Kate Collins's Blog, page 289

Manscaping the Landscape

By Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
So I was out to dinner with my hairy man and a newly single male, when the singleton brought up manscaping. Call this married couple clueless, totally out of touch, because we had no idea what he was talking about. That's why my husband shouted across the table (cuz it was a bit noisy and he thought he'd misheard), "Did you say MANSCAPE?"
I'm positive the din in the restaurant died way down. In a flash, the waitress working a few tables away rushed over, big grin on her face, and began doing some weird circular motion with her hands over her nether regions, while she slowly mouthed, "s-h-a-v-e."  I kid you not.
"It's the hot new male thing," single guy said, eyeing up the waitress, who sidled off, recognizing trouble when it looked her way. But to be fair, she brought it on herself.
Manscaping? Who knew? There's even a special hypoallergenic foil protection unit for sensitive areas. You can buy it here. 
And it has backers (pun intended). Here's a distinguished appraiser: "There's nothing quite like a shorn scrotum... It's breathtaking... I suggest you try it!"
-Mike Myers as Dr. Evil in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Apparently, according to singleton, it makes the equipment appear larger. I offered to wax my man. He declined.
In all honestly, I like my guy just the way he is. I'm from a different generation. One where the lyrics to Hair said it all:
"She asks me why, I'm just a hairy guy
I'm hairy noon and night, hair that's a fright
I'm hairy high and low, don't ask me why…"
Go ahead, weigh in, I dare you. No, I double dare you!

Post Game Wrap-Up

[image error] by Maggie Sefton






xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx












xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx





yyyyyy




mmmmmmm




pppppppppppppppppppp






qqqqqqqqqqqqqq





rrrrrrrrrrrrrr





sssssssssssssss







tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt






































aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa [image error] aa












bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb












ccccccccccccccccccccccccccc












dddddddddddddddddddd

















eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee












ffffffffffffffffffffffffffff












gggggggggggggggggggg












hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh






































hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh





[image error]






jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj












kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk



llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

The Seasons of My Grief

By Kate Collins
When I woke up this morning, I realized that it's spring atmy house. And yes, I do live in the northern hemisphere. Crazy, right? Let me explain.
My autumn started over a year ago, on the three days of myhusband's heart attack and death. Within the span of 72 hours, the leaves on mytrees withered and fell. The grass browned. Dark clouds of grief, abandonmentand fear blotted out the sun. In my world, it rained every day. 
Then winter came, a long brutally cold season that I couldnot seem to escape. Depressed, frightened, with too many new responsibilitiesand a deadline looming, I moved through my wedding anniversary, birthdays,Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter in a stupor. I functioned. I smiled. I madeconversation. I wrote. I was robotic. And I was suffering from undiagnosed PostTraumatic Stress Disorder. 
Through family, friends, and divine guidance, I got help forPTSD, which was caused in part by shock and grief, but in a larger part by notexpressing my grief. I learned the hard way that if you don't let it out, itwill seek its own way, and that may be extremely detrimental to a person'sphysical or emotional well being.
Through grief counseling and The Healing Touch therapy, I nowdeal with my grief. I cry until I hurt, but I also give myself permission tolaugh, to enjoy time with friends, to travel and to experience new things thatat first felt wrong to do without my husband at my side.
That brings me to spring.
I realized three days ago that my new book TO CATCH A LEAF,is to be released on my wedding anniversary, November 1st.  I don't know why it didn't occur to meearlier, but the epiphany left me feeling joyous, as though my husband will becelebrating yet another milestone with me. He was there for the first book Iever published. He'll be here for this one, too.
It's starting to look green at my house once again. Springbulbs are sprouting. Trees are budding. No, not actually. Just in my heart. Ican look back at my years with my husband as a magical time, full of adventureand laughter and passion, without as much pain and with much more joy thanbefore.
It's still very, very difficult, make no mistake. I'll neverbe able to think of our beautiful years together without that sharp acheinside. I will never stop missing his physical presence. But I feel his spiritwith me every day. And now I can even look forward to summer again.
[image error] On November 1st, please join me in raising a cyber glass to healinggrief in whomever or wherever it may be found. I'll be raising one to my husband and to mynew book. 


Thanks for sticking with me this past year. I promise you will really enjoy the new Abby Knight mystery.

