Angela Verdenius's Blog, page 8
December 7, 2017
Army Worm War is Back ON!
About 7 months ago we laid a new turf (just a small area under the clothesline, the rest is paving and gravel and garden beds), and 5 weeks later Army worms almost demolished the lot before I finally recognized what was causing it. Killed them all (it was war!). Then about four days ago I noticed our now healthy turf had dead spots that were FREAKIN' SPREADING! Did the water check on one spot and yes, the buggers are back, one came crawling out of the turf away from the water. So last night I blitzed the lawn again with insecticide and came out this morning to - don't be squeamish, now - dead bodies on my lawn. It's a crime scene of poisoned Army worms. Damn, I hate them!
November 26, 2017
Christmas Romance Novella Coming!
I have always wanted to write a Christmas romance - and this is the year I've actually done it!
I knew I wouldn't be able to get a full novel out by Christmas, so I thought...why not a Christmas Romance novella? Something sweet, funny, and heartwarming? Because after all, it's one of the best ways to ring in Christmas - with a smile.
So saying, here is a peek at my little bit of Christmas cheer!
‘Blue’ - Aussie slang for a fight/ an argument, as in “they’re having a blue”
~*~
Christmas - peace and goodwill to all.
At least, it was supposed to be. But all good intentions and plans can go awry, as Flynn found out.
Can she save Christmas? Can she survive her family? Can Ben save her? Can her sanity remain intact? Will true love be hers?
Or will the blues happening at Flynn’s end it all?
**
Release date is the 17th Dec.
It's already available for pre-order at Amazon and Smashwords, and will soon be up for pre-order at Kobo, iBooks and Barnes & Noble. As the links come up, I'll post them on my website.
cheers!
(Gawd, I'm so excited! I LOVE Christmas and Christmas romances!)
I knew I wouldn't be able to get a full novel out by Christmas, so I thought...why not a Christmas Romance novella? Something sweet, funny, and heartwarming? Because after all, it's one of the best ways to ring in Christmas - with a smile.
So saying, here is a peek at my little bit of Christmas cheer!
‘Blue’ - Aussie slang for a fight/ an argument, as in “they’re having a blue”
~*~
Christmas - peace and goodwill to all.
At least, it was supposed to be. But all good intentions and plans can go awry, as Flynn found out.
Can she save Christmas? Can she survive her family? Can Ben save her? Can her sanity remain intact? Will true love be hers?
Or will the blues happening at Flynn’s end it all?
**
Release date is the 17th Dec.
It's already available for pre-order at Amazon and Smashwords, and will soon be up for pre-order at Kobo, iBooks and Barnes & Noble. As the links come up, I'll post them on my website.
cheers!
(Gawd, I'm so excited! I LOVE Christmas and Christmas romances!)
November 22, 2017
Surgery Cancelled! What...?
Unbelievable! Mum and I were at the hospital by 7am for her surgery on Tuesday morning and she was first or second on the list, then because of bed shortages and other delays the list was changed and she was last. Then it got too late, the surgeon had hoped to start her by 3 to 3:30pm but she was STILL in the waiting room and he was still operating on others, and as her surgery is going to be about 3 hrs long (as we found out), it was going to be too late. Hence, they cancelled it and re-booked for the 11th Dec with Mum being first on the list. Poor old Mum, she was worried about the op, had herself all revved for it, and then after 8 hrs of sitting and waiting, was sent home. I'd spent the last 3 hrs with her, so at least I was still there when they broke the news.
Anyway, we both have the rest of the week off work, and luckily my boss is very understanding and has agreed for me to take another weeks annual leave from the 11th Dec. Also luckily, Mum being a traffic warden, the police have been really understanding and are okay fro her to have time off then as well for her op. Christmas school holidays in West Aust start not long after so she won't go back to work then until Feb, so on the good side, she'll have a longer recovery period.
Also, the surgeon doesn't have an op list on the 11th but is coming in specially to do Mum's op, so that's awesome.
