November 16 Meeting at Grace's
This book "Breaking Night" by Liz Murray was selected after I heard the author give a talk on her life at Shepherd University, she was so inspirational.
I was amazed at how far she had come in her life with all the obstacles she had faced, as well as her living conditions and her home life. She did not attend school because she felt this strong need to be there for her parents who were both drug addicts She had one sister who was not as tolerant as Liz when it came to her parents. What was unbelievable to so many of us was the love that she had for her parents, especially her mother. I believe everyone liked the book and we had a very good discussion. No one in this group could really relate to the life style that the author experienced.
We all agreed Liz Murray was very intelligent and mature for her age. She enjoyed reading and was self educated. When her family hit rock bottom and she was placed in a home, she realized she wanted more for her self. She was given an opportunity to complete school and to enter a program for college bound students through the NY Times. She was number one in her class and was accepted in to Harvard University where she excelled.
The movie "Homeless to Harvard" is based on this book and the life story of Liz Murray.
This was a special evening for us ladies as we celebrate our ten year anniversary.
So much to be THANKFUL for as we approach Thanksgiving. Good Friends. Good Food and Good Times
Love you ladies, thank you for being in my life, I am truly blessed.
Love to All.
Grace
I was amazed at how far she had come in her life with all the obstacles she had faced, as well as her living conditions and her home life. She did not attend school because she felt this strong need to be there for her parents who were both drug addicts She had one sister who was not as tolerant as Liz when it came to her parents. What was unbelievable to so many of us was the love that she had for her parents, especially her mother. I believe everyone liked the book and we had a very good discussion. No one in this group could really relate to the life style that the author experienced.
We all agreed Liz Murray was very intelligent and mature for her age. She enjoyed reading and was self educated. When her family hit rock bottom and she was placed in a home, she realized she wanted more for her self. She was given an opportunity to complete school and to enter a program for college bound students through the NY Times. She was number one in her class and was accepted in to Harvard University where she excelled.
The movie "Homeless to Harvard" is based on this book and the life story of Liz Murray.
This was a special evening for us ladies as we celebrate our ten year anniversary.
So much to be THANKFUL for as we approach Thanksgiving. Good Friends. Good Food and Good Times
Love you ladies, thank you for being in my life, I am truly blessed.
Love to All.
Grace
October 19 Meeting at Carol's
Everyone appeared to have a good time during our Halloween festivities. The
costumes were great and I love that you all entered into the holiday fun. I
hope the decorations weren't too scary or over the top. The food was
uncomplicated (pizza, veggies, cheese and crackers, chips and salsa and fruit)
and way too many desserts like usual. The book was not so successful. I think
most of us agreed the story lines were very good, but way too short. The author
jumped around from character to character and never delved far enough into the
different lives. I felt we were left hanging from a cliff too many times. My
disclaimer is I had not read the book previously and went on a recommendation
from a friend. I want next October so you can start thinking of your next
costume.
Carol
Carol
September 28 - October 2 at Pat's
Our Sept. meeting was held at the beach. We had 4 days of beautiful weather, beautiful ocean, fun if not too productive shopping, good company, and plenty of delicious food, from still warm choc. chip cookies to homemade scrapple. Our book discussion was spirited and covered many topics including organ transplant, loyalty, and monetary impact on healthcare. The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears and the sea.
Pat
Pat
August 17 Meeting at Sharon's
Responses to The Midwife of Hope River were very positive. We talked about the depression era environment in which Patience lived and worked and how tough it would be to live under those conditions. Several felt that for them the isolation would be the hardest to endure. We felt we learned a lot about midwifery and different approaches used in delivering babies that best fit the individual mother’s needs and comfort level. Some of us have relatives who had their children by midwives and we discussed how the practice is becoming popular again. We were also impressed that the author shared a practice as a nurse-midwife with her ob-gyn husband in Morgantown, WV, until 2003 when the drastic increase in liability insurance forced them to give up deliveries.
