Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Blueberry Hill (1956)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) Fats Domino sings about a hill named for blueberries. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, blueberries can grow just about anywhere in North America, as long as they have plenty of direct sunlight. Do you have a garden? No. I don't have my own yard. Though I suppose if I cared to, I could tend to the little plot in front of our building. We pay a landscaper to come a couple times each season to do minimal maintenance. We all agree it looks crappy, but we aren't willing to spend any more money on it.

2) Blueberries are low in calories and rich in fiber. Are they a regular part of your diet? Sporadically. Sometimes I want them, most of the time I don't.

3) They also have a high moisture content. Staying hydrated is important to human health. Do you drink the standard recommended 8 glasses of water every day? No. I try, but I seldom get beyond 5 glasses.

4) Fats originally had a big hit with "Blueberry Hill" in 1956, and then enjoyed the record's renewed popularity in the mid-70s, when "Blueberry Hill" was often referenced as Richie Cunningham's favorite song. Without looking it up, do you remember what show Richie Cunningham was on? (Extra non-existent Saturday 9 points if you can also name the actor who played Richie.) Happy Days, Ron Howard.

5) Born Antoine Domino, he took the name "Fats" not just because of his physique. Growing up, jazz pianist Fats Waller was one of his heroes. If you were to adopt the first name of someone you admire, what would we call you? Jacqueline.

 

6) Despite his warm and friendly stage persona, Fats was shy around strangers and hated giving interviews. Tell us about something you did only because it was part of your job, not because you enjoyed it. At my current job, I hate handling customer returns because I believe the cash register is my enemy. I always end the transaction by saying, "Thank you for your patience," because I know I suck.

7) In 1956, when this record was topping the charts, the Olympics were held in Melbourne. Have you ever been to the land down under? Nope.

8)  The star of the 1956 Olympics was Austrian Toni Sailer, who won all three gold medals in Alpine skiing. Do you prefer snow skiing, water skiing, or just watching other people ski? I enjoyed snow skiing, even though I am no good at it. I've never been on water skis.

9) Random question: Do you believe everyone has a jealous streak? Yes.

August Happiness Challenge – Day 14

 

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: Blueberry muffins. With sugar sprinkled on top! I don't expect to be this delighted by something found at Target, which makes it even better somehow.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge – Day 13

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: I'm that woman. I worked today with my favorite shift supervisor, Zoey. She is a junior at college, now aged 22.* She still lives at home with parents she believes don't understand her, is majoring in journalism, and can't figure out if she wants to marry her boyfriend or break up with him. She's curious and creative and more naive than she realizes. Today she paid me a compliment that was so sweet it made me want to cry.

 

"I'm so lucky to know an older woman who makes me comfortable with my messy life." 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

*She had been pre-med as she thought she wanted to be a shrink, but lost time when she switched majors. 

 

Thursday Thirteen #475

Back to School! For four years, my nephew lived in the dorms at Western Illinois University. As I was folding and putting away my last remaining WIU Leathernecks t-shirt, I reminisced about his dorm days. He moved from one hall to another, but his rooms had a sameness: a microfridge – which I'd never seen before and amazed me – and a bed and drawers and the largest collection of dirty underwear and discarded WalMart bags I've ever seen. (He was going to recycle those bags at the store someday, honest he was.) So it's with a sense of nostalgia that I share ... 

13 items from WIU's "What to Bring" list

1. Bedding: XL twin sheets (80"), pillows, comforter/blanket

2. Shower sandals

3. Laundry detergent and dryer sheets

4. Hangers 

5. Silverware and dishes 

6. Anti-bacterial wipes 

7. Small vacuum 

8. Reusable containers (a la Tupperware) 

9. Power strips with surge protection

10. USB drives 

11. Headphones

12. First aid kit 

13. Umbrella*

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

 *It amuses me to see this made the list. It seems my nephew was not alone in never having one, and the school was weary of being asked to provide them.

