Cocktails Across America by Diane Lapis and Anne Peck-Davis

Title: Cocktails Across America: A Postcard View of Cocktail Culture in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s

Author: Diane Lapis, Anne Peck-Davis

Publisher: Countryman Press 2018

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 224

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - Nonfiction Adventure; I Love Libraries

The unique cocktail lounges, hotel bars, and other more exotic drinking venues (ice rinks, carousels, and tropical gardens, just to name a few) defined this era of drinking culture and were immortalized in the linen postcards used to advertise them. With over 50 vintage cocktail recipes (including several modern twists), fascinating historical vignettes, and more than 150 pieces of vintage ephemera, you will be transported to an era of unbridled indulgence and distinct glamour.  

Such a fun read! I love that this idea came from the discovery of hotel postcards and evolved from there. I am fascinated by the post-war period of pop culture and cocktail culture fits right in there. I devoured each vignette and cocktail recipe. Some I had a bit of information about already, but most were new to me. I even bookmarked a few new-to-me cocktails to try out this winter.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Jade Bird "Uh Huh"

Random YouTube find.

Life Right Now #29

On my bedside table: Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen; I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel; The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

On my tv this week: J and I are almost finished with S2 of Legion. Oh my! It is trippy... we so can't wait to see what happens with the season finale. We also watched more of S6 of Supernatural, lots of back QI episodes, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts this week including all the NPR Politics episodes about the Kavanaugh hearings, a few episodes of Reading Glasses and Lore, and one of The Wilderness. I need to make sure to download some for my retreat next week. 

On the menu for this week: Last week's meal plan went out the window because of party leftovers and then our last Munchery box.

• Monday - Potato Bacon Casserole
• Tuesday - Teriyaki Chicken, Rice, Crab Rangoon
• Wednesday - Pork and Green Chili Stew
• Thursday - I'm away at retreat
• Friday - Retreat
• Saturday - Retreat
• Sunday - ??? I need to figure this out before I leave for the retreat.

On my to do list: We have a few activities and then I'm off to the retreat for the weekend. My list is short this week. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day, more packing probably
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo
• Wednesday - Half Moon Bay Beach Day
• Thursday -Sunday - Retreat!!!!

What I am creating: As my Fall Bingo event had to be rescheduled for Sept. 22nd, I have some more time to create more make n take examples. I also hope to get a few more October SSINK cards finished before we move. And I'm going to take my August Memory Planner supplies to the retreat. 

My simple pleasures: Water (trying to drink more), gummy worms, on time deliveries, library magazines

Looking around the house: We're in a holding pattern now packing-wise. I just can't pack certain things because we use them almost every day. So, the house is pretty bare but there's definitely more to pack before we leave. 

From the camera: Park play time

Pox Americana by Elizabeth A. Fenn

Title: Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775-82

Author: Elizabeth A. Fenn

Publisher: Hill and Wang 2002

Genre: U.S. History

Pages: 384

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - Nonfiction Adventure; Library Love

A horrifying epidemic of smallpox was sweeping across the Americas when the American Revolution began, and yet we know almost nothing about it. Elizabeth A. Fenn is the first historian to reveal how deeply variola affected the outcome of the war in every colony and the lives of everyone in North America.

By 1776, when military action and political ferment increased the movement of people and microbes, the epidemic worsened. Fenn's remarkable research shows us how smallpox devastated the American troops at Québec and kept them at bay during the British occupation of Boston. Soon the disease affected the war in Virginia, where it ravaged slaves who had escaped to join the British forces. During the terrible winter at Valley Forge, General Washington had to decide if and when to attempt the risky inoculation of his troops. In 1779, while Creeks and Cherokees were dying in Georgia, smallpox broke out in Mexico City, whence it followed travelers going north, striking Santa Fe and outlying pueblos in January 1781. Simultaneously it moved up the Pacific coast and east across the plains as far as Hudson's Bay.

I'm a sucker for a good epidemic book. I really think epidemiology may be my missed calling. This one intrigued me as it combines epidemiology and U.S. history. This book is incredibly detailed and full of names, dates, and facts. It is not for the faint of heart. The book has very graphic depictions of smallpox but also a lot of moving parts. I learned so much about an big event in U.S. history that is glossed over in favor of the battles of the Revolutionary War. I have now added a whole new story to my memory stores. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Black Magic Vol. 1

Title: Black Magic Vol. 1

Author: Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Rowan Black is a detective with the Portsmouth PD... and a witch, two aspects of her life she has struggled to keep separate. Now someone is targeting Rowan, someone who knows her secrets and means to expose her... or worse. Collects BLACK MAGICK #1-5.

