Know Your Librarian.

My librarians know me and one in particular reads very much the same thing I read too. She recently recommended an author, Alex Bledsoe and I am thoroughly enjoying the books. Eddie LaCross is a sword jockey i.e. a P.I. in medieval times. A lot of the books are somewhat anachronistic, like people saying “you’re kidding” which I am damned sure they didn’t say in that time period, but then as it’s setting is not the medieval times in the worlds we know, I guess one cannot complain. The stories are a reminder of Drag Net and Raymond Chandler with a strong dash of humour thrown in as well as a touch of magic, not much, but some. Eddie has swords like modern sleuths have guns. I am on the third book and really liking them. The first book is called The Sword Edged Blonde. Do try them.

Then, I decided I wanted to read the Sevenwaters books by Juliet Marillier. She is an Australian author. My local library only had one which I read and then they initiated inter-library loans for me. The series started as a trilogy but there are more books than that. The first one is Daughter of the Forest and is based on an old Irish legend of young men turned into swans by sorcery and all the problems (in the book) their sister faced in order to break the spell. Great book, I am now awaiting the second one. The stories (I read The Heir of Sevenwaters too which is the 4th book) are set around the magical dwellers in the forest of Sevenwaters the Fair Folk who sometimes help and sometimes go their own way despite the consequences to the humans. Juliet Marillier is the third Australian author I have recommended lately although they are not alone. Australia seems to have some excellent fantasy writers.

I can’t believe that Tuesday I was talking about spring and how lovely everything was and on Wednesday it became extremely humid, we had sun and cloud most of the day and then thunderstorms in the evening and eventually, it was so sticky we had to turn on the A/C what a change. I wonder what we will get today. Which is, by the way, the first day of our bowling Summer League.

OK, sorry for you guys who don’t like asparagus, there are a few of you around, but here is yet another favourite asparagus recipe. This one from Paula Deen. This one is so easy, your kids could probably do it. You will find these very moreish. I certainly do.

Asparagus Phyllo Bundles
For one roll:

Phyllo - 1/2 sheet for 2 asparagus
2 stalks asparagus
Parmesan, grated

Brush phyllo with butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, place 2 asparagus in middle and roll. Place in baking dish, sprinkle more Parmesan and put in oven 375 F for 15 mins.

Yield: one roll:

Source: Paula Deen

Have a great day