Special gift still fascinating
I received a special gift for Christmas, a copy of Charles Dickens "Stories of Christmas." It is a big thick green book with gold decorations. I thought at the time that I know all about the "A Christmas Carol," having read it many times and seen it acted on TV or stage.
I chose then to read "The Cricket on the Hearth." What a dear story. The name of the characters are just hilarious. Imagine a couple named Peerybingle and a maid called Tilly Slowboy, and of course, several others as they appear in the story.
One strange old man came in and wanted to rent a room, so they blithely assented. The cricket kept everything cheerful with his bright chirping.
My daughter gave me a brass cricket for my hearth. He doesn't chirp, but he is there as a good reminder.
There was an attached narrow red ribbon to use to mark my place. I like that.
It is remarkable that Dickens still is so popular. After all, his papers were first published in 1871. This copy was published in 2001.
I think the gal who writes the Harry Potter books must have gotten an idea or two from Charles Dickens.
Another book I received was a book of photographed pictures of women over 80 with a few words of each. Quite fascinating to study the expression on their faces.
I just finished reading "Let's Roll" by Lisa Beamer. She must be a very strong young woman. It's a book everyone should read to understand the trauma of 9/11.
— NORMA HANNAFORD
