Book Response: The Little Bookroom by Elanore Farjeon

Once in a while when you discover a new author, you think, How could I have been missing this one all these years?

A few weeks ago, as mentioned here, I participated in a short section of the Race to Alaska. Well, the winner was a team going by the name Elsie Piddock, which turns out to be the title character in a children's book by Eleanor Farjeon. Curious, I checked out library and found her book The Little Bookroom.

Well, let me tell you, I'm excited! This is a book-full of delights, short stories (some very short), all about children being children. Some fantasy, some realistic, all with great heart and respectful telling. Farjeon is a master in the genre, and would go well on a shelf with E. Nesbit.

Wonderful illustrations by Edward Ardizzone complement the stories. First published in 1955; pictured is a 2003 New York Review of Books edition.

Finally Camping!

Terrie and I grew up camping, and kept it up after we got married, but have never gotten the kids out there - until now! It was touch-and-go for a while, since the coastal campgrounds fill up long in advance, but at the last minute we found a campsite at Beverly Beach (someone cancelled?). A frenzy of tossing gear into the car and we were off! This is a great place to camp, sheltered from the wind but only steps to the beach where a stream runs into the ocean. Beaches with streams are the best! We had a great time. Later, I asked Sydney where we should camp next. "Same place! No, Crater Lake!"

Working Hard and Having Fun at Softball

This weekend past Sydney's team, Oregon Rampage, participated in a tournament in Newberg. They played four games, and won all four through great teamwork and hard work. The last game in particular was hard-fought, with no score for the first three innings. We were up, we were down, and finally it came down to bases loaded with Sydney on third, watching with eagle eyes for an opportunity - which came in the form of a walk! But her face was shining with happiness as she came down on home plate to win the game.

These girls are amazing for their spirit, teamwork and perseverance.

Pictures from our R2AK Campaign

I know, in this day and age I'm posting pictures that were taken days ago? Oh well, better late than never. Here are pictures from our day with the R2AK: evening before the race; en route with Victoria in the background; the race fleet in front of the Empress Hotel (a favorite of my parents); enjoying a coffee brewed on board the next morning; skipper Tom watches over our faithful steed towing back to Port Townsend; me driving this amazing C&C 37/40 XL which graciously gave us a tow - the owner, crew and passengers were incredible generous and hospitable, truly the spirit of the sailing community.

R2AK Race Site - Race Sponsor Small Craft Advisor

Race to Alaska

Here is our GPS track as we sailed from Port Townsend to Victoria in the first leg of the Race to Alaksa (race site). We only signed up for this one leg, not for the full 750 mile race, by the way. Anyway, we had good winds and weather for the sail, leaving at the 5:30am starting gun and arriving 28th to ring the bell at 2:28pm (full results). Hard on the wind the whole way, with a pretty good-sized wave and swell running, but we had fun. I hope to post more pictures as time allows.