January 17 Meeting at Edna's

"And Merry Christmas, everyone" 

Yes, you read it correctly.  It was not "Christmas with Tiny Tim" or "Christmas with the Kranks"; but our "Christmas in January" book club dinner/meeting had just as much going for it!!
Everyone seemed to enjoy listening to the Christmas music playing on the tree and the gum drop lights in the kitchen!  I must admit I am glad I left it all up so that I could celebrate with my friends and fellow readers!!! 

The evening had a great send off with an old favorite: bourbon slush! After slushing our way through our snacks (something had to be used to suck up the bourbon); we retired to the dining room where we feasted in true Christmas fashion!!

Our discussion of the book "The Middle Place"  turned out better than I had anticipated.  I shared with the group how the book had seemed to call to me because of the breast cancer theme and because of the family dynamics. Several others also had experiences similar to this.  Louisa spoke how  eerie it was that her daughter is experiencing some of the same feelings now that she is dealing with her Dad's cancer.

The middle place, where childhood and parenthood overlap, seemed to strike a chord in several other members as well.  Nancy said how coming to the  meeting was an oasis of peace for her right now as she is sandwiched between the worry over her son and daughter-in-law's pregnancy and taking care of her Mother.  Everyone had some comment to share that brought more discussion. Some people had a hard time getting through the book and found it repetitious but most everyone felt that it had a lot of good writing in it. 

I found the story more upbeat than a downer.  I thought the way it was written was more humorous than your typical cancer story.  And the e-mails in the book written to her friends keeping them updated on her progress reminded me of the reason why I am in such a great book club with such a great group of people!!! Here's to many more such gatherings!!!  And so we go on to next month, Feb. 21st at Roe's house where we will dissect Cary Grant!!!

Until then adieu, dear friends!!
Love, Edna

A special thanks to all for their lovely food and wine contributions.  Kathy's  rutabaga was an interesting addition!!!
Sorry about Alice's Dad.  We understand why you did not feel like coming out.
Missed you also, Ellen and Pam!!