Kate Collins's Blog, page 275

Crazy Bird Lady

By Heather

Okay, I suppose that should be crazy bird family. We love birds at our house. We have several feeders and keep them loaded all year long.

Even though we do have birds around all year long, the numbers fade over the winter. But this week, it seems like they've all come back. In droves.

  


Mama and Papa cardinal are staking claim in our pine tree, red wing blackbirds bicker on the bird feeder, there are dozens of robins bopping around. The annoying grackles are back, trying to intimidate the goldfinches from the thistle feeder. Mockingbirds sing, sparrows hop. Wrens flit around prettily, and take up residence in our bird house. Blue jays swoop in for peanuts, jaying loudly to let all the other birds know who's boss. Oh, and the mourning doves...so sweet, so simple-minded. Coo. Coo.

   

There are chickadees, cowbirds, dark-eyed juncos, and soon, hummingbirds. Our newest regular visitor, however, is one I'd like to see stay away. A beautiful red-tailed hawk. He circles above our yard, lands in the pine trees, and we've even caught him on the bird bath. He needs to go—he scares all the other birds. Probably because to him, they're snacks.

  

Other than when the hawk visits, the yard is full of activity, of sound. Of happiness. The bird chatter never ceases to make me smile. It's one of the many reasons I love this time of year so much.

Are you a crazy bird person, too?



PS: All photos taken by Mr. W in our yard. (click on photos to enlarge)

Cookie, cookie, cookie starts with C!

by Lucy Arlington

Who doesn't love cookies? I have to admit that I am somewhat of a cookie monster myself. Oatmeal, chocolate chip, shortbread, sugar cookies, chocolate brownie cookies, biscotti...I could go on and on. And not only do I love eating cookies, I love baking cookies. If you were to ask my hubby or kids what I'm best at, they would say baking cookies.

So I thought it was time for me to share the recipe for one of my house specials. Whenever I make them, they last all of five minutes, and that's not just at our house. Everyone who eats them raves about them, and they are the most requested baked goods in my repertoire.

This is a standard oatmeal cookie recipe, but my secret is that I use butter, not margarine or shortening; and I use large flake oats, not the quick cooking kind; and I use dark brown sugar instead of light. Okay, that's three secrets. But paying attention to those details will make the difference between baking an ordinary oatmeal cookie and baking one that you can't stop eating.

One other thing: The original recipe suggests adding raisins or chocolate chips. I say be creative! I often add dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. In the last batch I made, I added a combination of dried cherries and chocolate chips, and a half-teaspoon of almond extract. Those cookies were to die for!

Do you have a favourite cookie?

By the way, I would like to send a big thank you to our readers, for helping Buried in a Book get on the New York Times list!

OATMEAL COOKIES

Preheat oven to 350º

Cream together:

1/2 cup butter (not margarine or shortening)

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar (I usually use dark brown sugar and don't really pack it)

Add and combine:

1 egg

1 Tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla

Sift together and add to above ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour (I use unbleached flour)

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

When beaten smooth, add:

1 cup uncooked large flake oats

(1/2 cup raisins OR 1/2 cup dried cranberries OR 3/4 cup chocolate chips OR anything else you fancy)

Beat well, and drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. (If you want them chewy, about 10 min., if crunchy, 12 min. or more, depending on your oven.)

Happy Birthday Leaplings!

By Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance (Birthday)
I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Dance ~ Beatles


If you were born today, you are a lucky person, because the chances are 1 in 1461. You're also good-natured, friendly, and optimistic.


We know you will be partying today.
But what about the rest of us?


This day only comes along every four years, so don't waste it. You won't see it again until 2016. Make it memorable. Leap for joy. Take a leap. Enjoy it.

