Kate Collins's Blog, page 276

Invisible Threat? You Decide.

by Maggie Sefton




Two weeks ago I finally had radon gas mitigation done on my home. I live in Northern Colorado where radon gas is frequently found in the soil. The problem occurs when houses are built, then the radon gas escapes from the soil into the home. Since radon gas is invisible and has no smell, its presence goes unnoticed in the air around us. We breathe it in with the rest of the naturally occurring oxygen and nitrogen. We cannot detect its presence except by testing with special intruments which detect its presence.

The possible health effects of breathing radon gas over time are serious---developing lung cancer is the most important. I said "possible" because when you check the statistics, which I did, they show that a person who is exposed to the gas on a daily basis has a greater risk of developing lung cancer the longer they're exposed. However, the risk is never 100% of all people exposed. There are varying degrees on exposure and varying degrees of disease occurrence.

I'd known about the risks of radon gas exposure for years. And I knew about its prevalence in Northern Colorado. In fact, I'd seen several houses along my street that had the extra roof vent pipe which si gnalled they'd had radon mitigation done. I knew all that, but I hadn't had my home tested. I'd remember it periodically, tell myself that I really "should" have it tested, etc then promptly forget it. Why? Maybe because the statistics showed that varying degree of risk with exposure. Whatever the reason, I didn't have it tested.

Finally, my "inner guidance" (aka, my gut, instinct, whatever) gave me a stronger reminder to get my house tested. I did. And the test revealed that my house had twice the level recommended to be considered safe. Approximately 4.1 picocuries is the maximum "safe" level. My readings were 8.2 picocuries. I have a tri-level home with a crawl space, and that was where all the radon gas was escaping from the soil. So, I scheduled radon mitigation by the fully certified and knowledgeable specialists that had been recommended by others I trusted.


It took the two-man team six hours to properly install the system, which is not noticeable at all. The small fan is way up in the attic so I don't hear any noise except in the garage and it's a soft steady airy sound. First, they drill a hole in the crawl space below my house (where the radon was coming from, they said), drill into the earth then perpendicular in the ground be neath the lowest level (family room) concrete slab. There they install a pipe that draws any gas in the soil out and into the pipes they install in the crawl space ceiling which goes into the garage, up the garage wall, then into the attic where they install the exhaust fan, which vents everything outside into the air. Then they physically seal off the entire crawl space dirt with special fiber to prevent gas from escaping. So the fan can suck it out of the earth, into the pipes, and out through the roof. I thought the entire procedure was fascinating.


I know there's a difference of opinion about the risk of radon. But I always follow my instinct, my inner guildance. So, I decided "Better safe, than sorry," as my grandmother used to say. Another reason, more practical, is Colorado has now made radon testing mandatory when selling a home. I'm sure other states have done the same. Oh. . .and the follow-up testing showed that after taking readings for four full days, the radon gas level in my home dropped to 0.912.

How about your state? Do you have radon gas present?[image error]

Cozy Chick Pet of the Month: Duncan!

By Fred Yoder

Duncan Tryon(Duncan) is the second Westie that has owned me. After reading Miriam Grace Monfredo's Seneca Falls series, I made up my mind that if I got another Westie he would be named after the "yapping white terrier" in her series. Then on a sunny day in April, 2002, I traveled to near Ft. Wayne, IN to pick up little Duncan. He was 2 1/2 months old when I got him and has been a total joy to be with.
Westies love to please their owners and Duncan is no exception. I like to say he came pre-trained, he knows right from wrong and does all the right things. He knows no and will stop whatever he is doing. In fact, for the most part all I need to do is say his name in a normal speaking voice. The only negative things I can say about him, is that he is a born runner and at the use of the word "come" he practices selective hearing. But then he is a Westie.
He loves car rides, but knows that he needs to stay on the passenger seat until I say okay. I think he fancies himself as a baseball player, as his loves to try and catch his tennis in the air when I bounce it or at the very least knock it down. Two descriptions fit the Westie well. The first is that they are a big dog in a little dogs body. Yes! The bigger they are the more Duncan wants to meet them. He will go into a perfect show stance, legs apart, head up and tail erect. Looking as big as 24 lbs. can. The second comes from the breed standards and is brought up when the Westies are in the ring at Westminster: The Westie is a breed that will not be ignored. How true.
Two things that he does for my amusement are, he likes to sit in the recliner next to me and stare daggers at me. The other is that after coming in, he goes and sits by his treat dish, if I'm not quick enough he will either fidget a little or give a little sigh.
Another hilarious thing is that he is a snorer and a dreamer. I mean, not only do his paws twitch, but he growls, two or three types of barks and the best is that he will whimper, then growl back and forth.It's like he is playing both the villain and victim in a mystery. I know I have been extremely lucky with the two Westies I have had. Neither was a chewer, a digger, nor a barker. They bark/barked but not excessively.
Westies make wonderful companions and will always provide some crazy thing to bring a smile to your face. Westies aren't low maintenance, maybe medium. Their coats are tow layers. A soft fur close to the body and a coarser top layer, They do need to be brushed on a regular basis and a proper grooming 2 or 3 times a year. If the Westie is going to be a show dog they will be "stripped". the hair is pulled out. Clippers are never used on a show dog.
The last book I read with a cozy animal was Clobbered By Camembert by Avery Aames. It's always fun to stop in and visit with Charlotte at the Fromagerie Besette. And no visit to Providence would be complete without some ear scratches for Rags, Charlotte's cat, and some belly rubs for the twin cousins' Briard rescue puppy, Rocket.
Readers: What's your pet's favorite treat? Post a comment and we'll add your pet's name to our monthly donation to the ASPCA! [image error]

Old Recipes .... Mmmm!

by Leann

As the organizing and packing continues at Chez Sweeney, I have been going through folders, file card holders and notebooks filled with recipes. Once the kids left home, I didn't cook as much, and once I became ill, I cooked even less. But my, how I do love to bake and cook and create in the kitchen.

I have way too many cookbooks, but they were easy to pack away (and forget about for now). It's all the things I've put in folders or notebooks that have to be dealt with. As I sorted through my treasure trove, I came across things I haven't made in years or perhaps only made once or twice. Saturday morning, I came across one I stopped making because I became allergic to tree nuts. Would it taste okay without the nuts? I wasn't sure, so I decided to try. It's hard to find cake recipes that do not have eggs, so that's why this particular recipe was in my stash.

I'm sharing the recipe with all of you today because I made it and even without the nuts, it's really quite delicious.

No Need For Upside Down Pineapple Cake

2 C. sugar
20 oz. crushed pineapple in juice, do not drain
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. flour
1/2-1 C. chopped nuts (BUT OPTIONAL!!)

Mix ingredients in order given by hand. Pour into ungreased, unfloured 13x9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cream cheese topping:

While cake is baking, combine 1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese (light okay, but not fat free), 1 stick of melted butter, 3/4 C. sugar and AGAIN OPTIONAL 1/2-1 C. chopped nuts

Mix icing ingredients with mixer EXCEPT for nuts. If you are using them, fold them in after frosting is made.

Gently ice cake IMMEDIATELY after it comes out of the oven.

Now, if you make this dessert, with or without the nuts, let me know what you think. It is SO good warm![image error]

Returned Mail: Are you getting our mailings?

[image error] by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

In late January, I mailed out almost 3,000 postcards to readers, booksellers, and libraries for The Walled Flower.  Hey, it did some good!  It made the New York Times (extended) best sellers list, landing at the #25 sweet spot.  (That's ten spots higher than my Lorna Barrett name made on her first time on the list.)  Many of those who bought the book read this blog.  THANK YOU!!!!!!!

As you know, the Cozy Chicks has a sign-up form for our newsletter and snail mail list right on this page.  We share the addresses and merge them with our own lists so that those of us who send postcards can send to as many readers as possible.  (And thank you sooooo much for signing up!) 

BTW, we do not sell, rent, or give out the addresses on our lists. You will only get notices for the Cozy Chicks latest projects--either as a group, or from the Chicks individually.

Many of my readers have told me they LOVE getting the postcards.  Some have said I should save money and take them off the list because they get the newsletter, too.  Well, they do now.  But what happens if their email inbox is full and the email bounces?  The company that sends out the newsletters will NEVER send an email to that address ever again.  EVER AGAIN.  (It bore repeating.) Or, what if they change their email address and don't let us know about it?

[image error] Also, between 48-52% of the people on the email newsletter list open the newsletter.  That means nearly half the list never knows when we have new books, contests, and other news to share.  What happens to the newsletters?  They probably end up in SPAM folders.  Lots of people NEVER check their spam folders.  I check mine all the time.  Like, 20 times a day, because while I don't want those 10 Lands End promos that come every week to land in my regular inbox, I do want the yahoogroups digests I get (which always seem to go to Spam) and need to figure out why they go there.  (But who has time???  So I check Spam on an hourly basis.)

QUESTION:  Why do so many people sign up for our newsletters and when they actually GET one, they immediately Unsubscribe?  (Riddle me that, Batman!)

The following readers have fallen off our mailing lists. I got a LOT or returned postcards for The Walled Flower. Was your postcard one of them?  And if you want to return to the lists, we'd love to add you back in.

[image error] Aine L. R. in Reading, PA
Andrea F. in Independence, MO
Doris K. S in Kennewick, WA
Elysabeth E. in Honea Path, SC
Holly D. in Fort Campbell, KY
K.T. F. in Evanston, IL
Karen P. in Garland TX
Kay M. in Lubbock, TX
Kim B in Reading, PA
Konnie K in Garber, OK
Madge W. in Wilsonville, OR
Mary P. in Rochester, NY  (14609)
Patricia R. in Cincinnati, OH
Regan C. in Phoenix, AZ
Rob J. in Kentwood, MI
Robyn VDB in Tempe, AZ
Ruth Ann M. in Churchville, NY
Sharon B. in Denver, CO
Sheila C. in Dublin, VA
Shelby S. in Patton, PA
Stephanie H. in Marysville, OH
Tammy S. in Ingleside, TX

To let us know, write to us at: cozychicks @ gmail.com (and don't forget to close up the spaces.)

Thank you!

Haven't signed up yet?  Hey, that sign-up box is in the left hand column.  Just scroll down a bit.

Interest in Pinterest?

By Heather Webber / Heather Blake

I did it.

I joined Pinterest.

Those of you who don't know what that is, well, it's like crack to creative types, especially visually creative types. Just telling it to you straight.

Essentially, you find pictures you like, either through Pinterest (through their "everyone" link or by following friends) or online, click a button, and "pin" that image to an online bulletin board that you've created.

Why do this, you ask?

Good question.

It's an enormous time suck, especially when you're on (cough, cough) deadline. You can get lost in the images, in the quotes, in all of it, and before you know it, the sun's gone down and you realize you missed dinner.

But it's fun. And an escape. And fun (did I mention that?).

What do I use it for? Well, I have a board for my book covers. A board for quotes I like. A board for musicals I love, and even a board full of otter pictures, because I love otters. They make me happy.
What do I especially like about Pinterest?

I can use it to collage books I've written and books I'm working on. Collaging has been a writer's tool for a long time, but usually it's cutting pictures out of magazines and gluing them on cardboard. Pinterest makes it a lot easier—and less messy.

So, for example, I've done a board for IT TAKES A WITCH.

And one for the upcoming A WITCH BEFORE DYING.

I've also started one for the book I'm working on (working title is The Good, the Bad, and the Witchy), and I'll probably do boards for all my books at some point. For me, it's great visual of the imaginary world I live in for a good chunk of my day. For you, it's a glimpse at some of my inspirations—and even gives hints of what the book's about. Fun all around.

Is it a social tool? Sure. For example, I "follow" Leann's and Deb's boards. So when they posts their bookcovers, I can "repin" them to my "books by friends" board. Then everyone following me can see their book covers, too, and hopefully repin them to their book boards and so on and so on. And since my friends happen to be wildly creative, they might have other pins (quotes, recipes, quilt designs, bookcases, trinkets) that spark my interest, and I snag those for my boards, too. Lots of sharing going on (and on and on).

Is Pinterest for everyone? Probably not. But if you're a knitter, you can pin pictures of yarns and projects that inspire you. If you're gardener, you can pin flowers and garden designs and garden decor. If you plan to renovate your bathroom, you can pin design ideas. If you're a baker, you're going to be in heaven. So many images and recipes. If you're a reader, you can pin your favorite books. The list goes on and on.  It's the best thing about Pinterest--there's no end to the creativity.

So, go ahead and have fun pinning—if you do, holler and I'll "follow" your boards! And you can follow mine by clicking here.

Happy pinning!

Trying Something New

By Ellery Adams

That's not really my thing. Trying something new. I'm a creature of habit and I like things to be predictable. Sure, I can dream up all kinds of adventures, horrors, and romances for my characters, but this girl likes a warm house, a full belly, and a cat on my lap. Not exactly action-hero material, right?
Still, I like to think of myself as someone who's willing to try something new. Weird food? No thanks? Crazy fashion fads? Um, I'd rather not. So what's got me out of my comfort zone lately?
Tae Kwon Do.
Yep, the entire family just enrolled for a year's worth of classes and I was really nervous about our first class. But guess what? I love it! I love the air punching and kicking, the shouting, and the sense of self-control and respect. We've only been to 3 classes but I'm already wondering what it'll take to move up to the next belt color (we're beginners and so we have white belts, but I've got my eye on a pretty yellow belt). I discovered that I need to learn some Korean (like counting to 10) and that's not going to be easy. But maybe one day, I'll be able to post a pic of me breaking a board! Hi-ya!
Have you learned anything new lately? Left your comfort zone? What do you dream of trying but are held back by anxiety?

Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest - Answer

Here's your answer! Lots of correct guesses this time, but this month's $20 ecard goes to Brittany Nelson.
Congrats!
Tune in next month for another contest and thanks for playing!

Dru's Cozy Report: February 2012 Reading List

Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. This month we have two new and one returning series for your reading pleasure.

Dutch Me Deadly by Maddy Hunter is the seventh book in the "Passport to Peril" mystery series. Publisher: Midnight Ink, February 2012

As a travel escort for seniors, Emily Andrew-Miceli has led her feisty Iowa clan all over the world. This time, they're off to see historic windmills, classic Rembrandts, and picturesque canals in Holland—if they can ever unplug from their smartphones, that is. Joining them is the high school class from Bangor, Maine, whose 50th reunion celebration goes south faster than a fallen Brussel sprout soufflé as old rivalries start heating up. Worse, Emily's hopes for a 100% survival rate on this trip are dashed when an important member of the tour suffers a tragic (and highly suspicious) accident. Then the saucy seniors' wild night of drug-laced desserts and risqué shows in Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District gets even more mysterious when one unpopular reunioner goes missing.

It's been five years since we last seen Emily and the seniors and boy am I glad they are back. This time the seniors have embraced technology and use it to help Emily once again solve a murder mystery abroad. I laughed at the antics of the seniors as they traipsed through Holland with their usual enthusiasm. One again Jackie is on-board and the fun never ends with the traveling Iowans. The best part of this series is the author's description of the places they visit along the way that makes me feel like I'm part of this vacationing group. Another great mystery solved and the excitement of their next adventure is what I look forward to in this delightfully charming series.

Visit Maddy at www.maddyhunter.com

Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Running on Empty by Sandra Balzo is the first book in the new "Main Street" mystery series. Publisher: Severn House Publishers, February 2012

Life on Sutherton's Main Street has always been inexplicably hazardous, no matter the season in the North Carolina resort town. The student who bet he could paddle a beer-filled ice chest across the lake—and lost. The skier who choked on her gum and arrived at the bottom of the slope still standing, if not quite breathing. Not to mention that occasional tourist lost in the mountains. But the day Daisy Griggs siphoned three pints of blood from poor Mrs Bradenham during the town's annual drive seems to set a new standard. It also bought Daisy's daughter AnnaLise back, for Labor Day weekend. But the traditional celebration turns out to be no picnic. People are dying—in greater than historical numbers—and unless AnnaLise can figure out why, her mother may be next.

Upon hearing disturbing news regarding her mother, AnnaLise comes home and being the journalist that she is, starts investigating the recent spate of dead bodies, when it looks like her mother may be a target. This was a good story that I enjoyed immensely. The comfortable tone set the stage for this well-written mystery that I could not put down. When long ago secrets come crashing down and are exposed, it lends itself to a revelation that I did not see coming. This character-driven tale boasts a likeable cast, engaging conversation and a small-town atmosphere that is pleasantly appealing. This is a great read and I can't wait for the next book in this terrific series.

Visit Sandra at www.sandrabalzo.com

Scrapbook of Secrets by Mollie Cox Bryan is the first book in the new "Cumberland Creek" mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, February 2012

Having traded in her career as a successful investigative journalist for the life of a stay-at-home mom in picturesque Cumberland Creek, Virginia, Annie can't help but feel that something's missing. But she finds solace in a local "crop circle" of scrapbookers united by chore-shy husbands, demanding children, and occasional fantasies of their former single lives. And when the quiet idyll of their small town is shattered by a young mother's suicide, they band together to find out what went wrong. Annie resurrects her reporting skills and discovers that Maggie Rae was a closet scrapbooker who left behind more than a few secrets—and perhaps a few enemies. As they sift through Maggie Rae's mysteriously discarded scrapbooks, Annie and her "crop" sisters begin to suspect that her suicide may have been murder. It seems that something sinister is lurking beneath the town's beguilingly calm façade—like a killer with unfinished business.

Comfortable with a steady-pace is how I would describe this charming tale of intrigue. Annie's investigative instincts rise when she suspects that her neighbor's suicide may in fact be a murder. The murder banded the friends together to form a cohesive group that uncovered the clues to reveal a killer. This was a great story with a nicely-crafted plot that I could not put down with the many twists and turns in this well-developed mystery, that kept me guessing until the end. The spunkiness of the characters, the small town-atmosphere and the sense of a friendly community added to my reading pleasure. This is a great start to what I hope will be a long run with the women of Cumberland Creek in this enjoyably inviting series.

