We went Maple Sugaring this past Saturday at Oglebay in Wheeling, WV. It was a fun, interesting morning. We learned about maple sugaring techniques used by Native Americans, pioneers, and through modern times. It was a gorgeous morning for the walk along the trail to the different stations, and the event ended with a delicious pancake breakfast, featuring fresh maple syrup made from the sap of Oglebay’s own trees.
After that we headed down to Centre Market in Wheeling, home of my all-time favorite bookstore, The Paradox Bookstore. It’s just stacked full of used books, all genres. I just love it there. I even love that old book smell, although Amber (10) did ask if she could wait outside on the stairs. David and I limited ourselves to one book each. Mine was Silent In The Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn, but I can’t remember what David grabbed, some old short piratey novel.
Update: David’s book was A Sword for Mr Fitton by Showell Styles.
For lunch we had to stop at Coleman’s Fish Market for sandwiches – simple and delicious! It’s definitely a local favorite.
It was such a beautiful day that when we got home I actually got some work done in the yard. David and Amber went off to a hockey game that evening, so I stayed home and did nothing.
I finished Cotillion by Georgette Heyer this weekend and loved it. Amber and I also finished Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, which I’m not quite sure about. Hopefully, I’ll have my thoughts posted later this week.
I don’t know what I’m going to read next. I’ve got a couple of review books I should start, but I’ve also got a few great books borrowed from the library that I’m looking forward to: The Coroner’s Lunch by Colin Cotterill, The Chatham School Affair by Thomas Cook, and The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. I need to decide. I’m thinking that I’ll try to convince Amber to start From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg tonight.
By the way, I took the picture in the header on Sunday. It’s some of the flowers blooming in our church’s flowerbed. I love spring, but don’t have any blooms in my yard yet. I did see a couple of red-winged blackbirds in the yard this weekend, though. They have to be my favorite birds.
The header photo is gorgeous! Sounds like you had a great day Saturday. When I was younger, I just loved Harriet the Spy – probably read it 10 times. Not sure what I’d make of it now…
Love the header, it is really pretty 😀
That sounds like a great way to spend the day! I bet those pancakes and syrup were extra delicious.
What a wonderful way to spend the day! My mouth is watering just thinking of those pancakes and syrup!
I love real maple syrup (my mom made an imitation out of boiled sugar water and maple flavoring). It would be so cool to visit a place like that and see how it’s made.
I love the picture of the flower header.
And your trip… a little jealous over here! That sounds like so much fun! And you are right.. it was some beautiful weather!
And that bookstore… okay, now I am highly jealous!!!!
Looks like you had a great weekend though! And that is what matters the most!
First off I love From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler , I haven’t read it in years and may have to get this one for Aidan.
The weekend sounds like a lot of fun, glad you enjoyed it.
Love the header. The colors are so vivid. Sounds like you had a great weekend. I love book stores with the old book smell. Not any that I know of in my general area, though.
–Anna
Beautiful Blogger award for you: http://raymentsreadingsrantsandramblings.blogspot.com/2010/03/wow-i-won-award-who-knew-people.html
Oops forgot to mention – Thanks for the note on my blog about my Mom and Me Mondays feature. I am a little behind this week because we just got back from Vermont on Saturday. But will post out latest review today : )
Love the header – Karl should see it. That bookstore has been a family favorite since the eighties.
Loved the flowers, Carol! They look like crocuses to me. Thanks for sharing your trip and the books you’ve read with us. I’m not sure I’d be able to limit myself to only one book at the bookstore…
I’ve never been to Oglebay, but would love to go. I picked up Silent in the Sanctuary at Half-Priced Books last month.