I have belonged to a book club for many years and I enjoy the camaraderie and exchange of views that take place as we discuss the latest book. So this post is for all my blog friends who love to read and especially for those in the book club.

In the past two years it would seem that the gods of literature and the muses of the written word are in cohorts to keep me from attending book club meetings. This is of my own making, and I take full responsibility. It seems every time the club meets, Bob and I are off on some adventure. Unfortunately, it is happening again this month. We will be cruising in the Alaskan waters at the time of the book club’s meeting. So since I have the privilege of choosing the book for July, and yes, I promise to be in town for that meeting. I am taking this opportunity to let everyone know why I have chosen Montana 1948 by Larry Watson for our reading pleasure.

I chose this book because I found it to be both realistic and believable. A grown-up David Hayden recounts the events during the summer of his twelfth year, the summer that changed his family forever. The author, develops both the strengths and weaknesses of his characters as he weaves this tale of morality, family, and what is right and just. To say more would give away the story.

The fact that I was 12 years old in 1948 adds to my enthusiasm for this book. I am looking forward to a lively discussion in July and I hope you find this remarkable piece of writing as gripping and powerful as I have.

And now we are off to our little airport to hop, skip, and jump to Los Angeles where we will board our United flight to Seattle where we will meet up our grandson, Dave before the three of us board the Golden Princess on Saturday for our Alaskan Cruise .

Would you believe I am getting ready to pack again. Alaska looms in the near future and before leaving for the cruise, we are headed for a week-end at Vandenburg Air Base for a Military Officers Meeting. I feel terribly disconnected from my computer.

Mother’s Day was wonderful! I drove down to spend the day with Kristi and the twins. We spent some time shopping, a little more in the park, and indulged in decadent ice-cream cones. In the evening, there were phone calls from my sons and from Bob’s daughter Michaele and her daughter, Monique. It is nice to feel loved and I am so glad everyone cared enough to send greetings my way.

On a different note, I have just heard that Jerry Falwell died. Believe me, I have no fondess for this man and I believe he has personally set our country back with his religious conservatism. His antiquated views on homosexuality and same-sex marriage have hurt hundreds of thousands of people. So please forgive me for wondering just what his reaction might be if he discovers that the guardian of the pearly gates is a Gay man. Of course this is my idle imagination working on overtime, but wouldn’t that make for an interesting dialogue.

Best I get on to packing for the trip. . .

Oh, I have been away much too long from posting and reading posts. I apologize, but Bob and I took the RV out for a few wonderful days which included a most memorable day at the beach with the twins and Kristi, as well as, a Friday night dinner out with them and later a Sunday morning breakfast.

I love the RV and taking the whole family (both parrots and Doxie) on the road. The only drawback is the cleaning and the amount of laundry to do when we return home. Well, I am caught up now with that, as well as, downloading photos and making memory book pages for the twins’ book. So guess what? Bob and I are now packing for a three day trip to Palm Springs.

Bob is heading up a reunion for his Midshipman Class in October. While in Palm Springs he will be meeting with various tour groups to arrange trips for the group. When that is done, we will be free to relax, shop, and do a little gambling.

We are on the countdown for our Alaskan Cruise and it is now only three weeks away. Time flies!