Do You Have DAWS?

by Maggie Sefton



Downton Abbey has captured the imagination of the nation. Written by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes the show has become the benchmark for quality drama, and a commentary on all things British. Downton Abbey portrays a world of elegance and decadence, a world of duty and obedience and a world of romance and rivalry: this companion book, full of rich historical detail, takes fans deeper into that period than ever before. ---description from PBS website

Okay, I admit it. I have DAWS. "Downton Abbey Withdrawl Syndrone." Yes, I am a devout fan of the absolutely marvelous PBS Masterpiece Classic new series. Well, it was new last spring when we were all first introduced to this fascinating cast of characters set in Edwardian England right before the start of World War I. The first four episodes (hour and half each) captivated us with the events in the lives of both the noble family who resided at the beautiful manor home, Lord and Lady Grantham and their three daughters, and their many servants who attended them and made Downton Abbey a "home."


I still remember an earlier British Masterpiece Classic, "Upstairs, Downstairs" and as wonderful as that was, I can honestly say this series is even better! The depth of characterization and the intricate plot details are riveting. So much so, that when the first four episodes finished, devoted viewers reacted with horror: How could PBS leave the story when SO much was going on? Believe me, it was hard to wait, but we did and Season II was well worth the wait. It started in early January and finished last week. And all those unbelievable, fascinating, and addictive plotlines woven throughout the series have gotten even MORE complex! How will we ever wait until next summer or fall when Season III starts.


Season II started off with a bang--literally. World War I had started, and we find some of our favorite characters are in danger either on the battlefield or back at home. Downton Abbey has heroes, heroines, and villains. . .even quasi-villains. And plenty of "natural" humor springing out of the characters themselves---always the best way to introduce humor.


Downton Abbey is a sure winner. So much so, I wouldn't be surprised if this past Sunday's evening repeat of last week's final Season II episode actually drew a larger TV audie nce than the "same old, same old" Oscar broadcast. I read what was scheduled to be televised, movies highlighted. Big yawn. Sorry, Oscar. :( But a LOT of us voted for "Downton Abbey."


Oh, and the delightful British actress Maggie Smith is beyond wonderful playing the Dowager Countess of Grantham, the Earl's mother. She's hilarious. No one can deliver a line like Maggie Smith. She injects her dry sense of humor at the best moments. And you are laughing out loud. Truly. :)


These photos are of other manor houses in England. I tried copying a photo from the PBS site, but it didn't work. But the brief blurb is theirs You can also go to their website and find out all you want about the series---and watch episodes. Enjoy!

GUEST POST---Creative Knitted Craft Ideas

I have been fortunate to meet Carrie Cox, a gifted knitted and crafter around the Lambspun knitting table here in Fort Collins, Colorado. I'll let Carrie introduce herself in her own words, then share some of her ideas and her photos. ---Maggie Sefton




Carrie Cox is a wife, mother, daughter and sister. She cherishes the daily shuttling of her tween girls to and from school and activities as it allows her to be a confidant to their cares and concerns and provides ample time to knit, her favorite form of self-expression. She also enjoys dogs, cats, nature, and of course reading.

Cozy Chicks CRAFTING POST---February 27, 2012

Holidays provide obvious subject matter when crafting. I am currently on a holiday jag with my latest knitting interest. At Christmas I chose to knit gift ornaments of the classic round shape. I found a basic pattern to work with and created these cozy sweater-clad spheres.

I purchased some yummy, cranberry red yarn to create more and ran out of time, but not in time for Valentines Day! So I created lovely ones to be displayed in a bowl on a coffee or sofa table. But, now we are on to Easter. Naturally I thought of knitting some cute little decorations to put on an Easter egg tree. A while back I made a tree by bending wire into elegantly curved branches, wrapping the cluster of wires that formed the trunk and branches with florist tape, and incorporating ribbon roses. Originally I purchased ornaments, but I've always thought I needed something homemade to grace the branches. Enter: "Easter Tree Knitted Eggs"


Hope you enjoy making these eye-catching eggs. All your friends will faun over them I promise.

I have really become a sock yarn lover. What do you use sock yarn for besides socks?




Easter Tree Knitted Eggs
by Carrie Cox

These cute eggs are knitted in the round from the bottom up. The knitted shell is stuffed with a styrofoam egg. The remaining stitches are then continued in the round to finish and close the top.

