The Address - book

I've been reading quite a bit lately.  I thought I'd pass on a few titles of books I enjoyed.  This one is 
historical fiction.  If you have any reading suggestions, please leave them in the comments.

After a failed apprenticeship, working her way up to head housekeeper of a posh London hotel is more than Sara Smythe ever thought she’d make of herself. But when a chance encounter with Theodore Camden, one of the architects of the grand New York apartment house The Dakota, leads to a job offer, her world is suddenly awash in possibility—no mean feat for a servant in 1884. The opportunity to move to America, where a person can rise above one’s station. The opportunity to be the female manager of The Dakota, which promises to be the greatest apartment house in the world. And the opportunity to see more of Theo, who understands Sara like no one else...and is living in The Dakota with his wife and three young children.

Review from Goodreads.

Celebrating the Autumn Equino

This is a great time of year here in Northern CA.  Hope you are enjoying fall weather where you are.

Unsheltered (Book)

Barbara Kingsolver always hits the spot for me.

Unsheltered

Barbara Kinglolver

The Goodreads review says it well:  

"A timely novel that interweaves past and present to eplore the human capacity for resiliency and compassion in times of great upheaval,"

Tea Stands for Tuesday 8/27/19

Hello.  I've missed everyone but have been online very little of late.  I'm happy to see the party is still going on over on Elizabeth's blog.  Check it out here:  .http://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2019/08/t-stands-for-city-bites.html

I was out on my morning walk and happened to see this sign in a window. (BTW, I like their clothes.) I immediately thought I needed it for my Tuesday post.  I had picked up three pounds of coffee and a cup to go so I put those in the shot - and there you have my drink reference for today.

We spent a lot of time on the porch at the river house this summer.  The bench is one DH made and I got the rocker at a thrift shop.

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Our daughter brought us this sign one weekend when she and her husband came to visit.

You are somewhat forced to relax when you are here.  It is largely and agricultural area and farm equipment is driven up and down the roads at its own - usually very slow - pace.

Hoping to catch up with everyone who makes it to the Tea Party this Tuesday.

Sapphire Grapes

I know I'm easily amused but ...  I did a double take in the produce shop and a big smile broke out on my face.

Sapphire Grapes

I bought a bag of grapes and when I got them home DH had quite a laugh as well.  They certainly taste like grapes, in fact they taste like very good grapes.  Maybe we are the last folks around who hadn't had them.

We really need to get out more.

Aztec Fast Food (recipe)

I posted this recipe years ago on my old blog.  I just recently made it and we enjoyed it so much I thought I would post it again.

1 large can (29 oz.) hominy
1/3 C smooth peanut butter
½ tsp garlic salt
Cayenne
2 cups finely shredded cabbage
1 ripe avocado, pitted peeled and sliced
About 1 cup thin sliced red radish
Lemon wedges
Salt.

Drain hominy and pour 1/3 Cup of the liquid in a 2 - 3 quart pan. Add peanut butter and garlic salt. Stir until smooth. Add hominy and cayenne to taste (a bit hot). Stir often, uncovered, over medium heat until hominy is hot. Divide cabbage equally amount 4 wide salad bowls. Spoon hominy mixture onto cabbage and top with avocado and radishes. Season to taste with lemon and salt.

Makes 4 servings

From: Sunset Magazine – many, many years ago.

The Art of Disappearing

I seem to have taken this poem to heart.  My blog has become kind of a place holder.  I'm around, just quiet.

The Art of Disappearing

When they say Don't I know you?
say no.

When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering.
Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem.
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.

If they say We should get together
say why?

It's not that you don't love them anymore.
You're trying to remember something
too important to forget.
Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.

When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven't seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don't start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.

Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time. 

Naomi Shihab Nye