Good morning again from Maine, but it's just until tomorrow this time. A college we visited early last month ended up near the top of Twin A's list. Unfortunately, most students were not around then, and it's hard to get a true sense of the campus without them. We drove up yesterday, plan to relax today, Twin A will attend classes and hang out at the college Monday, and then we'll drive the 7 hours home. Wonder if I'll get to see a moose this time...
As for reading, I finished The Irresistible Henry House by Lisa Grunwald. This wonderful novel is my book club's next selection. It begins in 1946 when Henry, supplied by a nearby orphanage, becomes the next 'practice baby' for a college home economics program. The premise grabbed my attention right away... and I believe my group will have a field day discussing the book at the end of the month!
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, translated by Lydia Davis, is my current book. Frances at Nonsuch Book is hosting a group read this month and the insightful posts have added much to my own understanding. There are even two or three participants reading in French! I hope to have Part 2 finished by Thursday but, if not, I'll just combine it with the wrap-up the following week.
As for Bleak House, Amanda has finished and posted her final review. I continue to read/listen and will reach the halfway point within the next day or two. Look for an update soon.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Enjoy your Sunday!
I didn't realise you had twins too. I bet they were better behaved as preteens than my two are now!
ReplyDeleteI only had the opportunity to visit Maine once - but I absolutely LOVED it. I hope this is a relaxing - perfectly beautiful - fall day for your family.
ReplyDeleteMadame Bovary is a great read. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI have "internet friends" who live in Maine. Actually, I met one of them last year...it was fun. Now she lives in NY.
ReplyDeleteI've read lots of books set there, though, and I almost feel as though I've visited.
Movies help, too.
The Irresistible Henry House captured my interest. It's going on the list.
Here's my salon:
Click my name for the link....
I would love to visit Maine someday, if only to soak up all that Stephen King-ness and see some lighthouses. And eat some lobster. The crashing into moose problem must be like the deer in IN!
ReplyDelete(7) hour drive to view a college?? Hope it was worth it, and that he/she is happy with the experience. I saw my first and only moose in Maine :)
ReplyDeleteYeah for Maine and Moose! UoM-Orono? Bates? Colby? Bowdoin? Maine is my home state so I'm curious. I've added Herny House to my hold list at the library. Have a great week, JoAnn.
ReplyDeleteThat sign is a hoot!! I would love to visit Maine!!
ReplyDeleteHaven't those Madame Bovary posts been great? Really makes you want to read very closely so as not to miss anything. Can't wait to see what this Thursday yields.
ReplyDeleteLove the sign. I've always wanted to visit Maine. Someday, I will!
ReplyDeleteI too love the sign! I was lucky to see a young male once in Yellowstone, and it was instant love on my part, but I don't think the moose felt the same way...
ReplyDeleteR was away with friends up north this weekend. Just how many guys does it take to bring in a dock anyway? He said there were lots of men in orange vests as it's 'moose season'...yikes!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the decision making process! Maine is lovely.
I love Maine--I used to visit Kennebunk on business (yes, really!) for years. I wanted my older daughter to consider Bowdoin College, but she hates snow so I didn't have a prayer.
ReplyDeleteI have twins too--sophomores in high school--so they get to start the college search next year.
Love the sign--enjoy your trip...and books.
Maine is one of the places I'd like to visit the most in the US. It just sounds so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMaine looks great ,will try to visit one day.
ReplyDeletePeople don't realize when they see such signs how very serious the situation is. Almost everyone around here knows someone who has hit a moose, and most of us know someone who has died. They are really huge animals. They walk right over our pasture fences as if they aren't there.
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note, did you watch The Sopranos? I did for several seasons and then quit. Couldn't take the violence, esp. toward women, but... early on there was a show where Tony S. brings his daughter on a college visit. Just like a regular parent, right? But of course, he ends up killing a guy while he's up there. That was the genius of the show, I think; the juxtaposition between normal and not normal life.
Vivienne - Yes, my twins are 17 now. Plus we have a daughter who will be 21 in a few months. I'm not sure there is such a thing as well-behaved preteens!!
ReplyDeleteMolly - We had a wonderful weekend, plus we learned that Maine is just too far away for a first choice college.
Stephanie - So far, I'm enjoying Madame Bovary much more this time.
Laurel-Rain Snow - Maine is such a beautiful state and it can really engage your imagination... no wonder so many books are set there. Hope you like Henry House!
Sandy - Lobster and lighthouses are my perfect image of Maine. Deer are quite a problem here in central NY, too!
Diane - The drive was definitely worth it. A second trip made her realize just how far away from home the college is!! She still loves it, but it may not be the top choice.
Gavin - We visited them all over the summer, but she really wanted to spend more time at Bates. We all love it, but wish it was just a little closer to home... didn't realize you were from Maine! Hope you enjoy Henry House.
ReplyDeleteStaci - I love the sign, but have still never seen a moose. I understand they are HUGE!
Frances - The posts on Madame Bovary have been amazing! I just love group reads.
Ti - Hope you get to Maine. It's one of my favorite places!
Rhapsodyinbooks - Despite the signs, I have still not seen a moose. Maybe next trip... I'm sure there will be one sooner or later!
Darlene - Judging from our experience, they never attempt removing the docks without at least 6 guys (won't even mention how many beers!). If she decides to go 'early decision', it should be done by November 15. Hope we all last that long...
Jane GS - My husband was pushing for Bowdoin, too. Twin A liked Bates best, but may not want to be quite that far from home. The college search process with twins is interesting to say the least... especially when they are as different ours are!! Now if I can only figure out how to visit Kennebunk on business ;-)
Nymeth - Maine is spectacular! I hope you get to visit one day.
Tribute Books Mama - Maine is well worth a visit! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Nan - I know moose are much larger than I'm imagining and, knowing how much damage deer can do, realize how dangerous a collision with one could be. I have been to Maine numerous times over the past 25 years, but have never seen a moose. Each trip, I hope it will be the one... but I certainly don't want it to be on the road! No Sopranos for me, but can just imagine Tony killing a guy on a college visit!
Oh how I love Maine. If it weren't so dang cold up in the NE hubby and I would pack our bags and move in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteAnd you give me a leg pulling for my readalongs??? I think your just as masochistic as I am! :P I really wish I had time for the Bleak House but Madame Bovary? Talk about intimidation!
Hope you're having a great week JoAnn!
Trish - Oh, I might be teasing about your readalongs ... but who am I to talk ;-) Finally half way through Bleak House, but falling behind with Madame Bovary.
ReplyDeleteI hope your twin enjoyed the college. I think Maine would be a great place to go to college & since you have a vacation home there it would work out well!
ReplyDeleteDid you know I have a twin sister, fraternal.
I've added The Irresistible Henry House to my tbr list!
I wanted to join the Madame Bovary readalong but I just couldn't fit it in. I'm hoping to participate in the Dr.Zhivago readalong. Are you joining in on that one?
Amy - My daughter really likes the college in Maine, but it might be too far away to be the top choice (we don't have a house there, but I sure wish we did). I didn't know you are a twin! Does your sister live near you? Are you similar in other ways? I have sisters who are fraternal twins, but they are so different (just like my daughters). I doubt I'll be able to join in for Dr. Zhivago... falling behind with Madame Bovary :-(
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