New stuff I like

As you know I am quite a P.D James fan, and finally a new book has come out. I haven't had a new book written by her to read since 2005 when The Lighthouse came out. I am hoping they will make the movie to go along with that as most of her books have had a movie made from them. I shall have many hours of reading to look forward to wit this new novel. Her books are complex, multi - layered with characters who are anything but ordinary. P.D. James manages to bring in all the elements of mystery and murder, but refrains from excess gore. Detail is there, but not the excessive horror some writers put in their books. She is not afraid to put in some adult topics so if you want mysteries which don't broach anything close to that, stick to Agatha Christie type books where the stories and plot are more simple. However I find even with those themes, I can still enjoy the novels because they are tastefully written. I plan on doing a review of what I thought of the book after I have completed it.-Stay tuned for that..

This November one of my favorite music artists who is featured on this page brought out a new CD, like PD James Enya only produces a new work every few years so a new one from her is welcome too. And Winter Came is a Christmas themed CD, although not every song has a Christmas feel to it. I have listened to it a few times and find it very enjoyable. I plan to listen to it more during the Christmas season. If you like New Age, then you will like this CD. I am always on the lookout for things I like to have new editions or albums. Well I am off to tuck into my book. .

Transitions- a poem

The Summer's sun has flitted away fast
the leaves on the trees are falling,
First one, then the last
An election year has come and gone two men raced and one man won
A sprinkling of snow is on the mountain tops
All the farmers are rounding up their crops
Soon winter will be here, thoughts of cocoa, and Christmas, cookies, will be in our mind, transitions of seasons, of leaders and time all important, and none cost us a dime.

November's Recipe

Normally, I am not a fan of things made with pumpkin, but this
recipe sounded interesting...

Pumpkin Cheesecake


For the Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from 14 graham crackers)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
1 .25-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin
1 8-ounce bar cream cheese, at room temperature
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Make the Crust
Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Transfer to a 9-inch springform pan. Using a straight-sided dry measuring cup, press the mixture into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Bake until set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.

Make and Chill the Filling
Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup boiling water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until dissolved, about 5 minutes.

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin, sour cream, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Mix in the gelatin mixture until incorporated.

Pour the mixture into the crust and refrigerate, covered, until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Yield: Makes 8 servings