Helen Dotson’s Reviews > The Devil You Know > Status Update

Sun 012526 - 36 ORD - Heavy snow’s still falling. I decided to cancel my OH trip for this week, just too risky w/all this snow across the country & bitter cold temps. I enjoyed immersing in finishing this today. I liked it, even though she’s over the top on a lot of stuff. We’ve got thick snow everywhere out there. It will be easier to catch up on some things this week & stay healthy since I’ll be home.

Sun 012526 - 36 ORD Cozy Green Couch w/Stitch & Buzz - Definitely going to finish this today. We’ve been watching CBS NEWS 24/7 which is reporting on the massive storm crossing our country. I got my daily workout in this morning so it hasn’t quite been as lazy of a day. OH is in a state of emergency & IL roads are in bad shape w/snow still falling so it is safest if I defer my OH trip to another time.

Sat 012426 - 36 ORD Still on the Cozy Green Couch, Stitch Trapped Again - Definitely having a very lazy slow moving Saturday, haven’t left the couch between reading & brain gaming. We’re getting some snow now but it’s such itty bitty fine flakes it looks more like light fog than snow right now. This book is an easy read. Her style is very over the top on so much of the storyline, still assessing if I like it.

Sat 012426 - 36 ORD on cozy green couch w/Stitch on my lap & Buzz beside me - We are having a quiet & relaxing Saturday so far, waiting for the snow to start falling. There’s a huge storm practically across the whole country today with extremely cold temperatures too. Happy to have a fun frivolous book to keep reading & recharge before my trip to OH this week, so long as the storm doesn’t cause a change in plan.

FriYAY 012326 - 36 ORD - I enjoyed relaxing yesterday evening. I had dinner out w/my friend Kathy at Stix on 36 (new for me) then came home & relaxed w/Larry. There’s a huge winter storm moving across the country w/extremely cold temps. We enjoyed watching some of The Waitress last night, brings back wonderful memories of seeing that at WMU in 2022 with Alli & Justin & Carrie before a big winter storm there.

Weds 012126 - 36 ORD - Made it to Chapter 9 last night reading in bed before going to sleep. That was a nice way to relax again after doing some evening catch up work. I’m still working to find my new rhythm of onboarding & managing 2 very major projects while still carrying a few smaller ones to fruition. I’m keeping up with my healthier new year routines. Buzz was very snuggly while I was reading…precious.

Tues 012026 - 36 ORD - Yesterday was a LONG workday w/ an evening DEC TM meeting. I was so tired by the end. Felt good to finish at 930 pm & do my bedtime routine & read a little (2 chapters) to wind down. This helped give a short transition to be able to fall & stay asleep easily. The heavy winter winds dissipated yesterday so it was a quiet night. I don’t have energy or interest for evening calls anymore!

Sun 011826 - 36 ORD - Oh yes, this will be a quick fun read this week, already made it to Chapter 5. I’m not yet decided, though do think I will seek out some of her other books. Reading lighter fiction this year is one strategy for reading at least 46 books in 2026. I have some heavier ones selected too for another time. The sunshine is so pretty today in spite of the chill. Lazy Sunday so far w/Stitch cuddles.

Sun 011826 - 36 ORD - I’m excited I could get this sequel from the Decatur library so quickly. Thought it’d be fun to dive right into this after finishing the first one. Should be a quick read this week. The lake is frozen over again today with our much colder weather (17 degrees with windchills of -10 to 20 expected overnight). We enjoyed going to Wayne & Connie’s house yesterday for games & dinner, fun!