We missed having Drika and Pat join in the discussion with us. Kathy set up a group photo for us to send with a card to Ellen who is recovering from emergency surgery.
Sharon
We missed having Drika and Pat join in the discussion with us. Kathy set up a group photo for us to send with a card to Ellen who is recovering from emergency surgery.
Sharon
Get well soon, Ellen!
July 20 Meeting at Pam's
The book for this month was “Woman #17” by Edam Lepucki. It was about relationships between mothers, daughters and friends. I think we all agreed the author didn’t really show why the relationship didn’t work. Lady hires Ester, nickname 5 without really knowing her or checking her qualifications. I really don’t think most people would do that. 5 has an affair with Lady’s son. It was hard getting into the characters. 5 and Lady are a bad combination and drink way too much. I just couldn’t relate to them. I fixed spaghetti with Italian sausages, hamburger and bacon, tossed salad and fresh baked bread. Maybe because of all the drinking in the book not much wine was consumed. We did have a great evening just talking. It’s a great group of ladies and we always manage to have fun no matter what we’re reading.
Pam
Pam
June 15 Meeting at Kathy's
As I prepared my Jambalaya for an army, the number of people attending kept dropping. But alas, we had a good group show up for a busy night of eating, book discussion and entertainment at the Concert in the Park. We ate our meal relatively early, immediately followed by desserts – cannoli dip with NJ cannoli chips, watermelon, lemonade pie and Carol brought us back some treats from the beach. OK yes, we are all stuffed by yet another simple meal. We were then surprised by a call from England, Edna Skyped in to say hello and give us an update on operation "baby watch".
On to the book - "Just wait until you have children of your own" by Erma Bombeck . I thought the book a bit dated and fun but then it was “our” Erma Bombeck we were reading. I think everyone enjoyed the book, it was an easy summer read and hit home for most of us. She has such a quirky way of relating life’s little traumas and how it is so tough being a teenager. We’ve been there and we lived through our kid’s teen years too. We are concerned with today youth with their heads in their phones to the point of not talking directly with anyone. So strange. I read an old quote which everyone is familiar with that reads : ‘The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers.’ Attributed to Socrates (469–399 B.C.) but not confirmed. It shows how each generation thinks that last generation in the worst. Now on to the park for some wonderful music by “Showcase”!
We missed you guys – Grace, Dricka, Pat and Pam. (Edna I didn’t skip you, you were with us)
Great seeing everyone,
Kathy G
Lemonade Icebox Pie
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + chilling
Servings : 8
Ingredients:
• I small can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed just a bit
• 2 cups softened vanilla ice cream
• 1 8 oz tub whipped topping, thawed
• 1 graham cracker crust
PREPARATION:
Beat lemonade concentrate in large bowl on low speed with electric mixer for about 30 seconds. Add ice cream 1 cup at a time, beating until well blended. Stir in whipped topping until smooth.
Spoon into crust, swirling with a spatula to make a pretty top. Freeze 4 hours or over night. Let stand at room temperature for a few minutes, until pie can be sliced with knife. Enjoy by your pool on a hot summers day!
On to the book - "Just wait until you have children of your own" by Erma Bombeck . I thought the book a bit dated and fun but then it was “our” Erma Bombeck we were reading. I think everyone enjoyed the book, it was an easy summer read and hit home for most of us. She has such a quirky way of relating life’s little traumas and how it is so tough being a teenager. We’ve been there and we lived through our kid’s teen years too. We are concerned with today youth with their heads in their phones to the point of not talking directly with anyone. So strange. I read an old quote which everyone is familiar with that reads : ‘The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers.’ Attributed to Socrates (469–399 B.C.) but not confirmed. It shows how each generation thinks that last generation in the worst. Now on to the park for some wonderful music by “Showcase”!