Supplies: 4 double point size "0" needles or whatever is needed to get gauge, sock yarn scrap, 1 stitch marker, 1 styrofoam egg (1 1/2" tall, 3 1/2" circumference at widest point; the ones I purchased were already slightly decorated and had ribbons for hanging). 1 three inch piece of 1/8" wide ribbon

Gauge: 6-7st/in (the fabric is stretched around the egg-shaped insert)

Cast on 6 stitches and divide evenly on three needles, connect the round
Place stitch marker in last stitch
Row 1 Knit and all odd numbered rows
Row 2 *K1, K1 f&b repeat from * to end of round (9 sts)
Row 4 *K2, K1 f&b repeat from * to end of round (12 sts)
Row 6 *K3, K1 f&b repeat from * to end of round (15 sts)
Row 8 *K4, K1 f&b repeat from * to end of round (18 sts)
Row 10 *K5, K1 f&b repeat from * to end of round (21 sts)
Row 12 *K6, K1 f&b repeat from * to end of round (24 sts)
Row 14 *K7, K1 f&b repeat from * to end of round (27 sts)
Row 15-19 Knit
Row 20 *K7, K2tog repeat from * to end of round (24 sts)
Turn inside out and weave in end at bottom of egg
Insert styrofoam egg making sure to snug it all the way into the bottom of the knitted shell
Row 22 *K2, K2tog repeat from * to end of round (18 sts)
Row 24 *K1, K2tog repeat from * to end of round (12 sts)
Poke the ends of a three inch piece of 1/8" ribbon into the styrofoam to make a loop
Cut yarn leaving 6 inch tail, thread through remaining stitches and trim

Special Day, Special Person

by Leann

A few decades ago today, at 6:51PM, I became a mother for the second time. My daughter came into the world weighing more than eight pounds and screaming a healthy scream. First words from the delivery room nurse? "Look at those eyelashes!" People still comment about them--so long, so thick, so lovely.

This was the day I learned that anesthesia during delivery isn't all it's cracked up to be. I had a saddle block with my son, so I figured why not go for the "numbing" treatment again? Thing was, the anesthesiologist didn't make it to the hospital in time--I delivered about 45 minutes after my arrival. My baby came naturally and it was no different than when I'd been supposedly anesthetized with the first kiddo. Dr. Reddy (yup, that was his name) apparently wasn't quite ready for a weekend delivery. But he showed up and yes, we got a bill. We also got a bill from a cardiologist because she had a hole in her heart--an atrial-septal defect. Were we scared to death? You betcha.

You may know Jillian from my books, but that happens to be my daughter's name. No accident I would name a kind, generous, cat loving main character after a person in my life who is all those things and more. So much more. She understands me like no one else, she is there for me whenever I need her and I love her with all my heart. Last wonderful factoid about Jillian--she is one of only 2 girls versus about 20 boys in her generation on my side of the family. And there are no holes in heart today. Her heart is big and strong and the best thing about her.

Happy birthday, Jill! I love you!

Quick! Someone give me a title!

by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

And so I'm writing the 7th Booktown Mystery!

YAY!

Unfortunately, although I'm inching closer to the finish line,  I still don't have a title.

My last two titles, Sentenced to Death and Murder on the Half Shelf, were the result of a contest.  (Oops, now that I think of it, so was the title for the third book in my Victoria Square Mysteries, One Hot Murder.)  I might be a pretty good storyteller, but I suck when it comes to titles.

So here's the scenario.  The story opens with the Chamber of Commerce election.  Bob Kelly has been president for 11 years.  He wasn't expecting anyone to challenge him.  Two candidates step up to the plate.  One of them will be dead before the end of Chapter 1.  Any ideas?

Two of the books in the series have had (or will have) titles that have nothing to do with the story (Chapter & Hearse and Murder on the Half Shelf ), so it's not mandatory that the new title have anything to do with politics or elections.

