The Sunday Salon: Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. The Hub had a hard time deciding what to do today so I suggested that we hit Descanso Gardens and then go for pizza. He thought that sounded pretty good so that’s what we did.

The ground was slanted in this shot. I swear!

The kids seemed to enjoy the walk. We did too but I spent most of Saturday night awake (long story) and was dragging a bit, but it was good to get out.

It was sort of a gloomy day, so this flower really stood out.

We walked all over and took a train ride too. It was very nice but now I need a nap! Especially after the large pizza we devoured.

No nap for me though. When I got home I had to dye some rags emerald green (for the show) and the gloves I used did not save my hands which are a lovely shade of green. I look like a freak!

Other than that, I am almost done with My Cousin Rachel. I love it!

Friday Finds: Strangers

Friday Finds is hosted by Should Be Reading. Here’s my one find:

Strangers by Anita Brookner

Here’s the blurb from Barnes and Noble:

Paul Sturgis is resigned to his bachelorhood and the quietude of his London flat. He occasionally pays obliging visits to his nearest living relative, Helena, his cousin’s widow and a doyenne of decorum who, like Paul, bears a tacit loneliness.To avoid the impolite complications of turning down Helena’s Christmas invitation, Paul sets off for a holiday in Venice, where he meets Mrs. Vicky Gardner. Younger than Paul by several decades, the intriguing and lovely woman is in the midst of a divorce and at a crossroads in her life. Upon his return to England, a former girlfriend, Sarah, reenters Paul’s life. These two women reroute Paul’s introspections and spark a transformation within him.

Paul’s steady and preferred isolation now conflicts with the stark realization of his aloneness and his need for companionship in even the smallest degree. This awareness brings with it a torrent of feelings–reassessing his Venetian journey, desiring change, and fearing death. Ultimately, his discoveries about himself will lead Paul to make a shocking decision about his life.

I had never heard of Anita Brookner before but she also wrote Hotel Du Lac which won her the Booker Prize and I have heard of that book but unfortnately have not read it myself.

By the way, isn’t the cover great on this one?

What did you find this week?

Chatting with friends about books and life…