THROWING BOOKS AWAY, TRIVIA & A RECIPE

The other day I ran into a blogger who was really interesting.  She reads and loves books, but when she's done, she usually gives them away.

I also have a very close friend who doesn't care about books at all, but somehow she manages to accumulate a bunch.  Some she gives to me, many go to charity and others are simply thrown away. 

Another friend recently had many of her books destroyed by water damage, and we were all horrified that she lost some of her treasures.

This is actually a cake

Most of the readers I know save their books, have even larger TBR piles, or keep adding more to their already overflowing shelves.

My books are set up by author on some bookcases, and by genre on others.  I'm getting better, because at one time, they literally took over the house.  In some instances, it was even hard to get my friends back to the library!


I've also been known to save magazines, but have managed to whittle that down to keeping just those from 2013 up to now. (lol)

What about you?  When books seem to overflow, or you're tired of certain novels, do you simply get rid of them?  

CRANBERRY LOVE
It's time to move on from the pumpkin spice to the cranberry extravaganza.  Some people like doing it the old school way and serving it right from the can, while others like to perk things up with personal recipes.

Have you noticed the Ocean Spray® commercials where the 2 guys are standing in water, surrounded by cranberries?  The first time I saw it, I thought it was totally fake.  It wasn't until later that I realized it's actually called a "bog", and you can typically find them along Washington State's Cranberry Coast, as well as Massachusetts and Wisconsin.  If you really like cranberries or just want to help with the harvest, tours are often available.  Check out www.cranberries.org for more info.

SHIRLEY'S CRANBERRY SAUCE
In case you're wondering who in the heck is Shirley, she's Alana Chernila's  grandmother,  who has since passed away. Alana shared this precious family recipe in Parents Magazine.

INGREDIENTS
2 Sweet Apples, cored and coarsely chopped
6 Oz. Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
1/2 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 TSP Salt
1/2 Cup Canned Pineapple Chunks, drained and coarsely chopped (or fresh)
1 Tbs Pure Maple Syrup

DIRECTIONS
1.  In a medium saucepan, combine the apples,cranberries and water.  Bring the mixture to a boil.  Cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low.  Cook, stirring occasionally until the apples soften, and the cranberries burst - about 20 minutes.  Add the sugar and salt.  Continue to cook stirring often, until the mixture thickens - 6 to 8 minutes.

2.  Pass the mixture through a food mill, or allow it to cool first, then pulse it a few times in a blender.  Stir in the pineapple and the maple syrup.

3.  You can make this 5 days ahead and keep in the fridge.  This recipe is only 61 calories, but for those watching carbs, it includes 16 grams.  

DO YOU LIVE IN THE RIGHT STATE?
If you live in the United States and play the lottery, you may not be living in the right place.  According to the Multi-State Lottery Association, these 4 states which all started their games in 1992, statistically have more Powerball winners than any other, and my son lives in one of them. (lol)
*  Indiana - 39
*  Missouri - 31
*  Minnesota - 22
*  Kentucky - 18

HOW RICH IS REALLY RICH?
When we think about people who are rich, Forbes and its annual list gives us the scoop, which includes Bill Gates. 

But there are people who have been considered the richest of all time that most of us would never consider.

Bill Gates is considered the richest living person, and with a net worth of 86.7 billion he's only #9 on the list.

The person who is considered the richest person ever in history and commands the #1 spot is devout Muslim Mansa Musa, the King of Timbuktu or the Mali Empire.

In 1324 King Musa famously took a tour to Mecca, gave 72 tons of gold to the poor along the way, and used his empire's wealth to build libraries and mosques.  Pictures suggest that he sat on a golden throne, wearing a gold crown, holding a gold scepter and golden cup.  His fortune was just too huge to even imagine.

Just a reminder that Friday, November 11, is Veteran's Day, however, in some instances it may be celebrated on November 10.  Many of us will get together to grab freebies and discounts that include Golden Corral, Applebee's, Chili's, Krispy Kreme, Meineke - free oil changes, and more.  

But I can't forget about the veterans who are struggling with addiction, illness, or homelessness.  Many are also victims of domestic violence.  Sadly, their situations may get worse as it gets  closer it gets to the holidays.

Sometimes all that's needed is a ride to a veteran's center, the use of a telephone to make calls, or food to eat.  Some are just too ashamed to ask or embarrassed, and at night when it's cold, they are crying, praying for a miracle or a helping hand.