Carolyn - nothing seems to stop you...

First a power outage, then potential rain but nothing seemed to damper the evening!  Power came back on, wine flowed and rain held off until we all were heading home!  A delicious meal and amazing olive oil cake which everyone wants the recipe for - Carolyn thanks for taking such good care of us and hosting a great evening!

Next month the book to read if you've not read it already is Train Dreams... it's small enough that everyone can find time to read the full book!   Christine's grading system for awarding the Pulitzer on online so remember you need to grade when you finish reading.

Enjoy the rest of your summer - see everyone in September.  I'm still looking for a good summertime read (something more than 50 shades of grey) so if anyone has suggestions please post them!

For those interested in Italian settings mystery that's a quick read, try Donna Leon mystery books set in Venice.  They are simple, main character is a police detective who's wife works as a professor at the local university... makes you long for the life style of Italy - long lunches & dinners with amazing food and a completely different culture around eating!

Swamplandia!

I am looking forward to hosting a seth surprise, this Monday August 13, 2102.
508 Brunswick Ave.,
416 921 2842

Who will coming to this murky, swampy, hot event?

WHAT A WEEKEND!!

Thank you Laura for hosting a wonderful retreat on Lake Simcoe.  The salmon was delicious, the wine flowed, the sun shone, and the island kept us afloat.  We even managed to discuss some philosophical ideas that "The Pale King" provoked.  Carolyn was struck by the importance of Civics.  We discussed why people are inattentive to what's going on outside of their world, and how we don't allow ourselves or our children to experience boredom.  Barb (our inspired "body"/fitness guru) led me and Elva through a mini boot camp! (see comment for routine).  Next book is "Swamplandia" and Carolyn will be hosting.  Note: In order to select our Pulitzer fairly, "The Pale King" must be read.  We are extending the reading deadline on "The Pale King" until September (so you are not out in the clear Marney!!! tee hee!!)

Cottage Retreat

Hello Ladies:
This Saturday July 7th is the start of the cottage retreat. I just spent the long weekend there and it was glorious. I am happy to report as of this weekend there is a new addition to the water front...."the aqua island" thank you Costco, it is a 7 person floating island equipped with coolers and chairs and a little foot bath in the middle!  I can't decide if this is where we will discuss the Pale King or inside during dinner !!! I am pretty sure I know that 7 of us are going to be there, but just reply to the blog so I can be certain.  The weekend itinerary is as follows: I will likely be up there before 10:00am.  Let me know if you are coming up during the day and I will count you in for a light lunch.  I will also be cooking dinner for you all in true host style. dinner will be when our appetites say so but around 7:00pm just so you can pace your snacking.  Then the night is ours, late night swim, bon fire, what ever we want. Saturday can be exercise day filled with biking, running and most importantly lounging on the island drinking! Sunday morning we do breakfast, we can all chip in and then the men folk and kids are welcome to joining us anytime after 11:00 am roughly. For Sunday if you are bringing your family and kids, let's do a collective pot luck bbq style as we have done in the past, please respond to the blog so we have an idea of what we need for the family feast. I have burgers and sliders as a start. From there all kids and men are welcome there are 10,000 beach toys and lots to do....did I mention the island! Bring life jackets for your kids.  Other than that there are fresh sheets on all the beds, there are 3 queens in the main cottage and 2 doubles and 2 singles up stairs in the back bunkie.  The directions:
1041 Lake drive
Take 401 to 404 north
Exit Green Lane (final exit on 404) turn right
Left (first left) on woodbine avenue
Take woodbine all the way to the end you will turn left just past J.C Trailers (yellow sign)
Take this little woodbine extension to the lake,
Turn left at lake
3rd cottage on your left
There is no phone number just call my cell 416-518-8167

See you then!