Cookies, books, weeds...

.... not necessarily in that order.

This week's Waldorf Wednesday tea party was cancelled, in favor of a cookie decorating party for friend J's two granddaughters who are visiting from Virginia.  On Wednesday afternoon, seven of us were busily decorating shortbread cookies made by 'The Chocolate Gallery.'  I love that shop... the owner has a passion for her candies, cookies, and cakes, and it shows. Quality ingredients, enthusiasm for her creations, and her happiness overflows when she is sharing her techniques.  The baking and candy-making kitchens are all enclosed in glass so customers can watch the process. Now if that doesn't get you wanting to taste her chocolates, than nothing else would work.

Handyman R has been working in the flowerbeds for weeks now, and they're all looking neat and tidy and (mercifully) weed-free.  Weeds and ivy and thorny things are being pulled out one by one right down to the root... layers of newspapers and six-inches-worth of fresh mulch are going down into those beds.  R has even removed the rocks surrounding the beds and re-arranged them so the best and biggest of them are front and center.  Neighbors have called R to do work at their property as well, and needless to say, he is a happy camper.  (No happier than me.... I absolutely detest being out there and pulling up weeds.)

And the book. The Book. "Go Set a Watchman" arrived yesterday. I truly wish I hadn't read the reviews before I started reading The Book.  I can understand now, however, why this first manuscript was returned to Harper Lee with the suggestion that she re-write the story with Jem and Scout being much younger.  Nothing, absolutely nothing, can compare to "To Kill a Mockingbird,"  In my opinion, it is one of the best examples of American literature. Mockingbird captures you from the first chapter and doesn't let you go till the very last page, and even after that, the book stays with you and becomes a part of who you are.

This book, "Go Set a Watchman" takes longer to hold you, but once you get to that point, you don't want to abandon the story.  One of the literary critics said that "Go Set a Watchman" didn't have any literary value whatsoever.  Well, pardon me, but I disagree.

With all of the unnecessary criticism directed towards Harper Lee since the discovery of this first manuscript, a part of me wishes that "Go Set a Watchman" had remained hidden away, for the simple reason that Harper Lee's character and talent would have never been questioned.

A quote from "Go Set a Watchman"  -- "Every man's island, Jean Louise, every man's watchman, is his conscience."