Nashville

Posted on September 23, 2026September 23, 2026 by Econogal

Recently members of our extended family gathered in Nashville for the weekend. Three generations enjoyed music, food, and horse racing at nearby Kentucky Downs. Most were veterans of attending the races, but a few experienced the excitement for the first time.

Scorching hot weather throughout the visit impacted activities to a certain extent. But plenty of options are available for those seeking relief from the sun. Furthermore, food, music, and shopping rivaled anyplace in the United States, including places such as New Orleans.

Much of the family stayed in the Gulch area of Nashville. The experience was terrific and I highly recommend the location, especially for families. The Homewood Suites was our headquarters and the new facility was top notch, especially with respect to customer service.

The Gulch is very walkable yet does not have the same vibe as Broadway. Although restaurants and bars are plentiful, the crowds are not as extensive, loud, nor quite as inebriated. Shopping areas lean retail clothing and household goods. Boutiques and national chains sit side by side. Paddywax Candle Bar offers group sessions as well as retail items. Keep this spot in mind if you want to schedule a group activity.

Just down the street, lines are often found at the Nashville What Lifts You Wings Mural. There is even a toddler sized set of wings for the photo op. Since it was the end of summer, flowers bloomed everywhere. I love shopping in areas like the Gulch.

Our first night in Nashville we ventured over to the Honky-Tonks downtown. Our destination; The Stillery. This outstanding restaurant serves great food in a relaxed atmosphere. Tyler Camp was performing that night and everyone from the toddlers to the grandparents enjoyed the experience. Fortunately, we are all in good shape because the dining area and stage were up a long flight of stairs.

The last night in Nashville offered another great meal. A short walk from the hotel The Gumbo Brothers is tucked in near The Lucchese Boot Store. The restaurant is a narrow bar in front that opens into a larger seating area at the back. Perfect for our small group. Everything was outstanding from the po’boy sandwiches and fries, to the red beans and rice and the exquisite Antoine’s Voodoo Pasta. No wonder so many of the locals hang out here.

Just up the interstate is Kentucky Downs, an all-turf racecourse for thoroughbreds. It also hosts a casino, but I’m not sure anyone wandered over there. This is a smaller track than either Churchill Downs or Keeneland and it has changed much in the last fifteen years.

The racing is European style with both left and right turns as well as hills to challenge the horses. The vibe is very friendly. The youngsters can play outside on grassy areas and get up close to the track. If you are attending on a very hot day, it is worth it to buy seats in the limited air-conditioned areas.

The younger generation gather at the rail awaiting the post parade.

The best part of the weekend was the family gathering. Even though only about twenty-five members of the family were able to attend, celebrating family connections was a strong theme. Generation Four was great to watch. The two oldest were great role models for the rest. Gen 3 was represented by six of the cousins and their spouses or significant others as appropriate. The family is so large and spread out that large gatherings are limited to weddings. So, this get together was tinged with nostalgia.

Finally, the three siblings attending see each other more regularly. But it was nice to have kids and grandkids in tow. Please enjoy the slideshow and consider adding Nashville to your vacation travel plans.

Fishbone Cinderella Book Review

Posted on September 8, 2026September 8, 2026 by Econogal

Fishbone Cinderella fascinates the reader from start to finish. Elizabeth Lim’s fairy tale for adults offers the same moral lessons found in children’s fairy tales by the Brothers’ Grimm as well as those proffered in Greek and Roman mythology. Yet Lim manages to present a modern tale with just a trace of suspension of disbelief needed.

Fishbone Cinderella is a saga of a Chinese family from the early nineteen forties through the nineteen eighties. Much happened during this time. Japanese forces during World War II plundered Mainland China and made inroads in Hong Kong. However, survival of this war only led to inner battles on the mainland as communists followed in the wake of the Japanese. This becomes the heart of the story.

Lim provides a family tree at the beginning of the book which is quite helpful. The story focuses on Ha Yut Ying, a young girl at the time of the invasion. Her relationship with her mother and paternal grandmother is superseded by her aunt and stepmother when she is sent to Hong Kong to live with her father during the Civil War. (Every fairy tale needs an evil stepmother.) Ha Yut Ying comes of age during this stage. Thus, the reader watches Ha Yut Ting, now called Helen, experience the struggles of leaving childhood behind.

Additionally, Helen must come to terms with the gift (or curse) of invisibility. Just as her mother learned the agony of foretelling the future, Helen struggles with the thought of a demon from within. Fortunately, she finds an ally in her younger stepsister Lily.

