Book Board Chat

Hello Everyone-- I was inspired by the Plum talk so went to the library on Sat and #27 was on the shelf! I don't think a lot of people are using the library yet so I brought it home. Then I talked to my sister and realized I hadn't read #26. Just got on the library webiste and checked it out for my kindle so I am ready to read. Just started a biography of Stonewall Jackson from my Dad's wonderful collection of Civil War books.

It's weirdly warm here today. I should have worked outside but took the afternoon off.

June -- glad to hear you new cat is settling in. I just saw two polydactyl kittens on a rescue site. Be still, my heart. I've always wanted a polydactyl cat. Just not sure how my cat would treat a kitten.

Good morning!! I am way behind on reading the board but just happened to click on it this morning.

Diane -- I didn't know the Plum series was ending. Good information.

Jane -- Sounds like you've had a very tiring time. Hope things get better soon.

June -- Thanks so much for posting about your new cat. I lost my 19-year old tabby in July and had to have my little rescue dog put to sleep last month. He was a Chinese crested and the most difficult dog I've ever had, but we really miss him. I've been thinking about another cat to keep my orange and white boy company, but I know it can be hard to add another to the household. I just think he is lonely for a kitty friend. He mourned the tabby and wouldn't eat a bite of anything for 24 hours. Your story is encouraging. My sister-in-law has two Maine Coon Cats and they are ginormous.

Diane -- thanks for the spider photo! Love it!! He's a wonderful size. Mine are all too small. Your porch ironwork looks like the ones on the house I grew up in. Lovely memory.

Happy Halloween! We are having snow and high winds. Not exactly good Halloween weather for the small masked ones.

Diane -- I was hoping to see a picture of your spider. I didn't decorate much for Halloween this year but have always enjoyed a good spider.

Happy New Year everyone!! It's rained here all day and now it's very windy. Glad to be staying home tonight.

Jane -- Probably not flaky but it is very tasty. I've shared the recipe many times after people tried it. It is very easy and quick. I used to get so frustrated when a crust would tear.

Good evening! We've had three beautiful days of sunshine. Clouds and rain are supposed to move in for the next couple days. I really wouldn't mind some snow at this point for Christmas.

Diane -- I make a lot of pies but never roll a crust. This recipe is from my hometown cookbook and is a bit like shortbread.

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup oil, like Mazola
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. cold milk

Blend it all together and press into pie pan. I don't know what kind of pie you are making, but if you need to bake the crust alone, do it at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes. Otherwise, I just bake it at the temperature that the pie needs to be at to bake.

Good morning! I was reading the book board when I couldn't sleep overnight and saw JoAnne's problem with the tupperware so I googled it. What I found suggests that you should soak the lids in very hot water and put them back on the containers. Here's a link:
What does it take to get this new Seal / Lid on this Tupperware Bowl? A Hammer?

I hope that helps.

We are supposed to finally get a break from this hot humid weather today. Looking forward to that.

Jane I know, it does sound nice for a big change. But with all the snow on the ground and the additional predicted for tonight, I think it will be a big mess. We live in Indiana, north of Lafayette. It has been terribly cold here since Christmas, most nights way below zero.

I dreamed I saw a big flock of robins last night. I'm definitely ready for spring.

It's -2 here right now which is a big improvement over the last several days. Tomorrow it is supposed to get to 29 with a little sleet and snow and then be 56 by Thursday. The January thaw! I think everyone will be sick by then.

I hope you and Jack feel better soon, JoAnne. The flu/cold stuff is really going around here.

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope you all have a meaningful day!

Hello Everyone! I joined a few days ago but have been on the run since then and haven't had time to post. I used to be on the old book board and have been reading this one practically from the beginning so I feel like I already know you all.

Beth -- sorry to hear about your Lyme diagnosis, but that was quick work on the doctor's part. It can take a long time to diagnose but since you are in the NE, the doctors are probably more on the lookout for it. I have a first cousin who got bit by the lone star tick and can no longer eat beef, but since the bite was a few years ago, he can now tolerate pork every few weeks. I hope you feel much better soon!

My dad died in March and I have been working with my siblings to get his house cleaned out. Big job. We have found some interesting letters and some family connections that were always mysterious have been cleared up a bit.