As usual, I am working on this a few days before I will post it ... and, as usual, it seems, my Ohio family is once again in the snow. Around here, it's been warm enough for my dog to have some serious porch time. I haven't told them that! ;-)

Let's start with a ride in the 'Way Back Machine' when, many years ago, I came across a book titled My Thirty Years Backstairs at the White House by Lillian Rogers Park. The author worked as a seamstress at the White House from 1931 - 1961, following in her mother's footsteps who worked there from 1909 - 1939 (as a housemaid and then head housemaid). It is a delightful look at what the First Families were like behind the scenes, away from the public. Look for the original release, reviews have mentioned that a re-released edition with 'extras' is not as good.

Jump forward to a book with a title that was hard to pass up: Fiesty First Ladies and Other Unforgettable White House Women by Autumn Stevens. Aren't First Ladies supposed to be dignified and proper? Stay in the background? Think again! From Martha Washington forward many of the presidential spouses were strong, independent thinkers. On to The First Ladies Fact Book: the Stories of the Women in the White House from Martha Washington to Laura Bush by Bill Harris. (The 2005 edition). This book has lots of little bits of information ... achievements and personal habits ... childhoods and siblings ... hobbies and quirks ... this was just plain fun to read. :-)

Moving a little closer to home now, just this past week I read The Light in the Mansion by Mary Lou Hanify. It's a nice little collection of stories about the wives of the governors of Washington State from Sarah Ferry, through Nancy Evans. The writing style is a bit choppy, as if it was written from newspaper articles, (which it may have been) but overall it was an interesting book.

Then it was on to First Ladies by Margaret Truman, which I finished with my first cup of tea Monday morning. Other books by Truman (she writes fiction, too!) will show up in future blogs, and I really wish I could find her book, White House Pets, but it seems to be out of print and the one copy I found via amazon was listed at 688 dollars! First Ladies was a wonderful 'visit' with the presidential spouses and how they coped with living in the White House. Some loved it, others hated it, but they all left their mark.

And, since I've been dealing with women this time, the 'puzzlement' is Pandora. Remember her? The one who opened a box (although more recent reading has said that it was actually a jar) and let all the troubles out into the world? Is this a good name for a new service? A quick query of friends though, revealed a variety of answers: some remembered the name, but not the connection with bad things; some liked the name regardless; just one agreed with me, and lastly, it was pointed out that the name Pandora means 'gifted' so that might make it a decent name for a service. Thanks to everyone for their input! :-)

As for a Pandora 'moment' here at home ... I have a box for dog toys. My last dog was content to pull one or two toys out at a time and did not mind when I tossed them back in his toy box. My current dog, however, seems to take great exception when all the toys are put away and determinedly takes them all out and scatters them about the house again. (Actually, this was a pretty good way to keep her entertained when the snow kept us from our usual walks).

And, finally, a short entry here, just because St Patrick's Day is coming soon: "Erin Go Bark!: Irish Dogs and Blessings" photographed by Kim Levin and written by John O'Neill. This is a sweet collection of wise doggy sayings and some very nice photography. I will end with one of them: "May your lazy afternoons stay that way."

Reading Hermit with Dog