In an effort to escape Hong Kong and her misery, Yut Ying enters a marriage of convenience. Fully adopting the name Helen, she relocates to the United States with Phillip. They have three beautiful daughters. And in a pattern as old as time, she struggles in her relationship with the middle daughter. Marigold reminds Helen of Lily with both her looks and her studious ways. But Marigold also has a gift (or curse). So, she is truly her mother’s daughter. And the next generation follows the first. Will the cycle ever be broken?

August 2026 Wrap-Up

Posted on August 31, 2026August 31, 2026 by Econogal

While the triple digit heat remained in the first half of August 2026, monsoon weather grew stronger as the month passed. We have had rain almost every night for the last ten days. Quite the respite from the dry windy days. However, the amount has not been enough to erase the drought.

So, gardening (aka pulling weeds that grow out of thin air) in the mornings and quilting or reading filled the afternoons. The dog days of summer are slowly passing by. Other locations in the world have not been as lucky. Melting glaciers and flash floods have filled the headlines. Mother Nature continues to rule over man.

Another baby quilt was completed in August 2026 and yet another started. A traditional Log Cabin was made for the younger of the “Cousin Twins.” Since it had a panel for the backing, it appears to be two sided.

The new quilt is a corner Log Cabin. A twist on my favorite pattern which I have not made before. The eight blocks are complete, and I am playing with the configuration. Reds, greens and creamy yellows make a nice combination. My goal is to complete this one in time for Christmas gift giving.

Both of the fifteen-month-olds seem to like their respective quilts. The oldest received his just in time for his birthday. While one of the fabrics is key in both, they are quite distinct. I may do the same with the identical twins since it worked so well with the “Cousin Twins.”

Fantastic finds from the new release table at the public library made for great reading this month. However, I grabbed a book by a popular author on Friday to read over the weekend. Less than a quarter of the way through I put it down. She has written over 150 novels and if I have read any of them it was decades ago. The dialogue was stilted and the plot sequence was terrible. I hope these well-known New York Times best-selling authors have not resorted to using AI.

Furthermore, the publisher should be ashamed for releasing a book with so many errors. And maybe it is time to give a new author a shot. Harper Collins, I am directing this at you.

On the positive side, the end of the year list will be difficult to determine. Many new authors as well as new to me authors are writing remarkable stories. The second in the series by Alice Henderson was checked out and I like to read books in order when they are in series format. So, I found another debut novelist. My hope is for a much better experience than above.

The final days of August 2026 produced shorter days with highs in the 90s instead of the triple digit brutal heat that started the month. As we count the days down to the equinox, the trend should continue, However, a freeze on Labor Day such as in 2020 is not on the table.

Several more book reviews are already in the pipeline including the outstanding Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim. Outstanding fiction is everywhere, so I will no longer finish a book just to finish it. People do change over the course of a lifetime!

The Hope Keeper Book Review

Posted on August 28, 2026August 28, 2026 by Econogal

A glimpse of the Hope Diamond on the cover of The Hope Keeper grabbed my attention from the new release table at the library. Noted historical novelist Heather Webb creates a Gatsby-like setting as the backdrop of the novel. She successfully blends fictional characters with actual historical figures.

She also applies anthropomorphism to the diamond. A quirky twist which enhances the history of the stone. Bad luck certainly followed Evalyn McLean everywhere. Socialite McLean was the last private owner of the blue diamond.

Historical fiction is at its best when the author inserts a believable character into the actual past. Elisabeth is such a character. Daughter of a master jeweler, Elisabeth is still reeling from the death of her twin brother Julien. She boldly approaches the McLeans hoping to discover truth. Eventually she becomes part of the crowd. Evalyn McLean hires her as a personal jeweler. And a pet project.

Meanwhile, Elisabeth tries to understand her brother’s actions in the short time before his death. Her questioning skills improve along with her self-confidence. Yet, she still is vulnerable. Personal growth occurs as she sees beyond the artificial shallowness of the socialites.

I enjoyed this library checkout. The frivolousness of the McLean crowd contrasts with the hard-working individuals that keep Washington D.C. working behind the scenes. Elisabeth’s inner conflict tipping toward a productive life brings a satisfactory conclusion to the story.

Heather Webb takes a few literary licenses with the timeline of the novel. But those familiar with the curse of the Hope Diamond need not worry over exact acquisition dates. Historical fiction fans may want to own a copy. General fiction readers can look for a copy at the local library.

A Solitude of Wolverines Book Review

Posted on August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 by Econogal

A Solitude of Wolverines stood out on the new checkout table at the library. Since the Alice Henderson novel was released in 2020, one of the librarians must have discovered this author with a passion for nature. And now I have as well.

