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A Storm of Swords | A Series Killer
A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin My rating: 3 of 5 stars Well, this book killed my love affair with “The Game of Thrones” series–the books, not the TV show. Ponderously long, repetitious, and at...
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Awesome Rainy Day Outing
I must remember the American Science and Surplus store next time I need to entertain my young charge on a rainy day. This place was chock-full of strange and interesting stuff and we easily killed 90...
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A New Endeavor — I’m Selling My Photographs!
I’m pleased and proud to officially announce here on my blog that I have opened an Etsy shop and I’m selling my photography! Matted prints of varying sizes, journals, and note cards featuring images...
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Before I Go to Sleep | Easily Forgettable
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Each morning, Christine awakens to utter panic and confusion, not knowing where she is, who the stranger is next to her in bed (he’s her...
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The Light Between Oceans | Be Careful What You Wish For
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman My rating: 5 of 5 stars Living alone on a small southwestern island, the happiness of an Australian lighthouse keeper and his new wife is nearly complete, until...
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Going Clear | The Strange Life and Times of L. Ron Hubbard
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief by Lawrence Wright My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is a fascinating, disturbing, hilarious, vile, and nearly unbelievable account of...
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Recommendation | Head of Passes @ Steppenwolf Theater
I was sorry to see so many empty seats during last Friday’s performance of Head of Passes, an absorbing drama about calamity, grief, acceptance, and faith. While not perfect, the current Steppenwolf...
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Midnight Rising | Giving an Historical Footnote Its Due
Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War by Tony Horwitz My rating: 4 of 5 stars In his most recent book, Tony Horwitz shines the historical spotlight on John Brown, giving a...
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Maple Trees in Bloom
The maple trees in the area have really outdone themselves this spring. For the past two weeks, they’ve been in vibrant bloom and last Thursday, with the rain, it was snowing maple blossoms. Just as...
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2012 Road Trip Catch-Up: Kentucky to West Virginia
In preparing for my next road trip east (just a few weeks away), I was surprised to see that I’d never updated my blog with the particulars of last year’s trip east to Virginia. So, in an effort to...
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2012 Road Trip Catch-Up: West Virginia to Virginia
Saturday, 21 July 2012 On our way out of Charleston, we grab an early breakfast at Frutcake–a great cup of coffee and a very tasty blueberry scone and egg & sausage muffin. Undeterred by the...
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Saturday 3 p.m. | Studying the Map of Gettysburg
I’m reading Gettysburg: The Last Invasion by Allen C. Guelzo, a comprehensive yet very readable book about the turning point of the American Civil War. One thing the book lacks though, is an overview...
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2012 Road Trip Catch-Up: Monticello
Sunday, 22 July 2012 A fantastic day, filled with American presidential history. After breakfast in the hotel, we hop in the car for the 15-minute drive to Monticello, climbing the hill to the...
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2012 Road Trip Catch-Up: Montpelier
Monday, 23 July 2012 Up early once again to get in a full day of driving and history. We grab a quick breakfast in the hotel cafe and then enjoy a pleasant drive north through hills and forest to...
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2012 Road Trip Catch-Up: Manassas National Battlefield Park
Tuesday, 24 July 2012 We start the day with a family breakfast and spontaneous mini-college reunion. We meet Tony, Laurie and her five-year-old daughter Beatrix for breakfast–so great to see Laurie...
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2012 Road Trip Catch-Up: Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Chancellorsville
Wednesday, 25 July 2012 We begin our day with coffee and pastries at Hyperion Espresso, a popular corner cafe with plenty of outdoor seating, followed by a walk through the historic downtown. We make...
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2012 Road Trip Catch-Up: Appomattox Courthouse
Thursday, 26 July 2012 Start our day with a return trip to Hyperion Espresso. Along with fresh pressed coffee drinks, pastries are their specialty. Yesterday I had the cinnamon swirl croissant and...
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2012 Road Trip Catch-Up: Poplar Forest and Home
Friday, 27 July 2012 After a fancy breakfast at the B&B (omelets, fruit and coffee served from a silver service), we get the heck out of Appomattox. A sleepy town? No, more like a dying one. We...
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Like Hot Dogs? Go. Eat. Here.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. There’s a new hot dog joint in town that will have Hot Doug’s fans sitting up and taking notice. And probably waiting in equally long lines. The place is...
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