Inspite of the fact that I told my husband no gifts this year (our trip to East Africa was a fabulous gift!) he gave me an iPad!! So I have been playing around with it a little bit. Have not loaded any books onto it yet but think I will try to download something from the library. Just need to select a book. The reason I thought I would prefer an iPad over a Kindle is I can order and download books from a independent bookseller instead of being limited to Amazon. Try to support the local businesses when I can. Lovely Christmas Eve and Day. Beautiful church service and the church was beautiful Christmas Eve (picture is courtesy of my friend Roy). Sunday we spent with my family- a little hectic and noisy but fun. My husband was given the Steve Job bio which I can't wait to read (very long).

These are my son's favorite cookies which I make only at Christmas. The recipe is one from Fine Cooking 2006. A bit labor intensive but well worth it. And he swears they taste the best with the chocolate on the outside. Today I am baking the last Christmas bread- a braided coffee cake with dried fruit (cherries, raisin, and apricots). Have officially switched books for book club and started In The Country Of Men last night. So far really good, hooked me instantly. And I should be able to finish it well before our January 9th meeting.

There has been tiny bit of discussion about switching books. The January selection is over 600 pages! And with the holidays and craziness I suggested that we read In the Country of Men for January which is a bit more manageable and save WOOS for February. Only a couple of people responded , in favor of the switch. Most of my group wait until the dust settles and a decision has been made. I have been reading WOOS and liking it but it is not a fast read. Reads a bit like fiction although it isn't. But I know I won't finish it before our January meeting and as it is my pick I have to lead the discussion and it would be good if I had finished the book.
Have been baking cookies, have gone to a cookie swap and have finished decorating the tree. And I made these chocolate mice.

Christmas wall hanging is finally done. I started this almost 2 years ago. Had the entire top finished but needed to quilt and bind. I worked on the quilting, by machine about 2 weeks ago. Made the time this afternoon to put the binding on. Working with black I really needed to be fresh and have good light. It's a nice change from the Advent calendar that I usually put up each year ( another sewing project I made almost 20 years ago). Needless to say I haven't read much.

Started WOOS by Isabel Wilkerson (not Wilkinson as I previously printed). So far good. However busy getting ready for the holidays- making cookies, decorating the house, putting the ornaments on the tree (will post the finished tree tomorrow- maybe) etc so I haven't read very many pages. Never enough time in the day. And tomorrow I will finish the Christmas wall hanging that I started 2 yes 2 years ago. All I had to do was stitch on the binding (not my favorite part of sewing). Tomorrow.

Tomorrow night is book club, our usual potluck dinner and Yankee Swap. Will have to get creative as my gift for the swap has not arrived from the company. I bought a mushroom growing kit which looked like fun. Finished Stagestruck Friday night - late- and then loaned it to a friend. Hard to find a copy. I, of course, didn't guess the murderer and there were a couple of small mysteries and red herrings along the way. Fairly good read although it took longer than I expected. I have started The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen. I also read a book on deconstructing books- what to do with old books that have no value. Interesting ideas for jewelery, containers, wreaths etc. Not sure if I could actually destroy a book and create something out of the pages but it was definitely interesting. Our next book is Warmth of Other Suns (Isabel Wilkinson) which I hope is good as I suggested it before I had read it (one of our "rules" is to have read the book before suggesting it to the group but this sounded so good I brought it to the group's attention). Pictured are Christmas mice I made this afternoon along with some Christmas cookies.

Had a really good discussion last week. Interesting how many different views and interpretations were voiced. I liked SOW better than Bel Canto but do enjoy Patchett's writing. Started Stagestruck, which is set in Bath, England, and since I have been there I am finding it to be a good read. Our next meeting is the annual holiday party with potluck and Yankee Swap. Always a fun time. Pictured is last year's chocolate house.

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. Finished SOW and started Mourning Gloria - a China Bayles mystery. Book club meets tomorrow night for discussion. Our next book is a mystery which is a genre we don't usually read.