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 12

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: Movies! Every August TCM hosts Summer Under the Stars – special programming that features a single star for 24 hours. Yesterday was Barbara Stanwyck. I missed a thriller that I hadn't seen in years – Sorry, Wrong Number – so I DVR'd it and caught it this afternoon. Then I took a break for baseball (Cubs vs. Nationals) but returned to TCM for Julius, aka Groucho, Marx's day. He and his brothers are going to keep me company as I pay my mid-month bills. So you know I'm going to go to sleep smiling.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

WWW.WEDNESDAY

 

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up.

1. What are you currently reading? Touched by the Sun by Carly Simon. Carly Simon was galpals with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for the last decade of Jackie's life. This is the story of that relationship, and the ongoing impact it had on Carly's life.

 

This is a reread for me. I reached for it when I heard Carly is ill. I grew up on her, and of course on Jackie. These are two very complicated, high-profile women who grew up with wealth and achieved fame (though through very different routes). Yet there is universality in this memoir – they both experienced heartbreak, they both loved their children, they both felt at times inadequate. 

 

2. What did you recently finish reading?  Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden. Suburban housewife Debbie Mullen is having a really bad day. Her oldest daughter is all hormones and bad attitude and just can't stay away from the class bad boy. Her younger daughter is having trouble on the soccer team but refuses to talk to Debbie about it. Her husband is under appreciated and underpaid at work and they need more money – for the mortgage, for home improvement, for the girls' college – but he's reluctant to ask for it. Her neighbor works from home and plays his music too damn loud all damn day. The bitches in her book club are condescending. It's too much. She's starting to hear a hum in her head. 

 

She's going to have to start doing something about everything that bothers her. 

 

This is a twisted little thriller. There are plot holes, but they are really beside the point. It's the zigs and zags that will propel you from chapter to chapter. This book is about boredom and isolation and rage and revenge. 

3. What will you read next? I don't know.

 

  

 

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 11

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: We done good. Tonight was the volunteer appreciation dinner for the library book sale. We made more money than ever before, with a net of just over $50,000! Much of it is earmarked for:

 

•  The Creative Studio, where folks can use inkjet printers, laminators, button makers, sewing machines and heat presses to produce their own projects

•  The Media Lab. I knew this is beloved by kids who like to make their own podcasts. I was unaware how popular it is with those who are digitizing photos and VHS tapes.

 

I am happy that my mad box making and book sorting skills contributed.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge – Day 10

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: My wild kingdom. Today both my highly domesticated cats were in touch with their untamed heritage, and they were just too cute.

 

Connie: The Apex Predator. Somehow a bee got in past the screen. It was tangled in the curtains, but it did not escape Connie. This was big game and it was on her territory. She kept swatting at it, trying to get it to fall down so she could pounce on it. I'm deathly allergic to bee sting, so I couldn't leave this to chance. I sprayed the poor thing with Lysol until it fell and then I scooped it up in a wad of paper towels. She was disappointed, but I assured her she would hunt another day.

 

Roy Hobbs: Carnivore Extraordinaire. I had steak for lunch and he could smell it cooking on my George Foreman Grill. He was prancing about my feet was so excited when I put the drip tray on the floor he purred as he licked it clean. 

 

  

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 9

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: Bregmania. Lots of fans – my nephew included – are hard on Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman. Yes, he signed in January for a monstrously large sum of money and yes, his season got off to a slow start. Obviously he wants to do better and earn his keep! I'm very simple that way: If you're wearing Cubbie blue, I love you.

 

Well my good vibes and full-throated defense have paid off. Since the All Star Break, he has had 3 HRs and 12 RBIs. Just today he was 3 for 6!

 

You're welcome, Alex. 😉 

 

  

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 

A-HA!

The lightbulb went off first thing. This morning at church, our service opened with a prayer that advised us: "Choosing joy is a holy act of defiance." 

 

It's hard in the Age of Trump. MAGA has co-opted my Christian faith and pretends it is about xenophobia, homo/transphobia, and casual cruelty. That does not remotely represent the Jesus of my heart, and this makes me want to shake my fist at the clouds. It leaves me rebellious.