Protagonist Alex Carter is a wildlife biologist escaping Boston civilization to study wolverines on a land preserve in rural Montana. Locals greet her with mixed reactions ranging from friendly interest to outright hostility. Fiercely independent, Alex is unaware of the great danger she faces.

The story follows Alex as she places live camera traps on various parts of the mountain. One camera pictures an injured man. Then Alex comes across the individual. He is incoherent and needs help. But he disappears before she can call out a search and rescue team. Unfortunately, Alex then becomes the target. Pitting training learned from her deceased military Mom, Alex fights fer her own survival as well as the survival of others; both people and animals.

This is the first of the Alex Carter series begun in 2020. Spring of 2026 is the most recent release with Storm Warning. From what I can tell, all the books feature animals under threat from encroaching civilization and climate change. Will Henderson continue to share abundant biological information in subsequent books in the series? I will need to read another to find out. Merging scientific information with an action suspense format can be quite tricky.

Towards the latter third of the book, the action suspense takes over the long descriptions of the habits of wolverines. Overall, this was a good book, but not an easy escape into fiction. Furthermore, Henderson does not shy away from political opinion. Quite an interesting approach. Look for A Solitude of Wolverines at your local library.

Whistler Book Review

Posted on August 16, 2026August 16, 2026 by Econogal

Whistler by Ann Patchett is a heartfelt read. The title is derived by a short story within the story of a horse returning to save his mistress from death. Thus, Patchett uses parallelism throughout the novel.

Daphne Fuller reunites with a long-lost stepfather after a lifetime. Eddie Triplett and Daphne share a bond that runs deep. The divorce and her mother’s remarriage to yet another stepfather created distance between mother and oldest child. Because Daphne could not forget her love for Eddie. Nor did she understand her mom’s needs and fears. After all she was still a child. Whistler gives insight to the story behind the story.

Daphne always believed it was her fault Eddie was cast out. After all, she was in the car when it slid off the hillside. But her mom’s fear for her safety was only a minor consideration. Back together again, Eddie reveals the truth behind the separation. Furthermore, he shares his regret. Would he do things differently if given another chance? And could he really ignore his true self?

And what would Daphne change? While she regrets never giving her next stepfather a chance, she is compassionate towards her half-brothers. More importantly, she was there for her biological father when he was going through chemo. Her memories of that are interspersed with the discovery of Eddie’s closeness with the man that came before him.

Parallels abound between Daphne and Eddie. Both are childless. Both have one true love. And both missed the other.

The future also plays a part in the restoration of the relationship between Daphne and Eddie. Will they finish the story of Whistler for publication?

The overarching theme of Whistler is the interconnection of life and death, and the decisions made along the path. The importance of family and close friends is part and parcel. Patchett illustrates connectivity through her secondary characters. All are closely intwined with the two leads. For Daphne, Leda is both best friend and sister. Jonathan is Daphne’s devoted husband.

Eddie has his confusing and conflicting yet undeniable ties to his college roommate along with the roommate’s wife of 50 years. Plus, his lost friendship to his ex-wife. Will they make amends? The novel packs surprises and questions about identities and how normal incidents can greatly impact us for the rest of our lives.

June Baby Book Review

Posted on August 7, 2026August 7, 2026 by Econogal

The story begins in 2013 with Ruth being shipped off to Block Island. Her father can no longer handle her grief. Both are reeling from the death of mother and wife, Maggie. Ruth lands on the doorstep of Diana- a friend of her mother’s from a long ago summer. Author Garvey does a great job of moving between 2013 and 2023. Her protagonist is stuck in grief upon more grief with the recent death of Diana.

Ruth is one of the most complex characters one can stumble across. She tugs at your heart strings while acting outrageously. The reader has empathy. And yet…she has so much baggage.

Shannon Garvey presents a flawed heroine stuck on repeat. The summer of 2023 allows Ruth to change directions. The final pages are a bit open-ended allowing the reader to imagine the future.

I picked up the book off the new novels table at the local library. The description included Block Island, a locale never visited but often discussed during my college days. I expected an easy summer read and was rewarded with a serious novel of grief and growth. I highly recommend.

It’s Not Her Book Review

Posted on August 4, 2026August 4, 2026 by Econogal

Warning, It’s Not Her will haunt you. The 2026 release by Mary Kubica is disturbing on many levels. A page- turner filled with intense scenes as well as action, the novel joins many other contemporary tales exposing the dangers of social media and unsupervised tweens.

Dysfunctional families, unhappy marriages and the depth of friendship are all at play in this murder mystery. The writing flows and the author uses flashbacks to bring a bit of comfort and closure with respect to warring characters. But just a little bit because you can’t say your sorry once a person is dead.

