October 15 Meeting at Sharon's

Wow! Didn’t expect such a reaction to this book! Seems like people either liked or HATED it! It was described as a moving and funny novel of the heart, but several thought it was nothing more than a blatant bashing of Catholicism. The author is a former priest and some thought he was airing all his criticism of his religion through this story. They felt Mary, the title character, had no redeeming virtues. Others felt the story was a charming look into the Irish small town culture of the 50s. Most were in agreement that what Mary did to her close friend was unforgivable. Thankfully, everyone was in harmony before the discussion, partaking in a meal of sloppy joes, layered salad, and macaroni and cheese. As usual, desserts were in abundance and, hopefully, all went home in good spirits. We missed having Carol, Rosemary and Pat at the table. 

Sharon

September 17 Meeting at Pat's

         While eating white lasagna, we discussed Rachel Joyce's first novel, "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry". I had read recently that much of the pain people experience in our culture is from unresolved grief.  Our book discussion included the power of journey, the importance of sharing grief, both telling our story and listening well to another's story.  The time passed quickly, and I was sorry for our discussion to end.

    Love, Pat

August 27 Meeting at Carol's but with Edna hosting

      The August Book Club was held on the 27th at the home of Carol and hosted by Edna.   We started with snacks and the sweet and sour chicken was the most popular.  The recipe is found under "sweet and sour chicken" on the internet and then I went to "Mama's Kitchen".  The sauce was on a different site because I didn't want the one on Mama's Kitchen.  It stated that it was spicy. 

     After everyone arrived, we started our dinner with a picnic theme.  We ate on paper plates and did barbecue and potato salad, etc. 

     Our book this month was "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand.  I had read it a while ago but the story had moved me so that's why I picked it.  Several people had also seen the movie that came out recently.  Everyone liked the book but found it hard to take.  The story of man's inhumanity to man, is always hard to imagine!!!   Louis Zepporini was an average American guy, living his life in California and dreaming of being an Olympic athlete.   He was on track to be a winner when he ended up in World War 11, as did so many young men of that generation. 

      One of the things we discussed, was how many of us either had family members in the War or knew of someone that was there.  We also remembered how most of our family that had been there, never talked about it. 

      Roe said she found it hard to read but loved the strength that Louis showed.  Most agreed with her!!   Pat said that there was a strong pivotal point in the movie that was not really played up in the book.  Of course, we got into a discussion of government and how many Wars are fought over old men's wants!!!   Sad but true!!! 

      All in all, the book was enjoyed and next month's meeting at Pat's on the 17th, Sept. was set up.  She has picked " The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" by Rachel Joyce. 

      The evening ended, as per usual, with hot coffee and tea and more desserts than we could possibly eat; even though we gave it our best "book club" try!!!!!!  Grace brought peach cobbler, Roe brought oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies and Drika brought dream sickle cookies.  As hostess, I made dark chocolate brownies with dark chocolate icing and almonds along with vanilla ice cream!!! 

     Sorry you missed the evening, Alice!!! 

      I am looking forward to September book club and the book, even though I have already read one wrong book thinking it was the right one!!!  hahaha

Love, Edna

As requested - Coconut Muffins (Harpoon Hanna's, Ocean City, MD) Recipe 

July 16 Meeting at Kathy's

The evening started out with just the cutest appetizers- lil lady bugs:

One by one, the girls arrived and we caught up on things going on with our lives.  I had just gotten back from Folly Beach in SC and survived "shark week".  We had a wonderful meal of Iron Skillet ham & cheese cornbread and KY Salad with Bourbon Vinaigrette. Of course we had wine, my "holycraptheseareamazing" cookies, Roe brought desserts and Alice gave us a taste of France including le chocolat. We missed you - Dricka, Carol, Pat and Grace but we did managed to keep the conversation going without you.