On the plus side, having the rest of this week off, I've been able to get a lot of writing done. Yes! Every cloud has a silver lining! LOL
Anyway, we both have the rest of the week off work, and luckily my boss is very understanding and has agreed for me to take another weeks annual leave from the 11th Dec. Also luckily, Mum being a traffic warden, the police have been really understanding and are okay fro her to have time off then as well for her op. Christmas school holidays in West Aust start not long after so she won't go back to work then until Feb, so on the good side, she'll have a longer recovery period.
Also, the surgeon doesn't have an op list on the 11th but is coming in specially to do Mum's op, so that's awesome.
On the plus side, having the rest of this week off, I've been able to get a lot of writing done. Yes! Every cloud has a silver lining! LOL
November 19, 2017
This'n'That and Bits'n'Bobs
So our front and back yard are half done. All our old garden borders were broken and falling down, and we've had trouble with me trying to clear the veranda gutters because of the roses growing right underneath. So we called in a landscaper to clear the old borders away, put in new borders, replenish the blue metal and replant some of the plants elsewhere, as well as clearing out one garden bed (right under the gutters) so I can clean them more easily. (Mind you, I still need to climb a ladder so that can always end rather messily...let's not go there).
So they cleared part away and we haven't seen them since. We have broken concrete borders piled up in at the side of the front yard, part of the borders taken down at the back, and almost all of the bushes nicely pruned. We're not panicking as we know they're doing us in-between other places, but it's so weird to see your yard looking unfinished! I'm used to workers coming, working on something until it's finished then going. One of life's little lessons - patience. Right?
Now Mum is going into hospital tomorrow to have her gall bladder removed. She's worried she won't wake up (I can understand, I had the same fear, too, when I went under!). I told her that in my 17 years of nursing at St John of God here in town, I've not heard of any of our pts dying while under anesthetic. (She is going to a different hospital). I then told her she had more chance of being hit by a car...which, now that I think about it, probably wasn't the best thing to say seeing as she's a school traffic warden. Ahhh...
So on top of everything else, I was having a shower this morning and noticed the water wasn't going away. WTHell...? Just what we needed - or didn't need - blocked pipes! Mum reminded me that we'd bought the nifty plunger the plumber had recommended to us last time, so I hoofed it down to the shed to get it. Look, I impressed myself - I unblocked the shower using this nifty purple plunger! Totally awesome! I then asked Mum if she'd pay me the plumber's bill, but apparently not.
Anyway, that's it for today. I'm off to continue writing. Have a great day!
So they cleared part away and we haven't seen them since. We have broken concrete borders piled up in at the side of the front yard, part of the borders taken down at the back, and almost all of the bushes nicely pruned. We're not panicking as we know they're doing us in-between other places, but it's so weird to see your yard looking unfinished! I'm used to workers coming, working on something until it's finished then going. One of life's little lessons - patience. Right?
Now Mum is going into hospital tomorrow to have her gall bladder removed. She's worried she won't wake up (I can understand, I had the same fear, too, when I went under!). I told her that in my 17 years of nursing at St John of God here in town, I've not heard of any of our pts dying while under anesthetic. (She is going to a different hospital). I then told her she had more chance of being hit by a car...which, now that I think about it, probably wasn't the best thing to say seeing as she's a school traffic warden. Ahhh...
So on top of everything else, I was having a shower this morning and noticed the water wasn't going away. WTHell...? Just what we needed - or didn't need - blocked pipes! Mum reminded me that we'd bought the nifty plunger the plumber had recommended to us last time, so I hoofed it down to the shed to get it. Look, I impressed myself - I unblocked the shower using this nifty purple plunger! Totally awesome! I then asked Mum if she'd pay me the plumber's bill, but apparently not.
Anyway, that's it for today. I'm off to continue writing. Have a great day!
November 13, 2017
Bad Bird Week
I'm having a bad bird week.
Yesterday, on my way home from work, I popped into Hungry Jacks for a Storm M & M. So basically soft serve ice cream with a sprinkling of Mini M & Ms. Yuuuummmm! This is my weekly treat and I'd been looking forward to it.
