Kate Collins's Blog, page 319

Puzzled

By Heather

Full confession time. I got a Kindle for my birthday last August. That's not the confession. I use it almost every day. That's not the confession, either.

The confession is that I spend more time that I care to admit playing…Every Word on my Kindle. It's a word game, where you're given seven letters and have to unscramble letters to make words, and you have to use all seven letters to go on to the next level.

I'm not going to say I'm obsessed, but it's close. It's the perfect game while I'm playing the waiting game (at the doc's office, at the kids' school…). Plus, I love, love, love word games, going back to when I was little and played Boggle with my family. I still love Boggle, and if it ever comes out on Kindle, I might never get anything done. (There's also Shuffled Row on Kindle, but I don't think it's as fun.)

I'm also a huge fan of word searches—and have been for as long as I remember. It's a love that I passed on to my kids. If they don't get word search puzzle books in their stockings at Christmas, Santa hears about it!

All in all, as far as obsessions go, it's not too bad of one. But even still, I should probably cut back a little bit—before the tendonitis kicks in.

How about you? Are you a fan of word puzzles? Anything you want to confess?

The Best Books of 2010

Every year, I make a list of the top three fiction books (. I couldn't possibly pick only 3 mysteries. That would be too hard).

These are the books I tell people about over and over again. Funnily, I listened to all of these on CD and I didn't realize until I made this list that they're all set in other countries. Because I have two little kids I don't travel much, but these fictional escapes to England, Ireland, and Ethiopia transported me completely. I loved the characters, the writing, and the stories stayed with me for weeks afterward. Now that's a good book.
Here they are:

Major Pettigrew's Last StandCutting For StoneFaithful Place
Your turn! If I missed a fantastic book in 2010, let me know about it and I'll pick it up in '11.

Words of Wisdom For All My Procrastinating Friends

 
Several years ago I met Rita Emmett in Edgerton, Wisconsin at a book festival. We both presented there at different times, so I had the opportunity to hear her speak and to buy her book.

At the time, she gave me the push I needed in the procrastination department. Occasionally I pull out The Procrastinator's Handbook when I need another little shove.  Like now. The holidays are over. I promised myself I would buckle down.

Here are a few of her words of wisdom and advice:
"The dread of doing a task uses up more time and energy than doing the task itself."
"The mother of all excuses: I work better under pressure."
"Obsession with perfection is the downfall of procrastinators."
I've been using all the get-out-of-starting tactics she lists on page 49. Shuffling papers, surfing the web, playing computer games, doing an excessive amount of preparation instead of just getting the job done, talking on the phone, posting status updates...
Her book convinced me that I procrastinate mainly out of fear. Afraid that the words and ideas won't come, afraid that I'll write a really bad book considering the looming deadline, afraid that I can't do it.
So I'm off to write.

What about you? Are you procrastinating today?

 

Holiday Travel and Weather Delays

By Maggie Sefton

ATTENTION: Please read the post directly below this post, because I've picked a Gift Card Winner for December for the Cozy Chicks Blog commenters! Now, for my post---


When you travel as much as I do, it's not unusual to experience some delays, especially with airline travel. Airlines have cut back their flights and are packing each plane. And there are still lines of people waiting at the edges hoping to fly "stand-by." But I've been pretty lucky most of the time. I've only been stranded at an airport twice while attempting to return to Denver's International Airport. Once, was in the summer of June 2006 when I returned from a marvelous refill-the-well 2-week trip to Ireland and the second time was this past weekend when I was returning from a wonderful Christmas holiday trip back to the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area.


My flight was due to depart Washington, DC's National airport last Thursday at 5:00pm. After a connection in Atlanta, I was due to arrive in Denver about 9:15pm and had scheduled an airport shuttle for return to my home in Fort Collins, an hour north of Denver. Unfortunately, the nasty & violent snowstorm that had drowned California the day before was dropping tons of snow across the Rocky Mountains throughout the West. Our mountains are used to having feet and yards of snowfall, but those of us who live along the Front Range (of the Rocky mountains) had been spared any real snowstorms since last winter. The Front Range runs from the Wyoming state line down toward the New Mexico border. So, Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, and on down have gotten scant snowfall. Well, we were due, and that nasty storm decided to deliver. Not much, really. Only about six inches or so, but the below zero temps and gusty winds played havoc with airline schedules across the country. Planes couldn't get where they were supposed to be, including Washington National where the sun was shining and temps were in the 40s.

