Rose Anderson's Blog, page 37

Extinct word of the day

Just another word today…

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 23 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Utlegation (noun 1678)

legal process by which someone is outlawed

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Pssst… I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. My list is growing and topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum. I’ll be sharing my recipes.

Nothing much

Just a word today…

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 24 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Uglyography (noun 1804-1834)

bad handwriting; poor spelling

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Pssst… I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. My list is growing and topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum. I’ll be sharing my recipes.

Just a matter of time…

I’ve another crazy busy day today.The only news I have is the robins and bluebirds were singing at 5am. I LOVE that. There was a great big ring around the morning moon too. Yep, rain tonight and snow tomorrow. I’m not fazed. I have birdsong. Everything else is just a matter of time.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 25 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Flosculation (noun 1651)

an embellishment or ornament in speech

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Pssst… I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. My list is growing and topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum. I’ll be sharing my recipes.

Uber busy

I’ve a crazy busy day today. Nothing much to add beyond that. I may not be seeing light at the end of the tunnel just yet. But I’m happy to say I’m finally seeing the tunnel!

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 26 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Gnathonize (verb 1619-1727)

to flatter

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Pssst… I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. My list is growing and topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum. I’ll be sharing my recipes.

Temporary chill

Today the weather report says -3° with the wind chill. Good lord is it windy. The array of wind chimes next to our labyrinth sound like a cross between a poorly-played glockenspiel and an inebriated bell choir. I will weather (no pun intended) this temporary stall in the seasonal switchover because bluebirds in the yard tell me mother nature is determined  to get her show on the road. Tomorrow the temperature rises and warmer weather will bring rain later this week. That ought to help wash away those ugly mountains of dirty snow piled everywhere. Some of the larger store parking lots around here have snow piles at least fifteen feet high.

The official reminder for the A to Z Challenge came yesterday. I’m jazzed.

People often ask how it is I manage to do so many blog posts here and everywhere else. Questions like how do you find the time? or how do you come up with so many interesting posts? That last one is easy. The topics must interest me or I can’t write about them. I’m never at a loss for interesting things to work with because the world is a pretty awesome place with wonders in abundance. Time-wise I operate on a budget — a time budget.

Authors know we must promote daily. And boy, that’s a sad but true fact. While I regularly do appearances and interviews here and there, the bulk of my direct book promotion occurs  on my satellite blogs. That’s why I have them. When time presents itself in my week, such as evenings when my husband has late meetings, I’ll make blog posts in advance so they’re ready to go when I need them. As these are mostly copied and pasted excerpts and themed snippets, they go pretty fast. I’ve preemptively made all my Authors In Bloom posts because I know come April I’ll be busy expounding on my A to Z topics.

Conversely, this blog is always done off the top of my head each morning. Yes, it is stream of consciousness all the way. This includes the A to Z Challenge. I’ve chosen most of my topics. Each day, I’ll take that topic and run with it.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 27 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Halatinous (adjective 1886)

saline; salty

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Pssst… I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. My list is growing and topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum and I’ll be sharing my recipes.

Early birds

It’s official. Winter is over. I felt it yesterday and saw it just now — Robins and bluebirds in the yard on the same day!

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 28 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Synallactic (adjective 1853)

reconciliatory

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Though I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. My list is growing and topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum and I’ll be sharing my recipes.

In touch

Because of my husband’s vocation, we’ve lived a long time surrounded by wildlife in the middle of nowhere. Our closest neighbor is a full mile away. Living like we do, both he and I have strong circadian rhythm. There are no clocks in our bedroom to jar us from slumber.  We wake at dawn all year round and have since leaving the big city 32 years ago. The wake up call around here has always been birdsong and wind.

I understand wildness. Before my arthritis became a louder presence in my world, my husband and I took  jaunts into the Canadian wilderness. Funny thing about canoeing the wilderness. It changes how you dream. Without fail, your dreams go from the average urban dreams to wild dreams. You dream the habitat. And, in short order, you become aware.

