It’s early morning on the river. July 11th. The day of our fantasy book party. The sun has just come up, and a mist hangs over the water. As I boil water for tea, I hear the low rumble of boats on the river. Then a few quiet thumps and some shouted instructions as they tie up to our neighbour’s dock. All except one boat. I can see out the kitchen window that this one nudges ashore at our waterfront. Hubby grabs the ropes that are thrown to him and secures them to a couple of trees. A gangplank slides out from the boat to our front lawn. Hubby goes aboard, and I hear him chatting with the man on board. Followed by the whine of an outboard motor, and then silence.
“All set, Suz,” Hubby says a few minutes later when he comes back inside. I smile as I drink my morning tea, and wait for the other pieces of the book party puzzle to fall into place.
Meanwhile, across Canada and around the world, other women stretch, drink their coffee (or tea), and pull clothes from their closets. Pants, or a skirt, shorts or a dress? These decisions must be made.
Then, suitably dressed and coiffed, leagues of women grab their hat and bag and book and head out the door. Okay… maybe not leagues… but lots. Many pull their now ubiquitous face mask from their bag and toss it onto the counter before they leave. “No need for that thing where I’m going today,” they grin. Then they hop aboard the free one-hour from anywhere to Ottawa flight, accept a glass of champagne from the handsome steward, and settle back in their seats.
Today is the day of the big backyard book party at my house. We’ve been declared a covid-free zone for the next 48 hours and we plan to make those hours count. As I step out of the shower, and towel dry my hair, I hear car doors slam. Louise and Chloe are here to help Hubby with the food. Then amidst the clinking of plates and glasses, and ice being dumped into tubs, Louise shouts, “Where do you want the wine, Ms. B?”
Louise is a former student and so is her sister Chloe. They both work at the Black Dog Bistro here in Manotick. As a special favour Dot, the owner, has given me my pick of the wait staff for my big do. I love these girls, both of them so feisty and entertaining. I think that they will get along with my readers just fine. They may even get involved in the book discussion. Especially when Louise sees the book I’ve chosen.
By noon, I too am coiffed and dressed. And so excited for everyone to arrive. I’m wearing my navy Rag and Bone “Luna” dress, bought in 2016. And a pair of sandals from Michael Kors that I picked up last year at an end of summer sale for 60% off and forgot I had. What a lovely surprise they were!
Hubby, with help from Louise and Chloe, has set up the extra chairs, shade umbrellas, and small tables that we ordered. The girls have trays of nibbles ready, the wine and soft drinks are chilling, Hubby has warmed up the barbeques. We’re ready.
Cars begin to arrive. Wendy from York and Ann, my high school friend who now lives in Florida, have met as they strolled up the driveway. They are both flower gardeners, so they have lots to talk about. Ann has launched her own jewellery business in the last few years, but you’ll learn more about that later.
Wendy 
Ann
Next I see Ellen from the Netherlands. She told me that she’s happy to have a chance to wear her Marimekko dress. It looks lovely, Ellen. You may want to kick off those fabulous Robert Clergerie shoes before the day is done, though. Elaine is here from Alberta. She’s parked her bag and evening cover up and is ready for refreshments and book talk. Me too, Elaine. I hope that Chris is able to make it, but she might be late. She’s in windy Brittany at the moment checking out the setting of the book she’s bringing, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Ellen 
Chris 
Elaine
So many friends old and new now stand in my backyard. “This is amazing!” I gush to Hubby. “Yep,” he smiles and goes back to the barbeque. Louise and Chloe circulate with drinks and small morsels of delicious things that Dot has whipped up for us. I grab a glass of red wine, and move from group to group. We’ll take a few minutes to get acquainted before we start the serious book talk.
We are eclectic readers, that’s for sure. Classic books, recent publications, fiction, non-fiction. Like me, Heather is a Jane Austen fan. Lately I’m reliving Austen’s books by listening to them. There’s nothing like a great narrator to make the characters come alive. Frances T has brought one of my big favourites from the past few years. Kate Atkinson’s A God in Ruins. Like Frances, this book blew me away. I’ve never read Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, but Mary says that Didion’s beautiful memoir has stayed with her for years.
