Maddy Barone's Blog, page 63

13 Facts About Fargo ND

This is a trivia sort of post today for Thursday 13, all dealing with Fargo, North Dakota. This is the place where I call home. It's not the most beautiful spot on earth (unless you like perfectly flat land with few trees) but it is home.

1. Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, with a population of about 98,000.

2. Fargo sits on the Red River of the North, one of the few rivers in the world that flows directly north.

3. The average high temperature in January is 14 F, the average low is -3 F. The average high in July is 83 F, the average low is 60 F.  The lowest temperature ever recorded was -48 F with a windchill of -103 F. The highest temp ever recorded was 114 F. We have a very wide range of temps.

4. Last night, Feb 7, the windchill was -32 F, although the actual temp was -11 F. This is very normal for us because we have continuous wind. In fact, the news actually makes mention of when the wind is calm because it is so unusual.

5. Fargo was founded in 1871, only six years after the Civil War ended, but for decades before that it was a (very small) stop on the Red River Cart trail that went from St Cloud MN to Winnepeg Canada. Most carts went further north, where the river was wider and deeper and steamboats could go. It was first called Centralia, but the name was changed to Fargo, after the director of the Wells Fargo Express company.

6.  In the 1880s Fargo's laws allowed for quick and easy divorces, and it became known as the Divorse Capital of the US. Famous people came to Fargo to get their divorces.

7. The Red River Valley is actually the bed of an ancient glacier lake called Lake Aggasiz. As the glacier pushed and retreated hundreds of times over many years, it deposited some of th richest soil in the world. Little children in our region use black crayons to color dirt because that is the color the dirt in the fields is.

8. In 1920, 75.4% of the residents in Fargo were of German and/or Norwegian descent, and 19% did not speak any English. Even 20 years ago the residents of old folks' homes chatted easily with one other in Norwegian or German. Today, if you go to Fargo restaurant 70% of the heads will be blond. 20% will have light to mid brown hair. The King and Queen of Norway visit Fargo more often than any other town aside from London. As an Italian-American, I stand out like a sore thumb here. When I went back to Milwaukee for a family funeral I couldn't believe how many dark haired people there were.

9. Famous Fargoans include Johnny Lang, Bobby Vee, Roger Maris, Charlie Korsmo and  Kevin Sorbo.  (I had two college classes with Kevin Sorbo) And of course, that was that movie with Frances McDormand and Steve Buscemi called Fargo–which had to be filmed elsewhere because we didn't have enough snow that year.

Flooding – When you live on a river, spring time revolves around protecting oneself and one's property from the flooded river. Flood stage in Fargo is 17 feet. We always have some degree of flooding, but one expects it to be mild enough for the permanent dike to hold the water off. Perhaps a few of the streets right on the river will be closed, but it's nothing major.

10. We've had many major floods in Fargo, starting in 1897. The first "big one" I remember ws in 1997. The river crested at an all time record 39.5 feet. That is the year that the entire city of Grand Forks, 65 miles downstream from us, was lost.  It was called the 500 year flood, and was predicted to not happen again in our lifetime.

11. In 2009, only 12 years later, we had a our second 500 year flood. We take protecting our city very seriously. Everyone pitches in. Schools were cancelled. Businesses closed. All students and workers joined the flood fight. Water and toilet flushing was rationed. Limited laundry was allowed. There is nothing like having sand stuck to your sweaty body and not be able to take a long hot shower. The likelihood of losing the lift stations were high, so we couldn't uswe water. The crest was first predicted to be 41 feet. Then 42 feet. We filled millions of sandbags and we won the fight against the river. We were lucky that it didn't go over 41 feet. Our sandbag dikes were only 42 feet high. We lost a few neighborhoods. But we saved our city.  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4896558n 

12. The third 500 year flood was in 2010. The crest, which would have terrified us a few years earlier but now seemed old hat, was 36.99. Again, we fought for our city by filling a couple million sandbags and building our miles of dikes.  It was hard work, and some of our best workers were not there since the collegees were on spring break at the time and due to overland flooding they could not get back to the city, but we persevered and won.