I love random comics picks from the library. I will pick up almost anything from Image and Vertigo. I grabbed this one off the shelf and dove into a great story involving murder, witches, the police, and a cast of very sinister beings. I sped through this volume and loved every bit of it. Now to see if I can get Volume 2.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Rat Queens Vol. 4

Title: Rat Queens Vol. 4: High Fantasies

Author: Kurtis Wiebe; Owen Gieni

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The Queens are back! Palisade is still a rat-infested hell hole, and Violet, Hannah, Dee, Betty, and the brand-new Queen, Braga are the only hope of saving it! It’s been a long time since they’ve done a good slaughter, so join them as they get back to the basics of killing monsters and drinking away the profits! This is a fresh, hilarious new take on the RAT QUEENS with new artist OWEN GIENI! Collects RAT QUEENS, VOL. 2 #1-5

Finally! Another fun volume of Rat Queen adventures. This was a great return to Palisade and a reconnection with Violet's brother. The big bad monster was properly horrifying and the action was fast and furious. I loved the scene in the temple with the "frog." Can't wait for volume 5!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I'm super chill about moving right now. Super sad to be leaving our friends, but excited about the new opportunities for our family. And the packing is going very smoothly. 
• Really not excited about Colton as the new Bachelor. Nopeity nope!
• Currently reading a book about smallpox and I need all the epidemiology books in my life. I might have missed my calling...
• I can't get enough iced tea right now
• Craving some BBQ chicken on the grill but alas, we have other dinner plans
• Need to think of a signature cocktail for the retreat next week.
• The stack of comics on my nightstand is calling my name

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Title: Spinning Silver

Author: Naomi Novik

Publisher: Del Rey 2018

Genre: Fantasy 

Pages: 480

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea

Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father’s inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty—until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold.

When an ill-advised boast draws the attention of the king of the Staryk—grim fey creatures who seem more ice than flesh—Miryem’s fate, and that of two kingdoms, will be forever altered. Set an impossible challenge by the nameless king, Miryem unwittingly spins a web that draws in a peasant girl, Wanda, and the unhappy daughter of a local lord who plots to wed his child to the dashing young tsar.

But Tsar Mirnatius is not what he seems. And the secret he hides threatens to consume the lands of humans and Staryk alike. Torn between deadly choices, Miryem and her two unlikely allies embark on a desperate quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power, and love.

Finally dove into July's BOTM selection and why oh why did I wait so long? I love fairy tale retellings so much and this was was beautifully layered and new. The first 40 pages were a bit slow, but looking back I realize that Novik was allowing the reader to spend time getting to know the three main female characters. We spend a lot of time in each of their worlds before they really interact with each other. I loved how Novik wove their individual stories into a larger story involving the Staryk and a fire demon. Once I the characters connected with each other I couldn't put the book down. It was just too lovely! I sped through to the end desparately wanting to see how Irina, Wanda, and Miryem dealt with the trials they faced. Definite recommend!

Next up on the TBR pile:

September 2018 Life Goals

Let’s check in on August's goals and my progress.

• Read 15 Books -- Fail. Although I did still have a great reading month. 
• Wrap up the OBM Care Exchange -- Success! This one went much easier than some of the previous exchanges. 
• Finishing sending out OBM cards -- Success! Love spreading the good cheer. 
• Pack 10 more boxes -- Success! We are in a good position moving wise.
• Plan and execute 10 more kid activities -- Success! We are knocking it out of the park.

September's Goals: A very short list this month as we are moving at the end. Our biggest goal of this month is moving to Nebraska. 

• Read 10 Books -- Still trying to fit in reading.
• Execute the boys's birthday party -- Actually this was a few days ago. And it was amazing!
• Execute the retreat -- So incredibly excited for one last weekend retreat with some of my CA friends. It will be especially nice to get away for a weekend before the craziness of the move. 
• Finish packing and move!

Next up on the TBR list:

Music Monday -- The Relentless "Let Him Burn"

The movie was okay, but not the best. However, the music was amazing. 

Bonus song:

Life Right Now #28

Right now I am: Relaxing after a crazy birthday party day... 

On my bedside table: The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle; Rat Queens Vol 4; Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

On my tv this week: J and finished S5 of Supernatural and started S6. We also watched a fair amount of old QI episodes. And I catch up with Bachelor in Paradise. 

Listening to: I finally started listening to The Wilderness and it is both depressing and uplifting. 

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Potato Bacon Casserole
• Tuesday - Tex Mex Chicken
• Wednesday - Pork and Green Chile Stew
• Thursday - Munchery
• Friday - Munchery
• Saturday - Munchery
• Sunday - Teriyaki Chicken

On my to do list: Obviously more moving tasks. I also need to take the van into the dealership for an oil change and tire rotation. And the big task is to prep for bingo. 

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nothing
• Tuesday - Ruth Bancroft Garden and Heather Farm Park
• Wednesday - Le Petite Playhouse
• Thursday - Errand day; Van oil change; Card Class
• Friday - Children's Creativity Museum in SF
• Saturday - Stampin' Up! Bingo
• Sunday - Friend's birthday party

What I am creating: I made a ton of decorations for the birthday party. Now I need to focus on Bingo make n take and example cards. 

My simple pleasures: Guacamole, library magazines, new patterned paper, planner stickers

Looking around the house: This place looked grim after the party yesterday, but we cleaned it up pretty quickly. On the moving front, I took a pause to prep for the party but am back at packing today. My focus is a few kitchen boxes today. Later this week, I need to do another craft box. 

From the camera: My three scientists at the birthday party yesterday.