If you allow it, nature seeps into your psyche and triggers ancient senses. We all live our lives going by the five obvious  senses we’re told we possess — Touch, Sight, Hearing, Taste, and Smell. But we have far more. There are 21 confirmed senses both internal and external, and 33 if you count the “debatable” ones like Intuition. (The Greek philosopher Aristotle made a lengthy list of senses. I’ll do a larger post on this topic for the A to Z Challenge)

Home

After so many years, my husband and I have become a part of this habitat — our senses triggered by the wild that makes up where we live. These senses allow you to smell snow or rain on the way. They make you take notice of small details that will tell you something important if you take the time to listen: If the barn swallows are flocking, fall weather is coming early. When the red-winged blackbirds come, a thaw is immanent. If the geese are heading to the river, anticipate a fierce storm. If the bees suddenly disappear, expect that storm relatively soon even if the sky is blue.

The wind is howling this morning, seriously howling. The old puppy was having a hard time keeping her balance against it when I took the pups outside for their morning walk. I mention all of the above because the dogs are excited today. Unusually so. My old puppy turns 14 tomorrow, and because of her advanced age has days where she seems to forget why she’s outside. But she’s very alert today. The little one is beyond alert. She’s tight with anticipation. I watched them go about their business and it’s obvious they sense something today. Standing in the howling wind, their noses mined the air and I just knew they discovered olfactory gold. They know. And for the first time this year, I felt it too. I felt the shift into spring today.

We may get cold weather. We may have snow or ice yet to come. But there’s no denying the tide has turned. It’s in the air. Yay!

And I’m feeling grateful. 

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 29 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Gelicide (noun 1656-1681)

a frost

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:
http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today
http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Though I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. My list is growing and topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum and I’ll be sharing my recipes.

knuckleheads at home

My husband took me out for lunch yesterday and we crossed the river. The ice was gone, for the most part, and the river was high as you’d expect with all this snow melting. I checked the weather report today. Below freezing again. Too cold to finish dusty work. I suppose I’ll work in the bathroom instead.

*sigh*

Have you ever started what was to be a relatively simple project only to have it cascade into one of those never ending tasks that had you known this ahead of time you never would have started the darn thing? That’s my bathroom. We not completely inexperienced with home remodeling tasks. Together we’ve done all sorts of successful projects in the houses and apartments we’ve lived in over the past 36 years — everything from refinishing hardwood floors to hanging cabinets to roof shingles to new plumbing.

Our bathroom project could almost be a Three Stooges skit. I can’t understand why we’re having this comedy of errors now. So far we’re laughing it off. So far. After yesterday, it’s getting increasingly unfunny.  Here’s what’s been happening (“>>” denotes what came after)

Replace the counter top >> spackling, sanding, and painting two walls >> the “help” innocently gets the enamel paint on the ceiling >> paint the ceiling.

Replace the flooring  >> get one small spot of paint on it that innocently gets spread>> paint ruins the floor because enamel bonds to vinyl >> replace the floor again.

Replace molding >> tear off ceramic tiles in the process >> clean and reattach ceramic tiles >> discover a small adhesive drip removed all stain from the new molding >> re-stain molding.

Scrape old grout off three tub walls >> bounce off the tile while exerting a lot of pressure and gouge the freshly painted wall with the scraping tool >> spackle, sand, and repaint the wall.

Yesterday: Do exactly what three how-to videos say to do to replace old grout >> discover the new grout doesn’t do what you saw it do in how-to videos >> re-grout by hand, one fingerful of grout on one tile at a time.

Today I caulk the tub. I can’t wait to see what fiasco that’s going to turn in to! I just know I’ll finish and it’ll look great. Then the tub will drop through the floor.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 30 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Cecograph (noun 1851-1874)

Writing device for the blind. Computers have made the cecograph obsolete.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Though I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. My list is growing and topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum and I’ll be sharing my recipes.

A picture says it all

More snow today and it’s cold again. I’m actually out of words for it. No, I have one more — Blah.

On the upside, I heard an eagle screeching mid-afternoon yesterday . The river must have opened in the warm weather. That’s a sure harbinger of spring. It’s been solidly iced over since the polar vortex hit us.

