Sunday Salon, October 12

Our Mountain Ash tree is looking quite lovely

Weather; partly cloudy, fall-like

Cue the music: This concerto by Mozart has been described as the romantic piece of music ever written. I don't know about that but it is certainly lovely. Have a listen while you read the rest of this blog post.


Women's Retreat: I spent yesterday on a women's retreat with other gals from my church at a location on the Hood Canal, about an hour and half away from our home. The day was overcast and a bit rainy but it didn't matter. We worshipped togethers, had plenty of time for visiting, worked on a service project, and ate a wonderful lunch. I haven't attended our yearly retreat for several years due to scheduling conflicts but this year felt I could go because it was only for a day, with no over nights and the speaker was one of our own, Bev, a gal I highly respect.

School: my clerk returned on Wednesday after a nearly two week absence.  Boy, was I glad to see her. Unfortunately, while she was in Michigan her sister-in-law died. It was a very emotional and exhausting time for her.

Mock Printz books selected: I met with the other librarians in the district and we selected 14 books for our project and another six we are still considering.  Check out our list here. I've read most of the books on the first list but still need to write reviews for ive of them.  Writing them is on my list list of things to do this week.

Wash-the-dog: Our poor dog. Her skin infection is back. Ugh. It means we have to take her to the local wash-the-dog business twice a week. She is also back on antibiotics. Wish we could figure out what the trouble is.

Currently reading:

• The Hotel on Place Vendome by Tilar Mazzeo---a book club selection about activities in the Hotel Ritz during WWII. It should be more interesting to me than it is.
• Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya---my current audiobook; full fo beautiful, evocative language. I selected this for Banned Books Week but didn't get it started right on time to match that event.
• Otherbound by Corrine Duyvis---a Mock Printz selection that I haven't finished yet.
• The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton---another Mock Printz selection that I need to finish.

Finished this week:

• This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki---a graphic novel, recounts the events of one two-week vacation to the shore.
• The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd---a fictional account of the Grimke sisters,  real 19th century abolitionist and feminists. I love it.
• 100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith---another wonderfully written book by Smith but dare we add it to our Mock Printz list?

Prayers this week: for my friend Louise who is having to face another round of chemotherapy.