The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Review of sorts

A friend loaned me the book,  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.  She and I were talking about stories with an intresting point of view.  The narrarator of the book is a dog named Enzo. 

Enzo shares the life of his owner Denny.  He narrates Denny's life from marriage to parenthood, through the death of his wife from cancer, into a fight for custody of his daughter with his in-laws.  Scattered throughout this journey is Denny's efforts to drive race cars.  If you are a racing enthuasist you will enjoy all the inside information about racing.  If you are a dog lover you'll enjoy the insight of Enzo on the human condition.

It's difficult not to like Enzo and his devotion to Denny and his family.  His point of view allows for insight and information not available to the humans.  There are  questions left unanswered, such as why Eve is afraid of doctors, but Enzo explains he never heard her talk about it.  He reflects on the legal proceedings putting together what he has overheard, combined with what he has seen on TV and what he thinks must have happened. 

The epilogue is anticipated because of what Enzo is eager to have happen, and speaks of frequently throughout the tale, but it was still poignant.  I enjoyed the story with it's unexpected point of view and because it is just a good story.  If you have an open weekend it's a good way to spend your time.

I could use a good read.  What would you recommend?

Dating & Mating: Meet You, Meet Me

In the world of relationships meeting that one person you are willing to spend the rest of your life with; your life partner (or so we hope), can be difficult and frightening.

The Today Show highlighted the cultural trend: Online Dating:The Secret Science of Love at First Byte.  Meeting people online was initially met with skepticism but legitimate businesses such as eharmony.com and match.com, are two of 1,500 companies in a thriving industry of matchmaking.

Computers are attempting to do what friends and relatives have been doing for generations.  Matching people we know with other people, known to friends and relatives, who may make a compatible couple.

Success is a certainty with either of these methods when combined with one key element; your willingness to meet people.  You have to be willing to put time and energy into meeting new people, making conversation, putting yourself out there.  The advantage to employing matchmakers is the person you meet has been vetted and shares your intentions.

Once you've decided to 'step out' paying a company isn't necessary, instead, spread the word to those you know that you are willing to meet whom-ever they think is worth an introduction.  You may be surprised at the number of opportunities friends and family deliver.

You should prepare to experience multiple introductions, some worth investigating and some, not so much.  Let those which are a "definite no" go easily and without personal recriminations.  Extend yourself and explore the "possibles".  A "definite possibility" may be closer than you think. 

If you feel Valentine's Day is another name for Singles Awareness Day it may be time to put out the word to your people and say,  "I'm ready."

Pictures from:
wheretomeetmen.org
soyouwanna.com
thewondrous.com

What Up? . . . with the Friday Forum.

It's time for a round up with the Friday Forum.  M, office on the north end, has inside knowledge on barista know-how.  M brought in a latte machine making delicious coffee drinks for the Forum.

It doesn't take long to drink through new blends leaving us with our favorite, off the shelf, stand-bys.  Our MOST favorite blend, Magnolia Cafe, blended at Trianon Coffee Brewers in Austin, TX begins with a base of Sumatra coffee beans.  Procuring Sumatran beans at our local World Market, D has begun blending beans here at home, with some success.  He blended 8 O'clock Vanilla Bean with Sumatran beans and produced a wonderfully smooth tasting brew that was well received at the Forum.

A reader suggested another brewer, Prairie Fire Roasters out of Wichita, KS.  Prairie Fire offers free samples online and their Peppermint Patty blend was a current Friday brew.  As always there have been tasty treats to go along with our coffee tests.  Comments from the Forum:

M. in the front office says, "I enjoyed the new coffee today-peppermint patty. It was not so overpowering as I originally thought it would be. It was very smooth. The conversation of new recipes from Emily Bites were very encouraging about great food to make in a healthy way. I loved the Chocolate Banana Oat muffins, fantastic and very low calorie with the wonderful flavor."

M. from the middle office shared, "The lattes were a nice treat. There is something about a cup of coffee brewed just for you that is always a treat….kind of like how a meal always tastes better when someone else fixes it.  I have enjoyed all the coffees and I am in awe of your new hobby, blending your own beans. Who knows…maybe someday we’ll be saying 'I knew Sally when they first started blending beans .'  You’d be a great barista!"

N. at the north end added, "M’s Lattes – This is an annual event anticipated by all! Although it did not take place during our traditional time, the week between Christmas and New Year’s, they tasted just as good in late January. That’s a bleak time of year anyway, right? MLK Day is nice, but hardly enough to lift us out of January doldrums. Anyway, the lattes were delicious and much appreciated. 
Our own blend of Sumatra beans and vanilla bean – Smooth as silk! Well done, D.
My scones – If we can call them 'scones', then they were pretty good. The treats certainly did not have the soft and crumbly texture we associate with true scones. However, they had cherry goodness in every bite, so I guess that counts for something.
New brew from Prairie Fire Roasters – Did not expect to like Peppermint Patty, but I did! Prairie Fire Roasters (does anyone else out there have trouble spelling ‘prairie’?) is a winner so far."

What new recipe, blog, beverage or food have you tried lately? 

Pictures from:
cbc.ca
baldart.com.au

SAD: Singles Awareness Day

"I hate Valentine's Day, it's SAD." Young, single, female, co-worker.

