“I wish that every day of this August month brings you lots of reasons to smile and celebrate.” - www.morninggreetings.com
Another summer saying goodbye to us, so let’s put away our swimsuits, close up our pools and store away our suitcases.
Time to sharpen pencils and get that back-to-school list started!
Bookmobile had a busy and enjoyable Summer Reading program. We visited with some of our old friends and made some very special new ones. We would like to thank everyone who came out and participated in our program. We give a special thank you to Beckley Elementary, Daniels Elementary, Fairdale Elementary and Ridgeview Elementary. They hosted Energy Express this summer at their sites. We visited these four sites each week allowing children to board the Bookmobile van and choose one book and grab a Dr. Seuss coloring sheet. We hope through our participation these students discovered many adventures between the pages of the book they chose.
It has been a very hot and dry summer, so fall isn’t looking too bad about now. I know I’m looking forward to a cooler breeze while I sit on my deck and read my latest book.
I came across something you might like:
Herbs in Mason Jars
If you have a mason jar (or any glass jar) then you can grow your own herbs. Fill your jar at least half way with clean bottled water. The next step is choosing the right herbs for you. I am going to list 12 of the most popular and easy to grow.
1. Peppermint
2. Oregano
3. Sage
4. Basil
5. Stevia
6. Thyme
7. Rosemary
8. Lemon Balm
9. Chives
10. Cilantro
11. Lavender
12. Marjoram
Ok, so I know that’s a lot of herbs, but just pick out the ones you know you will use the most in your recipes.
All you have to do is purchase the herbs of choice and place in the jar of water making sure roots are submerged. Place in a sunny window or ledge or anywhere they can get plenty of sunshine. These herbs will flourish year round with a minimum of care. Just use kitchen scissors and snip what you need. Plus they look adorable! They will provide that little hint of greenery through those long winter days.
Let’s make Sloppy Joe’s (Recipe from Taste of Home)
Ingredients:
1 lb Ground Beef
1 cupKetchup
¼ cup Water
2 tbls Brown Sugar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Prepared Mustard
½ tsp Garlic Powder
½ tsp Onion Powder
½ tsp Salt
Hamburger Buns
Directions:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until nicely browned, and then drain.
Return the meat to the pan over medium heat and add in the remaining ingredients; stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a low simmer. Serve on toasted buns!
Dessert Time - why not?
Easy Chocolate Chip Dip (Recipe from Taste of Home)
Ingredients:
1 pkg (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
½ cup Butter softened
¾ cup Confectioners’ Sugar
2 tbls. Brown sugar
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Graham cracker sticks
Directions:
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add sugars and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Serve with Graham cracker sticks.
(You can dip many other things in this chocolate chip dip, like cookies, graham crackers, Nilla wafers, Oreos, pretzel rods, animal crackers and fruit.) For a party serve the dip with fruit kabobs.
What am I reading you ask?
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews. For me this author is sometimes a hit and miss. My friend asked me if I had read this one and I told her no. She said you must read it. It is so good and you won’t be able to put it down. So I followed her advice and began reading this novel. Boy was she right. I had it almost (not literally) attached to my arms. It has went everywhere with me in the event I can steal a few minutes of down time. Ok enough of that, why do I love this book and feel it’s blog worthy? Here we go!
This book opens on the coast of Georgia at the St. Cecelia, a landmark hotel. The traditions there are as follows: If you grew up there you are a Saint, if you didn’t you are an Ain’t. Our main character Traci Eddings happened to grow up as an Ain’t. She however worked one summer there where tragedy stuck while she was on lifeguard duty. She also happened to marry the boss’s son. But when we begin this story she’s now widowed after her husband was killed in a plane crash. She has an awful brother-in-law and cantankerous father-in-law who is mostly incapacitated with Parkinson’s. These two are greedy and hoping for her failure as she tries to pick up the pieces and run this beautiful establishment without her loving husband. She wants to return the Cecelia to it’s former glory but with staff shortages and financial problems it will take her and her newly hired crew of summer help to bring it back from the brink. Just as the summer gets in full swing with bookings for weddings, reunions etc… tragedy strikes again, but this time it befalls one of her own family members. Now still struggling with her grief from losing her husband she has a new grief so raw she almost can’t deal with the daily aggravations that come with running a resort and keeping everyone happy. On top of all that new details start emerging about the drowning that happened so long ago while she was on lifeguard duty. It is going to take all Traci has in her along with some new friends and a couple old ones to help her come to terms with those responsible for trying to sabotage her as well as harm her people. This one had me baffled for a bit but what a page turner. I say to you please check this one out. It’s a winner like no other.
