Sandra Cox's Blog, page 18

Ketch-Up Day

 

Has anybody been having weird, or weirder than usual, goings on with their 'puter and software? Mine started out with Word.  You know how the cursor sometimes has a mind of it's own and is at the top of the page when you want it at the bottom?  I'm used to this and put it down to one of life's little vagaries. But the other day I noticed it was consistently landing a line ahead of where I'd place it.  To get it in the right spot I'd have to aim for the line below it.  Something I'd never experienced before. Luckily, it healed itself the next day. But what took it's place was even more bazaar. I couldn't open my attachments. Another first. And since I was working on edits this definitely was a conundrum. I called my computer support service and they told me several people were having this problem and it was a Yahoo issue. Say what? They were kind enough to give me a work around and also had me call Yahoo.  Yahoo said to switch back to Basic at least until the problem was solved. That worked. The following day I noticed I couldn't bring Yahoo emails up on my phone. I finally figured out that because I'd had to change my password to get into Yahoo so I could flip back to Basic I needed to change it on my phone too.  That at least made sense to me.  But the Word  and Yahoo attachment issues I found a bit disconcerting.  Especially back to back like they were. Has anyone else had strange happenings on their 'puter? At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, I have wondered if someone or something is testing systems to see how to crash them. And if I sound totally out there, keep in mind, I'm a fiction writer:)

Addendum. I'm now having problems with gmail attachments.

 And now back to the normal day-to-day:

 The Eternal Garden

One Butterfly Bush. Two Birds' Nests:)

   

For Andrew

        

 

Ha! The birds beat me to the first two berries but I got this one;)

 

AND

Sky shots from FL

Thanks, Shane and Sonya.

 

Weekend Wishes

 

Writerly Wednesday AND Did You Know

 

 What's your word, sentence, synonym or example for:

 

Example: The eyewinker in my eye is driving me crazy!

AND

 Did you know, due to his love of animals, Leonardo da Vinci was a vegetarian?

For more information: History of Vegetarianism - Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) - da Vinci's vegetarianism (ivu.org)

AND 

The answer to yesterday's question, one cat or two?

Two. Maisy and Frank:)

Ketch-Up Day

 

How are you? Not much going on today. Just some quick pics and that's it. Have a great week.

Hydrangeas for Andrew

AND  Do you see one cat or two?
 

That's all, buds.

Weekend Wishes

 

IWSG Wednesday AND Did You Know

 

 

The firstWednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by NinjaCaptain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discussstruggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

 

 The awesome co-hosts for the June 5posting of the IWSG are Liza at Middle Passages, Shannon Lawrence, Melissa Maygrove, and Olga Godim!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post.These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experienceor story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let itinspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember,the question is optional

June 5 question - In thisconstantly evolving industry, what kind of offering/service do you think theIWSG should consider offering to members?

I’m going to be really embarrassed if this is aservice we offer that I’m not aware, but I think a crit group would beextremely helpful to all members.

AND

May/June Reviews in noparticular order.

*Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factorthem into my review.

 

HOWTO MURDER A DUKE by Sherri Hollister

Thisis Book 2 in the YA Applegate Series.

Ifound the first book to be entertaining and the same held true for the second.It did a great job of holding my interest. I zipped through it. 

Winnieis once again having adventures and solving mysteries. This time in hergrandfather’s ancestral home in England. Being a bit of a free spirit fromliving and working in the circus, she doesn’t fit into the stifling confines ofa duke’s ancestral home. But that doesn’t stop her from trying to save thecurrent duke who is very sick and may be dying, AND find out who is killing offthe dukes of Applegate before it’s too late.

Thatthe author has thoroughly researched the era, including the medicine andholistic remedies of the time add another layer to the richness of the story.

Ifyou’re a historical, suspense YA fan or just want to escape for a few hours ina good tale, I can highly recommend this book. Enjoy.