So I parked the car in the bays out front of HJ and prepared to hoe in to my delicious treat. Then a I hear a flutter and skitter and look up to see a hopeful seagull has landed on my bonnet on the passenger side. Feeling mean because I had no chips to give him (her...whatever), I avoided eye contact, kept my gaze down and spooned up ice cream and M & Ms. Then I hear another skitter and glance up to see that the seagull has sidled across to stand right in front of the driver's side of the bonnet - so right in my vision.
I slunk lower in my seat feeling even more guilty and kept scooping ice cream. By now I wasn't enjoying it as much. I could feel his eyes drilling into me through the windscreen. Determinedly, I kept my gaze down but couldn't help glancing up just once more to see him with his head side-on giving me the beady eyeball.
I don't think I could have slunk any further into my seat.
To make matters worse, another seagull hopped onto my bonnet and now I was getting two beady eyeballs. Just as I was absorbing the twin beacons, a third seagull fluttered down beside the car.
I was now getting vibes of The Birds.
I did manage to finish my ice cream and all three gulls flew away in a huff, but geez, it was my one weekly treat! And I couldn't throw the ice cream out onto the parking bay - they wouldn't eat it anyway! But I did not enjoy it as much as I usually do :-(
Sunday morning I went for my walk and as I came up alongside the park, I started getting dive bombed by a Willy Wag Tail. Now in Australia, magpies are notorious for dive bombing people during breeding season, but a Willy Wag Tail? Really? This little bugger kept diving from the side and back, and I figured he was either after some of my hair which I'd left loose, or was trying to frighten me away. He stopped as soon as I was away from the park, but then I had to brave the indignant feathery ball of cheeky black and white on the way back - and yep, he was waiting for me. Little engines going as he streamed in, chirping and swearing, and there I was, hands flapping behind my head like a lunatic because I had this vision of him getting his claws tangled in my hair and freaking out, and I'd have to knock on someone's door in the early morning and get them to help untangle him!
I tell you, birds and I just don't seem to get along this week!
Yesterday, on my way home from work, I popped into Hungry Jacks for a Storm M & M. So basically soft serve ice cream with a sprinkling of Mini M & Ms. Yuuuummmm! This is my weekly treat and I'd been looking forward to it.
So I parked the car in the bays out front of HJ and prepared to hoe in to my delicious treat. Then a I hear a flutter and skitter and look up to see a hopeful seagull has landed on my bonnet on the passenger side. Feeling mean because I had no chips to give him (her...whatever), I avoided eye contact, kept my gaze down and spooned up ice cream and M & Ms. Then I hear another skitter and glance up to see that the seagull has sidled across to stand right in front of the driver's side of the bonnet - so right in my vision.
I slunk lower in my seat feeling even more guilty and kept scooping ice cream. By now I wasn't enjoying it as much. I could feel his eyes drilling into me through the windscreen. Determinedly, I kept my gaze down but couldn't help glancing up just once more to see him with his head side-on giving me the beady eyeball.
I don't think I could have slunk any further into my seat.
To make matters worse, another seagull hopped onto my bonnet and now I was getting two beady eyeballs. Just as I was absorbing the twin beacons, a third seagull fluttered down beside the car.
I was now getting vibes of The Birds.
I did manage to finish my ice cream and all three gulls flew away in a huff, but geez, it was my one weekly treat! And I couldn't throw the ice cream out onto the parking bay - they wouldn't eat it anyway! But I did not enjoy it as much as I usually do :-(
Sunday morning I went for my walk and as I came up alongside the park, I started getting dive bombed by a Willy Wag Tail. Now in Australia, magpies are notorious for dive bombing people during breeding season, but a Willy Wag Tail? Really? This little bugger kept diving from the side and back, and I figured he was either after some of my hair which I'd left loose, or was trying to frighten me away. He stopped as soon as I was away from the park, but then I had to brave the indignant feathery ball of cheeky black and white on the way back - and yep, he was waiting for me. Little engines going as he streamed in, chirping and swearing, and there I was, hands flapping behind my head like a lunatic because I had this vision of him getting his claws tangled in my hair and freaking out, and I'd have to knock on someone's door in the early morning and get them to help untangle him!
