Author Topic: The Library (Read 2080102 times)

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19360 on:** November 10, 2018, 03:05:08 PM »

December Library
Our Library Cafe is open 24/7; the Welcome Mat is always out.
Do take a coffee break and spend some time with us.

Pull up your chair and tell us,
How You Celebrate the December Holidays
Note the "Suggested Topics" - We want to hear all about it.

And please, continue to share your library news in addition to these holiday topics.
Let's make the library a bustling place to be this month.

November 26-30: - Tell us the best book YOU read this year and why?

December 1-4: - Do you put up a tree? What rooms do you decorate? Will there be a special Christmas event in your town that you will attend? Tell us about it.

December 2: - The First Sunday in December, Advent begins - Do you hang an Advent calendar or read from a special Advent book?

December 5-8: - Do you have a special menu or recipe for Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? How about a recipe?

December 6: - Today is the Feast of St Nickolas - Will you do anything special for the day?

December 7: - Pearl Harbor Remembrance - Do you remember or does a family member remember where they were when they heard of the attack?

December 9-11: - What goes on at your home every year as you prepare for the holidays—What traditions take place come heck or high water!

December 10: The Last Day of Hanukkah - Will you plan on something special to celebrate this “festival of lights”?

December 12-15: - Are you gifting someone a book? What is your memory of a book received when you were a child?
What is your favorite book with a holiday theme?

December 14: - Santa Lucia Feast day (Sankta Lucia in Swedish). Do you serve for breakfast Lucia buns?
What is your favorite holiday dessert?

December 16-19: - What movies or TV programs do you never miss as Christmas approaches? Please, tell us why it is so special for you!

December 20-23: - What is your favorite Holiday Carol or Hymn or Song?

December 21: The First Day of Winter - The Winter Solstice - Do you do feed the birds or other wildlife?

December 24-25: - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - Will you be home or visiting friends or family this year? Will there be a special meal?

December 26-28: - Did you drive around to see the Christmas lights and decorations? What will be your best memory from this year's Holidays?
Did you receive a book? Have you stared to read it ?

December 29-31: - Are you making a reading list for next year? Are you planning to 'right' size your book collection this year?
Is there a book that has often been on your list but never read?

We are in for a great month and we want to hear from everyone!
Please share using our calendar of topics. We enjoy and are richer by reading each other's stories.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19361 on:** November 10, 2018, 03:06:31 PM »

Wow a new Jeeves and Wooster story - I remember reading my first back in High School - wonderful escape reading just wonderful - thanks Ginny - I had no idea someone picked up the gauntlet and was continuing in the PG Wodehouse tradition.

No wonder the author's name, Ngaio Marsh went over my head - I've just not been a mystery reader. Even as a kid, I just never did get into Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden. Although I did enjoy Pierrot.

Trying to think of the funny men in English Lit - there is that PBS special about the Funny Women of English Comedy and I bet they did one on the Funny men but for the life of me cannot remember either a special or the men deemed funny. However, agree - escapism is just the ticket and probably for the next couple of years - the phone will just about stop ringing with all the political robo calls and I bet it starts up again this Spring if not sooner. madness...

ginny · « **Reply #19362 on:** November 10, 2018, 04:13:31 PM »

Oh it's awful, Tome. See if you find it as hilariously amusing as everybody else does. You must report back.

Barbara, you know what was really good when we were children? Bonita Granville mysteries. I used to love them. She was some kind of old movie star? And they did some mysteries about her. She was for older girls than Nancy Drew, and (was it) the Hardy Boys, and was in the Cherry Ames Student Nurse category.

