I still love $4.99 Rotisserie Chicken from Costco in Sand City, California by Ruth Paget

I still love $4.99 Rotisserie chicken from Costco in Sand City (near Monterey), California with mashed potatoes and sometimes a fruit and cheese tray to eat as dessert.

There is easily enough for 4 to 6 people in this meal.

If you like roast chicken, this might be a meal to consider for winter.

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Dollar Tree Sells Sudoku and Word Search Books reposted by Ruth Paget

Dollar Tree appears to have shelves and shelves of sudoku and word search books.

TikTok has videos showing everything.

Kohl’s has brainstacking materials too.  Walmart has been onboard for a long time.

 Happy brainstacking!

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

$24.99 Fruit and Cheese Trays at Raley’s Nob Hill for Members reposted by Ruth Paget

Raley’s Nob Hill in Salinas, California members can purchase fruit and cheese trays for $24.99 with a 24-hour lead time.  

That is a nice deal for people who like these items.  

These trays  are time savers for book groups, scrapbooking work at home, and writing nights.

You can sign up for the Nob Hill members app online or in-store.

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Centrr

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coadt California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory blogs

Hunger Games Advent Calendars reposted by Ruth Paget

Hunger Games created an Advent calendar.

Great for re-reading the series after watching the newest Hunger Games a little each day.

The TikTok merchandise link follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLyySMb6/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author seating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Cosst California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Coffee:A Global History Distributed by UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

Coffee: A Global History distributed by the University of Chicago Press for Reaktion Press is a coffee lovers non-fiction brainstack item to read in a coffee shop.

Information about the book follows:

https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/C/bo31238025.html

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

UChicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth Summit Notes reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Climate Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth has posted its October 28, 2026 Wrap-Up Notes with information about careers in the climate and sustainable growth field.

The notes fillow:

https://climate.uchicago.edu/events/event/climate-frontiers-2026-energy-and-climate-at-uchicago/?utm_campaign=24152484-Institute%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8hWTWs2ftKlUxBHgEk8rC9c3yc6RwU77eqqhrqjf-gdIxDiMaIt1Bre7SDe56MnNtknK1gh762r-OMwqENXT_03gLKOg&_hsmi=446765161&utm_content=446765161&utm_source=hs_email

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

Caps from the Hunger Games reposted by Ruth Paget

Caps are always useful for walking outside, hiking, and shielding your skin from sun.  

The following Hunger Games cap comes with a notebook for noting ways ways to save money for example as you drink coffee:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLUvo3xC/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory blogs

UChicago Press Book About Political Fundraising reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press has published a book about political fundraising entitled Paying for the Party: How Fundraising Demands Lead to Less Productive and Less Representative Legislatures by Michael R. Kistner.

People interested in politics or running for office might enjoy this book.

Book purchase details follow:

https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/P/bo267056427.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Paying%20for%20the%20Party&utm_campaign=2026%20Election%20Day

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons + 5 other Kindle books

CSUMB Sustainable Tourism Student Go to Malta! Reposted by Ruth Paget

Sustainable Tourism students from California State University - Monterey Bay attend a World Travel and Tourism Conference in Malta with more than 100,000 young attendees.

Information about the tourism summit follows:

https://csumb.edu/news/news-listing/2026/q4/csumb-students-make-their-mark-in-malta-/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany  + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Danish Julesfest in Solvang, California is November 27 to January 3, 2027

A month-long celebration of all things Danish is being held in Solvang, California from November 27 to January 3, 2027 to celebrate Advent and Christmas complete with a maker’s market.

Information about activities and to book hotel rooms follows:

https://solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/

Have fun!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany  + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

LA Comic Con Starts Tomorrow - Tickets on Sale for October 30 - November 1, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

LA Comic Con starts tomorrow - October 30 and runs till November 1, 2026.

Tickets are still on sale at the link below:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/1a189907650d30c5

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Hunger Games Concession Collectibles on Sale Now reposted by Ruth Paget

Hunger Games Concession Collectible items are on sale now complete with popcorn at the link below:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTf7haK7R/

More concession items follow:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLU8dfV9/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Nosferatu Film with Organ Music at UChicago on November 30, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

Nosferatu, the classic silent vampire film, will be shown with live organ music at the University of Chicago on November 30, 2026 in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.

Ticket price is $20.