Heather 
Frances T 
Mary
I’m so happy that my friend Nancy, with whom I worked for many years, and my friend Frances have finally met. Frances has been an advocate and practitioner of social justice education for decades. She is bringing two of her favourite books by Canadian indigenous writers. Eden Robinson’s Monkey Beach. And Thomas King’s Medicine River which she first read many years ago, and taught numerous times to her university students. She says this book has a wonderful knack of teaching about “systemic racism without proselytizing.” I know that Nancy will have read both books. She used to be a consultant for our school board, specialising in Indigenous Education. And her husband, Don, is indigenous.
Nancy has brought along the most recent book by award-winning Jamaican writer Marlon James. Black Leopard Red Wolf is compelling, but a hard read, she says. Nancy wants to hear what others have to say about Marlon James, and if anyone else here has read him, I’d lay money on it being Frances. I want to be sure to listen in on their conversation.
Nancy 
Frances from Materfamilias Writes
Ah, I see my good friend Marina is looking cool and lovely today. She’s brought My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, which I know many of you have loved as well. Lucky Marina gets to read so many more books than I do, being fluent in French and Arabic, as well as English. I tell Louise to hurry up and fill Marina’s empty glass. Liz has brought along a book that is unfamiliar to me. She tells us that Joyce Carol Oates once called The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow her country’s “most unpretentious American masterpiece.” Wow. I should probably read this.
Marina 
Liz
Soon, carrying our drinks, we move off into small groups, to the chairs arranged in groups of four or five. We’ll chat for a few minutes, then move to a new grouping. That way we get to talk to so many more people. After a few moves we will just chat where and with whom we want. Books which have been brought to be shared will be left on a table to be picked up by new owners at the end of the afternoon.
I first thought about bringing To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Scrounged from my grandmother’s book closet when I was about twelve or thirteen, this was one of the first books I read with adult themes, and it taught me many things. About the cruelty of racism, but also about loneliness, and the importance of kindness, and justice. I was lucky enough to be able to teach this book to my grade nine English classes for years. I know that many educators frown on teaching this novel today. Written by a white woman with a white man as the hero, it’s much better to teach anti-racism using a book by a black author. I get that. But that does not diminish the effect this book had on me as a child.
I decided instead to bring Mercy Among the Children by David Adams Richards. Adams Richards grew up in New Brunswick and attended the same university I did. The first book I read by him was For Those Who Hunt the Wounded Down. This book absorbed me, and angered me, and made me smile. Adams Richards writes about the social underclass much of the time. Poor working class New Brunswickers trying to scrape by however they can, sometimes by not entirely legal means. My first reaction to his writing is that I knew, know, and have known all my life, the characters in his books. They were my neighbours and friends growing up in rural New Brunswick.
But the best thing about Adam’s Richard’s works, including Mercy Among the Children, is that they are always about the value of mercy and kindness. And that we can find heroes in unexpected places. He takes people who have not had a chance in this world and imbues them with heroic characteristics. And I love that.
I used to suggest Mercy Among the Children to my grade twelves to read for their independent book study. That’s where Louise comes into the story. She adored this book. Was captivated by it. And as a student, she told me in no uncertain terms that “if the kid dies in the end” she was going to be “totally pissed” at me. Ha. That’s still one of my fondest teaching memories.
Once I stop talking about my book, I move to another group and listen to Annie speak enthusiastically about her favourite book, one she rereads every few years. Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, she says, cannot be beat for “pure merriment.” Pat from Toledo has a fondness for classic fiction as well. Pat brought her copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to pass on to a new reader.
I notice that Wendy and my sister Connie are discussing the value of the books we read as children. Wendy says that Jean Plaidy’s historical biographies which she read when she was young inspired her life-long love of history. Connie has brought her copy of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry which she thinks we might all do well to read again in these dark days.
Gosh, I love to listen to book party talk, don’t you? More wine anyone? I’ve taken up the bottle of red that Louise abandoned. She’s off in one of the groups extolling the virtues of David Adams Richards. I told you she’d want to get stuck into the book chat.