A Vacation? Moi? Yes!

by Leann

Between my kids getting married, the arrival of grandchildren, the need to promote each book, all my trips away from home in the last ten years have involved visiting relatives. Not to say I wasn't happy to travel to Seattle or NYC or Sioux City or Fort Worth or Washington DC for all these wonderful things, but there is a certain amount of work involved. With my fatigue issues, traveling is tiring all by itself. Add in arranged events and I'm energy deprived almost at once.

But next Friday, my husband and I are traveling to South Carolina to visit friends. What's fun is we are taking the dog and the new kitten, too. A real vacation! YAY! (If I left 6 month old Wexford with my two oldies-but-goodies cats, he might give Archie and Agatha heart attacks!) The petsitter will take good care of my senior citizens and they may actually enjoy a vacation themselves away from the youthful Wexford. He thinks he's hugging them when he wraps his paws around their necks. They are not amused.

We have some lovely lake property where we hope to build a home in the near future in SC, so I consider this the first baby step toward getting our dream retirement plans started. I have some boxes already packed to put in storage there. I've discovered there is one problem. My husband has already started his pre-trip questioning. I'm not sure if he thinks I'll forget to take my clothes or what. It's really pretty amusing because I am not the forgetful one in this relationship.

Then there's the need to book a pet friendly motel for a night. Easy enough. I found one chain that does not charge a pet fee and got excellent reviews. I booked it while my husband kept looking for a better deal. He finally gave up because the "pet fees" are almost as expensive as a night in the motel. Why bother looking any further when I've found a good deal with free internet and breakfast and NO PET FEE? Guess he just had to do his usual thing. Funny how this would have annoyed me ten years ago. Now it doesn't bother me at all. With age comes patience and acceptance, I guess.

What about you? Has it been a while since you took a true vacation? Or do you make sure to take "time out" on a regular basis?

Dru's Cozy Report: October Reading List

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

Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman is the first book in the new "Clueless Cook" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, October 2011

Jordan McAllister doesn't know the first thing about food, but filling in for the culinary reporter at the Ranchero Globe is better than writing personal ads. She's convinced the weekly Kitchen Kupboard report will bring her closer to the coveted sports column—as long as she doesn't let on that she can't cook herself out of a macaroni and cheese. Her first assignment is reviewing the new steak house in town. But she never should have ordered that foie gras—or hidden it in her purse. Back home she finds that she has ruined her friend's handbag, but that's nothing compared to finding her waiter from the steak house murdered outside her door—with her name and number in his pocket. Now Jordan is the prime suspect, as well as the main course on the murder menu.

What an enjoyable debut. The engaging plot with a mystery that caught me unaware of the killer's identity flowed very easily with each turned page, as I could not put this book down. The setting provided a local flavor to the story that made me feel like I was right there in Ranchero, Texas solving the crime with Jordan. With refreshing dialogue, likable quirky characters and delicious recipes, I look forward to more adventures with Jordan and the gang in this attractive and charming debut series.

Visit Liz at www.lizlipperman.com

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

Shoe Done It by Grace Carroll is the first book in the new "Accessories" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, October 2011

Society maven MarySue Jensen has old San Francisco money and an eye for style. That's why she must have those handmade silver stilettos special ordered from Dolce's by their top fashionista, Rita Jewel. She'd die before she wore anything less at the biggest charity event of the season. That same night, MarySue Jensen's cold, lifeless body is found in Golden Gate Park...tragically barefoot. What kind of remorseless, fashion-conscious maniac would swipe a pair of handcrafted stilettos from a corpse? With her boss a prime suspect, Rita Jewel—and unnervingly sexy detective Jack Wall—must track down a killer. But before Rita engages in such a dangerous game, she has one nagging question...What does one wear to solve a crime?

They say it's all about the shoes that make an outfit perfect and when a custom-made pair is missing from their customer's dead body, Rita wonders, who would kill for a pair of shoes? This book started out a bit slow for me, but quickly picked up speed as I continued reading. I enjoyed this evenly-paced murder mystery that kept my interest as I wanted to know which person was involved in the crime. As Rita laces up clues to solve this case, we got glimpse of San Francisco and the tasty food one finds in this city, all experienced by newbie Rita. Fashion tips and recipes are included in this book and I look forward to more excitement with Rita and friends.