We missed you guys – Grace, Dricka, Pat and Pam. (Edna I didn’t skip you, you were with us)
- Pam’s book for July 20 is tentatively “Woman No.17” by Edan Lepucki (She’s currently checking with the library to see if they can get copies)
- Sharon's meeting in August will NOT be Thursday Aug 17 as she has a prior engagement. Keep you posted when the new date is set.
Great seeing everyone,
Kathy G
Lemonade Icebox Pie
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + chilling
Servings : 8
Ingredients:
• I small can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed just a bit
• 2 cups softened vanilla ice cream
• 1 8 oz tub whipped topping, thawed
• 1 graham cracker crust
PREPARATION:
Beat lemonade concentrate in large bowl on low speed with electric mixer for about 30 seconds. Add ice cream 1 cup at a time, beating until well blended. Stir in whipped topping until smooth.
Spoon into crust, swirling with a spatula to make a pretty top. Freeze 4 hours or over night. Let stand at room temperature for a few minutes, until pie can be sliced with knife. Enjoy by your pool on a hot summers day!
May 18 Meeting at Louisa's
We began the evening with fresh pineapple, apple slices, cheese and of
course Sharon brought some wine for us. Dinner was Italian chicken on rotini
noodles, Caesar salad, and rolls.
The book discussion about My Grandmother Asked Me to
Tell You She’s Sorry began. I really liked the book. It was full of fairy
tales and adventure.
Almost 8 year old Elsa was sent on an adventure by her
Granny. In this adventure she got to know her neighbors and learn of their
connections to her Granny.
The ladies said the book was ok and probably wouldn’t
have read it on their own.
Elizabeth served dessert of cannolis from Royalicious.
Dricka brought cranberry muffins. Rosemary brought eclairs. Edna brought Salt
Water Taffy. As always we had lots of good desserts.
Edna was given a gift card from us to take to Angel for
the baby.
We missed you Alice, Carol, and Grace.
April 20 Meeting at Rosemary's
The GTG bookclub met on April 20, 2017 at Rosemary's, for food and discussion of the book "Two Rivers", by T. Greenwood.
We missed Pat, Dricka and Grace, and I asked a guest to join us, Susan Silvestri, sister- in- law of Rosemary. A light meal of Minestrone Soup (with lots of noodles haha), biscuits, and light snacks were served, after which the infamous Cheesecake, along with various desserts were also offered.
The book "Two Rivers", one of about 12 written by the author T. Greenwood, was enjoyed by most of us. A few of the ladies, found the book confusing and tiring with the movement back and forth to present and past by the main character, Harper Montgomery.
The book took place during the 1950 - 1980 time period in Vermont. This was a time period of much controversy and difficulties in our American history. There was the Vietnam War, civil rights, racial Issues, and women rights. Racial disparity in parts of our country relating to the treatment and prejudice that existed then and to a smaller degree now, was discussed. The racial issue was perhaps at the core of the main theme in this book. Harper struggled with the guilt from a previous racial encounter and had much guilt and remorse that he carried for many years.
Most of us were surprised at the ending and why Maggie, (the pregnant black girl) came to find Harper, who thought she was out to fulfill a vendetta that happened in his Past. It was a story of guilt and resolution, love, loss and forgiveness. A real" pick me up."
Actually, it did have somewhat of a happy ending.
Thanks all for coming. I tried to downplay the dinner theme and hope you enjoyed the food and beverages. Enjoyed hosting and next time it will be rice cakes and water (with lemon), only kidding. 
Love to you all and look forward to our next bookclub meeting at Louisa's. The book is "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry", by Fredrik Blackman.
Rosemary
March 16 Meeting at Alice's Mom's
GTG Book club dinner and discussion on "All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. The meal was a combination of French and Irish cultures – we missed Louisa, Grace, Edna and Dricka—Thank you Roe for bringing shamrock cookies—great to have everyone ride over to my mom’s house in Charles Town for the evening!
This work of historical fiction was a back and forth timeline of the two main characters: Marie Laure (blind French girl) and Werner Pfennig (German orphan, graduate of a Hitler Youth school, and radio guru).
