The Toledo Museum of Art announced Dec. 30, 2024 that parking will be free for all visitors beginning Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 after receiving a donation.  The art museum said the "generous" donation is from the Taylor Automotive Family to honor the late Julie Taylor.  “Free parking is the amenity visitors request most often, and we’re excited to make it available to everyone,” Jennifer McCary, chief culture and brand experience officer at the museum said.  “It aligns with TMA’s long-standing commitment to free museum admission, honoring the vision of our founders, Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey, and creating more opportunities for TMA to integrate art into the lives of others.”  According to the museum's website, parking was originally $10 for visitors and only free for members.  https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/free-parking-toledo-museum-of-art/   

According to Southern tradition, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day will bring a year's worth of good luck and/or monetary gain.     

How to Make New Year's Black-Eyed Peas

Soak the peas overnight.

Cook the onions and garlic in oil, then cover with broth and water.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Cook until the peas are tender and the meat falls off the bone. 

Place black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak at room temperature, 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse; set aside.  Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.  Pour in broth and water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.  Stir in black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.  Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and broth is thickened, about 3 hours.  Find ingredients at https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/213029/new-year-black-eyed-peas/    

At Silent Book Club® there's no assigned reading.  SBC members gather in bars, cafés, bookstores, libraries, and online to read together in quiet camaraderie.  All readers are welcome—ebooks or audiobooks, poetry or prose, fiction or non-fiction . . .  it's BYOBook   https://silentbook.club/?srsltid=AfmBOor8CkZmyN5TDxU7arrk69q7U8R3nMWH41MCinxbe_iaABkcpY26   

Silent book club in Toledo, Ohio generally meets at Earth Coffehouse & Cafe (1447 N. Summit) the first Saturday of each month for two hours.  Times and locations sometimes vary, so check for event details.  The first and last half hour are for reading and chatting, but that middle hour is for silent reading.  Come join us!  In between meetings, we'll share bookish news.   

Earth An Ambitious Coffeehouse & Cafe  Open to the public weekdays 7:30am – 7pm, and Saturdays 10am – 4pm. Located inside TolHouse in the Historic Vistula District. https://earth.tolhouse.com/    

http://librariansmuse.blogspot.com  Issue 2893  January 7, 2025