Now that most "news" been told, or printed, let's see who is reading what!? There are always good things to stick your nose in when the day gets boring, or just because you are tired of TV...I get time to do that when we are on the desert for the winter, now that GOLF has left me! Here are a couple of good books: From Osterlings - apropos of the "Old Goats" story in Hawaii: MOLOKA'I - by Alan Bennett A moving tale set in early 20th Century Hawaii. Seven year old Rachael, who develops leprosy, is taken from her family to live her life at the Leper Colony on Moloka'i. Although she always misses her family, a whole new community develops for her. This compassionate story is interwoven with the history and customs of old Hawaii. (Ed. note: this sounds very interesting to me...I have always wanted visit Mololka'i instead of just Honolulu, but all of the Islands are charming!!) THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER - by Kim Edwards This author has created a tale of regret and redemption...of characters haunted by their past. Crafted with language so lovely you have reread the passages just to be captivated all over again...simply a beautiful book. This novel begins on a winter night in 1964 when a blizzard forces Dr. David Henry to deliver his own twins. His son is perfectly healthy, but the doctor immediately recognizes that his daughter has Down syndrome. He makes a split-second decision that will haunt all their lives forever. A wonderful, heartbreaking, heart-healing novel. ( I could not put it down. 401 pages in 2 days! Penguin Books paperback). GALILEO'S DAUGHTER - by Dava Sobel (1999 LA Times Book Prize) (Okay, I have 3 daughters, but this has nothing to do with my choices) This is an innovative history and a wonderfully told tale, also. Sobel has a strong sense of story, and brings the great scientist to life! She transforms what could have been a dull academic subject into a gripping page-turner. A wonderful narrative and a rich story of 17th century technology and religion . READ FOR FUN, AND TELL US ABOUT IT!   *   *   *   *   *   Here's a new puzzler for you word buffs (from my Cousin Diane in Texas): What nine letter word in the English language is still a word when each of the nine letters is removed one by one???   (Answer on Part 7)   *   *   *   *   *   Oh, here's a story from last winter that should have been earlier in this issue, but I almost forgot!!! Winter was a long time ago :((( While on the desert along with the Hilbs...Jane and Bob asked those who are close by to come for dinner and a Mini-Reunion. They lease a special house in Palm Desert with plenty of room for an evening of GLENBARD...and fun! Nancy Mac More drove up from Vista (and spent the night). Ben and I came over from Sunrise in Rancho Mirage, Daryl James from Palm Springs, Cece and Al Osterling who were in Loma Linda (see Al's story) for a few weeks!! [Webmaster's comment: A digital camera in the wrong hands can be dangerous.] L to R: Al, Nancy, Jane, Daryl, Cece, Editor, Bob We had "catered food," good booze (from Bob's stash), and just good talk!   A Joy.! Jane Hilb is the perfect hostess, and we look forward to their desert stay every year. HURRAH. This home that they lease is something ELSE, and we were all astonished at the luxury! They'll be back this winter, thank goodness! Next page 2007 Newsletter:   Part 1     Part 2     Part 3     Part 4     Part 5     Part 6     Part 7     Part 8 Newsletter Home Page