March 4, 2018 - Our "February" meeting at home of Ann F

Submitted by Ann S.

Thanks to Ann F we were able to sneak in a meeting between storms.  After a minor panic and help from neighbors the wine was opened and the meeting commenced.  

Kathy led the talk on The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman.  Somehow the one week delay seems to have deflated a bit of our usual enthusiasm for discussion.  Much of Rachel's life is true as depicted.  Rachel’s husband dies and she is refused permission to marry his nephew Frederick.  After they have several children they are allowed to marry.  Marilyn answered our many questions re Jewish laws and customs.  We find Aaron (Lydia’s father) is the grandson of Rachel’s mother’s friend. Rachel’s father is also the father of Jestine, the cook’s daughter (and Lydia’s mother). Aaron marries someone else.  Rachel and Frederick give birth to several children.  Among them is the future Impressionist Artist "Camille Pissaro".   Everyone moves to Paris including Rachel’s son Camille Pissaro.  Camille falls in love with the maid and after they have several children Rachel gives consent for them to marry.  There were interesting opinions on exactly which of the many marriages the title of the book referred to – or could be all of them.   

Lori submitted book suggestions for the April meeting.  The book chosen is by Lisa See:

THE TEA GIRL OF HUMMINGBIRD LANE

Next Meeting:                  March 25, 2018

Place:                                  TBD – Diane will confirm if mtg can be held at the Sunset Grille

Time:                                  1:00 p.m.

Book for discussion:      Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

                                             Marilyn’s suggestion, but she will be unable to attend mtg.

Recipe for Carol’s Carrots with Marsala – Serves 4:

4 tbsp butter 1lb carrots; thinly sliced
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup marsala

1.  Melt the butter in medium saucepan, and add the carrots. Stir well to coat with the butter.  

     Add the sugar and salt, and mix well 2.  Stir in the Marsala, and simmer for 4-5 minutes 3.  Pour in enough water to barely cover the carrots. Cover pan and cook over low to moderate heat until

     carrots are tender. Remove cover and cook until liquids reduce almost completely. Serve hot.

NOTES:

Judy has volunteered to host June meeting.

Judy will submit book choices for May meeting

Joy is planning on submitting book suggestions for June meeting

Celia will be home May 1^st and offers her house for July or August meeting