Moving about with bottles of wine is a great excuse to listen in. Elaine tells her group about A Good Wife:Escaping the Life I Never Chose by Samra Zafar, who escaped her abusive marriage to become a human rights activist. And Julie is describing Alice Hoffman’s new book The World That We Knew, set in Nazi occupied France.
Meanwhile in another group, Christine smiles as she explains about Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson. An epistolary novel consisting of the letters between a male museum curator in Denmark and a female farmer in Britain. Christine says the book surprised her. “You have to love a book that is so much more than what you expected,” she says. Ali nods her agreement, and says she loves books that make her want to go places. Like A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle which inspired her subsequent and ongoing love affair with France. Ellen explains that she brought De Avonden (The Evenings) by Gerard Reve which she has read and reread. And because she couldn’t pick just one she also brought The Waves by Virginia Woolf. There are so many great books, it’s hard to pick just one. Everyone laughs and agrees.
And everyone agrees when Hubby announces that it’s high time we ate lunch. Louise and Chloe have set up a buffet in the sunroom. Salads and more salads from The Black Dog Bistro. Plates of raw veggies. Slices of Hubby’s barbequed Asian pork tenderloin, and lemon chicken. Homemade bread and rolls of every kind, including gluten-free. Then pots of tea and coffee. And dessert: fresh strawberries, of course, from Miller’s Farm just up the road. Raspberry, vanilla, or chocolate gelato. Tiny gluten-free brownies. And small slices of coconut cream pie and sticky toffee pudding from Black Dog.
We stop talking long enough to eat. Then as many refresh their plates, refill glasses, and sit back down again, the talking resumes. So much to say, so little time. When the last teacup has been drained, and we sit back in our chairs, replete with sunshine, good food, and good conversation, I stand up.
“Okay, ladies, I don’t know if you noticed all those luxury houseboats tied up at our neighbours’ docks.” I point up river to the adjoining properties. There are eight along each dock. They’re tied together, with walkways in between the boats. “These are your accommodation for the night, generously donated by a lovely company that runs cruises down on Big Rideau Lake. I know! Cool, eh?
“Now, in a minute I want you to grab your overnight bag, and go pick out a room, freshen up if you like, each room has ensuite facilities, and then decide what you want to do for the rest of the afternoon. But before you run off, I want to tell you what we’ve planned for the next couple of hours.
“First, Liz is here. Of course she is. And she’s brought with her a sweet little selection of items from the Nordstrom Summer Sale. A capsule collection of her favourite pieces. Three styles of jeans, three styles of dresses, a couple of different summer sweaters, tees, and a few styles of sandals, in multiple sizes. And my friend Ann has brought along some of her jewellery which she’s happy to show you. All this will take place on the boat that’s moored at the end of our lawn. Liz and Ann have all the pieces set out, and a couple of dressing rooms set up as well. They’ll be ready for you in a half hour. But first they need to find their rooms too.
“If you don’t want to shop, my friend Marina’s husband has arrived with their pontoon boat,” we all look as Bernie waves from the boat. “He and Marina are happy to take anyone who wants to go on a boat ride up the river and along the Rideau Canal to the locks at Burritt’s Rapids. There will be a guide at the locks to talk about the history of the Rideau Canal. Bernie is well supplied with a cooler of soft drinks if you get hot. And he’s happy to stop for anyone who wants to go for a dip. There are a selection of swimsuits on each houseboat and if you find one you like you’re welcome to borrow it.
“Or you can hang out here. Chat or take a nap. Take one of the canoes for a paddle. Persuade Hubby to take you on a tour of his vegetable garden. Or just kick back in your room with a book and a cup of tea. There are tea and coffee making facilities on each boat, and lots and lots of leftover treats. The books that are being shared will be on the tables on the deck if you want to browse through them. Plan to be back here for eight o’clock, dressed down, and with a sweater or shawl, since the temperature will be cooler this evening.”
Groups of friends, for that’s what we are now, rise from their seats. Everyone helps Chloe and Louise gather up the crockery and glasses and tea cups, and then saunters across the lawn to inspect the accommodation. I join them, for I’ve never even been on a house boat. And I’m abandoning Hubby for the night to join everyone else on board.
