniffed cautiously, for the third time, but then recorked it, still dissatisfied. Maybe. Maybe not. The scent of the dark-gray powder in the vial held the ghost of something familiar-- but it had been thirty years.
  
  He sat for a moment, frowning at the array of jars, bottles, flasks, and pelicans on his workbench. It was late afternoon, and the early spring sun was like honey, warm and sticky on his face, but glowing in the rounded globes of glass, throwing pools of red and brown and green on the wood from the liquids contained therein. The only discordant note in this peaceful symphony of light was the body of a large rat, lying on its back in the middle of the workbench, a pocket watch open beside it.
  

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  • Diana can set a mood for me so fast, with so little words, but they’re perfect words. Read the second sentence in the second paragraph and I can almost be lulled to sleep……………. then, body of a large rat 🙁 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, March 27 2022, 4:43:33
  • A precursor to one of my posted quotes, :D (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, March 27 2022, 5:42:28
    • Ooh. Ooh. Can’t wait! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, March 27 2022, 8:51:17
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday, March 26th. the following quote is taken from Lord John And The Hand Of Devils written by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Sat, March 26 2022, 5:41:30
  
  No, me lord. It’s full of bits of stored rubbish. Or, rather—’tisn’t in use for what you might call devotions. Folk do go there.” The boy flushed a bit, and frowned intently at his work. Grey deduced that Ilse might have shown him another use for a deserted chapel, but chose not to pursue the matter.
  
  
  “I see. Was Ilse able to tell you anything else of interest?”
  
  
  “Depends upon what you call interesting, me lord.” Tom’s eyes were still fixed upon his needle, but Grey could tell from the way in which he caught his upper lip between his teeth that he was in possession of a juicy bit of information.
  
  
  “At this point, my chief interest is in my bed,” Grey said, finally extricating himself from the waistcoat, “but tell me anyway.”
  
  
  “Reckon you know the nursemaid’s still gone?”
  
  
  “I do.”
  
  
  
  
  Bonus QOTD;
  
  Mr. Coles,” he said, inspired by thought of battering rams, and seeing that the only way of progressing in his own interest was by bluntness, “I collect that you are acquainted with the Thackeray family—specifically, with a Miss Barbara Thackeray?”
  
  
  Coles blinked, looking almost comically nonplussed.
  
  
  “Oh! Yes,” he said, a little uncertain. “Of course. I, er, have the honor to consider myself a friend of the family.” Meaning, Grey thought, that Mr. Thackeray was probably unaware of Coles’s friendship with Barbara.
  
  
  “I flatter myself that I may count myself a friend to them, as well,” Grey said, “though our acquaintance is so new.” He smiled, and Coles, sunny by disposition, smiled back.
  
  
  An understanding thus established, there seemed no reason to avoid mention of Mr. Lister with Coles, and so Grey put the matter before him straightforwardly.
  
  
  “Miss Barbara said that she had had a note from her sister, forwarded by your kind offices,” Grey said carefully, and Coles blushed.
  
  
  “I should have taken it to her father, I know,” he said awkwardly. “But … but … she … I mean, Miss Barbara Thackeray is …”
  
  
  “A friend,” Grey finished for him, echoing Barbara Thackeray’s own words—spoken, he noted, with precisely the same blushing intonation. “Of course.”
  
  
  Skating away from that delicate subject, he said, “Mr. Lister believes there is a possibility that Anne Thackeray is or was with child. From something that Mr. Thackeray let slip during our conversation, I believe he may have the same impression. I wonder, Mr. Coles, whether you can shed any light on this possibility?”
  

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  • Tom gets such joy out of being able to help “milord”. He and Ilse were an item if I remember; I would love to see more of Tom. There are so many plots for Diana to write and I hope Lord John gets a lot more time. Mr Coles and Miss Barbara’s situation is quaint isn’t it? I feel bad that kids today have to grow up so fast, there’s not much blushing going on. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, March 27 2022, 4:39:36
  
  

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• It will be a late post today, I've been called into work. See ya this afternoon -- LadyDuBois, Fri, March 25 2022, 4:16:57
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  • Ok so the day has not gone as planned, I promise a double tomorrow, I'm so sorry (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Fri, March 25 2022, 12:32:29
    • Aren’t you glad you’re here? We don’t care if it’s late or missing - you’re posting - we love ya! 😊 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, March 25 2022, 13:36:51
  • My weeks NEVER go according to plan. Don't worry a bit about it. Quotes are quotes are quotes. When ever they come (even if there are times they don't get here at all,) I'm pretty sure nobody here is going to get thrown off course. We'er a hearty bunch. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Sat, March 26 2022, 22:05:38
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday March 23rd. the following quote is taken from Lord John And The Hand Of Devils written by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Wed, March 23 2022, 5:20:19
  
  “Have you any messages for me to carry, to the troops at the bridge?” Grey asked. “Since I will be going in that direction, anyway.” One English regiment lay to the south of the town, the other—Bodger’s—to the north, between the town and the river. A small group of the Prussian artillery under Stephan’s command was stationed a few miles beyond, guarding the bridge at Aschenwald.
  
  
  Von Namtzen frowned, thinking, then nodded.
  
  
  “Ja, you are right. It is best they hear officially of the—” He looked suddenly uneasy, and Grey was slightly amused to see that Stephan did not want to speak the word “succubus.”
  
  
  “Yes, better to avoid rumors,” he agreed, saving Stephan’s awkwardness. “Speaking of that—do you suppose Herr Blomberg will let the villagers exhume his mother?”
  
  
  Stephan’s broad-boned face broke into a smile at that.
  

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  • I like the way we meet John’s friends, family and lovers. I don’t remember the military strategy or mysterious plot lines in the Lord John stories but I do remember their personalities and importance to him. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 23 2022, 5:50:34
  
  

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• QOTD for Tuesday March 22nd. the following quote is taken from Lord John And The Hand Of Devils written by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Tue, March 22 2022, 5:30:12
  
  
  
  
  
  With the horse’s revulsion as guide, he saw what he had overlooked: the churned earth of a badger’s sett, half hidden by the sprawling roots of a large elm. Once focused on this, he could pinpoint the noise as coming from it. And damned if he’d ever heard a badger carry on like that!
  
  
  Pistol drawn and primed, he edged toward the bank of earth, keeping a wary eye on the nearby trees.
  
  
  It was certainly crying, but not a child; a sort of muffled whimpering, interspersed with the kind of catch in the breath that injured men often made.
  
  
  “Wer ist da?” he demanded, halting just short of the opening to the sett, pistol raised. “You are injured?”
  
  
  There was a gulp of surprise, followed at once by scrabbling sounds.
  
  
  “Major? Major Grey? It is you?”
  
  
  “Franz?” he said, flabbergasted.
  
  
  “Ja, Major! Help me, help me, please!”
  
  
  Uncocking the pistol and thrusting it back in his belt, he knelt and peered into the hole. Badger setts are normally deep, running straight down for six feet or more before turning, twisting sideways into the badger’s den. This one was no exception; the grimy, tear-streaked face of the young Prussian soldier stared up at him from the bottom, his head a good foot below the rim of the hole.
  
  
  The boy had broken his leg in falling, and it was no easy matter to lift him straight up. Grey managed it at last by improvising a sling of his own shirt and the boy’s, tied to a rope anchored to Hognose’s saddle.
  
  
  At last he had the boy laid on the ground, covered with his coat and taking small sips from the bottle of ale.
  
  
  “Major—” Franz coughed and spluttered, trying to rise on one elbow.
  
  
  “Hush, don’t try to talk.” Grey patted his arm soothingly, wondering how best to get him back to the bridge. “Everything will be—”
  
  
  “But Major—the red coats! Der Inglischeren!”
  
  
  “What? What are you talking about?”
  
  
  “Dead Englishmen! It was the little boy; I heard him, and I dug, and—” The boy’s story was spilling out in a torrent of Prussian, and it took no little time for Grey to slow him down sufficiently to disentangle the threads of what he was saying.
  
  
  He had, Grey understood him to say, repeatedly heard the crying near the bridge, but his fellows either didn’t hear or wouldn’t admit to it, instead teasing him mercilessly about it. At last he determined to go by himself and see if he could find a source for the sound—wind moaning through a hole, as his friend Jurgen had suggested.
  
  
  “But it wasn’t.” Franz was still pale, but small patches of hectic color glowed in the translucent skin of his cheeks. He had poked about the base of the bridge, discovering eventually a small crack in the rocks at the foot of a pillar on the far side of the river. Thinking that this might indeed be the source of the crying, he had inserted his bayonet and pried at the rock—which had promptly come away, leaving him face to face with a cavity inside the pillar, containing a small, round, very white skull.
  
  
  “More bones, too, I think. I didn’t stop to look.” The boy swallowed. He had simply run, too panicked to think. When he stopped at last, completely out of breath and with legs like jelly, he had sat down to rest and think what to do.
  

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  • How horrible. The first sentence “the horse’s revulsion as a guide” sure sets the scene. Do you remember when that little girl fell in the well in Texas many years ago? I have a bit of claustrophobia and have always thought badgers were terrifyingly nasty. So to be stuck in a badger sett (new word for me 😊) describes a really, really bad scene but…….cue The Ride of the Valkyrie’s……..Lord John to the rescue! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 23 2022, 3:49:53
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday March 21st. the following quote is taken from Lord John And The Hand Of Devils written by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Mon, March 21 2022, 5:32:15
  “You know him?” Stephan was watching him intently, his own face stern and clean as those of the stone memorials about them.
  
  
  “Yes.” Grey knelt by the body. “I spoke to him only a few hours ago.”
  
  
  He put the backs of his fingers delicately against the dead man’s throat—the slack flesh was clammy, slick with rain, but still warm. Unpleasantly warm. He glanced down, and saw that Private Bodger’s breeches were opened, the stuff of his shirttail sticking out, rumpled over the man’s thighs.
  
  
  “Does he still have his dick, or did the she-thing eat it?” said a low voice in German. A faint, shocked snigger ran through the men. Grey pressed his lips tight together and jerked up the soggy shirttail. Private Bodger was somewhat more than intact, he was glad to see. So were the diggers; there was an audible sigh of mass relief behind him.
  
  
  Grey stood, conscious all at once of tiredness and hunger, and of the rain pattering on his back.
  
  
  “Wrap him in a canvas; bring him …” Where? The dead man must be returned to his own regiment, but not tonight. “Bring him to the Schloss. Tom? Show them the way; ask the gardener to find you a suitable shed.”
  
  
  “Yes, me lord.” Tom Byrd was nearly as pale as the dead man, and covered with mud, but once more in control of himself. “Will I take the horse, me lord? Or will you ride him?”
  
  
  Grey had forgotten entirely about Karolus, and looked blankly about. Where had he gone?
  
  
  One of the diggers had evidently caught the word “horse,” and understood it, for a murmur of “Das Pferd” rippled through the group, and the men began to look round, lifting the torches high and craning their necks.
  
  
  One man gave an excited shout, pointing into the dark. A large white blur stood a little distance away.
  
  
  “He’s on a grave! He’s standing still! He’s found it!”
  
  
  This caused a stir of sudden excitement; everyone pressed forward together, and Grey feared lest the horse should take alarm and run again.
  
  
  No such danger; Karolus was absorbed in nibbling at the soggy remnants of several wreaths, piled at the foot of an imposing tombstone. This stood guard over a small group of family graves—one very recent, as the wreaths and raw earth showed. As the torchlight fell upon the scene, Grey could easily read the name chiseled black into the stone.
  
  
  BLOMBERG, it read.
  

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  • i know that I have read this story at least once, but don't remember it very much. Thanks for the refresher, Lady DuBois. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 21 2022, 10:12:18
    • Me too and I love the interplay with Tom and John but these are the stories I can’t follow. My mind is too simple 🙄 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 21 2022, 10:43:03
      • I miss Tom Byrd. He was always there for John. I agree that these stories are a bit hard to follow, but worth reading a few times. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, March 21 2022, 16:33:47
  
  

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• QOTD for Sunday March 20th. the following quote is taken from Lord John And The Hand Of Devils written by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Sun, March 20 2022, 6:24:16
  
  
  
  What the devil, Grey? Why are you making faces in the mirror? Are you ill?”
  
  
  “No,” said Grey, though in fact he felt very ill. He stared at his own image in the mirror, as though it were some ghastly specter.
  
  
  Another face appeared, and dark eyes met his own in the mirror. The two reflections were close in size and form, both possessed of a tidy muscularity and a fineness of feature that had led more than one observer to remark in company that they could be twins—one light, one dark.
  
  
  “You will come to Medmenham, won’t you?” The murmured words were warm in his ear, George’s body so close that he could feel the pressure of hip and thigh. Everett’s hand touched his, lightly.
  
  
  “I should … particularly desire it.”
  

  Last edited by author: Sun, March 20 2022, 6:37:55   Edited 1 time.
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  • Poor John, talk about Catch 22. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 21 2022, 10:41:11
  • I had a hard time following this story the first time I read it. John does get himself into difficulty, doesn't he? (NT) -- kgp, Mon, March 21 2022, 16:30:42
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday, March 19, 2022 -- CindyG, Fri, March 18 2022, 21:00:59
  The following quote is from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 47, “Loose Ends.” Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘And the Old Fox? Lord Lovat?’ Her voice was little more than a whisper. ‘The shadow of an ax …’
  ‘Yes.’ Roger’s fingers stroked the slick jacket of the book unconsciously, as though reading the words within by Braille. ‘He was tried for treason, and condemned to be beheaded. He made a good end. All the accounts say that he met his death with great dignity.’
  A scene flashed through Roger’s mind; an anecdote from Hogarth. He recited from memory, as closely as he could. ‘“Carried through the shouts and jeers of an English mob on his way to the Tower, the old chieftain of clan Fraser appeared nonchalant, indifferent to the missiles that sailed past his head, and almost good-humored. In reply to a shout from one elderly woman—‘You’re going to get your head chopped off, you old Scotch cur!’—he leaned from his carriage window and shouted jovially back, ‘I expect I shall, you ugly old English bitch!’”
  She was smiling, but the sound she made was a cross between a laugh and a sob.
  ‘I’ll bet he did, the bloody old bastard.’
  ‘When he was led to the block,’ Roger went on cautiously, ‘he asked to inspect the blade, and instructed the executioner to do a good job. He told the man, “Do it right, for I shall be very angry indeed if you don’t.”’”
  