Mary Kubica is a best-selling author of suspense. Since this is the first novel, I have read penned by her, I do not know if It’s Not Her is exceptional work. But I can tell you the book is haunting. Any teenager or mother of a teenager will connect with the story and the characters. Kubica captures the angst of this age group. Not quite an adult but with adult feelings and tendencies.

My greatest problem with the book is pinning all the terrible outcomes on the behavior and use of social media on the youngest family members. This is a trend I find disturbing. Fortunately, I don’t see novels of this type appealing to many in the ten to twelve year old range. (Nor would I recommend it for anyone that young.) Adults need to take responsibility for how much social media and AI youngsters are exposed to. I do believe this is Kubica’s point. And it is a disturbing one. Well worth a read.

July 2026 Wrap-Up

Posted on July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 by Econogal

July 2026 on the High Plains continued to be hot and dry. Even a dry heat is uncomfortable once you hit triple digits. As a result, the veggies in the garden struggle to survive. Stunted tomatoes and tomatillos look great compared to the eggplant and cucumbers which barely flower.

In contrast, the fruit trees and bushes ripened early and they did not taste as sweet as usual. The smaller yield became even smaller due to birds taking more than usual. The timing of the spring frosts reduced the amount of natural food in the form of chokecherries and mulberries. Both varieties produced little to no fruit.

Visiting Vancouver

Posted on July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Econogal

The heat dome is in place over the High Plains so a five-day trip visiting Vancouver revived my spirit. The occasion, attending the Zonta International biennial convention. The organization with the tagline of “Building a Better World for Women and Girls” boasts clubs in sixty-five countries across the globe.

While much of the time was spent in the convention space at the beautiful Hyatt Regency, time permitted side trips to North Vancouver, the aquarium and several outstanding restaurants in the area.

But the summer temperature is a welcome and drastic change. Instead of triple digit temperatures, Vancouver was temperate. High temperatures were in the low to mid 70s, cooling off to a low of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Only one night threatened rain, and to be honest I would have welcomed the moisture. July is the driest month in Vancouver.

The cool temperature was perfect for the Zonta Says Now walk advocating for gender-equal climate action. The walk was along the harbor and the morning glorious. Hundreds of Zontians drew the attention of residents, soccer fans and other visitors as we wore teal shirts on the 3km trek.

The Pacific Coast is synonymous with great seafood. Halibut and salmon were highlights. The best deal of the stay occurred at Riley’s Fish and Steak just a few blocks from my hotel. The first meal was halibut fish and chips for Canadian $32.00 a bargain compared to halibut dishes on the Front Range.

The restaurant offers weekday lunch specials and a Sunday Brunch menu. The food and service are outstanding. I enjoyed two meals there and would probably be a regular if a resident and not just visiting Vancouver.

Other places nearby include De Dutch on Burrards Landing, known for the pancakes. Cactus Club Café sports two locations nearby and draws large lunch crowds. For terrific views try the Top of Vancouver. The restaurant was closed to the public the night the conventioneers took over. Online ratings do not do the place justice. The buffet offered to our group was excellent. From huge shrimp to succulent salmon and for the non=seafood eaters, beef and chicken. A wide range of desserts were also provided. This restaurant was great except for the glass elevator to the top-my fear of heights had me closing my eyes both up and down.

Visiting Vancouver included a trip to the aquarium. The Stanley Park location requires transportation from the Hyatt Regency. One could easily spend the better part of a day exploring the exhibits. In addition to the indoor glass cases housing everything from jellyfish to sharks, outdoor habitats showcase the larger sea creatures. The sea lions were my favorites. I would love to take my grandkids back.

If you are looking for a cool spot to visit summer or winter, consider Vancouver.

Good Writing Book Review

Posted on July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 by Econogal

Good Writing by duo Neal Allen and Anne Lamott belongs in every writer’s personal library. Originally a check-out from the local public library, my own copy should arrive soon. That’s how much I like this book.

I struggle to read non-fiction. This self-help guide defies this generalization. Perhaps, the annotation by Anne on Neal’s 36 rules appealed to me most. Or maybe the commonsense presentation kept me turning the page. Regardless of why, Good Writing engaged this lover of fiction.

Sadly, I did not grow up learning grammar through the Shurley Method as did my youngest two offspring. So, I struggle. Seldom will I use either who or whom. The same holds for lie or lay.

Good Writing goes far beyond good grammar. The authors concentrate on sentence structure. Eliminating passive voice is the subject of Rule 3: Keep it Active. I often fail with this.