 

Then I heard the prayer. A-ha! I get it now. I'm not going to deny the ugliness of our times. That would be delusional. But I'm going to rebel, to defy MAGA by being a happy warrior. By choosing to face forward and joyfully work on change with love. Yesterday I posted about how my favorite most Cub always seems so passionate and happy in his mission to help pediatric cancer patients. He's like a golden retriever puppy in human form. Maybe he already knows what I'm trying to learn: that choosing joy in the face of sorrow and fear is "a holy act of defiance."

 

Then there's our prayer at the offertory: "May we be transformed by our giving, and may the world be transformed by our gifts." My giving is not limited to money (though money is important). It's my time and my gifts and my spirit, too. So this week, as I write my Letters Against Isolation and my Postcards to Swing States, I want to be more intentional. That way my acts can bring me joy and solace as I change my country around me. 

 

Sunday Stealing

Answers these questions when you don't have anything to blog about ... 

1) Describe your typical weekend, and tell us how this weekend has been different. I eat out a lot on weekends. This one has been no different. The highlight of Saturday was ribs, so I'll try to grab something healthier today.

2) What food hits your bliss spot? Prime rib. I haven't had it in more than a year, but I practically dream about it.

 

3) Where did you stay on your last vacation (hotel, Airbnb/Vrbo, friends/family)? The Loews in Hollywood. It's a very nice hotel, but that's not why it's my home-away-from-home in LA. It's literally attached to four of the theaters that participate in the TCM Classic Film Festival, which makes it hard (but not impossible) for me to get lost. Really, I have no sense of direction in the best of times and when I'm in my classic film haze, blabbing with my tribe, I am positively ditzy.

4) If you had a personality eraser, what part of yours would you erase? After reading #3, you might think I'd try to erase the part of me that's so easily distracted. But no! I'd like to erase my lazy streak, which is as wide as it is long.

 

5) Think of your friends. Tell us about the first one who popped into your head. Nancy. Maybe I thought of her first because I owe her an email. Anyway, we were coworkers long ago and I happened to run into her (almost literally) on an escalator more than a decade later. I consider that a lucky accident. Nancy is smart and interesting and now married to Paul, who is sweet and funny. They are a nice package deal.

 

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 8

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: Anthony Rizzo Appreciation Post. Today is my favorite-most Cub's 37th birthday. He has not been a major league player since 2024, but that hasn't diminished his impact. It's difficult to get hard-and-fast numbers on these things, but it's estimated that his foundation donated $2,000,000 in 2025 across three hospitals: Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital in Hollywood, FL; Montefiore Children's Hospital in the Bronx; Lurie Children's Hospital here in Chicago. 

 

Then there are the grants. These are the ones that touch my heart the deepest. Families with a child fighting cancer face expenses insurance won't cover. Hospitals charge for parking, cafeterias charge for meals. A child with leukemia can require months of chemo, while his parents only get two weeks of vacation with pay. How will they make the mortgage? What about daycare for the other kids in the family? Where can they turn? Anthony Rizzo. He has a toy drive each year at Christmas for families so that the siblings get gifts under the tree, too, because, as he's fond of reminding us, families fight pediatric cancer. Now we can argue that things are pretty fucked up if desperate parents have to count on the largesse of a retired first baseman, but the lucky thing is that ballplayer is the indefatigable Anthony Rizzo.

 

He's been on my mind between his birthday and his annual auction, which ran last week during the Cubs-Yankees series. Fans bid on everything from a Taylor Swift autographed guitar for $1,950 to a backstage pass to Watch What Happens Live for $3,000 (who knew Andy Cohen was such a big baseball fan?) to an on-field meet-and-greet with current Cub phenom Pete Crow-Armstrong for $35,500. I'm happy that even though he's retired, celebrities still came through with donations.

 

And I'm happy he's in the world. He gives tirelessly and with a joyful heart and that makes him my hero. 

