Reading Log: January 2026

 The books that I finished reading in the month of January 2026

January 2026 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

“Red Sky Mourning,” Jack Carr

“Raymond Chandler’s Los Angeles,” Elizabeth Ward and Alain Silver

“Pork Pie Pandemonium,” Steve Higgs

“The Thin Man,” Dashiell Hammett

“Horology: An Illustrated Primer,” Barry B. Kaplan

“Licensed to Kill: Hired Guns in the War on Terror,” Robert Young Pelton 

“The Doomsters,” Ross Macdonald 

National Irish Soda Bread Day

National Irish Soda Bread Day

Some say that January 26th is National Irish Soda Bread Day. But, it seems that most have never heard of it. However, in any event, the bread has an interesting history.  

I really like it. But, I only have it once a year as a part of my small celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day.

By the way, Martha Stewart recommends that it be eaten with butter. I happen to agree.

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

An ellusive dream 

We Can All Dream: photo by Cliff Hutson

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day did not become a reality as a federal holiday until nineteen years after he won the Nobel Prize, and fifteen years after his assassination. But, now, each year on the third Monday of January, many Americans honor his birth, life, and dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal."

Sadly, there are people who are actively trying to diminish his memory, if not history itself, and what he hoped to accomplish. Recent events illustrate that much work needs to be done to protect the gains that were made and to move forward to ensure that all people receive due process and have the opportunity to live their lives in freedom and strive for happiness. Otherwise, America could become the kind of country that they used to say we were not. 

Out of Office

 I'll be back!

Will Return: photo by Cliff Hutson

Reading Log: December 2025

 The books that I finished reading in December 2025

December 2025 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

“Spook Street,” Mick Herron

“London Rules,” Mick Herron

“Joe Country,” Mick Herron

“Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber Team,” John Steinbeck

“Slough House,” Mick Herron

“Bad Actors,” Mick Herron

“The Secret Hours,” Mick Herron