Rule 9: Question Transitions contradicts the writing skills my kids were taught in school. Back then each new paragraph started with a transition. Am I splitting hairs too much? The SEO engine also stresses transitions. So, there is a bit of confusion here.

The repartee between Neal and Anne resonated with me. (Oops, repartee may violate Rule 5-but I can’t think of a better word.) They are a couple of veteran writers first, and soul mates second. Genuine respect and care flow in their writing. And the writing is truly continuous. And yes, I am breaking so many rules. Hence the ordered book.

The higher numbered rules prove even more difficult to incorporate into my writing. I plan to try harder. Rule 26: Show Then Tell and Rule 24: Crystallize Your Dialogue challenge this struggling writer. Both chapters deserve another read.

No One Knew Book Review

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Econogal

Multiple murders are investigated as parts of two plots. The first involves a teenager. Emma Chambers discovers a body while searching for cans and bottles to collect the deposit money. Assigned to the case is Deschutes County sheriff’s detective Noelle Marshall.

Simultaneously, Max Rhodes, an FBI agent, and partner Mercy Kilpatrick receive a warning of a possible terrorist attack. Dead bodies soon follow. Eventually, the two cases merge due to forensic findings.

The author twists the plot even further providing more background into Rhodes’ character history as well as an action-packed suspenseful ending.

Catching Up: End June 2026 and Begin July 2026

Posted on July 2, 2026July 2, 2026 by Econogal

An overpacked June 2026 caught me behind and now I am catching up. The first three weekends involved out-of-state travel. Both business and pleasure encompassed the first two trips and the last was pure pleasure as we met our newest grandchild.

Squeezing chores in during the weekdays became more challenging as the month churned on. Furthermore, infrastructure improvements to the gas lines in the neighborhood filled the air with construction noises. I endured lots of beeps of backward moving equipment along with grinding engines and power tools breaking apart concrete. Hard hats knocking on doors and controlling traffic. However, once complete, peace of mind will compensate for June 2026’s distractions.

Weeds spring up daily. While raised row gardening protects the Big Garden, the side garden, back patio, front walkway rock garden and the newest garden strip are under attack. Grasses remain the primary culprit. Fireweed, goat heads and bindweed show up as well.

Two young helpers pop by from time to time as swim practice and ball games allow. They also watered on the weekends. Neither they nor their parents know that a former garden helper won the Boettcher scholarship after moving away from here. Good work habits start early.

Women in Wonderland: Lives Legends and Legacies of Yellowstone National Park Book Review

Posted on June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 by Econogal

Elizabeth A. Watry penned a collective biography released under the title Women in Wonderland: Lives, Legends, and Legacies of Yellowstone National Park. The fourteen histories focus on individuals with lasting impact on the park. Several were born in the 19^th Century and two lived into the 21^st Century. Alas none of them survive today.

Watry’s research is solid. End notes for each chapter are found at the conclusion of the book. Each chapter highlights a different heroine. All the women faced adversity either from the natural elements or the obstacles created by humans or from both.

Through the years, the reader can see the slow progress toward women’s equality. Many of the women far exceeded the accomplishments of their male counterparts just so they could work and live in Yellowstone. Each left a legacy.

The book is comprised of twelve chapters. Two of the chapters highlight a combination of relatives. The third chapter spotlights sisters Anna Trischman Pryor and Elizabeth Trischman while the fifth showcases the mother-daughter pair Willie Frances Crawford Bronner and Jean Crawford Sharpe.

Other biographies include women acknowledged as Park Rangers as well as those who had to have other titles due to discriminatory attitudes against women in the park workforce.

Backgrounds varied from businesswomen to scientists, including Margaret Mary Meagher (1935-2023) recognized as the first female PhD. in wildlife biology to work for the National Park Service. Her seminal work on bison assured her renown long after her retirement from Yellowstone.

Biographies presented: Emma Carpenter Cowan, Martha Shipley Culver, Ida Christine Carlson Eagle, Beulah Brown Sanborn, Isabel Deming Bassett Wasson, Jane Marguerite Lindsley Arnold, Frances Eva Pound Wright, Herma Geneva Albertson Baggley, Eleanor May Hamilton Povah.

Bison Grazing in the distant plain — Grazing Bison

Yellowstone National Park has evolved through the years and Watry portrays the change of the park while highlighting the women. Furthermore, much of the change is a result of the work of those women working in the wonderland of Yellowstone. Tourism has taken a back seat to preserving nature, wilderness and wildlife. Geysers, melting mud pots, waterfalls and other geological features still delight visitors. Explanations of the natural wonders stem from work and research through the years. And many of the researchers shine in the included biographies. Therefore, a focus on the natural habitat greets visitors today. We owe a great deal to the women in wonderland.

