Java Davis's Blog, page 36
October 12, 2014
Cross-Country, by M.M. Justus (4 coffee beans)
Why did the woman cross the country? To get to the other side, and back again.
The author felt the need to go on a solo adventure in a big way. She quit her job, gave up her apartment, fostered her cats, put her things in storage, bought a car, and started reading maps and listening to cassette tapes out on the open road. The trip took about three months. “Meg” explored many states, many natural outcroppings, both famous and obscure, plus more pedestrian tourist destinations. Her guide books took her to out-of-the-way eateries, and they are duly reviewed. The author noted weather patterns, appropriate clothing, things that delighted her, things that scared her, and and includes her email communications to loved ones along the way.
I found that I couldn’t read straight through this account. The dizzying speed of reading quickly through a three-month journey sometimes seemed repetitive. I had to stop and digest. But the author’s style is breezy, she thoroughly enjoyed her adventure, and her humor is not overbearing. Justus peppered her account with stories from her early years, letting us get to know her on a more personal basis.
The trip ended abruptly when her beloved car, named Owl, was totaled in a horrific accident that nearly killed the author. A photo of the smushed Cavalier in the auto impound is included, and it’s not pretty.
As road trip diaries go, I think this is a good one. I am happy to recommend it.
October 9, 2014
So Much S'more to Do, Becky Rasmussen
The book is small, a sort of mini-paperback, and took about 10 minutes to read through. But I feel ready for the great outdoors, or the microwave, whichever comes first.
Book Review: So Much S’More to Do, Becky Rasmussen (5 Coffee Beans)
Going camping? Planning on a campfire and some s’mores? Do you have a stove at home, or a microwave? This little book will make you smile. It has a number of s’mores variations, including some marked “Adult.” There are blank pages in the back for adding your own permutations. The author grew up in “rural Minnesota,” which, illogically, gave her opinions some gravitas. (How often do you get to use the word “gravitas”?)
The book is small, a sort of mini-paperback, and took about 10 minutes to read through. But I feel ready for the great outdoors, or the microwave, whichever comes first.
October 8, 2014
To-Bring List
I usually have a sub-list for the car snacks. Very important.
And, last but most important, is the GPS, conveniently located in the phone. Yes, I can get to Massachusetts without making a wrong turn into Canada.
To-Bring List
Today, I started my to-bring list for my upcoming trip to Massachusetts. My trips used to be more haphazard; if I forgot, I forgot. But now, I need my meds, my creature comforts, my electronics, and, of course, a sleep mask, ear plugs, and a small, stuffed bear for company.
I usually have a sub-list for the car snacks. Very important.
And, last but most important, is the GPS, conveniently located in the phone. Yes, I can get to Massachusetts without making a wrong turn into Canada.
September 30, 2014
I miss my Saturn station wagon
I was a dyed in the wool Saturn lover. I owned not one, but two Saturn station wagons, gold, with roof racks. I started with the 4-cylinder engine and graduated later to the 6-cylinder. I would have kept that last one forever. But GMC intervened. They stopped making parts for it. Eventually, my mechanic barred me from his shop. He never wanted to see my beloved wagon again.
How do you replace the love of your life? With a Subaru Outback. At first, I didn’t like it very well. Then I got used to it. Then I got to like it. Now, I’m quite fond of it, but it will never replace the love that I have in my heart for my Saturn. I sold it to Subaru as a trade-in, and they sold it almost immediately rather than scrapping it for parts. When I see a gold Saturn wagon on the road, I have to get a closer look.
It’s OK. It’s a good road trip vehicle. And the sound system works well, so I can sing along for hours on the road.
Searching for a Pumpkin: Update
I searched relentlessly for a sugar pumpkin to no avail, until yesterday, when I finally found one. My own pumpkin patch produced. I harvested my lonely pumpkin yesterday.
Now what? My recipe database has 96 recipes that require pumpkin. My bookshelf has no fewer than four pumpkin and squash cookbooks. That’s a load of pressure for one poor little pumpkin.
In the meantime, it sits on my kitchen counter, waiting for its ultimate purpose.
September 25, 2014
The Next Road Trip
Saturday, November 1, is the next scheduled road trip. Southern Massachusetts is the destination. My family has moved to a space too small to accommodate me as a guest, so I’ll be staying at a hotel.
Honestly, the hotel stay is a relief. I can be my usual, insomniac self, sleeping on and off in the night without worrying about disturbing someone else. I can get up at my leisure, and the bathroom and shower are certain to be available. The hotel has an open breakfast bar, heated pool, and even an on-site laundry room. My relatives are using a laundromat. I get to control the heat and the late night TV.
But it’s a trade-off, since I will lose some family time, and that’s why I’m there.
I’m also looking forward to exploring a part of Massachusetts that I haven’t seen yet. Cool!
September 19, 2014
Goodreads Giveaway: Depression Carpenter
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Depression Carpenter
by Java Davis
Giveaway ends October 17, 2014.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
September 16, 2014
Tomorrow’s Ride
My husband left for a business trip today, leaving behind our Mercedes coupe. We’ve had it for over a year and I’ve driven it all of twice. But tomorrow’s a new day. I’m planning on a joy ride.
The question now is: What ride would bring me joy? My first choice, and my last choice, is the Belgian candy outlet store. That’s a love-hate destination. Second choice, still thinking of food, is the local frozen yogurt store. Tis the season for pumpkin spice froyo.
A third choice is not presenting itself so far. When I turn away from food, my mind is a blank. Maybe I need to transfer my food mindset somewhere else, like buying for a food bank, or taking pet food to the local shelter.
I think I’ve found my direction, tomorrow’s compass.
