November newsletter - 11/15/2012

Saturday afternoon,  eight members of the Sheboygan branch met to discuss the book that was selected last spring, The Legend of the Celtic Stone by Michael Phillips.  We were: Mary Kunert, Joan Kramer, LuAnn Cleary Benninghaus, Debbie O'Grady, Joan Schwabe, Barbara Fishbaugher and Kathy Paul.  The discussion was lively, acknowledging that the book is quite deep and cannot just be read in bits and pieces.   Michael Phillips weaves the history of Caledonia, Scotland, from the time of the cave men to modern time with the modern time being the search for the theft of the Stone of Scone.   Ancient history, medieval history were interspersed in the mystery building suspense and knowledge of Scottish legends.  I am going to tackle the second in the series soon.  It is called An Ancient Strife and continues with the life of Andrew Trentham a modern member of parliament who is interested in Scottish rule. 
I hope I have whetted your appetite for the story with my vagueness.

But to finish.  The discussion group decided on Saturday afternoon to read any one of Pat Managhan's books that we want.  I am going to reread, the Red Haired Girl from the Bog, then can lend it to others.    I hope to continue with my pursuit of following the chapters of Wild Girls, the Path of the Young Goddess also.

I believe that all know that Patricia Monaghan passed away on Saturday evening. I am sure she felt us discussing her.   We will miss her and continue to pay her tribute by reading the many books she has left for us.      Her web site, for those who don't know, is http://www.patricia-monaghan.com/index.htm.       She and Michael Mc Dermott have a new book called Brigit: Sun of Womanhood which is a compilation, coming out in January.   I have preordered a couple copies.     You can also just Google Pat and find out a lot about her.

Our last event for the year 2012 will be at the Plymouth History Museum along with the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center for our 7th Annual Irish Christmas Tea.   The tea is from 1PM to 3PM on Saturday, December 8.   Jeff Ward will be entertaining us this year.    Bring your best Christmas Cheer and a treat to share with each other and our guests. 

I will be bringing a couple loaves of fresh Irish Brown Bread and butter to spread on it.    Hope everybody can come.   This is always my very first Christmas Celebration of the year and it means so much to spend it with you all.

Dia Dhuit


Mary

A small haiku for all of you from me.

JOY

Music surrounds us
The Irish do not seem to know
The art of silence