It's been a nice few days of baking, eating, and visiting with family. My girls and their kids have been up on the island so it's been fun spending time with them. Nothing like running after an active 3 year old to clear the mind.

That and reading a good book that you can't put down. I was kind of getting down reading about all the death and destruction happening in the world around us so I started reading a book about death and destruction in another world. I feel much better now.

Taiko
An Epic Novel of War and Glory in Feudal Japan

In the tempestuous closing decades of the sixteenth century, the Empire of Japan writhes in chaos as the shogunate crumbles and rival warlords battle for supremacy. Warrior monks in their armed citadels block the road to the capital; castles are destroyed, villages plundered, fields put to the torch.

Amid this devastation, three men dream of uniting the nation. At one extreme is the charismatic but brutal Nobunaga, whose ruthless ambition crushes all before him. At the opposite pole is the cold, deliberate Ieyasu, wise in counsel, brave in battle, mature beyond his years. But the keystone of this triumvirate is the most memorable of all, Hideyoshi, who rises from the menial post of sandal bearer to become Taiko--absolute ruler of Japan in the Emperor's name.

If you like samurai movies, you'll love Taiko.