Okay, now some of you may not get as excited when the warmer weather arrives and especially in spring, when not only garage and yard sales abound but book sales are held by clubs, organizations and some book stores.

You may ask why this thrills me?

It means, more cookbooks, and bottom line - more affordable cookbooks!

I am a cookbook junkie, a cookbook nut case and what’s more, I am proud of it. I have no idea how many cookbooks and food-related books I own, since I quit counting around 2,500…my husband laughed when he read that and said maybe even double that amount. Huh! Just because he can’t find a clear path easily around the bookcases, boxes etc. and filing cabinets…

My collection ranges from old product handouts (Knox gelatin, late 1800’s) to instruction booklets for mixers, frying pans etc. I pick up many bargains from yard or garage sales, people who are moving and want to pare down their collections, places like Salvation Army or Goodwill, book sales and book stores.

I have community and church cookbooks and complete sets (Time-Life, Grand Diplome, Better Homes and Gardens etc.) I have several years of Southern Living, Cooking-Light; Food and Wine…

Some books are specific, like the one I picked up yesterday that contains just curry recipes, others are regional, ethnic, or author (Ah, Alton Brown, you make my day…<G>).

The titles are wonderful as well. I have Manifold Destiny (cooking on your car’s motor while you travel), Apocalypse Chow (”how to eat well when the power goes out)and The Gourmet Garage Cookbook (200 everyday recipes using fresh and exotic ingredients from around the world - from the chain of Gourmet Garage stores in NY). Or how about “Babushka Power Cookbook” in honor of legendary baseball announcer for our Pittsburgh Pirates, Bob Prince. The cookbook featured many of the wonderful ethnic recipes our area is known for, and proceeds benefited three groups that provided medical care for children.

If you need a recipe, I probably can find it for you. <GBG>

And there is nothing I love to do more than that.

A couple paragraphs back, I briefly mentioned that I bought a new book yesterday. Well, yes, I did…from a book store that also sells used books at reduced prices (many are only $1 or $2 …) My daughter Bethany and I came home loaded down with a huge box filled. Some of the books were for her sister Holly, our youngest grandson, Joshua, my hubby and Bethany. The rest were (slightly embarrassed, I blush) me. Moi.

I paid $70 out of my savings, and in return, got an estimated $250 or more in books. WELL worth it. The only problem is where to put them…but I will manage.

Well, it’s snowing here again in Pittsburgh, Easter is this Sunday, and I think I will make a cup of tea, settle down under an afghan and look through my new books for something new to make. It may be winter-like outside, but inside, it’s spring and better weather is ahead.

May you all have a beautiful spring, and Happy Easter!

Hugs and hugs
Cyn