[KC Claud]

I’m doing pretty good! I get behind a little but every time I pick it up it’s never real hard to catch up.

How interesting was the picnic? Beth being brave a warming up to the injured boy. Jo about to dook it out with his rude twin brother. Lawrence trying to hook up his tutor with Kate and turns out he only has eyes for Meg 😆.

I too got a kick out of the summer experiment Marmee allowed and how she ended it on the last day! All play and no work is just as bad as all work and no play.

[KC Claud]

Y’all, my heart is so happy right now. Been playing catch up and chapter 6 got me teared up! I miss my grandpa. But how sweet that everyone goes the extra mile to give Beth love and attention and how she overcomes her fears. Also how sneaky of Jo to invite herself over in a way. I love how the author works these little life lessons into the girls and their characters. When Marmee recaps the girls stories back to them and the things they observed… very wise and endearing. My initial thought was “oh this is nice and quaint” but the book has developed such a charm. I want to keep reading it for more of that innocent charm… but I’m guarding my heart for whatever the conflict lies ahead. (I forget but every good book has a heartbreak…)

[KC Claud]

Well I read the first chapter and it is such a charming read! I watched the movie a LONG time ago- so it’s vaguely familiar from that. I love their personalities, totally get Beth’s dislike of dishes and dusting! I’m struggling to admire the Father figure though like they do (probably bc of knowing he was a Unitarian?) But how sweet that they want to all bless and love on Marmee for Christmas instead of treating themselves. Also appreciate their convictions when they find themselves complaining and they then confess and repent. How challenging it must have been to uphold the “ladylike standards” of what’s proper, like Jo being scolded for whistling.

[KC Claud]

oh wow, that’s sad- but maybe that’s just part of the time period? Wasn’t Jane Austin’s life some what sad also? But what a blessing she must have been to her family to help where others fell short. Looking forward to participating! Really grateful I had this on my bookcase. I do love vintage stories! Thanks Jacy for leading the discussion.

[KC Claud]

Oh I am totally gonna try that! I love garlic! Never thought of turning it into a salve- I usually just add extra when cooking 😆

[KC Claud]

Y’all I’m just trying not to forget anything in October 😆 I did make a promise to myself I’d get Christmas cards out early this year because I send one to the Philippines and one to Turkey-

[KC Claud]

Wow- so just read it and y’all weren’t kidding! This was definitely wild- I know it was back in the 1880 but still how insulting/belittling it must have been to keep being told that nothings really wrong. At the same time I don’t think it’s all that unusual for it’s time. They played such mind games back then. I love the book, the secret garden which this short story reminds me of.

I hate that though that relationship’s were so one-sided. It’s as if he married someone and didn’t actually know her. She had so much more to give. I understand why it’s considered a “feminist” book- but why is it that you can’t be both? An intelligent domestic woman- I do think the husband loved her but I don’t think he actually knew her. He doesn’t actually listen to her, he doesn’t spend any time with her- she was just expected to keep up a good reputation as the physician’s housewife. I don’t think it’s suspicious that he acted that way because back then if you had something to be embarrassed about you swept it under the rug. Others might have thought it suspicious but it would have been so wrong to confront it. I’m so grateful to be married to my best friend. Im not always right but thank goodness I can talk to him about anything, discuss sensitive topics and work out challenging concepts etc.

… so how she ended it… what do you think about that? Can’t trap me back in the wallpaper … dun dun dun

[KC Claud]

A friend of mine buys dried elderberries via Amazon I think, and then makes her own syrup. We’ve had her make us some before, but it’s fairly simple to make (I just haven’t had the time). Id have to double check but I think she just boiled them in honey water. Pinterest has diy recipes for this! When we have it on stock we just take a medicine cup shot (20-30ml) of the syrup every day for an immune boost.

[KC Claud]

So I asked my husband about this (he’s a big fan) and Tolkien would laugh and tell people he likes to leave some mystery in his books- apparently this is a highly asked question and lots of theories/videos on it but Tolkien left it a mystery.

[KC Claud]

It’s worked great for us! Every now and then Calvin just doesn’t get as much done and we just do more on the days he’s really into it. Or it’s nice to not feel pressure if we need an extra day to recover from some event. Or if I’m having to focus on Susie or a sick kiddo.

[KC Claud]

We do school all year. It gives me more flexibility and wiggle room if we fall behind and then Calvin doesn’t get out of the habit. 😆 but I may change things up a bit since our summer schedule is so simple.

[KC Claud]

Would you share you homemade recipes?! I make my own laundry soap but I’d love to look into making other versions of cleaning supplies!