Kentucky’s First Lady is thinking about the young people in Kentucky – specifically about their reading habits. She has created a Summer Reading List for Kentucky’s young people. Even kids who don’t live in Kentucky will love these fascinating books.
Jane Beshear’s summer reading list is one each child should complete this summer.
In an effort to increase student reading during summer break, First Lady Jane Beshear today announced her Top 10 Summer Reads as part of the First Lady’s Reading Recommendations initiative.
“Educators have long known that reading over summer vacation leads to improved performance when school resumes, and fosters a lifelong love of reading,” said Mrs. Beshear. “The books on my summer reading list have been chosen not only to entertain and educate students throughout the summer months but to increase their awareness of the outdoors, community service and compassion for others.”
- Summer Reading is Killing Me!, Jon Scieszka (Ages 9-12)—“In this latest adventure of the time warp trio, Fred, Sam and Joe find themselves traveling through time when Fred puts their summer reading list in The Book, which causes them to meet up with a number of familiar children’s book characters.” (On Amazon: Summer Reading Is Killing Me! #7 (Time Warp Trio)
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- Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt (Ages 9-12)—“This enchanting and timeless tale is a story of fantasy while also tenderly dealing with the real world issues of mortality and the cycle of life.” (On Amazon: Tuck Everlasting
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- The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton (Ages 13-18)—“This classic tale of the struggle of young boys trying to find their place in this world is as relevant a social commentary today as it was when it was published more than 40 years ago.” (On Amazon: The Outsiders
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- Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O’Dell (Ages 9-12)—“This 50th Anniversary edition is the story of a young Indian girl separated from her tribe and stranded on an island for many years. It provides a strong female lead character in a story of human resourcefulness and a will to survive.” (On Amazon: Island of the Blue Dolphins
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- Slow Down for Manatees, Jim Arnosky (Ages 4-8)—“This beautifully written and illustrated story encourages young readers to be mindful of the world they share with other creatures and the threats that humans sometimes unknowingly pose to them.” (On Amazon: Slow Down for Manatees
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- Riddle of the Reef, Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz (Ages 4-8)—“This book features adventure and an important message of conservation as Riley and his family visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.” (On Amazon: Riddle Of The Reef (Adventures Of Riley)
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- Mountains Beyond Mountains, Tracy Kidder, (Ages 14-18)—“A New York Times Best Seller and Pulitzer Prize winner, this book tells the remarkable and inspiring story of Dr. Paul Famer’s efforts to bring healthcare to the poor and sick of Haiti.” (On Amazon: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader’s Circle)
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- Gods of Manhattan, Scott Mebus (Ages 9-12)—“The first in a series of books about a spirit world that exists within Manhattan, the story of Rory and his kid sister Bridget provides a great deal of adventure and fantasy, as well as a little history of New York City.” (On Amazon: Gods of Manhattan
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- When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, Kimberly Willis Holt, (Ages 11-15)—“Set during a small-town, Texas summer, this book tells the story of 13-year-old Toby Wilson, his struggle to find how he fits into this world and the realization that, as difficult as his life may seem, others may have it worse than him.” (On Amazon: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
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- Scat, Carl Hiaasen, (Ages 9-12)—“When their unpopular biology teacher inexplicably goes missing, Nick and Marta set out on an adventure to unravel the mystery of Mrs. Bunny Starch’s suspicious disappearance.” (On Amazon: Scat
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What’s new at Genuine Kentucky:
I added a new article to the Bird’s Articles: How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
The Hitching Post in Aurora Kentucky
We were in Aurora, Kentucky recently – visiting the wonderful Hitching Post and it’s remarkably friendly people and grabbing hot dogs so sensational you have to see them to believe them and taste them to truly experience a hot dog. They’re called Dixie Dogs and you only think you’ve had a true hot dog before.
Aurora Bar-B-Que in Aurora Kentucky
While we were in town, I wish we had eaten at Aurora Bar-B-Q (delicious!), but we were anxious to try another barbecue restaurant in the Land Between the Lakes region.
Big mistake. The service was decidedly unfriendly (as cold as ice cream) and the food wasn’t fit to write about. Literally – since I don’t do negative food reviews on Genuine Kentucky. If we have outstanding food and service, I write about it on Genuine Kentucky – if it’s the pits…. I pretend it never happened. A throwback to, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”
See, mom, I was paying attention.
Honestly, if you want the best bar-b-que in and around the Land Between the Lakes region, you simply have to make your way to Aurora and the home of the winking pig. Trust me. We’ve had bar-b-que from just about everywhere in the Lake’s region and Aurora’s home to the absolute best. The workers are friendly, the service is wonderful, and the food is outstanding.
