8. Catching up with old friends.

Also, is it possible Johnny Knoxville got even hotter?

Editorial Note: I skipped last week because it seemed rather tone deaf to reference Jackass of all things when hell was breaking loose in the world. Not that it’s any better today, but the show must go on and all that.

So this was written last week if the content seems off time-wise by approximately 7 days.

Change of plans, I’m keeping the numbers for now. I just like the way it looks.

My book club met last night and honestly, I’m still smiling about it. I can’t recommend joining one (or starting one!) more highly. We’re in the midst of our 9th year as a collective and it just gets better and better. It’s extra fun when you have members who really go all out for their turn to host, too, like our friend Ryan did last night, making recipes directly from the book, including a corn soup, a wild rice salad and fry bread, among many other treats including a homemade craft cocktail. I mean, somebody has “Best Host” on lock and we’re still months out from awards.

Yes, we obviously do an annual Book Club awards ceremony. It’s a blast.

And if you’re wondering, we read The Sentence by Louise Erdrich this month, which was great, though it is “pandemic literature” adjacent so your mileage/taste for it may vary depending on personal preference.

But I also have another suggestion this week that I think will be universally adored!

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READ

On Animals by Susan Orlean was a true delight, largely because I suspect Suze is a true delight herself (follow her on Twitter, you won’t regret it). Describing herself as “animalish,” someone who has an extra affinity for animals, the book is a collection of quirky, but also well-researched tales of many different creatures. I was especially taken with any dog-related stories as well as the story about Keiko from Free Willy, a formative film for many millennials. I mean, aren’t you already humming the song? So pick this one up at your leisure, it was splendid.

Also, I now think I aspire to own chickens one day. Never thought I’d say that as I possess quite the fear of most fowl. But she makes them sound like lovely little chaps to have around. And come on, free eggs!

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WATCH

OK sorry, but get thee to a theater immediately to see Jackass Forever. I cannot tell you how much fun Charles and I had watching those Josie Grossies do such vile things, but with such heart and warmth! I don’t know, there’s something about the Jackass crew because it seems like we’ve known them so long? And the friendship between Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O is so pure. I just, wow. I can’t believe I got emotional watching it, but it was truly a blast to laugh it up for a 100 minutes or so. I know it’s not high-brow, but truly, it was just a real, real good time! Also, I really do think Johnny Knoxville got even hotter and he’s 50. And come on, there’s animals involved!

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BUY

Since we seem to be landing on an animal theme this week, I’ll recommend a new activity for my fellow dog-owners. Do you guys have licky-mats? Junie is obsessed with them. And I guess there’s a whole “recipe world” for licky-mats where you combine all of their faves (kibbles and spreads and other treats) and put it in the freezer. I haven’t gone quite THAT far, but I’ve been alternating between Greek yogurt and peanut butter and she totally flips out for them. A cheap and cheerful purchase on Amazon that will bring much joy to your furry familiars. There’s a million options so give it a Google. And come on, it’s for your dog!

All right, why don’t you go take your little pal for a walk or go adopt one if it feels like the right time! As always, can’t recommend bully breeds more highly — just look at this one’s marvelous little bod!