I asked each member what they thought of the book.  Roe said she liked it to the half way point then what happened --  she throws in Red's parents Junior & Linnie Mae's history and kills off Abby the main character. What the heck?  Sharon liked Anne Tayler's other books and didn't think this was her best. As a matter of  fact we read her "The Amateur Marriage" which was better.  Louisa was upset that she not only killed off Abby but her dog too!.  If only he had one of those stretchy leaches and could have gotten out of the way.  Edna and Alice pretty much said the same,  it was an OK book about a family and that pretty much summed up the book "Spool of Blue Thread" by Anne Tyler. Sharon asked what was the significance of the title "A Spool of Blue Thread"?  We surmised it was the blue spool miraculously dropping into Denny's hand when he was going to mend his father's dashiki for Abbey's funeral.  We did get into discussion about family and how they are not perfect, how interesting family vacation can be and the problems that come with growing old ie hard of hearing and forgetfulness. WHAT!  HUH?  I was pretty upset when Linnie Mae painted the swing blue after Junior took all that time to finished it and then to throw blue paint on the walkway after he had stripped it once again as punishment.  He should had killed her, just saying.  But then that was kind of a side story.

Next month Edna will host the meeting on the 4th Thursday - August 27 and we will read "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand.  I have the ebook and will send the link so you can download it.  If you have trouble with the download please give me a call and I will help you.

Good times as always.  Enjoy your summer,
KAthy G

June 18 Meeting at Pam's

We had a great evening and I had a big surprise. I had forgotten the book I picked, so when we started discussing it, I was at a loss.. I soon caught up. There were mixed feelings about the book "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield but it was a good mystery. I hope everyone enjoyed it.

I broke down this time and actually made sauce for spaghetti. It was good, I thought, and Grace helped me with the amount of spaghetti I needed to cook. We had salad, ice cream, cookies, cream puffs and many other desserts. No dinner is complete without something burned. I forgot the bread and left it in the oven. We had Blackened Italian Bread to go with our meal.

We missed the ladies that couldn't make it and I hope to see them next month.

We are a great group of girls.

Pam

May 14 Meeting at Carol's

The May meeting of book club went off without any problems.  First--I did NOT stress out about my meeting this time.  I left up my Easter/Spring decorations for everybody to enjoy (actually I just didn't have time to decorate for my Patriotic theme of the summer yet).  I decided to keep refreshments light and everybody seemed to enjoy the meatballs, veggie pizza, and snacks.  Of course, the chocolate from Paris and my newly discovered peanut cups* went over very nicely.  Thank you to everybody who brought offerings to round out the eating experience.

The feedback was positive as most of us seemed to really enjoy the book, "Hissy Fit".  My friend, Linda, had suggested the book for a funny, light read.  However, most of us agreed while there were funny parts in the book, it was pretty serious action.  Just about everybody could relate to the small town happenings.  It's a know fact that everybody knows everybody else's business; and "Who's who" can control a lot of what happens in the business activities of a small town.  I was amazed at how people expected her to just overlook the behavior of her future husband.  The only part I find repetitive is how the girl always finds a replacement so quickly.  Real life doesn't happen that way -- or maybe it does for most of society today.  Probably the most upsetting part of the book was how those involved were willing to let her and her father suffer all those years thinking her mother had just run off and left them with no contact.  It was more important for them to uphold their "image" in the community.  At least her "ex" did finally try to straighten out his life and become a better person - but his dad remained the ultimate jerk & creep.

   

Carol

*Mini Peanut Butter Phyllo Pies

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter

3 ounces Greek (or plain) cream cheese

8 ounces Cool Whip, lite - I used regular

1-1/4 cup powdered sugar

30 Athens Mini Fillo Shells (2 boxes)

30 peanut halves

Chocolate, shaved for garnish

In a medium mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy with an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the Cool Whip and powdered sugar, finishing with the Cool Whip. Spoon or pipe 1 tablespoon into each shell.  Garnish with peanut half and shaved chocolate.  Refrigerate till served.