Dear Book Clubbers,
Our summer picnic meeting was once again a huge success. Barb did a fantastic job of pulling all the food and beverages together…not to mention the weather! We were thrilled to have Marty Kemsley, Kit Howard and Kathy Lell present and hope they can make a habit of joining us. No one present gave the book less than 4 stars and the overall rating was 4.8. That may be the highest since we started grading the books, with the possible exception of To Kill a Mockingbird. Thanks to Jennifer for leading the discussion. We probably could have talked about The Help long into the night, but the chocolate cravings became too much to handle!
In other matters, Marilyn led us in a tribute to Nancy MacDonald who passed away a week ago. Nancy fought her battle with cancer with an unbelievable amount of strength and courage. I know that the Craneridge community and our book club meant a ton to her. We raised our glasses in a toast to the first member the book club has lost remembering that Nancy epitomized our motto. “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE!” If you did not get a chance to sign the group card, contact Marilyn if you would like Nancy’s son’s address to send your own card to the family.
Updates were given on the good progress of Linda and Marion after their joint replacement surgeries. Kathy Lell gave us the particulars of another neighbor recovering from hospitalization. If you weren’t at the meeting, talk to Jennifer (Caring Tree coordinator) if you would like to help with a Meals on Wheels assignment in Craneridge or are able to offer other forms of help for that neighbor. Although Peggy Stearns hasn’t made it back to Craneridge for the summer yet, please congratulate her when you see her on the recent release of a huge 3-D fabricator software package which will be widely used in educational settings nationally. Marilyn announced that Kissing Bridge is having a 50th anniversary party on 7/24. Many of our local artistic and crafty sorts will be in attendance. Details may be found on the KB web site. Finally, Katie told us that she is going to need some strong backs when the new playground equipment hits the scene for the pool area. The anticipated dirt party is in early to mid August. Please watch the mail center for details as that gets closer.
Jill had to miss the meeting due to the flu. Too bad…we owe her a round of applause for completing her first triathlon on July 3rd. Way to go on your accomplishment, Jill! Now that she is taking a little break from training, Jill has given the book club web site a facelift. Please check out the changes at www.crbc.blogspot.com and let Jill know what you think.
For those of you who are feeling ambitious, we are still planning on meeting at Linda Hoffman’s at 7:15 PM on Wednesday, August 18th to discuss Dickens’ David Copperfield. Because no one is really sure if they are going to get through the book, we did not assign snack and wine volunteers. Please let Linda know if you are able to attend and if you can bring something. I would encourage anyone who even got somewhat into the book to come. I actually just started it this week and am REALLY enjoying it. Don’t forget, any guys who want to discuss a little Dickens are welcome as well.
After that, we will meet on Wednesday, September 1st at Grace’s to discuss Shanghai Girls by Lisa See. Jackie and Polly signed up for appetizers and Sue P. and Loraine for desserts. The wine volunteers for that night are given a reprieve since there were some unopened bottles left from the picnic.
The September meeting will wrap up our selections for the year. The only thing left on our list was Revolutionary Road and we decided to skip that since several members who started it found it very depressing and difficult to get into. The plan is to select one book at the 9/1 meeting for October and then to have our big selection meeting on September 29th at Shirley’s house. So as you are lolling around in the heat, please think of some ideas of books you would like to propose for October and for the coming year.
If there is more to say, I can’t remember it. Please forgive any errors or omissions.
Jan