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  • History made a heroic Scot out of a two faced, self preserving goat. The only, as far as I I know of, good that came out of him was Brian and therefore Jamie, Brianna, Jem and Mandy. So far, as I realize William will probably have kids but I don’t care too much yet. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 19 2022, 13:26:59
  
  

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• QOTD for Thursday, March 17, 2022 -- CindyG, Wed, March 16 2022, 20:42:09
  The following quote is from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, The Fox’s Lair.” Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “Pausing by the horse trough, he glanced around the courtyard as though looking for someone. His eye passed over me without registering, then suddenly snapped back, clearly startled. He stepped forward and thrust his face pugnaciously forward, an unshaven gray beard bristling like a porcupine’s quills.
  ‘Who the hell are you?’ he demanded.
  ‘Claire Fraser, er, I mean, Lady Broch Tuarach,’ I said, belatedly remembering my dignity. I gathered my self-possession, and wiped a drop of water off my chin. ‘Who the hell are you?’ I demanded.
  A firm hand gripped my elbow from behind, and a resigned voice from somewhere above my head said, ‘That, Sassenach, is my grandsire. My lord, may I present my wife?’
  ‘Ah?’ said Lord Lovat, giving me the benefit of a cold blue eye. ‘I’d heard you’d married an Englishwoman.’ His tone made it clear that this act confirmed all his worst suspicions about the grandson he’d never met.
  He raised a thick gray brow in my direction, and shifted the gimlet stare to Jamie. ‘No more sense than your father, it seems.’
  I could see Jamie’s hands twitch slightly, resisting the urge to clench into fists.
  ‘At the least, I had nay need to take a wife by rape or trickery,’ he observed evenly.
  His grandfather grunted, unfazed by the insult. I thought I saw the corner of his wrinkled mouth twitch, but wasn’t sure.”
  

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  • With every paragraph, I'm reminded how much I dislike Lord Lovat. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, March 17 2022, 10:27:04
    • I think of how often history makes heros or villains of people when often they’re neither. I enjoy learning through historical fiction and am so glad Diana is so amazing with research along with so compelling to read. I enjoy the learning and feel like I’m getting a truer picture of the factual people in the books. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, March 18 2022, 7:40:06
      • Through the years, I've found that I learn far more about history by reading novels. Yes, the characters may be some what villanized or romanticized, but the events tend to stay in my brain better if they are wrapped in a story. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, March 18 2022, 9:12:07
  
  

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• QOTD for Friday, March 18, 2022 -- CindyG, Thu, March 17 2022, 22:00:11
  The following quote is from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 41, “The Seer’s Curse.” Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘Sometimes I know there’s something there, like,’ Maisri said suddenly, ‘but I can block it out of my mind, not look. ’Twas like that with his lordship; I knew there was something, but I’d managed not to see it. But then he bade me look, and say the divining spell to make the vision come clear. And I did.’ The hood of her cloak slipped back as she tilted her head, looking up at the wall of the Priory as it soared above us, ochre and white and red, with the mortar crumbling between its stones. White-streaked black hair spilled down her back, free in the wind.
  ‘He was standing there before the fire, but it was daylight, and clear to see. A man stood behind him, still as a tree, and his face covered in black. And across his lordship’s face there fell the shadow of an ax.’”
  

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  • I don’t think I have a “sixth sense” beyond what all women have and I’m glad. This poor woman at the mercy of the old nasty fart. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, March 18 2022, 7:56:32
  
  

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• QOTD for Thursday, March 10, 2022 -- kgp, Thu, March 10 2022, 4:58:10
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 40 Angels Unawares
  
  
  “Good morn to ye, sir,” the dark man said, with a courteous inclination of the head. “My name is Dougal MacKenzie, of Castle Leoch. And . . . who might you be?”
  
  Dear Jesus bloody hell, he thought. The shock rippled through him, and he hoped it didn’t show on his face. He shook hands firmly.
  
  “I am Roger Jeremiah MacKenzie, of Kyle of Lochalsh,” he said, keeping his voice mild and - he hoped - assured, as some compensation for his shabby appearance. His voice sounded nearly normal this morning; if he didn’t force it, with luck it wouldn’t crack or gurgle.
  
  
  Your servant, sir,” MacKenzie said with a slight bow, surprising Roger with his elegant manners. He had deep-set hazel eyes, which looked Roger over with frank interest - and a faint touch of what appeared to be amusement - before shifting to Buck.
  

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  Replies:

  • How bizarre it must have been for Roger to meet all of these people that he had heard so much about - good and evil - and in most cases, to know how they would die! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, March 11 2022, 10:27:31
  • Roger has met most of people in the books, having even met Frank as a small child. He met Geilis in past and present. I wonder if she recognized him when they met, but hid it as she did with Claire. Book Roger was quite dashing ("he looks like a pirate!") and G always had an eye out for men. Jamie, of course, couldn't meet anyone in the future, and Claire couldn't have met Brian.... at least she hasn't yet! (NT) -- Kel, Wed, March 16 2022, 15:39:33
  
  

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• QOTD for Tuesday, March 15, 2022 -- CindyG, Mon, March 14 2022, 20:45:35
  The following quote is from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, The Fox’s Lair.” Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘Not very canty today, is he?’ I remarked, with a flip of the hand back in Murtagh’s direction. In fact, the small clansman had grown more testy and irritable with each step in the direction of Beauly. ‘I take it he’s not enchanted with the prospect of visting Lord Lovat?’
  Jamie smiled, with a brief backward glance at the small, dark figure, bent in absorption over the rope he was splicing.
  ‘Nay, Murtagh’s no friend of Old Simon. He loved my father dearly’—his mouth quirked to one side—‘and my mother, as well. He didna care for Lovat’s treatment of them. Or for Lovat’s methods of getting wives.’”
  

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  • Murtagh is David's favorite character... it's really hard for me to pick a favorite, so many of them are dear to my heart. Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, is a nasty, nasty man, even in history. He is at the bottom of my list of characters. Do we ever hear how the Fox felt about Ellen? I could have forgotten..... oops. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 15 2022, 8:59:45
    • Murtagh has always been at the top of my favorites too; right from the moment he dropped down on BJR (who is definitely my most hated) to rescue Claire. He was SO effortlessly ABLE and that was it. No BS, just save the lass and get her back to Dougal- only for now thank God. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 16 2022, 6:46:58
  • Interesting observation "loved my father.... and my mother as well." If Murtaugh couldn't have Ellen, he still loved Brian and their children, for their own sake as well as Ellen's. (NT) -- Kel, Wed, March 16 2022, 15:29:38
  
  

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• A quoter is needed for the week of March 27. -- kgp, Sun, March 13 2022, 16:14:32
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  Replies:
  • I'll take that week. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Wed, March 16 2022, 13:03:30
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday, March 16, 2022 -- CindyG, Tue, March 15 2022, 21:56:08
  The following quote is from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, The Fox’s Lair.” Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘Proper old twister, isn’t he?’ I said, completely intrigued. ‘Though I suppose he can’t have been so old then; only in his forties.’ Having heard that Lord Lovat was now in his middle seventies, I had been expecting something fairly doddering and decrepit, but was rapidly revising my expectations, in view of these stories.
  ‘My grandsire,’ Jamie observed evenly, ‘has by all reports got a character that would enable him to hide conveniently behind a spiral staircase.’”
  

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  • I LOVE Jamie's description of his grandsire. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, March 16 2022, 6:46:36
    • Diana, I know, right?!?! And who but the other Diana would think to use a twisted staircase to paint that picture so well. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, March 16 2022, 6:49:52
      • Yes, the twisted staircase is perfect! Sometimes I wonder how Diana comes up with all of these gems. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Wed, March 16 2022, 13:00:32
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday, March 14, 2022 -- CindyG, Sun, March 13 2022, 21:04:33
  The following quote is from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, The Fox’s Lair.” Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘I met his eyes,’ he said softly. ‘The once. I waited until Father reached his horse, and then I turned and looked at Lord Lovat, bold as I could. I wanted him to know we’d ask nothing of him, but that I wasna scairt of him.’ He smiled at me, one-sided. ‘I was, though.’
  I put a hand over his, stroking the grooves of his knuckles.
  ‘Was he looking back at you?’
  He snorted briefly.
  ‘Aye, he was. Reckon he didna take his eyes off me from the time I came down the hill ’til my ship sailed away; I could feel them borin’ into my back like an auger. And when I looked at him, there he was, wi’ his eyes black under his brows, starin’ into mine.’
  He fell silent, still looking at the castle, ’til I gently prodded him.
  ‘How did he look, then?’
  He pulled his eyes from the dark cloud mass on the far horizon to look down at me, the customary expression of good humor missing from the curve of his mouth, the depths of his eyes.
  ‘Cold as stone, Sassenach,’ he replied. ‘Cold as the stone.’”
  

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  • How horrible to have to go and ask for help. The stone cold of him makes me wonder about military men. They must need some to be able to detach emotionally if needed to lead, but also need to care for their men enough to be responsible for their lives. I guess that would be the perfect “leader” and it just strikes me that Lord Lovat doesn’t care much for anyone but himself. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 14 2022, 1:36:51
    • Excellent points about Lovat, Kathy in PA. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 14 2022, 8:27:03
  • Brian and Jamie. Both men of honor. Simon? well, we know what he is. Cold as stone. Sends a chill up my spine. Kathy, I do agree that sometimes leaders of today have to have some "cold as stone" feelings and appearances, but somewhere in there, I think most of the military leaders really DO care for their women and men. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 15 2022, 9:14:58
  
  

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• QOTD for Sunday, March 13, 2022 -- CindyG, Sat, March 12 2022, 20:37:51
  I watched the movie “The Longest Day” this past week, about D Day. Peter Lawford plays Lord Lovat and got me to thinking about Jamie’s grandsire. So, here we go.
  
  The following quote is from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, The Fox’s Lair.” Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘What kind of terms is Jamie on with Lord Lovat?’
  I caught a sidelong glance from a small, shrewd black eye, and then his head turned toward Beaufort Castle. He shrugged, in resignation or anticipation.
  ‘No terms at all, ’til now. The lad’s never spoken to his grandsire in his life.’”
  

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  • I always think of this section when Lord Lovat comes up on history programs. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, March 13 2022, 6:21:35
    • I think of how horrible he tried to be to Claire and the poor girl who had to tend his prostate. So no matter how many heroic things are written about him - in my mind he’s a nasty, old dirty Billy. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 14 2022, 1:27:50
      • Bully, but could be Billy GOAT 🤬 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 14 2022, 1:29:44
      • I think you hit the nail on the head, Kathy. He's just a gross old slime ball. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 15 2022, 9:05:06
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday, March 12, 2022 -- kgp, Sat, March 12 2022, 4:56:35
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 42 All My Love
  
  
  Forgive me, I’m rambling. It’s hard to keep emotion out of it, but I’ll try. The essence of what I’m saying is this: if you can indeed go back in time (and possibly return), you are a person of very great interest to a number of people, for assorted reasons. Should anyone in the more shadowed realm of government be halfway convinced that you are what you may be, you would be watched, Possibly approached. (In earlier centuries, the British government pressed men into service. They still do, if less obviously.)
  
  That’s a very remote contingency, but it is a real one; I must mention it.
  
  There are private parties who would also have a deep interest in you for this reason - and evidently there is someone who has spotted you and is watching. It also suggests that this person’s or persons’ interest may be a concern with the Fraser Prophecy. What could be more intriguing to that sort of person than the prospect of someone who is “the last of Lovat’s line” and is also a time traveler? These sorts of people - I know them well - invariably believe in mystic powers of all sorts - nothing would draw them more powerfully than the conviction that you hold such power.
  
  Such people are usually harmless. But they can be very dangerous indeed.
  
  If I find whoever drew this chart, I will question them and do my best to neutralize any possible threat to you. But as I say - I know the look of a conspiracy. Nutters of this sort thrive in company. I might miss one.
  

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  • Makes me wonder if Frank found any and what he did about it… or should I say HOW he did it… (NT) -- Kel, Sun, March 13 2022, 7:56:48
    • That would be a very interesting side story! Diana, are you here? (NT) -- kgp, Sun, March 13 2022, 16:13:17
  • Conspiracy. Nutters of this sort... Ain't that true for all of them.🤪🤪🤪🤪 (NT) -- JamesG, Sun, March 13 2022, 14:11:42
  • “do my best to neutralize any threat” - Go Frank! “Nutters of this sort (or any sort) thrive in company”………. nothing new under the sun. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 14 2022, 1:24:33
  
  

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• QOTD for Friday, March 11, 2022 -- kgp, Fri, March 11 2022, 4:38:10
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 41 In Which Things Converge
  
  
  “GET BACK IN THE TRUCK!” Brianna bellowed, leaping down the slope, skittering on stones and bending her ankles in spongy patches of heather. “JEMMY! GET BACK!”
  
  She saw Jem turn, his face white in the glare of the light, but it was too late. The front door flew open and two dark figures rushed out, running for the truck.
  
  She wasted no more breath but ran for all she was worth. A shotgun was useless at any distance - or maybe not. She skidded to a halt, shouldered the gun, and fired. Buckshot flew into the gorse with a whizzing sound like tiny arrows, but the bang had halted the intruders in their tracks.
  
  “BACK IN THE TRUCK!”
  

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  • Mother of Mary, this whole section was terrifying! I had to read as fast as I could to find out what happened. Does anyone else think that we haven't seen the last of Jem's principal either? (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, March 11 2022, 10:29:34
    • Mr. Menzies? Do you think he's a double agent of sorts? (NT) -- kgp, Fri, March 11 2022, 10:32:51
      • I hope he’s something because if we ever go back to the future I’d love to see him again. I pictured him as the mouse that roared. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 14 2022, 1:18:28
    • And Diana, you are SO right. Even reading it now for the ?th time, my heart is racing. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, March 14 2022, 1:20:25
  
  

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• Outlander Season 6 -- Judie, Sun, March 06 2022, 13:28:54
  .
  .
  Everyone knows it starts tonight, right? Well, in North America. Some people have already seen it.
  
  Just thought I'd mention it in case someone wants to watch and forgot. :)
  
  Judie
  

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  Replies:

  • We had a fabulous watch party at MacPudel's. I hope others had as much fun with it. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, March 08 2022, 4:34:17
    • It's become rather a standard of practice for some of the New England Lally to meet for the first episode of the Season. It is always wonderful and we chat and laugh and eat for a Long Time! (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Fri, March 11 2022, 12:55:47
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday, March 9, 2022 -- kgp, Wed, March 09 2022, 4:33:03
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 39 The Ghost of a Hangit Man
  
  
  “There were stories. Always are, about a woman like that.” MacLaren cleared his own throat. “But she was good wi’ the grass cures - and wi’ charms, as well. Or so folk said.”
  
  But then the man had gone, MacLaren said. No one knew where; they just didn’t see him anymore, and the woman went on as before, but now more of her visitors were men. And the women stopped taking their bairns up there, though they’d go sometimes themselves, quietly, in secret.
  
  And then on the day before Samhain, as the sun was sinking and the great fires being builtup for the evening, a woman from nearby had gone up to the lonely croft and run down again, screaming.
  
  “She’s found the door o’ the croft standing wide, the woman and her things all gone - and a man hanging from the rooftree, stone dead wi’ a rope around his neck.”
  

