My friend Betty,,,

..you remember "Joy in Our Lives"- Betty? Well, she's quite a sweetie, you know that, and for my birthday, she arranged for an Amazon gift card for me :-)


I was thrilled. Shopping without guilt..

And I purchased 2 books for Amazon..used. But nor really. Used.

Seems a lot of the times, most in fact to my experience, the "used" Amazon books are publisher's over runs or discontinued and never have been 'used' by anyone.

And what can a book be used for anyway? To hold up the missing leg of a table? To use as weight to press beautiful fall leaves? To throw at an errant lover??

Or used to expand the mind..to entertain, to enlighten, to contemplate..to enjoy.

So, even if it was used..that would be OK..

But it wasn't. And that was OK, too.

One of the books I loved, I actually bought new one on of my travels (when I traveled for work - which I don't do now..except the travel to and from work, but that doesn't really count..as you know...travel )

Jenny next door makes pies..I think I've told you that previously. If not, Jenny next door makes pies.

So I get this book that sounded good in the description on the cover. And it's everything I enjoyed...stories..family history..recipes...PIES..and great photography.

Liked it so much, I gave it to Jenny-the-pie-maker. For her to enjoy. I knew she would. She is the "pie-maker" after all...

And that felt good.no..wait...What? I gave my book away?? I just gave my book away?? What was I thinking?

Guess I was thinking that she'd enjoy it and I could just get another....and I could have..you know how those things go..

someday..or soon..or if I remember..

So, when I was in a bookstore, and remembered, whether a large chain or an independent bookstore, I would look for it...

..but it was never there...

Well, when Betty's gift came it was the beginning of a great call to action on my part. I happily logged on to Amazon and did a title search. Viola! There is was! Just as I had remembered it! Oh, it hadn't changed at all! Oh Happy Day! Stop using examination points! OK!

So I used my gift card and was able not only to buy that one, but another by the same author about...hold on...{insert goofy grin} deserts and stories. And family history. And humor. And love. And photos of beautiful, down-home deserts.


Anyway..I'm sharing the title of the books so you can get one and read great stories, see great photography, have fabulous recipes to make.

But I'm not giving you mine...after all, Betty bought it for me :-)

Thanks so much Betty! It's just what I wanted..no, seriously! It is ..
-me