13.  The flood of 2011 is predicted to be higher than that of 2009. Already businesses are making arrangements to have employees bussed to Sandbag Central for 4-hour shifts to fill sandbags on company time. My company is manning the spider (sandbag machines) on Feb 21st and 28th. I've signed up for the 8-12 shift on the 21st. I have to admit I'm nervous about this flood. We've always won the flood fights before. But we're tired. This is a lot of physical work, plus there's the never ending worry that drains you, especially when you go throough it three years in a row.

So what's cool or special about your town?

13 dress styles of the 16th Century

Actually, these are from just the first half of the 16th century.  I am thinking of making another formal gown for my SCA events. My persona is Italian, so I thought I'd make another gown in the style of northern Italy. It is comfortable to wear, and if made in a lighter weight fabric it can be cool as well. But I have some of those already, so maybe I should make a gown from England? These are more ornate, usually made from heavier fabrics so are hotter. If making a style after 1535 a corset and maybe a farthingale should be worn to produce the correct sillouette. But those can be darned hot … I have nothing from Germany. I think the hats are awesome.  maybe you could help me choose what I should make. here are some examples to choose from.

Italy

1.      2.      3.   

1. Front laced, rounded neckline, with contrasting sleeves tied on to the shoulder with chemise pulled thru.  approx 1506

2. Slightly higher waist, neckline somewhat more square, contrasting sleeves tied to shoulder w/ chemise pulled thru.  approx 1505

3. More of the same style, full length. This style has a rounded bust, so no rigid corset. Skirt is gathered or pleated, the waist a little higher than natural waist. Necklines are edged with contrasting fabric.

4.      5.     6.       

4.     Neck narrower, lower and squarer, sleeves hugely puffed from shoulder to elbow. Chemise is high necked. Waist raised. c 1535

5.     Neck higher and wider, sleeve puff smaller. Waist at natural line, bodice stiff and flat. c 1545.

6.     Neck very wide, filled with netted partlet. Waist at natural line and bodice rigid. c 1550.          

England

7.     8.    9.     10.    

7. Very early English. High square neck, tight sleeves, bodice is not rigid and hooks closed in center. Early gable hood. 1502

8. Neck is lower, bodice closes in back or on side, over sleeves turned back to show contrasting under sleeve. Bodice is smooth but not quite rigid. Neck is now lined with pearls and gems. Gable hood has lappets folded up. 1520.

9.  Neck is even wider.  Over sleeve is tight at the shoulder, then widens and is folded back to show embroidered lining. Lower edge of under sleeve is slashed to show chemise. Gable hood has both lappets and tails folded up. Bodice is rigid. 1535.

10. Neck is even wider again. Bodice is very rigid and a farthingale holds the skirts in conical shape. Over sleeve lined in fur, under sleeve slashed to show chemise puffs. Round or French hood. 1545.

Germany

11.      12.    13. 

11. Two-toned skirt pleated. Sleeves ornately pieces. Bodice laced in black accross a wide white placard. 1520.

12. Classic German look with heavy gold chains and wide collar necklaces, snoods with ornate feathered hats, pieced sleeves with chemise spilling out. 1525.

13. wow.

So which style do you like best? Which should I make?

Blood of the Rose by Kate Pearce

I cannot WAIT to read this book! I loved Kiss of the Rose and this one looks like it will be just as good!
Blood of the Rose


At A Glance

On Sale February 1, 2011

Signet Signet Mass Market

Historical Paranormal Romance

The Tudor Vampire Chronicles #2

ISBN-10: 0451232488

ISBN-13: 978-0451232489

READ

Excerpt
The World of the Tudor Vampire Chronicles

THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES

Kiss of the Rose
Blood of the Rose


 

The second installment in Pearce's Tudor Vampire Chronicles contains more rich historical details than the first book, making it exceptional. There's something fun about rewriting history and making memorable characters like Anne Boleyn into vampires. Pearce expertly weaves her historical background and knowledge into a truly captivating tale.

