Kate Collins's Blog, page 161
April 13, 2015
"Full On" Texas Wedding. . . Full On Fun!
by Maggie SeftonWhat a wonderful wedding! Daughter Serena and new husband Jeff arranged all sorts of great ranch activities for both families, and we were all there to celebrate the event. What Fun! Lots of happy and friendly relatives on both sides enjoying the great spring weather at Jeff's aunt/uncles's ranch in the Hill Country of Texas. Beautiful tree-filled setting, and the weather cooperated. Serena wanted an overcast day but no rain. That way everyone's makeup wouldn't melt. :)
There was delicious Texas Barbeque and music from a great group of Texas musicians who played all sorts of favorites. Plus the talented fiddler played Serena's choice of Wedding processional----Ashokan Farewell. Hauntingly beautiful. We all had a wonderful time. Here are some photos-----
Bridesmaids----
Beautiful setting amidst the trees-------
--------a great Country Band & fantastic fiddler!
---------Bride and Groom :)
April 12, 2015
ANCHORS AWAY . . . TO CUBA!
by Kate Collins
As a part time resident of Key West, I can tell you that people in the Conch Republic are excited about the recent news on opening relations with Cuba. There's a ferry dock just waiting for an opportunity to transport vacationers across the short 90 mile stretch of water.
Two years ago I was fortunate enough to make a "humanitarian" visit to Cuba through the Key West Botanical Garden Society. We took boxes and boxes of clothing to sister botanical gardens to be stored for hurricane emergencies. The people have so little, these stores of clothing help.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there. Military men hovering around us with AK47s? Roped off areas? Video surveillance? People afraid to say "Peep?"
None of that. I saw a lush, beautiful country where people from England, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada were vacationing at luxurious oceanside resorts, restaurants serving delicious food, spotless, comfy hotels, tours that took us everywhere we wanted to go, and a few police. The people we met were happy to talk to us, didn't appear undernourished or diseased, and generally seemed satisfied with the little they had because they knew nothing else. And boy could they dance. And took every opportunity to do it. I saw flamenco dancers that knocked my socks off -- well, sandals.
They had instant medical care and no one was homeless, although that often means several families living together in the mansions that were confiscated in the take-over. Life was definitely substandard when compared with ours. For instance, a bottle of shaving cream or a tube of toothpaste might cost a week's wage, and the offerings at the separate stores where they had to shop were slim.
Yet they expressed doubt about opening up to the US. Many were, and probably are still, afraid that they'd be faced again with the same problems that started the revolution -- outside control of their country. And they don't want fast food or the medical issues that come from it.
But Cuba will open up and they will get fast food and our diseases, and everyone here will wonder what the heck took so long. We face much greater dangers from the middle east, yet travel there isn't banned.
From my perspective, it'll be interesting to watch, especially with a Key West view. I will say prayers for all the kind Cuban people I met there, however, and hope this will work out in their favor.
Would you take a 1 1/2 hour ferry boat to Cuba?
As a part time resident of Key West, I can tell you that people in the Conch Republic are excited about the recent news on opening relations with Cuba. There's a ferry dock just waiting for an opportunity to transport vacationers across the short 90 mile stretch of water.
Two years ago I was fortunate enough to make a "humanitarian" visit to Cuba through the Key West Botanical Garden Society. We took boxes and boxes of clothing to sister botanical gardens to be stored for hurricane emergencies. The people have so little, these stores of clothing help.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there. Military men hovering around us with AK47s? Roped off areas? Video surveillance? People afraid to say "Peep?"
None of that. I saw a lush, beautiful country where people from England, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada were vacationing at luxurious oceanside resorts, restaurants serving delicious food, spotless, comfy hotels, tours that took us everywhere we wanted to go, and a few police. The people we met were happy to talk to us, didn't appear undernourished or diseased, and generally seemed satisfied with the little they had because they knew nothing else. And boy could they dance. And took every opportunity to do it. I saw flamenco dancers that knocked my socks off -- well, sandals.
They had instant medical care and no one was homeless, although that often means several families living together in the mansions that were confiscated in the take-over. Life was definitely substandard when compared with ours. For instance, a bottle of shaving cream or a tube of toothpaste might cost a week's wage, and the offerings at the separate stores where they had to shop were slim.