I tell you, birds and I just don't seem to get along this week!
October 27, 2017
Whew! I'm back! And New Novella.
What a month! I tell you, life is just all over the place at the moment...but it's all good, we're getting there!
So what has been going on? Well, after being at home on sick leave for a week with suspected Strep Throat (turned out it wasn't) the day before I was due back at work, I went for my usual walk and fell. Yes, I fell on an even footpath and I can't even say I tripped over my own feet. The sole of my shoe somehow caught and over I went onto my knees. The left got the brunt of it. I didn't even look, just got up and kept walking home, where I proceeded to sweep the floor before going for a shower - which is where I discovered I'd actually ripped my leggings and had a bloody knee. So I slapped Betadine on it and went off to the computer. After an hour of sitting down - yep, my knee swelled up and I couldn't walk. Mum drove me to the A & E, x-rays showed no damage (thank goodness) so off home for rest, ice, elevation and pain killers. Yes, more days off work! Finally back at work and the bruising (which ended up going from my knee to my ankle) is finally going yellow black instead of blue black. On the plus side, I get lots of sympathy *wink*, on the con side, still having to dress my knee!
Mum had the gall bladder attack (as I think I mentioned earlier), and is booked in next month to have it out. She's also had removal of cataracts and laser on her eyes, and today got the good-to-go from the ophthalmologist, so next week she goes to get new glasses.
On top of all this, I got a smack on the fingers for Lily, my black and white cat, being so ...ummm... *cough*heavy*cough* so she, Polly and Abby are all on diets, basically cutting down on their snackie-poohs during the day until we eventually cut the snacks out altogether. Look, I admit it, Mum and I are too soft on them. They look at us and we just melt. But to be fair, the vet nurses were correct, their weight is making them an anesthetic risk and it's getting really unhealthy for them, especially as they're aging, so yep, we're cutting down on the snacks until finally the snacks go altogether. To say we're not popular with the furries is putting it mildly. Meanwhile, we have to sneak the snacks to the 2 slim cats in the house because they graze all day and only want to eat small amounts, so it's keeping a bowl of biccies on a bench during the day that only they can reach.
Let's add another insult for the furries - this morning I de-fleaed them all with spot-on on their necks. So now I'm REALLY in the bad books.
Now, for some good news! I finished writing the second Devilish Men novella (Devil on a Hunt) and it's available at Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo and iBooks. It will be available at Barnes & Noble soon. The links are on the Ang Kemp website http://www.angkemp.com . Just remember, if anyone decides to give it a go, that it's meant to be a fun, fast read, nothing serious. It's just to kick back, have a cuppa and chuckle, and forget about reality. A feel-good read, if you wish.
More good news - watched the whole season 7 of The Walking Dead. OMG, is Neegan freaky or what? I was laughing at his wit and cringing at his actions all at the same time. The only thing that bummed me a little was less zombie action. But I still love the series.
Also found a new British police procedure/thriller series by Mo Hayder -the Jack Caffery series
. Man, it is grim, the murders/kidnappings etc horrific, but I'm enjoying (in a gut-curdling way) the stories. Started book 3 today.
Okay, so now that the Ang Kemp novella is over, I'm planning on starting another story on Monday. And I will say that I already have the cover .
So I hope you've all been well, or getting through current situations. Keep a smile on your face and keep forging onward.
Cheers!
