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