Kathy commented on trying to understand this forward and back action of the book, that it was confusing. I found it exciting as it pushed me toward the ending, where Werner and Marie Laure finally meet! Where Werner saves her life using (his own + Nazi) radio training and pulled by the unique voice of Marie Laure’s uncle --coincidentally that Werner and his sister used to listen to as children in Germany, years before.
Pat was saddened by Werner and Marie Laure’s not being able to get married; ahh, there was so much potential for a life together!
The book’s center event was WWII and the August 8, 1944 Allied attack on the northern city of St. Malo, France. We agreed it was a brilliant story of love, perseverance and incredible moral witness; unspeakable death during WWII in Europe; no one was spared from tragedy, heartache, and crimes/sins of every sort, which was Carol’s thought on why Werner perished.(and the Sea of Flames!!) People tried to help each other and do good things when possible.
" All the Light We Cannot See" had been on the bestseller list for 2 years and when Sharon gave me a copy, I finally read it in December. Lately, I noticed all the references to birds: metaphors for beauty and normalcy among harsh school conditions, a quiet and sensitive friend who loved nature, and finally for the soaring spirits of those who were lost during the war.
Leaving you with words by the The Professor: "Open your eyes and see what you can see before they close forever….Consider a single piece of coal glowing in your family’s stove.….So how, children, does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, Build for us a world full of light?"
Alice
This work of historical fiction was a back and forth timeline of the two main characters: Marie Laure (blind French girl) and Werner Pfennig (German orphan, graduate of a Hitler Youth school, and radio guru).
Kathy commented on trying to understand this forward and back action of the book, that it was confusing. I found it exciting as it pushed me toward the ending, where Werner and Marie Laure finally meet! Where Werner saves her life using (his own + Nazi) radio training and pulled by the unique voice of Marie Laure’s uncle --coincidentally that Werner and his sister used to listen to as children in Germany, years before.
Pat was saddened by Werner and Marie Laure’s not being able to get married; ahh, there was so much potential for a life together!
The book’s center event was WWII and the August 8, 1944 Allied attack on the northern city of St. Malo, France. We agreed it was a brilliant story of love, perseverance and incredible moral witness; unspeakable death during WWII in Europe; no one was spared from tragedy, heartache, and crimes/sins of every sort, which was Carol’s thought on why Werner perished.(and the Sea of Flames!!) People tried to help each other and do good things when possible.
" All the Light We Cannot See" had been on the bestseller list for 2 years and when Sharon gave me a copy, I finally read it in December. Lately, I noticed all the references to birds: metaphors for beauty and normalcy among harsh school conditions, a quiet and sensitive friend who loved nature, and finally for the soaring spirits of those who were lost during the war.
Leaving you with words by the The Professor: "Open your eyes and see what you can see before they close forever….Consider a single piece of coal glowing in your family’s stove.….So how, children, does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, Build for us a world full of light?"
Alice
February 16 Meeting at Dricka's
Book club this month was on the 16th of February. We read "the Memory Keeper's
Daughter" by Kim Edwards. We were a total of seven ladies due to Grace and Pat
were away and Roe had a stomach virus plus Pam had a previous engagement. Missed
you all!
The book told the story of two families. One was divided by a lie (Norah, David and son, Paul. The other family (Caroline and Al) were united in love taking care of a child, Phoebe with Downs Syndrome who was given to Caroline. When Norah gave birth to twins, Paul and Phoebe, she was told by her husband doctor, David, that that Phoebe had died at birth. But the truth was, David couldn't face a life of sorrow and pain. His own sister died of complications from her disabilities and he saw what devastation of losing her did to his family. Because of this fear, he thought to make up this lie of their daughter dying. The only thing he did was to make a divide between himself and Norah due to his coldness because he had to live with this lie. When he was told to tell the truth to set himself free of his guilt by a friend, he went to his wife's house to tell her the truth but had a heart attack and died before he could. By chance of going thru his belongings, Norah found correspondence from Caroline to David about his daughter, Phoebe. Devastated as she was, she went to see her daughter, Phoebe, for the first time. The story seemed to be enjoyed by everyone!
