Wednesday in Wyoming -- August 28, 2013

Modern wind turbines and the vertical windmill I featured earlier this month are wonderful new inventions, but I'm still fond of the old fashioned windmills that dotted farmlands across the country. 

What do you think?  If you were putting a windmill in your yard, which kind would it be?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- August 21, 2013

Weather is a major factor in Wyoming, and so it's not surprising that one of Cheyenne's "These Boots Are Made for Talking" boots includes pictures of all kinds of violent weather.  This boot is located in front of the new NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) building just west of the city. 

Who Reads Amanda Cabot's Books? The Novel Book Club Does

This month I'm delighted to introduce you to not one reader but a whole group of them as the spotlight shines on The Novel Book Club of Eaton, Colorado.  I've had a chance to meet the members of this book club, and I can assure you that they're a delightful group of women with an avid interest in books.

Now, let's learn a bit more about them.

How did you choose the name for your club?
     We began meeting at the Novel Bookstore.
I was intrigued by the name and did a little research.  It turns out that the Novel Bookstore has closed.  (Sigh!)  But it seems that there's a new place to buy books in Eaton.  A Novel Shoppe is a combination florist and bookstore.  I'm putting that on my 'must visit' list the next time I get to that part of Colorado.

When was your book club formed?
     2006
I'm impressed!  I've seen other book clubs have promising beginnings but end after a year or two.  It's a testimony to all of you that you're still such a vibrant group.

Where do you meet and how frequently?
     We meet at the Hawkstone Clubhouse in Eaton once a month.

How many members do you have?
     We have about twenty ladies.
Wonderful!  With that many, I'm sure you have some spirited discussions.

Are you looking for new members?
     We don't actively look for new members, but we accept those who are interested in joining.

Do you read fiction, non-fiction or a mixture?
     We read a mixture.
That makes it more fun, doesn't it?

How do you choose books?
     Usually by a member recommendation.

Which was the first Amanda Cabot book that you read?
     Summer of Promise

How did you choose that book?
     Member recommendation.
My thanks to that member and to all of you who read my book.

And, readers, if you're in the Eaton, Colorado area and are looking for a bookclub, this is one you might want to consider.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- August 14, 2013

Wyoming is noted for its wind, and so it's not surprising to see wind farms like this one as you travel throughout the state.  What always amazes me about them is the size of the turbines.  Those are ordinary power lines in the foreground, giving you an idea of just how tall the turbines are.

While they're designed to handle even Wyoming's winds, one particularly strong storm resulted in one of the turbines collapsing when the center shaft bent over at a 90 degree angle.  Only in Wyoming, or at least I hope so.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- August 7, 2013

What is this?  I don't blame you if your first guess wasn't a windmill, because this is not your normal windmill.  Instead, it's a vertical one, designed for use in small spaces like this one at the Paul Smith Children's Village, part of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. 

Have you seen other vertical windmills?  I haven't.