Dispatches from Douglas County: Bibliophiles seek sanctuary anywhere, even in the tub
Apr. 27—DOUGLAS COUNTY — Bibliophiles like myself celebrate more book-related days and months each year than Tolstoy's "War and Peace" has pages.
For example, Tuesday, April 23, was World Book Day. (But isn't every day World Book Day?)
National Science Fiction Day arrives early in the year — Jan. 2. February is Library Lovers Month.
And, in case you missed it, Feb. 9 was Read in the Bathtub Day. I did not partake. For one, I prefer showers. Plus, reading is more of a dryland activity to me. It would be too easy for me to drop Stephen King's opus "The Stand" into the drink. Plus, I'd harbor fears of Pennywise calling to me through the drainpipe while I read "It."
Despite the many days celebrating the joys and benefits of reading, readers with insatiable appetites really don't need any excuses to crack open a book, dive inside and explore new worlds for a while.
However, insanely busy daily schedules and noise from the outside world both work against our reading habits. Invariably, I will sit down for a reading session and one or two pages in the family dog will start barking or need to be let outside — and then back in. Delivery trucks seem to arrive at the turn of a page, and sounds from the TV in the next room always seep into my ears and distract my inner narrator. Plus, if your cell phone is within reach, it's very tempting to check out something quickly and then lose an hour to endless scrolling.
Hey, maybe escaping to the bathroom and reading from the tub isn't such a bad idea after all. Do they make ponchos for books?
Peace and quite can be elusive in this busy world. So, I like to curl up with a book just before going to bed. The rest of my household is asleep — even the dog — and UPS is off until morning. Reading that late helps me fall asleep more quickly — sometimes too quickly, as I often wake up hours later with the lights still on and the book wide open.
But that's a small price to pay for a little serenity in my book enclave. And it beats falling asleep in the bathtub.
Dispatches from Douglas County wishes Doris Spencer a belated happy birthday.
Spencer celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, April 25 and Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood spent time with our area's latest centenarian.
Spencer recounted tales from her interesting life that included a short gig at the Telegram!
Earth Day has been celebrated for more than 50 years now. Since its inception in 1970, countless groups and generations have participated in various ways, especially cleaning up littered areas.
On Monday, April 22, the latest generation of Superior and Northwestern students to take part in Earth Day activities helped spruce up Wade Bowl.
Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood and photographer Jed Carlson were on hand to chronicle the proceedings for readers.
Uber-athlete Emma Raye couldn't be stopped while she wore a Superior Spartan uniform, and her diamond exploits have continued at the Big Ten level.
Sports editor Brandon Veale pens a Calls From Home column that highlights how our local athletes are faring at college in their respective sports.
Raye tops this week's edition of Calls From Home.
No spoilers here, but she is faring rather well for the Northwestern Wildcats.
* Court update:
Former Superior police sergeant pleads guilty in fatal crash
* Get out the hazmat suits:
Possible asbestos slows cleanup of Franklin Court Apartments collapse
* What to do with all that money?:
Here's how Superior, Douglas County will use state funding bump in 2024
* Douglas County Past:
Volunteers build new Girl Scout camp; Brule hosts sky diving competition
* Growing pains:
Inaugural season a 'building process' for Superior boys lacrosse
Editor's note: Dispatches from Douglas County is a newsletter I publish every Friday morning. Please consider subscribing — it's free — and hits your inbox just once a week.
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