Mollie Moran started in service in 1928. She was the scullery maid, the bottom of the heap, so to speak. She worked 16 hour days six days a week. Aprons and Silver Spoons is her story, written when she was 96! It is a fascinating look at time when the very structure of British life was changing. She does a great job at explaining how things were then and how they are now. There are a couple of 'asides', too about the gathering popularity of Hitler and WWII. Nicely done.

Here's a fun book whether you bake or not! The Secret Lives of Baked Goods: Sweet Stories & Recipes for America's Favorite Desserts, by Jessie Oleson Moore with photographs by Clare Barboza. This a great look back at how many of our favorite desserts got started and how they became what we love today. It includes home made treats as well as store bought (or from the Girl Scouts). There's a bit of history with each as well as lots of (I'm assuming, since I don't bake) wonderful recipes.

Reading Hermit With Dog