Monday, March 26, 2012

Started Early, Took my Dog

Kate Atkinson

Yesterday, I finished reading the last published Jackson Brodie book by Kate Atkinson.
After watching a few episodes of Awake, I understand why Jason Isaacs was cast to play the private investigator .
The BBC series based on the books is set in Edingburgh.
I'm planning to buy Case Histories on DVD.

As much as I like the books, I skip a few pages in each.
Most authors have a pattern they follow.
Maybe it helps to avoid writing blocks.
So far, at least one animal dies per story.
I prefer not reading the details.

I did notice other details that repeat but not enough to make the stories predictable.
Now for a change of pace, I am reading The Murder Stone by Louise Penny.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

GardenMaking

Digital subscriptions

Did you know that you can get old issues of GardenMaking from Zinio?
I have a digital subscription and still have all the printed issues I bought.
I use the search option to find articles on plants.
Sometimes the results are in issues I already own.

Now if only Fine Gardening got on board.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Dahlia Primer

Good to Know

The snow is melting and now is the time I read about ways to improve my garden.
I grow more and more dahlias, and want to learn more about their needs.
I am now reading The Dahlia Primer by Eleanor Welling .
She cleared up a few things I wasn't sure about.

The history of the dahlias is interesting to read.
She also covers from preplanting to shows.
The difference between forms and how they were developed.
Plus a digital version is available from Kobo.

I also got the fall 2010 issue of Gardenmaking from Zinio.
In this particular issue, they have a great article on dahlias.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Country Flowers

Antique Flowers Series

 My inspiration for photography and gardening comes from different sources.
My fascination with photography began at the age of eight.
Gardening came later, when I had my own home.

Now I have a library filled with books on both subjects.
There are also the stacks of magazines I can't part with.
One of my most cherished books is
Country Flowers: Wild Classics for the Contemporary Garden by Rob Proctor .
Published in 1991 and my copy is a first edition.

In this book, we learn the history, lore and folk usage of indigenous flowers and naturalized garden escapees.
The Garden Photography is by Rob Gray who contributed to several other books.
The flowers are presented in garden settings and indoor arrangements.
The combination makes this book a work of art.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

When Will There Be Good News?

Kate Atkinson

 I was pleased to find that author, Kate Atkinson, did not create the intriguing and complex character of Louise Monroe for just one book.

Back in the third of the series, When Will There Be Good News?
Louise Monroe is now a DCI with problems of her own.

In this book, Jackson Brodie is more of a secondary character but still very important.
The resolution of one of the cases is unusual and justified.
The story ends with Jackson Brodie entering a new mystery.
A great read!



Thursday, March 1, 2012

We Heart It

Social site

Just joined a community called WeHeartIt
Appears to be similar to Tumblr

My next book review will be for When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson.
I'm about halfway thru it now.