John and Jackie introduced us to “That Sound Game” on our game afternoon after Christmas. We recently bought our own copy to use for game night with the other volunteers. The game is simple, challenging, and hilarious. The rules for That Sound Game are easy. You divide up into two teams. Each team takes turns …
From Off the Shelf
Deep Thoughts and Some Quotes
I was standing in the bathroom this morning and had a deep thought. I often have deep thoughts and sometimes they are even profound. This morning’s wasn’t profound and I didn’t write it down so I have now forgotten it. This is the way of deep thoughts. They are often fleeting and fly through my …
Ten Best Books of 2023
According to Goodreads, I have read 137 books this last year. Because I am writing this on December 28, I have two more books that I am sure I will finish before the end of the year. I read this record (for me) number of books because we didn’t have any television for four months …
Two Important Non-Fiction Books
I recently read two important non-fiction books that I want to recommend to everyone. Both of the books made me think about things in a different way, and that is always good. The first of the two important non-fiction books is “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity” by Peter Attia. This is a book …
Mr K’s Used Books and Music
When Tom and I went to Elizabethton and Sycamore Shoals, we stopped by Mr K’s Used Books and Music on our way home. Ranger Lucas had recommended it. We had never heard of it, but are always happy to go to a bookstore. Mr K’s Used Books and Music is a small chain, with four …
“Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver
I recently finished “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver. The book really made me think about food and how we obtain the food we eat, so I thought I would share it with you. Barbara Kingsolver is a best-selling novelist, known for books such as “Demon Copperhead” and “The Poisonwood Bible.” She has written over …
Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates
During our time at Fort Frederica National Monument I enjoyed knitting hats from the book “Knitting the National Parks” by Nancy Bates. My friend, Chris Ferlinc, gave me the book for my birthday and I really got into it while I was working at a National Park site. As soon as we got to Fort …
Writing Other Duties as Assigned
One of the reasons Tom and I did not volunteer at a national park this last summer was because I wanted to finish writing a book. I always have several outlines for books going but it seems like I never have time to write them. Or, I start writing them, do about 100 pages, and …
Best Books of 2022
Making a best books list is very personal. What appeals to me as a reader may not appeal to anyone else. I am, however, an eclectic reader. Over the last 12 months I have read a huge variety of books. Memoirs, autobiographies, thrillers, LOTS of mysteries, romance, history, non-fiction, religious, devotional, classics, historical fiction, self-help, …
The Shepherd’s Life by James Rebanks
I love books that open my mind to new ideas. “The Shepherd’s Life: A People’s History of the Lake District” is one of those books that introduced me to a new idea and, a month later, I am still thinking about it. James Rebanks is a shepherd in the Lake District. Being a shepherd is …