The Night We Met Book Review

Posted on June 9, 2026June 9, 2026 by Econogal

The novel repeatedly harks back to a single event of Larissa getting a ride from Mike instead of Chris. Those small decisions that cause life’s path to change. Jimenez manages to create an ending if not happy for all, at least the best for the characters. Friendship and loyalty are tested and to a certain extent succeed.

I enjoyed the book even though it is not a summer beach read. It is a romance and yet the plot does not give off a warm fuzzy feel. Alcoholism is an illness far too many suffer from. Abby Jimenez gives the reader much to ponder.

May 2026 Wrap-Up

Posted on May 31, 2026May 31, 2026 by Econogal

Decades have passed since I was last in Houston and even more years since I lived there. Early May is a nice time to visit. My goal for the trip was to help set up a nursery and wrap up storage organization after a recent move for one of my offspring. Everything was great until the final day.

A trip to a nearby quilt shop yielded two fabrics perfect for curtains in the nursery. An old-fashioned Winnie-the- Pooh allover print and a brown plaid to coordinate. The fabric was spotted within five minutes of entering. However, due to a shopper buying two yards of nearly three dozen fabrics it took over an hour of waiting before we could check out. Things went downhill from there.

Since arriving, I had looked forward to going back to one of my favorite restaurants from my days as a resident. As usual the food was great. Noise from the table behind me a little loud; they were having a fun time. But just as we were leaving someone at the table scooted their chair backwards into the server. Plates teeter-tottered and came crashing down soaking several people including me. The day ended as it began, with a failure of customer service.

After unseasonably warm weather from late February through April, May brought snow, sleet and a hard freeze. Exactly the opposite of what a gardener wants. Blooming plants froze and the ground temperature regressed below ideal. Now my peach trees, including the half plum one are dropping yellow leaves. Somehow, one still has peaches growing.

The cherry trees are a bit smarter. They did not blossom as early. But the wacky weather has red fruit in May 2026. About three weeks too soon.

Fortunately, we just had an all day drizzle that has perked up most of the plants. Much better than the usual downpours. (Although we had one of those this past week as well.)

I attempted my first audio book this month. I failed to complete it. Perhaps the local library will have it. The online order quoted over $20 for a paperback book released several years ago. Too much for me.

Naturally, reading was slow due to compromised vision.

However, Mary Kubicka’s It’s Not Her was just completed. It follows a trend I am uncomfortable with. Tweens misuse of social media or AI leading to death. Culpability By Brice Holsinger was my first encounter. Unlike Holsinger’s early disclosure, Kubicka’s story retains the suspense. So, the book was nearly finished before this reader figured out the triggering event of the Tweens. I have yet to finish Culpability.

I am very disturbed by this trend of blaming actions by children for deaths; accidents or murders. Is this truly a reflection of society? A subtle indictment on modern parenting? Surely alternative plotting exists.

The Expectant Detectives Book Review

Posted on May 25, 2026May 25, 2026 by Econogal

The diverse group of expectant women are split between those new to the community and those native to the area. Their search for the murderer is complicated by events that happened in the distant past. And the bonds formed among the group are strong.

Ailes successfully develops each character. The wide range of personalities adds to the story and brings realism to the novel. This provides room for the surprises at the end of the book. It also gives readers multiple characters to defend.

The Gardeners’ Club

Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by Econogal

Mid-life crisis abounds in the story. Multiple characters are trapped in careers they dislike. The retirees are searching for ways to stay meaningful. And the youngsters, they, are uncertain in which direction to strike out. All are searching for answers.

Winning a coveted gardening competition depends on solving the murders. And the competition prize may be the answer for all the members of the gardeners’ club.

As the key character, Gill’s growth is most notable. Particularly in how she relates to those around her. The transition from an individual seeking help to make daily decisions to one that knows what she wants is uplifting. Furthermore, after many years of identifying primarily as a widow she begins living life again.

You Belong Here Book Review

Posted on May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 by Econogal

The cover of You Belong Here has an almost hidden “Don’t” between the first two words of the title. This mirrored my thoughts on the Megan Miranda title. As I was reading the book I felt like the title and the book didn’t quite match. However, the ending gives deeper meaning. In fact, the entire book is loaded with many layers.

On the surface the novel is an intense drama filled with missing persons and murder. Then, family dynamics come to the forefront. Especially parent/child relationships. But other forces are also at work. Anyone with experience of living in a college town understands the complex nature of the town/gown relationship. You Belong Here has all of this.