4 Stars! Annette Elton, RT BOOK Reviews

When Rosalind Llewellyn had to join forces with her enemy, Christopher Ellis to defeat a rogue Vampire threatening Henry VIII, their alliance led to a surprising passion. Reunited after a years separation, they face a new threat that could destroy their last chance at happiness.

Christopher is delighted by the spectacular rise at court of his friends George and Anne Boleyn. But Rosalind suspects Lady Anne is up to no good-she may even be a Vampire who's bewitched the king. Now Rosalind must fight to keep Christopher from falling under the woman's mysterious spell. It isn't until Anne reveals a dark secret that Christopher awakens to where the true danger lies-and he begins to play a desperate game in order to save the woman he loves…

Blood of the Rose by Kae Pearce

I cannot WAIT to read this book! I loved Kiss of the Rose and this one looks like it will be just as good!
Blood of the Rose


At A Glance

On Sale February 1, 2011

Signet Signet Mass Market

Historical Paranormal Romance

The Tudor Vampire Chronicles #2

ISBN-10: 0451232488

ISBN-13: 978-0451232489

READ

Excerpt
The World of the Tudor Vampire Chronicles

THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES

Kiss of the Rose
Blood of the Rose


 

The second installment in Pearce's Tudor Vampire Chronicles contains more rich historical details than the first book, making it exceptional. There's something fun about rewriting history and making memorable characters like Anne Boleyn into vampires. Pearce expertly weaves her historical background and knowledge into a truly captivating tale.

4 Stars! Annette Elton, RT BOOK Reviews

When Rosalind Llewellyn had to join forces with her enemy, Christopher Ellis to defeat a rogue Vampire threatening Henry VIII, their alliance led to a surprising passion. Reunited after a years separation, they face a new threat that could destroy their last chance at happiness.

Christopher is delighted by the spectacular rise at court of his friends George and Anne Boleyn. But Rosalind suspects Lady Anne is up to no good-she may even be a Vampire who's bewitched the king. Now Rosalind must fight to keep Christopher from falling under the woman's mysterious spell. It isn't until Anne reveals a dark secret that Christopher awakens to where the true danger lies-and he begins to play a desperate game in order to save the woman he loves…

Wolf's Glory Blurb

I have been re-working Wolf's Glory. Many thanks to Virginia Cavanaugh and Jasmine R for their help. Here is the updated blurb for Wolf's Glory:

"Loud-mouthed goth Gloria Peterson is one of the few uninjured when her plane crashes, so she volunteers to be one of those who goes for help. After a day or walking over eerily empty prairie, she stumbles on a hunting party of the Lakota Wolf Clan. The son of the chief of the Clan, Wolf's Shadow, claims her as his mate. Glory is perfectly happy take a roll in the hay with him while she's waiting for transportation back to civilization, but when she finds out she's gone forward in time to an age with no electricity, where men transform into wolves and women are closely guarded prizes, her attitude changes fast. She is no man's possession, and if Shadow wants her to stay with him he had better lose his Me-Tarzan-You-Jane attitude fast. Shadow's werewolf is a dominant Alpha, intolerant of disobedience and defiance. Even for the mate he is ready to adore he can't change his personality. When two strong-willed lovers clash, who will win?"

Inez Kelley's Sweet As Sin

[image error]SWEET AS SIN by Inez Kelley

She was made for sin. Sin was something he knew intimately.

John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people—and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy—a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands—he's driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.

Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won't lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she's as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?

Carina Press or Amazon or All Romance ebooks

"The story is hyper intense, hyper complex, its what romance, new romance is supposed to be. Its NEW its fresh, it expands, its so beyond new, its freaking shiny. In the package wonderful. I loved it, I loved it I loved it. " -Romance Book Forums

Update Odds-N-Ends

I've been sick since last Wednesday. Don't you hate it when you know you're coming down with something? And there's a bunch of nasty stuff going around right now. Mine is sino-bronchitis with an ear infection on the side. I took Thursday off, and Friday too, so I had a four-day weekend. It sucked. All I did was sleep and read. Not that I have anything against sleeping or reading. Those are two of my favorite indoor sports. But I had a list of stuff that I should have gotten done, but nope. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. My To Do list is longer than ever. And although I did survive an entire day at work today, it was hard. I'm so tired I just want to go back to bed. But I can't.

