January 18 Meeting at Kathy's

 We met at my house  still decorated for Christmas.  It’s been snowing so it still feels Christmas-y to me.  Ham broccoli cheese soup seemed to be appropriate since there is a chill in the air. 

After lunch I pose the question “would you open up the box”,  the box referring to the item in our book “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick.  One day when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. This box holds your fate inside: the answer to the exact number of years you will live. I wouldn't want to know and neither did anyone else.  All seemed to enjoy the book which was filled with interesting characters whose lives were changed by this dilemma of deciding to know your life line or not.    This knowledge changed the way people conducted their lives.  It also changed the way people treated each other depending if you were a short stringer or long stringer.  It divided the population based on that fact .  It was reminiscent of the Covid years dividing people between vaxers and non-vaxers and putting pressure on those who didn’t go along with what the government deemed in our best interest. In the end, it seemed people learned that not knowing your death date was the way most people wanted to live their lives.   A thought provoking book, tense but interesting.  Glad everyone liked the book recommended by a friend.  

We had a brief discussion of Grace’s book “Too Close to the Falls” by Kathryn Gilner. This was Kathryn’s childhood memoir which was reminiscent of my Catholic school instruction by the nuns. Strict and some crazy stuff,  but I’m sure I’m a better person for it.   An assortment of desserts brought by several people was enjoyed during our book discussions.  

We missed you, Pat, Louisa, Pam and Roe.  Edna handed out Christmas gifts brought back from England and Canary island. Thank you, Edna.

Next month on Feb 15, we meet at Sylvia’s and will read "The Starfish Sisters" by Barbara O'Neal.

Kathy

November 16 Meeting Cancelled

Grace's dear friend, traveling buddy and "sister"  Vickie passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

October 19 Meeting hosted by Carol

 Our October book club was held at my home in true Halloween mode. Themed clothing instead of costume was the dress. We started the evening with food as usual. My lovely daughter-in-law, Dusty, prepared and served us with help from Courtney, my granddaughter. We enjoyed homemade chicken pot pie, fresh salad with garlic vinaigrette dressing, cucumber sandwiches, cheese and crackers, grapes, apple slices, and chocolate covered almonds. Dessert included Apple crisp, seasonal cookies, pumpkin and zucchini breads and chocolate candies. Now for the book discussion! The book was "Bucket List" by Rachel Hanna. Most people liked the book and enjoyed how she was pushed by the death of her friend to try new things. Most found it funny with all the things she tried, but some things were a little far fetched, especially the romance. I think most of us agreed we would be willing to try these things if it meant we would inherit a beach house.

Carol