Chasing Aphrodite

Again from netgalley, I got a free e-copy of Chasing Aphrodite. This book concerns the illicit antiquities trade and how the Getty Museum bought hundreds of smuggled artifacts over the course of several decades. It centers on the story of a statue of Aphrodite that was looted out of Italy and eventually wound up at the Getty. Despite convincing evidence the museum continued to deny that the statue (and other artifacts) had been looted and smuggled into the US. This book has a little bit of everything- tawdry affairs, arrogant CEO's, tax fraud, and good old gangsters. Although I found it difficult to keep track of the story and characters this was an enjoyable read about a topic that was unfamiliar to me.

Pearl in the Sand

Since getting my Nook (yes, I finally gave in), I've discovered the wonderful world of Netgalley.com. Through them I can get galley copies of ebooks that are either new releases or soon to be released. The first book that I read this way was Pearl in the Sand.
Pearl in the Sand is a book that I received free from netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review. I actually read this one as an ebook. for free It is a fictionalized account of the story of Rahab and the fall of Jericho. It also includes the story of what might have happened after Jericho and how Rahab ended up as part of the lineage of Jesus. This story is based on Biblical fact, obviously with artistic license taken. Although I had guessed the ultimate ending partway into the book I still enjoyed the way that the story unfolded. There were many good lessons and the writing seemed genuine and true. I'll be on the lookout for more books by this author.

Chris and I spent most of Sunday over his aunt's house canning. Mostly we canned pickles (48 lbs of cucumbers). She also did a few batches of beans for us. Since neither of us have ever canned before it was helpful to have someone who knew what they were doing helping us. Today we finally got it all home and packed into the pantry. Here's a pic of what our pantry looks like now.You can't even see the big containers of rice at the bottom.

I think we're going to be eating pickles for quite a while. Fortunately they're really good.
Oh, and here's a gratuitous Ava picture.

  

How can you not love a face like that?