Soon, Bernie and Marina chug away from shore with a group who are interested in the history of the Rideau Canal, or who just want to go for a ride and a swim. From the boat moored to our waterfront, I hear Liz and Ann talking about fashion, and laughing, with another group. A few ladies go off in search of Hubby to arrange for the canoes or to take a peek at his squash crop. I head inside to make sure the plans for this evening are in place, and to take a nap.
By seven-thirty, Hubby and I have napped, showered, and changed clothes. I’ve swapped my dress for my Frame high-rise, straight-leg jeans, and my sleeveless “muscle shirt” from Vince. Similar here at Everlane. I’ll throw my Vince navy cashmere sweater around my shoulders, or even pull it on, if it gets cool.
Then, a refrigerated van pulls into the driveway. At last. The step-son of a hockey buddy of Hubby’s, who owns a popular local fish store and restaurant, has arranged for a special shipment from New Brunswick for our party. From Shediac, “the lobster capital of the world.” Plus two very capable young men to unload, set up the ginormous lobster pot, and shuck and boil the corn on the cob. They’ll also arrange the tables of potato salad, rolls, green salad, butter, fresh lemon, and the rest of the accompaniments. We’re having a good old-fashioned, down-east lobster and corn boil.
Louise is back for the evening shift, although not Chloe who has a toddler at home. Louise and I replenish the wine in tubs of fresh ice, load one up with beer, and one with soft drinks. My sister Connie helps. I laugh and say, “It’s just like old times.” When Hubby and I had our wedding at home, Connie helped me clean house the day before the wedding. And the morning after served us morning tea in the honeymoon suite in the backyard, aka our tent. Ha. Sisterly duty strikes again.
Soon everyone else has gathered, helping themselves to wine or beer or whatever. “No serving tonight,” I tell Louise. “Help yourself and have fun.”
We swap stories of our afternoon adventures. Some are wearing a new pair of jeans or a tee shirt they didn’t own yesterday. Is that one of Ann’s pendants I spy on Wendy?
We eat salad, and fresh homemade rolls, and corn on the cob with butter. The boys call out that the lobster is ready. Those who are partaking get in line. Then Hubby gives a lesson in how to crack a lobster for the uninitiated. Everyone tucks in and great hilarity ensues. This is not as easy as it looks. Hubby is up and down helping ladies to crack claws, and open tails. Finally he quips, “Okay, ladies, you’re on your own from now on. A man could starve around here.” The boys from Shediac step in to assist.
I see that John and Jan Purcell have arrived and are enjoying their own lobster. John is a hockey buddy of Hubby’s. His wife Jan plays the fiddle, and John, the guitar. They are amazing blues and country singers. They used to tour the summer musical festivals all over, and are a fixture at hockey parties. You can’t have a downeast lobster boil without fiddle music.
The sun has set, although it’s still light out. Hubby goes off to light the bonfire and Jan and John set up their equipment on the deck. The boys from Shediac have eaten, packed up their truck, and headed off for home. It will be a long drive for them through the night. I invited them to stay, but they demurred. I guess a party of book-loving middle-aged ladies is not their jam. Ha.
But it is our jam, isn’t it ladies?
As I settle down with a glass of wine to listen to Jan sing, I look around and smile at all my friends. What a day we have had. And it’s not quite over.
Later, much later, after more great music and conversation, we will retire to the houseboats. Some of us will smuggle an extra bottle or two aboard. Some will make pots of tea and coffee in the small kitchens. And we will sit out on deck in our pyjamas, with our cups and glasses in hand, chatting. Watching the fireflies flit across the river. Calling to others on the next boat. Laughing. Sharing a few more moments of togetherness, of conviviality, of freedom from all the dark things that have plagued us for so many months.
And it sure feels good. Really, really good.
I know that lots of you who weren’t mentioned in the post were here for the party. Everyone was welcome, last minute guests, spur of the moment guests. Guests who didn’t even realize they wanted to come until they started reading this post. There was lobster and a glass of wine set aside for all of you. So, be sure to let us know what book you brought in the comments and why.
I’m going to gather all the book choices together in a post later next week.
P.S. You can see Ann’s jewellery here at Blue Lark Creations on Instagram.