We had a dinner consisting of Tuscan Garlic Chicken and pot roast with potatoes. Our desserts were apple crisp, raspberry cheesecake, cannolis and chocolate mousse. As full as the ladies were, I talked them into taking home care packages so I wouldn't be left with a lot of food. Carol was nice to bring along valentine candy gifts for everyone. Our next meeting will be at Alice's on March 17th and the book is "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr.
Thanks ladies and love,
Dricka
The book told the story of two families. One was divided by a lie (Norah, David and son, Paul. The other family (Caroline and Al) were united in love taking care of a child, Phoebe with Downs Syndrome who was given to Caroline. When Norah gave birth to twins, Paul and Phoebe, she was told by her husband doctor, David, that that Phoebe had died at birth. But the truth was, David couldn't face a life of sorrow and pain. His own sister died of complications from her disabilities and he saw what devastation of losing her did to his family. Because of this fear, he thought to make up this lie of their daughter dying. The only thing he did was to make a divide between himself and Norah due to his coldness because he had to live with this lie. When he was told to tell the truth to set himself free of his guilt by a friend, he went to his wife's house to tell her the truth but had a heart attack and died before he could. By chance of going thru his belongings, Norah found correspondence from Caroline to David about his daughter, Phoebe. Devastated as she was, she went to see her daughter, Phoebe, for the first time. The story seemed to be enjoyed by everyone!
We had a dinner consisting of Tuscan Garlic Chicken and pot roast with potatoes. Our desserts were apple crisp, raspberry cheesecake, cannolis and chocolate mousse. As full as the ladies were, I talked them into taking home care packages so I wouldn't be left with a lot of food. Carol was nice to bring along valentine candy gifts for everyone. Our next meeting will be at Alice's on March 17th and the book is "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr.
Thanks ladies and love,
Dricka
January 19 Meeting at Edna's
Bookclub for January was held on Thursday, the 19th, at my house. We
read the book, "Step on a Crack," by James Patterson. Everyone seemed to really
like the book. It is the first book in a new Patterson series about Michael
Bennett and is set in NYC. The action takes place in St. Patrick's Cathedral and
is very exciting but people seemed to like the back story about Bennett and his
priest grandfather, dying wife and 10 kids; just as much.
We had some good old Zuppa Toscana soup ( which Kathy supplied
Icelandic lava bread for); and kielbasa and sweet sausage sandwiches with
grilled onions, peppers, and sauerkraut. Several people brought cookies and
Drika made delicious brownies (haha, just kidding Drika!); really a delicious
moist cake!!! Louisa brought candy which I forgot to give out so I took it to
Alice's birthday party and shared it then. I also brought back one of Iceland's
favorite candies; chocolate covered black licorice; which most tried and deemed
ok.
Everyone was here and it was a warm, wonderful meeting, with warm,
wonderful friends. Thank you all for being part of my life!! It is great to be
part of such an awesome group of ladies, whatever the occasion.
The next meeting is on the 3rd Thursday of February at Drika's. We are
reading "The Memory Keepers Daughter." See you there!!
Love, Edna
December 7 Christmas Tea at the Coach and Horses Tea House
On December 7, we met at Coach and Horses Tea House for our Christmas
celebration. The food was outstanding and so was the company. Of course, that
goes with out saying. We have such a wonderful group of ladies. For those if you
who missed it, Edna was in a dilemma trying to decide where she should sit
finally, she settled on the head of the table. Everyone from book club was in
attendance. Carol and Edna gave us all a little gift, very thoughtful and very
much appreciated. Don't remember who but it was suggested we go to Purple Iris
next year which sounds fine to me.
Respectfully submitted, Grace 1/17/17
Respectfully submitted, Grace 1/17/17
