This is another day without an original thought. Like the old adage "better to keep quiet and let people thin you are foolish than speak up and prove it." So I'll post a random picture and report that I'm alive and well.
Takk for alt,
Al
Out of the blue in the last few days four gift books have arrived. They all look very interesting. It almost seems that some perceive me as a reader.😀 Okay, I'll accept that. It's gratifying to be the recipient of such largess.
There's a memory from my childhood that sticks fondly in my mind. Life growing up on the farm had a predictable daily rhythm. Typically the day began at 6:00, perhaps why I've arisen at that time for the last 50? years, and ended at 10:00. While Mother started the cookstove and got breakfast ready the guys milked the cows, fed the calves, etc. The end of the day had it's rhythm, too. Supper was at 6:00 and afterward, while Mom and Sister did the dishes the guys did the milking again.
Now for the point to which I'm leading. After the supper and barn chores were done, what did Mom and Dad do? Most often they were seated in rocking chairs, on opposite sides of the dining room table, reading. The reading habits I've acquired had a positive childhood model. When I was guest in childhood playmate's homes I was struck by the absence of reading material. My parents gave me many gifts and this habit is a fine one for which I'm grateful to them.
One more thought about reading. My secondary education was quite weak. A reading habit acquired early in life helped to compensate for what was lacking in school.
Takk for alt,
Al
This is one of those days without an original thought. Just living the easy life in the OFH. Need to post something so you both know that all's well. Perhaps a random picture will suffice.
Takk for alt,
Al
Indeed the book was the winner of the Pulitzer but it's a while ago. Published in 2008, now I finally read it. Olive Kitteridge is a character that shows up in Elizabeth Strout's novels, and it's the title of the Pulitzer winner. The book consists of thirteen short stories in all of which Olive appears. In some stories she's a major player, in others a minor character.
Olive is a curmudgeon. In Enneagram parlance she's an "unredeemed eight". Blunt, crochety often wise and sometimes she's blindingly un-self aware. All of the stories are poignant and the book cover accurately states it "...offers profound insights into the human condition--its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires." Having read several of Strout's books, all of which I've appreciated, it was good to add this to the list. Recommended for readers interested in human dynamics...
Takk for alt,
Al
PS. OFH party report: It was a smaller crowd than last year at the New Year's party. There were 4 interesting persons with me at my table, all of whom I knew. There was also the opportunity to meet others whom I didn't know. Two hours was my limit, full people bladder, and that was the perfect time to exit as parlor games were about to begin. I'm not allowed to play parlor games.😀
