Thursday, June 11, 2026

MY TWO FAVORITE THINGS IN LIFE...



"My two favorite things in life are libraries and bicycles. They both move people forward without wasting anything.  The perfect day, riding a bike to the library."

~Peter Golkin~








The photo came from my archives. It was taken at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens (Virginia) way back when. I added the books for today's quote. My two favorite things in life (should say people) and goes without saying, are husband and son. But I have great memories from childhood of riding my bicycle up to the library and filling my basket to overflowing. I am still an avid book reader. I enjoy reading on my iPad, but there's nothing like the feel of turning the pages of an honest-to-goodness paper book, and I occasionally add a new one to my collection. We have built-in bookcases in our family room at home, also overflowing. Sitting in the corner reading one of those books is another favorite pastime. Gregg is also an avid reader, as is our son.  



49 comments:

  1. I love the flowerpots, books, and bike. I totally agree about reading actual books! I love to go into a book store and just smell them! Book stores have that special paper smell. I guess they will shortly be a thing of the past.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ginny, and me too. I seem to remember that I found it in the children’s garden :) sadly, you may be right about book stores

      Delete
  2. A wonderful photo and a great quote!!!
    I still read books, too; there’s something so good about turning the pages and holding a book in your hands...
    It reminds me of the times I used to ride to the library with my child in the bike seat behind me, and we’d always pick some books to take home. I loved browsing there—even later on! For me, cycling meant freedom—feeling the wind and enjoying the sunshine and nature. Unfortunately, I haven't dared to get on a bike since this year. It’s a shame; I really miss it.
    Have a lovely day, hugs, Elke

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing your lovely memory Elke :) and there comes a time when riding a bike can be dangerous. I am the same way. You have a lovely day also. Hugs, Denise

      Delete
  3. Good photo Denise. I read occasionally, my Kindle and paper books but I get too involved and get nothing done when I read and I sure can't understand people reading in bed and falling asleep, the book can't be good. That is my opinion :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your point of view Margaret :) always interesting to get everyone’s opinions about such things.

      Delete
  4. Love the photo and the quote! I love reading but my kindle is easier to use with my achy hands. Take care, have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Eileen :) so glad you enjoyed. I agree, we have to take into account our achy hands. You take care and have a great day also.

      Delete
  5. That is a good quote Denise. I'd add coffee to that too lol! :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ananka, and most definitely we have to include coffee with that :)

      Delete
  6. I have not ridden a bicycle in years but I read every day without exception.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a cute display this is. Love the teapot person on the bike

    ReplyDelete
  8. Funny, I was just thinking of riding my bicycle down a hill when I was 8 and my hair flying behind! Always have loved libraries. Also when I was 8, I wonder a prize for reading the most books. Had no idea there was a contest either, I just read every biography they had!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that’s a lovely memory. Thanks for sharing Kay :)

      Delete
  9. Our bikes have sat idle for a few years, but the enjoyment of reading continues. I agree that there is nothing like a hold-in-your hands book and always have one to read, usually library or senior center borrows. I also enjoy reading e-books and listening to audio books, all available as library downloads.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely! I have never listened to an e-book but think how enjoyable to do that. If and when we go on another road trip, I am going to do just that, and probably before. Thanks for sowing the seed Dorothy :)

      Delete
  10. That's a great display. I love books a lot myself. I have way too many-but is there really such a thing? Have a great THursday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would ask that question myself Erika, is there such a thing as too many? :) You have a great Thursday also.

      Delete
  11. Bikes are great photo subjects. Trains too. But not planes so much for me,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very much so but I do like taking photos of planes :) Thanks John!

      Delete
  12. The display is so soft in feeling for me. I have been a reader my whole life. These days I tend to listen. My hands are arthritic and holding a book become uncomfortable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sandra, and I understand that completely. I will probably be listening to those audio books in the not so distant future :)

      Delete
  13. We are so lucky we can walk to the library now but soon it will be right next door!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you and that's wonderful Marcia, I wish we lived closer to ours :)

      Delete
  14. I used to be an avid reader but with age that has disappeared.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Red, it's the natural way of things I would think :)

      Delete
  15. Mom shared her love libraries with me ..and I shared the love with my daughter
    My daughter recently retired from NCSU after 32 years service.
    She is in the process of applying to be a volunteer at the country Library.
    Now she just has to be sure she doesn't curl up in a corner to read while on duty
    Hugs cecilia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bless your mom for that wonderful gift Cecilia, and to you for sharing it with your daughter. Thanks for sharing that :) That's great that your daughter wants to be a volunteer at the county library. LOL on the last sentence. Hugs, Denise

      Delete
  16. Really fun photograph. Love that you have a built-in bookshelf. Books rock. I enjoy reading outside on the back deck. Super peaceful. Wishing you a happy weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great, thanks Ivy :) I can just picture you on the back deck. It is super peaceful. You have a happy weekend too!

      Delete
  17. Less a biker more a reader. Lovely image.

    ReplyDelete
  18. That is a lovely photograph.
    I enjoy reading and I visited the local library this week and borrowed a few more to read ... it's a wonderful resource.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan and I agree about the library. All the best, Denise

      Delete
  19. Replies
    1. Muchas gracias. Me alegra que te guste. Te mando un beso.

      Delete
  20. Wow, if i had to puck just 2 favorite things...e clouding my huge family, I would have to say books and gardens. I am slowly downsizing my library but continue to buy books as reading on an electronic device does not give me the same pleasure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those are two wonderful favorite things :) I will have to do the same thing to our books too. I don't like the idea of it but another necessity to clear up space. Know what you mean about the electronic device :)

      Delete
  21. This photo is fantastic. It is a story in itself and beautifully photographed! Love it a lot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sweet compliment Jeanie, you have made my day :)

      Delete
  22. What a perfect photo to go with this quote. I'm so behind that I have to stay behind and just catch up with the current. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you liked it Ellen, thank you :) I know what it is like catching up even when we don't have a busy schedule, so appreciate this very much.

      Delete

Thank you so for taking the time to leave a comment. I enjoy reading them very much and always try to return a visit. As I do monitor comments it may take a while for them to appear, even quite late depending on what is going on and how much time I am able to spend on the computer.

I appreciate all who look at my blog, but I will not be publishing any businesses. If you are only able to publish anonymously, would you sign your name, and leave an addy so I can return your visit where possible? Thank you!