A Notable Birthday And Revisiting A Classic

He that is of opinion money will do everything

may well be suspected of doing everything for money.

A slip of the foot you may soon recover,

but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.

by Benjamin Franklin

Today is the birth date of Benjamin Franklin born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 17,1706. Numerous quotes on liberty, freedom. religion, government, security and fools have been associated to him. Franklin  used the pseudonym Richard Saunders when he published Poor Richard's Almanack. This book included weather forecasts and many of his witty sayings and quotes which are still used today. 

Franklin was a self educated man, printer, author, scientist, philosopher and statesman. He is one of the Founding Fathers of America. Among his many inventions were the lightning rod, bifocal glasses and a clock with three wheels to show hours, minutes and seconds. But my one of my personal favorites is that he has been credited with the idea of Daylight Savings Time. Thank heavens he thought that one up! What a resume Franklin has for someone who never had any formal education.

A recent trip to local chain bookstore provided me with some reading inspiration. They are selling these book bags that have picture of the book cover  A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith. One of my New Year's reading resolutions is to reread some classics. This compelling story is set in the early 20th century about immigrants and their family survival struggles dealing with poverty issues. This story certainly deserves a second reading and I am really enjoying it. The main metaphor of the book is the hardy Tree of Heaven, native to China and Taiwan now considered invasive to vacant lots.  The novel is split into 5 books each covering a different period in the characters' lives. Francie Nolan is the protagonist.

One last word on books (at least for today). BHG has a new special interest publication out called Ultimate Casseroles. It can be found at bookstores and grocery stores in the magazine section. There are over 157 dishes of home-baked comfort foods. Should keep me busy trying recipes :) I have tried three and will post them in next three days.