Ang
So what has been going on? Well, after being at home on sick leave for a week with suspected Strep Throat (turned out it wasn't) the day before I was due back at work, I went for my usual walk and fell. Yes, I fell on an even footpath and I can't even say I tripped over my own feet. The sole of my shoe somehow caught and over I went onto my knees. The left got the brunt of it. I didn't even look, just got up and kept walking home, where I proceeded to sweep the floor before going for a shower - which is where I discovered I'd actually ripped my leggings and had a bloody knee. So I slapped Betadine on it and went off to the computer. After an hour of sitting down - yep, my knee swelled up and I couldn't walk. Mum drove me to the A & E, x-rays showed no damage (thank goodness) so off home for rest, ice, elevation and pain killers. Yes, more days off work! Finally back at work and the bruising (which ended up going from my knee to my ankle) is finally going yellow black instead of blue black. On the plus side, I get lots of sympathy *wink*, on the con side, still having to dress my knee!
Mum had the gall bladder attack (as I think I mentioned earlier), and is booked in next month to have it out. She's also had removal of cataracts and laser on her eyes, and today got the good-to-go from the ophthalmologist, so next week she goes to get new glasses.
On top of all this, I got a smack on the fingers for Lily, my black and white cat, being so ...ummm... *cough*heavy*cough* so she, Polly and Abby are all on diets, basically cutting down on their snackie-poohs during the day until we eventually cut the snacks out altogether. Look, I admit it, Mum and I are too soft on them. They look at us and we just melt. But to be fair, the vet nurses were correct, their weight is making them an anesthetic risk and it's getting really unhealthy for them, especially as they're aging, so yep, we're cutting down on the snacks until finally the snacks go altogether. To say we're not popular with the furries is putting it mildly. Meanwhile, we have to sneak the snacks to the 2 slim cats in the house because they graze all day and only want to eat small amounts, so it's keeping a bowl of biccies on a bench during the day that only they can reach.
Let's add another insult for the furries - this morning I de-fleaed them all with spot-on on their necks. So now I'm REALLY in the bad books.
Now, for some good news! I finished writing the second Devilish Men novella (Devil on a Hunt) and it's available at Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo and iBooks. It will be available at Barnes & Noble soon. The links are on the Ang Kemp website http://www.angkemp.com . Just remember, if anyone decides to give it a go, that it's meant to be a fun, fast read, nothing serious. It's just to kick back, have a cuppa and chuckle, and forget about reality. A feel-good read, if you wish.
More good news - watched the whole season 7 of The Walking Dead. OMG, is Neegan freaky or what? I was laughing at his wit and cringing at his actions all at the same time. The only thing that bummed me a little was less zombie action. But I still love the series.
Also found a new British police procedure/thriller series by Mo Hayder -the Jack Caffery series
. Man, it is grim, the murders/kidnappings etc horrific, but I'm enjoying (in a gut-curdling way) the stories. Started book 3 today.Okay, so now that the Ang Kemp novella is over, I'm planning on starting another story on Monday. And I will say that I already have the cover .
So I hope you've all been well, or getting through current situations. Keep a smile on your face and keep forging onward.
Cheers!
Ang
October 7, 2017
Catch-Up Soon!
Hey everyone
sorry I haven't been around much. Mum was in hospital for 4 days following a severe gall bladder attack. She's home now but the gall bladder will be removed in about 4 - 6 weeks. Now, just to top everything off nicely, I'm struck down with some yucky bug - sore throat, sore ears, sniffly, coughing...blergh. Promise I will catch you all up soon!
Meanwhile, stay safe and healthy. Don't take a leaf out of my book LOL
sorry I haven't been around much. Mum was in hospital for 4 days following a severe gall bladder attack. She's home now but the gall bladder will be removed in about 4 - 6 weeks. Now, just to top everything off nicely, I'm struck down with some yucky bug - sore throat, sore ears, sniffly, coughing...blergh. Promise I will catch you all up soon!
Meanwhile, stay safe and healthy. Don't take a leaf out of my book LOL
September 19, 2017
Keys, Panic Attacks and Mind-farts
I'm having a key issue day. Seriously, I have no idea where my keys are half the time today.
This morning I went for a walk, came back, unlocked the door, and reached around to the key hook to grab for the keys to lock the security screen. Had a panic attack because I couldn't find the keys, frantically pawing through my pockets - only to realise they were still in my hand!