My best friend had two sisters and somehow or another they had amassed an entire attic full of The Bobbsey Twins, Cherry Ames, Trixie Belden (whom I never liked) Nancy Drew and wonder of wonders, Bonita Granville. And they let poor bookish bottle thick glasses me read them all, because the two younger girls didn't want them, to take them home and read them all like a lending library and I did. I read them ALL.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19363 on:** November 10, 2018, 04:53:52 PM »

Oh I remember the Bobbsey Twins - loved them - but that is where we diverged in the yellow woods {attic} - may have to do with books my father brought home for me that I was as taken with my father bringing me gifts of books as the books themselves. His tended towards adventure stories, high seas or accomplishing the heroic adventures in forests, on mountains and early America although, there was Heidi and the real Black Beauty that included full disclosure of the sad years - always got annoyed that most books did not include the entire story - ah so... exactness evidently was important

. But I do remember holing up in the attic to read of all things a wonderful set of encyclopedias - I was entranced with all that information and seeing photos and maps of places in the world - loved it - attic entry was off the kitchen and often while mom was cooking I would call down - did you know this or that - she would look up towards my voice with a small smile on her face while stirring something on the stove. nice memory...

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19364 on:** November 10, 2018, 10:52:16 PM »

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

‘For the Fallen’, Poem by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), first published in The Times Newspaper on 21st September 1914.

Frybabe · « **Reply #19365 on:** November 11, 2018, 06:43:14 AM »

Thank you, Barb, for the memorial.

My sister was the one who liked The Bobbsey Twins; I never read them. Instead, I had my nose into the Nancy Drew books, The Black Stallion, Black Beauty, a few Hardy Boys books, Treasure Island, the child's version of The Three Musketeers, and well, you get the picture - horses and high adventure.

I am very unhappy to hear that they removed the sad bits from Black Beauty. I never liked abridged books, like Reader's Digest used to do, either. Maybe that is why I don't care for movie versions that take too much license with the books they make into movies.

Currently, I am listening to the Audiobook version of Adrian Goldsworthy's Augustus and continuing, off and on, with Beryl Markham's West with the Night. Now I am picking around at my TBR stack for a can't put down book while waiting for the next in The Expanse SciFi series to become available at the library.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19366 on:** November 11, 2018, 10:47:51 PM »

Well, I stopped into this used bookstore called Never More, and yes it has a black raven stencil on the window. I found To Kill A Mockingbird in paperback for only $3, and Go Set A Watchman, in hardcover for $7, in perfect like new condition. This store is filled with fantastic 18th Century books by all the famous authors, I didn't have the time to really go through them all. It's in a quaint, old, small town of Maumee, Ohio and the building is ancient and lovely. I got to talking to the guy who works there, and told him how I love this building, he said he does too, but when he is there all by himself he can't help but wonder if there is paranormal activity going on, because he swears he hears footsteps in the hallway. I do plan to return when I have more time to browse.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19367 on:** November 12, 2018, 01:54:03 PM »

Interesting finds Bellamarie - very different outlooks in those two books and yet, typical in many ways. Well today I'm thinking, we may be as cold as places in the north when they are not dealing with a weather front - here it is, after the noon hour and only 49 degrees - streets are empty - everyone is indoors trying to stay warm - and so dreary - the day is sure not conducive to getting much done.

I looked at the weather map it it looks like Callie you may be getting snow - wow - whatever this front it has snow behind it that dips down into Ok. Looks like anyone on the east coast will be getting this weather soon - huge balloon of rain covering most all of the south heading for the coast and where they need it in California, nothing - and with that thought I'm thinking how grateful to have a warm safe house, rain and all.

Cleaning out the drawer where I keep all the paper recipe books and recipe cards from my mother - of course I have to stop and read - it has been years and years since I made Apple Grunt - wonder why the named it that - but this is just the kind of day and I do have apples in the refrigerator.

Interesting how many cures for various health issues are included in these old cookbooks - from soft or hard corns to a child having been poisoned by swallowing lye or carbolic acid - even how to treat stains on black cloth with chloroform - none of these are typical of our kitchen's today - but then I guess there were so many who lived miles from a doctor and so they had to know and use all these things. Plus remembering as a kid the doctors did not have much to offer - the prescribed many of these same cures. I'm remembering the hours I spent bent over a basin of steam that had some smell from drops of something and then a large heavy towel over my head and around the basin of steam - can you just imagine a doctor prescribing something like that today?

