Learning

I like to learn. There have been times in my life when I wanted to learn something, so I spent time at it.  For example, I wanted to learn about Fabergé eggs. And the Amish. And NASCAR.  So, I spent time reading about them.  Usually, I would read what books I could get at the public library.  I have to admit that in the mid-80s, when I was wanting to learn about NASCAR, the local public library did not have much to ready (I suspect things would be different now.)

What do you like to learn about?

Who'd a Thunk It

I have been trying for some months to find books by Alexander McCall Smith in my local library.  I looked in the general fiction stacks, the mystery section, and the large print section, with only occasionally coming across one of the books by this author.  I am trying to ready the books in the series The Number 1 Lady's Detective Agency in order.  I have not been able to find them in the library, although the computer indicated they were there.  Today, I asked a reference librarian, who took me directly to these books.  Hmmm. They were not listed under Smith, but under McCall.  Who'd a thunk it!

Working Off Line

My computer network went out October 14, 2010. I am having to await until there is a time the technician and I can be in the same place in the same time, which turned out to be about 5 days later. On the 17th, I went to the public library to use the WiFi to clean out my email messages, and to take care a few pieces of online business. I did think to let my family know that I did not have computer access at home.



I had been on the computer a couple of times, to add some addresses, to play solitaire, but that was it.

I have thought about writing for the blog, but I did not have a topic.



I am not amazed to realize though, that I have thought about using the computer as synonymous as being on line.



However, there is nothing wrong with my writing blogs off line, and then loading them later…or doing other business off line.

Shopping

I hate shopping for clothes.  Part of that has to do with body image, but most of it has to do with not being much of a clothes horse and being real happy to wear slouch: loose, baggy, frumpy, and not necessarily fashionable.

I hate to pay full price for clothes, because there is an outrageous mark up on clothes. 

Consequently, I frequently go shopping and find it to be an unsatisfying experience.

On the other hand, I can spend hours in a book store, not buy anything but be very happy... And, I can spend hours at a library, not find anything (rarely) and be perfectly happy. 

I do not think it is the browsing thing so much as the object thing.

Past Due Books

I prefer to check out books from the library than buy them.. I buy the books for my book clubs, and am now struggling with what to do with them:  try to sell them on line, donate them to the Friends of the Library book sale, or donate them to a second hand store supporting a local social service agency.

A couple of weekends ago, I check out 4 books at the library... I did not pay attention to their due date, and just started reading.  I finished a couple of books fairly quickly and turned them in... I got bogged down on the last book, as I wanted to read a book club book in between.. Meanwhile, I received a letter from the City of Lubbock Library that indicated that I had a book that was past due... It is a 7 day book that was not on the 7 day shelf, and did not have a 7 day sticker on it..Oh well, I will finish reading the book between tonight and Saturday morning, and turn it in... I do not mind paying the fine:  I want the library to have the benefit of my money to use for other books.