If you are caring for an elderly person, or will be in the future then read this book. If you like the idea of "pay it forward" or want a read that will warm the cockles of your heart, then read this book. I wish I could have read Under One Roof: Lessons I Learned From a Tough Old Woman in a Little Old House, by Barry Martin, with Philip Lerman before my folks got the point of needing assistance, it would have changed the way I did so many things! The 'traditional' way is not always the best, it is possible to age with dignity and Barry Martin learns that in caring for Edith Wilson Macefield. Just a wonderful book!

The location of Edith's house made me think of a book I loved as a child: The Little House, story and pictures by Virginia Lee Burton. A little house, far out in the country, wonders what it would be like to live in the city. All too soon she finds out! The pictures of her reminded me of the ones of Edith Wilson Macefield's house I found on google. At least this little house got to move. :-)

I then had to move on to two more favorites by the same author. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is a delightful story of the old vs the new (not always good) and, what to do if things don't turn out the way you first expect. Be sure to check out all the details around the pictures in Katy and the Big Snow, they tell a lot about the story, too. Katy is so big and strong, she needs a lot of snow before she is needed ... see what happens when her wish for a blizzard comes true. :-)

For another book on caring for an elderly friend or relative there's Your Best is Good Enough. It's on the July 12, 2015 post.

Reading Hermit With Dog