Well onward - through the damp and cold - I think I will quick make some apple grunt and have it with tea this afternoon - plus the oven on will make the kitchen cozy.

CallieOK · « **Reply #19368 on:** November 12, 2018, 02:13:16 PM »

Barb, we're having "sloppy snow" in the OKC area. Weather gurus are, of course, having a hey-day but it doesn't look all that bad from my windows. Of course, having 4 bright red cardinals and their ladies at the bird feeders helps.

I have my grandmother's cookbook from the 1890's and it has all kinds of home remedies for various things. I still breathe steam from hot water with Vicks Vapo-Rub added when I'm stopped up.

I had the entire set of Bobbsey Twins books and my mother gave them to a younger friend when I left home and moved out of state. Friend lives in another area of OKC and I've teased her about giving them back. She says they're "probably" in her storeroom but hasn't offered to hunt for them.

I remember reading most of the books mentioned here but suspect Mother also gave them away. Unfortunately, I didn't live close enough to stop her giving away quite a few items because, she said, "Who wants those old things?". I would have told her, "ME!" - and, if I don't, there are antique shops that would love to get them.

I also read the Honey Bunch books and Nancy Drew mysteries. I still have one of the ND books - as well as "Mary Poppins" and "Mary Poppins Comes Back" and an original Dr. Doolittle. Also had a set of "Little Women", "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys" until I gave them to my oldest granddaughter.

Now, I read e-books and have just had two from my "Hold" list added to my check-outs. Looks like a pleasant afternoon for a gloomy cold day.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19369 on:** November 12, 2018, 02:52:07 PM »

Oh yes Callie - forgot - the Honey Bunch books - so many of these books were considered politically incorrect about 30 years ago even if they went out of style but the best thing that I see few replacing is the concept of a series - always the big excitement of the next book - I think that was what was such the winner about the Harry Potter books - there was all that excitement looking forward to the next in the series.

And the whole series of the Bobbsey Twins - wow - I still do have two that were my mother's would you believe - she was born in 1910 so I bet these books are 100 years old - I just could not part with them though - I remember my mother doing what your mother did with all my dolls and other toys - saved the important toys and school sweaters for my children but they did not want them - still have some of their things - not sure why - just difficult to let go.

Well oven on - next need to mix up some batter and I'm ready to go - started reading The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred Year old Man a week ago and did not get through the first chapter but this is the day - I'm ready for a few chuckles and I know this book will provide them...

bellamarie · « **Reply #19370 on:** November 12, 2018, 03:14:18 PM »

Callie, we are expecting some snow here in Ohio tomorrow. My hubby and I spent the morning hours raking and bagging all our leaves so if the snow comes we can enjoy it, and our leaves will not get all wet and soggy.

Barb, Apple grunt, is that like apple crisp? Anything with baked apples sounds good to me. Our temps today are mid 30's, with a hat, gloves and light coat over my sweatshirt, I was very comfortable while out raking the leaves. Had to put a few of my mums in the ground before it's too late. I went to a resale shop yesterday and found some wonderful Christmas things that will go with my new theme of white, silver and gold, so I'm thinking of beginning decorating the living room in the next day or so. Texas has had some unusual weather this year. Stay warm and enjoy that apple grunt!

CallieOK · « **Reply #19371 on:** November 12, 2018, 04:01:26 PM »

I have a set of "The Little Colonel" books that belonged to my mother and her sisters. I know they're more than 100 years old! They're set on a plantation right after the Civil War so would not only be politically incorrect but racist. Sadly, they are otherwise good stories.

Bellamarie, fortunately, our yard work is taken care of. However, a week or so ago, the yard crew blew all the leaves from the yards along my side of the street into piles by the back boundary fence - and never came back to get them! Of course, they're back where they started by now - and more have been added from the row of cottonwoods along the creek behind that fence.

Still haven't gotten to those e-books. Some Domestic Duties insisted on being done Right Now! I'm working on it!!!!

