We enjoyed a thoughtful evening as we reflected on the aspects of life that were presented in our book, "The Secret of Clouds" by Alyson Richman. Esther made the Topper family lasagna recipe that was included in this book and it was delicious! Although we found the book to be predictable, it was touching and there were themes within the story that we all could relate to. Teaching children, growing and understanding, friendship and relations, and baseball. The characters were "searching to find meaning in a world that's often difficult and confusing." The story included the death of a child. "One small thing can change the course of an entire life." Judy S said "we have to realize that all of the people who aren't here are here all the time" and Maureen added "they are a part of the world we live in." Esther reflected on the meaning of clouds in the title and said "we are always changing. Things we love in the past are there but they have changed and become something new."
Judy B came with appropriate baseball trivia and Cracker Jacks. Cracker Jacks producers felt their product was a great snack and they pushed selling them at ball parks as early as 1896. They are still sold at concession stands today. In 1914 and 1915, the Cracker Jacks prizes were baseball cards, which are extremely valuable. And, in 1910, President William Taft stood up to stretch during the 7th inning at the ball park in Pittsburgh, starting the tradition of the 7th inning stretch.
We will not be meeting in November. Instead, we will meet in early December at Maureen's home. The members of the walking book club will be invited, along with their daughters, and we will all wrap children's gift books and top off the Christmas Jar.