Beckett Bowery is a single mom dropping her only child, Delilah, off at college when the story opens. Beckett, named for one of the buildings at the college Delilah will attend has a difficult relationship with her parents and a decent relationship with Trevor, Delilah’s father. Mother and child are close but not without secrets.

Unbeknownst to Beckett, Delilah had applied to the same college her grandparents had taught at and her own mother had attended. Beckett never shared why she distanced herself both from her parents and her hometown. This resulted in a forbidden attraction for Delilah.

Megan Miranda has written an intense suspenseful novel with incredible depth. The surface story captures the reader with action. But it is the under story that captures the reader’s thoughts long after finishing the book. Relationships between parents and their children are complex. Reactions have consequences far after the event. And life can change not only from a single event, but even a single (re)action or a misplaced comment.

Miranda is a top selling author for a reason. I highly recommend this book.

April 2026 Wrap-Up

Posted on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by Econogal

Cold Frame containing tomato and lettuce plants. — Cold Frame

I have two varieties of peaches in the side yard. The free-stone type takes longer to bud out. This is actually beneficial since once again the younger, cling-stone tree blossomed out before one of the final cold snaps. Last year the same thing happened and only about six peaches were harvested from it. This year, I predict even fewer. On the other hand, my Elberta is loaded with small fruit. Thus, it will need thinning in May.

The cold frame I purchased last summer from a neighbor who moved out of town is a great addition. All the garden plants spent several days and nights in the unit before transplanting.

This year the oak tree once again leafed out in late April. My May schedule is so crazy I planted most of the garden early. Only eggplants, melons and a few peppers remain in the cold frame. The inside seed starts are complete.

Dating After the End of the World Book Review

Posted on April 27, 2026April 27, 2026 by Econogal

Dating After The End Of The World opens up with a young Casey Pearson struggling with the doomsday prepping task of building a perimeter fence with her off-the-wall prepper dad. She hates the work and harbors bitterness for her dad and more so for the kids that torment her at school over the family lifestyle.

Flash forward sixteen years and Casey is bantering with her fiancé Nate Warner as the pair of doctors begin making rounds at a city hospital during an influenza outbreak. But this is not the regular flu and patients are biting everyone in sight. Zombies are here.

The pair escape the hospital only to be separated weeks later. Casey does the only thing she can and heads home.

Last Train to Paradise Book Review

Posted on April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 by Econogal

If Last Train to Paradise existed during my school days, I am sure the Les Standiford history would have been required reading. However, the text was not published until the early 21^st Century. Thus, the non-fiction account was an option. And a very good one for history buffs and others.

The Last Train to Paradise is more than a biography of Henry Flagler. The book chronicles his life and work. But at heart, the writing conjures the trials and tribulations of building the Florida East Coast Railway. A feat most said was not possible, indeed only a folly.

Les Standiford writes both fiction and non-fiction. This gives Last Train to Paradise an edge in literary circles because the writing is engaging even though it is at core factual history. Standiford catches the reader from the start with a snippet on Ernest Hemingway as the Hurricane of 1935 approaches. Then he dives into a deep history of Henry Flagler.

This roundabout approach works. The reader knows a catastrophe is on the horizon. The writer is up to the task of both entertaining and positing the inevitable outcome of building a railway over the open sea. Last Train to Paradise captures the reader.

For readers unfamiliar with Henry Flagler, the author does an outstanding job from a biographical viewpoint. Flagler made the choice to develop the Atlantic Coast of Florida instead of remaining actively involved with Standard Oil. The development of cities, hotels and railway lines used up much of Flagler’s oil fortune.

So, while J.D. Rockefeller remains a recognizable name, outside of Florida, Flagler is not as well known. Fortunately for history buffs, historians such as Les Standiford are preserving the past.

The details of the Florida East Coast Railway construction are preserved in books such as Last Train to Paradise as well as museums and other writings. Visitors to the Florida Keys can see remnants of the passageway. Those vacationers driving to Key West will have the best understanding of the magnitude of the task of building the railway.

Family Drama Book Review

Posted on April 9, 2026April 9, 2026 by Econogal

The current story focuses on the motherless twins growing up to adulthood. Viola and Sebastion differ in personalities as well as in memories of their mother. Viola is serious and scholarly like her father even though her looks resemble her mother. Sebastion is far more artsy and hates to study. Plus, he is obsessed with Susan the actress.

Fallon’s plot is intriguing, if a bit unsettling. Young Viola falls in love with her mother’s co-star when she meets him at the funeral. And again, many years later as a college student in England. Their relationship is troubling until the author unravels the plot.

Meanwhile, Sebastian continues his rebellion against their father. He is unwilling to accept a replacement for his mother even though her death occurred fifteen years prior. Fortunately, Sebastian learns to channel his anger into art.

