Wednesday, October 14, 2009

'This And That' Kind of Day

 

Here is my day at a glance:


One
It's been snowing and blowing. Now I want to dust off Christmas movies and other cozy videos like You've Got Mail, Wind in the Willows, Meet Me In St. Louis with Judy Garland, just to name a few.

Two
Making homemade soup for lunch. I started with my own chicken broth and then added: a can of red kidney beans, kernel corn, some grated zucchini, a chopped fresh tomato, 2-3 cups of Clamato juice, and for seasoning, salt, pepper, and cumin. I let it simmer about 30 minutes. It was very tasty, if I do say so myself!

Three
Visiting with my dear 92-year-old father-in-law, who came yesterday to stay with us until the end of the month. This is the man who still races in World Seniors Games, and just a couple of years ago ran at the World Seniors Games in Italy. I pray my hubby takes after him for longevity and good health!!!

Four
Reading my way through these books: Agatha Christie's A Pocketful of Rye, A Cellist in Sarajevo by Steven Galloway, and The Professor's House by Willa Cather.

Five
I just looked out the window -- it's snowing again, which makes it a perfect evening for sitting by the fireplace later tonight.


Until next time,








Thursday, October 01, 2009

An Outing to the Children's Library



"The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more you learn, the more places you'll go."
DR. SEUSS, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! 


I ventured into the children's section of the library yesterday afternoon. I wasn't sure what I was looking for--nothing in particular--but with the feeling of autumn upon us, the cool blustery day with leaves a-flyin' reminded me of my school days as a child.

How exciting it had been to move from grade to grade each September, anticipating not only the exciting new readers, scribblers, and boxes of crayons, but the 'library' books housed on shelves at the back of the classroom. Our school didn't have a central library, so each classroom had its own set of age-appropriate books for students to take home. That, in my estimation, was the very best part of school. I couldn't wait for our teacher to announce that we could browse the shelves and take our treasure home to read. After filling in the check out card on the inside cover.

I felt a little nostalgic yesterday browsing books all crinkly in their plastic coverings just the way they used to be in my school days. I checked out two: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle; and Babe, The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith. Plus, I bumped into DVDs of the wonderful award-winning series from the legendary Cosgrove Hall Productions of Kenneth Graham's Wind in the Willows. The kid in me still loves to watch Badger and Mole, Ratty and Toad, not to mention the rascally Weasels, who are always up to no good. 

Such a delightful way to spend a little time this week. Do you still like to read children's books?

Sending you bookish thoughts,
Brenda
xox