Overbooked - A book club for reading and exploring.

**** Hi everyone. I'll send out details about meeting up and carpooling etc. next week. ****

****In the meantime, Jenean suggested a fall foliage chair lift ride at Massanutten. I don't think we could fit that into a day trip with everything else so I reserved a townhouse at Bryce Mountain near Massanutten, walking distance to Lake Laura and a mountain view and walking trails. It has two bedrooms/five beds. It is not the Ritz Carlton, but has 79 reviews with an average of 4.87. Great bargain at $250 for the night so we would divide according to number of people. If you want to join us, pack a bag and we'll set up carpooling accordingly. Send a message if you're interested ****

The Market at Grelen is a working garden and orchard with a European vibe and six miles of walking trails through the property. The trails are adjacent to Montpelier so we could tour that as well. The cafe looks like a great place to have lunch or we could choose a scenic spot and bring a picnic.

Merrie Mill Vineyard is nearby and, although the October schedule is not posted yet, there may be live music.

Plenty of time to talk about our current book selection, get some exercise and enjoy some beautiful scenery so we can return to the Monday scene happy and refreshed.

The Market at Grelen and Merrie Mill has been on my list for awhile.

This book is a memoir detailing the author's journey to confront childhood abuse which she had suppressed for decades. (Trigger alert)

To the outside world, her life was perfect. Wife, mother, student athlete and professional. However, the suppression led to dissociation and physical and mental symptoms, which her body "told" before her memories returned.

The book highlights how the process of confronting and "telling" was crucial for her to move forward from her past and lead a more integrated and empowered life.

I know it's a busy time of year and this is a little out of the way for some, but let's take advantage of the potential for beautiful weather this time of year and meet in the peaceful, bucolic setting of Gauthier Vineyards. There are multiple seating ares, but bring a chair just in case. We can enjoy wine and other beverages and perhaps have a potluck picnic. If it's too cold or there is rain we will meet at Traditions Brewing in Newport News. (There is covered seating which might not even be too awful with a light rain)

Let's get together and enjoy a little Christmas spirit. The restaurant partners with the American Theatre down the street and offers a special every Thursday - two burger meals (usually vegan, beef or lamb) , fries (truffle fries for me!) and a shared bottle of red or white Bordeaux for $40.00. The theatre is very quaint, the restaurant is lovely and the lamb burgers are very good!

I know that mid week evenings can be difficult but it might be a nice way to meet and celebrate the holidays.