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #19372 on:** November 12, 2018, 05:31:17 PM »

Several years ago I had a complete set of the Nancy Drew Books. They had been in the garage "forever" as the girls had outgrown them. I had a garage sale back then, and they went quickly. Then, guess what, my grown, oldest daughter came to me well after the fact, and said, Mom do you still have my Nancy Drew books?
I said, no, I sold them in a garage sale. I thought she was going to scream, jump up and down, stamp her foot and rap me upside the head with something!!! How could you, she asked? Well, they'd been out there for about 12 to 15 years at the time, so I was supposed to intuit that she might want them? Give me a break!
Speaking of old home remedies, I wish I had a dollar for everytime my Mom put me over a basin of steaming water with VaporRub in it, towel over the head. Hey, it worked.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19373 on:** November 13, 2018, 11:27:58 AM »

Callie, That's the thing about leaves, if they are not bagged up, they just come back again. We bagged seven bags yesterday for the garbage pick up today. We usually do my neighbor's lawn as well, but ran out of energy after almost four hours of raking, blowing and bagging, soooo..... today her leaves are making their way to our yard. Oh well, such is life. She works full time and is going to have her second surgery to help with her weight problem, so my hubby has been mowing her grass and doing her snow for the past few years. I guess we will do her leaves now as well. I do feel like we have been enabling her to not do any yard work at all, which I think is good for her to attempt to do some for herself. There's a fine line in knowing when you are helping a person, or hindering them. She is very capable of getting around, and I think it hurts my hubby's feelings, because she fails to acknowledge and say thank you, when he spends so much time helping her.

Tomereader, OH dear! I can only imagine how devastated your daughter was learning the books sold in the garage sale. I have boxed an individual box for each grown adult child of mine with their school things, and high school books, and labeled them to give to them. I did sell many of their childhood toys in garage sales years ago, which now their children would have enjoyed. We only have so much room to store these things, so it's either they come for them or, Que Será, Será.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19374 on:** November 14, 2018, 03:11:54 PM »

This is ridiculous, nearly 2:00 in the afternoon and the Temp only reached 32 - thank goodness I guts it up last evening and covered that outside water faucet - even brought the hose into the garage - hurrah for me...

I think my brain is frozen though - cannot get anything done and cannot think of what needs doing till I walk in the room - I dislike cold - and a few chosen words can accompany that thought. grrrr

Nothing on TV last night so I read what I call a chit chat book - one of these light reads with stereotypical characters in a modern setting in cliche situations so that the entire story can be shared over coffee - this one was called, Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery: A Novel by Jenny Colgan - cute but except for the story taking place over Christmas the holiday had little to do with the story - the core of the story was a young women born to a mom still lost because of social dos and don't of the early 1980s that were still not different about children born out of wedlock as society reacted in the 1950s and the young woman meeting her father for the first time as he lay dying. All the mishaps and decisions in her life whirl around her accident of birth including chosen friends, delaying marriage to this perfect man etc. - there is the stereotypical description of Americans, wealthy Jews, town people versus those set apart living on an island and giving the OK sign as many are these days to hand work versus the disadvantages of the kind of work typical of the collage educated and of course pets, not dogs this time but a puffin. I must say though I could not put down the book - if that is what you call reading on my kindle - a chit chat book sure knows how to keep you anxious for the next scene.

No sun reaches this room so enough - great during the summer and fine during our typical winter 60 and 70 degree weather but horrid in this 30 degree weather - need to go warm up in the sun... From the look of the weather map lots of us are needing to stay bundled up today... winter is here and we have months of this... oh oh oh...

bellamarie · « **Reply #19375 on:** November 15, 2018, 11:29:41 AM »

We are having our first snowfall of the season this morning!!! I love everything about winter in the North, the first snowfall, the hibernation feeling, the fireplace on, hot cocoa or tea, smells of baked goods, crock pot soups, cozy throw blankets, fuzzy pjs, sweatshirts and sweat pants, socks on all day long, building a snowman with my grandkids, snuggling up with my dog and a good book, cancelled school days, scented candles burning, etc., etc. Many southerners have no clue why we northerners love our winters, even my daughter, who moved to Florida when she was twenty-one calls home and says how she hates the cold, and loves living in a warm state. I suppose when you live in a southern state and do not have homes built to sustain the cold temps like my daughter and Barb in Texas, it would be a huge hindrance and discomfort. But for me living on the Ohio/Michigan line..... Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

Barb, I watched the County Music Awards last night, Keith Urban finally got his much deserved Entertainer of the year award. I also watched Survivor, the Food Network bake offs, and Hallmark Christmas movies, after I got home from teaching my CCD class. I recommend the book, Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado. I loved it!