P.P.S. There are affiliate clothing links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking my link, I will make a commission.
55 thoughts on “Our Fantasy Backyard Book Party”
By the time I arrive, a bottle of California cab in one hand, Fleishman Is In Trouble in the other (I like to stir things up), the party is mostly over. But that’s OK. I drop my book and the bottle on your porch, for you to find in the morning, and I roll out my sleeping bag on your grass;). See you soon for a cup of tea!
Somehow missed you in the morning, Lisa . . . would have loved to chat about Fleishman Is in Trouble. My daughter lent it to me, so that while I wasn’t sure about it, in the first chapter, I kept reading — and so glad I did. Very clever, sly even, and hugely entertaining. . .
I agree with your thoughts on that book, and I would have found a spot on a boat.
Lisa… maybe you’ll lie there in your sleeping bag and hear voices and laughter coming from the water, and it will be us on the deck of the houseboats, and you’ll hasten over and join us for a nightcap.
So fun, Sue! (and so much work must have gone into the planning and writing of this post — wow!). I loved that you’re wearing the dress you wore when we met in Ottawa 4 summers ago — I was just looking at the photo of the two of us the other day, reminiscing. . . and you’re right, I’ve read Marlon James but only A Brief History of 7 Killings. Glad I got a chance to chat with Nancy about Black Leopard Red Dog and it’s added to my TBR list now (really looking forward to you posting the party book list — that should keep most of us busy through 2021 and then some!). Wish I’d had more time to chat with you about David Adams Richards — have always meant to ask you what you thought of him since I know New Brunswickers (Brunswickians?) have strong opinions on him, as much as on his writing. Also wish I’d had time to tell you how many times I heard your guests comment on how much we like your new hair! But the day went too quickly and the evening as well, so much to take in — haven’t had this much fun in months. Thank you! Now, just let me get my calendar out . . . when did you see you were hosting another? 😉
I’ve always loved Adams Richard’s work. But I wonder if other New Brunswickers might think he paints a somewhat dark picture of his fellow herring-chokers. 🙂
Hi Sue, thank you so much for arranging such a wonderful party. I had so much fun. Everything was perfect … the “ icing on the cake” being able to sleep out on a boat on the river … such a perfect sunset. Unfortunately I missed the sunrise!
Apologies that my acceptance letter (email) didn’t arrive … I wondered if there’d been a glitch when it didn’t appear in my sent folder ☹️ Luckily, … ever the organised and thoughtful hostess, you’d arranged extra boats just in case!
Rosie xx
Ah… that’s too bad about the e-mail, Rosie. Still… all were welcome, rsvp or not.
your party sounds like a blast and i am sorry i missed it. i have been in a book group but have never thought of a book party like yours. i am definitely going to hold a real one just as soon as we can. of course you are all invited although Geelong in Australia may be a tad far for most of you! thanks again for the smiles your post gave me.
A trip to Geelong sounds like just the thing. Although I’m not sure about wearing a mask for that long leg between L.A. and Sydney.
Just woken up to the lapping of the water, absolutely hangover-free and ready for a cool morning walk along the river. What fun we had! Such lovely people and all in the beautiful Canadian countryside. Your generosity was superb, and I will admit to guarding my gelato and gf brownies with a more than ladylike ferocity. Now I have lots of book recommendations plus meeting some old books again along the way. A day which the Pickwickians themselves would have relished with many a view-halloo! I have the diary to hand and, like Frances, am poised to write down the date of the next meet-up.
Amazing, eh? How no matter how much wine you drink in a fantasy you feel great the next day.
Such a lovely read Sue . You really know how to weave a tale . It feels just a little poignant in these strange times to be having this gathering but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world . Especially the Rideau trip & Stu’s garden tour . What a perfect day & I have some new books to investigate now .
PS It’s a tribute to you as a blogger that you’ve managed to encourage so many of us together here . I’m very camera shy as far as the social media world goes & never normally show my face . Nice to meet you all everyone .
I knew you’d opt for the garden tour: And I too love that everyone stepped up with their photos. It’s hard to do that the first time. Easier for me because I have more control over what goes in and what doesn’t.