Grace Carroll is the pseudonym for Carol Culver and you can visit her at www.carolculver.com

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

Skating Over The Line by Joelle Charbonneau is the second book in the "Rebecca Robbins" mystery series. Publisher: Minotaur Books, September 2011

Rebecca Robbins is desperate to sell her inherited roller-skating rink in small-town Indian Falls, and—finally—she has a buyer. She can't wait to head back to Chicago, especially now that her long delinquent father has blown back into town, but Lionel, her veterinarian boyfriend, thinks she should stay put. Also, the gang at the Senior Center wants her to track down the thief who's been hot-wiring rusted-out classic cars. Unable to resist, Rebecca soon has the Sheriff's Deputy threatening to arrest her for obstruction, and strange but scary men threatening her life. Then cars start exploding, with people in them, and Rebecca's father goes missing. With the help of Pop, her Elvis-impersonating grandfather, Rebecca must find the pyromaniac car thief and put a stop to him—before he stops her first.

All Rebecca wants is to sell the skating rink and return to Chicago, but when Pop's friend's car is stolen, Rebecca reluctantly takes the case, only to find the car ablaze. With a visit from her estranged father and being threatened, Rebecca has her hands full trying to find an arsonist car-thief. What a fun read! This was an enjoyable story from the moment I opened the book and read the first line. The mystery kept me turning the pages and the lovable and eccentric characters of Indian Falls entertained me with their humorous antics and engaging dialogue. I look forward to more adventures with Rebecca and gang in this charming and delightful series.

Visit Joelle at www.joellecharbonneau.net

Here, Kitty, Kitty

By Heather Webber / Heather Blake

A few weeks ago I made a quick trip to the Chicago area, and had just enough time to visit one of the beautiful beaches on the North Shore.

Where, I happened across these signs, warning me of the impending doom should I attempt to go swimming. Luckily, I had no intention of swimming (it was freezing!), but one of the signs caught my full attention. Do you see it?


It's the one on the bottom in the middle. The one that forbids dogs and cats on the beach.

I can understand why there's a rule about dogs...but cats??? Who brings their cat to the beach? I looked at Mr. W and made a snarky comment about cats and water, and then said something along the lines of, "Does anyone even take their cats on field trips?"

Well, fast forward to our ride home from Chicago. We were stuck in traffic on Lakeshore Drive when I glanced at the car to my left. At first look, I thought it as a dog staring back from the passenger's window, but nope. It was a big orange cat. Sitting on an old man's lap, giving me "Help meeeeeeee" eyes.

I guess my question was answered--people do in fact bring their cats out of the house--and drive them around town. But I still want to know if you've ever known someone who took a cat to a beach...

Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest!

By Ellery Adams It's that time of the month again - your chance to win a gift certificate to Mystery Lovers Bookshop (you can use this online). Because it's the officially the month of the mystery novel this month's gift certificate is worth $20!

I'll give you two lines from a contemporary cozy and you have six days to email me the title and author at elleryadams@verizon.net.
Please DO NOT POST the answer. You can certainly post a comment, but no title or author name in the comments, okay?
Here are the lines: "With its old Tudor thatched cottages, it seemed like a little part of England that time had forgotten. To Agatha's dismay, cars were parked bumper to bumper outside the vicarage."
Ellery's hint: I am very fond of this middle-aged heroine who lives in the Cotswolds. She's described as having good legs and bear-like eyes. This release had a Christmas-themed cover.

Go Wisconsin!

by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

I live in Wisconsin and I set my beekeeping mysteries here too. It's fun sharing facts about my state.

Wisconsinites haven't been taken seriously by the east coast or the west coast. Even though we had Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein (serial killers). They should have put us on the map, maybe not in a good way, but still.... Or at least Lawrencia Bembenek (Go, Bambi, Go) should have.

We also have lots of breweries (the most famous being Leinenkugel, New Glarus, and Miller) and more taverns that any other state.

Wisconsin gave the world Liberace, Frank Lloyd Wright,  Spencer Tracy, Georgia O' Keeffe, and Orson Welles.

But what did it take in the end to get us some respect? THE PACKERS and THE WISCONSIN BADGERS and THE BREWERS. We're crushing the competition. Go Wisconsin!

Who are you rooting for?

Ready for Football? Penn State vs. Purdue!

by Maggie Sefton




Okay, I'm about to go "on the road again." This Thursday, October 13th, I fly off for my old hometown, Washington, DC, for a two and a half week visit. I plan to be working and writing on the second in the Molly Malone Mystery series while I'm there, so I'll be in the City all week both weeks. However, on the weekends, I plan to play---both with family and with friends. I'll keep you all posted through this blog and let you know what I've been up to.


