Birds, books, and ponderings of the economic nature

The robin watch continues, although I find it strange that Stephanie has seen a robin in New England while I only thought I saw one in the Midwest.  I caught a glimpse of red in a bush near the front fence a couple weeks ago.  I was pulling out of the driveway at the time and upon my return, couldn't find the robin so there was no proof.  Husband insists it was a cardinal, as we have many of those lovely birds in the backyard. 

If Miss Victoria did indeed see a robin, she is not sharing her victory.  I fell asleep on the sofa this afternoon and felt (rather than saw) her curl up next to me to take part in an afternoon snooze.  I learned one does not want to sleep while PBS travel shows are on in the background.  While not as frightening as the SciFi channel running through one's subconscious mind, it has its' own uneasy influence.  I dreamed I was white water rafting... shudder.

I believe most of the Elizabeth Goudge and D. E. Stevenson books are out of print but a few are available.  Peresphone Books has Miss Buncle's Book (Peresphone Books has republished many vintage British books) but various original copies of both authors come available at various prices.  For instance, Pilgrim's Inn is readily available and inexpensive but many other Goudge books are more pricey.

Having such a tight budget, I'm so blessed to have sharing friends!  I did a search for The Two Mrs. Abbotts (the third Miss Buncle book) and found them available at Amazon for no less than $60.00 for "acceptable" condition.  I'll try to get it through inter-library loan.  I have a list of titles by both authors to look for at library sales.

My decision to read these two authors came about from a desire these past few years to read good literature recommended by blog friends.  I especially was interested in WWII era (and soon after) British books so Goudge and Stevenson were recommended.  The cold winter months seemed the best time to concentrate on these novels.  What treasures have been discovered! 

I had started Miss Buncle's Book after receiving it but decided to set it aside for later (so I could read at least a few Stevenson books at once).  It is such a lovely book, perfect for anyone who enjoys reading about the England of old. I'm enjoying it very much.

On a different subject, I've been asked quite often these past couple of months to do some more deepening the pantry posts.  As my mind is getting a tad bit clearer (emphasis on "tad"), I'm able to think through some more serious posts.  So.... I'm working on a two-part post about living in the underground economy (no, not the black market!) and one or two pantry posts.  All lessons learned throughout the years.

I also tried a new recipe last night, which I plan to put on the recipe blog very soon.  (Yes, I actually felt well enough to cook!)  It was a Taste of Home magazine recipe for chicken "spareribs", using chicken thighs instead of beef.   Hubby liked it a lot and it warmed up nicely for leftovers when Christopher arrived home later.