Jonathan · « **Reply #19376 on:** November 15, 2018, 05:01:38 PM »

...dashing through the snow...laughing all the way...tinkling jingle bells...

Come off it. It's a gloomy, November afternoon. Latish. The light is fading. A gentle snowfall is giving a white edge to the leafless branches of the tree outside my window. I need something to pick me up. What does Paglia have for her fifteenth glitering image to correspond to the fifteenth day of the month. You all should see it!!! Let me quote from her commentary:

'Caspar David Friedrich's The Sea of Ice is a great Romantic image of the sublime, a terrifying encounter with nature's immensity and blind indifferenc to humankind. It shows a barely visible wooden sailing ship being crushed by fractured sheet ice, pushed by wind and water into high jagged peaks. Torn timbers and shredded masts are scattered across the picture. Whether the sailors escaped or are entombed in the ice is left unclear.'

It leaves one speechless. Have a nice day.

ginny · « **Reply #19377 on:** November 15, 2018, 07:57:15 PM »

What a lyric post, Bellamarie.

I have to say, tho, having grown up in PA and NJ that there's nothing like the South for snow. Everybody enjoys it so much, and turns into a kid again, everything closes down at the first hint of a flake so people can get out and build snowmen and sled, it's wonderful....the atmosphere. And it doesn't last long enough to bother most.

I came IN to say that the "new" Great British Bake Off, the new one without Mary Berry on Channel 4 is now on Netflix, calling itself Episode 5 in the series, and I never thought I'd want to see it but it's really GOOD! Just like Rosemary said some time ago. Totally addictive.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19378 on:** November 15, 2018, 09:17:36 PM »

An homage
For those of you who love the snow

Emily Dickinson

There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away,
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears a Human soul

bellamarie · « **Reply #19379 on:** November 17, 2018, 11:12:36 AM »

Thank you, Ginny, for the heads up on the Mary Berry bake off. I have been watching all the challenges on the Food Network. Oh how I would love to decorate my Christmas cookies as beautiful as these experts do. It seems so much is going to Netflix lately. I don't have that because I refuse to pay for yet one more channel on my monthly bill. I have Direct TV, and we pay extra through the football/basketball, season so we can view our college team games, then cancel after basketball March Madness. The costs for cell phones, wifi, cable and extra channels is getting so out priced.

Barb, thanks for the cute poem, I love Emily Dickinson.

Callie you mentioned the set of books would be considered "racist" today, I suppose Gone With the Wind would also be politically incorrect and racist as well, but it will remain an all time classic. I have mixed feelings about labeling art, literature, and other expressions of worldly things, as politically incorrect or racist, in the twenty-first century. While being sensitive to the cause, I feel we need to learn from these things rather than tear down statues, destroy artwork and ban books. We truly need to learn to live with the differences of race, color, religion and creed, rather than to act as if it does not exist. One person's freedom of speech can be seen as impending on another's, but who ultimately gets to decide? I fear this generation has not been able to learn to respect differences, and rather learning to live with them, they are creating just as much chaos by trying to destroy past generations expressions of the First Amendment. I'm keeping my copy of Gone With the Wind, and I just finally bought a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird. I say, you hang on to that collection of The Little Colonels and read them if you desire. Even at our ages we are still open to learning from these stories in literature.

Any more interest in the book Annie suggested to read, The Man Who Invented Christmas?

Well, I am off to a Feather Bingo today, it's a fund raiser for rural small town, baton teaching classes. I hope to win a turkey for Thanksgiving!