I’ve said it in other posts on this site before, but I’ll say it again (after all, when I’m truly impressed with people and/or food, I’ll sing their praises for the rest of my life – I’m nothing if not loyal): You have to spend some time in Aurora, Kentucky. It’s one of my favorite places on earth. The town is very small, quiet, and unassuming. It’s also extremely charming, friendly, warm, and fun.
Dixie Dogs in front of the Hitching Post in Aurora, Kentucky
What makes Aurora Kentucky so special?
- The people couldn’t be nicer if you paid them to be. Not once have I come across an unfriendly person Aurora.
- In my personal opinion, the Willow Pond Catfish restaurant in Aurora is the best of all the Willow Pond restaurants. They’re all outstanding, mind you, but the one in Aurora Kentucky is just a little better. The servers are a little friendlier and the hushpuppies are a little better. Maybe more than a little.
- The Hitching Post is one of the most outrageously cool and fun places you could hope to spend an afternoon in. The new owners have made the Hitching Post such a wonderful place to visit that it’s a wonder they don’t charge admission. They obviously have a great passion for what they do and a great love for their guests. The Hitching Post is, at once, the funnest and coolest gift shop you could ever conceive AND a remarkable little “Step Back in Time” museum. They have put a great deal of time, money, and work into renovating a little country store beside the Hitching Post’s main shop. They proudly display some truly remarkable things from the distant past – it’s simply outstanding. I’ve seen (and paid) admission required for far less fascinating exhibits.
- Right out front of the Hitching Post is Dixie Dogs (click the link for my other review of this deliciousness)! After browsing around the Country Store and gift shop (be sure to grab a bottle of pop), you’ll want to walk out to the Dixie Dogs stand and introduce your taste buds to the most remarkable hot dog they’ve ever met.
- Another of my favorite places on earth to visit is the gorgeous nearby Elk and Bison Prairie. I’m the biggest animal lover in the world and these majestic animals just take my breath away every single time. We once had the pleasure of having our vehicle completely surrounded by peaceful bison. They’re a favorite animal of mine, so I literally had tears in my eyes. It’s moving to be so close to such amazing animals as elk and bison.
- The nearby Nature Station and the Bison Range are also great experiences and provide wonderful photo ops along with memories for a lifetime.
- Kentucky Lake! Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes and is a beautifully relaxing way to spend a family vacation. Over 160,000 acres of water and 2,064 miles of shoreline are populated with over 100 species of fish, including catfish, crappie, bluegill, stripes any more. Talk about an outstanding fishing vacation.
- Kenlake Lodge is a quiet, charming, understated, and wonderful place to stay and/or eat. I often call it the best kept secret in the Land Between the Lakes. Click the link to see what makes Kenlake State Resort Park so special.
Kenlake State Resort Park
Do yourself and your family (of all ages!) a huge favor and spend a weekend or a week in Aurora Kentucky on your next vacation. While there’s something to be said for keeping our dollars in Kentucky, it wouldn’t be worth it if there weren’t extraordinary places to see, visit, and stay. Fortunately, Kentucky is full of remarkable places and Aurora, Kentucky is one of them.
The Land Between the Lakes is an outstanding place for people of all ages and will provide fun memories that’ll last forever. When the vacation comes to an end, your only question will be, “How soon can we come back?!?!”
This, I promise.
One of my greatest passions is gardening. When I’m in my herb bed or one of my flower gardens (working alongside my beloved cats as the birds serenade us with the most beautiful music on earth), all’s right in my colorful world.
I get most of my plants, seeds, seedlings, and so forth here in Owensboro, Kentucky. My favorite Kroger has really been on its game this season, offering some truly outstanding plants. My husband would say that I’ve rewarded them by buying every single one they put out, but I don’t know if I’d go that far.
Okay, maybe.
We were in the Lakes region a few days ago (on route from Aurora, Kentucky to Grand Rivers, Kentucky) and happened to drive past what looked like a beautiful, locally-owned florist. We’re both all about supporting locally owned businesses and I’m all about shopping, so we stopped. Besides, I needed some fresh chives for my herb bed and I’m always on the lookout for red salvia or geraniums to attract hummingbirds. The little guys are drawn to red like I am to chocolate.
The name of the beautiful nursery and florist was Gateway Nursery & Florist and they have an incredible selection of plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and other lovelies for your garden, yard, and home. The people were extra-friendly (especially a lady who was outside watering the plants at the time – she had that small-town Kentucky charm that makes you proud to be a Kentuckian) and the prices were uncommonly fair.
Gateway Nursery & Florist is located at 960 US Highway 68E in Benton, Kentucky, just east of the Purchase Parkway’s Exit 47 in Draffenville. They are closed on Sundays – as their website says, “Closed Sundays – See you in church!”
I just fell in love with them a little more.