This coming weekend, I'll be joining my oldest daughter Christine and family for a Family Adventure. Even daughter Melissa will be traveling from Manhattan to arrive Friday evening so she can join in the fun. What are we planning to do? Well, first. . .we'll head to Lake Braddock High School Homecoming football game Friday evening. And then. . .after all the sane fans and parents have headed home, we will all load ourselves on board a 35-foot RV that Christine and hubby Tim rented for the weekend and drive off into the night.

We're heading on a 4-hour trip north from Fairfax, VA (Northern Virginia) into central Pennsylvania to State College, PA, home of Penn State University to attend Saturday's Penn State game with fellow Big Ten rival, Purdue University. It's Penn State's Homecoming weekend, so the normally fanatic Penn State fans will have more than usual to celebrate. It should be fun.

I have several friends who are Penn State fans, and I have to admit, they are certifiably fantatic about Penn State. :) Our own Cozy Chick, Jennifer Stanley, aka Ellery Adams, for instance. Our family, however, has lots of ties to Purdue. Our family lived in West Lafayette, IN for fifteen years since my husband was a professor at that wonderful university. Lots and lots of good memories from Purdue as well as old and dear friends. And--daughter Christine and son-in-law Tim are also graduates of Purdue. Those ties run deep.
So, we really should root for Purdue most of the time. But. . we should also root for Penn State, considering that grandson Joseph attends and grandson Matthew is a freshman, having received a Full Scholarship in Football as a Wide Receiver. Now, Matthew as well as a lot of other freshmen have been red-shirted this year, so he won't be playing, but he'll be on the field with his team. So----I guess we'll root half the game for Penn State and the other half for Purdue. This could get confusing.



Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to experiencing this "RV Adventure." I'm told Penn State has large parking lots for RVs, so I'm picturing a forest of people and RVs and tailgate parties. Wow. This could be a LOT of fun. :) If you're planning to go to the Penn State/Purdue football game this weekend, drop by the RV lot and say "hi." I'll make sure to post my location on Facebook.
It should be a perfect Fall football day---50s--60s and hopefully sunny. I'll keep my fingers crossed and my rain jacket close by. Anybody going to the game? How about a game near you?

But (sob) I Paid Good Money for That!

By Kate Collins
I read an interesting article inYahoo News the other day about things people buy and never use. They are: 1        .     Exercise equipment.2        .     Swimming pools3        .     Wine cellars4        .     Outdoor kitchens5        .     Espresso makers
I was a little disappointed in thelist because it didn't mention my big flops, namely:
Carpet/floor washing/polishingsystem. Yes, we invested in one of these big ol' duds, a Dyson, no less. It'ssupposed to clean carpets using a dry powder, which sounded good to me. Inactuality, however, it didn't clean sh*t, and I don't mean that literally. Iwrote to Dyson about it and heard nothing back. My husband ended up using it towash the garage floor. Now it's gathering dust in a corner. I'm sure a cheaper,lighter brand is out there that works better.
Steam cleaning system. Notfor steaming clothing, but for power-washing grout, bathroom showers, tubs, oranything washable, according to the box. I had a really hard time using it. Thesteam was powerful, but I ended up having to scrub the grout with a toothbrushand cleanser first, then rinsing with steam. I tried the machine a few times,then retired it and went back to using the shower attachment for rinsing. Themachine now sits in the corner with the Dyson above.
Wet bar. Great idea! I lovehaving a sink on a counter under a wine cabinet in the family room. Have I everused the sink? No. It's not deep enough to wash much. I'd rather use mydishwasher anyway.  But don't it lookpurty? (See my photo)  
Food processor. Wonderfulinvention – if you cook for a family. When cutting veggies or salad for one ortwo, a sharp knife works just as well and gives me a feeling of accomplishment.Plus, it's way easier to clean. Nothing to take apart!
Phone Apps that don't do aspromised. It's really easy to be lured into an App store, isn't it? I got afree app the other day that is supposed to turn the screen of the iPhone into amirror. Ha! As if it worked. All it did was turn on the camera function. I gota really good look at my feet, however. I thought maybe the $.99 version wouldwork, so I bought it. Guess what? Uh-uh. Don't waste your money. It shows thecover for maybe 5 seconds then disappears. Don't fall for it!
Extended warranties.  Proven to be a waste of money. My husbandused to ask the salesperson offering the warranty, "Are you saying your companydoesn't make a good product?" After the clerk would blushingly reply, "Well,no, I'm not saying that. It's very well made," my hubby would conclude with, "Thenwhy would I need insurance for it?" Worked every time.What have you spent money on butnever used?  Don't make feel like theLone Ranger here.
Have a happy week.