UNDER THE MAINE SUN

TIDBITS -- FRENCH COOKING, BOOK REVIEWS, ET AL.

All of a sudden life has gotten busier. This morning I wrote a review on Amazon of the book I mentioned in my last entry -- INVENTING THE REST OF OUR LIVES. You can read it on the site for that book, and on my own author site. I deem it a Must Read for women of all ages because if you aren't there yet, you will be.

I'm starting to wade through "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," and am starting at the beginning with Soups. I'm not going to be like the woman who made every recipe in the book, but I'm planning to try a good many. I've also ordered "From Julia Child's Kitchen."

As if that wasn't enough, I'm looking into other books on the issues of older women and I'll keep you posted on how that goes. I have "The Fountain of Age" by Betty Friedan (a thick tome) and have started the classic, "The Women's Room." by Marilyn French. I think the issues of my generation are different from what those of women who are younger now will be. I think they have grown up in a freer climate. However, there will probably be some residual elements from what we've gone through. I see many young women through my work who still haven't got a clue about the possibilities.

FINDING MY PASSION - THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

Life is ever-changing -- even when you're in your much later years. I've recently read that women have an edge in our later lives -- a renewed energy for following our passion. The book is: "Inventing the Rest of Our Lives" by Suzanne Braun Levine. I'm a little more than half-way through and already it's been an eye-opener -- I wish it had been around twenty years ago when I was entering my fifties.

The trick is to find the passion. It doesn't always announce itself in bold letters or with a brass band. Ms. Levine says it can be as unobtrusive as a pilot light -- always there but unnoticed. It can be revealed in unexpected ways. I've listed my known interests that have surfaced now and then and am re-examining them to see if one of them could be IT. Or is it a combination?

NEWS UPDATE UNDER THE MAINE SUN

In the first place, there hasn't been much Maine Sun this summer. There have been rare days like jewels among the clouds and rain.

Things have calmed down up the street since Goneral had her heart attacks. She and her husband no longer spend their time watching and scrutinizing all Laura's moves. Laura is feeling more free to go on with her life.

I recently suggested to Laura that she might now consider trying to find a job. Although she is on disability, it is for her emotional problems, not physical. She is allowed to supplement up to a certain amount and it would help with her financial problems. In time she could perhaps get to a point where she didn't need the subsidy. She might become an independent person again. Depending on the system for support is limiting to say the least.

Her reply was, "Oh, yes. I plan to finish (?) my law degree," (I didn't know she was working on one) "and become a lawyer." Far be it from me to burst anyone's balloon.

As for me, I'm searching to discover my passion. I've recently read that women of a certain age develop a new energy and it's the time to move in new directions. I've already done that to a degree -- getting a nursing degree in my fifties, moving to Maine and renovating a beautiful old house in my sixties. Now I'm in my seventies. What lies ahead? Watch this blog as I continue the journey.

Jean, Somewhere in Maine

THE ANNUAL BAT

June passed and there was no sign of the annual bat. I had my frog net outside the back door, ready just in case. The last time Steve my contractor was here, he was certain he had plugged every possible entrance or exit for the bats. When May came, I knew they were back in the attic by the trail they left and certain rustling noises, but hoped that the one lone bat who managed to come into my living area once every year, would not make it this year.

Last evening, July 5th, I was sitting in my TV room watching "Indochine" with Catherine Deneuve on DVD, trying to redevelop my ear for French. About halfway through, the annual bat made his or her entrance, swooped leisurely in, circled, and swooped out again into the living room, then soared gracefully into the kitchen.

By that time, I had paused my movie and retrieved my frog net from outside. I entered the kitchen just in time to see the bat settle on a framed embroidery on the wall at the far end of the kitchen, just outside my little office. The cats were looking on with great interest and followed me as I moved stealthily toward the bat. The bat obliged by crawling well into the net once he was covered. Last year I learned my lesson after having gotten a bat almost out the back door when he climbed out and flew back into the kitchen. This time, I grabbed a handy magazine and clapped it over the top of the net, trapping the bat safely inside. Thus I carried him out the back door to freedom. It took him a few seconds to get with the program and climb out and away, but he finally did.

Breathing a sign of relief I returned to my movie. He might make the mistake again tonight, but they usually learn pretty fast.

Jean, Somewhere in Maine