Apparently, Saturday March 2 was National Tongue Twister Day. After I chuckled over this fact, I began to think about all the books I have read with tongue twisters in them. Of course the first title that came to mind was Dr. Seuss's Fox in Socks, which I have yet to read without making a mistake! It really does make your tongue a little numb (as the book asks you on the last page)! The more I thought about this, I began to recall the various times I have been asked (by teachers mostly) for picture books that focus on one letter.
Join us from March 3rd through 9th as we celebrate Read an eBook Week (yes, there is and actual event for that!). Visit OverDrive to browse through our available eBook titles. If you don't own a reader, the Smithville Branch has several Sony eReaders available for checkout, and our staff is always willing to help get you started.
Lupin starting coughing the other day. Oh no, looks like a trip to the vet is in order. As a regular at doggy daycare, a cold is bound to happen. I took Sirius along too and decided to get their yearly heart worm test out of the way. The boys were splendid as we walked in. They walked with me, no one pulling on the leash or wrapping around my legs. They each got on the scale, sat, and waited. Lupin wagged his tail politely at the receptionist as she remarked, "he’s such a good boy." Then we were led to the examination room. She closed the door behind her.
Henry Ford once said, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young." I have discovered a treasure through MCPL's Online Resource to help explore new subjects and improve my skills. Have you checked out the ed2go classes that are available for free to people who have a valid library card?
Our display case this month is the home for several pieces of artwork from the group that paints with Martha Urquhart at the Smithville United Methodist Church. It's such a pleasure to see what these talented folks bring. Also on display is a collection of very old, much loved Valentines kept by Mr. John Hidy. It's been so nice having the two displays at the same time -- they seem to complement each other this Valentine month.
There are books that are so amazing and fun that we want to share them with everyone! Even with people who don't want to see them! That is how I feel about many picture books. If a book has big pretty pictures, many simply chalk it up to: "must be a picture book for kids." Truth be told, these books are often marketed towards children but have a whole lot for adults to enjoy that the kids cannot not yet appreciate. So, once again I am up on my soapbox, shouting, "Grown-ups! Stop! Take another look at these picture books!
How do you like to read? This may seem like a strange question, but it is one I have been trying to answer lately with all the different book forms that are available now. When I was a child, you got a book and you would read it. The only choice was the book you picked. Today you can get what some might call an "old fashioned" book to read, you can download an eBook to whatever kind of mobile device you have, or you can get an audiobook that you can listen to.
I make my own dog food. I have for several years. When my Maltese, Bailey, was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, I began to research ways to help him. That led me to dog nutrition. When I began researching dog nutrition, I was appalled at how awful dog kibble was. Some kibble is just downright horrible, but others are not bad. Learn to read dog food labels to find better ones. I don’t think any kibble is as good as it should be, so I began to make my own. I often get asked how I make it, so I thought I’d share my process with everyone.
As Ben Franklin said..."The only things certain in life are death and taxes." Yes, it's tax time again. The Library has long been the source to find those obscure tax forms that you need to complete your return. I've noticed in the last few years that the federal government is no longer sending those hard to find forms, and the State of Missouri has quit sending forms at all. I guess it's all in an effort to go green and reduce paper costs.
Good Times: Tips for Making Sure Your Dog is a Good Doggy Daycare Playmate!
Doggy daycare is a great way to give your dog extra exercise, socialization, and freedom from boredom while you are away at work. There are a lot of dogs that enjoy doggy daycare and have a wonderful time. It can put stress off you knowing he’s not sitting at home alone all day, and it gives him the exercise he needs when you can’t. However, there are some dogs who just can’t handle the noisy rambunctious atmosphere, and that’s okay, too. Don’t force your dog to go if he’s not enjoying it. There are other options.
