There are many ways to reinforce the "not so smart" epithet. Every history book I read is a reminder of how little I know. Now I've found a new way to feel uninformed. From my father I picked up an interest in the identification of birds. A life time of observation led me to assume some sophistication. Then...

      Then came Cornell's Merlin App. Using it to listen during my cemetery walk today I heard the birds that I did yesterday and several more. In addition to those heard yesterday today there were Dickcissel, Northern Flicker, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Warbling Vireo, Downy Woodpecker, Purple Martin, Red-winged Blackbird, Killdeer and Mourning Dove. 

      A few of these common ones are no surprise but Warbling Vireo, for example is new to me. If you like birds I recommend the Merlin app.

     A recent selection of the Parnassus First Edition Book Club was I Am Homeless If This If This Is Not My Home by acclaimed author Lorrie Moore. In my community "well that was different" serves to un-acclaim something and that's my take of the book. Almost nothing happens in this novel, with characters who didn't engage me. There are profound reflections on relationship when the protagonist has a long encounter with the ghost of his sometimes lover. That was not enough to redeem the book for me. I'll happily give the book to any person who wants to give it a try.

Takk for alt,

Al

                                                            Warbling Vireo

                                                            Swamp Sparrow