What do you get if you come up with the winning entry?  I'll name a character after you (although not necessarily in THIS book), you can decide if you want to be good or bad -- and I'll toss in a Haven't Got a Clue coffee mug.  They're nice!  (At least I like mine.)  You can send your entry to me at:

contest @ LornaBarrett.com

(and remember to close up the spaces in that email address)

So, bring on the great ideas -- and become a character in one of my books.

P.S.  The winning title may not end up on the book.  My publisher's marketing department  makes the final decision, but I need to call it something when I hand it in.  If two of the same title are suggested, the one that came in first will win.  Good luck!

The Book Hangover

I'm on deadline (eek) and just realized I didn't have a post for today. And no ideas, either (double eek). So I'm pulling a post from the archives (May 2007), but I think it's one of those timeless kind of blogs. AND, it's especially fitting because Lisa Lutz has a new Spellman book out this month (the fifth in the series--my, how time flies!), and I caaaaan't wait. Must finish my book so I can read hers!


By Heather


Tell me I'm not the only one.


You know the feeling. You wake up groggy, fuzzy-headed, bleary-eyed, and want nothing more than to pull the covers over your head and sleep for two days straight.


Why?


Because you stayed up too late the night before. No, not drinking or partying.


Reading.


You stayed up late reading.


This happened to me last weekend. I'd been gone Friday and Saturday at a book event, and got in at a fairly reasonable time Saturday night. Exhausted, I had big plans to cozy up in bed and go to sleep by eight at the latest. Me being able to actually go to bed this early is somewhat a miracle in itself, what with kids and their social calendars. However, my stars must have been aligned just right that night, and bedtime was free and clear.


Then I told myself I'd just read for a few minutes before I turned out the light and tuned out my husband's PBS shows. Next thing I knew it was almost midnight—the kids had gone to bed before me, the hamsters were up and running, and I hadn't slept a wink.



What happened? The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz happened. The book was a freebie from Malice and sounded intriguing. After initial hesitation over the "voice" of the book, I became entranced by the writing and with the story. It's really one of the best books I've read in a long, long time. Unique—and that's hard to say in this business. And no, I don't know the author and am not being compensated for spreading the word. I just loved the book, is all.


And I have to say, it was worth the book hangover the next morning.


Tell me, am I the only one who has book hangovers? What's the last book that kept you up most of the night, unable to put it down?

Are Those Fictional Places Real?

Are the fictional places in my novels real?
Actually some of them are.
The gift shop to the left could house any number of specialty boutiques mentioned in my fictional towns of Oyster Bay or Inspiration Valley.
And doesn't the little coffee shop pictured on the right remind you of Espresso Yourself from Lucy Arlington's Buried in A Book? I can practically see Makayla behind the counter.

And next to that is a little bookstore that could easily be Inspiration Valley's bookstore, The Constant Reader. These places truly exist in a little town in central North Carolina.







Last weekend, I took a road trip to Hillsborough, North Carolina.
This is a charming small town north of Chapel Hill and parts of it have ended up in a few of my books. I lived there for years (this was my little white house. Four rooms, no insulation, no A/C, and the lot next door used to be filled with chiggers, snakes, and spiders the size of your thumb). My mother lives on a beautiful piece of farmland overlooking a forest on one side and a field of cows on the other. Heaven.
My mom just had knee replacement surgery and while she was taking a rest I took a walk and brought my camera along. Here are some of the real shops that inspired some of the fictional ones. I thought you might enjoy seeing the real-life Southern charm of these special places.
The Saratoga Grill on the right might just have easily been Grumpy's Diner in my fictional town of Oyster Bay. Including Olivia's window booth, of course. No roller skating dwarves here.
On the left, this could easily be the hardware store featured in several of the Books By the Bay installments. Isn't it cute?
Which fictional place would you like to visit?

