Marie was the first to arrive, and was already chatting with Jarby and enjoying some treats - tortilla chips with guacamole, and other munchies. A large pitcher of Sangria awaited!
As everyone arrived, we talked about how the weather was iffy - would the rain and clouds hold off until after our gathering? Did we dare take it outside? Well, we did What Teddy Would Do! We rambled on out to the patio and enjoyed the great outdoors!
I was stunned by Jarby's garden - what a magnificent back yard! Jeannie pointed out Sweet William, raspberry bushes, blueberry bushes, gorgeous irises! And dotted throughout were little statues and interesting things for the eye to find. The lawn had just been mowed, so unfortunately, our shoes dragged half the lawn into the house with us, poor Jarby! But what fun to wander around in that lovely place.
We all fit around the table on Jarby's deck and we did What Teddy and His Family Did - talked about what's happening in real life and about the book we read. This time we dug into Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Literature seemed to be important to everyone in the book at the turn of the century. It was interesting reading about all the different experiences of schooling and university. And how it was different for women back then! But just about everyone in the book was well read!
Jarby remarked about how it was hard to tell what year was being discussed - was it 1901 or 2014? So many of the same worries, concerns and disasters. Political corruption was rife and Teddy was the man to sweep in and clean up! Even Minneapolis was talked about in the book as a center of widespread corruption.
So, if you really enjoyed this book, check this one out, too!
We all wanted to research the publication, McClure's, and see if any old issues might exist - maybe online? It would be interesting to read some of the articles that were talked about in the book.
Many colorful characters were talked about in the book, including the wives of these important presidents, and all the journalists involved with McClure's and the other big newspapers of the times. Ida was surely an interesting character - a lone woman among many men.
So many improvements and innovations can be traced back to this time period. Even the White House got improvements - renovations and a more home-y atmosphere. Cherry blossoms!
Soon, the aromas wafting out of the kitchen were just too much to bear - and thank goodness because Lee and Jarby announced the food was ready to consume! Flavorful Cuban pulled pork on slider buns, mango salsa, mixed fruit (boy those strawberries were good!), black beans and rice, and salad with vinaigrette dressing. Rachel mixed up the British liqueur Pimm's to have with dinner, which everyone raved about - "smooth", "dangerous" - being some of the adjectives used to describe it.
Now, we shall switch to "What Would William Howard Taft Do"? as we talk about dessert! And, of course, the answer is: EAT!
Magically appearing before us was a dessert plate filled with a large slice of chocolate cake accompanied by a homemade Mojito sorbet that rocked the place. Made with mint from Jarby's own herb garden. Fabulous! Lee brought in some delicious coffee to help smooth the way for that luscious dessert.
Thank you, Jarby and Lee for all the hard work that went into the successful night!
Marie will host the next gathering either in mid-July or early August.
She found a great English-born Scottish writer called Morag Joss who writes crime mysteries. We will choose one of her titles for the next time. FYI Her book, Half Broken Things won the Crime Writers Association Silver Dagger Award. Marie will let us know the title chosen. They all look good, so whatever is chosen I'm sure will satisfy.
Seems a great time for a good mystery and a pretty quick read as we'll see each other again soon.
Happy Reading!