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  • Geillis had no compunction about doing whatever she thought necessary to further her own goals. A real sociopath. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, March 09 2022, 8:05:22
  
  

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• QOTD for Tuesday, March 8, 2022 -- kgp, Tue, March 08 2022, 4:32:24
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 38 The Number of the Beast
  
  Jem’s breathing slowed down, once he realized that Mr. Cameron hadn’t come because Mr. Cameron knew Mandy and he were here. Or maybe he did and was trying it on with Mrs. Buchen ‘til he could make an excuse to use the loo and come poke around in search of them? He looked apprehensively up the half flight of stairs that led from the landing, but the lounge door above was closed, and while he could hear Mandy’s giggling fine through it, probably Mr. Cameron couldn’t.
  
  Mrs. Buchan was taking Mr. Cameron back to the kitchen. Her voice when she’d said “Come ben. I’ll tell ye what I can,” hadn’t sounded at all friendly. Jem wondered whether she might be going to put rat poison in Mr. Cameron’s tea.
  
  Maybe Mrs. Buchan didn’t have any rat poison, though. He took a step one way, then the other, then back. He really, really wanted to run down the stairs and out the door and keep going. But he couldn’t leave Mandy.
  

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  • Hoping that rat poison will be involved is a very 9 year old response. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, March 08 2022, 5:03:08
  • Love the fact that he was looking out for his sister. (NT) -- JamesG, Tue, March 08 2022, 8:22:19
  
  

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• The "inspirational" message on the foil wrapper of my Dove chocolate says, "Keep life moving forward, looking backward is only for time travelers." -- DianaH, Mon, March 07 2022, 14:18:13
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  Replies:
  • Timely! (NT) -- kgp, Tue, March 08 2022, 4:32:46
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday, 3/5/22 -- Traveling Betsy, Sat, March 05 2022, 10:51:59
  V he With my apologies… I am not at home, have no computer, and my phone was dead. This is late, but my intentions were good. We all know about the road to hell, though… paved with good intentions.
  
  I used to love traveling. Planning, packing, anticipating, the bus, the train, flying…all of it. There days, I wonder if the effort is even worth it (it always is.) but, there is no greater pleasure than having a Gathering of Hosers. It’s good for my soul.
  
  The quote my finger landed on was really heartbreaking. Not a good way to end the week, at least for me. I did a “guided” random Close Eyes, Point Finger” search. It took three times before I found something that made me feel good.
  
  The world’s a mess, everyone I know has had it with Covid-stuff, and we can always use as much goodness as we can throw out there.
  
  *****************************************~~~~~**********~~~~~~~*****
  
  The following quote is from’Drums Of Autumn,’ by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 59, “Blackmail.” Copyright @ 1997, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  “Then you’ll accept my proposal?” The hollow feeling in her chest didn’t feel like the relief she had expected.
  
  “No, “ he said bluntly. “ I may have forgiven Jamie Fraser for what he did in the past— bu he would never forgive Me for marrying you.” He smiled at her, and patted the hand he held tucked in the curve of his arm.
  
  “I can give you some respite from both your suiters and your aunt, though.” He glanced at the house, whose curtains hung unstirring against the glass.
  
  
  “Do you suppose anyone’s watching?”
  
  “I’d say you can bet on it, “ she said, a little grimly.
  
  “Good.” Pulling off the sapphire ring he wore, he turned to face her took her hand. He pulled off her mitten and ceremoniously slid the ring onto her little finger—the only one it would fit. Then he rose smoothly on his toes and kissed her on the lips. Leaving her no time to recover from surprise, his expression bland.
  
  “Come along, my dear,” he said. “Let us announce our engagement.”
  

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  • Thanks for picking a good one, Betsy because I need a good one too. For me, anything with Lord John is good. And here he is rescuing a damsel in distress again. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 05 2022, 15:29:55
    • Speaking of Gathering of Hosers - would you ever want to tell us about YOUR epic gathering? I wanted to go so bad, but couldn’t. Anyone else reading this that was there? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, March 05 2022, 15:37:29
      • I was intending to but had a de rigueur event and couldn't. I did get to meet Diana once after that and spent a lovely evening chatting and sipping whisky with her and some other Ladies. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, March 06 2022, 4:27:13
  • Lord John to the rescue once again! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 07 2022, 10:48:58
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday March 7, 2022 -- kgp, Mon, March 07 2022, 5:51:50
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 37 Cognoscote
  
  
  
  The healer was a little way down the road; Roger saw the man’s dark figure kneeling in prayer before a tiny shrine, the ends of his cloak fluttering in the wind. Roger came up to him slowly, hanging back so as not to disturb his devotions - and, on impulse, bowed his own head toward the small statue, so weathered as to be faceless. Take care of them, please, he prayed. Help me get back to them - to Bree. That was all he had time for, before the healer rose to his feet - but that was all he had to say, in any case.
  
  
  The healer hadn’t heard him; he rose and turned, surprised at seeing Roger but recognizing him at once. He smiled, a little wearily, clearly expecting some medical question of a private nature.
  
  
  Heart thumping, Roger reached out and grasped the healer’s hand. The man’s eyes widened with shock.
  
  
  ”Cognosco te,” Roger said, very softly. I know you.
  

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  • I do wonder if we'll see this character again. Imagine if he teamed up with Claire! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 07 2022, 10:47:23
  
  

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• QOTD for Sunday, March 6, 2022 -- kgp, Sun, March 06 2022, 4:23:58
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 36 The Scent of a Stranger
  
  
  As she came down out of the plantation, carrying the shotgun in one hand, something large shot past her head in total silence, and she stumbled, gasping. An owl; it disappeared, a pale blur in the dark. In spite of her pounding heart, she was glad to see it. White animals were harbingers of good luck in Celtic folklore; she could use any luck going.
  
  ”Owls are keepers of the dead, but not just the dead. They’re messengers between worlds.” For an instant Roger was next to her, solid, warm in the cold night, and she put out a hand by impulse, as though to touch him.
  
  Then he was gone and she was standing alone in the shadow of the pines, looking toward Lallybroch, the shotgun cold in her hand. “I’ll get you back, Roger,” she whispered under her breath, and curled her left hand into a fist, clenching the copper ring with which he’d married her. “I will.” But first she had to make sure her kids were safe.
  
  Night rose up around the house and Lallybroch faded slowly out of sight, a paler blotch against the dark. She checked the safety on the gun and moved silently toward home.
  

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  • It's comforting, yet eerie, when we feel a loved one beside us when they aren't really there. I know Jamie often speaks of having Ian Sr. protecting his weaker side. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, March 07 2022, 10:45:23
  
  

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• Frazzled and frizzled Betsy BFS -- QOTD for Friday, 3/4/22, Thu, March 03 2022, 19:11:48
  Good evening, Lally Lovies,
  
  I'll spare all of you my blather this evening. Long day, long night yet to come.
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
  
  The following quote come from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, copyright© 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  "If every ever find yourself in the midst of paradox, you can be sure you stand on the edge of truth," his adopted father had told him once. "You may not know what it is, mind," he'd added with a smile "But it's there."
  ,
  

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  • The Reverend Wakefield was a wise man. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, March 04 2022, 5:26:06
    • I had no idea who was speaking and I have to admit I don’t quite know what a paradox is or iconic means. No matter how many times I look them up. The concepts just seem to elude my aging brain. What was the paradox here? I don’t have my book handy. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, March 04 2022, 8:00:11
      • Is this when he gets the position as assistant choir master even though he can't sing? (NT) -- kgp, Fri, March 04 2022, 14:18:02
  
  

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• QOTD for 2/3/22 -- Mushroom-head Betsy BFS, Wed, March 02 2022, 22:11:46
  My hairdresser is not so hot. She's been not so hot since I started going to her. No matter what I say I want, what pictures I bring in, I still look the same. Like a mushroom.
  
  There's a reason I don't go to anyone else, though. David looks at me every time I come home after a trim/shape and rates it on a scale of one to ten. I made it to a five once. One time, he refused to say anything. She's retiring in October and I'm counting the days, under my breath.
  
  Lisa, my hairdresser, used to do my mother's hair, once a week, since forever. My mother was never a warm-fuzzy, and loved listening to all the gossip. And Lisa could gossip, that's for sure. I learned never to say anything I did't want published in the local paper--on front page. Lisa knew my mother very well; watched her as she slid down the slope into a different place. The last year of my mom's life, Lisa came here to my house to shampoo, set, and comb out my mother's hair. When my Mom died, Lisa came here to wash and set her hair, one more time.
  
  I shattered my left shoulder in an accident and could'nt manage washing my hair. At the time, my hair was down to my waist, thick and heavy. Lisa washed my hair every week for 6 months. For free. When David was having surgery after surgery and my kids were eating a lot of cheerios, Lisa made soup. When I was totally broke (like the balance in my checkbook was $0.05- broke) she and I would barter. We still do sometimes...barter... I make huge apple pies for her husband and she puts highlights in my hair.
  
  Lisa messed up appointments all the time. I make sure she writes the date and time on a card so I could show her I'm not crazy. I'm not sure she has ever accepted it was her goof, not mine. She talks really loud, non-stop, about every piece of gossip she can find. She drives me nuts and I look like a mushroom.
  
  But, above all, Lisa is kind. She has a wonderful heart, wouldn't knowingly hurt a fly. I can't knowingly hurt her. So I will continue to have a 5 out of 10 (on a good day) haircut and wear a lot of hats
  
  I'll miss her when she retires. I think I'll have a better haircut and ditch the mushroom-top.
  
  Kindness goes a long way.
  
  I'm counting the days, quietly.
  
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  
  I need to admit that this quote isn't random. I just love it.
  
  
  The following quote is taken rom 'Written in My Own Heart's Blood,' Prologue, by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  In the light of eternity, time casts no shadow.
  Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men will see visions. But what is it that the old women see?
  
  We see necessity, and we do the things that must be done.
  
  Young women don't see--they
  ARE, and the spring of life runs through them.
  
  Ours is the guarding of the spring, ours the shielding of the light we have lit, the flame that we are.
  
  What have I seen? You are the vision of my youth, the constant dream of all my ages.
  
  Here I stand on the brink war again, a citizen of no place, no time, no country but my own.... and that a land lapped by no sea but blood, bordered only by the outlines of a face long-loved.
  

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  • Well, gosh, Betsy - I'm weeping in my tea both for your story and for this quote. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, March 03 2022, 4:02:45
    • Me too. Before I even read your reply, Karen, the tears started. I have some tribulations I can’t share publicly, but the strong women in the books and being able to come here with you strong, loving, empathetic, saucy- just all good - is helping me more than you can imagine. Betsy, of course you’ll stay with your friend because it sounds like she’s one of the best and will still be that when she’s not your hairdresser. It’ll be hard when your new one gives you a 9 out of 10 though 😉 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, March 03 2022, 6:44:54
      • We are all here to support each other. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, March 03 2022, 8:21:36
      • I draw strength from the strong women that Diana brings to us, too, Kathy. There have been many times when I've asked myself..."Ok. What would Brianna do? Or Marsali? Or Jenny?" Strangely, I don't turn to Claire. I wonder if, for me, she feels unattainable. Maybe, her circumstances scare the bejesus out of me, and I'm pretty sure if I woke up in the middle of battle, somewhere I didn't recognize, I'd melt into a puddle, too afraid to even make a noise. I KNOW I'd be sure that I had gone mad. That would be before I met BJR. The other women, all powerhouses in their own way, pull something from me that is palpable. Even those women who we abhor. They all have something to give. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Thu, March 03 2022, 18:41:10
  • Aaah, Betsy, I feel for you re: your hairdresser! I went to the same one (as did my Mom & sister) for decades - from HS, to our weddings, funerals, special, and not-so-special occasions. She was the first to cut my kids' hair. My hair wasn't a 10, usually more of a 7 after a good day,sometimes not. But she is just a lovely person and dear friend. She retired a year or so ago when she moved, and I started going to my daughter's stylist, who does a fabulous job. I really love my color and cut, and Erin is a great person. But it's not the same as the bond I had with Nancy. I miss my friend. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, March 03 2022, 8:18:57
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday, 3/2/22 -- Blooper Betsy,, Tue, March 01 2022, 22:49:30
  Howdy-do, Lallypeepers!
  
  Is this a disjointed week? I carefully had planned my agenda, making sure I paired up Big-energy stuff with Little Energy stuff, because I need a nap after what ever I'm doing to function. Now, it never really works, the nap thing, but I try.
  
  This week, I had carefully organized every day, including a NAP each day. Proud proud proud!!! I'm showing a hint of perhaps a tiny bit of organization! I may actually complete something.
  
  Oh, no. Every single carefully planned, carefully organized, even proudly awaiting their ever-so-predictable place within my highly organized week, all blew up. Now, when I was working and dealing with 4 different kids worth of agendas, my day would change by the hour. I was a champ at being flexable, of changing priorities on a dime. I kept everything in my head and nothing fell out! Everybody's days changed daily, and I blithely danced around as Super Mom. Well, my house was never a candidate for House Beautiful; there was always a couch that looked like Mt. Vesuvius had exploded. I don't remember when the pile went away. Years after everyone left. Everyone lived out of The Pile. The girls used to have armed battles over whose underpants were whose. It was a jolly time.
  
  Now, if I can remember where I'm suppoed to show up, it's a good day.Hahahahahahaha. About those naps. They don't happen. David announces he's taking a nap, shuts his eyes, and snores. I lie down. Our Very Elderly Lab stands at my head, snout 1/2 inch from my face, and starts to whine. It takes 45 seconds after I line down. If I pretend I'm asleep (like my snoring DH,) he whines louder. He gets louder and louder until he sounds like a bloodhound who has treed a cougar. Out of bed. Find boots. Figure out where I hung my wet coat, scarf, and hat. They are still wet. Oh goodie. Out we go, to search for poop in the snow.
  
  After dog #1 is taken care of, dog #2 decides she needs to go out, too, and then jumps onto the bed to snuggle, cat # 1 hops onto the bed and ensconces himself across the pillow, half wrapped around my head. Here comes cat#2. He adhereds to my side, face just under my chin. And licks my chin.
  
  I have absolutely no idea what I was supposed to do, and my house is more cluttered, dusty, worse by a long shot than when the kids were all in school. I don't even remember what I was supposed to do tomorrow.
  
  Don't tell my kids.
  
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  Day #4 of Eyes closed and point.
  
  The following quote is taken from 'Drums of Autumn,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 17, "Home for the Holidays" Copyright © 1997, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  "Did you ever want to know?" Her hand came up and brushed his away-- but she clung to his fingers, holding on.
  
  He took a deep breath, finding comfotrt in the whiskey.
  
  "Yeah. Yes I did. You need to, I think." His fingers tightened around hers, drawing her toward the table. "Come sit down; I'll tell you."
  
  He knew what missing a father felt like, especially an unknown father. For a time, just after he'd started school, he'd pored obsessively over his father's medals, carried the little velvet case about in his pocket, boasted to his friends about his father's heroism.
  

