Even before computers were invented, I've always been an "information junkie." I worked in libraries and historical societies most of my life and had to be good at gathering information. My parents were the same, so with me, it is genetic. I can recall when the internet first came up, I literally spent hours and hours browsing upon topic of interest, printing out words to my favorite songs, reseaching my family history, printing out art works, etc. Now, I spend at least 2 hours per day on various chatrooms, forums and keep in touch with friends via Facebook and e-mail, far and wide. It's way too much time spent just sitting but I don't know how to break the addiction to collecting information and passing it on. I do not have an I-Pod, Cell Phone, Kindle, Blackberry, etc. and I do not play games, thankfully.

Stephen King is a Maine native and a great friend of the state. He and his wife are very involved in helping the community where they maintain a residence, although he does not live there year-round any more. I read "Lady Ferry" online, what a wonderful story! I would like to work my way through all of Jewett's writing. Today, well into my second week, I received a treasured library card. The local library is very small and the selection is rather limited as you might expect, but I immediately called up the ILL system and requested a few books. It is all very friendly and yes, quaint. The library is in an old house given to the town long ago for use as a library. It boasts a large fireplace with a WWI memorial over the mantel. The cookbook selection is large, varied, and current, so there must be a lot of cooks here. Although I have noticed a significant lack of really large people - I am surprised at the number of people, especially older ones, sporting slim, youthful figures. Maybe the cold burns off calories!

I'm planning to send out bookmark exchange information tomorrow, Wednesday November 19th. If your address has changed since last year, please send me an email with the new information to rose folly at gmail.com (eliminate spaces). Here are the names I have. If I have accidentally left anyone out, please let me know. merryworld carolyn my donnamira rouan frances md sheriz6 siobhan 1 astrokath two big dogs christine a artiste 8 phaedosia yoyobon rosefolly Rosefolly

Funnily enough, I too, have an idea for next year's bookmark exchange. It's all thanks to the sister I visited at Christmas. She's very crafty and decided to make some bookmarks while I was there. If I don't forget...I am going to utilize one of the designs she made (and gave to me) for the next exchange. Sheriz6, I like your idea for storing bookmarks and am going to look for something similar in which to store mine. Right now, they are in various locations around the house. I want to gather them all together so I can select just the right one for whichever book(s) I happen to be reading at the moment.