Week Fourteen - 38 To Go

When will the real James Patterson return to writing a good Alex Cross mystery. Yes, a Patterson easy read - short chapters. Yes, Patterson villains - sadistic murderers and an incensed stalker. Yes, a Patterson climax. But there is something that is lacking. Wish I could recapture the feeling that an Alex Cross novel used to generate for me.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2013

Week Thirteen - 39 To Go

The storyline for a debut in the thriller genre passes mustard. Flipping back and forth from Atlantic City to Kuala Lumpur while confusing at times does produce a backstory for the main character’s quirks, i.e., attention to details. Those readers who finish this novel will probably be looking for reappearance of the “ghostman”.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2013

Week Twelve - 40 To Go

Dumb jokes and cliches. But after all this is a tongue in cheek exercise. Having this novel end in the middle of Nikki’s train of thought may provide for a cliffhanger however it left me feeling “Gotcha”.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2013

Common Grackle

The gregarious and noisy Common Grackle made its first appearance at the patio bird feeder for 2013. The above blackbird was soon joined by 4 others.

10 AM 3/12/13

Photos were taken through the laundry room window.

The Grackle was joined by a Chickadee as seen in this video.

Video

Snow Geese

Saturday, March 9, 2013 Joan and I took a drive to Stone School Road in Fleming. Cayuga Birds had reported a sighting of Snow Geese in the area. As the photo above shows Joan and I came upon thousands of Snow Geese. 

In the gathering as seen in the photo above, there was a Blue Goose (lower left corner) and a Yellow Tagged Goose (upper left corner). The Blue Goose was confirmed by Dave Spier. The Blue Goose is a color variation of the Snow Goose.

The Snow Goose is a large waterbird with white plumage and black wing tips. It has a pinky-orange bill with a black "grin patch" and quite a long neck.

While taking the above photos, a truck with three people drove up and parked. A young girl emerged from the vehicle and ran into the field. Below is a video of what happened as a result of her running.

Video

Week Eleven - 41 To Go

This book of reflections written by a national treasure in a conversational style makes for light reading. Fans will find nothing new, but first timers will learn why Tony Bennett's style in music and art stands out in contrast to today’s wannabes.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2013

Week Ten - 42 To Go

Great crime story. DI Peter Shaw and DS George Valentine carry on the British tradition of the oddly match police partners who use their diversity to solve complex murders.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2013