There are some wonderful travel shows on television. I watched Martha Stewart’s show the other day about Moscow. I always believed Russia was a dark, dreary country. This show about Moscow showed elaborate and impressive buildings. Our Presbyterian church once had a minister who had lived in Russia for a year. He also could speak the language. He was an interesting man.

I recently read “Books,” by Larry McMurtry, who has written novels including “Lonesome Dove.” “Books” tells about his bookstore in Texas — full of thousands of books. Some are sold for thousands of dollars. I think he still operates the store.

I read a little book by Ernie Ford. Do you remember him singing on TV? The book is about his life and how he raised his boys to be gentlemen.

When you think of all the different books in the world, you can be overwhelmed. I would hate to discard any. I know the library has to, but it seems sort of cruel. Maybe they could keep all that come their way. I have a lot of books and cannot part with any of them. But I will not be able to exist with so many taking up room.

Are you ready for the summer heat?

— norma hannaford