two nice long books are Ken Follets "the roots of the world" about the building of a medeaval cathedral and "the end of days" (i think) which is about the same cathedral town in England several centuries later.

Two other really excellent books allthough not as long but definitely involving are "the shadow of the wind" and " angels game" by Juan Pedro Revertes. kind of metaphysical/fantasy/obscure symbolism like "Pans Garden."

baking? experiment with biscotti recipes or refridgerator pickels?

Hope something helps soon. The few times I have had to take time off it has nearly driven me crazy- just remember the number oof days is bound to start decreasing at some point soon.

marni