I have always loved reading short stories. In the past, magazines all published short stories in every months edition. Now the only publication of note that always publishes short fiction is Commentary. Over the years I have read many many short stories written by Irish writers, and have always thought them of high interest. They tell a good tale. I am now reading a re-printing of an anthology "Classic Irish Short Stories", compiled by Frank O'Connor, who died in 1966, so this book is not new. But they are wonderful stories and worth reading again. I also just discovered that Elizabeth Bowen is considered Irish when I always thought her an English writer.
I thoroughly enjoyed the biography of John Adams. I always knew him and his contributions to the country but I never knew much about him in detail. Now I could bore you with the details!!. I also read a piece by Bill Bryson on Shakespears, telling everything known about the man. Clearly, the book was not long as not much is known. As usual, Bill Bryson is interesting and entertaining. I am also in the midst of a book about Mathematics by Alex Bellos, called "Here's Looking at Euclid". It is fascinating, but I turn to the Irish stories for real enjoyment and fun.
I still have two books in my Kindle, but I am afraid it must await another long quiet time. When we return home I will have magazines to read and objects to organize, so reading will wait. I will be ready.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
February 27, 2011. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Facebook.
My friends from work have told me that I need to be on Facebook. I have resisted, until now. Our friend Ann Smith, who is an artist, sent us an urgent directive for us all to join Facebook. Ken looked up her facebook page, and he joined. Next he joined me up too. But he has not taught me how to use it. When I am in Bethesda, I will ask my friend Sarah T. to get me up to speed. She is more patient.
The problem with the whole concept is that it is so public. I have always wanted my friends somewhat selective. Now in the modern world, people have hundreds of 'Friends' on their Facebook, thus rendering the term 'friends' redundant or obsolete. Certainly a different term for friends than I ever thought. But I must be modern and join the real world. Now I must figure out how to use it for my own ends. I thought that by writing my blog I could allow my friends and relatives to catch up with our travels, as well as providing information for the granddaughters. But it is not enough. Now I must be on Facebook, and must update it too. Poor me. Too soon old and too late smart. That's me.
The problem with the whole concept is that it is so public. I have always wanted my friends somewhat selective. Now in the modern world, people have hundreds of 'Friends' on their Facebook, thus rendering the term 'friends' redundant or obsolete. Certainly a different term for friends than I ever thought. But I must be modern and join the real world. Now I must figure out how to use it for my own ends. I thought that by writing my blog I could allow my friends and relatives to catch up with our travels, as well as providing information for the granddaughters. But it is not enough. Now I must be on Facebook, and must update it too. Poor me. Too soon old and too late smart. That's me.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
February 26, 2011. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Walking.
The other morning, after breakfast, Gill, Ken and I decided to walk on the beach. I am not in love with walking on the beach but out we went, with the understanding that we would walk as far as we could, then turn around and come back. We headed north, looking at everything we found along the way. Lo and behold, we arrived at Bucerias. It took us almost three hours to get there, meandering as we went, so we were hungry.
Fortunately, we know many restaurants and we went directly to Karen's, a lovely spot right along the beach. It was also the first restaurant you come to in the walk into Bucerias. The food was excellent as was the cerveza. Gill decided to walk home along the beach while Ken and I took a taxi. It took Gill 90 minutes to get home.
Every day has a march past on the beach in both directions. People march up and down, always in bare feet and always in bathing suits. It is fun to just sit and watch as they march by. One thing for sure is obvious. Thin is better!!
Fortunately, we know many restaurants and we went directly to Karen's, a lovely spot right along the beach. It was also the first restaurant you come to in the walk into Bucerias. The food was excellent as was the cerveza. Gill decided to walk home along the beach while Ken and I took a taxi. It took Gill 90 minutes to get home.
Every day has a march past on the beach in both directions. People march up and down, always in bare feet and always in bathing suits. It is fun to just sit and watch as they march by. One thing for sure is obvious. Thin is better!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
February 25, 2011. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Puerto Vallarta.
It really is a charming old town, complete with cobble stones and very narrow streets. After walking the length of The Malecon (boardwalk), and inspecting all the sculptures, Gill, Ken and I ambled up along the river, looking at the objects for sale in the little shops. When weary, we stopped for coffee and brushetta at the River Cafe, except Gill drank a margarita.
Next we walked right up a side street, straight up the hill, which was very steep. I hate edges, but I managed to walk up these steep steps with no railing by keeping my focus on the wall, not the edge. Amazing I could do it. We finally decided to walk no further up the hill but to walk along the top. Finally, Gill asked where we were going, and a nice lady asked if we were lost. She finally told us about a little Tappas restaurant where we ended up having lunch. Great food but it took us two hours.
The Galleries are interesting in Vallarta, and the three of us found some good ones. Finally, we grabbed a cab back to our home in Nuevo Vallarta, and ended our day drinking margaritas on the beach and looking out to sea. It was a grand day in Puerto Vallarta, but we were all happy to be home.
Next we walked right up a side street, straight up the hill, which was very steep. I hate edges, but I managed to walk up these steep steps with no railing by keeping my focus on the wall, not the edge. Amazing I could do it. We finally decided to walk no further up the hill but to walk along the top. Finally, Gill asked where we were going, and a nice lady asked if we were lost. She finally told us about a little Tappas restaurant where we ended up having lunch. Great food but it took us two hours.
The Galleries are interesting in Vallarta, and the three of us found some good ones. Finally, we grabbed a cab back to our home in Nuevo Vallarta, and ended our day drinking margaritas on the beach and looking out to sea. It was a grand day in Puerto Vallarta, but we were all happy to be home.
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