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As leaves fall, asters bloom

Published by admin on Tue, 09/24/2019 - 4:18pm

With explosive plumes of gorgeous late summer and fall color, the asters are now beginning to bloom across our area. In shades of pink, purple, lavender, blue and white, our native asters put on a spectacular show to close out the wildflower year.

Dozens of native species of asters can be found in our area, most blooming now in September into October. Some will last up until Halloween or beyond if the weather stays relatively mild. Asters can handle quite a bit of frost, meaning they will continue to bloom even after a few frosty nights.

Heartache and hardship for Russian immigrants

Published by admin on Tue, 09/24/2019 - 8:55am

No matter how busy or tired I am, I can always unwind with a book.

This week I chose “The Little Bride” by Anna Solomon. I didn’t think I’d like it, but it just kept me turning pages.

In the late 1800s, Russia is in turmoil. Jews are in peril. Horrifyingly violent pogroms are creeping closer to Odessa, where the orphaned Minna Losk is living with a once wealthy aunt.

She has almost nothing of her own and must sneak food while her aunt sleeps. At 16, she decides to escape by becoming a mail order bride.

Books & Stuff

Published by admin on Tue, 09/17/2019 - 10:10am

The book I chose was “A Diamond in My Pocket,” the first in the Unaltered series by Lorena Angell. It is a little sci-fi, a little conspiracy, a little coming of age and a pretty darned good read.

Calli Courtnae would describe herself as an OK-looking 17-year-old with good grades and few close friends. Calli decided to join the track to team to avoid the boredom of being home alone while her doctor parents work.

Plenty of deception in Johansen’s first Eve Duncan novel

Published by admin on Wed, 09/11/2019 - 3:53pm

You know I that when I find an author I like, I try to ready everything they’ve written. But I somehow missed one of Iris Johansen’s, “The Face of Deception.” This book is early in her Eve Duncan series, but even knowing what’s in Eve’s future doesn’t spoil it.

Get that sinking feeling in Lilian Jackson Braun novel

Published by admin on Tue, 09/03/2019 - 9:59am

I was surprised to see that I’d missed reading Lilian Jackson Braun’s “The Cat Who Saw Stars.”

It is summer in the far north, and journalist Jim Qwilleran moves from his home in Pickax to Mooseville and the lovely Klingenschoen cabin on the lake.

Cabin owner Polly Duncan is traveling in Canada, so he planned to spend the month reading, writing and relaxing, while Qwill’s cats, Koko and Yum-Yum, enjoy lounging on the screened porches. As Robert Burns said, things don’t always go as planned.

Book & Stuf

Published by admin on Fri, 08/30/2019 - 11:29am

I only had time for a short story this week. “The Pizza Prophet” by David Belisle is actually listed as a novella, and it is hard to describe. It was a satire on wise guys, a commentary on gullibility and tongue-in-cheek funny.

The action takes place in and around Lead Pipe Joe’s Pizza Parlor, a longtime staple in the neighborhood. Sixty-nine year old Kosma Stankowicz is one several delivery drivers working for Joe’s. He’s a good husband, loyal employee and devout man who wouldn’t dream of questioning the will of God.

Flamboyant hibiscus

Published by admin on Tue, 08/27/2019 - 2:58pm

One of the more stunning and flamboyant blooming shrubs now comes into bloom as summer begins to slide into autumn and the days begin to shorten. Hardy hibiscus, also known as rose mallow, features blooms that may reach 6-10 inches across in some selections, making it a prized addition to the summer garden.

Reaching 5-6 feet in height at full maturity, these shrubs provide a breathtaking display during late summer, where they form a beautiful backdrop or create an impressive specimen plant for long-term enjoyment.

Books & Stuff

Published by admin on Fri, 08/23/2019 - 7:39am

I thought I would be reading a western when I selected “Return to Casa Grande” by Michael Carlon, but the only thing western about it was the California location. Although it may not been what I expected, it was entertaining.

No witches in ‘Crafting Disorder,’ but plenty of mystery

Published by admin on Thu, 08/15/2019 - 11:35pm

“Crafting Disorder” by Regina Welling and Erin Lynn sounds like a book filled with spell-casting witches, but there wasn’t even one to be found.

The quiet village of Ponderosa Pines got its start when wealthy idealists came there to form a commune. Over the years it has morphed in a very caring community of independent souls.

Emmalina Valentina Torrence (aka EV) is one of the most independent. She’s the daughter of a founding family and she loves Ponderosa Pines with a fierce and protective kind of love.

Sedaris takes on many voices in book of essays

Published by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/08/2019 - 4:47pm

Even if it’s a bit late, I want to send out a huge thank you to all the men and women who worked tirelessly to restore our electric power. We lost power on that Friday night of the storm and got it back the next Tuesday about 11 a.m. Our only big loss was half of a lovely old maple near the pond. Tom was and is working in Superior so I don’t know when we’ll get it cut up and moved. I must say that we have amazing neighbors. Thanks to them we were blessed to have the use of a generator to keep our refrigerator and freezers going.