"Sleepers: by Mark Dawson

"Sleepers"is a story of remnants of the Cold War with a modern twist. It is an appropriate title for spies who seem to be semi-retired. They are supposed to fade away, except some times they don't. Old hatreds still linger and new ones are born. Murder is still avenged, whether it is at home or abroad. This book is a real page turner with unexpected twists and moments of high action. It is not 100% action oriented but leaves room for Milton's inner dilemma and his attempt to find a road to redemption.

To Know Ourselves

We never really see ourselves for what we really are. We only see what we think we are.

"Caravan to Vaccares" by Alistair MacLean

When I saw a synopsis of this book I thought it had possibilities. In Provence, with Gypsies, might be a good read. But, I'm afraid, I couldn't get through it. Had to quit at 15% read. 

Nose Hairs

I've read this.

Folks love to go into their noses. But I tell people about the "triangle of death" — the triangle between your nose and mouth. If you go in there and pull that hair out, you get a little blood lost in there. Blood allows the bacteria in your nose to grow in there. Since veins in the facial area lack protective valves, the bacteria could theoretically enter your bloodstream and lead to infections elsewhere in the body. Don't ever pluck nose hairs.

Toilet Paper

Why are all these people buying  so much toilet paper? Are you supposed to wrap it around you so it will protect you from the virus?

"Lieutenant of the Line" by Philip McCutchan

"Lieutenant of the Line" is the second in this series. A soldier's life in the 1890 British army in India is a far cry from life at home. The life of the ordinary soldier is one of hardship coupled with cruelty from superiors. The higher the rank, the more the indifference towards the lower ranks. The book is a great description of  British aristocracy playing at war. 
James Ogilvie lives by the choices he makes. With a combination of bad luck and his own willingness to misinterpret orders, he always seems to be on the edge of ending his career or life. But miracles can happen. 

Travel

At least not on cruise ships.

"Escape From Five Shadows" by Elmore Leonard

As a western you would expect a story of cowboys and Indians. It is, but with a twist.
"Escape From Five Shadows" is a story that recalls movies from the 50's. Instead of a town and a rancher's daughter, it's a prison and a stage depot manager's daughter. You would expect the hero to be rugged and good looking and he is. To escape prison and run away with the manager's daughter may be  the gist of the story, but it is also a story of justice and injustice, western style.

Wisdom

Wisdom is not the knowledge of one subject but the knowledge of life.

"First Daughter" by Eric van Lustbader

"First Daughter" is the first in the Jack McClure series. With a handicap like Dyslexia, does it help or hinder a government agent? This book takes us from the childhood of Jack McClure to late adult, focusing on love, family, work and his handicap. He is overly concerned with his handicap which helps him rather than hinder him. 
If you are looking for a story that goes from beginning to end, this is not the one. There are continuous flashbacks, not just for one character, but all of them. At times it's hard keeping track of where you are. 
Jack has a dislike for all organized religion and a profound dislike for the Catholic church and priests. This may be a bit strong, but the book seems to be inclined towards atheism.
Putting aside my criticisms, I still like the basic story and am giving it four stars. 

Judgments

Do we make judgments because we don't understand?

The Walking Dead

Had a dream last night that has to do with current events. I remember a lot of my dreams. As I remember this one, I was driving in Halifax. On the sidewalk I saw some people walking in Johnnie Shirts. You know the ones, with the opening in the back, where you desperately try to keep your ass from showing. As I pulled up to a red light and stopped, they started walking towards me. Seeing them, I said to myself, "I don't care if it is a red light, I'm getting the hell out of here." Obviously the Corona Virus was on my sub conscience and I suppose this was the modern version of the walking dead.

Inventions

I think most of the greatest inventions are the result of an obsession, the rest by accident.

Dr. Who

I have been a fan of Dr. Who for many years. Having at one time seen all the old reruns, I've probably seen all the shows. This year, while the show may be on in the room, I am usually reading a book at the same time. My enthusiasm has waned. The problem seems to be the Doctor. She rants and raves, spinning around in circles, waving her little prop, looking like a marionette with the strings twisted. 
The characters are rehashes of old characters, although in the latest episode I saw a spark of genius. I am referring to the Cyber men Drones. Modern, yet classical, flying in formation, distributing mayhem with a flash. If we gave out stars, it would be five stars for the drones.

"Drumbeat" by Dudley Pope.

"Drumbeat" is the second book in the Ramage series. Another remake of the Napoleonic War with the usual point of view. Although a naval story, it starts of as a romance. Ramage has a lot of internal rants, his mind obsessed with love for a girl that he has met only six days prior. He seems prone to losing ships and although a Captain, he still wants to be one of the boys. He stumbles from one obstacle to another, gifted enough to keep both himself and his crew alive.
It was an entertaining read and there were moments when I found it hard to put down. At the end the story seemed to be cut short. Could have used another chapter and I assume that will be the first chapter of the next book.

Bathroom Break

It is hard to resist the need to relieve oneself. It cannot be denied or the consequences can be dire and possibly wet.

Broken World

It's a broken world, full of broken people and I don't know what glue we can use to make repairs.

1960

Studebaker Lark

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Remote Control by Andy McNab

"Remote Control" is the first in the nick Stone series. With a British Intelligence Operator, I was expecting a spy story. What I got was basically the trials and tribulations of a kidnapper, trying to keep a 7 yr. old happy. It did have action from beginning to end, although it did drag on in some parts.There are flashbacks which I had to reread to see where it fit into the story. The result at the end was what should have happened near the beginning. 

Poverty

The rich have their problems. Poverty isn't one of them.