Available at  Amazon

 

DRURYLANE DARLING by Joan Smith

Anotherfun romp.  It's always good to pick up aJoan Smith Regency if you are looking for a mood lightener.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOURTHWING by Rebecca Yarros

AllI can say is OMG. This book is 498 pages. I got it one day and finished it thenext.  It’s a new adult fantasy about ayoung woman who has studied to be a scribe all her life but her militant motherhas different plans for her and tosses her into the brutal academy of dragonriders.

Thisis definitely an addictive story and will have you reading way past bedtime.Highly recommended.

IRONFLAME by Rebecca Yarros

Violetand most of her friends have survived the first year, but worse is coming andto survive the enemy they will need to team up with the gyron riders. While allthis is happening tension between Violet and Xaden mount as she discovers hissecret. A secret that threatens their relationship.

Thanks to Jacquie Biggar for turning me on to this series.

Available at Amazon

 

THECONTRACT: Between Heaven and Earth by John Howell and Gwen Plano

Twoangels are sent back to earth in human form to prevent an international war.

Thisromantic thriller will keep you wondering what’s going to happen next as thetwo protagonists Brad and Sarah join forces to save the world. The two angelshave had their memories wiped but can’t help feeling they’ve known each otherin another life as attraction between them burn bright while they race to savetheir country and the world.

Afascinating tale for readers of thrillers and romance alike.

Available at Amazon

 

MOM’SMEMORIES AND REFLECTIONS ON MOTHERHOOD by J.Q. Rose

Thisis a sweet memoir journal for every mother and/or grandmother, with a spot towrite down or draw those special once in a lifetime memories.  There’s a spot for all aspects of childhoodfrom the early years to adolescents.  There’seven a spot for your reflections and to leave letters to your children andgrands. A perfect gift for the mom in your life.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

POETRYTREASURERS 4: IN TOUCH WITH NATURE ANTHOLOGY compiled and edited by Kaye LynneBooth and Robbie Cheadle

Thiscollection of poetry is indeed a treasure. It is a compilation of verseconcentrating on nature in word and picture provided by a different writer eachchapter month. For instance:  June guestD. L. Finn touches on the seasons in Spring Moment ‘perfect naturehiking’, in Silver Beams ‘full autumn moon’,  in Hope ‘under gloomy snow’, etc. 

Aprilguest Marcia Meara mentions ‘The ink-blotted sky’ in Star Gazing. And inThe Bridge Home September Guest Selma Martin talks about ‘a purplepath-like a ribbon fallen from the sky.’

Theseare just a sampling. There’s much, much more to enjoy, especially by readersthat love nature.

Available at Amazon

 

 

GIDEON’SSWORD by Preston and Child

Thesetwo magician/authors do it again.

Itgoes without saying this book is well written, but I am stunned by the way thatup until the very end, every time the end goal is in sight for our protagonist,the authors throw another road block up. I was stunned at their audaciousness.  Near the end of the book, the last three timesthe hero has nearly reached his objective, the authors would pull anotherrabbit out of their collective hat and keep it dangling just out of reach.  *Spoiler alert Gideon does complete hismission, but what a ride getting there.

GIDEON’SCORPSE by Preston and Child

GideonCrew is given ten days to save the world when he’s charged with tracking down aterrorist cell and a nuclear bomb.

Thistale grabs the reader’s attention from the first paragraph and doesn’t let gotill the end. Hold onto your hat because this story is a wild ride.

LOSTISLAND by Preston and Child

Thisis the third book in the Gidgeon Crew series. Each one just keeps getting moreintriguing. The story-line will surprise.

Available at Amazon

 

AND 

 

Did you know, June 19th is National Writing Day?

 

For More information: National Writing Day 2024 | National Literacy Trust | National Literacy Trust

 

 

Ketch-up Day

 

How are you? How was your weekend and how goes your week?

We went to Blowing Rock Tuesday.

Here are a few shots from the car. And they really don't do the mountains justice.

This was taken at the outlet mall. I thought it was a fun idea.

And we picked these up at a little outdoor kiosk.  The raspberry and pistachio cake weren't as good as I anticipated, but that cheesecake. OMG.

