I have read and enjoyed many books about the post office. Here's another in the Postmistress Mystery series by Jean Flowers. This time Cassie Miller, who works in her small home town in the Berkshires, is dealing with Valentine's Day and the chaos it causes. (It's second only to Christmas in the volume of cards that are sent). There is a dance coming soon, and Cassie has been asked to give a talk about the history of the post office at the local college. Oh, and of course, there is a body. Addressed to Kill is one of those nice cozy mysteries perfect for a stormy autumn day. There is some fun Post Office trivia too. There is one, and only one, branch of the P.O. that does not fly the U.S. Flag. Why?

Need an activity for a rainy day? How about making shadow puppets? It's low tech, certainly, although a few props are allowed for some of the more detailed figures. Me and My Shadows: Shadow Puppet Fun for Kids of All Ages, by Elizabeth Adams and revised by Bud Banis shows dozens of these figures with detailed instructions on how to create them. Long fingers would help! (And yes, I did end up humming a certain song all day long)! ;-)

Reading Hermit With Dog