We visited with Chip and Leah Rood, recently retired creators of Gryphon House. Now these are people who are passionate about politics and possibly as deeply in love with books, ideas, reading. It’s curious what being around passionate people can do to a person. Being with Chip and Leah makes me eager to pick up the books in their living room and dining room and kitchen and bathroom–and begin to read. I have to be careful not to just tune-out with a book in the midst of our conversation. They make me excited about books and eager for the ideas–what great role models the Roods are, and great friends too.

In the photo they are enjoying my granddaughter Caroline.