I cooked a little today which always makes me feel relaxed and creative. I baked more Amish Friendship Bread —one large and three small loaves. I made pea soup in a beef bone broth base I cooked overnight. I had some for lunch—NUM.

I’m way behind in my casual book reviews but I’ll list some of my recent reading:

Smut, by Alan Bennett—two short stories,witty and fun.

Talking to Strangers, by Malcolm Gladwell . A friend took me to hear him speak. His speaking was better than his book.

In a Budding Grove, Vol 2 of À la Rechereche du Temps Perdu, by Marcel Proust. Slow-going at the breakfast table but I hung in there. He really is a fine writer, You don’t need me to tell you that.

The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett. She tells such a good story.—fine, light respite from my life right now

This Faithful Book, by Marianne Brandis, my friend and mentor. It’s her mother’s diary from the war years (1942-45 ) in the Netherlands. , translated by Marianne and fully researched. It’s a wonderful book.

Normal People, by Sally Rooney. I may have mentioned this. Every one raves about her language/dialogue. Maybe, but the story is soap.

Big Sky, by Kate Atkinson. I don’t know why but she’s kind of addictive. Another one of her “detective” (?) novels. The first ones were made into BBC TV shows. this one will probably get the treatment, too.

There are more but I need to be recharged.

Anon, anon.