August 9th, National book Lovers Day

 

National Book Lovers Day is August 9th. It is a joyful tribute to the written word.  I am proud to call myself a book lover.  For me, books are not just entertainment, they are my companions and portals into places I have never been. I am at peace when I am reading.

This year I plan to willingly sacrifice an entire afternoon to read a book, I might finish one I’ve already started, or I may dive into something new and let the story carry me away.

I’ve been participating in Amazon’s quarterly reading challenge, and my original goal for the year was 52 books—one per week. But it’s only August, and I’ve already read 40, so I’ve decided to raise the bar to 75. In addition to reading on Kindle, I still enjoy the feel of a physical book now and then. Since Kindle doesn’t track hard copies, I tally those in my head. By reading both digital and printed books, I know I’ll reach my goal, and maybe even surpass it. So, I’ve decided to quietly increase the number in my mind, just for fun.

Books have a way of marking time, shaping thought, and deepening joy. On August 9th, I’ll celebrate not just the stories I’ve read, but the ones still waiting to be discovered.

Can you picnic?

 

There’s something quietly magical about picnics. You can enjoy one anywhere, a patch of grass in the park, poolside, or even your own backyard. But when I think of a picnic, I imagine a beautiful outdoor setting paired with thoughtfully prepared, culinary-inspired food, shared with friends or family.

That wasn’t always the case.

The setting? I had that part down. Scenic spaces have always called to me. But the food, the kind that feels inspired and a little indulgent, I am still working on that.

I still remember the first time my family joined friends for an outdoor picnic and concert at a vineyard. The scene was stunning: rows of grapevines, the late afternoon sun, music drifting through the air, and a sense of ease that felt almost like the setting of a movie.

My picnic contribution? Definitely more “grab-and-go.” than gourmet. Let’s just say I took the easy route and stopped at Kentucky Fried Chicken, picking up a bucket of chicken and biscuits. And to be fair—fried chicken is delicious. There’s nothing wrong with it. But my friend? She had quite literally prepared the most delightful gourmet spread. Every dish felt intentional, and full of flavor. It was clear she’d put real thought into her choices, crafting a menu that elevated the entire experience. She was an inspiration—and that picnic planted the seed for how I wanted to show up creatively in moments like these.

Since then, I’ve learned to embrace the art of the picnic. It’s not about perfection—it’s about expressing my creative side. A crusty loaf of rosemary focaccia, marinated olives, a chilled bottle of prosecco, and a wedge of brie. Add my peach, arugula, and bleu cheese salad, and my work is done. 

Picnics are really more than just a meal. They’re a chance to be creative with a touch of improvisation. I’ve come to love the process—choosing ingredients, packing with intention, and setting the scene. And maybe that’s the real beauty of a picnic. It invites us to pause, to gather, to celebrate the everyday. It reminds us to take pleasure in simple things like focaccia, brie and prosecco and shared moments with friends and family.

Passages des Panoramas

 

Before I travel somewhere, I like to do my homework and research the area.  I read what trip advisor recommends and see what seasoned travel writers have to say. So many travel writers are quick to point out that when in Paris you should step beyond the iconic sights.  Please don't get me wrong, the Eiffel Tour and Sacre Coeur are absolutely a must see.

Passages de Panoramas often comes up so when my daughter and I decided to visit Paris last Fall, we put it onto our must-see list. The most impressive thing about the Passages is the fact that you step off a busy Parisian boulevard to enter a place that has been in Paris since 1799. It's the city's oldest covered passage. We were expecting old world charm and the whisper of patrons who had passed through this hallowed hall. In some ways it did deliver. You do feel like you are stepping back in history with its faded grandeur. But in reality, the shops and restaurants lacked the spark we were hoping for, and it felt like it had lost its soul. 

One silver lining, there were no crowds.  It was nice to visit, but not somewhere I would recommend or plan to return to.

And when in Paris it is essential to see the tourist sites.  The Basilica of the Sacre Coeur is stunning.  Located atop Montmartre it is the highest point in Paris and offers spectacular views of the city. And Montmartre itself is a must see. The cobblestoned streets, the artists painting and the cafes serving outstanding food is a must. 

We had lunch at the Cafe Chappe. It was buzzing with the lunchtime crowd, but we were glad they could squeeze us in.    The reviews may be mixed, and the staff is not particularly warm and fuzzy, but the pasta dish we ate was delicious.  

Elinor Olifant is Completely fine

 

Meet Eleanor Oliphant. Chances are, we all know someone like her or perhaps have a relative who shares her quirks. She struggles with social skills and cues. She tends to say exactly what’s on her mind, regardless of the setting. Her life is carefully planned and structured to avoid unnecessary interactions with people. Weekends are spent with her creature comforts: frozen pizza, vodka, and phone calls with “Mummy.” And yet, in her mind, everything is just fine.

A chance encounter with Raymond, the awkward and chronically unkempt IT guy from her office changes her well-ordered life.  When the two stumble upon Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, the three become unlikely friends who rescue each other from the lives of isolation they have each been living. Raymond’s patient warmth and clumsy compassion gradually help Eleanor confront the emotional wounds she’s long kept buried. Slowly, through shared acts of kindness and quiet companionship, the three start to mend the loneliness that had long been part of their lives.