CallieOK · « **Reply #19380 on:** November 17, 2018, 11:40:39 AM »

Bellamarie, I completely agree with your re: today's "labels". I always take into consideration the year the book was published and try to remember what the opinions/attitudes/etc. were at that time. I absolutely will keep my mother's 3rd edition of "Gone With The Wind" as well as "The Little Colonel" series, which is a story about family relationships that would be relevant today.

Feather Bingo sounds like fun. Enjoy!

ginny · « **Reply #19381 on:** November 18, 2018, 03:21:54 PM »

Just coming in to say that the new Jeeves and the King of Clubs, the new homage to the P.G. Wodehouse series by Ben Schott, is absolutely delightful fun. It's been many years since I read the Jeeves and Wooster series so I can't say with accuracy if he's "got it" exactly right, but I found it wonderful.

If you're having a bad day it will lift you out of it instantly, make you laugh and smile with recognition and just have fun. I need a Jeeves, and I'm not half as silly as Bertie Wooster.

You really can't read 10 pages without hoping against hope another one is in the works.

10 stars on a 5 star chart.

Jonathan · « **Reply #19382 on:** November 18, 2018, 05:15:51 PM »

'Just coming in to say...if you're having a bad day....'

Thanks for that splendid advice, Ginny. Actualy, I'm having a great day, but...it's November, getting dark and gloomy at 5 o'clock...I need something to lift my spirits. I have some Wodehouse on the shelf: The World of Jeeves.

It looks interesting. Even before I begin to read, I'm told:

'You should read Wodehouse when you're well and when you're poorly; when you're travelling, and when you're not; when you're feeling clever, and when you're feeing utterly dim. Wodehouse always lifts your spirits, no matter how high they happen to be already.'

Dim? It seems brigher already. But then your posts always do that for me. And there's the doorbell.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19383 on:** November 20, 2018, 12:10:02 PM »

I just bought this book for my hubby at the Dollar Store, The Outsider: My Life in Intrigue by Frederick Forsyth. I have never read any of Forsyth's books, but he does have 15 in print, including The Day Of The Jackal. I may find myself reading this book when my hubby has finished it.

“In the rich crop of conspiracy thrillers . . . Mr. Forsyth, author of the incomparable Day of the Jackal, was first among equals. [Now] he brings his considerable narrative gifts to bear on himself. . . . Spectacular.” —The Wall Street Journal

A possible future book discussion?

Jonathan · « **Reply #19384 on:** November 20, 2018, 06:13:56 PM »

That would be an excellent choice for discussion, Bellamarie. What a find. Where is that Dollar Store? Can we start immediately, and get your husband to join in?

A propos, perhaps, to the subject, in a conversation the other day, was this curious fact: all the students in a large university class in Crimanology were women. It's true, in law school now, women outnumber the men. But in this case, it was suggested, many of the students could be wannabe mystery writers.

Am I ever into a mystery story at the moment. The spiritual adventure of Mother Teresa. In her own words. What a saint. Come Be My Light.

hats · « **Reply #19385 on:** November 20, 2018, 06:48:08 PM »

I have gotten quite a few good books from the Dollar Store. I am not familiar with Frederick Forsyth. I would love to know more about the title.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19386 on:** November 20, 2018, 09:06:16 PM »

Hats, Here is a little more about the book.
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/110/1109391/the-outsider/9780552171700.html

Jonathan, I do think it would be a great discussion, he sure led an interesting, dangerous life. I'm sure all Dollar Stores that sell books would have this one.

hats · « **Reply #19387 on:** November 21, 2018, 04:27:15 AM »

Good morning! Bellamarie, thank you for the link.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19388 on:** November 21, 2018, 11:59:55 AM »

To all of you.......

Jonathan · « **Reply #19389 on:** November 22, 2018, 01:49:32 PM »

Happy Thanksgiving.

God bless America.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #19390 on:** November 22, 2018, 08:09:27 PM »

Hoping all had a great Thanksgiving!

