Good morning!

While we were having a more typical pnw winter for a while, there is now snow in the forecast. We'll see! Reports from the relatives in Ohio tell me their winter just will not end and another storm is moving through the area.

One cold, blustery, winter day some friends and I gathered for a day of movies (and pizza). This was before Netflix, streaming and so forth, but between us we had a nice selection from which to choose. At some point, we decided there needed to be a connection of some sort. We came up with something like this: "Funny Girl" with Omar Sharif, "The Tamarind Seed" with Omar Sharif and Julie Andrews, "Victor/Victoria" with Julie Andrews and Robert Preston, "The Music Man" with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones, and "Oklahoma!" with Shirley Jones. We've yet to try this again as we no longer are able to gather for movie days, but it sure was fun. :-)

A 'back trail', I think, to start with this time. It was while I was reading John Adams by David McCullough that I returned to two favorites from oh, so very long ago. (Actually, this book would lead off in both directions, but for now I'll just back track a bit). :-) The biography of Adams is a big book and took me some time to read, but it was worth it. Reading about how determined Adams was that we needed to be rid of England made me want to return to Johnny Tremain and Mr. Revere and I. I believe it was my fifth grade teacher who started reading Johnny Tremain to us. Soon I had my own copy and was reading along, and then finishing it before the class did. At some point I replaced my well worn paperback copy with a hardback I found at a used book store. Johnny Tremain is an apprentice for a silversmith. When his hand is injured in an accident, he has to look for other work and ends up as a messenger for a patriotic newspaper with ties to the Sons of Liberty. He'll be involved with many of the events that lead to the Revolution. (No spoilers here)!

Mr. Revere and I: Being an Account of Certain Episodes in the Career of Paul Revere, Esq., as recently revealed by his Horse, SCHEHERAZADE, late Pride of his Royal Majesty's 14th Regiment of Foot. Set down and Embellished with Numerous Drawings by ROBERT LAWSON. (Whew)! 'Sherry', as the horse is called, is sure her life has taken a turn for the worse when she ends up with Paul Revere. Soon, though, she finds she is proud to be with this patriotic family. Although told from the view point of the horse, the facts are accurate and this a great way to start learning about the American Revolution.

I love to look at picture books. Every so often, a special one emerges, such as this one. I used it when I was a substitute teacher as well as sharing it with the children of my friends. The Aminal, by Lorna Balian. There is 'something' underneath the porch, and as Patrick's friends gather and describe it, it gets bigger and bigger. The pictures are charming, and the ending a surprise!

I have friends with cats. At the time of this story they lived out in the county with horses, sheep, and, of course, dogs. One day they came home from work and as they entered the mud room there were no cats to greet them. As they moved from the mud room to the family room/kitchen end of the house there were still no cats. As they entered the kitchen they finally saw the cats (three, as I remember) ... all nicely spaced around their food dish ... watching a mouse who was happily eating away at the kibble. One of my friends commented to the other "Remind me again ... why do we have cats?"

Stay warm,

Reading Hermit With Dog