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  • Daddy never talked about the war. He was in Europe in WWII. He passed too young and we never got to talk to him about it. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, March 03 2022, 8:11:30
  
  

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• QOTD for March.1st, 2022. -- Trifocaled Betsy, Mon, February 28 2022, 20:53:06
  Lallypoppers!
  I've been picking up random Books,opening them, and closing my eyes and pointing. That's how this week is rolling. I have to giggle a bit because every time (except the Begats) the quote has been good. It's Magic, I tell ya!
  
  I'm not going to write much tonight. I have a ton of stuff to do tomorrow and I need to get to bed. I love Satchel Page.
  
  Oh, one thing. David and I have been thinking and being concerned about Helka. David messaged her today and she messeged back saying she's doing fine.
  
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  The following quote is from 'Outlander,' by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 20, "Deserted Glades." Copyright © by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  
  "Get up, you rutting bastard." The barrel moved sharply, jarring against Jamie's temple. Very slowly, he rose to his feet. A drop of blood began to well from the graze, dark against his white face.
  
  
  There were two of them; Redcoat deserters from the look of their ragtag remnants of uniform. Both were armed with muskets and pistols, and looked very much amused by what chance had delivered into their hands. Jamie stood with his hands raised, the barrel of a musket pressed against his chest, face carefully expressionless.
  

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  • This was so awful and a scene that they absolutely captured on camera. Catriona’s portrayal made it even worse, if possible. You have an Lallyfinger Betsy! It’s picking out well known and well loved passages. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, March 01 2022, 5:33:02
    • It's not easy to kill someone. It isn't like the movies. It's not neat and tidy and people often don't die and they fight back. Watching Claire in the Films struggle to hit the right spot was horrid. I wonder if her years of nursing helped with the anatomy of the deserter and knowing where to stick the knife. Her years of seeing soldiers die may have helped with the shock of death. I know Dougal's men taught her what to do, but reality is very different than practice. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, March 01 2022, 23:00:22
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday, 2/28/22 -- Blathering Betsy, Sun, February 27 2022, 21:18:57
  Good Evening, morning, afternoon, night, to all Lallybrochers, Whatever the time is where you are.
  
  I seem to be aging. There're a few hints that that may be the case. First of all, my family tells me all the time that I'm an old lady (which I am not,..... I'd call them names, but I try to refrain from profanity here,) complaint that I'm deaf (there's a bit of truth there, I'll admit,) I'm confused (not true. I just don't bother being the sweet, mild mom I used to be. It was tiring,) and I have gotten less-nice. That one is very true. I was nice for my whole life, and it never served me well.I still ended up looking like a coat-rack at all times and holding whatever bag of shyte that had been slinging around. Nice is over-rated.
  
  However, I keep forgetting I have learned , unsuccessfully, it seems, to step out of my old routines and be honest with my Truth. Well, my truth seems to be livng my life as a coatrack holding a sack of poop. I have tried to duck when the clothes start flying around and I run and duck when I see that sack filling up, but I'm a flippin' human ball of velcro. The worst part is , even now, with all my kids grown and thriving, I'm still outnumbered and usually out-maneuvered.
  
  Someone asks me for my opinion and I give it. Mistake. Danger, Will Robinson. (I hope I'm not the only one who used to watch Lost in Space? Puleeeze tell me someone knows that quote.) David just shakes his head and says, "It's been thirty nine years now. You should KNOW that's not going to end well." sigh.
  
  My kids call me old (not true.) One is not old until one starts wearing one's underwear OVER their clothes. Not on purpose.
  
  My kids call me old (not true) because I forget the stories I have already told them and tell them over again. That part is true. If I blather on about something I've already written, just skip it and don't tell my kids.
  
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  I have to admit this was the second Open Book and Point thing for today. First one was like reading the Begats in Sunday school in the 1950's.
  
  The following quote is from 'Voyager,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 56, "Turtle Soup." Copyright © 1994, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  "Oh." Lawrence sounded faintly disappointed. 'I suppose Mrs Fraser is asleep, then?"
  
  "Laugh, and I'll throttle ye," Jamie whispered in my ear. "She is, Mr. Stern," he called through the door. "I shall give her your respects in the morning, aye?"
  
  "I trust that she will rest well. There seems to be a certain roughness to the sea this evening,"
  

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  • I know we’re close in age, Betsy, and I feel your pain. I’m going through some awful shite right now and it is hard to change engrained patterns. On a happier note - it’s always so good to come here and spend time with like minded friends 😊. Rough seas indeed, J & C could tell him a thing or two about that! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, February 28 2022, 6:53:53
    • I'll keep you in my prayers, Kathy. (NT) -- BetsyBFS, Mon, February 28 2022, 20:20:18
      • ❤️ (NT) -- Kathy, Tue, March 01 2022, 5:35:07
  • Ha! Mr. Stern, if you think the seas are rough, it's probably from Jamie & Claire rocking & rolling! Turtle Soup is the BEST chapter ever written. Also BBS, I remember "Danger, Will Robinson." The DH & I STILL use that phrase. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, February 28 2022, 12:14:33
    • Turtle soup is indeed a favorite chapter. There was a lot more of that particular scene, but it was too long to use. I knew everyone would what this was immediately (NT) -- Betsy BBS, Mon, February 28 2022, 20:17:19
    • Me too!! But only because a friend got channel 22. We only got 16 and 28 and thought it was a huge deal when PBS debuted. Although their original stuff was pretty boring. And now I fall asleep going through the guide deciding what to watch. Lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, March 01 2022, 5:39:17
  • I, too, watched Lost in Space and remember "Danger Will Robinson" well. In a cartoon in this morning's paper one of the characters said, "How old would you feel if you didn't know how old you were." (Quote by Satchel Paige). It seems appropriate here!Today I feel like I'm 75. Some days I feel like i"m 40....always remember that age is just a number, and time is a human construct. (NT) -- Janet, Mon, February 28 2022, 12:42:21
  
  

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• QOTD for Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022 -- Betsy BS, Sat, February 26 2022, 22:02:57
  Howdy-do, Lallyland!
  
  The world's turned upside down. I'm fairly numb at the moment and it's been a bit stressful for the last several days, and then I saw the news. Sort of kicked me into "There, but for the Grace of God, go I."
  
  
  Do you know how many childrens' books I have? I absolutely LOVE well-illustrated childrens' books and have amassed about 1082, I think, not counting the little books for babies. I only have 97 of those. That may be a tiny bit exaggerated, ahem... but not much. I have read them all.....ALL...of them, 20 times each over this past week. What were they thinking when they sent a 5 year old home with instructions for parents (and grandparents) to keep him calm and quiet. No running, hopping, jumping, dancing, skipping, jumping on couches.... all those things that happen in the life of a child in an hour? Some one who doesn't have any children. That's the only sort of idiot who would expect a 5 year old to sit quietly, that's who. For two weeks AT LEAST. Usually, I toss those instructions in the fire and go with my gut, but this time I've actually tried to follow instructions. That's a first, as my family doc will tell you.
  
  I stopped having wild adherence to doctors' instructions when I brought my first tiny baby in for a rash... because that's what you're supposed to do.. three times in three months and the diagnosis was the same each time. Viral exanthum. After time number three, I asked our doc if that's what the medical community calls "who the hell knows, it's normal, and viral exanthum sounds clinical." he said "Yup." I said, well..... I'll see you for her check ups. Maybe. He knew me pretty well and had the presence of mind to laugh. After giving birth the first time, I was instructed to refrain for any sexual activity for two weeks. My doc's wife was a good friend of mine and I told her what my instructions were and she did a tea-out-the-nose snort and said, "We waited about 6 hours." Into the garbage went the written stuff. I was fine, my baby was fine, and I managed to raise all our kids without killing them. I don't count the times I had visions of choking my daughters here and there for 22 years. They're still alive and I'm not in prison. Works for me.
  
  I laugh at myself, but I DID know when we needed more than Mama's concoctions. I don't want you to wonder if you should call child services and turn me in... there's a statute of limitations and I dodged the bullet.
  
  I DID however, call child services on myself once. That's a story for another time.
  
  
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  I haven;t had time to prepare any quotes ahead of time, so this is an Open a Book and Point a Finger week. This is honestly what I opened the book and stuck my finger on. I thought it was meant to be.
  
  The following quote is from 'Written in my Own Heart's Blood,' by Diana Gabaldon, chapter71, "Folie A Trois." Copyright © 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
  
  "You'd better go," he said, looking me in the eye and speaking in a low voice. "You must not be found alone with me."
  
  "Grannie?" Germaine pushed back the tent flap, red as a beet under his shaggy bangs. "Grannie! Come quick! Papa says Grand-pere wants you!"
  
  He disappeared and I hastily snatched up my equipment , bedizening myself with bags and boxes. I made for the tent flap, but paused for an instant, turning to John.
  
  "I should have asked-- does he care for YOU?" I said.
  
  He shut his good eye and his lips compressed for a moment.
  
  "I hope not," he said.
  

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  • Lord John and Claire have some of the best conversations. I was truly worried for John. I'm still not sure about Percy. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, February 27 2022, 11:10:36
    • I've never been able to wrap my brain around Jamie's beating of LJG. All thought Jamie dead. If anything, why doesn't Jamie even mention that John saved Claire, Marsali, Fergus and family? That was pretty noble of him, in my opinion. I'm still annoyed at Jamie's fixation on the coitus and nothing else. (NT) -- Betsy BS, Sun, February 27 2022, 20:16:02
      • Testosterone poisoning. It’s the answer to so many questions about men. LOL (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, February 28 2022, 3:30:58
      • Part of that first punch was the unfinished punch from Brotherhood of the Blade. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, February 28 2022, 11:58:14
  
  

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• I just have to tell you that I started listening to Bees. It’s fantastic. But I went long with a personal story, I do tend to talk too much. -- Kathy in PA, Sat, February 26 2022, 5:32:14
  Immediately struck by how super Davina’s interpretation is of the voices. But once again it made me fill up, this time for them and personally. My daughter’s beloved father in law died on Oct. 22, one month before the book came out. He had been battling cancer and heart problems for 18 months with success and good times with the family. Then one morning he asked his wife to call the ambulance “because something‘s different today.” He WALKED to the ambulance and then passed three hours later. He had seen his three children happy and well with their partners. He was a super Grandad to my grandson, who was actually his step grandson, but you never knew it. They shared a lot of time and Jake loved him. The day he died the whole family’s thought was, “We knew it was coming, but not today……..”. So when Sarah read this prologue she lost it because it was exactly what she was grieving. Listening to it now, hit me hard too, as the prologues ALWAYS do 🥲, but this one is another time where Diana hit a grand slam with human emotions. Take a minute and read it if you don’t remember- you’ll see just what I mean.
  

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  • True, you never think it will be today. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. (NT) -- kgp, Sat, February 26 2022, 5:45:10
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday, February 26, 2022 -- kgp, Sat, February 26 2022, 5:43:38
  The following quotation is from The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 14 Fridstool
  
  
  It seemed a mildly heretical thought. And yet the thought felt answers at once; it gave him a feeling of . . . what? Trust? Confidence? Relief at the sharing of his burden?
  
  He shook his head, half in dismay. Here he sat in an Englishman’s rubbish, talking to a dead Protestant nun with whom he’d had two minute’s real conversation, asking her to look after a child who had grandparents, an aunt, and servants by the score, all anxious to keep him from the slightest harm. He himself couldn’t have done a thing for William had he been still at Helwater. And yet he felt absurdly better at the notion that someone else knew about William and would help to watch over him.
  

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• QOTD for a very snowy Friday, February 25, 2022 -- kgp, Fri, February 25 2022, 4:33:32
  The following quotation is from The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 14 Fridstool
  
  
  “It’s a bit chilly, Sister,” he said, as tactfully as possible. The place was cold as a tomb, and he didn’t want her death on his conscience - let alone laid at his door.
  
  “At my age, Mr. MacKenzie, cold is the natural state of being,” she said tranquilly. “Perhaps it is nature’s way of easing us toward the final chill of the grave. Nor would dying of pleurisy be that much more unpleasant - nor much faster - than dying of the dropsy as I am. But I did bring a warm cloak, as well as the brandy.”
  
  He gave up arguing; he’d known enough strong-minded women to recognize futility when he met it.
  

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  • Maybe that’s a lot of Jamie’s appeal. He HAS known more than enough strong minded women and had the good sense to recognize that gift. His mother, his sister, his aunt, his wife, his DIL, his daughter, Rachel, his granddaughters 😊 🤣 🥰. He knew they “knew” things and got them done. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, February 26 2022, 3:59:30
  
  

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• QOTD for Thursday, February 24, 2022 - Sorry I'm late, breakfast meeting. -- kgp, Thu, February 24 2022, 7:27:57
  The following quotation is from The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 14 Fridstool
  
  
  “Well, everyone should have one,” she said firmly, “whether Papist or not. A fridstool is a seat of refuge, of sanctuary. Churches - English churches - often have one, for the use of persons seeking sanctuary, though I must say, they aren’t used as often these days as in former centuries.” She waved a hand knobbed with rheumatism and took another drink.
  
  “As I no longer have my cell as a place of private retirement, I was obliged to find a fridstool. And I think I have chosen well,” she added, with a look of complacency about the folly.
  
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  Have you got a fridstool?
  

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  • Any peaceful out of the way spot that has an Outlander book. (NT) -- JamesG, Thu, February 24 2022, 11:09:17
  
  

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• QOTD for Twosday, February 2, 2022 -- kgp, Mon, February 21 2022, 15:16:49
  The following quotation is from The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 14 Fridstool
  
  
  The sister did have the dropsy, though. He’d learned that when he came upon her one evening, quite unexpectedly, leaning on the paddock fence, wheezing, her lips blue.
  
  “Shall I fetch ye someone, Sister?” he said, alarmed at her appearance. “A maid - shall I send for Lady Dunsany?”
  
  She didn’t answer at once but turned toward him, struggling for breath, and lost her grip on the fence. He seized her as she began to fall and, from sheer necessity, picked her up in his arms. He apologized profusely, much alarmed - what if she were about to die? - looking wildly around for help. But then realized that she was not in fact expiring. She was laughing. Barely able to catch breath but laughing, bony shoulders shaking slightly under the dark cloak she wore.
  

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  • Jamie’s a great healer with animals and with just a little help from Claire’s knowledge, he’s pretty good at helping humans too! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, February 22 2022, 6:53:05
    • As to your question below; my last name ends in ...son. make what you will of that but as far as I'm concerned I am a direct decendent of William Wallace "AND" Robert the Bruce. Long live Scotland🗡️🏹🦄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (NT) -- JamesG, Thu, February 24 2022, 11:01:43
  • Who wouldn't giggle at being picked up by Jamie? JamesG I'd bet even you would! (NT) -- kgp, Tue, February 22 2022, 14:27:31
    • No, but I would be tickled pink to find myself in Brianna's arms. She can even tickle my feet which drives me crazy. (NT) -- JamesG, Thu, February 24 2022, 10:53:08
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday, Fecruary 23, 2022 -- kgp, Wed, February 23 2022, 3:36:47
  The following quotation is from The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 14 Fridstool
  
  
  “Do you know, I believe that is the first time I’ve found myself in a young man’s arms? Quite a pleasant experience; perhaps if I’d had it earlier, I should not have been a nun.”
  
