Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1532603
Our Book Club selection for March 11 is e Magnicent Lives of Marjorie Post, by Allison Pataki. Here is a brief description from Amazon.com: "Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie was inspired by a few simple rules: always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard — even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar's treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood's biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweather Post lived an epic life few could imagine. Marjorie's journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father's barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. W. Post's Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, making history in the process. Before turning 30, she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life-force, advocacy, passion, and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy. And yet Marjorie's story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. A wife four times over, Marjorie sought her happily-ever-after with the blue-blooded party boy who could not outrun his demons, the charismatic financier whose charm turned to betrayal, the international diplomat with a dark side, and the bon vivant whose shocking secrets would shake Marjorie and all of society. Marjorie did everything on a grand scale, especially when it came to love. Bestselling and acclaimed author Allison Pataki has crafted an intimate portrait of a larger-than-life woman, a powerful story of one woman falling in love with her own voice and embracing her own power while shaping history in the process." Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am in RCN Room #3. All our book selections are recommended by book club members. Someone volunteers to lead the discussion about the book we have chosen for the month. For more information about the Four Seasons Book Club or to get your name on our mailing list, please contact me at michelesrosen@gmail.com. ~ Micki Rosen You have probably noted that spring is in the air at Four Seasons. The birds have noticed as well. The silent winter spaces are filling up with birdsong. There are any number of apps for your phone which will help you identify the avian vocalists. One of the most popular is Merlin, a free app which is easy to use. Our year-round birds may also be demonstrating mating behaviors as they seek to find partners and begin nest building. Some birds only winter here and migrate elsewhere for their breeding. Time is running short to see these species, such as the White Crowned Sparrow. They will take off by next month. The best way to observe the resident bird population is to take regular walks along our trails, or even on our sidewalks. Different birds appear in different areas or neighborhoods, so varying your route is a good idea. Walking at a slower pace may not satisfy your fitness goals, but it will give you a better chance to see birds. Look and listen. Listen and look. You will probably see the same birds on repeat, but you never know when something unusual might happen by. Recently, for example, a Phainopepla was spotted on Trail A near The Lodge. It's an all black bird, about 8" high, with a distinctive top crest (think of a Cardinal, but black). They are seen only occasionally at Four Seasons, usually near a clump of mistletoe. There was also a recent sighting of a Golden Eagle perched on the fence near The Courts. This may be a first for Four Seasons. The Birding Club walks the trails as a group on the first Saturday of each month. We gather at 8 am by the Potrero Creek sign at the edge of The Lodge parking lot. We walk at a leisurely pace, taking time to see as many species as we can. Please feel free to join us. We love to see new faces. If you have any questions, please call or text me. ~ Genie Cooper (269) 930-0310. FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2025 41 Birding CLUB Book Club