The Babysitter’s Code by Laura Lippman

by Carol2 Comments
"The Babysitter's Code" by Laura Lippman I was browsing through the archives at Fifty-Two stories again and came across this one by Laura Lippman. Laura Lippman is one of those authors who have been on my to-read list for what seems like forever, but somehow I just never seem to get around to. Based on this short story, I really do need to move her to the top. Terri Snyder is the most in demand babysitter in River Run and knows all the rules. She sneaks and peaks, snoops all she wants, but knows to make sure everything is in it's rightful place before the houses owners return, following the real babysitter rules. One of her weekly clients is Jakkie Delafield, a young rich housewife who just doesn't fit in with the neighborhood. While going through Jakkie's lingerie, Terri finds a small silver handgun. At first she doesn't touch it, but eventually the temptation proves too much. And that's when the husband comes...
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Rehashing the week

by Carol2 Comments
I had a fairly slow week post wise. The only book I talked about was Peach Boy, a retelling of a Japanese folktale. I also enjoyed the short story "The Museum of Whatnot" by Kevin Wilson. I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who supported the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life this year. Our team raised more than our goal. Amber actually got to spend the night at the track this year with one of her friends. She had a blast. David and I walked for a while after his softball double-header, but we headed home at about 1:00 am, because while Amber may have still been wired, we were exhausted. Saturday evening we went to a baseball game and the Pirates actually won! Of course, the 1960 World Series commemorative steins they gave away had misprints, which is ridiculous in my opinion. Sunday was Father's Day here, so in the evening we went fishing at Raccoon Creek State Park....
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Game Night – Looking forward to the Origins Game Fair

by Carol1 Comment
Next weekend we're going to the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio. It runs the 23rd thru the 27th, but we'll only make it there on the Sautryday. This'll be our third year and I've been looking forward to it. It's a weekend of friends, fun and games. The list of exhibitors is huge and includes some companies I've mentioned here before, including Mayfair and Rio Grande Games. There are special events, tournaments, open gaming, guests, all of which are listed on their website. And I can't forget to mention the great people-watching. Amber'll be going for the first time this year. I hope she enjoys sampling all the new games and seeing the art show. Hopefully, we'll come back with some new games, some suggestions, some photos and who knows what else....
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Momotaro the Peach Boy

by Carol1 Comment
Today's Friday Fairy Tale post takes us on a trip to Japan to meet Momotaro, the Peach Boy. This is actually one of Japan's best-known folktales, although I had never heard of it before.  The story is available on-line here, but I read a copy I borrowed from the library which seems to be a fairly faithful retelling. Peach Boy retold by Gail Sakurai, illustrated by Makiko Nagano (Suggested reading level: Grades 2-4 ) An old man and his wife are sad and lonely because they have no children. One day, while washing clothes in the stream the woman finds giant peach which she takes home as a treat for her husband. Before they can cut it open, it bursts and a baby boy pops out, an answer to their prayers. They name the child Momotaro, which means Peach Boy. The boy grows up big, strong and brave. When he is a teenager, he decides to go on a quest to kill the ogres...
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