Visit their website (http://www.gatewaynursery.com) for more information and be sure to stop in to say “Hi” and grab some loveliness for your world.
So, are you as excited as I am about UK Basketball this year?! I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to bleed blue again – my veins (as well as the program) had been clogged up for a few years.
We’re pulling out all the stops in our house – the entire place is slowly becomming blue and white… like the good old days.
I’m loving the UK gift bags at Kentucky Collectibles. Throw a red bow on them and you’re good to go with Christmas wrapping. My favorite bag may be the one above, but there are others. There are also countless other UK goodies, you’ll have to go to the site and check them all out. They’ll blow you away.
Boaters, you’re going to love the people behind this great family-owned and operated businesses. They love the boating and fishing life as much as anyone. The team behind RAGGEDedge Products is a mother and daughter. They are extremely passionate about the products they make and it shows in the details.
The beautiful boat tote above is the Sailcloth Tote Bag.
From the web site:
The pretty colors of this big tote bag remind us of warm beaches and tropical waters.. Colorful, cool and fun as well as incredibly practical. Looks fabulous to carry, easy to clean, and lightweight. From dress up to casual, our big tote bag can go every you need to go.
Features:
RAGGEDedge has other totes, organizers, handbags, portfolios, pocket folders, and pouches. If you’re “all about” having highly original, exceptionally crafted, and down-right gorgeous things around you – this is something that will…. ahem… float your boat.
As a bonus, I’m ALWAYS eager to support an American, family-owned business. I’m know you feel the same.
I guess the image above lets you know an “I’m getting on my Soap Box” moment is coming!
And you’re still reading? I think I love you.
The economy is on everyone’s mind and tongue lately. Personally, I think we’re on the upswing, but it won’t be an overnight success story. All in all, people have done a pretty decent job of not panicking. But we aren’t out of the woods yet, make no mistake about it.
So what am I climbing onto my proverbial soap box for? Just this. I think we should all concentrate more on keeping our money in our community. Not just in our town or county, which is all well and good (darn good) but in our state. There are exceptions, of course, but most of us simply do not have to go out of state (or online) to find things we need or want. Is it convenient to buy online? You betcha!
But wouldn’t it be more beneficial to our community and to our state if we bought from local retailers – as in BEFORE anyone else has to go out of business? Of course it would. These are our neighbors, friends, and family. They’re our people!
I’m just suggesting that everyone think of giving their business, money, and loyalty to stores, restaurants, and so forth in their own community – and to especially look out for family owned businesses. The next time you want to buy a book – find a local bookstore rather than ordering online. Grab breakfast and coffee from a local diner and tip like you’d want someone to tip a member of your own family.
We’ll all benefit from keeping Kentucky money in Kentucky.
This would be me climbing off of my soap box and heading to the grocery store. God knows I do my part to stimulate the economy. (That’s what I keep telling my husband. I”m not sure he completely buys into my thinking, but since most of the money I spend goes toward kitchen gadgets and groceries, he doesn’t complain much.)
Street Rod Nationals, Louisville, Kentucky Photographic PrintBuy at AllPosters.comI was rounding up a few Kentucky themed art prints and posters to add to the sidebar when the one above stopped me in my tracks. So to speak. I love this print! In our living room, we go with a vintage type theme. It’s a throw back to the golden age of Hollywood (which I obviously adore), old cars, and vintage Coca Cola ads. I have a few cherished Coca Cola trays I got from my mom as well as a beautiful framed print.
This beauty would go perfectly in the room.
However, it just so happens that in one of our bathrooms, I think it would go even better. I decorated this particular bathroom with my husband in mind. There are lots of little vintage cars sitting around, setting a 50′s theme. This art print would be a knock out. I love the colors!
Bethany Griffin, an English teacher at Bullitt East High School is causing a stir in fiction circles. She has written a young adult novel, Handcuffs
In an article that ran in the January 11 edition of The Louisville Courier-Journal, Bethany Griffin told the reporter, “The first young adult book I wrote, I was very aware that I was a teacher, and I never got very deep into any of the characters. But I just kind of went crazy with Handcuffs
The daily paper amNewYork named Griffin one of the five Potential Stars of 2009. More praise comes from School Library Journal which claims that Handcuffs has “excellent” character development. They also point out that Griffin “manages to tie the strings together clearly and cleverly.”
The popular website, YAReads.com raves that Griffin “captures the essence of adolescence superbly.” They point out that her characters are “believable, raw, honest, and absolutely engaging.”
Click through either of the links above to read more about the book.
Want. Want. Want. Want. Want.
I haven’t been so overcome with wants since the last time I stepped into my local Starbucks. I gotta tell you, I love myself some polar bears. Aw, man – they’re amazing. If you took one look at my computer area in our home office, you’d see that it’s a bit of an obsession. But I’m “cool” with that.
