Reading

Gore takes on love and politics in "Sammy's Hill"

In her first novel, Kristin Gore sticks to the “write what you know” maxim. She’s the daughter of Al Gore, and the title character of her book “Sammy’s Hill” works for a bright young senator in Washington DC. And yes, a Southern governor with his eye on the presidency enters the picture by the book’s end.

“Sammy’s Hill” isn’t terribly strong on plot, but Sammy is likable despite her chronic poor decision making and a laundry list of neuroses. It’s a fun, breezy read, although the story’s resolution seemed rushed, particularly on the romantic front. The “love connection” wasn’t very convincing, even though there’s practically a neon sign reading “Love Interest Here” every time her eventual paramour makes an appearance. I’m hoping the match seems more natural in Gore’s next novel, “Sammy’s House.” It’s already on my library hold list.

menu plan Monday

Menu Plan Monday raids the freezer

Menu Plan Monday logoIt’s another one of those between-paychecks weeks around here, which means it’s time again to hit the freezer. Since we moved recently, my freezer stocks have dwindled. But I do have enough for two meals! I guess it’s time to start stocking up again.

Monday: Sloppy Joes
I have a few Joe “pucks” waiting in the freezer, making this an easy and budget-friendly option.

Tuesday: Lasagna Primavera
I’d expected to have half a pan of last week’s lasagna to freeze, but thanks to our post-dinner nibblers I ended up with only three pieces. That should be plenty, though.

Wednesday: Moe’s
We usually go to Moe’s after church on Sunday, but we didn’t do it this week. Poppy was pretty sad. We decided to give her a mid-week treat before we go to the fair.

Thursday: Waikiki Meatballs
My friend Carrie makes some great meatballs that I’d like to duplicate. I think this recipe might do the trick. (I know I could just ask for her recipe, but she’s out of town and I’m making my grocery list.)

Friday: Pizza

Social Media

Friday links! Ears, bags, treats and ads

  • The Washington Post says you should “Leave That Ear Wax Alone in a sort of gross but ultimately informative report by Kathleen Doheny.

  • I bought some reusable shopping bags from Target awhile back, and I love them. A few of the bags sort of zip up into themselves to form a little wallet-sized packet, and they’re super-handy. When I saw them, I thought, “Boy, that probably wouldn’t be too hard to duplicate.” And then I thought, “Zippers! Argh!” And then I didn’t take the thought process any further. But someone at Whipup did! Here’s here tutorial for a wallet-sized fold-up reusable shopping bag.

  • There’s a group out there on the Internet called the Daring Bakers. Each month, they issue a baking challenge. August’s challenge? Chocolate Eclairs. Yum. I’ve joined the Daring Bakers, but I don’t think I’ll get my first challenge until October. Stay tuned.

  • Casey at Moosh in Indy is coming to terms with the fact that some things — like being a superstar or a cheerleader — aren’t in the cards for her. But she’s dealing with it gracefully and looking at the sunny side in “Never Always.”

  • Speaking of the sunny side: Peanut Butter Cups at Have Cake Will Travel! I keep thinking I’m going to make my own peanut butter cups, but it has yet to happen. For now, I’ll just drool over these.

  • Writer Rachel Beckman takes issue with targeted advertising in “Facebook Ads Target You Where It Hurts” at the Washington Post. I hadn’t paid much attention to the ads on Facebook before I read this, but I’ve been keeping an eye on them this week. They haven’t been too rude to me thus far.

  • McSweeneys occasionally features someone with an interesting or unusual job, and this recent interview with Joel Pierson, cruise ship pianist is a great one.