Royal Pains: A Rogues' Gallery of Brats, Brutes, and Bad Seeds 
by Leslie Carroll

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just when you think you have heard/read/know it all, up jumps some new information. That was the case for me when I read this book. I had never really studied history in school so that's my excuse.


Each chapter of the book is devoted to a different 'Royal Pain'. It is in chronological order, but really does not have to be read in that order. It was just good for me to be able to relate it to a familiar time period. Also, some of the 'Pains' were quiet violent. If you are prone to nightmares, read them only in the daytime. They are not for bedtime reading. I think you can figure out which ones by their nicknames given in parentheses, i.e. Vlad the Impaler, Ivan the Terrible, The Blood Countess.


The only thing that I would have liked to have had included in the book were some pictures with each story. I had to go the Web every time I wanted to see the face that went with the person.


Otherwise, it is a very informative book. I am glad that I read it...even if it took me a while to finish it.


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Spring Cleaning!....Check!

Today is a red-letter day!  I have finished my Spring cleaning.  It all began this year when the first daffodil opened.  I was off and running.  In fact, there were a few Summer days before I finished the last task.

Actually last year's picture...
waiting for someone to send us
this year's!

It started  the week before Easter with 'what am I going to wear on Easter Sunday'.  I have now taken one load of clothes I haven't worn in two (or more) years to Goodwill.  I left one load on the curb for ARC to pick up...which they did on Monday.  In fact, I have collected another pile of 'stuff' to set out for Big Brothers/Big Sisters to pick up when they come by at the end of April. Also, two boxes of books that I will never read has been donated to CALS (Central Arkansas Library System).  I also have some books that I will put on PaperBackSwap so I can get credits to get more books that I may/may not read.


I have a new system of my projects.  All projects are labeled and put in clear storage bins so I can see them.  They are now stored in our storage closets and not sitting all over the house.  I feel lighter already.  

I even made time
to polish my
toenails...

Today I now claim this year's 'Spring Cleaning' frenzy at an end.  The floors are mopped/vacuumed, and the screened porch is pollen-free.  Just in time  for me to put my feet up and read one of the books that I didn't give away...or maybe I'll just take a nap!

Happy Easter Day

Vintage Postcard