Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

I saw what a popular choice Mudbound was for the Southern Reading Challenge, so when I saw it at the library, I grabbed it immediately for my 2nd choice read.

It is a Mississippi story centered on 2 families, with harsh realities of racism, farm life, and love. Unforgettable and disturbing, yet a great, fast read.

Needless to say, Hillary Jordan is an artistic and talented writer with great "head and bone sense."

Fresh Hostas

We have a few varieties of hostas and the colors always amaze me. They are so beautiful, especially before they get beat up from storms and everyday weather.
The Trekking XXL 50, #3313, US1, socks are done. Plain and simple and comfortable.


I have started a summer tee in Marks & Kattens Pacific yarn from the stash bin, in the white print color shown, which I think is now discontinued. Went down to US6 to get gauge of 5st/1" vs the called-for US7.

It inspires me to see other knitters finish a long-sleeved sweater in a month, maybe I can finish a tee by July.

The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook is set in North Carolina, with beautiful imagery that is easily brought to mind. It is a passionate story about first loves, what gifts dwell within us, our inspirations, our roots, and love of all things nature. Enjoyable read!

This was 2nd on my list for The Southern Reading Challenge. Unfortunately, I couldn't get past chapter one of my 1st selection, Heartbreak Hotel by Anne Rivers Siddons. Still looking for a replacement.

Southern Reading Challenge

I've always enjoyed Southern stories, so this was the perfect find. Apparently this is the 3rd year for this challenge. Details over here at Maggie Reads -- thanks Maggie :)

My 3 choices:

1. Heartbreak Hotel, by Anne Rivers Siddons
2. The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks
3. Daughter of the Stars, by Phyllis A. Whitney

New in May

Asparagus! This is the 2nd year and it is still skinny, so the experts say to wait and harvest the 3rd year for a really nice crop. The rest of the garden will be planted soon. Since our neighbor chopped down his tree, we have enough sun to try some corn. Of course there will be tomatoes and beans. Behind Cookie, are the chives and garlic. Sadly, the purple basil didn't make it over the winter, but the thyme is thriving. Would also like to try some oregano.

And, more simple socks in Trekking XXL 50, #3313. Hard to get the right light, but the bush colors look pretty true.

Scarves on Planes ;-)

The perfect project for my trip to Phoenix was Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's
One Row Handspun Scarf in buttery-soft, burgundy dash, Malabrigo. I alternated the skeins every 2 rows this time for somewhat better results, although the skeins still show a noticeable difference.

Have you read these? The Shack by Wm. P. Young -- very profound, worth reading (with an open mind).
Also, Just Take My heart by Mary Higgins Clark -- with lots of good twists.