Ticket purchase details and more information follows:

https://events.uchicago.edu/event/276832-halloween-horror-film-classic-nosferatu?mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGlJ_4-ZWIZGbpATCoCu-ZdRpxYuRSNVOlkYoPB8AC1tY8DoZfw9H-KSTBEmV1wa7TZjvgs0JwGCoIRysLL4K9CsbJQKC7fm_7l4EMi3W32ylhOo6g

Have ghastly good time!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons + 5 other Kindle books

Album Party - Sunrise on the Reaping reposted by Ruth Paget

Album listening parties and album information for Sunrise on the Reaping information below:

 https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTf7LnDN6/

Dance on!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Paris Metro Tales, and Europe’s Lessons

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of French travel and culture games

Sunrise on the Reaping Arena Jacket on Sale Now reposted by Ruth Paget

Hunger Games fans can show up at the premiere in this great Sunrise on the Reaping jacket.

Purchase information follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/@thgsunsets/video/7695173837176048910?_r=1&_t=ZP-9Axtymz7nTy

This link shows the jacket being modeled:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLDPL1Qv/

Game on!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of French travel and culture games

Hunger Games Tote Bags and Backpacks on Sale Now reposted by Ruth Paget

Hunger Games Tote Bags and Backpacks are Useful Analog Bags reposted by Ruth Paget

Bags are always a good investment for storing journaling materials (my generation) or analog materials like hobonichi journals and planners, pens and markers, stickers,  sudoku books, Murdle books, word search books, tangram books, sketchbooks, adult coloring books, books, Kindles, earphones (my generation’s word), and travel journals for 21st century writers and thinkers.

These bags and backpacks are perfect for brainstack runs to the library, bookstore, and/or stationery store.

I have provided a link to theee Hunger Games items below:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfWK1Ggo/

Happy Brainstacking!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of French travel and culture games

Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan mini review by Ruth Paget

Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan Mini Review by Ruth Paget

I like birdwatching around various venues on Monterey County on California’s Central Coast like Pebble Beach and Elkhorn Slough.

I began reading Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan and love the book already.  

I like how she writes that scientific knowledge of birds makes it easier for her to draw them.  ((Her book is illustrated with her own work.)

She was able to write this book by sitting still and observing birds through the seasons as she wrote novels at her kitchen table and looked out the window at birds.

I like quiet, solitary work myself and like the lovely book on birdwatching or birding that Tan wrote doing this kind of work.

More information about the book and purchase details from Amazon Kindle follow:

https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Bird-Chronicles-Amy-Tan-ebook/dp/B0CCNDNHP8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2G0G3LMA1DYQB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gns8Xhf0RXUttwnvvnvro29UHNWmprJmJk7dARtyJl3fwanztRnjklYRBrpDcL2G5GC5ovkVqn7YiYR6nkgsgBSfAyjuY6r1ERVtWd-IlmZdJW2sm4afzipG9wDAHIy87TGkETimaP1yW4Rp8e43QQRXLN0DkmlbAWCVYfwb0YbCb8c61OcpZtNqmWlFu3Hfl4P31UuspZiPDj5TVZqb8A.yCkmvDQpmVsDs5IobjGFD5VTvY76oLBhjDx_ZmpuE7g&dib_tag=se&keywords=backyard+bird+chronicles&qid=1793292423&sprefix=backyard+bird+chronicles%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-1

Have fun birding!

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, marrying France, and Europe’s Lesson

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

Hunger Games Sweatshirt Looks Warm and Comfy reposted by Ruth Paget

This Hunger Games sweatshirt is perfect for polar vortex winters and chilly and rainy El Niño weather on the coast.

When I was a teen in the Midwest in Detroit and Chicago I was always happy to have an extra sweatshirt to study in during cold winters.

I also liked sweatshirts as a young mom in Wisconsin and Virginia when I was trying to save money on heating the house.

Mornings are surprisingly cool on California’s Central Coast as well making the Hunger Games sweatshirt great for staying warm here too.

Now I want to cozy up with Hunger Games books and the films that just might have some clues about how to overcome adversity in the 21st century.

A link for the Hunger Games sweatshirt follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfWCQDAx/

Game on!

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Paris Metro Tales + 5 other Kindle Books

Travel Journal for Reykjavik, Iceland is a Great Idea! Reposted by Ruth Paget

I love this travel journal for Reykjavik, Iceland that comes with writing prompts, places for receipts and photos, a pocket to hold things, and free writing spaces for off-chart travels.

Journals like this are great for putting together travel memoirs.

The TikTok video I watched with this travel journal in it follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTftfEH3k/

Have fun traveling!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Journaling + The Artist’s Way = Book Drafts Written by Ruth Paget

The current journaling trend coupled with The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron can result in book drafts.  I even drew pictures.

I also finally finished 8 books that I published on Amazon Kindle using The Artist’s Way.

Using creativity books along with journaling can provide writing prompts and material that you can eventually weave together into books.

I had fun using The Artist’s Way.  That is why I am giving it a shout out to go with journaling.  I liked Cameron’s book The Sound of Paper too.

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games