Some housekeeping
Technical Update
Thank you to all the BookBarmy Newsletter Subscribers out there. You should know we are having problems with the newsletter delivery system. Bigger brains than mine are working on the issue (or issues) and I am assured that all will be well soon. Until the problem is fixed, rest assured BookBarmy has not gone anywhere. Still here, still posting – you’ll just have to check back here yourselves every few days or so.
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The Great British Baking Show Update
There’s been a major shake up at one of my favorite series –The Great British Baking Show —The Great British Bake Off as it’s called in the U.K. (it had to be changed here because Pillsbury owns the rights to the term “bake off”) will be going to Channel 4, the British commercial network, after the Bake Off production company accepted a higher offer to leave the BBC. Mary Barry and the two comic announcers Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc — left in protest. Only Paul Hollywood will stay with the show as it moves British networks.
Being the geek that I am, I’ve done my research and PBS has bought season five which they will air here next summer. So all is not lost.
In the meantime, try and catch at least the final episode of Season four which aired on PBS recently. In the final challenge of the final episode they prepare an extravagant picnic basket fit for the Queen. It’s tension filled as the contestants have to complete a mind boggling range of items — a chocolate cake, quiches, sausage rolls, little cakes – it goes on and on, quite amazing really. … and in the end there were three …
Reading Update
Yes, my prettys, I am absorbed into Glass Houses, Louise Penny’s newest novel, which comes out next week.
At the risk of being repetitive, I urge you call in sick that day, cancel your appointments, get thee to your local bookstore and find a place to read undisturbed. All I will say is, your money and time will be well spent.
In the meantime, here is a silly interview from this morning’s talk shows. Poor Ms. Penny barely gets a chance to speak and the brash “American-ness” of the interview itself made me squirm. And what’s with the oh-so-not-clever “Penny Wise” caption throughout? But here you go. Video HERE
There — that’s all my housekeeping done – at least here on BookBarmy – around my home — not so much, because you see I am “with book”.
a political escape…
I’ve found an escape, a Camelot of political integrity…a place where the White House is doing the right things (mostly), making decisions with future generations in mind, and maintaining the governance of our Constitution as best they can.
If you’re also in need of respite — come with me to the magical world of West Wing (on Netflix). Watch a few episodes of this extraordinary and beautifully written television series.
Yes, it’s a White House of imagination and sometimes over the top… but I highly recommend just an episode of West Wing ~~ here and there.
Choose any episode at random, see how it could be done.
At least for me, it keeps some perspective when I see the activities in the actual West Wing and today’s White House.
Now, now ~~ before you lecture and accuse me of hiding my head in the sand — I’m active in local politics and am supporting my political party towards both the midterms and 2020. I’m not copping out, I’m not giving up on our government or our country — but egads — every so often, a gal needs a break.
On Vacation ~~ sort of
Here at Book Barmy, we’re away right now. House, dog, pool, and BBQ sitting for friends in the East Bay. It’s tough work, but Husband and I are managing.
Perfect timing — weather is in the low 80’s and sunny while back in the city it’s a damp and foggy 56…
It’s well known here in the Bay Area that 30 miles = 30 degrees
The pool sitting is especially tiresome.
back next week
My Biggest Fan
Happy Birthday to Book Barmy’s biggest fan
My Mom
~~ who taught me to read, shared my tears over Little Women, bought me the newest Nancy Drews, planned outings that included used book stores, gritted her teeth during my Rod McKuen stage, and has always encouraged and shared my love of reading.
Happy Birthday Mom – all my barmy-ness comes from you ~~ and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love you
Between Books
I am between books, and finding it most delightful.
Oddly, I’m feeling no pressure to leap into another book lickity-split.
I dipped into several options last night, but mainly, just enjoying the pure pleasure of browsing for my next read…
In the meantime, as much as I love you all ~~ please go away ~~ take a walk, visit a friend, just go do something else for a bit…
Leave me alone, I’m browsing…
I borrowed this image from a favorite book blogger, Lynn at Fictionophile.
I especially enjoy her ‘Cover Love’ series, check it out for yourself.
Rose Barmy
I’ve abandoned my books, my roses have beckoned me out to the garden most every day.
Because of our winter and spring rains – my roses are at their absolute finest.
So, I’ll take this opportunity to show you (and document for myself) their splendor ~~ the best blooming in years.
(Note: the back garden is quite steep so the second photo is as you walk down the stone path.)
Then I spend much happy time arranging bouquets all over the house…even the bathroom ~~
Then, as the petals fall, I collect them for drying and ultimately, potpourri.
The house smells wonderful.
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