by Bonnie Mason
I became a huge fan of vinegar the night I inadvertently poured hot vinegar (can’t remember why I even had hot vinegar-already tried cold vinegar) in a porcelain sink that I had spent years trying to clean and voila a clean sink appeared!
So the book Vinegar: 100’s of Household Uses was of immediate interest. Written by Maria Constantino and Gina Steer this book is an impressive compilation of solutions to problems like water circles on dark wood furniture, ridding my brick sidewalk of weeds, antiperspirants – that often contain aluminum thought to cause dementia… I don’t “hate” much , but I really don’t like chemicals in my house at all, ever The only problem with my resolve to get rid of chemicals is that they work… But evidently so does vinegar!
Published by Flame Tree Publishing, 2014, the book has found it’s way to the Bargain Dept. at $7.98.
I have reviewed the following book before, but a long time ago and I love this book. It is especially appropriate for Springtime – a perfect Springtime gift: Illinois Insects and Spiders, illustrated by Peggy MacNamera.
It is vital for several reasons not the least of which is that all the illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful and detailed watercolors, 28 plates of them. The text is written by Field Museum curators and collection managers that identify the species and reveal their interesting behaviors and unique habitats.
The text “marries art and entomology in a unique introduction to the science of natural history.” It really must be seen to be appreciated. Published by the University of Chicago Press, 2005 (not much change in insects in the ensuing years), paperback, it sells for $16.00.
Deborah Ruddell, local author – you may remember her from Today at The Bluebird Cafe – has once again joined forces with Joan Rankin illustrator from the same, and created an equally priceless book of poetry for children entitled The Popcorn Astronauts and Other Biteable Rhymes.
Whimsey! This book is the material definition of whimsey. Joan Rankin’s watercolor illustrations bring Debby’s beyond clever and silly poetry to life. My favorite The Gingerbread House Makeover verse two: and picture now a healthy house admired from coast to coast, adorned with corn and carrot sticks and built of whole wheat toast… The book is precious, filled with fun.
The suggested age lists four to eight years, my thought is that anyone with a sense of delight will appreciate it! Published by Simon & Schuster, 2015, it sells for $17.99.
I just read a quote I shall hold in my heart forever: It is far better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring, which brought to mind my favorite line from Bob Hope’s Thanks for the Memories: “You often were a headache, but you never were a bore”. Amen.
I think of the truly unique people I know, how I love them all. Not one of them could be accused of being a bore -ever. Now that the weather is conducive to being outside Chauncey and I get to walk the neighborhood that I am delighted to say is full of them – Hooray!
Fly those flags, put the porch furniture back out. The Moss Avenue Sale can’t be far off! As always find good books & READ! Summer is on the way! God bless America… And you…