Went downtown to do the shopping. Double-backed because I couldn't remember if I'd locked the car, had a panic attack because I couldn't find the keys, frantically pawed through my shoulder bag - only to realise the car keys were still in my hand.
Got home, unpacked the boot, took the empty bags back out to put in the boot - panic attack because I couldn't remember where I'd put the keys to unlock the boot. Frantic look through the house - only to realise I'd hung them back up in the proper place.
Talk about mind-farts...
I'm hibernating inside the house for the rest of the day...
This morning I went for a walk, came back, unlocked the door, and reached around to the key hook to grab for the keys to lock the security screen. Had a panic attack because I couldn't find the keys, frantically pawing through my pockets - only to realise they were still in my hand!
Went downtown to do the shopping. Double-backed because I couldn't remember if I'd locked the car, had a panic attack because I couldn't find the keys, frantically pawed through my shoulder bag - only to realise the car keys were still in my hand.
Got home, unpacked the boot, took the empty bags back out to put in the boot - panic attack because I couldn't remember where I'd put the keys to unlock the boot. Frantic look through the house - only to realise I'd hung them back up in the proper place.
Talk about mind-farts...
I'm hibernating inside the house for the rest of the day...
September 11, 2017
Just Touching Base
So the time has come to plot the next book. Or novella. Let's go with novella. I thought it time I did another Devilish Men novella under the pen name Ang Kemp. So plotting away and starting chapter 1 tomorrow when I get home from work.
See, work just interferes in writing time! But alas, the government won't pay me to stay home and write, and as I like to eat and have a roof over my head - not to mention keeping the cats in the comfort to which they've become accustomed - I have to go out to work. On the other hand, lucky to have a job! So I'll be grateful that I'm healthy enough to work, that I have a job, and that I can write in between. Very blessed.
Not as blessed as the cats, however. I got up at 5:30am for work this morning, they rolled out for breakfast and as I left for work at 6:45am, they were rolling back into bed. Yes, next time I want to come back as one of my cats!
So just wanted to add that my prayers are with everyone who are in the way of the hurricane or the firs, I see that both are roaring across the US. You're all in my thoughts, stay safe. *hugs*
See, work just interferes in writing time! But alas, the government won't pay me to stay home and write, and as I like to eat and have a roof over my head - not to mention keeping the cats in the comfort to which they've become accustomed - I have to go out to work. On the other hand, lucky to have a job! So I'll be grateful that I'm healthy enough to work, that I have a job, and that I can write in between. Very blessed.
Not as blessed as the cats, however. I got up at 5:30am for work this morning, they rolled out for breakfast and as I left for work at 6:45am, they were rolling back into bed. Yes, next time I want to come back as one of my cats!
So just wanted to add that my prayers are with everyone who are in the way of the hurricane or the firs, I see that both are roaring across the US. You're all in my thoughts, stay safe. *hugs*
August 14, 2017
Blue's Book Release Date
Yes! Got a release date for anyone interested in Blue's story. It's the 27th August 2017.
Currently available for pre-order at Amazon and Smashwords. It will be available at Barnes & Noble, iBooks & Kobo as well, just waiting for the links to arrive.
Current and coming links are all on my website www.angelaverdenius.com . Oh yeah, and so are the blurb and excerpt!
Now, I have American Gods S1, Hauntings S1, Grimm S5 and Wolf Lake S1 all on DVD calling my name. Tomorrow the plan is to flop on the sofa and watch movies until my eyeballs fall out of my head. YES!!!!!!!
Currently available for pre-order at Amazon and Smashwords. It will be available at Barnes & Noble, iBooks & Kobo as well, just waiting for the links to arrive.
Current and coming links are all on my website www.angelaverdenius.com . Oh yeah, and so are the blurb and excerpt!
Now, I have American Gods S1, Hauntings S1, Grimm S5 and Wolf Lake S1 all on DVD calling my name. Tomorrow the plan is to flop on the sofa and watch movies until my eyeballs fall out of my head. YES!!!!!!!
