Trip Tales: From Family Camping to Life as a Ranger, by Rosanne S. McHenry is a nice memoir of the camping trips (with an outspoken father) that inspired the author to become a park ranger. Short on both time (just one week a year) and money, her father is determined to make the most of every minute of their vacation time. (Sometimes, the night before they leave, they sleep in their clothes and on top of their beds so as to get out the door faster). It doesn't always go well (think poison oak), but there are also good times of hiking, and fishing and enjoying the outdoors. The author will go on to work in national and state parks and we read about some of those too. Her love of the outdoors is obvious and this is a good read if you do, too. :-)

I picked up The Orchard Mason Bee: the Life History, Biology, Propagation, and Use of a North American Native Bee for two reasons: to use as a gift, and because I like Brian L. Griffin's writing. I don't have a specific interest in bees, other than I know they do good things, but this was a nice little book to read ... just the right amount of information! In addition to the history, there is also a section on attracting and providing a home for these bees on your property. It is illustrated by Sharon Smith and the author.

Reading Hermit With Dog