Margaret's Staff Picks
Margaret is our resident book sleuth. If you've got a rare or out-of-print edition you'd like to special order, she can find it for you.
MAY 2019
This is a great indulgence so it's a great gift. Maybe you will only travel to these laces between the pages, but maybe... Now that you know of such an uplifting museum in Iceland (pg 114), or that you could make an addition to Gnomesville, Australia, or just where some of the Berlin Wall pieces are, or the location of Pig Beach in the Bahamas, don't you just have to go there? You can clean up with some trivia challenges and amaze folks at the water cooler with these fun tidbits. But I gotta go read on a line and get reservations in Oregon to the Giant Pumpkin Regatta! Bon Voyage!
APRIL 2019
April showers bring May vegetables?? Well I've never been much of a gardener, but this book is inspiring me. It is easy to follow, gives clear step by step instructions with great photos. It even covers starting seeds indoors, combating pests (outdoors), and handling and storing the produce grown in the garden. I especially like the "all about" section in the back giving quick but detailed reference. Best of all Mel's style and detail gives me confidence ti get with the program. Experienced gardeners... can you beat Mel's mix??
FEBRUARY 2019
February. Snowed in? Curl up under the covers or by a fireplace and read a tale of old... with a focus on the women's side of things. Adventure with King Arthur and his knights and Merlin his magician, but the tale expands with the feelings and perspectives of the strong women of Camelot: Igraine, Gwenhwyfar, Morgan Le Fey, and Viviane, the Lady of the Lake. The Lush language will take you away, the mysticism will enchant you, and the spirituality of the books may inspire you. Strong women -- these too!
MARCH 2019
March. I'm not really a dog fan, but I am intrigued by the secret service so I thought I would give this volume a try. Well Lassie, move over. These dogs and their handlers are worthy of their own movies. Learn about the creation of the K9 unit and how the first dogs were trained. Find out what the secret service dogs did to Barbara Streisand and how they handled President George W. Bush's dog Barney. Dog retirement? Dog healthcare? It's all there in detail. They help keep the first family and dignitaries safe and mean the world to their partners. If you are looking for a doggone book try this one.
JANUARY 2019
January. New Year, new meals! I am nothing if not thrifty/cheap. And this is a tasty and easy way to do it as well. Hate cauliflower? But I love cheese so page 93 changed my tune. Always need another recipe for zucchini, right? Try the Savory Summer Cobbler. With simple clear instructions that even a non-cook like me can follow, this cookbook is a great bang for your buck. Beat the pang in your tummy without a wallop to your wallet. Read 'em and eat!
August 2018
August. TC Film Festival. Even though this movie is not playing at the festival it is a great one. Read about the behind the scenes. Of 14 stars with screen credit how many were born in the US? (pg 127). How did "As Time Goes By" avoid getting CUT from the movie? The casting, the writing, the details. You must remember this! And of course you want to know it all. A delightful read with or without popcorn. The start of a beautiful.....
JULY 2018
July. Summer vacation! And who doesn't want to spend some time at a vacation cabin on a lake? Well read this at your cabin, condo, or hotel. This is a true adventure from the ground up. The breezy style gets you involved, but not bogged down in the DIY building of a cabin on Lake Superior. More than a build it story, the lessons also coven 2nd marriages, couples working together, and crock-pot families. And then there is the one about the bathroom sink. Let Spike and family do the work. Enjoy!
MAY 2018
May. Flowers?? Well I don't consider myself a true gardener, so I like shortcuts. I'm trying the banana peel with the roses tip so I'll let you know. Y\This easy to follow guide has suggestions and tips galore. The layout and chapter headings make things easy to find quickly. A cool list of resources and additional reading can be found at the back. And dig the cute little bookmark to cut off from the back cover jacket. A fun little book to use or give to a friend. And Thursday, July 19, 2018 is the Friendly Garden Walk.
APRIL 2018
April. The month for taxes gets me thinking about the future. I agree that old retirement no longer so this book sounded promising. Well it doesn't promise, but gives lots of tools and case studies to give you ideas and inspire you. There are reader exercises to do and sections on philosophy and life choices more than number crunching. Easy direct style is no nonsense and the book focuses on life style "transitions", how to take charge and manage them rather than "what do I do when I retire" approach. Refreshing and thoughtful. So give it a read!