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19391 on:** November 23, 2018, 05:42:19 AM »

Nice day - nice visit with Son and Daughter-in-law. We shared a nice traditional meal in a local restaurant and the greatest, Sally got the lid off the matching glass apothecary jar I use to store pecans - did not want to break the glass canister since it is a set of 3 and could not get that glass top off - and voila she did it - it was easy peasy for her - my mouth dropped I was so stunned and so pleased. The pecans have been in there for a couple of years and are probably rancid but she saved the glass canister and to me that was worth all the pecans - enough probably to make 4 or 5 pies but there is a good crop this year so they should be easily replaceable.

Missed the Parade and so I missed Santa entering earth - but the fun begins - I love all the special days of Advent probably more than Christmas day itself - tomorrow I'll be making my list and checking it twice as the song says and get this show on the road. Pull out my Advent prayer book that I love the daily prayer and message - really want to make the most of the season this year. There are really only 4 weeks till Christmas and another week added till 2019 - these last 19 years just flew by...

bellamarie · « **Reply #19392 on:** November 23, 2018, 10:42:40 AM »

Hope ya'll had a great Thanksgiving. I had all the kids and grandkids, minus my daughter and son in law who live in Florida. They could not make it this year, but we talk almost every day on the phone, and with Facebook and face time we don't feel so far apart.

Barb, I hate when I can't unscrew a jar lid. I have some different tools and rubber grippers to help me with it.

So now that Christmas season is officially open, Santa has come to town, it's all about me getting my shopping started. The house is all decorated, we did it this week leading up to Thanksgiving. I loved waking up today with knowing there is nothing to do today. Do any of you do Black Friday shopping? I do a lot of online shopping, and sometimes wander out later in the day on Black Friday, but never wait in lines in the morning hours to get in stores.

Yes, Advent is such a special time of the year. I usually read a Max Lucado book, and some daily scripture to prepare my mind, body and soul for the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Are we going to do anything special for a Holiday read, or just an open house all about Christmas, traditions, recipes etc.?

Jonathan · « **Reply #19393 on:** November 24, 2018, 02:27:26 PM »

uncrewing a tough jar lid...have you tried putting some heat to the lid? Holding it under a hot tap, eg. .......................the lid, not the glass. To expand the metal.

My reading has taken a strange turn. I'm into the lives of some saints. The Theresas. Now it's Saint Therese of Lisieux. She wrote a best selling autobiography: The Story of a Soul. AT fifteen she had the desire to be a saint, telling people she would do great things for them, once she got to heaven. I've already read what an elderly Mother Teresa did for people while still alive on earth. Heaven intervened. Therese was called to heaven at an early age. She died at twenty-four. I wonder what she could do for me. I'll ask her for a Happy Christmas. I wonder what she will ask of me.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19394 on:** November 24, 2018, 03:12:55 PM »

Thanks Jonathan for the tip however, the top was not a screw top - it was a glass apothecary jar with a glass dome top - the glass was stuck to the glass of the canister - Used hot water and no help than Sally got the bright idea of wrapping some ice cubes around the lid and then she was braver than I was and gave it a good tap on my cutting board - tra la... Had pecans stored in the jar - they do not smell rancid but they have been in there for a couple of years experiencing our high heat during the summer - I'm letting the deer decide if they are worth eating - if not the squirrels will eat most nuts and if they turn their nose up than there are still the raccoons and the possum that can have a go at them. Thank goodness no feral hogs have made it into town and with my not having a cat or small dog the coyotes pass my yard

I remember in school we read about The Little Flower St. Therese at about the same time we read about the three children at Lourdes which was when the movie The Song of Bernadette came out. I remember only a few years ago going through a phase of reading the lives of a few Saints - however, my choice was St. Brendan, Hildegard of Bingen and St. Attracta - amazing people whose service is acknowledged - what to me is more amazing is the stories coming out only now of the many silent, mostly women, heroes during WWII that hid or helped Jews escape. Compared to the stories of those saints we know about, many of these silent heroes are right up there worthy of sainthood.

jane · « **Reply #19395 on:** November 24, 2018, 10:32:06 PM »

For those who haven't seen the new holiday header created by Barb: