Kate Collins's Blog, page 140
November 4, 2015
Old dogs and new tricks…
Duffy Brown here talking about learning new stuff. One of the ways to do that is taking classes. I just love taking classes …well usually I do.
A few months ago I took Italian classes. It wasn’t that the class was so bad but that I was so bad at it. I just stink at languages. I think some people have a language brain and can pick up languages way better than others. I quit the class half way through as I got soooo far behind. When they started conjugating verbs I knew I was way over my head.
I just finished taking two cooking classes. One was terrific the other horrid. Hard to believe that a cooking class can be that bad but it was and I didn’t even bother to bring home the recipes.
Then there was the good cooking class!! It was one of those classes where the chef did the cooking as a demo while we all watched. Usually I like the hands-on cooking classes where we in the class cook the food but this was good in that we got to see how the pros do it. I learned a lot just watching him.
Here is the slowcooker pork shoulder recipe: 4# bone in pork shoulder with s&p browned on all sides. Add coarse chopped onion, celery, carrots, 2 cups red wine, 3 bay leaves and cook for 6 hrs. Yummmmmm!!
I’ve taken Zumba for years and that’s kind of a class as I
show up and the instructor take us though the routines to the music, and I’ve gone to makeup parties where you learn your colors and learn how to put on makeup. Let me tell you a makeup brush is the key to good makeup.
I went to CPR class that was really good and scared the heck out of me. I passed put said a prayer when I left of Oh dear Lord, please do not let anyone’s life depend on my ability to perform CPR! I would do it but would be scared spotless.
So what about you? Attend any classes? A good one? One that sucked? Maybe you taught a class? What did you teach?
Here’s to learning new stuff.
Hugs, Duffy
A few months ago I took Italian classes. It wasn’t that the class was so bad but that I was so bad at it. I just stink at languages. I think some people have a language brain and can pick up languages way better than others. I quit the class half way through as I got soooo far behind. When they started conjugating verbs I knew I was way over my head.
I just finished taking two cooking classes. One was terrific the other horrid. Hard to believe that a cooking class can be that bad but it was and I didn’t even bother to bring home the recipes. Then there was the good cooking class!! It was one of those classes where the chef did the cooking as a demo while we all watched. Usually I like the hands-on cooking classes where we in the class cook the food but this was good in that we got to see how the pros do it. I learned a lot just watching him.
Here is the slowcooker pork shoulder recipe: 4# bone in pork shoulder with s&p browned on all sides. Add coarse chopped onion, celery, carrots, 2 cups red wine, 3 bay leaves and cook for 6 hrs. Yummmmmm!!
I’ve taken Zumba for years and that’s kind of a class as I
show up and the instructor take us though the routines to the music, and I’ve gone to makeup parties where you learn your colors and learn how to put on makeup. Let me tell you a makeup brush is the key to good makeup.
I went to CPR class that was really good and scared the heck out of me. I passed put said a prayer when I left of Oh dear Lord, please do not let anyone’s life depend on my ability to perform CPR! I would do it but would be scared spotless.
So what about you? Attend any classes? A good one? One that sucked? Maybe you taught a class? What did you teach?
Here’s to learning new stuff.
Hugs, Duffy
November 2, 2015
Autumn Colors
by Maggie SeftonI'm sharing some of the spur-of-the-moment photos I took this past weekend as I was going around Fort Collins, CO doing my normal Saturday errands and activities. To the right is a photo of the beautiful Sunset I captured before it disappeared Sunday evening.
We have been MORE than fortunate here in Northern Colorado this past October and even now into November. We've been darn lucky. We're STILL having this warm temperate weather that has continued since September (when it was normal). Yes, I said September, and it is now November. Wow! And, of course, bright sunshine every day. Occasionally we'll get a
partially cloudy day. Only partially cloudy, too. Not those dreary, slate gray days we got every November and often in October, too, back in Northern Indiana where Purdue University is located. We lived there for 15 years while my husband was a professor of Electrical Engineering. And once I counted three weeks solid of gray skies and NO sunshine. That was a dismal Autumn, believe me.