Living in a retirement community, I see shades of this story all around me. Living here has brought me into contact with so many wonderful people, neighbors who genuinely care for one another and offer support in small, meaningful ways. That sense of camaraderie is something I deeply cherish. This type of interaction can be life changing for some.

Of course, like any community, there’s a small minority who seem to find satisfaction in complaining or stirring up conflict. Whether it stems from personal unhappiness or simply a difficult disposition, their negativity can cast a shadow. Maybe a chance interaction in their life, can change their attitude. Still, I try to meet it with understanding, even if I don’t always know the reason behind their behavior.

As for me, I’ve reached a point in life where I no longer take time for granted. I don’t know how many days I have left on this earth, but I do know how I want to spend them: being happy, helpful, and kind. Be Kind to one another!

If you have not read Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine, consider adding it to your reading list.  I really enjoyed it. And please comment if you have read the book.

Yacht Rock

 

I was driving and listening to the radio when the radio host introduced a song as a perfect example of a Yacht Rock song. I must be living under a rock because I had never heard this term used before. I just let the classification drift past me giving it very little thought.

Then on Sunday while listening to the K104.7, 70's on Sunday show Jack Kent used the term again.  He said the song Baby Come Back by Player was perfect Yacht Rock. This caught my attention. Still, unfamiliar with this phrase, I did what anyone would do, I Googled it.

In case you're in the same boat (pun intended 😃😃😃) Here is what I found.  Yacht Rock is a subgenre of soft rock that gained popularity in the late 1970's and early 1980's. It is known for its smooth sometimes nautically themed, breezy vibe. It often blends soft rock with elements of smooth jazz and R&B. Whether or not it mentions sailing or yachts, the music evokes a sense of leisure and laid-back sophistication. Think Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Toto, and yes—Player.

As I read more about the category, I realized I’ve always gravitated toward soft rock for exactly that reason. Soft rock has always been my go-to for mood-shifting. When the world feels chaotic, I turn to those mellow harmonies to regroup and find inner peace. There’s something comforting about the emotional honesty in the lyrics, and the way the music invites you to slow down and breathe. 

I would be interested in your feedback on the term "Yacht Rock" Have you heard of this term before?  Or is it just me who never heard of it before?

The label doesn’t matter much to me; I just know that soft rock, Yacht Rock included, keeps me company—whether I’m sailing through my day or stalled in Charlotte’s gridlock. So, if you’re ever in need of a musical escape, I highly recommend diving into the world of Yacht Rock. It’s not just a genre—it’s a vibe. And who knows? You might discover you’ve been a Yacht Rocker all along.

- Sips Happens: Sangria Edition

 

Our Sips and Apps club decided to explore Sangria for our July meeting. Sangria is summer in a glass, vibrant and refreshing. What I found especially surprising was how customizable the drink can be. Born from Spanish tradition, it’s more than just a drink; it’s a celebration. With its deep red hue (the name comes from sangre, meaning blood), sangria blends wine, fresh fruits, and a splash (or maybe more than a splash) of spirits into a punch that’s as festive as it is flavorful.

Whether you’re sipping a classic red version with oranges and apples or experimenting with white wine, peaches, and basil, sangria invites creativity. It’s the kind of cocktail that pairs perfectly with tapas, laughter, and long evenings on the patio. And the best part? There’s no one “right” way to make it, just your way which was proven by the variations of Sangria we all got to sample. All by the way were wonderful.  This is the list:

• Raspberry Sangria made with red wine, raspberry liquor and brandy
• Watermelon Sangria made with fresh pureed watermelon and wine
• Limoncello Sangria made with limoncello, white wine and Sprite 
• White wine with fruit
• a traditional Spanish sangria
• a champagne spritzer sangria

Our Gathering would not be complete without our food pairings. There were empanadas, prosciutto and cheese on French bread, chocolate hummus and strawberries, Taco pie. layered dip.  Not sure if I have forgotten any but I have pictures. The Sangria was fantastic, the food was delish, and the company was golden.

Looking forward to next month, Cocktails!

Alzheimers- Frightening

Alzheimer’s and cancer terrify me—and I know I’m not alone. Sadly, I’ve had far too much personal experience with both. I’ve watched my father slowly transform from a vibrant, brilliant man into someone who no longer knows where he is, who we are, or what his life once was. Thankfully, his Alzheimer’s didn’t strike early; it crept in more gradually, beginning in his late 80s.

 Alice on the other hand is a fifty-year-old cognitive psychology professor at Harvard, an expert on how the brain works, frequently called upon to present on her area of expertise. One day during a presentation, she finds that she is at a loss for words and momentarily loses her train of thought.  Shortly after this episode she goes for a run, one that she has down countless times.  She stops at a usual place when she decides to head for home, she realizes she does not know where she is.  Alarmed, she makes an appointment with her physician who delivers the devastating news.

 Alzheimer’s! The irony is heart wrenching.  A woman who has spent her entire career studying the mind is now facing a disease she knows all too well. From there the author takes us through how Alice copes with this diagnosis, as well as how her husband and children navigate the disease with her.  

What struck me most was Alice’s plan for dealing with the overwhelming changes ahead. And it left me with several lingering questions. One being, if you make a plan for something like this… can you truly carry it out? 

It certainly is a lot to think about.  This book is not new, having been published in 2009. But if you have not read it you may want to pick it up, it is a good book.  I prefer it to the movie.   Feel free to leave comments.