Summer Reading With a Disclaimer

Being a reading addict, as I was once described by a friend, I would like to introduce you to Iona Whishaw. She’s my recently discovered Canadian author, born in Kimberly, BC.  Due to her father’s geological work, she grew up in a variety of places including Mexico, Central America, and the US. Her daily life in Kootenay Lake, BC most influenced her writing of the Lane Winslow Mystery Series which began with the engaging novel, A Killer at King’s Cove.

I was first introduced to Iona Whishaw by the audiobook membership service, Audible.  The service describes the novel, A Killer at King’s Cove, as “a smart and enchanting postwar mystery that will appeal to fans of the Maisie Dobbs”. Ms. Dobbs is the main character in Winspear’s series set between WWI and WWII. Earlier, I became hooked on reading her novels and thoroughly enjoyed all seventeen of them which chronicled the life and escapades of Maisie Dobbs.

The positive comparison between Winspear’s and Whishaw’s series was all the enticement I needed to begin the Lane Winslow Mystery Series.  I’m now awaiting the arrival of my purchased used copy of Framed in Fire, ninth of the series of ten, in the Lane Winslow Mystery Series. What will Jane Winslow, this former ex British intelligence officer next encounter?

 Should you be enticed to begin the Jane Winslow or Maisie Dobbs series of novels, I offer you a disclaimer. There is a real possibility of becoming hooked on the whole series. Without hesitation, I advise you to chance it. Happy summer reading!

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

A Worthy Cause

On May 11th and 12th, Sister Florian, our in-house creative artisan, along with several assistants, held her 5th Annual Craft Sale in the foyer of our residence. It was home to an amazing array of crafts of all kinds.

A feature of the day was a beautiful hand quilted red and white Dresden Plate quilt. It was created by Sister Florian and carried home to Windsor by a lucky winner.  A large, pink, knitted afghan made by Sister Mary was the prize for another happy lady. Other smaller quilts, runners, placemats and quilted bags were on display.  Handiwork including a variety of knitted items such as popular baby sets, socks, dishcloths, afghans, and much more.

The fireplace side of the foyer housed Sister Dorothy Ann’s fine display of books galore: novels, biographies, spirituality, poetry, crosswords, and the like.  Business was humming as staff browsed the interesting possibilities of choosing a book and settling into a favorite pastime come rest and eventide. Other items were hand crafted cards, gently used CDs, and movies.

In keeping with the spring season, Sister Ruth Anne, with her green thumb, offered a variety of plants to whet the appetite of avid gardeners.  Her sturdy tomato plants were the first ones to be snapped up by staff and guests, and taken home to their waiting garden plots.  Other plants, large and small invited beginning gardeners to purchase a begonia seedling or an already potted array of mixed flowers to try their hand at a new hobby.  Free advice was offered with every purchase.

Throughout the days, eager staff, friends, and associates enjoyed searching through the many items offered.  When the doors closed, and generous donations tallied, the bazaar realized a tidy sum to be presented to St. Joe’s Café, the new name for our soup kitchen now in its larger location downtown on Queen’s Avenue.  Once again, we realize that when many hands work together, amazing things happen.  A rousing thank you to Sister Florian, the many helpers, and our kind contributors!

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ

Would you like to contribute to our London soup kitchen? Click here to donate & join the giving ❣️