Good news. The publisher is interested in the 2nd book in the After the Crash series. They would like to see a few revisions in the first quarter of the book, and a few other changes. They would like it in three weeks if possible, but if I need more time they can work with me. I think it's do-able within three weeks if I just get focused. I was planning a trip out of the country this weekend, but between being sick and having this book due, I might have to bail on that. It's always fun to go to Winnipeg, but my writing is a job, same as my Monday to Friday job, and really, I'm definitely not recovered from being sick.

So tonight, I plan to re-read the manuscript, re-do the neck of the chemise for Patty Anne and knit while I watch a little TV. Then, bed. Oh, how I miss my bed.

13 Things I Could Do …

… With A Day Off.

I went home from work today after barely hanging on long enough to put in my 8 hours. Since I've been working 9-10 hours a day since November, that was a short day. But I've fallen to one of the numerous bugs going around. You know, headache, sore throat, clogged nose, aching, coughing … I am seriously considering staying home tomorrow. If I do I'll throw away any chance of overtime on the check, but I do feel miserable. But then, think of what I could do with a day off.

1. Clean. My apartment hasn't been cleaned since Christmas. I've done the basics, like taking out the trash and dishes, but vaccuuming, dusting, mopping … No.

2. Knit. I have a pair of socks that I must have done for a sock exchange at the Local Yarn Store (LYS) by Feb 15. Only about a quarter of the way done. Also working ion a moebius scarf for a friend's gift.

3. Sew a 16th century style linen chemise. I've got the body sewn together and all I need to do is a simple band of blackwork around the neck edge, and hand finish the seams. I must get cracking on that as it needs to go to Winnipeg on Jan 28.

4. Watch TV. I have some shows I'm behind on, including a movie from Netflix. I could combine TV watching with Knitting.

5. Put away the Christmas decorations. Told you I was behind on my cleaning. I haven't even taken Christmas down yet.

6. Weave. I have a scarf I was going to give my mom for Christmas and it's almost done. It is a simple tabby weave in a pretty blue/green/red/purple plaid. Easy as pie. I'm just lazy.

7. Send out a call for teachers for Silks & Needles, the SCA fiber arts class event I'm hosting at the end of April. I need to contact people to set up classes for the event.

8. Write up and send in my Mentoring Application for Romance Divas. I would love to be chosen to be mentored, but I think there will be many other applicants, so I'm not counting on getting in.

9. Write my scene for the Just Romance Me Valentines Blog Hop.

10. Write more on Tracking Tami, my WiP.

11. Do laundry. I'm just about scraping the bottom of the barrel in the underwear drawer.

12. Read. I'd like to read or re-read something for fun. That sounds do-able. The jobs like cleaning, putting away Christmas and even weaving sound much too physically demanding for me to be able to do. Reading would be more relaxing.

13. Sleep. This is what I would most likely do if I stay home tomorrow.

What about you? What would you do with an extra day off?

A Discreet Affair by Shelley Monro

Looking for a great historical? This one takes place during an intense era of world history: World War II. It's not that long ago, but the world has changed immensely in only 65 short years.



A DISCREET AFFAIR by Shelley Munro is now out! Wander back to England, the summer of 1940 and sexy Spitfire pilots for your romance fix.

Blurb: Summer, 1940. Britain is at war, and her brave fighter pilots attempt to keep the enemy at bay.

The last thing Pamela Allison wants is another man, especially one like her brutal, now deceased husband. Her managing mother wants her to live with her in London, but Pamela accepts a job from her aunt, working in the family store in the village near Biggin Hill.

Enter Michael Stedman, a Spitfire pilot based at the Biggin Hill airbase. Depressed and a little drunk after the death of his friend, he doesn't expect to meet a beautiful woman during a night out at the local pub. He's not looking for anything permanent since a pilot's life is fraught with danger. All he wants is a little feminine company to take his mind off the war.