Yet they expressed doubt about opening up to the US. Many were, and probably are still, afraid that they'd be faced again with the same problems that started the revolution -- outside control of their country. And they don't want fast food or the medical issues that come from it.
But Cuba will open up and they will get fast food and our diseases, and everyone here will wonder what the heck took so long. We face much greater dangers from the middle east, yet travel there isn't banned.
From my perspective, it'll be interesting to watch, especially with a Key West view. I will say prayers for all the kind Cuban people I met there, however, and hope this will work out in their favor.
Would you take a 1 1/2 hour ferry boat to Cuba?
April 11, 2015
A-chooo!!
by Leann
This is my second spring in South Carolina and the yellow dust that clouds the sky for weeks and weeks is taking its toll. When we moved from New York to Texas, I had two years where I was allergy free. The humidity there makes a lot of difference. But allergies, especially grasses, caught up with me eventually and I did 3 rounds of shots over the span of our time there. It helped for the grasses and trees but not so well for the mold and foods.
This yellow pollen we have to endure here--I think it's oak?--is absolutely the worst allergen ever for
me. It coats the car, it swirls in the air and there are pools of the stuff floating on the water. It really does look like the picture above. Rosie, our little water-loving dog, was having fun splashing around on the shore and got covered in the stuff. My husband had to throw her off the dock into pollen free water to clean her off. Don't worry. She LOVED it.
Among the million allergies I have, this one has my asthma acting up like crazy. If any of you have asthma you know how tiring it is to fight to breathe. I have used so many tissues I fear the trees are screaming at me. I want to say, "You stop your pollen poison and I'll stop sneezing!" It will pass and
the air will clear--for a few weeks that is. Then something else comes in as I recall. I told the latest landscape person we had visiting to teach what we can grown that smelly plants, no matter how pretty, are not for me.
The trade off is oaky, though. The sun on the lake, the beautiful view, the tall trees and the lush green grass are super fine by me. Meanwhile, it's inhalers and tiny doses of antihistamines. The medications make me weepy, though. When we were visiting family in Seattle, I warned them when I had to take an Allegra that I would turn into someone they might not like. (Allegra-Lady cries a lot. But at least she doesn't sneeze all over people.)
What about you? Allergy season get to you? And do any of you get all cranky and weepy if you have to take an antihistamine?
This is my second spring in South Carolina and the yellow dust that clouds the sky for weeks and weeks is taking its toll. When we moved from New York to Texas, I had two years where I was allergy free. The humidity there makes a lot of difference. But allergies, especially grasses, caught up with me eventually and I did 3 rounds of shots over the span of our time there. It helped for the grasses and trees but not so well for the mold and foods.This yellow pollen we have to endure here--I think it's oak?--is absolutely the worst allergen ever for
me. It coats the car, it swirls in the air and there are pools of the stuff floating on the water. It really does look like the picture above. Rosie, our little water-loving dog, was having fun splashing around on the shore and got covered in the stuff. My husband had to throw her off the dock into pollen free water to clean her off. Don't worry. She LOVED it.Among the million allergies I have, this one has my asthma acting up like crazy. If any of you have asthma you know how tiring it is to fight to breathe. I have used so many tissues I fear the trees are screaming at me. I want to say, "You stop your pollen poison and I'll stop sneezing!" It will pass and
the air will clear--for a few weeks that is. Then something else comes in as I recall. I told the latest landscape person we had visiting to teach what we can grown that smelly plants, no matter how pretty, are not for me.The trade off is oaky, though. The sun on the lake, the beautiful view, the tall trees and the lush green grass are super fine by me. Meanwhile, it's inhalers and tiny doses of antihistamines. The medications make me weepy, though. When we were visiting family in Seattle, I warned them when I had to take an Allegra that I would turn into someone they might not like. (Allegra-Lady cries a lot. But at least she doesn't sneeze all over people.)
What about you? Allergy season get to you? And do any of you get all cranky and weepy if you have to take an antihistamine?
April 10, 2015
LOVE MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY YOU'RE SORRY
by Mary Kennedy
Love means never having to say you're sorry--or does it? Women tend to apologize more than men. I noticed something odd in the grocery store the other day. When the cashier gave the woman ahead of me the wrong change, the woman stuffed the money in her purse without looking. When the cashier said, "Wait, I owe you another dollar," and handed it to her, the woman flushed and said, "Oh, I'm sorry!" (Why was
she
sorry? Good question.) The example above is probably an "automatic" apology and isn't significant. But when you know you should make a "real" apology, here are a few tips. 1.
