I LOVE Fall

As much as I am a California girl at heart, I really love fall.  This summer, I was only able to read about half as much as I wanted to because I was always itching to be outside doing summer activities.  Now that the weather is turning, I'm looking forward to those cold and rainy days where I can curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea (or glass of wine - who are we kidding?)

I'm also looking forward to fall activities such as wine tasting in VA, pumpkin patches, hay rides and apple picking at Butler's orchard and driving though Skyline Drive.   

Does anyone else have any recommendations?

-CEH

Greetings From Houston

Hi Ladies,

As November's book club approaches, I am sad to be missing an event that was such a wonderful part of my life in Washington. At the same time, I've been enjoying settling into a new life in Houston, where I hope to find a group to continue the glorious book and wine tradition. Our meetings were something I looked forward to every month.

But life goes on, and happily. Damon and I our welcoming a dog into our apartment tomorrow - a 3 yr old cockapoo we found at a shelter just outside of Houston - who we've tentatively named Henry. I've been enjoying my month off before I head back to work - stopping by Target regularly because I always forget something, marveling at the 75 degree weather and sampling all kinds of Texas BBQ. I'm also trying to read some. I'm alternating at a snail's pace between Thomas Friedman's Hot, Flat and Crowded (Jessica - I'd be interested to hear your thoughts; my mom raved about it, but I'm much much much more circumspect), The Mystery of Capital by Hernando DeSoto (a fascinating read for anyone interested in property rights and how they are integral to the foundation of capitalism and the developed world), and Suite Francaise.

My best to everyone, and welcome back Ann-Robin! I am sad I didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye. You set the standard for hostessing with that first book club, and I will forever be in awe. :) Happy November!

As Gossip Girl would say . . .

XOXO,
Emily

Free Dunkin Donuts

Emily Post Biography

Check out this review of the Emily Post biography by Laura Claridge in Slate, here.   I submit this for consideration for our next book club!

Twilight Series

Perhaps the first "from the road post?"  I am in Sioux City, Iowa (working on an unnamed campaign).  I just have to tell you that I have torn through the first three books in the Twilight series (yes, the vampire series...soon to be a major motion picture!), thanks Emily for including the first book in your white elephant book game!  If you are looking for anything to read (besides November's book) I would recommend them.  Luckily there is a Barnes and Nobles across the street from the campaign office, so I am going to run over there tonight at grab the final book in the series.    

Oh, and remember to vote on Tuesday, November 4th.  R, D, I, G, or L, just get out and be a part of the process.  

Read, Drink, Eat: Quotes to Know Us By

1. "It's like porn to me." - Emily (in reference to Garner's Modern American Usage)
2. "I've loved you since you used 'vapid' in a sentence." - Unknown (I forgot to write down the name of the lady who professed this and to whom she was referring)
3. "Do you see how all of our least-liked English words have a common theme?" - Corinne (referring to the somewhat sexual nature of our list of most disliked words)

Kindle Me a Story

Per a side conversation Emily and I had, I did want to make sure you all have seen this, the Amazon Kindle. It is SO SO cool. Two weeks ago I was home in California and my Mom couldn't stop from following me into the bathroom to show me her new toy, TMI? So, if any of you are putting together your wish list for the upcoming holiday's, check it out.

P.S. My Mom is coming to D.C. for Thanksgiving, I know she would be happy to give a short tutorial. After all she is a librarian.

Happy Friday!