This is the real color of the sky here. I call it Colorado Blue. Bright blue which doesn't really show up in the photo.
However, the people of West Lafayette, Lafayette, and Northern Indiana were great, and the sunny Fall days we had frequently were wonderful. They also went beautifully with the autumn festivals we had like Lafayette, Indiana's Feast of the Hunter's Moon which was held every end of October. It celebrated a feast between the Native Americans and the French trappers who were the first Europeans to appear in that area of America and were already well established when the English settlers
arrived from the Eastern parts of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. At Lambspun shop with one of Lambspun's customers and regulars. We're both sitting at the knitting table. I'm holding up a sweater and an original handmade mask and my friend is wearing another.
Forgive me----I couldn't help taking a quick detour into our early American history. After all, I am a Historical author as well as a mystery author. :) Meanwhile-----enjoy some of the photos and feel free to share yours as well on Cozychickschat.com.
November 1, 2015
TAKE TWO SONGS AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
by Kate Collins
“Only sick music makes money today.”
Sound like a familiar rant? But I’ll bet you can’t guess who said that. And I’ll bet that whomever you thought of, it wasn’t Friedrich Nietzsche.
Nietzsche lived in the late 1800s, so you have to wonder to what type of music he was referring. It surely wasn’t rap. Or rock and roll, which many believed would be the downfall of society.
I was inspired to write about how music affects us today, and in planning my opening, I intended to start with William Congreve’s famous, “Music has charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”
Then I found this one: “Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons, and you will find that it is to the soul what the water bath is to the body.”~Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809 - 1894)
Then I found Nietzsche’s and knew it was THE ONE.
But then I found so many great quotes, many of which made me laugh, that I’ve changed my focus, because not only does music affect us, but so does laughter. So here’s your feel-good read for the day.
On Brass Band music:
Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away.~Sir Thomas Beecham
Ah, that Opera:
I don't mind what language an opera is sung in so long as it is a language I don't understand.~Sir Edward Appleton (1892 - 1965)
No opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible.~W. H. Auden (1907 - 1973)
Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he sings.~Ed Gardner
Classical Music fan?
Classical music is the kind we keep thinking will turn into a tune.~Kin Hubbard (1868 - 1930)
I can't listen to that much Wagner. I start getting the urge to conquer Poland.~Woody Allen (1935 - )
Let’s Rock n’ Roll, Baby
I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to.~Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977)
Beatles Rock!
I think everyone should have a Beatles phase in their life. I think it's part of growing up in the Western world.~Jadelr and Cristina Cordova, Chasing Windmills, 07-24-06
On a Serious Note:
When griping grief the heart doth wound,and doleful dumps the mind opresses,then music, with her silver sound,with speedy help doth lend redress.~William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
Music has always affected me deeply. Some music I have to dial away from immediately, like harpsichord music, and I can’t tell you why, just that it grates on my nerves.
When I feel down, playing peppy songs like the Andy Grammar hit, “Honey, I’m Good,” or “On Top of the World,” by Imagine Dragons, really picks me up and gets me moving to the beat.
When I was struck down by viral meningitis, I listened to Zen music for hours– and again, I can’t tell you why, only that it calmed the pain in my body.
In the depths of my darkest grieving, I found comfort in songs such as “Carry On,” by the group Fun, the hymn Amazing Grace, and many more hymns.
How do you use music? To pick you up or calm you down? What type of music do you turn to first?
“Only sick music makes money today.”
Sound like a familiar rant? But I’ll bet you can’t guess who said that. And I’ll bet that whomever you thought of, it wasn’t Friedrich Nietzsche.
Nietzsche lived in the late 1800s, so you have to wonder to what type of music he was referring. It surely wasn’t rap. Or rock and roll, which many believed would be the downfall of society.
I was inspired to write about how music affects us today, and in planning my opening, I intended to start with William Congreve’s famous, “Music has charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”
Then I found this one: “Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons, and you will find that it is to the soul what the water bath is to the body.”~Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809 - 1894)
Then I found Nietzsche’s and knew it was THE ONE.
But then I found so many great quotes, many of which made me laugh, that I’ve changed my focus, because not only does music affect us, but so does laughter. So here’s your feel-good read for the day.
On Brass Band music:
Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away.~Sir Thomas Beecham
Ah, that Opera:
I don't mind what language an opera is sung in so long as it is a language I don't understand.~Sir Edward Appleton (1892 - 1965)
No opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible.~W. H. Auden (1907 - 1973)
Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he sings.~Ed Gardner
Classical Music fan?
Classical music is the kind we keep thinking will turn into a tune.~Kin Hubbard (1868 - 1930)
I can't listen to that much Wagner. I start getting the urge to conquer Poland.~Woody Allen (1935 - )
Let’s Rock n’ Roll, Baby
I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to.~Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977)
Beatles Rock!
I think everyone should have a Beatles phase in their life. I think it's part of growing up in the Western world.~Jadelr and Cristina Cordova, Chasing Windmills, 07-24-06
On a Serious Note:
When griping grief the heart doth wound,and doleful dumps the mind opresses,then music, with her silver sound,with speedy help doth lend redress.~William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
Music has always affected me deeply. Some music I have to dial away from immediately, like harpsichord music, and I can’t tell you why, just that it grates on my nerves.
When I feel down, playing peppy songs like the Andy Grammar hit, “Honey, I’m Good,” or “On Top of the World,” by Imagine Dragons, really picks me up and gets me moving to the beat.
When I was struck down by viral meningitis, I listened to Zen music for hours– and again, I can’t tell you why, only that it calmed the pain in my body.
In the depths of my darkest grieving, I found comfort in songs such as “Carry On,” by the group Fun, the hymn Amazing Grace, and many more hymns.
How do you use music? To pick you up or calm you down? What type of music do you turn to first?
Ellery's Bayside Book Writers Contest
Hosted By Ellery Adams
It's the first of the month! Time for me to host another contest! And because this month marks the release of my 7th Books By the Bay mystery, Writing All Wrongs, this contest will focus on the characters in my fictional town of Oyster Bay, North Carolina.
The contest is super easy: All you have to do is tell me who your favorite Books By the Bay character is and why. You can also tell me what your hope for this character's future is. You never know, I might put some of your ideas into action when I start writing the next book in 2016.
I'll draw a random name from the comments and post that person's name on this page and on Facebook by 10 p.m. on November 2nd. The winner will receive this charming lighthouse teapot!This is also the perfect opportunity for me to remind you how important preorders are to the survival of your favorite authors. If you love Olivia and the rest of the Bayside Book Writers and you'd like their stories to continue, the best way to ensure that happening is to preorder. As always, I am grateful for your loyalty and your support. Cozy readers are the best!
Here's what you can anticipate in the pages of Writing All Wrongs:
To preorder: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Book Depository
October 30, 2015
CARAMEL APPLES TO DIE FOR
by Mary Kennedy
You don't really have to die for these apples, but as a mystery writer, I just had to put the word "die" in the title. This is the perfect time of year to make caramel apples and I'd like to share an easy recipe. (Yes, I know you can buy these ready-made at the store, but the home-made version is so much fun, you might want to try it.) Here's a basic recipe to get you started. Use your creativity to come up with delicious additions. You don't have to use Granny Smith apples, you can use any type, but there is something about the tangy Granny Smith variety that goes well with the sweet caramel topping. Basic recipe:
Ingredients:
2 packages of caramels
4 Granny Smith apples.
Instructions: Melt the caramels until soft and runny. Use a double boiler, or the microwave, but watch carefully. They melt very quickly and you don't want to burn them.
Place a stick in the center of the apples. (you can buy these little sticks at a craft store, or the supermarket) In a pinch, you can use a plastic spoon.Dip the apples into the caramel, being careful that the entire surface is covered . This is what they will look like after you have dipped them.
Now it's time to get creative! You can add delicious toppings and tweak the recipe. Be sure to let the apples set and harden after you add the toppings. TOPPINGS: The sky's the limit, here are a few favorites. * Crushed Oreo cookies for a rich chocolatey version. * Melted mini marshmallows for a "S'Mores" version. Melt 20 mini-marshmallows, 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. Smear this on the apples and then roll the apples in graham cracker crumbs. Delish! * You can't go wrong with the nuts and chocolate version. Simply roll the apples in 1/4 chopped mixed nuts and 2 Tablespoons of mini chocolate chips. (Caution: Don't use this version if you are handing them out to trick-or-treaters, some kids are allergic to nuts.) * The peanut butter version is another classic. Simply melt 1/4 cup of mini marshmallows with 1/4 cup peanut butter and roll in graham cracker crumbs. I know you'll come up with some fun twists on caramel apples. Happy Halloween, everyone! Mary Kennedy
You don't really have to die for these apples, but as a mystery writer, I just had to put the word "die" in the title. This is the perfect time of year to make caramel apples and I'd like to share an easy recipe. (Yes, I know you can buy these ready-made at the store, but the home-made version is so much fun, you might want to try it.) Here's a basic recipe to get you started. Use your creativity to come up with delicious additions. You don't have to use Granny Smith apples, you can use any type, but there is something about the tangy Granny Smith variety that goes well with the sweet caramel topping. Basic recipe: 
Ingredients: 2 packages of caramels
4 Granny Smith apples.
Instructions: Melt the caramels until soft and runny. Use a double boiler, or the microwave, but watch carefully. They melt very quickly and you don't want to burn them.
Place a stick in the center of the apples. (you can buy these little sticks at a craft store, or the supermarket) In a pinch, you can use a plastic spoon.Dip the apples into the caramel, being careful that the entire surface is covered . This is what they will look like after you have dipped them.
Now it's time to get creative! You can add delicious toppings and tweak the recipe. Be sure to let the apples set and harden after you add the toppings. TOPPINGS: The sky's the limit, here are a few favorites. * Crushed Oreo cookies for a rich chocolatey version. * Melted mini marshmallows for a "S'Mores" version. Melt 20 mini-marshmallows, 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. Smear this on the apples and then roll the apples in graham cracker crumbs. Delish! * You can't go wrong with the nuts and chocolate version. Simply roll the apples in 1/4 chopped mixed nuts and 2 Tablespoons of mini chocolate chips. (Caution: Don't use this version if you are handing them out to trick-or-treaters, some kids are allergic to nuts.) * The peanut butter version is another classic. Simply melt 1/4 cup of mini marshmallows with 1/4 cup peanut butter and roll in graham cracker crumbs. I know you'll come up with some fun twists on caramel apples. Happy Halloween, everyone! Mary Kennedy
Upcoming Hibernation
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Winter View Outside My Door
The days are getting shorter (a LOT shorter) and the temps are plunging. Winter is coming. Isn't that depressing? Of course, if you live in Australia, you're just coming into summer. (Lucky bums.)
I think I may be suffering from SAD -- Seasonal Affective Disorder. The idea of winter is really depressing the hell out of me.
Mr. L and I have talked about heading South for a month or two in the winter. To sunny skies and warm temps. I never understood why people became snowbirds ... until I stepped off a cruise ship at the end of January onto dry land in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Then it hit me. Wow--this is nice. I'm not wearing a parka. I don't even need a sweater. It felt like a balmy day in June.
That was five years ago. The next year, we took another cruise. Then for various reasons (like my mother dying of cancer) we haven't gone on vacation in the winter--or any other season. We aren't going anywhere this winter, either. We've tried to rent condos in various cities but get the same answer: They'll rent to people with dogs, but NOT cats.
Our cats are pretty old. Betsy is 19; Chester is 17, Fred is 12. We had to take a business trip last month and since Chester needs to be pilled 5 out of 7 days a week, decided it would be best to board him. He got so depressed, he gave up eating and we almost lost him. So boarding is OUT of the question. Mind you, traveling for 3 days in a car with 3 cats would not be paradise, but 4-6 weeks in the sun would be. But not if you can't find a rental. We could stay in a hotel that allows pets, but our guys don't get along all that well. When they're not sleeping in heavenly peace, they need to spread out. Being cooped up in one room for a month would drive us all crazy.