Have been working on getting ready for Thanksgiving. We are up to 18- with family and friends. House is fairly picked up and cleaned, silver polished, actually got the kitchen cabinets cleaned and polished. Washed light fixtures. Dishes are on the table. Starting some baking tonight- blonde brownies for those who don't want pie (apple or pumpkin). Pies to be made on Weds. And I still need to finish SOW- almost done. Did pick up the latest China Bayles mystery when I was at the library Thursday night for the library board meeting. NY Times had an article on Ann Patchett and the book store she is opening because she couldn't live in a town without a(n) (independent) bookstore. Great.

Starting reading State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. Finding it quite interesting and while not a quickly moving plot or story it is holding my attention. I am focusing on Patchett's writing- really beautifully written. About halfway through. My book club meets the Monday after Thanksgiving so I am on track to finish before the meeting. Will be having family and friends for Thanksgiving and feeling pretty organized. Scary.

This is the beautiful deer that was in my backyard this morning.Actually he was fighting another buck and it was pretty neat to watch the interaction between the two.

Read this article this morning in the New York Times. Sounds like a worth while organization.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/opinion/sunday/kristof-his-libraries-12000-so-far-change-lives.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
His Libraries, 12,000 So Far, Change Lives
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF

Last week my book club had what was undoubtedly the most animated and interesting discussion in quite awhile. Even though I didn't get to really re-read The Tiger's Wife the discussion and input from my book buddies was valuable in helping me better understand the book. It is not an easy read but definitely worth it. Our next book is Ann Patchett's State of Wonder . I was hoping to take it out of the library but when I signed up for it last week there were 101 requests ahead of mine. Today there were only 79 requests. No copies at the used book store so I had to suck it up and buy it. And it isn't in paperback yet (one of our rules is to suggest a book that is available in PB form). So off I went to Barnes and Noble to purchase the book. Well it was not easy to locate for some reason and then the staff person helping me said there were only 5 copies in the store! Hope it is good. Have started the latest in the Coffeehouse Mysteries - Murder by Mocha which will be fun.

Love the zebras. Book club tomorrow night and I am in trouble- will need to quickly re-read The Tiger's Wife to remember what the heck is going on.....quite a challenge!

Not much new, catching up with newspapers, email. Another picture from the trip

Back from a wonderful and exciting trip to East Africa- Kenya, Botswana and Zambia. Saw lots of animals including The Big Five
(twice!) and ended at Victoria Falls which was pretty spectacular even in the dry season. Loved the journey. Still reading The Flame Trees of Thika to get me in the mood- thought I would have more down time but my husband and I were busy going on drives to see the animals.
Back to business. Book group meets next Monday to discuss The Tiger's Wife which I read during the summer and need to go through again to refresh my memory.

Well today was an easy day. A workout at the gym and lunch with two friends who are also book buddies. Our kids have grown up together and we have shared lots of life's events. Lunch was at a new restaurant and was delicious. Had to have dessert. And I came away with a couple of book suggestions. One is House at Sugar Beach , another memoir about growing up in Africa. My dessert was an orange flavored flan. Yummy!

Last night went to listen to Sebastian Barry read and speak about his latest book On Canaan's Side. Very entertaining and enjoyable. Lovely to listen to and good questions. Looking forward to reading the book after I finish Don't Let Go to the Dogs Tonight a memoir set in East Africa. Had to put down The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks as it was going so slowly.

Last weekend I hosted my book club at my home in RI. It was great- the weather was perfect, everyone pitched in with food and effort for meals and we actually discussed books (and lots of other things) and made a list for the year. Not cast in stone but it's a start. It went so well that we decided it should be a yearly event- the kick off meeting for our year. My husband made it even better by grilling dinner Saturday night and basically doing all the clean up and keeping the coffee pot filled. Some of the group even ventured in the water. I will be posting the books in a few days. Our October book is The TIger's Wife by Tea Obrecht.

Getting ready to host my book club for the weekend. After last week's hurricane and evacuation from the shore this weekend is looking to be sunny and warm. Hoping to get our fall reading list together. Bought Let's Not Go To The Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller, a memoir of growing up in East Africa. Of particular interest to me as I will be traveling to Kenya this fall. A trip of a lifetime and on my "bucket list".

