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| OHCC LIVING | FEBRUARY 2024 | 13 Don't Forget the MAGIC It is the month of February, the month of love. Something from my past tugs at my heart. It was a simple statement written on the wall of an old barn visible to those traveling the 101 through Redwood Country. It read, "Don't Forget The Magic." We turned down a dirt road that led to the barn. There sat an old man. He smiled and asked," What can I do you for?" We wanted to know what the sign meant and what was the MAGIC! He managed a smile that showed a few broken teeth. He told his story about his wife who had passed several years ago and how he wanted to celebrate her life and the magic she had brought to him. But it was more than that. He spoke of the people who had journeyed by and turned around to ask about the Magic. One young girl came back to say that because of his sign she had turned from a drug filled life to sobriety. There were countless other stories from Washington DC to the shores of California. He said look for the magic in things, and you will find it. Suddenly I realized that the magic is often found within the books we read, the journeys that they take us on, the lessons they teach. Your library furnishes this magic, the magic of books. They call out from their shelves, "pick me, read me." Our Library furnishes some of the newest novels. Members have first choice to check them out. These books are free to our members. Our library receives no funding from our HOA, the books are purchased from the dues collected from memberships. Many of these books are best sellers each month. Perhaps you joined us on Do Dues Day and signed up for $15 a year. If you missed the event, you can sign up any time by leaving your check at the front desk or paying directly to librarians during open hours. We recently started an "An Afternoon with Authors" series where members can hear authors talk about their books and meet them in person. Recently, Brett Crozier entertained over 200 residents as he explained his part in saving his crew on the US Roosevelt during Covid. These events are free to members. There are some great books looking for readers. at Others May Live by Sara Driscoll. Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel also have new releases. There is nothing like curling up with a good book with your Valentine! The Magic awaits. ~ Written by: Jean Hefler Library Association FEBRUARY BOOK BUYS All e Sinners Bleed ......................................................S. A. Cosby e Bad Weather Friend .............................................Dean Koontz Beirut Station................................................................. Paul Vidich Dead Man's Hand ..........................................................Brad Taylor Diva ..........................................................................Daisy Goodwin e Friendship Club ......................................................Robyn Carr e Fury ................................................................ Alex Michaelides Ghosts Of Honolulu (Nf ) ............... Mark Harmon & Leon Carroll Going Infinite (Nf ) ....................................................Michael Lewis Holmes, Marple & Poe ......................James Patterson & Brian Sitts e Mystery Guest ........................................................... Nita Prose Olivia Strauss Is Running Out Of Time .....................Angela Brown e Last Outlaws ........................................................... Tom Clavin e Proof Of e Pudding ............................................ Rhys Bowen Random In Death .............................................................J. D. Robb Robert Ludlum's e Bourne Defiance .................... Brian Freeman Standing In e Shadows ........................................ Peter Robinson Tom Clancy Command And Control ...................... Marc Cameron Upside Down............................................................... Danielle Steel Where Coyotes Howl ..................................................Sandra Dallas Mulching has become the Master Gardener's primary treatment to reduce weeds and retain moisture in the garden. As it breaks down, it forms a rich and loamy topsoil, weeds pull out easily, and new plants get off to a great start because the mulch keeps the topsoil moist, and in so doing, also saves money on your water bill. Mulch is also a great way to abate weeds and reduce the use of pesticides that may disrupt our beneficial insects, birds, and stress the plants. It is used on all the drought-tolerant slope plantings along Leisure Village Way. Various types of mulching materials can be found at garden supply stores. An additional resource for Oceanside residents is the El Corazon Composting Facility where residents can obtain free mulch. There is a small charge for specialized mulches. This local mulch comes from homeowner's green recycling bins and is part of Oceanside's "Zero Waste Program." Residents must bring a shovel, and container to bag their own mulch. The El Corazon Composting Facility is at 3210 Oceanside Blvd. (//www.agriserviceinc.com), or phone (760) 439-9920. Also available free to Oceanside residents at the Moody's El Corazon facility are various hardscape items such as rocks, decomposed granite, bricks, and pavers which have been dropped off as un-needed by contractors. Moody's recycling, http: //www. Moodyselcorazonrecycling.com/ Landscape Committee

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