  Dark eyes twinkled up at him from a network of deep wrinkles, and he couldn’t help smiling back.
  
  "I shouldna like to think myself a threat to your vow o' chastity, Sister."
  

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  • Och, aye, Sister, quite pleasant indeed, especially if it's Jamie!!! (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, February 23 2022, 11:29:32
  • I had to look up fridstool and to my delight there were immediate references to this work. It’s a place of refuge, could be an actual chair in a sanctuary. Diana said hers was an upturned bucket in her back yard 😊. This Sister reminds me of Sister Monica Joan. Delightfully and innocently wicked. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, February 23 2022, 11:58:44
  
  

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• QOTD for February 20, 2022 -- kgp, Sun, February 20 2022, 4:58:58
  The following quotation is from The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 14 Fridstool
  
  
  By the next afternoon, the inside of Jamie’s head was buzzing like a hive of bees, one thought vanishing up the arse of the next before he could get hold of it. He badly needed peace to sort through it all, but the house was nearly as busy as his mind. There were servants everywhere. It was as bad as Versailles, he thought. Chambermaids, wee smudgit maids called tweenies who seemed to spend all their time trudging up and down the back stairs with buckets and brushes, footmen, bootboys, butlers . . . He’d nearly run down John Grey’s young valet in the hallway a minute ago, turning a corner and finding Byrd under his feet, the lad so buried under a heap of dirty linen he was carrying that he could barely see over it.
  
  Jamie couldn't even sit quietly in his room. If someone wasn’t coming in the air the sheets, someone else was coming in to build the fire or take away the rug to be beaten or bring fresh candles or ask whether his stockings needed darning. They did, but still.
  

  Last edited by author: Sun, February 20 2022, 4:59:41   Edited 1 time.
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  • When my socks need darning I just git my butler Mr Walmart to fix them for me. 😂😂 (NT) -- JamesG, Sun, February 20 2022, 13:00:30
    • LOL, when we were first married (35+ years ago), my DH came to me with a holey sock and asked me if I could darn it. HUH??? Yeah, sure, give it to me. I held it over the wastebasket, dropped it in, and said, "Oh, darn!!" He still laughs about that! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, February 22 2022, 13:18:36
  • I like the description of his thoughts colliding (NT) -- kgp, Sun, February 20 2022, 15:49:39
  • The craziness of all the luxury. He’d seen it Helwater and a long time ago at Versailles; but to be plunked down in the middle of it as a guest!?!? What IS going on? I laughed at your comment, James. You and Jamie both in the end are practical - are you Scottish by chance? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, February 21 2022, 2:51:26
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday,February 21, 2022 - Hope no one is suffering from confined bowels today. -- kgp, Mon, February 21 2022, 4:38:46
  The following quotation is from The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 14 Fridstool
  
  
  It was an elderly Anglican nun who’d told him what a fridstool was, just last year. Sister Eudoxia was a distant connection of Lady Dunsany’s, who’d come to Helwater to recuperate from what Cook said was dropsical dispersion.
  
  Glimpsing Sister Eudoxia sitting in a wicker elbow chair on the lawn, wrinkled eyelids closed against the sun like a lizard’s, he’d wondered what Claire would have said of the lady’s condition. She wouldn’t have called it a dropsical dispersion, he supposed, and smiled involuntarily at the thought, recalling his wife’s outspokenness on the matter of such complaints as iliac passions, confined bowels, or what one practitioner called “the universal relaxation of the solids.”
  

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  • Not suffering today but last week. Well that's a story for another day (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Mon, February 21 2022, 5:29:44
    • Got DH eating oatmeal (it’s a struggle and a very small portion) and the local apple orchard’s cider - problem solved and Bob’s your uncle! First time I ever used it - the 💩 emoji. lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, February 21 2022, 6:41:46
      • I love apple cider....but it certainly "moves" me....luckily the local farmers market sells in in 1 pint containers! (NT) -- Janet, Mon, February 21 2022, 10:28:45
  
  

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• QOTD for Friday, February 18, 2022 -- CindyG, Thu, February 17 2022, 21:29:10
  The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 36, “Practical and Applied Witchcraft.” Copyright © 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘A cuckoo,’ she said, almost conversationally. ‘That’s what ye are, laddie—a great cuckoo in the nest. God knows whose son ye were meant to be; it wasna mine.’
  Young Ian flushed hotly, dropping his eyes as the red burned in his cheeks. He pushed the feathery damp hair out of his eyes with the back of one hand.
  ‘I—well, I just …’ he began, eyes on his boots, ‘I couldna just …’
  ‘Oh, never mind about it now!’ his mother snapped. ‘Get ye upstairs to your bed; your Da will deal wi’ ye in the morning.’
  Ian glanced helplessly at the parlor door, then at me. He shrugged once more, looked at the sodden hat in his hands as though wondering how it had got there, and shuffled slowly down the hall.”
  

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  • It’s hard now to picture the confident MAN that he grows into. I’m too old for Ian, but once he’s grown up he totally adds to the sexy man line up in the Outlander story. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, February 19 2022, 9:29:15
  
  

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• QOTD for Thursday, February 17, 2022 -- CindyG, Wed, February 16 2022, 22:03:55
  The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 28, “Virtue’s Guardian.” Copyright © 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘Almost fifteen!’ Young Ian corrected, sitting up and looking interested.
  ‘Well, that is certainly sufficient,’ Fergus said, with a glance at Madame Jeanne for confirmation. ‘Your brothers were no older when I first brought them here, and they acquitted themselves honorably.’
  ‘You what?’ Jamie goggled at his protégé.
  ‘Well, someone had to,’ Fergus said, with slight impatience. ‘Normally, a boy’s father—but of course, le Monsieur is not—meaning no disrespect to your esteemed father, of course,’ he added, with a nod to Young Ian, who nodded back like a mechanical toy, ‘but it is a matter for experienced judgment, you understand?’
  ‘Now’—he turned to Madame Jeanne, with the air of a gourmand consulting the wine steward—‘Dorcas, do you think, or Penelope?’
  ‘No, no,’ she said, shaking her head decidedly, ‘it should be the second Mary, absolutely. The small one.’
  ‘Oh, with the yellow hair? Yes, I think you are right,’ Fergus said approvingly. ‘Fetch her, then.’
  Jeanne was off before Jamie could manage more than a strangled croak in protest.
  ‘But—but—the lad canna—‘ he began.
  ‘Yes, I can,’ Young Ian said. ‘At least, I think I can.’
  It wasn’t possible for his face to grow any redder, but his ears were crimson with excitement, the traumatic events of the day completely forgotten.”
  

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  • Although it went against all his beliefs, I’m so glad Jamie realized Ian needed this. And even better yet, Madame Jeanne knew who would be perfect 😍 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, February 17 2022, 5:54:31
  • Where was Fergus when I was almost fifteen?? 😉😉😂😂 ... I can never read this part without cracking up. 🤪🤪 (NT) -- JamesG, Thu, February 17 2022, 9:33:03
  • This was so entertaining - "Yes, I can! At least, I think I can..." Oh, Ian, too funny! And Fergus stating that he had brought the older brothers there for their first "encounters" was such a shock to Jamie! (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, February 17 2022, 9:45:41
  • CindyG, thanks for this great week of Young Ian. I have such a soft spot for him. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, February 17 2022, 9:46:45
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday, February 16, 2022 -- CindyG, Tue, February 15 2022, 22:02:53
  The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 27, “Up in Flames.” Copyright © 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “He felt very odd in my arms; nearly as big as a full-grown man, but with fine, light bones, and so little flesh on them that it was like holding a skeleton. He was talking into the depths of my bosom, his voice so disjointed by emotion and muffled by fabric that it was difficult to make out the words.
  ‘ … mortal sin …’ he seemed to be saying, ‘ … damned to hell … couldna tell Da … afraid … canna go home ever …’
  Jamie raised his brows at me, but I only shrugged helplessly, smoothing the thick, bushy hair on the back of the boy’s head. At last Jamie leaned forward, took him firmly by the shoulders and sat him up.
  ‘Look ye, Ian,’ he said. ‘No, look—look at me!’
  By dint of supreme effort, the boy straightened his drooping neck and fixed brimming, red-rimmed eyes on his uncle’s face.
  ‘Now then.’ Jamie took hold of his nephew’s hands and squeezed them lightly. ‘First—it’s no a sin to kill a man that’s trying to kill you. The Church allows ye to kill if ye must, in defense of yourself, your family, or your country. So ye havena committed mortal sin, and you’re no damned.’
  ‘I’m not?’ Young Ian sniffed mightily, and mopped at his face with a sleeve.
  ‘No, you’re not.’ Jamie let the hint of a smile show in his eyes. ‘We’ll go together and call on Father Hayes in the morning, and ye’ll make your confession and be absolved then, but he’ll tell ye the same as I have.’
  ‘Oh.’ The syllable held profound relief, and Young Ian’s scrawny shoulders rose perceptibly, as though a burden had rolled off of them.”
  

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  • Oh, Ian, poor wee mannie that he is at this point in his life. Will his life settle down to more "normal" with Rachel and their family? Time will tell. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, February 16 2022, 9:24:09
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday, February 14, 2022 -- CindyG, Sun, February 13 2022, 21:05:00
  The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 26, “Whore’s Brunch.” Copyright © 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “The door opened very slowly, and after quite a long pause, a head poked its way through the opening, much in the manner of a snail emerging from its shell after a hailstorm.
  It was topped with an ill-cut shag of dark brown hair so thick that the cropped edges stuck out like a shelf above a pair of large ears. The face beneath was long and bony; rather pleasantly homely, save for a pair of beautiful brown eyes, soft and huge as a deer’s, that rested on me with a mingled expression of interest and hesitancy.
  The head and I regarded each other for a moment.
  ‘Are you Mr. Malcolm’s … woman?’ it asked.
  ‘I suppose you could say so,’ I replied cautiously. This was obviously not the chambermaid with my breakfast. Neither was it likely to be one of the other employees of the establishment, being evidently male, though very young. He seemed vaguely familiar, though I was sure I hadn’t seen him before. I pulled the sheet a bit higher over my breasts. ‘And who are you?’ I inquired.
  The head thought this over for some time, and finally answered, with equal caution, ‘Ian Murray.’”
  

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  • Oooh a week of Ian 😊. This is the picture I’ve always had of him - kind of shaggy, sharp boned, crazy hair but those soft brown eyes already showed his heart. John Bell was one of the hardest characters to get used to on the show because he’s so “round” about his face. See what I mean about his birth slant eyes? They grew into “huge brown eyes soft as a deers” - which are some of the most beautiful. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, February 14 2022, 7:05:21
    • I agree about John Bell, but now I love him. He's grown with the part. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, February 14 2022, 8:32:03
      • Me too. That grin! And his mental portrayal is so good I’ve gotten beyond the physical differences. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, February 14 2022, 9:31:09
      • I love Wee Ian too. And I agree about John Bell. I decided early on that if I was going to watch the show, I had to accept the actors, the changes to the story, etc., and just watch it for itself. Not always easy, but so far it’s worked for me. (NT) -- CindyG, Mon, February 14 2022, 21:17:56
  • Shy Scot to confident Mohawk. 🏹🗡️🐕 (NT) -- JamesG, Mon, February 14 2022, 10:09:24
  • I've always loved "The head and I regarded each other..." This was such a action filled reintroduction to Young Ian. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, February 16 2022, 9:20:44
  
  

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• QOTD for Tuesday, February 15, 2022 -- CindyG, Mon, February 14 2022, 21:11:10
  The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 27, “Up in Flames.” Copyright © 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “Young Ian, though, was the focus of attention, as multiple heads came popping out of the drawing room in response to the noise Bruno was making. With his singed hair, swollen red face, beaky nose, and lashless, blinking eyes, he strongly resembled the fledgling young of some exotic bird species—a newly hatched flamingo, perhaps. His face could scarcely grow redder, but the back of his neck flamed crimson, as the sound of feminine giggles followed us up the stairs.
  Safely ensconced in the small upstairs sitting room, with the door closed, Ian turned to face his hapless offspring.
  ‘Going to live, are ye, ye wee bugger?’ he demanded.
  ‘Aye, sir,’ Young Ian replied in a dismal croak, looking rather as though he wished the answer were ‘No.’
  ‘Good,’ his father said grimly. ‘D’ye want to explain yourself, or shall I just belt hell out of ye now and save us both time?’”
  

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  • Still way shy here, James - poor kid. What a picture she paints though, a charred flamingo. I’m old enough to have “gotten the belt.” There were five of us and it always involved the whole line up. Not often, but it did make us rue the behavior and it didn’t scar me for life. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, February 15 2022, 7:08:31
    • Not often, but we got a switch. And I do mean "we". We had to go cut our own and it better be big enough or else mom would cut a huge one. So it was a balance of gitting a big enough one without it being "too" big. 😉😉 And I don't remember any of the switchings themselves, just the worry of being sure I got a well "Balanced" switch. 😂😂 Of course it may just be that we got a few love taps a few times at a young age and that put the fear of moms arm in us. 😄😄 Miss my mom and dad. Lost them both around the turn of the century. ("Turn of the century" ... That's a term we old folks git to use now.😂😂😂😂😂 (NT) -- JamesG, Tue, February 15 2022, 14:38:09
  • Poor Ian. Such an eventful life at only 14. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, February 15 2022, 7:35:17
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday, February 12, 2022 -- kgp, Sat, February 12 2022, 3:59:30
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 33 It’s Best To Sleep In A Hale Skin
  
  
  He straightened his shoulders as he thought this and, at the same time, saw Brian’s straight, flat back and the broad firm shoulders under the dark sett of his tartan coat. They were the echo of Jamie’s - and the promise of Jem’s.
  
  Life goes on. It was his job above all to rescue Jem, as much for Brian Fraser’s sake as for his own.
  
  And now he knew what had changed in him and gave thanks to God for what was indeed grace. He’d slept - and waked - in a whole skin. And however bloody the mornings to come, he had direction now, calmness and hope, because the good man who rode before him was on his side.
  