AND

More Eternal Garden Pics

Besides 'tater plants cropping up from the compost pile, looks like I've got a tomato plant going too. Heh.

I had to get a hydrangea pic in for Andrew:)

ANDFYI: For those that read Westerns, the e version of  Keeper Tyree is free today at Amazon.
 

That's it for today:)

Your Weekend Read: HOW TO MURDER A DUKE

 

Harry’s honor is tested when Winniebecomes the target for a murderer. Will he choose love or duty?

Blurb:

Winnie Applegate becomes the target ofa killer when she investigates who is killing the dukes of Applegate.

Facing many changes and heartaches,Winnie throws herself into learning who is trying to kill her cousin. Using theskills she honed as a performer and caregiver with her family’s wild westtraveling show, Winnie combines science, moxie and her incomparable abilitiesto unmask the person behind the attacks on her family.

Romance is in the air as well asdanger. One couple will be reunited while another is ripped apart.

Who is killing the dukes of Applegate?Can Winnie and Harry uncover the truth before it’s too late? 

Dedication:

This book is dedicated to the girlswho grew up playing in the dirt and dreamed of adventures, 

who rode motorcycles and horses, andstruggled to define the word lady.

 

My favorite food is fried chicken. I also love agrilled chicken salad with ginger and soy vinaigrette. I love ginger candy andpickled ginger, and bread and butter pickles. Two of my favorite fruits arepineapples and avocados, both of which I didn’t taste fresh until I was grown.I had of course tasted canned pineapple which is nothing like fresh. When mymiddle son was sick with chicken pox, I had my first taste of fresh pineapple.With his brothers away at Lion’s Club Bingo with their father and grandparents,I entertained my son with movies and foods only he and I liked. One of whichwas pineapple. Together we ate that whole pineapple that night. I had blistersin my mouth from the citrus, but it was worth it. I’d never had anything thattasted so good.     

We have an onion farm close to where I live and in my upcomingstory, How to Murder a Duke, Winnie makes the duke onion and mushroom soup.

Onion and mushroom soup

1-large sweet onion

1 beef bouillon cube

1 tablespoon of butter

¼ cup chopped mushrooms

Shredded parmesan cheese

Wrap in foil.

Bake in oven or on grill 350 degrees until onion is almostliquid.

If you are making it on the stove, I use a small pot, chop up myonions and mushrooms and sauté them in butter until the onions are sweating andsoft. Add in bouillon cube and a little water as needed to dilute the bouillon.Top with a little shredded parmesan cheese and serve with a hunk of Frenchbread.

 

Tin foil was invented in 1910, just a few years too late forWinnie to use in my Applegate Mystery Series. 

 

 

S L Hollister 

Romance, Suspense and Mystery 

with a quirky cast of family and friends 

set in small towns where everyone knows your businesssometimes before you do.

https://sherrilhollister.com/

 

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/How-to-Murder-...

 

AND

 

Writerly Wednesday and Did You Know

 What's your synonym, definition, example or sentence for:

Example: I'd rather defend myself than have a pettifogger for an attorney.

AND

Did you know, John Steinbeck's puppy ate half the first draft Of Mice and Men?

 

For more information: A puppy ate John Steinbeck’s homework! - Rescue Ranch Inc. (rrdog.org)

 

 

 

 

Ketch-Up Tuesday

 

How are you, buds? How was your weekend? Last week got pretty crazy here. The HH had a couple of health scares, but everything has settled down. And I encountered a s_ _ _ _ in the garage which nearly stopped my heart.  I'm right up there with Indiana Jones when it comes to the S word, but the HH came to my rescue.  My hero. 

That's about it here. What about at your place?

ANDEternal Garden Pics

It's day lily season.

 
This one's for Andrew.

I used compost around my little grapevine and yup ended up with another potato plant. 😁

 

Found in the house, not growing in the garden: 😀

Maisy

 

AND

 

 That's all, buds.