  

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 

Maybe it was only weird for me

Most everything in my neighborhood that matters to me is on one street and within blocks. My bank, the movie theaters, the card shop where I work, two Italian restaurants and one Chinese, my grocery store. It's all there. So that's where I spend most of my life, walking west on that street. If I turn and walk east, I'm at my church. It's right there. But unless I'm headed to church or the post office, I don't walk that way.

Last fall, my church sent up a little "honor system" pantry on the porch of the rectory. There's an old refrigerator and a free standing cabinet available 24/7. It's unfortunately necessary because the "official" food pantry – which does great work that I also support* – requires clients present ID confirming residency and fill out paperwork. Many homeless people do not have mailing addresses, and many others who fear ICE don't want to be found on the food distribution days where they can be "rounded up." It's important to note that ICE is prohibited from stepping onto our porch because it's church property ... and because they totally suck.

Anyway, this week as I dropped food off in the cabinet on the porch, I ran into two homeless gentlemen eating lunch at the picnic table placed there for that purpose. It was the first time I ever saw anyone seated at the table, enjoying the food available to them. They were eating what I assume was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but I didn't look too closely because I was embarrassed.

 

I don't know why I was uncomfortable. They were pleasant and friendly as I added a couple pouches of "tuna to go," a packet of Ramen and a tin of those little Armour sausages to the cabinet. I guess it was weird to feel like Lady Bountiful.

When I was done with my business at the post office, I walked past the rectory porch again and again saw someone. This time an elderly woman, accompanied by two little kids. She represents another group the "official" food pantry can't help. To qualify for food there, your income has to fall below a certain level. What frequently happens is that seniors have trouble making ends meet on their Social Security but they still receive too much for the free food. So they end up on my church's rectory porch.

She had a small Target shopping bag filled with food, but I don't know what she took. Mac and cheese, probably. Kids like it and there's always multiple boxes of mac and cheese in that cabinet. Anyway, I didn't want to stare. I didn't want her to feel she was on display in anyway.

Now that I've seen the picnic table in use, I have gone back with the ketchup and salt packets and disposable plasticware that was cluttering my kitchen drawer. If people are making sandwiches there, these items might come in handy.

So I'm glad I walked east. I need to see who my neighbors are. I feel fortunate to be able to help them. I just wish encountering those in need didn't make me feel so awkward. I think perhaps because it's uncomfortable to confront how we're letting one another down. 

*I'm more careful about the nutrition content of the non-perishables I donate to the "official" food pantry. Usually I go with pasta, soup or canned beans and tuna, because people who receive free food from there have homes with kitchens. Since so many who visit the rectory porch are homeless, it's a little trickier.  

Saturday 9

 Saturday 9: Sugar, Sugar (1969)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is credited to The Archies, a band that never actually existed. The song is performed by singer Ron Dante and studio musicians and backup singers hired on behalf of the five members of the popular Saturday morning Archie Show. Were you a fan of this animated series? Nope.

2) Archie was Archibald Andrews, a character first introduced in the 1941 comic strip. Archie was the linchpin, the leader of the band, and the center of his social group. Tell us about one of the popular kids from your school days. Linda was tall and had stick straight hair. I thought she was the prettiest girl in class (K-8). She also had a remove that made her seem mature (as mature as an 11-year-old can be).

3) The Archies' drummer was Jughead Jones. He was smart, funny, and had a fondness for headwear. Do you often wear hats or caps? Nope.

4) Reggie was the lead singer and bass player. He was a gifted athlete who liked to come in first. If he couldn't win with his natural talents, he was not above cheating. Have you ever cheated in a friendly game? I must have but honestly, I can't think of a single time. So maybe I haven't?

5) Blonde Betty Cooper was on the tambourine. Her hobbies include playing baseball, caring for her cat, and helping Archie work on his car. Tell us three of your favorite pastimes. Watching baseball, caring for my cats and watching movies.

6) Raven-haired Veronica Lodge was the keyboardist and joined Betty for backup vocals. She was a fashion plate, known and loved by Riverdale store owners because of her willingness to spend big bucks to stay on trend. What's the latest thing you've added to your wardrobe? I just got a new bra.