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  • I really hope Diana gets to write Brian and Ellen’s story. I think it would be amazing. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, February 13 2022, 11:09:33
  
  

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• QOTD for Sunday, February 13, 2022 -- CindyG, Sat, February 12 2022, 21:46:53
  The following quote is from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 5, “To Us A Child is Given.” Copyright © 1994 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  
  “‘D’ye want to see him?’
  ‘Oh, a him, is it?’ With hands experienced by years of unclehood, he lifted the tiny package and cuddled it against himself, pushing back the flap of blanket that shaded its face.
  Its eyes were closed tight shut, the lashes not visible in the deep crease of the eyelids. The eyelids themselves lay at a sharp angle above the flushed smooth rounds of the cheeks, giving promise that it might—in this one recognizable feature, at least—resemble its mother.
  The head was oddly lumpy, with a lopsided appearance that made Jamie think uncomfortably of a kicked-in melon, but the small fat mouth was relaxed and peaceful, the moist pink underlip quivering faintly with the snore attendant on the exhaustion of being born.
  ‘Hard work, was it?’ he said, speaking to the child, but it was the mother who answered him.
  ‘Aye, it was,’ Jenny said. ‘There’s whisky in the armoire—will ye fetch me a glass?’”
  

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  • The beginning of a life long relationship 💜 (NT) -- kgp, Sun, February 13 2022, 9:12:17
  • I skimmed this quickly and at first thought it was Jemmy because of the cat’s eye. Then read better and realized it’s Ian, who I love. I am so happy he found Rachel. You’re so right, Karen, they have such a special relationship - the best of uncle, father and friend all tied into one. I don’t remember Ian’s slanted eyes being mentioned again, unlike Bri and William. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, February 13 2022, 11:06:33
  
  

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• Quoters needed for the weeks for February 20 and 27. Also booking for March! -- kgp, Fri, February 11 2022, 5:12:54
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  • Betsy bfs has volunteered for the week of the 27th. Thank you!! Any takers for the 20th? (NT) -- kgp, Sat, February 12 2022, 4:00:28
  
  

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• QOTD for Friday, February 11, 2022 -- kgp, Fri, February 11 2022, 4:58:49
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 32 For Many Men Who Stumble At The Threshold Are Foretold That Danger Lurks Within.
  
  
  
  The light caught the dull gleam of duct tape - two or three discarded wads, flung into a corner. There was a cold feeling at the back of her neck, and she jerked round, flashlight raised - but it was no more than apprehension; no one was there. The outer door was locked, the mudroom windows secure.
  
  The door was locked. She made a small, frightened sound and clapped her hand hard over her mouth. LIke the door between the mudroom and kitchen, the mudroom’s outer door locked with a deadbolt - from the inside. If someone had gone out that way and left the door locked behind him - he had a key to the house. And her rifle was gone.
  

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  • You must excuse my French but my first reaction is “Ohhhhh F # @ € % K”. What else could possibly go wrong?!?! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, February 11 2022, 5:03:19
    • Exactly! I had to speed read this whole section of the book to see what happened! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, February 11 2022, 7:22:15
      • Then read it again for details! (NT) -- kgp, Fri, February 11 2022, 14:10:52
        • That’s why I love QOTD. It pulls a good thought out and makes me read it slowly and think about it. Especially from Snow and Ashes on - I do often go back and read a section for details! I don’t remember these last four books like the first five. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, February 11 2022, 15:26:55
  
  

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• QOTD for Thursday, February 10, 2022 -- kgp, Thu, February 10 2022, 4:46:10
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 31 The Shine of a Rocking Horse’s Eyes
  
  
  “Law’s a corrupt power but one acceptable to men by reason of having arisen from men - it’s a way of getting on wi’ things, is the best ye can say for it.”
  
  “And not a mean thing to say for it, either,” Fraser agreed. “The law’s a necessary evil - we canna be doing without it - but do ye not think it a poor substitute for conscience? Speakin’ as a minister, I mean?”
  
  ‘Well . . . aye. I do,” Roger said, somewhat surprised, “It would be best for men to deal decently with one another in accordance with - well, with God’s principles, if ye’ll pardon my putting it that way. But what are ye to do, first, if ye have men to whom God is of no account, and, second, if ye have men - and you do, always - who own no power greater than their own?”
  
  Fraser nodded, interested.
  
  “Aye, well, it’s true that the best conscience willna avail a man who willna mind it. But what d’ye do when conscience speaks differently to men of goodwill?”
  

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  • I think Brian was glad for educated company and missing arguments with his own son. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, February 10 2022, 4:57:03
    • I forgot all about this and it made me stop and think. How horrible it must have been for the Scots to live under British “law” governed by someone like BJR who has no conscience. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, February 10 2022, 8:27:23
  • I forgot that this exchange was with Brian, not Jamie. It's a conversation that could have easily been with either man, which tells a lot about each of their intelligence and morals. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, February 10 2022, 9:29:06
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday, February 9, 2022. -- kgp, Wed, February 09 2022, 5:08:11
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 30 Lights, Action, Sirens
  
  
  Jem didn’t remember standing up, but he was pressed against the filing cabinet, squeezing the can so hard that the bubbly Coke blurped out and foamed over his fingers.
  
  “You come with me, boy,” said the man who’d hit Mr. MacLeod. He was holding what Jem thought must be a cosh, though he’d never seen one. He couldn't move, even if he’d wanted to.
  
  The man made an impatient noise, stepped over Mr. MacLeod like he was a bag of rubbish, and grabbed Jem by the hand. Out of sheer terror, Jem bit him, hard. The man yelped and let go, and Jem threw the can of Coke right at his face, and when the man ducked, he tore past him and out of the office and down the long hallway, running for his life.
  

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  • While reading this, I think my heart was racing as fast as Jem's! (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, February 09 2022, 11:27:04
  
  

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• QOTD for Tuesday, February 8, 2022 -- kgp, Tue, February 08 2022, 6:57:00
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 29 Return To Lallybroch
  
  
  The thought caught at his throat, with memories of the horrible cellophane grass that got everywhere, Mandy with her face - and everything within six feet of her - smeared with chocolate, Jem carefully writing Dad on a hard-boiled egg with a white crayon, then frowning over the array of dye cups, trying to decide whether blue or purple was more Dad-like.
  
  “Lord, let him be here!” he muttered under his breath, and hurried down the rutted trail, half sliding on loose rocks.
  

  Last edited by author: Tue, February 08 2022, 6:57:18   Edited 1 time.
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  • How absolutely terrifying it would be to not only not know WHERE your child was, but WHEN. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, February 08 2022, 9:46:49
    • That’s the part that was hard for me - taking the chance of ending up where Jem was. I was yelling at Roger, “Just wait!!” (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, February 08 2022, 13:56:45
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday, February 7, 2022 -- kgp, Mon, February 07 2022, 4:51:25
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 28 Warmer, Colder
  
  
  He couldn’t hear his heart anymore. It was too noisy in the turbine chamber to hear anything. He sure couldn't hear himself think, but the stairs had to be near the windows, and he wobbled that way, keeping as far as he could from the huge black double humps sticking up through the floor.
  
  It was only when he found the door, yanked it open, and fell into the lighted staircase that it occurred to him to wonder whether Mr. Cameron was maybe up there, waiting for him.
  

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  • A very scary moment for Jem, if I am remembering correctly (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Mon, February 07 2022, 5:59:29
    • So much about this was terribly scary to me- the dark, claustrophobia, an adult you thought was ok, a locked door, neither parent there - Jem is so brave and mature beyond his years. Do you think it’s because his formative years were in the past? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, February 07 2022, 15:56:29
      • I think it's because of Germaine. And we all know when HE got it from. A Frenchie and a bloody Scott. 😂😂😂 (NT) -- JamesG, Mon, February 07 2022, 16:28:04
        • That's"where" not when. (NT) -- JamesG, Mon, February 07 2022, 16:31:45
      • I DO think that because of the way children were reared at The Ridge and in that time, they were better equipped to problem solve for themselves. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, February 08 2022, 9:48:28
  
  

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• QOTD for February 6, 2022 -- kgp, Sun, February 06 2022, 8:07:30
  The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 27 Nothing’s So Hard But Search Will Find It Out
  
  
  He grinned at Buck. “We made it. Don’t die on me now, you bugger.”
  
  “Do my best.” Buck was gruff but maybe starting to look better. “What happens if ye die out of your time? D’ye just disappear, like ye never were?”
  
  “Maybe ye explode into bits. I don't know, and I don't want to find out. Not while I’m standing next to you, at least.”
  

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  • I just read this somewhere, interesting relationship developing here (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, February 06 2022, 15:48:53
    • So weird. How do you forgive someone who got you hung? (hanged?) (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, February 07 2022, 15:58:09
      • In fairness, Buck didn't know he would be hanged. Only meant to hand him over as a prisoner. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, February 08 2022, 6:58:16
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday, Feb 5, 2022. The following is from "The Space Between" written by Diana Gabaldon All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Sat, February 05 2022, 5:05:39
  
  
  
  “It has been some time since I was last here,” he said. No lie there. “I wonder if another old acquaintance might be still alive—Ma?tre Raymond, otherwise called the Frog?”
  
  There was a tiny quiver in the air, a barely perceptible flicker of attention, gone almost as soon as he’d sensed it—somewhere behind him?
  
  “A frog,” Maxim said, meditatively pouring himself a drink. “I don’t know any frogs myself, but should I hear of one, who shall I say is asking for him?”
  
  Should he give his name? No, not yet.
  
  “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “But word can be left with Madame Fabienne. You know the place? In the Rue Antoine?”
  
  The dwarf’s sketchy brows rose, and his mouth turned up at one corner.
  
  “I know it.”
  
  Doubtless he did, Rakoczy thought. “El Maximo” hadn’t referred to Max’s stature, and probably “Le Grand” didn’t, either. God had a sense of justice, as well as a sense of humor.
  
  “Bon.” He wiped his lips on his sleeve and put down a coin that would have bought the whole keg. “Merci.”
  
  He stood up, the hot taste of the brandy bubbling at the back of his throat, and belched. Two more places to visit, maybe, before he went to Fabienne’s. He couldn’t visit more than that and stay upright; he was getting old.
  
  “Good night.” He bowed to the company and gingerly pushed open the cracked wooden door; it was hanging by one leather hinge, and that looked ready to give way at any moment.
  
  “Ribbit,” someone said very softly, just before the door closed behind him
  

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  • Master Raymond playing with the Comte? (NT) -- kgp, Sun, February 06 2022, 8:08:44
    • I think so. Master Raymond doesn't suffer the same malady of vanity that St Germain does. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, February 06 2022, 15:52:30
  
  

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• QOTD for Friday, Feb 4, 2022. The following is from "The Space Between" written by Diana Gabaldon All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Fri, February 04 2022, 4:49:39
  
  
  
  That was one advantage to hiding in the past, rather than going to Hungary or Sweden—life at this court tended to be short, and there were not so many who knew either his face or his history, though there would still be stories. Paris held on to its histoires. He found the iron gate—rustier than it had been; it left red stains on his palm—and pushed it open with a creak that would alert whatever now lived at the end of the alley.
  
  He had to see the frog. Not meet him, perhaps—he made a brief sign against evil—but see him. Above all else, he needed to know: had the man—if he was a man—aged?
  

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  • The Comte seems obsessed with aging; something I hadn't much thought about with our other TTs. I do love him referring to Raymond as "the frog", because that was Claire's first impression too. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, February 04 2022, 6:50:53
    • I keep wondering if Claire and the Comte aren’t related. I can’t remember where - it might’ve been this story, which I’m going to reread or listen to, that really made me think that. They are 2 sides of travelers, good and evil. A healer who understands life’s cycles vs one who wants to thwart them for himself? I can’t understand wanting to live forever. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, February 05 2022, 5:08:11
  
  

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• QOTD for Thursday, Feb 3, 2022. The following is from "The Space Between" written by Diana Gabaldon All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Thu, February 03 2022, 5:56:16
  He went to the tall gabled window that looked out over the Seine.
  
  That particular view of the river had changed barely at all in the last two hundred years; he’d seen it at several different times. He hadn’t always owned this house, but it had stood in this street since 1620, and he always managed to get in briefly, if only to reestablish his own sense of reality after a passage.
  
  Only the trees changed in his view of the river, and sometimes a strange-looking boat would be there. But the rest was always the same and no doubt always would be: the old fishermen, catching their supper off the landing in stubborn silence, each guarding his space with outthrust elbows, the younger ones, barefoot and slump-shouldered with exhaustion, laying out their nets to dry, naked little boys diving off the quay. It gave him a soothing sense of eternity, watching the river. Perhaps it didn’t matter so much if he must one day die?
  
  “The devil it doesn’t,” he murmured to himself, and glanced up at the sky. Venus shone bright. He should go.
  

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  • Is this the Comte or Master Raymond?? I have only read this book once and don't recall it all. Will have to do a re-read soon. Right now still doing some Bee keeping. 🐝🐝🐝 (NT) -- JamesG, Thu, February 03 2022, 16:23:17
    • St Germain, the little rat that he is/was. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Fri, February 04 2022, 6:30:25
      • So we have a frog and a rat. If we can git them up to lock "Ness" or would be interesting. 🐸🐀🐉 (NT) -- JamesG, Fri, February 04 2022, 10:04:17
        • "it" would be interesting (NT) -- JamesG, Fri, February 04 2022, 10:07:59
  
  

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• QOTD for Tuesday, Feb 1, 2022. The following is from "The Space Between" written by Diana Gabaldon All Rights Reserved -- -- LadyDuBois, Tue, February 01 2022, 5:14:09
  
  
  
  
  
  He needed to know. Because the Court of Miracles was talking. And they said the frog was back.
  

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  • In cahoots or rivalry with Raymond? (NT) -- kgp, Tue, February 01 2022, 10:20:28
    • In my humble opinion, a little of both. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, February 01 2022, 11:29:37
      • Ooh I never thought of either. I’ve always pictured “Master” Raymond somehow in charge of all of them. But I’d go with the Comte trying to challenge him. This reminds me of the gorgeous Star Chamber set on the show. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, February 01 2022, 14:29:28
        • Neither Master Raymond or Comte St Germain are beneath using who or what is needed to achieve their desired results. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, February 01 2022, 18:06:37
    • What exactly IS a cahoot?? 😂😂😂 (NT) -- JamesG, Tue, February 01 2022, 20:53:08
      • You don’t know?!?! Where are you from? LOL (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, February 02 2022, 6:19:52
        • 😂😂😂 (NT) -- JamesG, Wed, February 02 2022, 14:07:53
      • It's always plural and you aren't ever there by yourself. (NT) -- kgp, Wed, February 02 2022, 9:32:27
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022. The following is from "The Space Between" written by Diana Gabaldon All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Wed, February 02 2022, 5:22:20
  
  
  
  Nearly twilight, and the rats were still dead. The comte heard the bells of Notre Dame calling sept and glanced at his pocket watch. The bells were two minutes before their time, and he frowned. He didn’t like sloppiness. He stood up and stretched himself, groaning as his spine cracked like the ragged volley of a firing squad. No doubt about it, he was aging, and the thought sent a chill through him.
  