Long Island by Colm Tóibín, Oprah’s 2024 Book Club Pick. The year is 1976 and our main character is Eilis Lacey who is Irish but lives in Long Island with her husband Tony and his large extended family. She and Tony have two teen-aged children and a full life, him as a plumber and her working at a local garage. One day an unexpected visitor comes to her door telling her that his wife is expecting a baby and Tony is the father. He tells Eilis that when the baby comes, he will not keep it and will bring the child to her doorstep. So the decision Eilis makes is shocking to everyone in their close-knit family and it will take her back to Ireland to her mother’s home that she hasn’t visited in decades. Follow along with Eilis as she fights against her own past regrets and the battle she must wager to find peace. This one is a stunner, and I was definitely surprised how it ended. Keeps you thinking!
Here’s a couple on my radar:
Are you a fan of John Grisham? His latest novel Camino Ghosts is set in Florida on the Dark Isle. Land developer Tidal Breeze wants to come in and take over the island and build a casino and resort. But one lady who is a descendant, Lovely Jackson has other ideas and must fight to prove her rightful place on this island of her ancestors. But the island holds many secrets and so does she… Sound good?
Sandwich by Catherine Newman. This book is about how families will disagree, love each other and ultimately fail one another. But somehow the family can endure. Follow the main character Rocky on her journey back to Cape Cod. Read how she navigates half-grown children, elder parents and menopause. Sit back and get cozy with this one.
If you want something to spook or make you jump check out Stephen King’s new one: You like it Darker. Ok doesn’t the title grab you if nothing else…eek He dives into the places in our lives that make it darker but yet we find a way to survive. He will give you chills and thrills with this one!
Mountain Women Series by West Virginia Author Carol Ervin. This 13 book series highlights women through the struggles, friendships and triumphs at the turn of the 19th century. These books follow different families and how they make their way through all the difficult territories where they will settle with their families and call it home.
The Chosen by Jerry B. Jenkins, these Christian fiction novels are based on the TV series which chronicles the Life of Jesus.
These books are all available at the Raleigh County Public Library. Come on in and discover your own adventure through the many pages located on your library’s shelves!
I am listening to Past Perfect audio by Danielle Steel. This one is quite a departure for me. As I said I truly enjoy her audios as they provide me much listening pleasure while driving. This one kicks off with a family from New York who have it all; Successful husband, wife and three beautiful children. Blake Gregory gets a golden opportunity; Move to San Francisco and be in on a jump start company making more money than he can imagine. His wife Sybil, an interior decorator, art buff and article writer has many reservations. Their life and lives of their children are all in New York. Their son is about to graduate, their daughter right behind him and their youngest in first grade. All established in their lives and community. But while reluctant they make the move with Blake to San Francisco where he has purchased the Butterfield Mansion that has set empty for years. He assures his family there hasn’t been an earthquake for over 100 years, but only after being in the house two nights they experience an earthquake. Somehow it opened a crack between now and 100 years ago and the Butterfield family who occupied the home then suddenly appear in their dining room. They act as though Gregory and his family are the intruders. But as time goes on these two families learn to live together each in their own century learning from each other and forming bonds of loyalty and friendship. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about listening to this one trying to come to terms with the ghosts who seem so real to this family. I have been surprised to see that no matter what century or year it is we can take something from it and strive to be better in our own future.
The Winter Street Series by Elin Hilderbrand. This beloved author also has some of her novels on audio. I listened to the Winter Street series and was swept straight to Nantucket walking across the boardwalks, listening to the Christmas bells and almost tasting the hot chocolate as the town people come out for the Winter Stroll which takes place each year. Shops are open, snow is falling, the air is crisp, and Christmas is around the corner. This series of audio books are quite lovely to listen to. Although they are sprinkled with some family drama you will come away feeling nostalgic.
Some dates to remember:
Back to school Wellness Fair at the Beckley Convention Center
August 9 from 9:00am-2:00pm
If you have children between the grades of K-12 come on out for school supplies, prizes and other services. I say this because the Bookmobile will be there handing out a special bag of goodies as well as prizes and Dr. Seuss puzzle worksheets. Stop by our table and find out a little about us and how we will be serving your child’s school this coming year. This fair is presented by Raleigh County Schools.
First day of school for students
August 22
“The End of Summer is not the end of warmth and light; it’s a new chapter waiting to be written.” - www.joyfulthroughitall.com
Let’s get excited folks, falls a’ coming!
The Bookmobile Lady
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