336.24J

613.2Z

641.5884S

641.8654W

808.543F

These are the numbers currently impacting my days as I start the new year.

641.584S is the Dewey Decimal System number for the "Southern Living Slow-Cooker Cookbook," where I found a great beef burgundy stew on page 87 that my family loved; it went together quickly and it perfumed the kitchen better than any Glade product.

It's a perfect dinner to come home to on Monday evenings, especially the first Monday after an island vacation.

A pot that didn't need watching afforded me some free time to delve into # 226.24J, J.K. Lasser's "Your Income Tax 2010." And while I admit I'm not going to read this 816-page behemoth cover to cover, it's always good to check out what's new in tax law and to refresh your knowledge of evergreen items: personal and business use of a home.

As a wise woman once told me, "It's your money, you need to know what's going on, whether you have an accountant or not."

Number 808.543F speaks to the writer in me. "The Elements of Story, Field Notes on Nonfiction Writing" is a new release by Francis Flaherty, a New York Times editor who calls himself in the Intro the Story Doctor and who offers remedies for your writing.

While I can purchase the book and deduct it as a business expense it's not a solution that has worked in the past. There are hundreds of books on writing and it's great to be able to read one before you purchase it, to make sure it is one you want to add to your reference collection on the craft.

I've gotten better at cooking fresh and being aware of additives thanks to the constant comments by my older daughter, Meredith, who is a big fan of Michael Pollen's books, so when #613.2Z caught my eye on the shelf ( the library's, not the grocer's) I grabbed it.

I've seen "Eat This, Not That, the Supermarket Survival Guide: The No Diet Weight Loss Solution" all over the place, but didn't want to fork out (pun intended) the $19.95 to buy it, read it once and forget it. So I decided to check it out and take it home for a quick read and jot down one or two of the purls of supermarket-shopping wisdom I could use.

Well hellooo! I was getting writer's cramp. Just one example, I'm always picking up Boca products and complimenting myself on my meatless solutions. Turns out not all veggie products are created equal, Quorn Naked Chik'n Cutlets has half the calories and fat as Bocca's Meatless Chik'n Patties Original. Who knew?

I've always headed to the Bocca freezer case because it was the brand I first began using and I've stuck with it, so the book is a wake-up call to really look at what you're buying and not to be blinded by brand loyalty.

Everyone who knows me knows I love to bake and wherever I go there is a chocolate pistachio cake not far behind but it's a new year and I've decided to try a few cookie recipes to add to my husband's lunches -- they're definitely easier to pack than the slice of cake.

I usually take Kristen Blount's recommendations on the library blog "Highly Recommended" for any science fiction books I pick up for my husband -- they're always good reads -- so I was delighted to see her picks for holiday baking and picked up #641.8654W, "A Baker's Field Guide to Chocolate Chip Cookies." The spiral bound book is easy to use and the Holy Smokes Heavenly Chip and Cranberry Cookies recipe allowed me to use the package of dried cranberries I had in the pantry which I never used for the holidays. I'm determined to use what I have on hand before buying more.

The cookies were great and most of the recipes in the book are drop cookies which are easy to make. Thanks Kristen. Bob is now reading your sci-fi recommendations with a stack of cookies and glass of milk by his side.

If I went out and purchased all these books, the total would be $106.79. Going to the library, grazing in the stacks and scanning the shelves for something new? Zero dollars. The Howard County Public Library System? Priceless.

Save the date

Another resolution for the new year is to spread charitable giving throughout the year, and I'm pretty good at doing just that. But I do hate the avalanche of requests that come in the last quarter of the year -- "Gimmes" is what one of my 86-year-old friends calls them.

But one I never miss is Evening in the Stacks, which happens Feb. 27, from 7 to 11 p.m., at the East Columbia Branch. This is a grand event and a lot of fun for all ages. Tickets are $100, but well worth the price.

This year's theme "Caliente!" means you'll bask in the ambience of Latino flowers, flamenco, the sounds of Latin Grammy winners Afro Bop Alliance and food to spice up your "fun-raising" evening.

Bill Thompson, the host of "Eye On Books" who interviews authors on this top-rated book forum, will be there to probe authors Franciso Aragon, H.G. Carrillo and C.M. Mayo.

Already booked for that date? You can buy a raffle ticket for a four-night all-inclusive vacation to Riviera Maya, Mexico. Tickets cost $10 each or three for $20 and are available at any branch until Feb. 26 at 5 p.m.

Just a reminder. Go to hclibrary.org for an upcoming date, currently scheduled for mid-February, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Miller Branch Library and Historical Center, as well as for classes to help you make this year one of your best.

user comments (0)