October Book Club

Month: October

Hostess: Chrissy

Book: The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Food: Margherita pizza, Spinach and feta pizza, and delicious brownies

Book Club has been crazy lately - three babies have been born since March! Usually conversation begins heavy on the baby talk, but then as the night goes on the talk tapers off to talk about the book, as well as our random chatter about what is going on in our worlds.

We all love book club. It is a time not only to discuss books and reading, which we all are fans of, but it is a dedicated time for us to get together with our friends once a month, guaranteed. It is the night we stop the rest of our lives for, to set that two and half hours to catch up and relax and laugh and have fun. I know we all look forward to these hours every month, and now, I find I love them even more. I miss the Boy when I am gone, but it is nice to come home feeling refreshed and recharged. 

This book was an amazing book. Our hearts went out to Victoria, whose life was so hard. Jill was reminded of Gillian Flynn's work while reading this book- it was dark, gritty in places, with a topic that was hard to bear at times, especially for those who are overly empathetic to characters, as most people who read are. Personally, I also have always enjoyed reading about the Victorian meanings of flowers - what a cool way to have a conversation with someone, without words but with posies or roses or carnations or forget-me-nots. I love flowers and gardening, and although I never have quite enough time or the budget to do everything I want, I always try to buy at least one new plant for our yard every year.

Speaking of, does anyone know what kind of flower this is? I love its old world feel. 

November is Alyssa's month, and we are reading The Execution of Noa P. Singleton. 

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date 

The weather in Michigan was unseasonably gorgeous this past week! It was a week to be outside as much as possible, to soak it up before it disappears for the winter, which will be here soon enough. Saturday in particular was a wonderful day spent with Billy and the Boy. We headed to one of our favorite places, Oakwoods Metropark, where we sat in their big room that is all windows, looking at birds and chatting with our two favorite interpreters. The wind was blowing outside, but the fire was blazing and keeping us just warm enough without being too hot. Wyatt seemed to really enjoy his time there too, for a bit. When he got tired of sitting there, we took a walk through the woods, leaves crunching underfoot, the colors of the trees blazing as brightly as the fire had. I had my camera with me and managed to snap a few shots.

This shot in particular seemed hauntingly autumnal to me. It makes me imagine.

I am looking forward to Wednesday this week - my friends are coming over for our first ever "Stitch and Bitch". A few of us are not crafty, but Chrissy is going to teach those of us who want to knit how to make a baby headband, and I am going to have some beginner embroidery kits on hand as well. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone creates! Of course, there will be sparkling water for those in our group who are nursing moms, and wine for those who are not. I love the idea of this - women gathered together in friendship, being creative, chatting and sharing food and drink. It is going to be fun!

Read Last Week:

  

Beneath the Bonfire by Nickolas Butler: I haven't finished this yet, but I am enjoying it. Butler can really paint a scene!

The Dancing Floor by Barbara Michaels: Once I broke into the Barbara Michaels stash, I can't stay away. I am enjoying my reconnection with her work. 

Reading This Week:

Finishing up Beneath the Bonfire, and starting a new one.

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

Posted Last Week:

Two Short Book Reviews: Eight Hundred Grapes and Kitchens of the Great Midwest

Posts Planned for the Week:

Reviews of the Barbara Michaels' books that I read

October Book Club summary

Latest installment of What Wyatt's Reading

Watching:

iZombie, The Originals, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead

Two Short Book Reviews: Eight Hundred Grapes and Kitchens of the Great Midwest

Goodreads Summary:

There are secrets you share, and secrets you hide…

Growing up on her family’s Sonoma vineyard, Georgia Ford learned some important secrets. The secret number of grapes it takes to make a bottle of wine: eight hundred. The secret ingredient in her mother’s lasagna: chocolate. The secret behind ending a fight: hold hands.

But just a week before her wedding, thirty-year-old Georgia discovers her beloved fiancé has been keeping a secret so explosive, it will change their lives forever.

Georgia does what she’s always done: she returns to the family vineyard, expecting the comfort of her long-married parents, and her brothers, and everything familiar. But it turns out her fiancé is not the only one who’s been keeping secrets…

My Thoughts:

Whew, this book was full of confused characters, not knowing what they wanted or wanting something they maybe couldn't have. It was a good read - a very balanced blend, if you will. Not too intense, yet not too light. The characters were interesting, the setting amazing (because who doesn't want to live at a winery?), and it was just complex enough to be unpredictable. This book is best when paired with a rich, flavorful red. And maybe some cheese. 

Goodreads Summary:

When Lars Thorvald’s wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine—and a dashing sommelier—he’s left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He’s determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter—starting with puréed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of Eva’s journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that’s a testament to her spirit and resilience.

My thoughts:

I loved this book - all the way until the ending. Overall, it didn't affect my opinion of the book that much, but I am a person who wants a concrete cut and dried ending, one way or another. I don't like ambiguous endings, and I felt unsatisfied by this book's ending. Just a personal quirk, I guess. If you take away the ending though, this book was awesome, amazing, I loved it. Written from multiple viewpoints and skip-hops through time, the reader follows the story of Eva, whose life is anything but perfect. The different perspectives are woven together expertly to create a cohesive story line,  like a well-planned meal, full of different flavors yet all complementing one another.  This book was really very well done. (except that ending! but that's just me)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date 

Well, if this Halloween was any indication of the holidays to come, we are going to be busy over here! I had no idea how busy a holiday could be lol! And Wyatt is still a baby and didn't trick or treat! We had a great night although he was a bit baffled by the whole proceedings. He fell asleep, woke up in a costume and had cameras instantly in his face - he handled it well, but I think it was partly because he was still in a sleep induced haze.

