Happy Sunday morning from Kansas. It's cold and sunny here, 32 degrees according to my weather app. If you have not had the pleasure of a "London Fog" let me nudge you towards this warm, comforting, beverage. Earl Gray tea (my favorite is Earl Gray Creme from Art of Tea, but there are many wonderful tea companies out there these days), steamed milk, and honey or vanilla syrup. My proportions are a cup of strong hot tea, 1/2 cup of milk frothed (I have an aero latte whisk thing), and a generous spoon of honey. You need a big cup. This is something your dearest friend would make you if you went to visit and needed soothing. Two of the women I work with turned me on to it a few weeks ago, I was hooked from the first sip.
At work our COVID numbers are moving downwards. As of 4pm on Friday we had 181 inpatients, 26 in the ICU, 14 on ventilators. I hope this is a trend.
This is my latest bedside read. Just finished it this weekend. Fresh Waters for Flowers by Valerie Perrin is a novel about Violette Toussaint. She has stumbled into the job of caretaker at a cemetery in Bourgogne, France. She has been through difficult things and we follow along with her as she moves through life. I don't want to spoil this for you so that is all I will say. BUT - I do think it's interesting that in the last 10 -15 years I have read several wonderful books where cemeteries loom large. In the event that you have not read them, and are a lover of a stroll through a cemetery as I am, let me give you a list. But do put Fresh Water for Flowers on the top. It's a winner.
A Gracious Plenty, by Sheri Reynolds
Lincoln in the Bardo, by George Saunders
Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger
The Whole Town's Talking, by Fannie Flagg
Marti Huff described The Whole Town's Talking as "heartwarming" and I agree 100%. A Gracious Plenty I would also put in that category, the other two are more unusual stories and you should look them up to be sure you want to read them first - I enjoyed them all immensely.
While we are talking about comforting, heartwarming, and hopeful trends, let me show you my grocery store flowers from the week. They also fit in the soothing category.
Thanks for the recommendations, Carol. I just finished These Precious Days - essays by Ann Patchett and highly recommend it. Other books I've read recently and recommend: The Outrun - Amy Liprot, being made into a film starring Saoirse Ronan; A week on Winter - Marcia Willet, takes place in Cornwall; The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club - Faith Hogan; When the Stars Go Dark - Paula McLain, in Mendocino; Oh William - Elizabeth Strout; The Tale of Hilltop Farm - Susan Wittig Albert, only if you're a Beatrix Potter fan; and the gorgeous and informative children's book Birds: Explore their extraordinary World - Miranda Krestovnikoff and beautifully illustrated by Angela Harding.
Love reading and love that you share your favorites!
Posted by: Brenda | 02/06/2022 at 10:27 AM
I loved Fresh Water for Flowers, too, Carol. A bit unusual and really got me engrossed!
Back to working on the fish quilt for little Cleaver. I'll email a pic when the top is completed.
Posted by: Dianne King | 02/06/2022 at 07:19 PM
I can't wait to try this new drink - thank you!
Posted by: Susan | 02/07/2022 at 11:55 AM
Brenda: have been meaning to get Ann Patchett's essay collection and you pushed me over the edge. Just got it at my local bookstore. THANK you for all your recommendations, have not heard of some of them and looking forward to looking them up.
Posted by: Carol | 02/08/2022 at 06:04 PM
Hope you like the London Fog Susan!
Carol
Posted by: carol | 02/08/2022 at 06:04 PM