London is under siege by the enemy. Bombs drop every night and the danger increases for everyone. Michael and Pamela's relationship changes and they become lovers. They are happy with their secret liaison until gossip and the past intrude and threaten to destroy everything, including her good reputation.

You can find A Discreet Affair at

13 of My SCAdian Friends

I am in a medieval/renaissance recreation organization called the SCA.  This weekend is Twelth Night in the Barony of Nordskogen (Minneapolis, MN) I am not able to go to that event due to work and possibly weather. That means I will miss seeing some of my favorite people. So I will feature them here. These are not the ONLY people I will miss seeing, but I am planning on going to the Twelth Night in Castel Rouge in Winnepeg Canada on the last weekend in January so I will see many friends there.. You will note that the majority of my friends wear Viking or Byzantine garb. Which type of garb do you like best?

1. Tarrach and Fina, wearing court Byzantine garb. One of the premiere power couples in the Kingdom of Northshield. They have ruled the midrealm and Nothshield, earning them the rank of Duke and Duchess. A few of their other titles include Mistress and Master of both the Laurel and the Pelican, Knight of the Society, Lady of the Rose, etc, etc, etc. When I was a brand new beginner in the SCA they were extremely welcoming and helpful.

 

2. Sigurd and Helena in Viking garb. My very generous next door neighbors, whom I call in an emergency. A fun young couple newly married. He does marvelous woodworking; she does card weaving and fights rapier.

 

 

3. The Honorable Lady Devon Ffrenche and Lord Roibaird in Elizabethan garb. My adopted niece and her husband. Both accomplished rapier fighters.

 

4. This lady is my friend Lusche, currently HRH Princess of Northshield. She's in Viking and I'm in early Tudor. I think we might have had a little much to drink?

 

 

5. Baron Berwyn, newly made Master of the pelican, me and Baroness Ceridwen, part of the purple Byzantine Brigade.

 

 

 

 

 

6. The Honorable LadyEabblean of Castel Rouge in a Rus coat. A lovely lady of such generosity and grace that she is widely beloved in her Barony and Kingdom.

 

 

7. Two knights of my acquaintance, Sir Jurgen von Baden (kneeling) in German garb and Sir Yngvar inn Heppni in Vendel garb. Two of the finest men in my kingdom. Great fighters, honorable and generous with their time

 

 

 

8. The Honorable Lady Asny and Lord Ansila the Goth in Viking garb. Residing at the very Western edge of our Kingdom, they travel tirelessly. They are talented and generous. It's always a joy to see them.

 

 

9. Lady Una in Viking garb. This lady would not have been at the event, as her first baby is due any day. I've known her husband for many years and he's a wonderful man. But he'll be the first to say how lucky he is to have won her.

 

 

10. My very good friend Hrodir Vigageir Toreson, currentlyKing of Northshield, in Elizabethan garb. he usually does Viking or Rus, but his queen had wanted a late period reign, and with his generous spirit he put on the garb she chose.

 

11. Baroness Ainsleah, Mistress of the Laurel, wearing her signature beaded and embroidered Byzantine/Rus garb. It's hard to see in the pic but the white motifs are solid tiny pearls, which she hand-sewed on. That gown can practically stand on its own. Gorgeous!

 

 

12. The Honorable Lady Gwen, her daughter the Honorable Lady Katherine and the Honorable Lady Devon. My kinswomen who adopted me into the de Bohun household a few years ago. Gwen and Devon are wearing early Norman garb, and Katherine is wearing the parti-colored cote hardie from the late 14th century.

 

13. Baroness Greta, Mistress of the Pelican in Viking. A tireless worker for the Kingdom of Northshield. She has served as Exchequer, and done a fantastic job, even through knee replacement surgery and reading through the first manuscript I've ever submitted. It was accepted right away, and I'm pretty sure she's one of the big reasons why.  I love Greta!

Someday I'll write a historical romance where I can get the clothing right. Which style of garb catches your fancy?