Be clear about what you are apologizing for
. And for heaven's sake, don't blame the injured party. Has anyone ever said to you, "I'm sorry I made you angry?" or "I'm sorry you got upset." Wow, how manipulative. That is not an apology and puts the blame right back on the wrong person. You did it, you said it, so "own" it!
2.
Tell the person you will not do it again. And mean it.
Sometimes it's just a question of not having all the facts. When I was teaching at a college, I unwittingly ticked off the head of the department by taking "his" parking place. I had no way of knowing it was "his" place, it wasn't marked in any way. His secretary finally told me how "unhappy" he was with me. He'd had that spot for years and no one had ever challenged him on it. I went to him and quickly apologized, promising him I would never steal "his" spot again. We had a good laugh about it and harmony was restored.
3.
Be sincere and let the person know that you realize you caused them pain/inconvenience/discomfort, whatever
. It doesn't matter if you feel they are "unjustified" in feeling upset. The point is, whatever you said or did caused them pain and that's what you have to address. On a final note, I'm guilty of saying "I'm sorry" way too often. Last night, one of my cats knocked over an entire pot of spaghetti. I immediately said, "I'm sorry!" The cat, of course, said nothing. Why doesn't that surprise me. LOL Mary Kennedy
Love means never having to say you're sorry--or does it? Women tend to apologize more than men. I noticed something odd in the grocery store the other day. When the cashier gave the woman ahead of me the wrong change, the woman stuffed the money in her purse without looking. When the cashier said, "Wait, I owe you another dollar," and handed it to her, the woman flushed and said, "Oh, I'm sorry!" (Why was
she
sorry? Good question.) The example above is probably an "automatic" apology and isn't significant. But when you know you should make a "real" apology, here are a few tips. 1.
Be clear about what you are apologizing for
. And for heaven's sake, don't blame the injured party. Has anyone ever said to you, "I'm sorry I made you angry?" or "I'm sorry you got upset." Wow, how manipulative. That is not an apology and puts the blame right back on the wrong person. You did it, you said it, so "own" it!
2.
Tell the person you will not do it again. And mean it.
Sometimes it's just a question of not having all the facts. When I was teaching at a college, I unwittingly ticked off the head of the department by taking "his" parking place. I had no way of knowing it was "his" place, it wasn't marked in any way. His secretary finally told me how "unhappy" he was with me. He'd had that spot for years and no one had ever challenged him on it. I went to him and quickly apologized, promising him I would never steal "his" spot again. We had a good laugh about it and harmony was restored.
3.
Be sincere and let the person know that you realize you caused them pain/inconvenience/discomfort, whatever
. It doesn't matter if you feel they are "unjustified" in feeling upset. The point is, whatever you said or did caused them pain and that's what you have to address. On a final note, I'm guilty of saying "I'm sorry" way too often. Last night, one of my cats knocked over an entire pot of spaghetti. I immediately said, "I'm sorry!" The cat, of course, said nothing. Why doesn't that surprise me. LOL Mary Kennedy
April 9, 2015
Do I really hate to cook?
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
For years I've been telling people I hate to cook. Bake? Okay. Cook? No.
Well, that's not entirely true. For the past year or so, I've done a LOT of cooking. Most of it deals with soups, and make-ahead meals. But cook AT suppertime? No. Not. At. All. I don't like being rushed. That's kind of why Mr. L took over the cooking. He's not impatient like I am, and he doesn't mind being out in the kitchen cooking. (He makes the BEST meatloaf. I put his recipe in one of my Booktown Books and many readers have told me that's now the only way they make it.)
But, as I discovered last week, it turns out if I'm not rushed (like when baking), I actually enjoy the process of cooking a meal. I like assembling the ingredients. I like the measuring. I like the stirring. I like the tasting. If I've got an audiobook going on the kitchen CD player, I don't even mind cleaning up, either.