“Bear” it all: Exclusive Louisville Zoo Glacier Run polar bear ties and totes available in time for the holidays!
Louisville Zoo’s new exclusive Glacier Run ties and totes feature polar bears, the beautiful icons of the Arctic (and Joi’s desk).
From the Louisville Zoo:
These special one-of-a-kind ties and totes were created through collaboration between the Zoo, Vineyard Vines and local retailer Parallel 38.
Both the ties and totes are available in either royal blue or red for a limited time only now through December 31 at Parallel 38 (3905 Chenoweth Square) or the Zoo’s Development Office (in person or by calling 502-238-5615). Ties are $85 and totes are $125 with all net proceeds going to support the Zoo’s Glacier Run Capital Campaign. The Zoo can also mail items for an additional $5 shipping and handling fee.
After December 31, the exclusive ties and totes will be offered only as a special premium with a contribution of $2,500 or more to the Glacier Run Capital Campaign.
“We are thrilled with this partnership and the sophisticated, stylish products,” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “Not only will you be telling people that you support the Zoo and Glacier Run by wearing the tie or carrying the tote, you will bring awareness of how bold, beautiful and awe-inspiring polar bears are and how we must do everything we can to save them.”
To celebrate the partnership and exclusive launch, Parallel 38 is hosting a special in-store Zoo party on Thursday, December 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. with wine, hors d’oeuvres and real live animals.
“We are delighted to help support the Louisville Zoo and Glacier Run,” said Terri Cardwell, owner of Parallel 38. “I’m an avid animal lover and have been a friend of the Zoo for many years. I’m excited to be a part of the Zoo’s efforts to inspire caring and conservation among visitors of all ages. Polar bears are symbols of environmental awareness and climate change, and Glacier Run is going to bring that message home to Kentucky.”
The Zoo’s Glacier Run exhibit, currently under construction and scheduled to be complete in 2010, will feature polar bears, seals and sea lions and will educate visitors about global issues hopefully inspiring them to take action for the planet.
“Glacier Run will be a life-changing experience,” Walczak said. “It will fundamentally advance the Zoo’s mission of ‘bettering the bond between people and our planet’ through education, recreation and quality family fun.
“Your purchase of these ties and totes and contribution to the Glacier Run Capital Campaign will ensure that our kids, friends, families and visitors will enjoy a world-class zoo experience—including up-close viewing of magnificent polar bears—right here in our back yard.”
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Vineyard Vines is an apparel company founded in 1998 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, inspired by their love of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.
Louisville boutique Parallel 38 offers premier lines of clothing, travel and lifestyle products to experience the good life with well-known brands including Vineyard Vines, Barbour, Patagonia, Lacoste and Tommy Bahama. For more information, please visit www.parallel38.com or call 1-866-392-9375
Hmmm. As much as I want the totes, I think I simply MUST have the big furry guy in the middle.
Click each thumbnail to see the larger version.
I was in the process of rounding up links and images for the sidebar earlier this morning. After I grabbed (gently, of course) the turtle to link to gorgeous Green Turtle Bay, I browsed around their site for a while. My finely tuned nose smelled something I needed to spend money on.
Right! As Always! Sorry honey!
Check out the drop dead gorgeous hat and tee above. Are they smart or what? The hat/shirt combo comes in several color combinations. The one I’m showing above is the blue hat/tan shirt, but apparently it’s also available in a combination with a tan hat/orange tee. If you live in Tennessee, I guess the orange would be right up your alley – or down your field. For those of us who are standing by our Kentucky Mildcats, we’ll stick with the blue. Seems kind of appropriate this season. And last. And…
Anyway, I absolutely love these hats/tees. Click HERE to take a closer look. Better yet, do whatever it takes to get to Grand Rivers and Green Turtle Bay, in person. You can’t eat at Docker’s Bayside Grill online – and, trust me, you’ll want to eat at Docker’s Bayside Grill – for breakfast AND lunch.
Visit Green Turtle Bay’s website for information on condominium rentals. The prices are so much lower than you’d expect for such a breathtaking view. And Docker’s Bayside Grill. Obsessed? Why, yes, I am.
Also, while in Grand Rivers (after all, I’ve convinced you to have an extended stay, right?) be CERTAIN you take in at least one show at Badgett Playhouse. You’ll be thanking me for two forevers…or at least until UK hits the top 10 again.
The Green Turtle Bay Gift Shop’s hours are below:
Summer Hours
Monday – Saturday
8 am – 5 pm
Sunday
10 am – 4 pm
Winter Hours
Monday – Friday
8 am – 5pm
Saturday
10 am – 2 pm
Click HERE to read my open love letter to Docker’s Bayside Grill and their remarkable onion rings.
