I like to try and read at least for a few minutes before I go to sleep. For the past several days I have been reading (probably for the 5 or 6th time ) the book "A Mile High, A Mile Deep" by Richard K O'Malley. It is a fictional account of two boys growing up in Butte in the 1920's.
Well last night I finished it. I really was concerned about finishing it before I went to sleep. I don't want to ruin the book for anyone who may want to read it, but there is a death at the end of the book and I was concerned it may trigger some things that would keep me from sleeping. It did trigger a few thoughts and unpleasant recollections but I was fortunately able to clear them from my mind and I did get to sleep and actually slept pretty well.
In the book the boys grew up in the area of town where Jennifer grew up and where I spent a fair amount of time in my youth as well. The area in the book was on the flats in the Whitter area. Jennifer grew up about a block away from the Whitter on Harvard. My Aunt and Uncle lived on Princeton and my good friend CD also lived on Harvard but he was about two blocks up from Jennifer. Anyway, I spent a fair amount of time in the area.
I went to first grade at the Harrison school in the East Butte/McQueen area of Butte. The school closed because the mining operations took over that whole area. So from second grade through 6th grade I went to the Whitter. After school I usually went to my Aunt and Uncles house or to my friend CD's house until my grandpa came and picked up the bus from my Aunt's house or I would wait for my Dad to get back to Butte from Anaconda and ride home with him.
So when he talks about the areas in the book I can certainly recall them. The 1920's were probably truly Butte's hey days. Anyway it is a book I enjoy and was nice to read it again, but the end of the book is a tear jerker.
I cooked a big breakfast since it was Sunday (Pancakes from scratch, sausage and eggs). Did a little mechanic work today (changed a battery in a tractor). Then we had some company and then watched the Buffalo Bills spank the Dallas Cowboys. Now working on cooking some dinner. It is a Greek recipe my Mom wanted to try it's called Spiced Braised Beef and Onions (Stefado). Hopefully it turns out (it smells good so far).
It's going to be a busy week of appointments for the folks, so I guess we better enjoy these laid back days. Christmas will be here before we know it.
Well enough for today.
Comments