To me summer is officially over now that we are in the month of September and have celebrated Labor Day. The summer flew by, in fact I don't feel as if I had a summer. Too much going on in my life in which I didn't really get a chance to slow down. I found that I didn't read that much for some reason. Right now I am reading The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks which is interesting, not terribly medical, but it is a book I am not driven to read. I pick it up, read a few chapters, and put it down. Will continue, as I did, in another life, work in a research lab, and try to finish. My book club will meet next weekend for a get away by the shore and hopefully we will make a list of books for the fall....somedays it is like pulling teeth to get any one to volunteer a book for discussion. I do believe that our monthly attendance was better than in past years.

One of the books I have on my list to read this summer is The Tiger's Wife by first time novelist Tea Obreht about the Balkan Wars. Have finished The Distant Hours which I really enjoyed. Now reading something quite lite-light- the Hannah Swenson mystery series by Joanna Fluke. No Goldy Shultz but still entertaining. Two other books I have put in the to be read pile are The Warmth of Other Suns and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Now that the last Harry Potter movie has been released I would like to look into the Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. I checked my local library and there are 56 holds for the first book! How is it I haven't heard of this series until now?

Have been spending more time at home and have been keeping track of a pair of hawks that have built a nest near our driveway. Having added to their family I find I have 3 hawks routinely hanging around our home. Took a couple of pictures when one of the 3 was on our deck.

Summer is definitely here. Hot and humid. Spent part of yesterday at the hospital getting examined after waking up with flu like symptoms and a bull's eye rash on my arm. Lyme disease. Not surprising as we are in the heart of tick country. So,I am on antibiotics for 3 weeks that make me photosensitive and possibly nauseous. OH well. Have been reading The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. Taken out of my local library and have kept is past its due date. I am enjoying it but I have found to read more slowly lately. The question is- if you are borrowing a book from the library and know that someone has requested it, should you keep it past its due date to finish it ( and pay the fine, which in my case actually goes to the library not the town coffers) or should you not finish it and return it on time?

Last night my book club met for the last meeting before the summer. Great evening of eating,drinking and discussing our lives and, of course, books. Even some movie suggestions. Summer reading suggestions were too many to list so I am waiting for everyone to email me so I can compose the master list. Fun evening. Going to suggest to read (or re- read for some) a classic which we try to do every once in a while.

Well the end of our year is fast approaching. Next week we will meet to eat, discuss summer reading suggestions and just enjoy each other's company. My first suggeston will be Cutting for Stone which I read while on vacation in Hawaii (the Big Island and Maui) which I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down. I also read a YA series by Ellen Emerson White about a young woman whose mother is elected President of the US. Four books in the series and again I couldn't put any of the books down. I think she captured the daughter's feelings and trials and tribulations of being the child of a politician.
On another note the trip to Hawaii was fabulous. My husband, daughter and her boyfriend hiked and snorkeled and lazed for 2 weeks. Great time. Long flight but worth it. Back to reality.

Book club tonight to discuss AVFTGS ( A Visit from the Goon Squad). I finally finished this book and can admit that I wasn't wild about it. One of the questions is Are you glad you read it? Not sure. I guess I am since it has gotten so many accolades and awards. However I don't understand why it is considered to be great writing. I am not clear on the title- why goon squad? I do have a problem with books jumping back and forth in time and with characters- but after reading some posted reviews apparently I am not the only one that found that distracting in this book. It was a struggle to remember each character. Should be an interesting discussion as long as we can stay on target. Several of us have college grads so I fear that it might be hard to stay the course.......

Finally got around to starting A Visit From The Goon Squad. While it hasn't grabbed me it is interesting. Too bad I didn't follow any punk bands back in the 80s and 90s. Took out from the library the newest Diana Mott Davidson mystery. Can't wait to start that.

It's a beautiful sunny day. Perfect for a walk. Have been reading a bit but really trying to finish up quilting projects and organize my sewing area which seems to be a never ending project. Have been reading The Postmistress and enjoying it although I confess it took me a bit to get into it. Perhaps that was because I was reading it in bed, late at night after a long day. The past few days have been crazy and the next couple of weeks are crazier still with college graduations, end of the year meetings and all the things that life throws at you. After I finish this book will need to tackle Good Squad. Hope it is good. Broke down and bought it after trying to take it out at several libraries and finding that the hold/wait lists were up to 22! Can't wait for it as our next meeting for discussion is in 3 weeks.

