Two books I read recently that made me want to pack our bags and hit the road were The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, Helene Hanff (author of 84, Charing Cross Road) and Lauren's Story, An American Dog in Paris, Kay Pfaltz. The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is out of print, but I got a copy from our library and then ordered one through Amazon.com. Dog lovers will especially enjoy Lauren's Story.

Two I'm currently working my way through are The Creaky Traveler in the North West Highlands of Scotland, Warren Rovetch (a bit creakier than we are, but we are getting there faster than I like to think about) and A Bike Ride, 12,000 Miles Around the World, Anne Mustoe.

For Christmas I'm getting some BBC books on learning French. Not fun, but gosh I wish I could say more than 'bonjour!'

Very best wishes for a wonderful holiday season to all,

Peggy