It was so amusing. I woke up from a lovely sleep in, following on the first cool night in a long time, in our non air conditioned house, and read your delightful post. I promptly fell back asleep, and had the most realistic dream about attending your party. All the details you so carefully described were included in my reverie, and I had a wonderful time enjoying all the activities alongside your other guests. The rest of my day will seem quite mundane now.
Ha. So this really was your dream party after all. 🙂
You and Stu are gifted hosts. And you are a gifted storyteller. Enjoyed myself tremendously. A wonderful group of women. Thank you so much for your hospitality.
Besides Didion’s book, had wanted to bring Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart as a book that had a big impact on me when introduced to it at university 50+ years ago, but I couldn’t locate my old copy in time for the party. Must find it to reread.
Looking forward to your summation of all the guest book recommendations. Will add another stack to the TBR pile, for sure.
Again, thank you so much for the pleasure of your company.
I will for sure put Achebe’s book in my list post, Mary.
Thank you Sue! Such a wonderful party. I am so grateful to have met all the amazing women you have connected with!! Frances and I had a great chat – and I had to admit to her that I gave up half way through “A brief history of 7 killings”. I loved being able to chat about David Adams Richards as well – and I was happy to meet Louise, who I had heard about but never met. It was so nice to see Marina and Bernie again – I loved the tour up the Rideau River. Marina is looking as beautiful as ever. I had fun trying out my Arabic with her. (I am learning Arabic these days) These Covid quarantine times are feeling really heavy and hard, so it was such a wonderful respite to get away for a bit!!
I knew you and Frances would connect. I know some Arabic. Mazen taught me a couple of phrases years ago, remember? So I could use some of my more colourful expressions and no one would know what I was saying except him and Marina. 🙂
P.S. Congrats on the new job. I had no idea or I would have said before now.
Thank you, Sue! For just a little while I was transported to a wonderful setting. (A harbinger of the future we hope!) I also look forward to exploring some of these books! 🙂
You are very welcome, Lorelie. I had a ton of fun writing it.
Thank you, Sue! You and your husband really know how to throw a party! The houseboats were a magical touch. I had been toying with the idea of skipping the sleepover to visit old friends. I’m so glad I didn’t! And the book talk… Finally I could talk about the ending to “A God in Ruins” with another fan!
Frances T
I thought the houseboats were a nice touch. I’ve always wanted to stay on a houseboat. Ever since I read the Bobbsey Twins when I was a kid.
P.S. Sorry about the “initial” mix-up. I wanted to distinguish between you and the other Frances, and from your e-mail I thought “M” was the initial I should use. I’ve corrected it in the post.
No problem; I realize it may have been confusing! And yes to houseboats. In the early eighties my parents rented a houseboat in Kingston and cruised to Ottawa where we were living. My husband and I, newly married, joined them often and cycled the canal paths. They joked about looking up to see us on every bridge or at every lock station they passed.
What an amazing party! I can’t decide if you were a better hostess or a storyteller. Every little detail was fantastic! Many thanks to you, Hubby, your sister and all of your helpers! I was there, I’m sure ;), enjoying the company, the scenery and all of yummy food and wine-delicious!
Unforgettable!
Dottoressa
Thanks, Dottoressa. I knew you were around somewhere at the party. It’s so lovely to give a fantasy party… the sky is the limit.
Oh my goodness…I’m coming next time! That was story telling at its best.
I truly felt I was there!
Well done Sue!
Thanks, Robin. Hope to see you next time. 🙂
So very sorry that I didn’t come! What a great time you all had!
I’ve just finished re reading Linda Grant’s The Thoughtful Dresser, which details her love of clothes. Intermingled is the true story of Catherine Hill, who survives Auschvitz and eventually becomes a leading light in the fashion world. I loved this book, but selfishly I couldn’t give it away, and will read it yet again at some point.
Ah… The Thoughtful Dresser… one of my all time faves, and part of the reason I started the blog. You have good taste. 🙂
Very interesting. My brother dated Catherine Hill,s daughter Stefanie for a couple of years at university in the seventies. Catherine recently passed away. saw obit in the paper. I’ve ordered Linda Grant’s book and can’t wait to read it. BOOMERBROADcast.net.