  If. If he could find the way forward, then perhaps … but you never knew, that was the devil of it. For a little while, he’d thought—hoped—that traveling back in time stopped the process of aging. That initially seemed logical, like rewinding a clock. But, then again, it wasn’t logical, because he’d always gone back farther than his own lifetime. Only once he’d tried to go back just a few years, to his early twenties. That was a mistake, and he still shivered at the memory.
  

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  • I forgot that last line. I wonder if we’ll find out what happened. Since he keeps showing up I think he’s important to the story so maybe we’ll see. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, February 02 2022, 6:22:49
  • We know you can't enter your own timeline. Roger got thrown back and on fire. (NT) -- kgp, Wed, February 02 2022, 8:18:09
  • This story was intriguing and makes the hair on my arms stand up. As more of the Conte and Master Raymond enfolds, it would likely make a good spooky TV series. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, February 02 2022, 10:05:41
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday, Jan 31, 2022. The following is from "The Space Between" written by Diana Gabaldon All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Mon, January 31 2022, 5:18:09
  
  
  Still … he himself had stayed dead a great while longer than half an hour when the frog had given him the dragon’s blood. It had been early evening when he went into Louis’s Star Chamber thirty years before, heart beating with excitement at the coming confrontation—a duel of wizards, with a king’s favor as the stakes—and one he’d thought he’d win. He remembered the purity of the sky, the beauty of the stars just visible, Venus bright on the horizon, and the joy of it in his blood. Everything always had a greater intensity when you knew life could cease within the next few minutes.
  

  Last edited by author: Mon, January 31 2022, 5:20:13   Edited 1 time.
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  • Either the Compte or Diana has a problem with dates then. She has admitted she doesn't keep track of how old Hal's kids are at a particular time. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, January 31 2022, 5:29:19
    • KGP, I absolutely love how you recall these details. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Mon, January 31 2022, 6:03:33
      • Wonder how KGP does that?? Maybe she has her own standing Stones?? 😂😂 (NT) -- JamesG, Mon, January 31 2022, 7:55:06
        • I've visited her and she hasn't shared with me. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Mon, January 31 2022, 12:15:43
        • I'm not telling mwahahahaha (NT) -- kgp, Tue, February 01 2022, 10:19:46
    • I think it is implying it was 30 yrs (or more). (NT) -- JamesG, Mon, January 31 2022, 15:15:05
      • Yes! In Gabaldonia that makes perfect sense 😊. The Comte is creepy isn’t he? The good vs the evil even in time travelers. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, January 31 2022, 15:35:03
  
  

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• QOTD for Sunday, Jan 30, 2022. The following is from "The Space Between" written by Diana Gabaldon All Rights Reserved -- LadyDuBois, Sun, January 30 2022, 5:26:38
  
  Paris, March 1778
  
  He still didn’t know why the frog hadn’t killed him. Paul Rakoczy, Comte St. Germain, picked up the vial, pulled the cork, and sniffed cautiously, for the third time, but then recorked it, still dissatisfied. Maybe. Maybe not. The scent of the dark-gray powder in the vial held the ghost of something familiar—but it had been thirty years.
  

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  • At first I thought he was remembering the king’s chamber with Claire, but that was before Culloden so the thirty years ago wouldn’t work, right? There is definitely some connection between Claire and the Comte and Master Raymond hinted at in a few places. Claire and the Comte sharing bloodlines - yuk! But maybe Master R has good and bad descendants. Just like all of us. LOL (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, January 30 2022, 10:56:43
    • Thirty years previous would have been 1748, Culloden was over which means St Germaine didn't die in the Kings chamber. For some reason Master Raymond only played at killing the Comte. I have to admit that I didnt' read the novella. just pulled the quote from an online site. Now I have to read it (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, January 30 2022, 12:31:06
      • I did and I’m still confused about these connections. Diana can truly weave stories, can’t she?! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, January 30 2022, 15:35:02
  • The 30 years could reference something else, not the dragon's blood from Raymond. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, January 31 2022, 5:26:58
  
  

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• QOTD for Sat, Jan 29th, 2022 -- JamesG, Fri, January 28 2022, 20:18:17
  The following quote is from "Written In My Own Heart's Blood" by Diana Gabaldon ch 62 "The Mule Dislikes You" copyright © 2014 by Diana Gabaldon all rights reserved
  
  
  "Madame Fraser," he said, and bowed. "Are you in need of some assistance?"
  
  Yes, I bloody did need assistance; I couldn't drag my surgical repairs out much longer. I darted a look at my massive patient, wondering whether he had any French.
  
  Apparently my face was just as transparent as Jamie had always told me it was; Percy smiled at me and said conversationally in French, "I don't think this clot of decaying menstrual blood is capable of understanding more English then it takes to hire the sort of poxed and imbecile whore who would let him touch her, let alone understand the tongue of angels."
  
  The teamster went on muttering , "Shit-fire, Shit-fire, fucking shit-ass fucking-ass mule, that gaddamn HURTS..."
  
  I relaxed a little and replied in French. "Yes, I need help---with the utmost urgency. My grandson is trying to steal the mule this oaf stole from him. Can you retrieve him from the teamsters' camp before someone notices?"
  
  "A votre service, Madame," he replied promptly, and, clicking his heels smartly together, bowed and went off.
  

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  • Well no matter what you think of Percy, he does know how to insult someone. 😂😂..... And Kathy in PA. To answer your question. I got a call saying Bees was in one afternoon and had to tell them it would be the day after tomorrow before I could get to the library to git it. They said they would hold it for me. Next day I finished Moby and the next day picked up and started Bees. (NT) -- JamesG, Fri, January 28 2022, 20:28:41
  • And east coast people be safe out there in that Storm. Well, everyone be safe. (NT) -- JamesG, Fri, January 28 2022, 20:37:42
  • Hi James, enjoy the read! Are you savoring or tearing through? This is one part where I really liked Percy and there’s not many. We escaped the snow in NE PA but it’s 8 degrees on our deck and very, very windy. I just keep putting out bird seed. We feed from the deck and rails because bears take our feeders. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, January 29 2022, 9:14:48
    • Hope they don't take out your deck. 😄😄 Speaking of "Bear" mine is laying on my chest right now. My oldest Tom Cat. Big and all black. He has a step brother named Snowball who is all white w/ some pink tinge on his ears, forehead and tail. Stay warm. (NT) -- JamesG, Sat, January 29 2022, 10:28:48
    • I'm a slow reader and not a lot of free time so it's a small bite at a time like a good cheesecake. (NT) -- JamesG, Sat, January 29 2022, 10:32:33
  • I go back and forth on Percy. He's a weak man but I think he wants to be like John. He just can't stick with it. (NT) -- kgp, Sat, January 29 2022, 10:06:48
    • That’s it, he is a weak man. Especially compared to his stepbrothers. I’m sure his upbringing contributed to his learning of switching sides to save his hide. Sad. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, January 30 2022, 10:59:44
  
  

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• Must say I am SO glad someone changed that wallpaper!! Was gitting tired of snow everywhere I looked. Thanks. Will post in a few hrs. -- JamesG, Fri, January 28 2022, 16:51:17
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• QOTD for Wed, Jan 26th, 2022 -- JamesG, Wed, January 26 2022, 3:24:02
  The following quote is from "Written In My Own Heart's Blood" by Diana Gabaldon ch 57 "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" copyright © 2014 by Diana Gabaldon all rights reserved
  
  
  "Thy life's journey lies along its own path, Ian," she said, "and I cannot share thy journey---but I can walk beside thee. And I will."
  
  The woman standing behind them in the line heaved a deep, contented sigh.
  
  "Now, that's a pretty and right thing to say, sweetheart," she said to Rachel, in approving tones. And switching her gaze to Ian, looked him skeptically up and down. He was dressed in buckskins, clout, and calico shirt, and, bar the feathers in his hair and the tattoos, didn't look to outlandish, he thought.
  
  "You probably don't deserve her," the woman said, shaking her head doubtfully. "But try, there's a good lad."
  

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  • Sorry, a little late this morning. I was tending to some "Bees" late into the night, and fell off to sleep. Will have to git back to the hive soon. I can hear the buzz calling me. 🐝🐝🐝 (NT) -- JamesG, Wed, January 26 2022, 3:34:01
    • Don't worry, JamesG. We told the Bees you weren't missing, just detained... (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, January 28 2022, 7:03:30
  • I love this observation and bit of advice for Ian & Rachel. So far, Rachel continues to walk next to Ian, and he does try to deserve her. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, January 28 2022, 7:02:08
    • I try to use Rachel as my spirit animal for her quiet, calm strength and depth of seeing, quickly understanding and helping in difficult situations. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, January 28 2022, 12:10:27
  
  

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• QOTD for Fri, Jan 28th, 2022 -- JamesG, Thu, January 27 2022, 16:18:32
  The following quote is from "Written In My Own Heart's Blood" by Diana Gabaldon ch 136 "Unfinished Business" copyright © 2014 by Diana Gabaldon all rights reserved
  
  
  He stopped as suddenly as he'd started, and the racket ceased.
  
  "Are you SORRY?" He said, and made no effort to keep his voice from shaking. "Are you sorry for it, damn you?"
  
  Fraser had turned away; now he turned sharply to face William but didn't speak at once. When he did, his voice was low and firm.
  
  "She died because of it, and I shall sorrow for her death and do penance for my part in it until my own dying day. But---" He compressed his lips for an instant, and then, too fast for William to back away, came round the table and, raising his hand, cupped William's cheek, the touch light and fierce.
  
  "No," he whispered. "No! I am not sorry." Then he whirled on his heel, threw open the door, and was gone, kilt flying.
  

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  • Went ahead and posted early tonight so I can work on my Bee hive latter without worrying about losing track of time. 🐝🐝🐝 (NT) -- JamesG, Thu, January 27 2022, 16:22:51
  • I LOVED Jamie's answer to this question, and I can't imagine William, as hard as he might try, could find fault with it. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, January 28 2022, 7:07:29
    • And that in NO way did he put any blame or shame on Geneva. He was able to describe their encounter honestly, which I am sure William will understand as he thinks of it. And still leave William with an acceptable reason for his being. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, January 28 2022, 12:08:06
  
  

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• QOTD for Thurs, Jan 27th, 2022 -- JamesG, Wed, January 26 2022, 22:22:30
  The following quote is from "Written In My Own Heart's Blood" by Diana Gabaldon ch 97 "A Man To Do A Man's Job" copyright © 2014 by Diana Gabaldon all rights reserved
  
  
  Jem made the little Scottish noise again, and Brianna looked sideways at him.
  
  "Are you doing that on purpose?"
  
  He looked up at her, surprised. "Doing what?"
  
  "Never mind. When you ARE fifteen, I'm locking you in the cellar."
  
  "What? Why?" He demanded indignantly.
  
  "Because that's when your father and grandfather started gitting into real trouble, and evidently you're going to be just like them."
  
  "Oh." He seemed pleased to hear this, and subsided.
  

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  • I'm sure Jem WILL be much like Roger and Jamie, which is very good, and also, will be very trying for Bree! (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, January 28 2022, 7:05:43
  • I love to see those obscure traits show up down the line. Bree will have her hands full, but she’ll also have a very mature son. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, January 28 2022, 12:05:44
  
  

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• Testing -- Judie, Wed, January 26 2022, 19:07:26
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  • Working (NT) -- Judie, Wed, January 26 2022, 19:07:40
    • I updated chrome and it let me right in. Thanks (NT) -- JamesG, Wed, January 26 2022, 21:44:00
      • You're welcome, James. (NT) -- Judie, Wed, January 26 2022, 22:31:11
  • I was panicking! I could only get on the LOL advertisers board but the Social Board kept saying couldn’t make a secure connection. Ahhhhhh. Thank goodness we’re back 😊 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, January 28 2022, 12:04:07
  
  

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• QOTD for Tues, Jan 25th, 2022 -- JamesG, Tue, January 25 2022, 2:28:21
  The following quote is from "Written In My Own Heart's Blood" by Diana Gabaldon ch 128 "Gigging Frogs" copyright © 2014 by Diana Gabaldon all rights reserved
  
  
  "This man Richardson may simply have changed his allegiance," Rachel suggested. "I know of many who have, over the last two years."
  
  "He might," I said slowly, "but the thing is---John thought he was an intelligencer---a spy or secret agent of some sort. And when someone of that stripe turns his coat...you have to ask whether he's turned it once or twice. Or not at all. Don't you?"
  
  Jamie laid a hand on the table, thinking.
  
  "Aye, well," he said at last, and, sitting up straight, stretched himself with a sigh. "If there's aught fishy about the man, we'll ken it soon enough."
  
  "We will?" I asked. He gave me a wry smile.
  
  "Aye, Sassenach. He'll come looking for you. Keep your wee knife close to hand, aye?"
  

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  • Wee mention of a spoiler so I went inside -- Kathy in PA, Tue, January 25 2022, 5:15:54
  • I didn't see it coming either, Kathy in PA!!! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, January 25 2022, 7:17:05
  • I do agree with Claire's questioning of Richardson's loyalties, wondering how do you know how many times a turncoat has actually turned, especially if he's suspected of being a "funny bugger," as Frank would have said. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, January 25 2022, 7:18:02
    • Diana’s descriptions of him always did leave me feeling yucky. Like I had to wash my hands - the worst kind of “funny bugger.” (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, January 25 2022, 7:48:07
  • I wish she'd have stabbed him when she had the chance. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, January 25 2022, 15:16:23
  
  

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• QOTD for Mon, Jan 24th, 2022 -- JamesG, Mon, January 24 2022, 2:56:53
  The following quote is from "Written In My Own Heart's Blood" by Diana Gabaldon ch 137 "In The Wilderness A Lodging Place" copyright © 2014 by Diana Gabaldon all rights reserved
  
  
  "Izzat Himself?" Rodney whispered, drawing close to me.
  
  That is Himself," I agreed, nodding gravely.
  
  "Aidan said he was big," Rodney remarked, after another moment's scrutiny.
  
  "Is he big enough, do you think?" I asked, rather surprised by the realization that I didn't want Rodney to be disappointed in this first sight of Himself.
  
  Rodney gave an odd sideways tilt of his head, terribly familiar---it was what his mother, Lizzie, did when making a judgement about something---and said philosophically, "Well, he's lot's bigger 'n me, anyway."
  