I made a batch of leek-and-potato soup for my Mom just this week. (It was featured in Booktown Mystery #3, Bookplate Special.) My brother and I go to the Rochester Public Market a lot and that's where I get my leeks. The recipe is easy.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves diced garlic
2 good sized potatoes (or about 1 pound)
2 good-sized leeks (or about 1 pound)
4 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk or light cream
Clean and chop white part of the leeks (I also toss in part of the green--for color). Melt the butter in a large saucepan and add the chopped leeks and garlic. Saute them over a low to medium heat until the leeks are soft (about ten minutes). Stir frequently; do not brown.
Add all the remaining ingredients to the pan except the milk/cream. Bring the soup to the boil and then let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
If you prefer a smooth soup, mash the potatoes in the pan, or puree in a blender (I use an immersion mixer). Just before serving, pour the milk/cream into the soup; stir well and heat through. Serve with crusty bread and it's a meal!
Serves 4
I love my big Pyrex measuring cup. It makes it easy to take soup down the road to my Mom.
What are some of the dishes YOU like to make?
For years I've been telling people I hate to cook. Bake? Okay. Cook? No.
Well, that's not entirely true. For the past year or so, I've done a LOT of cooking. Most of it deals with soups, and make-ahead meals. But cook AT suppertime? No. Not. At. All. I don't like being rushed. That's kind of why Mr. L took over the cooking. He's not impatient like I am, and he doesn't mind being out in the kitchen cooking. (He makes the BEST meatloaf. I put his recipe in one of my Booktown Books and many readers have told me that's now the only way they make it.)
But, as I discovered last week, it turns out if I'm not rushed (like when baking), I actually enjoy the process of cooking a meal. I like assembling the ingredients. I like the measuring. I like the stirring. I like the tasting. If I've got an audiobook going on the kitchen CD player, I don't even mind cleaning up, either.
I made a batch of leek-and-potato soup for my Mom just this week. (It was featured in Booktown Mystery #3, Bookplate Special.) My brother and I go to the Rochester Public Market a lot and that's where I get my leeks. The recipe is easy.Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves diced garlic
2 good sized potatoes (or about 1 pound)
2 good-sized leeks (or about 1 pound)
4 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk or light cream
Clean and chop white part of the leeks (I also toss in part of the green--for color). Melt the butter in a large saucepan and add the chopped leeks and garlic. Saute them over a low to medium heat until the leeks are soft (about ten minutes). Stir frequently; do not brown.
Add all the remaining ingredients to the pan except the milk/cream. Bring the soup to the boil and then let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
If you prefer a smooth soup, mash the potatoes in the pan, or puree in a blender (I use an immersion mixer). Just before serving, pour the milk/cream into the soup; stir well and heat through. Serve with crusty bread and it's a meal!
Serves 4
I love my big Pyrex measuring cup. It makes it easy to take soup down the road to my Mom.
What are some of the dishes YOU like to make?
April 8, 2015
Worst Birthday Ever!
By Daisy the Dachshund who owns Mary Jane Mafffini
My name is Daisy the Dachshund and here is my sad story. Get our your hankies. Yesterday was my twelfth birthday. That’s a lot in dog years. Instead of having a wonderful cake with liver and chicken filling, I got to go to the vet.
That’s right. THE VET! That's where the people all look very nice and call you by your name and then they get you with something sharp when you let down your guard. I try to get as many treats as possible out of them before the pull that stunt. But yesterday, no such luck. My mom and dad took me. And hold on to your hats, it gets worse.
At the vet’s, I had dental work and X-rays and a scope up my nose. That’s what I heard after. I was doped at the time and unconscious. Some kind of Mickey Finn.
Mom said it’s not her fault. The vet had to reschedule and this was the Plan B day. I didn’t get a vote. I would have picked April 8, 2025 as Plan B.
But no one asked me. And I got no breakfast (on my birthday!!!!) and only half my dinner. That’s right. Half. My. Dinner. This was the worst birthday ever.
The only bright note was this one little squeaky toy. I already killed the squeak (five minutes - close to a record), but the toy makes a nice cushion, .
I am thinking of running away from home as soon as there’s no more chance of ‘borrowing’ some of those Easter dinner leftovers when they’re making soup in the kitchen.
What? Yes, sure, Lily was at the vet too. That’s right. She did have a fractured tooth extracted, a big tooth with three roots and one of these roots had a hook. She has stitches and painkillers. And she has to go back again next month for another one.
But it was not her birthday, so really what’s the big deal?
