Wednesday, June 8

Neighborhood Doings

Last night we had our bi-monthly book club meeting. The book we read and discussed was "Raney" by Clyde Edgerton, which some found hilarious and others merely curiously written. Edgerton has written several other books as well, and if you are not familiar with his work, I suggest you give him a try. His books are perfect for summer reading; which is not to say they are lightweight, but the subject matter is not too serious (at least on the surface.) This book, his first, led to his being relieved of his teaching job at a nearby university. I read that a subsequent book was written which is about that very school. I have not read that one - but you can bet I will get to it soon!

It is quite an interesting education to get a mixture of opinions on the book during the discussion, as you discover some aspect of it that you didn't catch while reading - or a thought that another had that is perhaps opposite your opinion. We have now read five books and I hope we continue forever; it is entirely different to read and then discuss with others than it is to read alone without discussion.I heartily recommend it!

Today, four of us took lunch to my next-door neighbor, who is facing surgery on Friday. We had mushroom quiche, marinated carrots, tossed salad and fruit salad, with ice-cream-topped brownies for dessert. We stayed for three hours altogether, enjoying the company and conversation. I am indeed fortunate to have such nice neighbors. Our next get-together is a pot-luck dinner at one home, for which we will each cook a recipe from the June issue of Southern Living Magazine. It all sounds delicious (as I am a recipient of the RSVP's, I know what everyone is bringing.) My contribution will be shrimp salad served on leaves of endive. I ought to make a test recipe of it before the date of that event, but I have waited too late and don't have time now. Here's hoping it turns out well!

13 comments:

tiff said...

I would like to borrow your life for a week or so. Sounds lovely!

:)

Celia said...

What great neighbors you all are. That's the best thing about where I live too, good neighbors.

srp said...

I have complete confidence in your ability to make it taste and look as lovely as it does in the magazine. Don't ask me to try to so something like this, though.

Steinhilbers shrimp was as fabulous and wonderful and all the spectacular adjectives I can think of... as usual. I also had the she-crab soup... and I must say... it was the BEST I have ever had.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

That really is wonderful Judy. To have good neighbors that you enjoy and get together with---And, look out for each other, too!

The book club sounds like a terrific idea. I will have see if some of my buddies are interested in that. The problem is, you have to read....lol....And I don't read that much or that fast, I'm afraid, nor do most of the people I know, BUT, it's worth throwing it out there and see what the response is. It may be that the people I am close to would rather read plays. Actually, I think that would work muchg better

Grannymar said...

I love the sound of a pot-luck dinner, you are so fortunate to have such caring neighbours.

LL Cool Joe said...

I'm not sure people would want to discuss the books I read very much! I never read fiction, just books about serial killers etc. but it could make for some interesting conversations though!

Granny Annie said...

I love your posts about things in your neighborhood. It causes me to take a mental look around our area and wonder how we could ever start such a thing. Our neighbors are all very nice but very busy with scattered interests. Some are employed outside the home and others are so busy with their county projects that they can't seem to stop for fellowship other then to have a brief chat as you drive by their homes and catch them outside. (In this heat that happens less and less.)

Arkansas Patti said...

You really do have nice neighbors so you fit right in.
I have found that the first time I do a recipe is the best for I am more careful with details.
I'll check out that book.

Evil Twin's Wife said...

You're so lucky to have such great neighbors! I'd settle for one friend over for coffee every now and then. Of course, I do get visits from our lovely Inanna, but I wish it were more often! :-)

Lynn said...

A Southern Living food party sounds so fun. I subscribe to that - I have been meaning to make that lemon iced tea tart that was on the cover of the May (I think) issue. It has a gingersnap crust.

I am in two book clubs - I would be interested in hearing all the books you all have read.

oklhdan said...

Sounds delicious and I'm sure it will be good! You have inspired me to look for a book club!

Tracy said...

Judy,
Have you read Where Trouble Sleeps by the same author? That's a good one as well...now I have another book on my list!

Looking to the Stars said...

I would love to be your neighbor :)