Small group gathered Monday night to discuss The Bastard of Istanbul. Great discussion- lively, thought provoking. Really enjoyable. Our next book is Welcome To The Goon Squad which was recently released in paperback, a requirement in our group. So on to the next book. I have Tina Fey's bio/memoir and The Postmistress stacked by my bed to start next.

We needed to switch our book selection for this month. The Bastard of Istanbul is the April book choice and Lorrie Moore's book will be read for May. Meeting next week so I guess I should start reading. Just finished Oggy, a sad/happy story abut about a Dogo (a breed of dog that looks like a pitbull) who was a "bait dog"- a bait dog is used to train other dogs to fight. Oggy was physically and mentally abused and that made it a hard and difficult read however he did get rescued in a police raid and brought to a vet who managed to save him and find a wonderful home for him. He survives several surgeries to fix his face and skull and showers his family with love and kisses.

Had a really good discussion last week. We decided that the book, The Women Who Raised Me, could have benefited from better editing or even a ghost writer however it was a worth while story. Small group which sometimes really makes the discussion more lively and interesting. Next book is Lorrie Moore's Gate At The Stairs. Just finished The Union Quilters which is not a long book but for some reason I just didn't get into it which was surprising as I like the other books in the series by Jennifer Chiaverini.

It's National Book Week. The rules are: Grab the closest book to you. Turn to page 56. Copy the 5th sentence as your status. Don't mention the book.


This was the sentence-The reputable restaurants in Hawaii buy fresh fish daily at predawn auctions or from local fisherman.
Yes a travel guide to Hawaii!!

Just realized that our book group is meeting Monday and I still have not started our book selection. Oops. Need to get reading after I finish the errands that I had to do today. It's not a long book so I hope 4 days is enough. That's the problem with not reading the book too far in advance- trying to gauge how much time is needed. If I read a book too far in advance I can't remember enough to contribute to the discussion and if I wait......well let's hope 4 days is enough time.

Just finished The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree, the first book in a new series by Susan Wittig Albert. Set during the Depression, well researched, enjoyable read. Then again I really enjoy her China Bayles series.

Finally finished Samantha Bee. Phew. Grey day here and cold. Just read the NYTimes Book review and there are so many books that I marked "to be read". Never enough time. Will need to start the book club selection.

Rainy here. Struggling with the Samantha Bee book. Should be LOL but I feel as if the humor is forced. Can't decide if I will finish it with so many books calling me....especially the book club selection which I still haven't started.

Melting snow and rain made for a mess in the basement. Starting to see our lawn again. Lots of damage to the rhodies because of the heavy snow. Stopped at the library and saw " I Know I Am But What Are You?" by Samatha Bee. Looks like it might be a fun read.

Catching up after vacationing in Florida. Started Slow Love instead of book club selection. Slow start.

February's meeting was cancelled and the book selection moved to March. Disappointing but since I was away now I can read and discuss the memoir.

Good discussion at the last meeting. The book selected, Drive By Heart, was well received and we were given lots of insight as one of the members knew the author. I found the poetry to be more easily understood, almost simplistic, but yet concise. Almost everyone made the meeting ( only one couldn't ) which is impressive considering how cold and snowy our little area has been. Snowing again today - expecting another 4-8 inches. Our next book is The Women Who Raised Me (a memoir). Looks interesting.

Another storm has descended upon our area- rain, sleet, snow, ice. Hopefully this afternoon the roads will be safe(er) to drive on. Right now it seemed like a good day to bake bread and get some chores around the house done. Have read Drive By Heart- the poems are simpler in nature than I expected so a bit easier to understand. Mostly on the depressing side of life- dad's approaching death, divorce and it's afterlife, etc. Will be interesting to see what direction the discussion Monday night goes.

Well today is bright and sunny after Tuesday and Wednesday's record setting snow storm. We have 30" of snow and it is beautiful. I am sure in a few days it will be dirty and more of an inconvenience but right now it's great. Very unusual for our area. Have been reading The Magicians by Lev Grossman which my daughter describes as an adult Harry Potter. Fun read.

Happy New Year to all! May this year bring you joy, good health, great opportunities and time to read some wonderful books.