A GOOD READ

WELL, better than good, actually. The older I get, the dimmer the eyesight which is a startling turn of events for someone who has read voraciously since the age of 4. I find that most often I begin a book and a few chapters in, I put it aside due to tired eyes or could it possibly be a lack of interest? Horrors! The thoughr of losing interest is frightening to me when it comes to something that's been such a huge part of my life.

I do love memoirs and books about food and having heard about this book I requested it from our local public library, always feeling guilty about not using what the Manor library contains.....there is a wealth of books on our shelves and after all, I'm supposed to be a partial librarian here. It seems disloyal somehow to go elsewhere for my reading material.


There was a wait for my turn to check it out and life must have been busy for when the due date arrived to return it, I wasn't even half way through, so back it went to keep peace in the family (Mr. Bob does NOT tolerate overdue fines). 


But the title kept appearing in articles and food blogs I read, so I placed a request for it again. Waited. Started the book again from the beginning and was so struck with the quality of writing that I regretted the moments when I had to put it aside to rest my weary eyes. I managed to finish it on the morning of the due date and now realize that it was one of those books that spoils for a while anything else one tries to follow it with. 


It will come out in paperback toward the end of this month and I'm going to purchase a copy and donate it to the Manor library just so others can enjoy it and I may have another chance someday.


Google it, to get a better idea of the subject. And if you're intrigued and follow through by reading it let me know what you think.

“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”

Paul Sweeney

DOIN' GOOD

A DEAR FRIEND sent Mr. Bob one of those helpful "thought for the day" books and it's helping him tremendously to keep his mind focused on positive thoughts.

At one time we read that publication, "Creative Thought", religiously (no pun intended), but we somehow fell away from the daily practice.

He came through the long session well. Here we go again for a shorter treatment.
The book is in the bag we carry everywhere.

GANDHI OF THE GANGS

Tim once said, "I'm just an agoraphobic on the go." and I feel that way sometimes. I can always talk myself out of going somewhere on my own. Nadine voiced the desire to go hear an author speak last Friday and later she decided to stay home. If I'm thinking of driving to North Carolina, I'd jolly well better start practicing; I talked her back into the idea of going and off we went. Neither of our husbands seemed interested. We were two women on the loose.

The speech was scheduled at a regular Kiwanis Club meeting which

is held in the Elks Club. Nadine and I both were familiar with the location, or so we thought, but it took us twice around the block before we found it. Either the building was remodeled drastically or it was a new building.

I'm not a clubbish sort, so it was quite a new experience to behold the camaraderie displayed at a Kiwanis meeting, but enjoyable to watch. Lots and lots of people were in attendance and a variety of ages. We ate from the buffet and listened to announcements, singing and joke telling and then Father Gregory Boyle was introduced.

As a pastor working in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles, Father Boyle created an organization to provide jobs, job training and encouragement so that young people could work together and learn the mutual respect that comes from collaboration. He founded Homeboy Industries, a part of which is Homegirl Cafe. I urge you to follow the link. (click on "Homegirl Cafe") Father Boyle told us the story of the time that Diane Keaton, for unbeknownst reasons, came to the restaurant and the girl who waited on her, said, "I've seen you before.....where have I seen you?" The actress modestly replied that she had the kind of face that looks familiar. The waitress continued to search her mind and finally said, "I know!!! You and I served time together!"

His other stories were moving......25 years ago he buried the first murdered gang member. This week, there are arrangements to bury the 174th. Heart rending stories...........tear jerking tales.......life altering inspiration. The 2 young men who came along with him to carry the books and be generally helpful came from rival gangs. Working at Homeboy Industries together made things different.

Nadine bought a copy of "Tattoos on the Heart" for the Manor Library. I bought my own copy. It promises to be a fascinating read.

If the opportunity arises, I recommend you find a way to hear this remarkable man. Or, you can always search out his book.

TMI

The season isn't even right for this entry, but if you stick with us, you'll learn more about poinsettias than you either wanted or needed to know.

I was inspired by seeing this group of plants about to be put out to pasture or whatever in the world gets done with poinsettias after the holiday. One year when I had the store I took the time to cut each bract (what we think of as petals, only they aren't) into a heart shape, thereby creating a Valentine plant. We in retail dash from one holiday to another and Valentine's Day comes next.



And then, right around the corner from the Manor parking lot, I spied this which used to be a common sight in Southern California before the Birds of Paradise took over the title of the ubiquitous plant of the area.


Our own potted plant which Nadine gave us ahead of Christmas, is ending its life in an unusual manner. It's dropping one leaf at a time, one bract at a time, but as long as it holds on, I'm going to leave our little cheerful wooden sign leaning against the pot.

Actually, it may end up being a Valentine's Day plant.

We visited the nursery in Encinitas which produces many of the world's poinsettia plants. It was mind boggling. Mr. Bob and I were too busy deciding which plant to buy to take time to sit on the poinsettia throne, but I snapped a picture of it when 2 of the ladies on our outing took advantage of the opportunity.

Nearly everyone buys such a plant for himself during December. Even the carwash (above) and most of the households of my acquaintance. I used them in quantity in the store and used to fret a bit lest a child ingest part of a plant but of late we're told that poinsettias are not poisonous. Whew!

I had Mr. Bob dig out our copy of a Leo Politi book entitled "The Poinsettia". He's so good natured when I ask that sort of thing of him. It was not an easy task and he did it with no complaint whatsoever. I'd have said, "You want me to do WHAT?" He's a far better person than I am.

 The book chronicles many of the holiday celebrations that take place in and around Los Angeles. To think we purchased this book 40 years ago when it seems just yesterday. That's the sort of thing you hear a lot at the Manor as we oldsters wonder where in the world the time has gone. It's a reminder to make the most of each and every day.

If you progressed this far, you're a trooper. Many thanks.

MEET BRIGITTE

For a long time, I've collected miniature books, feeling all along that I'd have time to read them when I retired. What I didn't take into consideration was the fact that sharp eyesight generally declines with age. The smallest book in my miniature bookcase is highly readable.

THE END