The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan

This work of nonfiction describes two different perspectives of the same historical place.

One history, that of Bashir Khairi, is one of a lost memory when his family is forced out of their home by Israeli occupation forces. It continues through his life and his struggles to get back to his homeland, which his ancestors have owned for centuries.

The second history is that of Dalia Eshkenazi, a Bulgarian Jew. She and her parents moved from Bulgaria into the house of Bashir's family. Dalia's life is forever changed when she opens her door to 26 year-old Bashir wanting to revisit his home.

The author makes sure to note the common symbolic element--a lemon tree, which is planted in the backyard of the home.

The story is of both people's history and gives great detail of the accounts that give life to the Middle East conflicts that most Americans pass over. I must admit I had many "Aha!" moments that helped me better understand the conflict, frustration and actions of both histories.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, especially our age, who has not been taught the history of the creation of Israel and the consequences

Yeah, they come to snuff the Rooster...

Went for a walk this morning. It was nice to walk while it was light outside. While walking, a couple of older ladies walking their dog (certainly a Beagle mix of some sort) approached. Since the dog was friendly, they let him on his rope to greet me. So I put out my hand so said dog could smell me. And what does he do? He JUMPS ON ME. Um, what? If your dog jumps, shouldn't you keep him tighter on his leash? Anyways, all the dog's owner said was, "Down Rooster!" So a Beagle mix named Rooster? Cute. A Beagle mix named Rooster that jumps? Not so good.

I also saw Thunder out for a walk this morning. This extra hour that we got yesterday seems lucrative to most. ;)

Panic in the kitchen...

So....

I made a very nice meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green bean dinner last night for Mr.Catman. And he had oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert.

We have a rule: the person cooking does not have to clean up. So, Mr. Catman was working on hand-washing dishes while I was making cookies. Of course, he does not want to get his wedding band dirty, so he places his shiny ring on our black potholders in order to wear the ring when he finishes.

Well, Mrs.Catman needs the potholders. So she quietly relocates his wedding band to a safer edge of the counter where her rings are. So they can 'be together.' Catman finishes, then proceeds to the television, to watch the World Series. After about 5 minutes he rushes to the kitchen, all in a panic, trying to find his ring that is no longer on the potholders that were being used.

"Um,where's my ring? I set it right here on the potholder."

(Panic, panic)

"I relocated it to a safer place next to mine."

You should've seen the relief in his face. Just another reason why I love this man. He was so sincere. (Insert mushy, mushy sounds.)

Pumpkin, pumpkin, round and fat...

Mrs. Catman's Blog!

So, I've moved on, now that I'm all married and such. Welcome to Mrs. Catman's blog!

Today I just handed off an assignment that I was too busy to do. And it completely felt like Christina Applegate in Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead where she hands off all of the GPS reports to an accountant who takes care of the accounting aspects for her while she is busy designing clothes. It felt great to just assign it to someone else.

P.S. I'm making a home-cooked meal for the Catman tonight. He is getting meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert. *hearts*