7) The biggest news story of 1969 was one of the biggest stories in history. On July 21, man first stepped onto the moon. Without looking it up, do you remember the astronaut's name? Neil Armstrong.

8) Also in 1969, Triple H was born and today he's in the WWE Hall of Fame. Do you follow professional wrestling? Nope.

9) Random question – Would you prefer to be: a) super successful in business or b) a politician elected to an influential office or c) a champion athlete? A. I think I'd be good at it, except that I don't like authority, which makes being in authority hard for me.

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 7

 

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: A new way to recycle. Today for the first time I returned a sack of plastic stuff to Ridwell. It contained bubble wrap and padded envelopes and the thin plastic wrapper that went around my paper towels and ... and ... and ... These are all items that can't be recycled (at least not around here) and would end up in the landfill. But now they will be reused, turned into trash can liners and material to make decks and outdoor furniture.

 

I think of my 14-month-old little grandniece Violet and the world I want her to have. Being more responsible to the planet makes me happy. 

  

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 6

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: Linner. After work today, I stopped by my favorite Italian restaurant and got spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread to go. I love the sauce. The meat sauce on the spaghetti is so tasty, and they always give me too much marinara with the garlic bread, which I look forward to using to dress up a cup of Minute Rice tomorrow. On top of all this, I'm in their rewards program and am well on my way to a freebie.

 

So my late lunch/early dinner made me ever so happy today. 

  

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

I should have fur

I have a nasty rash. The itchy and redness started during our most recent heatwave and it hasn't gone away. Not for weeks. Don't worry, I won't burden you with any more details than that. Today I finally broke down and made an appointment with the dermatologist – a week from Tuesday. I wasn't satisfied with that so I also tried my nurse practitioner, but she's booked even further out.

But that's not the point of this post. Roy Hobbs is. 

In the middle of July he had his annual checkup. He got his vaccinations and was declared healthy ... except. The vet noted some gingivitis and advised that he have a thorough teeth cleaning, which requires anesthetic. It's always a good idea to have bloodwork done before putting a cat under, so we scheduled that. Since he's lost a bit of weight – the vet tech praised Roy Hobbs' "beach bod" – it seemed wise to take a closer look. Is he just reaping the benefit of a better diet and closer attention to his digestive tract, or is something wrong? So when we scheduled the bloodwork, I enthusiastically agreed to an urinalysis and abdominal ultrasound. I am thrilled to report he's 100% healthy and his dental work has been scheduled.

It occurs to me that if Roy Hobbs or Connie had an angry red rash, I wouldn't wait weeks before calling the vet, and I wouldn't wait even more longer for an appointment. I admit I'm not eager to see the dermatologist and am hoping against hope this red, scaly mess clears up before the appointment so I can cancel. Oh, I know that's unlikely. I'm just expressing where my head is. 

Roy Hobbs – who has nothing especially wrong – will have had three vet appointments to my one doctor's appointment. I should be as careful with myself as I am with my critters.

  

Photo by Olga Kononenko on Unsplash 

 

Thursday Thirteen #474

 Syndicated drama. Last week I shared the 13 most lucrative sitcoms in syndication. TV dramas are often rerun, too, but less often because they tend to be an hour long, which makes them less flexible to schedule. While old comedies like I Love Lucy are still often rerun, I don't see any vintage dramas on this list.

Platforms report views differently so it's impossible to determine what shows are most popular. Instead this list is the 13 titles that cost the most for channels and platforms to buy. Mark Harmon was rumored to make $500,000/episode during his last seasons on NCIS. Considering that it's still making a ton of money for CBS/Paramount, they got their money's worth.

1. NCIS (2004 - )

2. Grey's Anatomy (2005 - )

3. The X-Files (1993-2002)

4. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

5. The Sopranos (1999-2007)

6. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

7. Mad Men (2007-2015)

8. ER (1994-2009)

9. Law & Order: SVU (1999- )

10. Stranger Things (2016- )

11. House (2004-2012)

12. The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

13. Criminal Minds (2005-2020)

How about you? Any favorites here? To be honest, I wouldn't curl up to watch any of these. I am second to none in my appreciation for Mad Men, but it gives me PTSD. (Do you suppose many mobsters watch The Sopranos?) I enjoyed SVU and NCIS when they first ran, but I dunno, now they either seem too violent/depressing or not worth the investment of time. If I'm going to settle in for more than an hour, I'll watch a movie.