You’ll love it, Lynda. I’ve raved about it in so many posts I can’t recall them all. 🙂
What a magically entertaining post- my goodness! Count me in for the next one! (And I have to say you’re hair looks so great in this post!)
Thanks, Lauren. It was so much fun to write. Felt this morning as if I really did have a party.
I had such a wonderful time! You and Stu are amazing hosts and clearly put a great deal of time and thought into making this such a memorable event. After the past few months of staying mostly at home, it was indeed a blessing to spend time chatting with like minded women and now I have several more books to add to my must read list. When I finally got to bed… oh, how how we women can talk!… lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the boat and the lapping of the water against the hull below my window, I had the best sleep I’ve had in a very long time. I join with the other gals in hoping that you’ll bring us all together again for another of your fabulous parties!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I plan to write about your party on my blog. The post (with appropriate links, of course) will appear on Friday, July 17.
Thanks, Elaine. I will check that out for sure.
Wasn’t it wonderful? We went on a three-day eco-cruise in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand one time. A small boat and only nine passengers. It was magical to fall asleep on a boat.
So sorry I missed this – I had every intention of joining and missed the deadline! That damned working for a living – life just too busy for now. Beautiful job on this.
Next time, Mary Katherine we will expect you. 🙂
Well, I feel like I just had to sneak in at the last minute and pretend I wad there- it all sounded so wonderful that I feel I had to be part of it. Wonderful story telling on your part- truly magical and heart warming. And what a lovely warm feeling of women just being together you have conjured up.
If I had been there, I would have bought Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy, my favourite for 30 years because it isn’t desperately depressing like some of his others (Tess, I’m looking at you), but also, I now live opposite what is probably the hill in Dorset that Gabriel Oak wanders in the opening chapter ‘The field he was in this morning sloped to a ridge called Norcombe Hill. Through a spur of this hill ran the highway between Emminster and Chalk-Newtonthe’ – the road he refers to is between Beaminster (pronounced Bemminster) and Maiden Newton.
Thanks again Sue, that was quite something you achieved in your writing.
Ros (Toller Porcorum, Dorset, England)
Oh thanks, Ros. I will add your book to my list post later in the week. Isn’t it wonderful to visit places that have been featured in fiction. I was enchanted by Haworth in Yorkshire, and Top Withens.
Thank you for a most wonderful time. In these trying times it was so fun to enjoy an outing with good food, good books and new friends.
Thanks so much for taking part, Heather. It’s nice for me to be able to put a face to a name.
Perfect weekend.
Glad you enjoyed it. I did too.
Sue, Thank you for our lovely book gathering. It was so much fun! It was great to meet all your friends.
I got many good ideas for books I haven’t read. And, loved seeing others love books I love. The food was amazing. I have been very homesick for lobster, so that was a delightful surprise. As a Mainer, I needed no help in shucking my lobster – I can get out every morsel!
Sleeping in a houseboat – heaven. And, I really needed some new ideas for clothes and jewelry. My wallet took a hit.
It was so good to be in a Covid-free zone, such a relief. Thank you for all the work of setting this up. I had a ball. ❤️🥰❤️
Ha. Mainers need no help with lobster, that’s for sure!
What an amazing post. And yes, I want to be at the party too! I’ll wear a polka dot dress and bring “TheNight Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. Oh, and I’ll bring some Niagara bubbly.
I’ll be sure to add that book to the list in my next book post, Sue. Thanks for the bubbly.:)
You give the best parties. Good company, good food, books and a gorgeous riverside setting. I was there in spirit.
Lilibet
Thanks, Lilibet.
You are the best Ms Burpee, I love this!! What an emotional roller coaster that book was. I found my hard copy recently and am hoping my hubby will read it. Never could a teacher inspire such an interest in the English language like you. Changed my life! Keep these fabulous pieces (and the wine) coming. What a great time 🙂
Oh, my goodness. That was a surprise. Hope you don’t mind my integrating you and Chloe into my story. Thanks for the compliment. Means a lot. Hope you and your Hubby are well and happy… and reading lots. 🙂
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