MORE GREAT READING

I'm trying to tie up the loose ends of my book reading.

This is a good one.

Favorites were: Seth Stevenson's "Looking for Mammon in the Muslin World"

He has a great website with copies of his articles. I've set aside a couple

of hours to browse them.

Thomas Swick "Have Book, Will Travel"

Paul Theroux "The Golden Man" especially his visit to the ancient city of Merv.

James Campbell "Chasing Ghosts"

Karl Taro Greenfield "Hope and Squalor at Chungking Mansion"

I love books that send me to the computer to find out more.

DAY WITH A COUSIN

My cousin and her husband are spending a month in Oceanside near us this year. It's so fun to have them here. We lived close to each other while growing up and have many great stories to reminisce about. Went to the Antique Mall, a toy store, lunch and THE BOOK WORKS. This is a great book store. I worked for Sam Weller's New and Used Bookstore in Salt Lake City for 10 years and nothing beats a good INDEPENDENT book store .

Lunch first-- come'on ---we needed nourishment

THE BOOK WORKS

2670 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, California 92014 858-755-3735

READING, READING, READING.

Have you ever noticed how one thing leads to another and another and another.

In December I heard, after the fact, about a documentary that had aired on PBS titled "Inheritance". Although I had missed it on T.V. I discovered that their website was airing it in its entirty until January 12.




It was gripping. We left a few days later for California for two months. California might be the land of oranges and sun for some but it's the land where I settle down and take advantage of the great library's at Oceanside and Carlsbad. We've been here a month and I've finished 14 books. Yes, I'm a fast reader.

Anyway, the first trip to the Oceanside Library produced a new book on my list to read, "Searching for Schindler". "Inheritance" and "Schindler" took place in the same camp. Two days later I'm in Costco and the a lady in front of me is buying "Schindler's List". I mention that she might be interested in "Inheritance" and she tells me about "Girl in Hyacinth Blue". Meanwhile I've rented "Schindler's List" and also taken in the movie "Defiance". It occurs to me that maybe I need to take a break and read something a little lighter. I try but just can't seem to let it go.

Find another one with short essays titled " Small Miracles of the Holocaust" and finished up with


The Pages in Between" by Erin Einhorn which was excellent. Unfortunately, having access to two great library's does not cut down on my book buying. I've already bought three of the ones that I've read. I know, I know, just don't harp at me about it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOOD FRIEND

It's great to have good friends visit, expecially when somebody special is

having a birthday.

Happy Birthday Janean

NINA

The replica of the "Nina" is at the Oceanside Marina this week. We walked over and took a tour.

Trust me, it's not a cruise ship. Evidently it's the most accurate replica ever made. And did I mention how tiny it is. It's amazing they didn't all jump overboard 3 days out of harbor.

ANTIQUE STORE

There is a great Antique Mall in Solana Beach. Tried for an hour

to figure out how we could get this set of antique desks home. Finally gave up.

Can't beat a red Christmas Tree
Always wanted a good "Seed" box

Took lessons for 3 years and this is piano is just about my speed.

Lots of Fiesta Ware

For boiling Eggs. Would have bought this to go with my collection but not for $50.

I bought a furnished doll house, 6 Barbies and over 100 outfits for $50. at a garage sale. This

one is tagged $449.00.

Cute small cash register

Love this children's stove.

O.K. what's the story on this one. Life sized oil portrait of a really upscale beautiful lady.

Looks like she has/had money.
She's either the First Wife or she cut everyone out of the will, or, or, or.

Why else would a portrait this big be hanging in an Antique Store--with a large

"Sale" tag hanging from it.

SOLANA BEACH

There is a great little street in Solana Beach that is full of designer shops.

My favorite is the Bathroom/Kitchen Store

This is a great "Wall of Water"

This is a cool--"tiny" bathtub


I love this sink but the first thing I thought of was
"Where would I put all the junk I have in the cupboard"

Cool but it splashed all over the wall

This was beautiful. $7000.00 for just the sink, stand, and towel rings. Good luck

A DAY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

A pelican on the river

Fun beach cottages on the strand
Our sunset today. To the right of the sun there is a huge "pod" of Dolphins just playing in the ocean. Cool.

Museum setting from dumpr.net

HANG OOOOOOOOON

Note to Becky and Jack and Janean and Russ--- Hang on, your almost here.

GOIN' TO CALIFORNIA

It's that time of year again and we're headed to warmer places. Had a room booked at Whiskey Pete's--$19.95 and when we got there they informed us that they only worked on weekends. They moved us over the street into an o.k. room----except for the guys in the parking lot that were jimmying a locked van. We called security and they informed us that the guys owned the van and were employee's. Why then were they going through the van with a flashlight once they got it opened. Things must be tough all over.

We have a different apartment than we've had for several years in the past. It's nice but smaller and more adult than family oriented.