Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Books, questions, answers, and a thank you

I made up for all that sofa time by running a few much needed errands yesterday, slowly but surely as to not overdo my first day out.  At the top of my list were visits to the grocery store, Post Office, and library.   In the midst of the necessary errands, there were a couple of fun asides like quickly looking through Goodwill and the used book room at the library.  It was a good day, especially for finding inexpensive books and a gorgeous German teacup (no saucer but I have others that will look just fine with it... no one will notice).  Details and pictures available later.

I had to stay in town to take Christopher home after his last class-lab of the day (he had chosen not to drive in the morning as he had to take heavy duty allergy meds).  He had told me to meet him at the McDonald's on campus but "bring a book".  I know what that means... he is in a lab which could take an hour or two hours.  I took along a Nigella cookbook I'd found at the used book room in the library, purchased a snack wrap and a senior coffee.... and waited... and waited.

As it turned out, his lab project yesterday was to program a mission to the moon and back for an Apollo spacecraft.  Hmmm... quite interesting.  Next time I'll bring a novel.  He had just enough time for a quick shower before returning to campus for something having to do with Microsoft.  A side benefit of having your children at home while attending University is chatting about what they are learning.  I must admit to being slightly more interested in Stephanie's Interior Design work than Calculus 3... but this space travel project was fascinating.

I had planned on reading The Scent of Water by Goudge and only set it aside as I ran out of time.  After the recommendations in comments, I placed Gentian Hill back on the shelf (as I own it and will find it easy to slip into my reading stack at a later date) and brought home The Scent of Water from the library.  I will start it (hopefully) later today.  I know, February is to be Edith Schaffer's month but knowing how cold and dark and at times... damp or snowy... the month can be, there should be plenty of reading time to nudge another Goudge into the mixture.

Regarding the Amazon widget, yes... you only have to click on one of the books and enter Amazon through a blogger's widget.  They receive credit even if you do not purchase any of the books listed on their blog.  (A small amount on each product and less when ordering through a used book seller... but it all adds up.) Credit is received on everything (books, media, household supplies, coffee and tea, appliances, Kindles...) you purchase on that visit.   I can't say thank you enough for those who remember to enter Amazon through my widget and those of fellow bloggers.  My own son forgot last week when ordering a couple physics books.

I am way (way) behind on answering e-mails and reading through comments.  All energy recently was spent on keeping my household duties from getting too far behind.  Hubby is great about helping (he has taken over vacuuming and I have not cleaned a tub or shower since we have been married) but I do understand his aversion to doing dishes.  I don't let either of the guys near the washer and dryer.  Clothing is too expensive.

And... thank you very much to my "Dear Tracey" for the following award!  It is an honor.  :)



You may notice I don't usually acknowledge awards here (although I do try to give a thank you on the giver's blog and I've even missed that recently as I was ill).  It is only because I began to have too much of a good thing.  I LOVE getting awards but I was receiving so many that I'd miss someone and remember another!  This way I don't hurt anyone's feelings.  However, I had to share the picture on this award.  Does it say Valentine's Day or what?

The desktop computer is back home again so I'll soon be typing away at the Book Recommendations post.  It will be time for another by the time I finish this.  However, you'll love having the list of books, authors, and film.  Tracey's book, Frugal Luxuries, is one I have read SO many times... given away... bought again... and still love to curl up with it either on a cold Winter's night or to take it out on the deck with iced tea and a snack when the weather is warm.  Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons is equally as good.  You know a book is a treasure these days when it has stayed in print.

Along with the Book Recommendations post, I have another Deepening the Pantry post flying around in my mind... hoping to land soon.  I have some new recipes to try and I'll share those which are "keepers" on my long neglected recipe blog.  Not to mention daily ponderings.  I think there is job security.

Picture: Memories of summer on the deck

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'll try to pick up some of these book suggestions soon. Stay warm.

Florence said...

Brenda, I just love your blog. I am a bibliophile myself and you have given me so many good recommendations--Thank you so much!! I am currently reading The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias on your recommendation; it is just the right book at just the right time.

Vee said...

Smiled seeing your summer deck...

Good to know that you're up and about even if on a limited scale. You need to have a book bag filled with novels. I can not imagine what it would entail to plan a trip to the moon! Certainly lots of books for waiting mom.

My intentions for going to the library are very good, but I've not arrived there yet.

Looking forward to the next installment of building the pantry. I've not been in a grocery store since Christmas and I definitely need to get there. Wonder what the Valentine's sales are...

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

My Dear Brenda,

What a lovely day you have described! I wish we could have shared it together as it could have been one of my own! Beginning with the children advising me to "bring a book"...the trip to the "Friends of the Library" book room for a ten~cent book...a browse through the Goodwill for an English or German china tea cup (sans saucer)...to the frugal treat of coffee and snack while waiting (and waiting) for the children to finish something at school!! However, reading about it is the next best thing. Thank you for bringing us along with you on your journey.

I know I say it often (it's worth repeating) but your blog is such a happy comfort to me. Your sweet, wise nature always shines through and you offer such a lovely, happy perspective on life and spirit (even when, by rare necessity, the subject is a dark one). Thank you for the time you put into these posts and sharing them with us. I believe you should put them together and write a book or two of your own. I once was told that to be a great writer one must be a passionate and avid reader. Well...I do believe you are more than qualified!! :)

With continued love and friendhship,
Tracey
x0x

P.S. "Thank you" seems so small a phrase for the good thoughts and kind friendship you've extended to me over the years...even still...I would like to say it again...Thank you!

Scrappy quilter said...

I have to agree with you on Tracey's books...both 2 of the best I've ever read. Like you I've re-read Frugal Luxuries over and over again. It's the book that showed me I could be frugal and yet have those little luxuries too. One of the reasons I started collecting lace and still do.

Glad to hear you are feeling somewhat better. Hugs

Kimberly said...

Thanks so much for answering my questions. And thanks for the picture of flowers, grass and glorious sunshine. It was definitely a pop of color, as they say, on a dreary winter day. Glad you're feeling better--Kim

Debby said...

I remember the photo of your deck from last summer! Ahhhhhh, soon it will be bright, green and warm outside. (although we are expecting more snow on Friday and then again on Monday!)

I like your award....how "sweet" was that!?!?

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

What a lovely day..... Your postings are often like a 7-layer cake, lots of variety, texture and flavours to enjoy.

Always enjoy hearing about what you're reading. I've never read a Goudge, but I'm looking for some when I next visit the library.

And I see you're friends with Tracey of Frugal Luxuries -- I've enjoyed her books over the years too.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Oh yes, I told Tracey that I think I have her books memorized I read them so often!

Glad to hear that you're feeling well enough to be up and about!

I'm looking forward to the book recommendation list and your next pantry post!

Hugs,

Manuela

myletterstoemily said...

you made me smile with, "i should have brought a
novel"

books have softened many waiting hours for me, too.

still haven't purchased a goudge, but certainly will!

blessings!

Kay said...

I brought home The Scent of Water from the library after you mentioned it in an earlier post. I haven't started it yet, and can't wait to see if she is an author I'll enjoy.