The distancing between the twins as they mature is blamed by both on their mother’s premature death. Yet, they are also accountable.

March 2026 Wrap-Up

Posted on March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 by Econogal

Artichoke after overwintering with green leaves — Artichoke

The wacky weather on the High Plains brought warmer than usual temperatures during March 2026. We have been cutting asparagus for a week now. They popped up before any spring rains. But the highlight of the garden was the survival of at least one of the artichokes. The very mild winter most likely contributed to that. So, I will be harvesting artichokes for the first time.

Multiple seeds are growing into seedlings either under the lights in the basement or in the cold frame outside. Patience now comes into play. The old oak tree shows little sign of leafing out yet. As long-time readers know, I rely on Mother Nature’s signs to start transplanting into the ground.

Key West Adventures

Posted on March 30, 2026March 30, 2026 by Econogal

Ernest Hemingway lived on the island for a short but productive time of his life. Nearly seventy percent of his books were written in this almost decade from 1928 to 1939. He bought a house that was built by Asa Tift. (It would be interesting to learn more about the Tift and the house he built in the mid-1850s.) Then his wife, Pauline, oversaw the addition of a beautiful pool.

The house is now a museum, a home for a plethora of cats and a tiny bit of a tourist trap. There were too many people on the grounds to linger for the hours I could have spent there. The one guide I listened to briefly needed better training. We learned more from the signage of the displays and those in various locations on the grounds.

The architecture and structural soundness of the house is amazing. The exterior stone wall built for Hemingway’s privacy may add protection from the many tropical storms and hurricanes that have passed through Key West.

Writing room of Earnest Hemingway — Hemingway’s Writer’s Retreat

Ct sleeping on a white bedspread in the Hemingway Museum — Cats Rule the Museum

Cat standing at the check-out at Hemingway Museum Gift Shop — Cat manning the cashier spot in gift shop

The main adventure excursion was a boat trip to the coral reefs off the coast of Key West. The babies and I enjoyed the boat ride. The three-year old bravely attempted the water a couple of times and the older kids and adults loved the activity even though the waters are still a bit cool. We used Sunset Water Sports and felt they earned their fee.

Dolphins and fish were spotted. The reefs were close to the surface, and we chose the calmest of the two days to venture out. Veteran snorkelers may prefer an alternative as the time in the water is short. Also, multiple boats were at the site.

House front decorated for Easter — Vibes similar to New Orleans

Duval Street is the hub of tourist activity. Multiple restaurants, art galleries and gift shops line the similar, but not the same as Bourbon Street, boulevard. The spring break crowds made the atmosphere lively but there was plenty of room for strolling on the sidewalks.

The weekend we were in Key West was seasonal to a bit on the cool side. Highs in the upper 70s. Veteran Floridians wore light jackets in the evenings but northerners went without. Ubers were plentiful and shuttles were also available during the day.

Groups of twelve make it tough to find a table. But we succeeded. Our first night we dined at The Waterfront Brewery…an arcade, restaurant and bar rolled into one. Loud and entertaining for the kids. So, I did not expect fantastic food as well. But the meal was the best of the trip. Fresh scallops and shrimp atop a mouth-watering risotto. If we stayed more than two days this would be a repeat dining option.

Since not everyone in the group partakes in breakfast, we ate in smaller numbers. While I enjoyed a healthy breakfast at the Parrot Key Hotel and Villas, (more later) my favorite breakfast was a local spot within walking distance of our hotel.

Goldman’s Deli is in a strip center at 2796 N. Roosevelt Blvd. If you take a trip to Key West this is a fantastic place for either breakfast or lunch. The service is great and so is the food. I was even able to get an oatmeal to go for another member of the party. But bring an appetite because the servings are big.

My daughter and her family actually visited here twice! And you can of course buy a T-shirt…it is Key West after all.

A final note on our stay. As I age, I am trying to delegate more. So, the find of Parrot Key Hotel is attributed to my daughters. However, I made the arrangements, and the resort was great to work with. Everything from the pools and The Grove Restaurant attached to the main pool to the artificially created beach was perfect. The location is on the water but in a protected bay area thus the manmade beach. However, the beach feel is there, and the kids loved playing in the sand.

In my opinion, the increase in the price for these waterfront rooms was well worth it. The lower-level rooms are great for seniors. The resort comes complete with island chickens and roosters, and one can experience the sounds of Reveille and Retreat from across the water. All things I appreciated. This resort is about two miles from Duvall Street. So, perfect if you want a bit of space from the nightlife. I highly recommend this resort.

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