Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Eastern Pondhawk

On my dragonfly quest, I found this guy.  It seems I don't have to go far from home to find dragonflies.  He landed on the steps by my house.  He was a tough one to identify.  I got my ODNR dragonfly guide and searched and searched.  It wasn't until I read the various descriptions that I found a clue.  The Eastern Pondhawk is blue--but it hatches out green and changes to--starting on the abdomen (tail.)  That is what I have, here.  I searched on the internet and found pictures of them at this stage.  The next day, I saw a completely blue one out in the park, and this morning, I saw a completely green one on the outside wall of my house.  What confuses me is, why are they by my house?  There are no ponds, here.

Monday, June 19, 2017

Book Review: "The Power and the Glory" by Graham Greene

The story takes place in Mexico in the 1930s.  Religion is outlawed, and a renegade priest is being prusued across the countryside.  The priest is a "whisky priest" who is far from sinless.  Yet, he does his duty in the face of danger--just wishing he would be caught and executed--to free him from the life of danger.

This was a very well-written book--could be Greene's best.  The priest is a very well-rounded character--as are the minor roles, too.  The subject is deep and the tension is high.  The Catholic religion is a very important part of the book--but it isn't preachy or judgemental.  I was rooting for the priest's escape as well as understanding how he didn't really want to escape, anymore.  It was just his duty.

Wonderful book.

Book Review: "The House of Seven Gables" by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Mystery, unexplained deaths and drama are all in this nineteenth century novel.  An elderly spinster living in a cursed house, awaits her brother's release from prison.  A young, pretty niece shows up to liven the atmosphere--bringing some lightness to this dark drama.  Of course, that leads to some romance, but the real story is much deeper--and that is what keeps the book going.  It does drag a bit in the middle, but once you get through that, it becomes very suspenseful.  

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Book Review: "Comanche Moon" by Larry McMurtry

This is one great western.  If you liked "Lonesome Dove," you will love this one, too.  In a way, it was better.  There were all the old, familiar characters, but I knew they wouldn't die in this story--it is a prequel.  Best of all, Gus is back to life--and he is the same old Gus that he was.

The book has all the flavor of the old west.  It goes back to the years that the guys were Texas Rangers.  It fills out the backstory that we got in "Lonesome Dove," too.  The story was adventurous and interesting.  The characters, including some new ones, are true.  Overall, it was a very worthwhile book.

Garden Update

I am nearly finished with putting my garden in.  I have too many tomato plants, never enough pepper plants, 9 eggplants and beans galore.  That includes green beans, lima beans and dry beans.  I have a few ground cherries and a bunch of tomatillos.  Of course, there are lots of cukes, so zukes and a few winter squash.  It looks like I have some vlounteer pumpkins, so I will let them grow.

Most of my seeds haven't sprouted, yet, but the beans are just beginning to peek out.

I still need to add my herbs and some sunflower seeds to brighten things up.

It should be a good garden, but you never know about the weather and pestilence.  It is fun, though, and that's why I do it.