Books. I have a problem.

I am not ashamed to admit I have a book problem. Well, I technically would not refer to it as a problem as that would suggest there is something wrong. There is nothing wrong with a deep and lasting affection for the written word. 

I often go on "Book Benders" that is buying or borrowing several at a time though my reading queue is quite long already. 

It is true that I fit right into the mold of this list (though I think that it's safe to expand beyond YA fiction.... though I do love and read an awful lot of YA fiction.

I am definitely guilty of taking "Shelfies" -- that is photos of my physical book collection or the ones in my Kindle. 

I may also exhibit this trait...

I may also show an inherent trust of people who tell me that they do not read books. I just don't get why someone wouldn't enjoy reading!?!?

OverDrive Digital Library is my Constant. I consistently check it for new books I'd like to read and revel in the fact that I can borrow said books for FREE thanks to my library card. 

This in my inbox NEVER fails to excite me!

Speaking of library cards I may collect them wherever I go. Did you know that in most of the United States if you present your driver's license you can get a library card!?!? I may or may not have a Boston Public Library card. It may come to pass that when I visit London this summer I will inquire as to whether or not I can obtain a library card from The British Library. 

Finally, I can honestly say that this robust list of 19 Dilemmas Every Book-Lover Has Faced At Least Once by Arianna Rebolini is wholly inaccurate! Fine. It is accurate, but thanks to my Kindle PaperWhite #3 & #4 are no longer a severe issue for me. Details, details! 

Finally, if you're a Book Nerd and share in the Book culture, I've collected quite a few Pins regarding the written word. :) Hopefully they bring you enjoyment and make you chuckle before returning to your chapter. 

Happy reading!!! 

Connections, Reflections and The Far Side

A really fine pre-work walk today in our sanctuary. We got to see all our pensioner pals!

Was greeted enthusiastically by Dewey who said "Hiya Sporty, it's another perfect day!"  "Sporty", isn't that just the best? Darwin excitedly greeted Bob and Dewey. Dewey commented that Darwin is always so happy.

As we made our way along the path we saw Rose by herself and I noticed Muriel hot-footin' it back on the dirt trail headed to the connector path to the main paved where Rose was waiting. Darwin dragged me forward after he saw Rose, but looked around curiously because usually it's RoseAndMuriel. He dispensed his kisses and tail wags then spotted Muriel. He got so excited he had to check out a ground squirrel hole. Happy to see RoseAndMuriel we said our "good days" and went our separate ways.

I realize during walks that I have spent far too much time internalizing Gary Larson's The Far Side. There is a perpetual commentary going on in my head. For example: if you were a ground squirrel and saw two large mammals headed your way, what would you do? I, for one, would likely stay still, hunker down and try not to draw attention. The last thing I would do is run TOWARD the large mammals and get within inches of the hairiest ones gaping maw. In my head these daredevil ground squirrels are re-enacting scenes out of Point Break perhaps sounding like Keanu Reeves? More often than not they sound Australian to me as I perceive Aussies as higher risk takers. The disappointment pours off of Darwin as the ground squirrel squeaks by and only so because I've shortened the leash at the last second. You're welcome, flea-ridden rats!!!

As we returned to the parking lot we waved goodbye to Muriel who was just driving away and hailed Parkie! Yay! We haven't seen Parkie for ages. He's the former mechanical engineer whose daughter works as a naturalist at Coyote Hills. I wish I didn't have to go to work as I would have turned round and meandered and caught up on the past couple months with Parkie. He's been suffering from asthma so he comes later, takes it easy and catches the rest of the gang on the re. He told me in retirement you have to still keep a routine otherwise you just go downhill. I agreed and told him I look forward to my 9am "meetings" being something on the order of a walk or coffee after a walk.

It's the little things that I'm grateful for... the connections through shared experience. I look forward to seeing these near-strangers each time at SGP and it makes me happy once I've seen them. I should probably tell them how much I enjoy seeing them. I just hope they don't think I'm a weirdo stalker. 

La Lune, Eclipsed

I stayed up past my bedtime again last night. This time not for my book (well, I did read AFTER), but for the lunar eclipse.

It was a lovely evening and the marine layer stayed away long enough for a handful of photos. Partial eclipse to total eclipse. Spica in the last two photos. 

Life Moves Pretty Fast

The first day of Kindergarten for Maggie was literally last week. I remember holding her hand, so uncertain of what lay ahead of her and telling her she could do anything. 

And just a few days ago I penned this sentimental moment chronicling the end of Elementary School and the start of Middle School. 

So how is it today we just completed registering her for her first year in High School? Yeah, I don't know either, but it happened. And just like that we are about to close one book and open another. I'm all at once proud, excited and melancholy and am reminded of the great words from a very wise (albeit fictional) young man.....

Girl's Day

I feel so fortunate that M and I got a couple of days together. Hubby was traveling and I took a couple days off work so we could hang out. 

We had a great afternoon of lunch, tea and exploration in Columbia, CA. Columbia Kate's Teahouse is always a treat and worth the 90 mile drive. 

We enjoyed chicken pot pie, corn chowder, a big pot of jasmine flower tea, bread pudding and brownie. 

All of this was a welcome respite from a cold rainy day which we desperately need in California. Good food and great company.

I truly enjoy my daughter's company. She's my favorite female person. We have deep conversations and laughter. I am so fortunate she is my daughter and I am honored to be a part of her life.