The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

Just like the first book in this series, Flavia de Luce embarks on an adventure to solve a mystery.  Everything about her delights me.  I think it has to do with her being a little sneaky while still maintaining her goody-girl image.  The mystery in this story unfolds at a good pace, keeping you interested till the end. 

One Down!

I finished my first semester of grad school this week!  And it was just in time to join the girls on a trip to Red Rock.

Sorrel

Who would have thought that this pretty little flower called Sorrel could wreak such havic on my body?! The locals here boil it to a concentrate, then add ginger, spices, and sugar to make an iced drink aka sorrel juice.  When I tried it for the first time Friday night I certainly didn't know that I would have a severe allergy to it.  By Saturday morning I'd broken out into big red hives all over my body.  I took benadryl, claritan, and tried all the anti-itch creams I could find.  Nothing worked.  By Sunday, Chris and I were getting worried because it was getting worse not better.  Begrudgingly, I called the EMTs who were actually very concerned and very kind.  They even raided the health clinic for drugs for me.  By this morning, I was starting to look a little better.  After two shots, I'm starting to get some regular color back on my skin, and the angry red hives are dulling to pink splotches.  I can see the light at the end of tunnel.

Semester 2

So begins Semester 2.  We are happy in our new apartment, and the weather has been fantastic.  I can even walk to school without sweating!  The kitties got a new a scratching tower, made by Bruno.

Portsmouth Harbor at Sunset

After all the traveling we did, it's really nice to be back here on the island.  Especially because my wonderful Mom bought me a ticket home for the month of June.  It makes the next year seem so much more manageable.  Now, back to school work.

May He Rest In Peace

I've been putting off this post.  Chris's father passed away last Friday.  It didn't seem right to skip that fact, but I wasn't ready to write about it either.  Today was the funeral.  It's a rainy day in Southern California and the cemetery wouldn't allow a graveside service, but there was a memorial at the funeral home.  It was as nice as a funeral can be.  Chris gave a speech, and it broke my heart to hear him talking about his father.  So, here's to the man who taught my husband how to be a good husband and someday a good father.