Curious

I purchased three Lantana plants in the spring: all at the same time, from the same store, with the same labels. But in the process of watering them this morning, I noticed one of the plants was not like the others. Two of the plants have wide leaves and a combination of pink and yellow blooms. The third plant has narrow leaves and its blooms are just yellow.

Yellow & Pink Blooms

Yellow Blooms

Wide leaves on the left. Narrow leaves on the right.

I Love Books

I've loved books from the moment I learned to read. 

Aside from the simple delight of reading, I'm amazed by the ability of authors to transport me to other places and times I could never visit on my own, or give me insight into those locations I was eventually fortunate enough to visit.

Novel w/great background of Irish Troubles.

This is one of the books I go back periodically and re-read.






Through books, both fiction and non-fiction, my knowledge and understanding of history, events, and time periods have been greatly expanded and the historical persons and fictional characters in those books have enriched my life.

 
Autographed books


I bought my first autographed book back in 1968. I was working at the Mercantile Bank. One day David Wade was signing his latest cook book at the Skillern's Drug Store (on the first floor of the bank building), so I bought one to give my s-n-l as a shower gift.

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Hearing an ad on the radio that Walter Cronkite signing was his book at the mall I  was passing on my way home. I parked, got in line... and waited. They announced his time was running out, but that there were 'signed book plates'. I decided to stay in line and as he was leaving he shook hands with those of us still there. He was a ubiquitous icon as I was growing up and I'm glad to have his book in my library.

Several of the autographed books I've purchased were for Bo.

The circumstances of buying 'You're Out...' were similar to Cronkite's... I happened to be going to the book store anyway and the author was there signing his book. 

 I purchased Medal of Honor and Doc

at a Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Garland 

 Senior Citizens' Center.

'Cap' was what the guys called Bo in the service.

F. Lee Bailey

The Defense Never Rests.

I have no recollection of the date, time, place or circumstances of purchasing this particular book.

I do vaguely remember meeting Mr. Bailey and shaking his hand... but that's it.

One of my favorite books

 

One of the WWII books I most treasure is a First Edition of William L. Shirer's Berlin Diary. Shirer was one of 'Morrow's Boys' who reported on happenings in Berlin shortly before the US entered the war.

There's more to tell, but no more time today.