Tonight we discussed Barbara Kingsolver’s book “The Lacuna” with 11 of our group participating at one member’s house in Maple Bluff on the east side of the lake. I did work late, ate some dinner, and drove over to her place after 7pm. We had a good discussion — a really nice group of women, all about my age, many of whom have children graduating from college this year. We read some great novels which I might never have discovered if it weren’t for this group. Every night before turning out the light, I read a bit which seems to calm my brain and make it easier for me to fall asleep. It’s become such a routine and habit, that I simply cannot go to sleep without reading first. As a result, I get through quite a few books every year. Mostly fiction, but some non-fiction. Our book group reads 10 a year. We take a month off in the summer, and in December, we all meet at a local restaurant early in the month to celebrate. Yet another benefit of my life here in Madison — groups of women who become friends — around books, biking, skiing, walking, work. It’s comfortable.

I have trouble remembering the definition of  “lacuna,” so I kept looking it up. It’s a strange word. I could write something about it. But not tonight.