JUST ANOTHER WEEK IN PARADISE

Phil received a call on Saturday from his cousin, Randy. Randy’s father (he was Phil’s dad’s brother—the last of that group of siblings) passed away in Salt Lake City and then Randy’s brother passed away a week later. We do not want another year like 2009 but with this kind of news so soon in 2010, we aren’t optimistic! It had been an uneventful week with not much happening except for Phil and Roger going fishing on Wednesday. We did have one terrific storm the other night that kept us awake off and on all night. Rained buckets with some wind, lots of thunder and a bit of a light show. No plans on the horizon for next week so I expect things will remain pretty dull around here for a while yet.

WORD OF THE WEEK: rectopathic – Everyone knows someone like this.

Last week’s word: raconteur, pronounced: ra-kän-‘tәr. Noun: Early 19th century French Old French raconter "recount, retell”
Definition: Somebody who tells stories or anecdotes in an interesting or entertaining way with skill and wit.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Did you know?
Horse Statue leg positions
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle.
If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

BOOK REVIEW (s):
The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
Sometimes I am a lazy reader. Macomber’s books do not require any special knowledge about a subject nor a PHD in English to read and understand the plot. Her books put me in mind of Gladys Tabor’s writing – about simple things like food, hearth, home, comfort and joy. A happy ending is almost guaranteed and when I’m looking for a book to de-stress (I think I may have just invented a word?) myself, her work suits me just fine. If you are a person who knits, you will enjoy this story and if you aren’t, the story line all but encourages you to learn. This is definitely a book for women, full of insight and understanding about how our minds and hearts lead us through life. The first in a five book series that takes place in Seattle, it was a vicarious trip home for me and I enjoyed the journey. Rating: seven

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Published in 1994
The second book I have read this week by a northwest author and I loved it. With a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and a Masters in Creative writing, David Guterson’s articulates his expertise with the English language in this exquisite novel. Taking place on a fictional island off the state of Washington he took me home on every page. I have experienced the beauty of the snow falling on cedars and his description of the landscape and the ocean seascape is perfection. This novel has so many themes, so many twists and turns relating to love, racism, community, justice and conscience it compels one to keep reading to solve the dilemma or see the outcome. The story’s main plot surrounds a suspenseful murder trial where the defense attorney at 79 years old is apparently on his last legs yet retains a judicious and astute mind. A winter snowstorm blows in that shuts down the island except that the trial must go on. All the flashbacks to fill in the back-story are detailed and a bit drawn out but fascinating just the same. If you like a good mystery and are at all interested in the historical aspect of the treatment of Japanese Americans during and after WWII, this book is a winner. It was made into a movie in 1999 and I will be looking for the DVD in our travels. Rating: TEN!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time …