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  • These pragmatic children - they grew up very quickly in the 18C. There weren’t enough Beardsleys in Bees for me. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, January 24 2022, 4:16:24
    • I agree, Kathy in PA. I kept waiting to hear more about Lizzie & Co! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, January 24 2022, 9:42:49
  • Still working on reading Bees. It is going to take me a long time (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Mon, January 24 2022, 16:04:25
    • That’s ok! You’ve probably got 7 years. Lol (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, January 24 2022, 17:03:56
      • NO NO NO!!!!! I'm hopeful for 3 yrs. I want to read the ~1715 to ~1740 book and then Master Raymond book... And then another companion for those and Bees and #10. And I got Bees today. The book not the honey makers. 😁😁🐝🐝🐝 (NT) -- JamesG, Mon, January 24 2022, 19:17:16
        • Yay!!! Have you finished Moby so you can start right in?? How about Brian and Ellen?! Can you imagine the forces that made Jamie and Jenny? ❤️ (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, January 25 2022, 5:08:57
  
  

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• QOTD for Sun, Jan 23rd, 2022 -- JamesG, Sat, January 22 2022, 23:46:08
  The following quote is from "Written In My Own Heart's Blood" by Diana Gabaldon ch 139 "A Visit To The Trading Post" copyright © 2014 by Diana Gabaldon all rights reserved
  
  
  "Anybody messes with the girls, we'll take care of him right smart," the elder Wurm assured Ian.
  
  "It's not that hard," the other said honestly. "Break just one of them bastards' noses with a hoe handle and the rest of'em settle right down."
  

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  • Glad things turned out okay for the girls. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, January 23 2022, 5:28:26
    • Girls?? What girls?? 😉😉😂😂 (NT) -- JamesG, Sun, January 23 2022, 8:35:19
  • These two characters always had me entertained! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, January 24 2022, 9:41:19
    • And I was so glad they ended up happily earning their keep with Mrs. Silvie, who turns out to be a sweetheart, doesn’t she? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, January 24 2022, 17:06:29
  
  

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• QOTD for Saturday 22 January 2022 -- JudithONH, Sat, January 22 2022, 10:21:32
  The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 34, “Dougal's Story.” Copyright © 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  ~*~*~
  Once again, I forgot last night. I've been watching the 2010 version of Upstairs Downstairs and got caught up in it.
  ~*~*~
  "So you were fond of her," I said coldly. "Much good it did her. Or the child. What did you do with that?"
  He shrugged. "Saw it placed in a good home. A son, and a healthy babe, for all its mother was a witch and an adulteress."
  "And its father an adulterer and a betrayer," I snapped. "Your wife, your mistress, your nephew, your brother - is there anyone you haven't betrayed and deceived? You...you..." I choked on the words, quite sick with loathing. "I don't know why I am surprised," I said, trying to speak calmly. "If you've no loyalty to your king, I suppose there's no reason to think you'd feel it for your nephew or your brother, either." ...
  A big hand clamped hard on my shoulder.
  "My brother? You think I'd betray my brother?" For some reason, that had stung him; his face was dark with anger.
  "You've just admitted that you did!" And then I realized.
  "The both of you," I said slowly. "You did it together, you and Colum. Together, as you've always done things." I pulled his hand off my shoulder and flung it back at him.
  ~*~*~
  I've enjoyed doing QOTD this week. Thanks for traveling with me down memory lane!
  

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  • Letitia was in on it, too. Good thing they brothers look alike. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, January 23 2022, 5:27:54
    • Although we never really know Letitia, I always had the impression that she never had a choice in the matter. Doesn't Dougal say somewhere that he told Colum that Letitia was "sweet as a ripe peach," but was actually not good to bed? I would imagine she might not be too enthusiastic about her husband sending his brother to play stud with her as the "broodmare." Then there was the speculation/gossip that Hamish could be Jamie's son, as most of the clan knew or suspected that Colum might not be able to sire a child. (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, January 24 2022, 9:39:19
  
  

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• QOTD for Friday 21 January 2022 -- JudithONH, Thu, January 20 2022, 17:50:35
  The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 26, “The Laird's Return.” Copyright © 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  ~*~*~Claire isn't the only woman who gives Jamie a run for his money...LOL~*~*~
  "Of course I remember! I'm no likely to forget it!"
  "Then perhaps you'll remember that I gave the Captain a fair jolt in the crutch wi' my knee at one point in the proceedings?"
  Jamie hunched his shoulders, wary. "Aye, I remember."
  Jenny smiled in a superior manner.
  "Weel then, if your wife here - ye could tell me her name at least, Jamie, I swear you've no manners at all - anyway, if she was to give ye similar treatment - and richly you deserve it, I might add - d'ye think you'd be able to perform your husbandly duties a few minutes later?"
  Jamie, who had been opening his mouth to speak, suddenly shut it. He stared at his sister for a long moment, then one corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
  "Depends," he said. The mouth twitched again. He had been sitting hunched forward in his chair, but sat back now, looking at her with the half skeptical expression of a younger brother listening to a sister's fairy tales, feeling himself too old to be amazed, but half-believing still against his will.
  "Really?" he said.
  

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  • It's a shame he took Dougal's word for how things turned out. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, January 20 2022, 18:41:13
    • Another reason I agree with Betsy about Dougal - don’t like him very much either. I do love the sibling’s love and connection. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, January 21 2022, 7:56:36
  • Loving these "back to the beginning" quotes, JudithONH. Thanks for a great week. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, January 21 2022, 8:29:11
    • Yes, Diana, I totally agree - thanks Judith! No matter how much better the books get and “Which is favorite?” I always go back to Outlander because she grabbed us right then and we sure stayed on for the ride with great joy ❤️ (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, January 21 2022, 9:33:20
  • Thanks, Ladies! It sure is true for Outlander, almost every page has a quote-worthy event with great memories! (NT) -- JudithONH, Fri, January 21 2022, 9:59:14
  • In some ways, Jamie's responses, particularly here, remind me of my own DH. In any instance that could go either way, he goes WAY the other way. He's sure that the worst is on the way....... I understand why Jamie listened to his uncle. He'd been gone for several years so he doesn't know how Jennine can handle most everything, and I wonder if he was feeling guilty for being gone, and flying off the handle was guilt-driven. (NT) -- Betsy Barefoor Spinne, Fri, January 21 2022, 10:26:58
    • Oh God, yes, Betsy! He’s Catholic isn’t he? With absolutely no disrespect meant, my DH is too. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, January 21 2022, 14:07:50
  
  

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• QOTD for Thursday 20 January 2022 -- JudithONH, Thu, January 20 2022, 9:58:58
  Sorry I'm late today...forgot last night to post...
  The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 24, “By the Pricking of My Thumbs.” Copyright © 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  ~*~*~
  Jamie's hand tightened on my shoulder, turning me toward the archway, and we made our escape, pelted by a hail of laughter and bawdy advice.
  In the dark hall outside, Jamie leaned against the stones, doubled over. Unable to stand, I sank to the ground at his feet and giggled helplessly.
  "You didn't tell him, did you?" Jamie gasped at last.
  I shook my head. "No, of course not." Still wheezing, I groped for his hand, and he hauled me upright. I collapsed against his chest.
  "Let me see if I've got it right, now." He cupped my face between his hands and pressed his forehead to mine, face so close that his eyes blurred into one large blue orb and his breath was warm on my chin.
  

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  • Ahh. Clever lad! 🥰 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, January 20 2022, 17:42:27
  • Quick learner! (NT) -- kgp, Thu, January 20 2022, 18:08:44
  
  

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• My copy of Bees came...but I'm halfway through another book, and I have a rule that I read one book at a time. I'm exercising an amazing amount of self discipline right now! -- Janet, Wed, January 19 2022, 11:08:18
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  • Dang. I sometimes have 3 or 4 going at once. And I'm a slow reader. I'm waiting on my turn with my library's copy of bees because I almost never buy new hardbacks. But I still have about 200 pgs of Moby left to re-read so I'm not suffering too much. (NT) -- JamesG, Wed, January 19 2022, 15:07:45
  • I'm on a reread of Bees. I went through it so fast the first time that now I'm savoring the details. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, January 20 2022, 4:44:30
    • That's my plan too. I finished Bees a few days ago (It was a Christmas gift.), and I'm digesting it. I'll probably re-read it in a month or so. I've read a number of unhappy reviews on FB about it, but I really enjoyed it. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, January 20 2022, 9:21:23
  • I finished it over about three weeks; I read slowly and enjoyed it. I really liked it and felt satisfied at the end. It didn’t seem as hair raising as the others even though there were some very scary moments. It’s kind of like things are slowing down a little for J and C. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, January 20 2022, 17:45:34
  
  

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• QOTD for Wednesday 19 January 2022 -- JudithONH, Tue, January 18 2022, 20:34:15
  The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 21, “Un Mauvais Quart d'Heure After Another.” Copyright © 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  ~*~*~
  "And when ye screamed, I went to you, armed wi' nothing but an empty gun and my two hands." Jamie was speaking, a little more calmly now, but his eyes were still wild with pain and rage. I was silent. Unsettled by the horror of my encounter with Randall, I had not at all appreciated the desperate courage it had taken for him to come into the fort after me.
  He turned away suddenly, shoulders slumping.
  "You're right," he said quietly. "Aye, you're quite right." Suddenly the rage was gone from his voice, replaced by a tone I had never heard in him before, even in the extremities of physical pain.
  "My pride is hurt. And my pride is about all I've got left to me." He leaned his forearms against a rough barked pine and let his head drop onto them, exhausted. His voice was so low I could barely hear him.
  "You're tearin' my guts out, Claire."
  

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  • Waahhhhh 😫. So much sorrow and anguish, and Jamie feeling defeated - Claire’s realization. I hate BJR. And once again the title is so full of this bad, bad feeling. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, January 19 2022, 5:37:59
  • JudithONH, I'm loving these many sides of Jamie and Claire. (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, January 19 2022, 7:00:57
    • Thanks, DianaH! (NT) -- JudithONH, Wed, January 19 2022, 10:16:46
  • AS I"m reading this I'm thinking about how much each has changed over the years. Jamie is not so much concerned with pride as with honor. Claire has become much lass impulsive. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, January 20 2022, 4:48:21
  
  

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• QOTD for Tuesday 18 January 2022 -- JudithONH, Mon, January 17 2022, 19:12:02
  The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 15, “Revelations of the Bridal Chamber.” Copyright © 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  ~*~*~
  "Nay, but ye will, ye auld bugger, if ye dinna clapper yer face," came Jamie's spiked tones in broad Scots reply. Howls of delight greeted this sally, and the raillery continued, following Jamie down the hall to the kitchen and back up the stairs.
  I pushed open the door a crack to admit Jamie, face red as the fire below and hands piled high with food and drink. He choked it off with a decisive slam of the door, and shot the bolt to.
  "I brought enough we'll no need to go out atain for a tbit," Jamie said, laying out dishes on the table, carefully not looking at me. "Will ye have a bite?"
  I reached past him for the bottle of wine, "Not just yet. What I need is a drink."
  ~*~*~*
  Claire is my girl..."What I need is a drink!" Love it!
  

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  • I understand the sentiment (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, January 18 2022, 7:12:20
  • Can you imagine having a bevy of people listening to your first night as a married couple? OMG!!! (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, January 18 2022, 7:16:21
    • Geez, BBS, talk about mortification! At least with Claire being a "widow," they didn't need to see the bloody bed sheet! Of course, the men DID jest with Jamie, asking him "Did ye bleed?" (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, January 18 2022, 8:13:58
      • But it’s interesting just how natural they treat it. I guess because there was never much privacy. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, January 19 2022, 6:36:30
  
  

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• QOTD for Monday 17 January 2022 -- JudithONH, Sun, January 16 2022, 18:54:36
  The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 10, “The Oath-taking.” Copyright © 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  ~*~*~
  This same process was repeated over and over, from vow to ceremonial drink. Viewing the number of men in the line, I was impressed anew at Colum's capacity. I was trying to work out how many pints of spirit he would have consumed by the end of the evening, given one swallow per oath taker, when I saw Jamie approach the head of the line.
  Dougal, his own oath completed, had taken up a station to Colum's rear. He saw Jamie before Colum, who was occupied with another man, and I saw his sudden start of surprise. He stepped close to his brother and muttered something. Colum kept his eyes fixed on the man before him, but I saw him stiffen slightly. He was surprised, too, and, I thought, not altogether pleased.
  

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  • And Jamie manages to pull off his expression of kinship and support to the MacKenzie, without swearing fealty to him. Clever lad! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, January 17 2022, 9:55:09
    • Always loved that part. No matter how many times I read it I always get a big kick out of it. 😍😍 (NT) -- JamesG, Mon, January 17 2022, 16:04:34
  • Muttered something. Makes me want to put a match to the back of Dougal's kilt. Jamie, of course, is one step ahead of him, though. In his usual way, he stated exactly the right thing. Dougal is such a sleazy character. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, January 18 2022, 7:21:18
    • That said, there are a couple of places Dougal has real human feelings. During the boar hunt, with Geordie, and in the cottage when Rupert (I hope it was Rupert....I may have the wrong name) asks Dougal to kill him and get his dying over with. And he does, with great grief. For those two things, I grudgingly give Dougal a thumbs sort-of up. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, January 18 2022, 7:32:14
  
  

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• QOTD for Sunday 16 January 2022 -- JudithONH, Sat, January 15 2022, 20:14:09
  I'm one of those who likes to post the night before, since I am never really up early and like to give all time zones a chance at seeing the quote if they like to when they have breakfast...Cheers! JudithONH
  ~*~*~*~*~
  The following quote is from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 4, “I Come to the Castle.” Copyright © 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
  "What exactly is obstruction?" I asked casually. "I must say it doesn't sound a major crime."
  He took a deep breath, fixing his eyes resolutely on the carved bedpost as I swabbed deeper.
  "Ah. Well, I suppose it's whatever the English say it is. In my case, it meant defending my family and my property, and getting myself half killed in the process." He pressed his lips together, as if to say no more, but after a moment went on, as though seeking to focus his attention on anything other than his shoulder.
  

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  • You can post 10 a day, all day and I will read everything. (NT) -- JamesG, Sun, January 16 2022, 10:03:16
    • Me too! This is so sad, this time when the British just ran rough shod over the Scots. Jamie’s description of what his crime could encompass reminds me of a line from Gordon Lightfoot’s “Don Quixote” ….”see the man who puts the collar on the ones who dare not tell.” BJR is my ultimate, most hated, vile, piece of shite villain in this whole saga. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, January 16 2022, 14:16:53
      • Thanks, Kathy in PA...me too...and one of the reasons I can't warm to Tobias...I need to work on forgiveness in my life, but it's hard! (NT) -- JudithONH, Sun, January 16 2022, 18:48:09
        • It's only Tobias' incredible talent that saves him for me. It always catches me off-guard to remember that Diana said, more than once, that BJR comes from a piece of her. As to forgiveness... boy oh boy. I work on that daily, almost every day. It'll be a life-long process, some people are easier than others. A few, I haven't made much progress with. (NT) -- Betsy BFS, Tue, January 18 2022, 7:12:09
  • Hi everyone. Great start (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, January 16 2022, 13:03:12
    • 👋. Looks like we might squeak by this awful storm. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, January 16 2022, 14:19:05
      • How did you do with the storm? Not bad at all here in Eastern Montgomery County (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Mon, January 17 2022, 9:42:38
    • Thanks, Lady DuBois! (NT) -- JudithONH, Sun, January 16 2022, 18:48:52
  
  

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