August 24 - Pool Party at Becky's

Thank you to Darla for serving as scribe! Here is her report:

The pool party was so fun! "The Swimmer" was the perfect short story to discuss at a pool and nice and short for the busy summer. One remark, I believe by Karen, was that it read like a Twilight Zone episode. Several of us want to go back and read it again based on the discussion and because the end makes you want to reread to catch the clues.
The food was fabulous as usual. Finger foods and "water" poolside was perfect. Everyone brought just the right stuff and all bases were covered!

The book recommendations were interesting and varied just like our members, ha!
Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani (Karen)
The Other Typist by Susanne Rindell (Rebecca)
Cottage For Sale by Kate Whouley (Darla)
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? By Maria Semple (Michelle)
The Bees by Laline Paull (Susan)
A Tale For The Time Being by Ruth Ozeki (Shirley)
The Pearl That Broke It's Shell by Nadia Hashimi (Heather)
The State Of Wonder by Ann Patchett ( Lisa in absentia)

Susan will host in September, date to be decided. It was agreed that the host picks the book!

By request: Darla's Grandma Hilda's Orange Drop Cookies with Orange Glaze

Cream:
1/2 c. shortening
1/8 c butter
3/4 c brown sugar

Add:
1 well beaten egg
1/8 c fresh squeezed orange juice
1/2 Tbsp grated orange peel
1/2 tsp vanilla

Add Alternately:
1 & 3/4 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 c sour milk (add 3/4 capful vinegar to milk before starting & let sit till needed)

Drop by little spoonful on greased cookie sheet. (Cookie dough is fluffy and spreads) 12 per sheet. Makes 4 dozen. 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.

Let cool and spoon glaze over cookies.

Orange Glaze:
1 & 1/2 c confectioners sugar
1/4 c freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tsp orange zest

Everyone else should feel free to send their recipes, it was all delicious!