No robins yet, but I also saw red-winged blackbirds in my yard the day before yesterday. The males’ flashy red epaulettes aren’t even feathered out yet. They get here early to start their nests and they have time. Their relationship potential is all about real estate.  When the females arrive later on, they’ll tempt them with prime location.  I’m hoping these fellows know something about the end of the longest winter I can remember.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 31 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Veprecose (adjective 1721)

full of brambles

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Though I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. I’ve started my list already — my topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum and I’ll be sharing my recipes.

Garden accents?

So the warmer weather of the last two days reduced the mountains of snow to half the size they were last week. The side yard is exposed, and so is the winter handiwork of my old dog who can’t walk far from the house to see to business. I need a bigger thaw to clean up that still-frozen mess.

Speaking of…we replaced two nearly 30-year-old toilets and have one more to go. Toilets aren’t as daunting to replace as you might think. Conscious of adding to the landfill, we’ve been cobbling together new parts for old fixtures for years, sometimes even holding plastic pieces over a flame so we could bend them to fit. It’s gotten to the point where we have little signs asking users to wait until the tanks stop filling just in case it never stops. They don’t even make seats for these things anymore. It was time.

Three bathrooms are a ridiculous amenity, in my opinion.  What small house needs three bathrooms? That’s three times the chore! I know. It’s been my chore for nearly 30 years. My husband grew up with four adults and four kids in an 1880′s wood frame house sharing the bathroom that was obviously converted from a small bedroom. (The outhouse must have been out back.) I grew up in a household of nine (five kids and up to four adults) and we managed with one bathroom too.  

So why did I bring this up? To make you smile. With this second wave of polar vortex weather, we’ve had one toilet frozen to the ground right outside our door for a full week. Yesterday after a day of 50°, it was finally freed. I heard my husband dragging the throne across the sidewalk to his truck yesterday after he came home from work. I stuck my head out the door to tell him I’d gotten used to it being there and was planning on planting chives in it. He laughed and said, “Yeah, you would. That’s why I’m getting it out of here today.”

lol No, I’m not that bad. Would you believe toilet planters exist? The internet is full of pictures. How can anyone look at this and think what a lovely garden feature? It’s a toilet with flowers in it! Chives would be better…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’ve temporarily cut back on blogging for my put-my-life-back-in-order spring cleaning — a project known far and wide as the Annual Purge. Thanks for stopping by even if there isn’t much new to see. I have no time for blogging right now, but the extinct word of the day is updated daily.

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 32 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Scandiscope (noun 1825)

machine for cleaning chimneys

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

I’m participating in The Romance Reviews’ Anniversary party. My particular part in the contest is over, but the celebration runs all month long and there are a lot of prizes to be had. See what I have up on my newest satellite blog:

http://ifollowthemuse.blogspot.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

See what’s happening on the blog today

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Check out the newest contest on our website. We have Leprechauns to find! Our March contest will have 5 winners with one Grand Prize Winner: $50 gift card for Amazon/B&N. Other prizes will be split randomly among the remaining 4 winners. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Love Waits in Unexpected Places - Scorching Samplings of Unusual Love Stories

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333971

Download your copy of my free 1st and 2nd chapter sampler, I write what I’d like to read so my stories are rich in realistic/historically correct dialogue and factual information. My multidimensional characters are the sort you’d welcome into your home to share a cup of tea or a beer. Though I wouldn’t open the door to the villains…

۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<< ۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞>>>>۞<<<<۞ <<<<۞

Coming soon~

I’ll be blogging full bore in April with the A to Z Challenge. I’ve started my list already — my topics will cover fascinating aspects from history. I have a healthy sense of wonder. I promise your imagination will fly with mine.

For ten days in April I’ll be in the Authors in Bloom blog hop on one of my satellite blogs. I t’s all about showing those many facets authors have outside of their novels. Many years ago, my husband and I led wild foods programs for Chicago’s Field Museum and I’ll be sharing my recipes.