Monday

[shipperx]

So, last night it was wall to wall weather on TV. The one thing about the South in the spring is that the Weather Gods like to throw tornadoes at us. And to mock us for mocking the Weather Gods, they allow weather men to completely take over television even during prime time. This time I didn't turn switch to the cable mostly because according to the weather men, the Weather Gods were intent on throwing tornadoes at my house. Luckily, all missed by a wide swathe (though I gather there was some damage in some other suburbs, which is awful).

It did, however, give me time to finish the latest Harry Dresden. Overall, I liked it. Thought it was fast paced. However, the ending made me sad. When I stop to think about it, it makes sense. Thomas had been rather light for a vampire and this darkens him up. That said, it still saddens me. Last book it was Michael. This book it's Thomas. They're taking Harry's allies away. Not that I think that Thomas is gone. They've simply darkened him up a little, which could be helpful if, as I've long suspected, Harry eventually has his Darth Willow moment. That seems to have been set up for quite some time now and sooner or later I expect it to happen. A darker Thomas could then be more helpful bringing Harry out of his 'dark phase' whenever it happens.

And, speaking of Darth Harry, I have my suspicions regarding Harry's headaches. That seemed like an ominous portent.

As far as the mystery in question, I thought the ending was rather Harry Potter derivative. That's not a wholly terrible thing, because -- hey, it works. But the whole Black Council plot seems Harry Potteresque to me at the moment. That said, I'll buy the next book to find out what happens next.

Finally, though the weather was bad this weekend and it's been an exceedingly wet spring, I do so enjoy waking up and/or coming home to see the back yard in bloom with roses and azaleas.

Comments

[hazel75.livejournal.com]

They all sound like roses after my own heart. My mom has Old Blush(http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/rose-203.html), Will Scarlet (http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/rose-1115.html) and Cecile Brunner (http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/rose-903.html) and, although Will Scarlet took a few years to really do anything, he never got any special treatment.

My sister-in-law has had a ton of trouble with Japanese beetles with her knock-out roses -- maybe I'll suggest Don Juan to her as she's got a good place for a climbing rose...

And your yard really does look fantastic.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

I honestly don't know why the beetles don't seem particularly interested in the Don Juan. I once had a Midas Touch yellow rose that bloomed beautifully and prolifically but which Japanese beetles positively swarmed over. You could find hundreds on it, yet could walk ten feet over to the Don Juan and not find a one. I eventually removed the Midas Touch. It's a strong plant and a gorgous bloomer, but it was constantly consumed by beetles and so wasn't worth the trouble. These days I'm down to Don Juan and antique roses, because though I love roses, I don't have the time or the inclination to pamper them and the Don Juan and the antiques continue to grow vigorously without any pampering... which is the way that I like them.