Me, "Don't let it be sad, there are a lot of people that love you, and that you love, to celebrate on that day." 

"Not on Singles Awareness Day," replied young, single, male, co-worker.

Understanding the play on words brought a chuckle but the seriousness of both these individuals about their distaste for February 14th was real.  That is sad.  They are not the first unattached (young or old) people that have expressed the sentiment that Valentine's Day highlights, like a neon sign, their singleness.

"You can't go to a restaurant because everyone there is a couple," she declared.

"It makes it much more apparent that you're single," he agreed.

This message is not for those who are happy with your singleness, your satisfaction of relationship status is to be applauded, but there is a vast majority who feel as these do. 

So what are the options?

1.  Ignore the day, treat it like every other day.
2.  Show your love and appreciation to those who make your life better, i.e. parents, siblings, friends, coworkers, etc.
3.  Allow others around you to show their love and appreciation of you.
4.  Show your love for humanity by volunteering, i.e. soup kitchen, food bank, visiting an elder care center, animal shelter, etc.

Valentine's Day can be SAD but it can also be an opportunity for you to make it special for someone else.  The choice is yours.

Pictures from:
shirtdesigns.spreadshirt.nl
stephie5741.blogspot.com
members.petfinder.org

Your Thread In the Historic Fabric

Hitting the half century mark leads to some reflection across my personal timeline.  At the holidays we made a trip back to the area where I grew up.  My small town, like so many, is decreasing in size with the main street businesses closed and buildings falling into their foundations.

Our two room school house held six grades.  My 1st and 2nd grade was made up of 8 girls.  Our school bus was a red station wagon that made three trips to 'bus' all the kids to school and home.  In 3rd grade the district consolidated.  The burning question in my young mind, "Where did all these kids come from?"  The school will be torn down to make way for a county clinic, the building too old and decayed to bring, economically, up to code.

This church is where I was confirmed, attended vacation bible school for many years and love to attend when we visit my folks.  It was never a large congregation but now there are about 24 regular attenders and my parents, in their early 70's, are the youth group. 

On a country road between town and my home, is the little Welsh Chapel.  My paternal, great-grandmother Mary was the chairman of the Welsh reunion committee in the early 60's.  The Welsh community was already dispersed and there were no regular services.  My dad and mom remember attending the yearly reunion services at the chapel as young marrieds.  The property has reverted back to the originally owners who still maintain the grounds but that, and an occassional burial, is the only activity now.

My life has touched two eras.  I've attended a two room school house and watched computers go viral. much like my grandparents traveling in a horse and buggy and watching a man walk on the moon.  I attempt to hang on to some of these things, as did my great grandmother, by holding reunions and walking down memory lane yet, as I embrace my past I look eagerly forward to the future and all there is yet to unfold. 

What does your historic thread look like?

The Written Word Worth Re-Reading

I like to read.  1st and 2nd grade report cards noted my voracious reading.  I was in junior high when this same teacher told me she'd finally met a student who loved to read as much as I did.  Any good story is worth my time and with so many available there are few books that make my save shelf to be re-read again. 

Reading many of the book bloggers January appears to be the month to share what's on your reading list.  I would like to share the books that have been on my shelf for many years with the pages well thumbed.

Newest favorite book and most recent shelf acquisition came from my son's junior English reading list:

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, 2002

Favorite buggy & bonnet romance:
Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer, 1983

Favorite time travel:
Son of the Morning by Linda Howard, 1997

Favorite Christian romance:
The Princess by Lori Wick, 1999

These books became keepers because of their dialogue, pacing and ability to keep me turning the pages long past my bedtime. 

Share the titles of your keepers!

Friday Forum and the Super Bowl

A frequent visitor knows I'm a Wisconsin native ergo a Green Bay Packer fan.  At our Friday Forum it was Pick-A-Packer Friday as we brewed Packer's Perc, from Berres Brothers Roasters in Watertown, WI and I wore my Packer's Super Bowl Champions sweatshirt from 1996.  If I'd only had a cheese head!

I talked a lot of smack.  Did some early celebrating, confident the Pack was headed to the Superbowl . . . NOT!  Let's talk coffee.

We've enjoyed both Highlander Grogg and Packer's Perc from my road trip to Berres Brothers Roasters.  Here is what the forum had to say:

E. expressed, “Coffee was delicious as well as N’s cinnamon rolls! I also loved the pepper jelly and cream cheese. Spicy and sweet."  E. is moving on to another job opportunity and will be greatly missed.  We sure appreciate the contributions E. has made to the Friday Forum.

V. shared these words about the Highlander Grogg blend, "Not a fan of the strong ‘butterscotch’ aroma or flavor. There was a time when it would have made me very happy!"

In my quest to learn all things that make coffee great I came across a cause worth mentioning, Coffee Kids.

"Coffee Kids works with coffee-farming families to improve their lives and livelihoods" 

I am a proponent for responsible consuming.  I can't enjoy my coffee at the expense of clean water, adequate housing and good education for the coffee growers.   Please take a moment to read about this organization.  If you love coffee forgo a few cups and help out the Coffee Kids. 

Check out this link on the report of the Coffee Kids organization to ensure responsible giving. BBB report on Coffee Kids.

Pictures from:
visalakshiramani.wordpress.com
host.madison.com
ncausa.org