Take it Slow with a Slow Hobby from a Cozy Mystery

The Chicks are thrilled to welcome Chrystle Fiedler and her wonderful new series! With my new book Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery on sale and the PR and marketing and blogging and tweeting that I need to do daily and a re-write for book number 2 in the series Scent to Kill looming, and well, life, I'm feeling a little stressed (good stress  - I'm very grateful for all these wonderful opportunities but still…) However, I know what the answer is: slow down. Alternative medicine provides some of the best ways to do this. Even just taking a deep breath and saying, "I am breathing in. I know that I am breathing in" and exhaling, "I am breathing out. I know that I am breathing out," as Thich Nhat Hanh author of You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment says, can improve one's outlook by releasing stress.  But did you know that hobbies like knitting, painting, sculpting, crocheting or quilting can also help you slow down? That's because slow hobbies help you cultivate the lost art of focus, concentration and being in the moment. "Slow hobbies have a meditative quality to them and a calming effect that goes beyond the act itself," says Carl Honore, author of In Praise of Slowness. In fact, according to the Craft Yarn Council of America research 64% of knitters and crocheters use these crafts to help them reduce stress and relax. Studies show that the rhythmic, repetitive dance of the needles can lower heart rate and blood pressure, lulling the knitter into a peaceful state.  I've noticed that just "reading" about hobbies is relaxing. For example, I feel more peaceful when I'm reading Laura Child's Tea Shop Mysteries, Anne Canadeo's Black Sheep Knitters series and Betty Hechtman's crocheting mysteries. I can't wait to dive into all the books of my fellow Killer Hobbies blogging sisters and mellow out.You may even find your new hobby in a cozy mystery. Hobbies in cozies range from scrapbooking to quilting, from knitting and embroidery to cooking. You'll find many of these cozies right here! Choose a hobby that you are really interested in, that you enjoy and that you can build a relationship with over time. You'll be less stressed and happier and you'll also enjoy your cozy mysteries even more!  
About Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery:
Dr. Willow McQuade, N.D., a twenty-eight-year-old naturopathic doctor specializing in natural remedies, has decided to take sabbatical and visit her Aunt Claire, the owner of Nature's Way Market and Cafe in idyllic Greenport, Long Island. But the idea of rest and relaxation is quickly forgotten when Willow arrives from a morning meditative walk to discover her Aunt Claire dead in the store, a strange almond-like smell emanating from her mouth and a bottle of flower essences by her side.

Despite her Zen nature and penchant for yoga, Aunt Claire had a knack for getting into confrontations with folks. An activist, she held weekly meetings for different causes every week in the store. The police want to believe the death is accidental—but Willow thinks she may have been poisoned.Things get worse when Aunt Claire's valuable recipe for a new natural age-defying formula, Fresh Face, is stolen during a store break-in, and an attempt is made on Willow's life. Desperate for a way out of the mess, she turns to a handsome young cop Jackson Spade. Together the two set about solving the case the natural way—through a combination of hard work, common sense, and a dose of luck.Praise for Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery "With a terrific premise and an interesting topic, Fiedler's debut shows promise."  - Library Journal Death Drops is a gem! Entertaining, informative, and with a mystery that had me completely baffled! – Gayle Trent, author of Killer Sweet Tooth"Fiedler's absorbing mystery is an entertaining debut, featuring a likeable menagerie of characters, filled with natural remedies, with all of it unfolding on Long Island's idyllic East End."  Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, author of the national bestseller Liberating Paris. "An engaging investigative thriller…an enjoyable whodunit." The Mystery Gazette For a chance to win a copy of Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery just leave an answer to this question: What's your favorite natural remedy? For more information please visit www.chrystlefiedler.com. Thank you! 

Chrystle Fiedler is the author of Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery
(Gallery Books/Simon and Schuster), the non-fiction title The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies(Alpha, 2009), co-author of Beat Sugar Addiction Now!(Fairwinds Press, 2010), currently in its fourth printing, and The Country Almanac of Home Remedies (Fairwinds, 2011). Chrystle's magazine articles featuring natural remedies have appeared in many national publications including  Better Homes and Gardens, Natural Health, Vegetarian Times and Remedy. Visit her at www.chrystlefiedler.com 
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