So, I'm not going anywhere. I mean it. Unless we're starving, I don't intend to leave the house for too much until April. (Maybe to get my roots touched up, but that's about all.) The idea of snow, and ice, and wind just turns me off.
So, if you'll be a snowbird this winter, tell me where you're going so I can live vicariously through you.
Winter View Outside My DoorThe days are getting shorter (a LOT shorter) and the temps are plunging. Winter is coming. Isn't that depressing? Of course, if you live in Australia, you're just coming into summer. (Lucky bums.)
I think I may be suffering from SAD -- Seasonal Affective Disorder. The idea of winter is really depressing the hell out of me.
Mr. L and I have talked about heading South for a month or two in the winter. To sunny skies and warm temps. I never understood why people became snowbirds ... until I stepped off a cruise ship at the end of January onto dry land in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Then it hit me. Wow--this is nice. I'm not wearing a parka. I don't even need a sweater. It felt like a balmy day in June.
That was five years ago. The next year, we took another cruise. Then for various reasons (like my mother dying of cancer) we haven't gone on vacation in the winter--or any other season. We aren't going anywhere this winter, either. We've tried to rent condos in various cities but get the same answer: They'll rent to people with dogs, but NOT cats.
Our cats are pretty old. Betsy is 19; Chester is 17, Fred is 12. We had to take a business trip last month and since Chester needs to be pilled 5 out of 7 days a week, decided it would be best to board him. He got so depressed, he gave up eating and we almost lost him. So boarding is OUT of the question. Mind you, traveling for 3 days in a car with 3 cats would not be paradise, but 4-6 weeks in the sun would be. But not if you can't find a rental. We could stay in a hotel that allows pets, but our guys don't get along all that well. When they're not sleeping in heavenly peace, they need to spread out. Being cooped up in one room for a month would drive us all crazy.So, I'm not going anywhere. I mean it. Unless we're starving, I don't intend to leave the house for too much until April. (Maybe to get my roots touched up, but that's about all.) The idea of snow, and ice, and wind just turns me off.
So, if you'll be a snowbird this winter, tell me where you're going so I can live vicariously through you.October 28, 2015
BY MARY JANE MAFFINI aka VICTORIA ABBOTT I suppose ...
BY MARY JANE MAFFINI aka VICTORIA ABBOTT
I suppose I have to face the fact that it’s time to say good-bye to the gorgeous and bright colored trees that have made our daily walks and drives such a pleasure. You may have noticed, I have a thing about trees. This black walnut in the back yard has already dropped its feathery gold leaves.
But this morning we still had some stubborn specimens in the neighborhood.
I'm not sure they'll survive the weather we're promised today: high winds and driving rain and all that dramatic stuff.
They’ve lasted a long time this fall, and the neighbor’s Burning Bush is still going strong, but the week that leads up to Halloween is also the week that strips the limbs of maples and oaks bare and (of course) it’s nicely spooky. Never mind, the crunch of the leaves underfoot has always been part of the fun of this last week of October.
As the days grow shorter and colder, I spend quite a bit of time telling myself that It’s Not Too Bad, with “it” being the approach of winter. I have the snow tires on the car, and the hats, scarves, gloves and variety of coats and jackets required to survive in Ontario with its wide range of winter temperatures. The furnace has been checked, the snow clearing is arranged and the garden furniture has been put away. But really, couldn’t it all just wait a couple of weeks? Is that too much to ask before our trees look like this:
And our river walk looks like this:
Perhaps I should show some spine and concentrate on all the good stuff: the smell of fresh bread and hot hearty soups (yes, with bacon!)
Not to mention snuggly sweaters. The doggies love their sweaters. It's Old Man Winter they hate.
I like my cozy sliipers.
Don't let me forget hot cocoa! Or reading mysteries by a toasty fire. It's not all bad, now that I think of it.
What about you? Do you welcome the change of seasons and the arrival of cooler weather and even, ahem, winter? What gets you through the rough patches? Perhaps you have a great climate all year. Whatever it is, let's hear about it!
Fast and Easy Halloween treats
Duffy Brown here and Halloween is just four days away. I love Halloween and like decorating and cooking for it to add to the fun but who has time??So I’m tossing out a few easy to put together Halloween treats that take just minutes. I got the ideas off the internet so they aren’t original but they are darn cute. Decorating my way!