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

 

August Happiness Challenge – Day 5

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: Sweep! The Dodgers are the reigning World Series champs. My Cubs welcomed them to Wrigley by winning three games out of three. Yeah, I know it may be boring that for three straight days now I have rhapsodized about the joy baseball brings me but I also feel very fortunate that something so simple makes me so happy. 

 

I'm also happy I'm alive when Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong are in the world. I saw greatness on display for those three games. Plus I was texting my nephew throughout today's game. I love how baseball binds us.

 

Fly the W!

 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

WWW.WEDNESDAY

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up.

1. What are you currently reading? Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden. I know the author is very popular but this is my first exposure to her. So far, it's entertainingly twisty. Debbie Mullen is a nice suburban housewife. She lives with her husband and teenaged daughters in a house they can't quite afford. Her husband is an accountant and she has a part-time job as an advice columnist for the local paper (hence the title, Dear Debbie). She gardens, she goes to book club, she and her husband share a membership at the local gym. From the outside, it all looks so normal.

 

Let's just say looks can be deceiving. 

 

It's one of those books I think about when I'm not reading it. I'm trying to ignore some nagging plot holes as the story carries me along. 

 

2. What did you recently finish reading?  Lincoln's Last Trial by Dan Abrams. Lincoln myth emphasizes his humble origins and it's true, he was born in a one-room log cabin and once supported himself by manual labor (splitting rails). But he was also a very successful, albeit mostly self taught, lawyer. When you tour the Lincoln sites in Springfield, IL, you can see his home in contrast to the others of the time and it was bigger (he added the second floor) and nicer (its kitchen was very modern for the era). So I was happy this facet of Abe's life is at center stage. Yes, he often took cases for no fee if his clients couldn't afford it, but he also acted as prosecutor for the State of Illinois* and represented corporate concerns in civil litigation. The work was lucrative and he was well paid because he was very good.

 

The Mr. Lincoln on these pages is ambitious. He was well on his way to becoming a national figure when he took the case of accused killer Peachy Quinn, and took the unusual step of hiring R. R. Hitt as his stenographer. Court reporters were not standard at that time, but Lincoln wanted a record of this trial that he could use to burnish his image ... if he won.

 

The case was important, not only to Abe professionally but to all of Springfield. Peachy Quinn stabbed Greek Crafton. Both were known to Lincoln and to most folks in town, as well. Springfield was divided. Either Peachy was unjustly accused of murder and was just defending himself against a much larger man, or Greek had been viciously slashed by a hothead who could easily have just walked away but instead brandished a weapon.

There were matters of law argued here, and Lincoln's steno man got just about every word. How much force is justifiable as self defense? Did Quinn choose to carry his knife that day because he believed he was in danger, or was he looking for Grafton and spoiling for a fight? Should Greek's words to a minister on his deathbed be admissible? Does it matter that – how's this for small town life? – the minister he confessed to was his killer's grandfather? I found it all fascinating and placed myself in the jury box (even though as a woman I would not be eligible to be juror).

 

I don't need my Lincoln to be as simple and good as Santa Claus. I want to know the real man: smart, strategic, ambitious and at times manipulative. He was all those things in service of causes he believed in, and we're all better for it. 

3. What will you read next? I don't know.

 

  

 

*That's one of the cooler things I learned. Back in the 1850s, lawyers had no specialties. There were no district attorneys, no defense attorneys, no corporate lawyers, etc. A lawyer was a lawyer. When the State needed to prosecute somebody, the assigned judge would hire someone locally to represent the State. Like many lawyers at the time, Mr. Lincoln didn't focus on prosecution or defense and considered any job that came his way.