Our little Ewok

He looked super cute with his cousin who was dressed like Princess Leia!

It was a fun weekend, filled with pumpkin carving, too many treats, and family.

Read Last Week:

Season of the Witch by Christopher Knight aka Jonathan Rand (American Chillers): I had forgotten how much I liked this book! And I loved reading a Michigan author!

Reading This Week:

  

One of these, I'm not sure which!

Posted Last Week:

What Wyatt's Reading- Halloween Edition

My plan for the week is to get a few reviews in, and also catch up on commenting! Fingers crossed for a few naps longer than 15 minutes for the boy. 

Watching:

The Walking Dead - so far this season is amazing!!

The Originals, Supernatural, iZombie,  and The Vampire Diaries

What Wyatt's Reading - Halloween Edition

I love reading to Wyatt, and he seems to enjoy it too. At least, he likes grabbing the pages, hitting the pages, and trying to close and open the book the whole time I am reading. Every once in a while though, an illustration will grab his complete and total attention, and he will just put both hands on the page, like "Look at this masterpiece!".

This month we read a lot of fall and Halloween themed books. Some were old favorites of mine, others were new to me. Some were stinkers, some were so good they are on my list to permanently add to his library.

We have a few days to go, and I plan on reading a few more to him, but for now, these are the books we have read.

These two were my favorites! I am definitely adding them to our own personal library.

I am a Witch's Cat: Super adorable - a very cute look at a mother-daughter relationship but also could be just mother and child, even though the child in the book is female. 

Sophie's Squash: This was a random pick and I am in love with this book. I am glad I "picked" it hanging out on the shelf. It is based on a true story - the author's daughter really fell in love with a squash. Very unique! 

Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin: This was a super simple, cute little read. 

Creepy Carrots!: I love this book. It has just enough creep factor for a kid I think, to keep them in suspense, if young enough, without being too scary. Hopefully!

  

 Fall Leaves Fall - This book was a nice look at fall leaves, and included a few small lessons. It contained some simple leaf identification, and also explained how leaves change color in the fall. Loved it and will read it to Wyatt again in the future, when he can understand the small science lesson as well as enjoy the story and pictures. Not buying it though, it's like $50!

The Apple Pie Tree: I didn't like this one as much but it was still cute. I will probably buy this one, since we have our own apple tree in the front yard. And it's not $50!

Halloween: This one fascinated Wyatt! The illustrations were so vibrant, he loved them. 

Jeoffrey's Halloween: I loved the story for this book but I wish the colors of the illustrations would have been a little more vivid and bright. 

Pumpkin Town: So, my husband read this one to Wyatt and he hated it - my husband that is. :( He said "it just wasn't that good."

Scary, Scary Halloween: Eve Bunting's books never go out of style for me. This one is perfect for Halloween.

Scaredy-Cat, Splat: Another author you can't go wrong with!

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date 

I can't believe Halloween is almost here! We have our candy bought, and Wyatt's costume almost finished. Our plans are made - my brother, sister-in-law,  and niece are coming over for Halloween and we are going to watch movies, hand out candy, and hang out with the babies. A laid back Halloween compared to our previous years, but much more fun.

This weekend was full of fall fun - and soup! On Saturday we went to our friends' house and made soup together, a Carrot Soup with Ranch Whipped Cream. It was delicious!!! Then on Sunday my brother and company came over and we made Broccoli Cheddar soup from the Pioneer Woman's recipe. Also delicious!!

Read Last Week:

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray: I read this all last week but just could not get interested. :( I think I am going to have to say no to it for now, and maybe go back another time.

Reading This Week:

  

Season of the Witch by Christopher Knight (Johnathan Rand of Chillers fame! I met him once and he is a really nice guy)

Wildwood Road by Christopher Golden

This could change - I am going to the library tomorrow, and we all know that going to the library can change everything!

Watching:

The Walking Dead - so far this season is amazing!!

The Originals, Supernatural, iZombie,  and The Vampire Diaries

A Trip to the Orchard

 Is visiting the orchard in the fall a midwest thing? Or is it done all over the U.S.? Whatever the answer, it is a yearly tradition that I love. One of my favorite times of the year, autumn is so beautiful, and going to the orchard is a great way to spend a fall afternoon.

This was our first year going with a little one in tow! Wyatt is still a bit young to appreciate it, but I think he still had fun, although I think he was a bit bewildered by the whole experience. He was taking it all in, wide-eyed with wonderment it seemed the whole time we were there. 

The hay certainly threw him for a loop!!

We went to Bennett's Orchard in Ottawa Lake, MI. We have been on the lookout for a non-gimmicky, simple orchard for a while, and we found this place last year. It is not very big, and has the apple orchard, produce including the all-important pumpkins and apples, doughnuts, cider, and a few other things for sale. And that is about it! It is quaint and quiet, not overrun with too many people or games or bounce houses or karaoke or whatever else some places do these days. It is just good plain old-fashioned fun.

Last year they added hard cider to their line of products, and this year they had a few more to try. Billy and I of course had to try them! I love hard cider and only drink it in the fall, and Bennett's is doing a great job with their versions. They have three varieties, the Dust Bowl, Crisp Apple Crisp, and Broken Barrel. We ended up buying a bottle of the Broken Barrel and a pint of the Dust Bowl, which I compared to champagne, but a cidery champagne. Lol. 

The prices were fair - and the pears delicious! 

  

We took a ton of photos - I am a bit of a shutterbug and am blessed with a baby who doesn't mind posing - for now! We will see how he likes it in a few months!

Please do not use photos without my permission. Thanks! :)