Here’s the chocolate doughnut spider that you can figure out how to assemble on your own. I just love these for Halloween breakfast or night treat with hot cider.
Then there’s the pumpkin pretzels that area always a crowd pleaser. All you need is:mini pretzels, M&M’s the green ones, orange food coloring, white chocolate chips, melted slowly 1 T shortening, to thin out chocolate melt the chocolate.1 T shortening to 10 oz chocolate and melt in microwave, stir as you go and go slowly. Add coloring, dunk pretzels, add M&M.
Ghosts and pumpkins. All you need is bananas,
chocolate chips, clementines oranges and celery
Ghosts in the Graveyard. finely crush Oreos, sprinkle the crumbs on top of chocolate pudding cup, add Peep ghost and candy pumpkin in each cup.
And add to the decorations by spiffing up your pumpkin… Spray the top of a pumpkin with spray adhesive. While the glue is still wet, use a spoon to sprinkle glitter over the sticky surface of the pumpkin.
Hope this makes your Halloween fun and a little stress-free. If you have a fav Halloween idea share below. We need all the help we can get to make the holidays fun and easy.
Hope you get lots of candy in your trick-or-treat bag! Hugs, Duffy
October 26, 2015
Dog Tales and Tails
by Maggie Sefton
I was flipping through my photo files and realized I'd wanted to send out photos of my "granddogs" in Texas. Sweet purebred Dachsund Oscar and French Mastiff puppy Boss (now 10 months). Daughter Serena has sent several photos, so I thought I'd share some today. Hopefully, they'll make you smile. :)
You mean this is your bed? Are you sure?
Pleeeeeez can I have another doggie treat!!
Are you sure I can't stay on the bed?
Nothing beats napping with a buddy.
I was flipping through my photo files and realized I'd wanted to send out photos of my "granddogs" in Texas. Sweet purebred Dachsund Oscar and French Mastiff puppy Boss (now 10 months). Daughter Serena has sent several photos, so I thought I'd share some today. Hopefully, they'll make you smile. :)
You mean this is your bed? Are you sure?
Pleeeeeez can I have another doggie treat!!
Are you sure I can't stay on the bed?
Nothing beats napping with a buddy.
October 25, 2015
LEADER OF THE PACK, ER, FLOCK
by Kate CollinsI’ve been sitting at my desk watching the geese in the pond behind my house (yes, instead of writing) (and if you want to see visible proof of my perfidy, watch the short video on my website called, “3 Rules of Writing the Novel.”)
Anywho, I noticed something fascinating about the geese’s group dynamics as I watched twenty of them napping in the sun on the northern bank. Two big birds were on guard duty near the water’s edge, and one big fellow in the center stood tall and gazed around, while the others curled their heads to rest on their backs. (Neck brace, anyone?)
Suddenly, one goose towards the back made a dash for the water, almost as though afraid he would be stopped. He seemed to take the guards by surprise as they quickly did a sidestep. No one else in the flock made a move, and the lone ranger floated away until he was about ten feet offshore. Then he turned around to face them and honked, as though saying, “Come on in. The water’s nice!”
Some looked around at him, others ignored him, but one brave soul started toward the water only to have the big goose in the center put his head down and make threatening noises to drive the wayward bird back to his original spot. Once back, the poor bird stood there swaying indecisively, as though weighing his escape options, then he gave up and settled down to sleep.
I saw such corollaries with us humans. There are usually one or two leaders who keep the group under control with their security force and through intimidation. There is always a rebel who defies the authority to strike out on his own, and there are a few who want to join the rebellion but never quite gather the courage to make the break.
The lone goose eventually met up with another lone goose from another flock on the opposite side of the pond and the two floated up and down gathering a few more singles until they had their own small flock. Now they are at the water’s edge eating contentedly with their new found family.
My point of the comparison is that in politics and government, maybe we’re just creatures of instinct like the birds. Thoughts?
(And remember, FLORIST GRUMP will be released tomorrow, October 27th!!)
