I miss having my morning porridge cooked and served to me as it was at Dunedin Guesthouse, our bed and breakfast in Edinburgh, Scotland. On our last day in Edinburgh, we walked a half-mile or so through a neighborhood of bungalows until we turned down a grassy lane… This is what we saw… “Oh my goodness. They’re huge!!! They look almost pre-historic!” We knew that if we walked a little bit farther, we would arrive at Prestonfield House, which is described on its website as a “ravishing historic hotel.” Ravishing! I’ve never heard that word used to describe a hotel. I was more interested in its life prior to…
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The Proof is in the Croissants
You might have figured out from earlier posts that I thoroughly enjoy reading Donna Leon’s mystery novel series featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti. Set in Venice, Italy, reading the books sends me on a trip to an exotic and interesting place, with a guide I trust. Guido Brunetti is married to Paola, who I enjoy knowing just as much as Guido. She is a professor of literature and an excellent cook. As intriguing as the mysteries are, I also like being in the company of Guido and Paola, especially when they discuss and eat food. Paola cooks up amazing dishes using fresh ingredients, which the entire family — including a teen…
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A Family’s Favorite Books in 2012
We went to a sing-a-long two weeks ago at Disney Hall and Julie Andrews was a special guest. Of course, she sang (and we sang-along) “My Favorite Things.” Afterward, I got to thinking if there was one book I had read in 2012 that I could call “my favorite book.” I asked Natalie and William the same question. NATALIE: My favorite novel was The Chosen by Chaim Potok. This was my favorite novel because the themes of friendship, family and being one’s self (instead of what you’re supposed to be) are woven together into a thought provoking and moving story. Set in 1945, the book also deals with the tensions between history…