Visit Mollie at http://molliecoxbryan.com/

At the Movies

by Maggie Sefton






A lot of time has elapsed since I last did a Movie post. Late Fall travel then holidays and boom! It's the New Year. I'll try to play catch-up, but since so much time has passed I'm sure I'll miss some of your favorites. Please let me know in your comments if there was a movie you particularly liked. I saw a LOT of movies since last Fall, so I can't mention them all . But, here are the ones that I remember the most:



TOWER HEIST---is a funny comedy with really interesting characters. And great footage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. (I think I may have mentioned this one previously). Forgive me if I did.


PUSS IN BOOTS---Surprisingly well-done. Definitely good for family of all ages. Believe it or not, but there are "action" scenes between Puss and villains. :)

HUGO---Not an animated feature but it's definitely an excellent family movie, again for all ages. Fascinating storyline. Good actors, several stars.

WAR HORSE---Marvelous, marvelous movie. I'm a sucker for a "horse movie" and usually start crying somewhere in story. But I was tearing up for this one when I first saw the trailers on TV. "But he's my horse, sir!" Grab the tissues. So. . .I thought I'd be snifflying thru the entire movie and went prepared with lots of tissues in jacket pockets. So.....imagine my surprise, when I didn't cry once!! Nope. Spielberg kept the pace going so that whenever there was a scene that---with an old line movie director or lesser talent would have gone from touching straight to maudlin---Spielberg moved straight to action. Dramatic, engaging action that you couldn't stop watching. Never did it slide into sloppy sentimentality. Not that I mind it sometimes, but some directors make you wallow in it. Not Spielberg. He keeps that pace moving and despite all that, he does NOT sacrifice characterization. Not for a minute. Characterization of the human characters and the animal characters. Beautifully done. Bravo!

SHERLOCK HOLMES---Don't miss this one. I think it's even better than the first. Have we had two previous ones? I forget. :) Even funnier, and with great action, excellent storytelling, too.

HAYWIRE---This is FANTASTIC! Probably the best female covert action movie with female protagonist ever. Even better than SALT, which I loved. I hope both of these movies put out sequels. HAYWIRE has a female covert action character who discovers she's been betrayed and has to use all her wits and then some to counter the lethal methods being used against her. Action scenes are great and so well done. Steven Soderburgh (sp?) is director. Don't miss this one.

Another one not to miss is SWEDISH VERSION of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The Swedish version is WAY superior to the "Hollywood" version with well-known stars, in my not so humble opinion. Yes, I love Daniel Craig in regular movies, but in this particular story, the Swedish version uses fantastic actors that are so true to story, that it seems like you're not you're not watching a movie at all. You just opened the pages of the book and stepped inside, and there are the characters on the page, just like you imagine them. Fantastic version.

Those are just a few, but the most memorable of my faves. However, I've missed THE IRON LADY and several others which I'll have to rent and see on TV. Also, there are lots of fascinating movies coming up like Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, The Grey, One for the Money, Chronicle, and Safe House. I promise I'll do my best to report back in more promptly this time.

Meanwhile. . .tell us which movies you liked the best or add the ones that I've missed.

Greatest Love Stories: Which Ones Are Missing?

Ellery Adams (filling in for Kate Collins today so she can turn in another wonderful mystery novel to her editor in time!)
I always read over the lists of greatest love stories and feel like some of my favorites have been left out, so I'm going to add a few of my favs here and then invite you to add yours. This way, the most comprehensive list of love stories will be right here, inspiring us for tomorrow's holiday of love.
To me, some of the most romantic love stories are not fiction, but fact.
History tells us of several famous couples whose relationship lasted for decades. That's real love! A few of these time-tested couples are Josephine and Napoleon, Anthony and Cleopatra, and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
There are so many literary romances that I wouldn't ever be able to list them all, but of course I am partial to the one between Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. It's the story I go back to again and again when I want to sigh dreamily.
And movies? The most romantic scene for me is the one in Out of Africa when Robert Redford washed Meryl Streep's hair. Only a woman could understand how sensuous andtender that act could be.
And I love the chemistry between Rhett and Scarlet in Gone With the Wind. I know lots of folks see that between Bella and Edward in the Twilight series, but I guess I need my romantic leads to be a wee bit older.
Okay, I've just scratched the surface. Can you add to this list?