I told Lily to pull herself together! Anyway, don’t worry about her. I’m still here, you know.And if you want to help me, you could send treats! And squeakie toys! And soft blankies! We’re down to just eight blankies around this so-called house.
And you know what? I wouldn’t mind some kind of an incline plane so I can get to the fridge door. I’m pretty sure I could get it open if I could reach it.
No, Lily. It's not your turn. Well, I don't know when,
All to say, waiting to hear from you nice people. Oops! Here comes Mom. We're not allowed at the keyboard. Back to bed.
XO Daisy
Dear everyone: I am so sorry about Daisy's naked bid for gifts. Now that she's learned to keyboard, it can be embarrassing. Any training suggestions from you pet lovers?
MJ (feeling unaccountably guilty)
April 7, 2015
Wedding Bells…or Maybe Not…
Hi, Duffy Brown here.
Yesterday was release day for Demise In Denim the fifth book in the Consignment Shop mysteries. Thank you all for making it a really fun release day! Yippee…what a blast!
But here’s the question I’ve been wresting with.
For those of you who haven’t read the series there’s this gal, Reagan Summerside who got kicked to the curb by her ex. A hunky attorney Walker Boone represented Reagan’s ex in the divorce settlement and all Reagan got was a rundown house and a fistful of bills. This wasn’t so much that Boone was a terrific attorney but that Reagan was young, stupid and in love
and signed a prenup.
Okay, so Reagan really didn’t like Boone at first. More like she wanted his head on a silver platter but as time and books progressed and their paths crossed and they saved each other’s bacon a few times they’ve gotten close.
So here’s the question... Do you think they should get married as the books go on or just keep the sexual tension and lively bantering going on? If you watch Castle on TV they finally got married. But do you think it ruins the give and take? The ability to get mad and walk away?
My books are not the only ones with this situation and I’d like to see what you think should happen. Should the relationship go on for like fifteen books? Personally I cannot see any man that I know putting up with that. But does it ruin the story if they do get hitched?
If you’ve already read Demise in Denim please do not give away anything in the story. I’m just looking for a general opinion.
I know what I’m going to do in the series but it’s always fun to get the reader’s opinion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiYs8...
Yesterday was release day for Demise In Denim the fifth book in the Consignment Shop mysteries. Thank you all for making it a really fun release day! Yippee…what a blast! But here’s the question I’ve been wresting with.
For those of you who haven’t read the series there’s this gal, Reagan Summerside who got kicked to the curb by her ex. A hunky attorney Walker Boone represented Reagan’s ex in the divorce settlement and all Reagan got was a rundown house and a fistful of bills. This wasn’t so much that Boone was a terrific attorney but that Reagan was young, stupid and in love
and signed a prenup.Okay, so Reagan really didn’t like Boone at first. More like she wanted his head on a silver platter but as time and books progressed and their paths crossed and they saved each other’s bacon a few times they’ve gotten close.
So here’s the question... Do you think they should get married as the books go on or just keep the sexual tension and lively bantering going on? If you watch Castle on TV they finally got married. But do you think it ruins the give and take? The ability to get mad and walk away?
My books are not the only ones with this situation and I’d like to see what you think should happen. Should the relationship go on for like fifteen books? Personally I cannot see any man that I know putting up with that. But does it ruin the story if they do get hitched? If you’ve already read Demise in Denim please do not give away anything in the story. I’m just looking for a general opinion.
I know what I’m going to do in the series but it’s always fun to get the reader’s opinion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiYs8...
April 6, 2015
Texas Bound. . . .Wedding Bells!
by Maggie Sefton
Since this is "Serena Wedding Week" in our family (Wedding is this coming Saturday), I'm going to post a few photos and then post wedding details next Tuesday. First photo to right is of oldest daughter Christine in her bridesmaid dress and granddaughter AnaSofia in her Flower Girl dress.
Mom of Bride dress
Time to relax now that Photos are over------or so she thinks. :)
April 5, 2015
Monday, Monday
by Kate Collins
I'm spending a long
weekend with my family and will be back next Monday.
Have a warm, sunny week.
Kate
I'm spending a long
weekend with my family and will be back next Monday.
Have a warm, sunny week.
Kate
April 4, 2015
Happy, Hoppy and More
From The Cozy Chicks
And Happy Hunting for the kids!
Hope all of you have peace and joy today.
