– by Neil White (on my Kindle) – a really, really interesting book. It’s a memoir about the year the author spent in prison in Louisiana. About his sanctimonious attitude when he arrived there (he was convicted of kiting checks trying to keep his publishing business afloat) and what he learns during his year. But as much as it’s about his life as a prisoner, it’s more about the other residents of the prison – the last remaining lepers (Hansen’s Disease) who are provided for in the facility. Neil White is quite a character and I wondered more than once if he was ever going to “get it,” that he was greedy and egotistical. The book wasn’t published for about 10 years after his release, so at least he didn’t profit immediately by telling tales. The epilogue was so sad – listing the deaths of many of the leprosy patients and some of the inmates he came to call friends. One person at amazon commented that it was not worth reading because the author profited from his incarceration, and that he didn’t appear to have redeemed himself. I disagree – I think he did. If he didn’t, then he knows how to spin a good yarn. I choose to believe he learned a whole lot about himself and where his life took a (wrong) left turn, and that he’s trying to atone for his failings by publishing the book. You decide.
- by P.D. James (on my Kindle) – if I hadn’t read about this book in the Los Angeles Times a week or so ago I’d never have pursued this book. It’s nothing even close to her wealth of books of the mystery genre. But yes, it IS a mystery (not something I normally read) but it takes place about 5 years after Pride and Prejudice leaves off. That was the hook for me. An entertaining read and a way to keep in touch with all the lovable (and not-so) characters from Jane Austen’s classic. It’s not a page-turner in the true mystery-murder style, but it’s fun to read.
– by Judith Ryan Hendricks – I picked up this book at a lending library I use now and then. I have to laugh, though – the collection of books (probably numbering about 350 or so) is divided by paperback and hardback. And then by color. COLOR? I find that so ludicrous. But anyway, the title caught my eye. It’s definitely a novel, about a youngish woman who’s been a baker and a chef, but who is suddenly single. It’s about her struggle to find herself, to find a new rhythm of life. In the telling of the journey some recipes are included (baked goods, including bread-bread), which are available on the 
– by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) – most everyone who reads blogs knows about Ree – the Pioneer Woman, from Pawhuska, Oklahoma. She’s always entertaining, whimsical and enjoyable to read. A couple of years ago she wrote a memoir of her romance with Ladd, her now husband. I can’t count how many times, as I was reading this, that I was LOLing (Laughing Out Loud). She is such a witty writer and knows how to tell a story. Even though I know she married Ladd and has since had 4 children, I was caught up in her story from the first page. I wrote it up in more detail on
– (on my Kindle) Michael Tucker (from L.A. Law some years ago) and his wife, on a whim almost, buy a home in Umbria. An old, old, old house with two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, I think, and a nice terrace (where a lot of living goes on in Italian homes and families). It’s the story of the purchase itself, the friends they meet, the neighbors, how Michael finds the best butcher(s), bakers and candlestick makers. It made me long for another trip to Italy, actually. They enlarge the home, although they’re not there for most of the construction. It’s a similar tale to Frances Mayes’ books and Peter Mayle’s books too, but it’s different. Tucker is a TV star; his wife’s a stage actress. They live on some higher plane than I do, for sure, with lots of friends with connections. But it’s a cute story and I enjoyed it clear to the end.
(Stacy Schiff); 
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What a cute place this is. Charming atmosphere, spacious rooms, delightful patio if the weather cooperates, and some very fine dining. And very pleasant hosts as well. Alexa and Charles are a perfect pair – she runs the front of the house and he’s the professional chef who will prepare dinner for guests (by prior arrangement) and does lots of catering on the side too. And likely the recipes for breakfast are his, although they have an assistant who does the actual cooking each morning.
The inn has several guest rooms, a spacious dining room, a beautiful kitchen, and tucked in the back is a professional catering kitchen where Charles does most of the catering/cooking for events and dinners. One of the nights we stayed they were entertaining two different groups for dinner. So there was no room for us to have dinner with them. But if breakfast is any indication, the dinners are likely to be special. Just reserve it in advance.
The B&B breakfast was very nice – a quiche, some fresh biscuits and scones, fresh fruit, and an apple bread pudding (which they make from the leftover scones and was the standout of the breakfast offering, in my book). Copious amounts of coffee, of course, and friendly conversation with the other B&B guests.
Dave is thinking we need to make this an annual event – visiting the wineries in Oregon and Washington. Each time we come there are more new wineries to try. This area is just getting into high gear with high-tech tasting rooms, although some are still a kind of barn-like affair too. Something like Napa Valley used to be about 30 years ago.
During the daytime we visited just two wineries, both in downtown. Dave had a copious list, and specific wines he wanted to try. No way could we go tasting in 6 wineries and sample everything they had to offer. He sampled one or two in each place, with little more than an ounce. We can’t buy much wine because we would not want to leave it in the hot car anywhere. So we’re buying just enough to enjoy next week.
The Fat Duck Inn, 527 Catherine St., Walla Walla, WA, Phone: 888.526.8718
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