When I arrived at the airport and dropped off my luggage at the bag drop, the Delta rep informed me of the first delay. I knew immediately that would cause a problem, because I only had 45 minutes to deplane in Atlanta & get to my second flight. Atlanta is a big airport with several concourses. The kind Delta lady tried to see if I could get on another flight to Denver, but they were all booked. And, after watching two more delays go by, I figured I would be spending the night in Atlanta. Sigh. . .thanks to constant airport announcements, I envisioned a night spent trying to snooze in between recorded voices blaring. Not fun. I also knew that weather delays meant that no airline would reimburse you for a motel. I figured I'd spring for a motel myself, if I could find one. Flights were being cancelled and delayed all over the country, which meant a busy airport like Atlanta would have no lack of stranded passengers.

So---imagine my surprise when I finally deplaned in Atlanta and paused at the Delta Customer Service kiosks where they scan your boarding pass and print out your new flight paperwork. Not only did that little scanner machine spit out my new boarding pass for a Friday morning flight, but it also spit out two meal vouchers (dinner & breakfast) plus a voucher for an airport motel. On each of the vouchers was printed Delta's explanation that the vouchers were given because of the airline's "equipment failure." Failure to get the necessary planes to Washington National on time for me to make my connection.

Boy---was I surprised. . .and delighted. I headed straight for an airport cafe, ordered a nice glass of wine to go with my meal & called the motel to find out where to pick up the shuttle. Then, I headed straight for the shuttle and a 6-minute ride with fellow lucky Delta passengers to the motel and some sleep which I really needed. After breakfast the next morning, I boarded my new non-stop flight to Denver & discovered another "gift" from Delta: they seated me in First Class. Now, that was a treat. Thanks to my Scottish heritage mixed in with the English & Irish, I never choose to spring for First Class. :) Actually, it could be due to the accountant in me. Whatever-----I really enjoyed that treat.
So---considering Kate's awful treatment at the hands of one airline and all the other travel nightmares out there, I thought I'd share a story that turned out really well. Do you have any travel stories to share? Nightmares or good ones?

December's Gift Card Winner

Congratulations to Miki Willa, December's Gift Card Winner!
Please send an email to maggie@maggiesefton.com with your email address within seven days to claim your electronic B&N gift card.
And thank you so much for your comments and for supporting all of us on the Cozy Chicks Blog.

THE HUSH PUPPIES, TATER TOTS AND FRIED FISH DIET?

by Kate Collins

Because of severe health problems involving partial paralysis and balance, my friend's 83-yr-old mother recently entered a nursing/rehab facility where she is currently receiving therapy and wonderful care. Well, almost wonderful, because when it comes to nutrition, they get a D-.

"You are what you eat" is an old saying with a lot of value. Your diet reflects your general state of health. Eat lots of greens, fresh fruits, low fat meats, and go light on bad fats, processed food, white flour, and sugar, and you are miles above the general populace. It's Nutrition 101.

So why is a facility whose main goal is to rehabilitate and care for the elderly serving meals such as this: hush puppies (fried, processed cornmeal) tater tots (fried processed white potatoes) and fried fish (trans fat laden flesh from various fish parts)?

Or this for Mexican night: tacos (consisting of 3 tortilla chips and 1 scoop of ground something) refried bean paste, and 3 pieces of lettuce? I could go on, but you may be getting ready to eat, and I don't want you to lose your appetite.

From what I hear, hospitals aren't much better, and many school lunch programs are abysmal. My daughter was complaining about the poor quality of food in schools and asked, "Where do we start to get it changed?" My answer was that it has to come from a grass roots movement. We all have to demand it, otherwise the big food companies and their lobbyists rule.

My question is: Why do the above examples of meals pass as good nutrition? There is so much information in the news about how to stay healthy by eating healthy, why hasn't that reached the people who are dedicated to helping people GET healthy? Why aren't nutritionists being taught this?

I find this terribly frustrating. Do you?

My Wishes For Your New Year

by Leann

May you have the best reads ever.

May you have the love you deserve.

May you find understanding and wonderful conversations.

May the ones you care about be safe from harm.

May you make new friends and treasure the old.

May you find unexpected joy.

May the universe send you comfort and peace.

May you come here to this blog and find a laugh or a tear or an insight for at least one day.

May the cozy chicks be blessed by your loyalty and enthusiasm.

And most of all, may all your wishes come true.

Thank you, good friends, for all you have given us!

Mystery Mac & Cheese

by Lucy Arl ington

@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }How I love the food of the holidays—shortbread and sweets, cranberries and chocolate, delectable hors d'oeuvres, mouthwatering meals, and scrumptious cheese platters. But as much as I relish all these culinary delights, by the time January arrives the indulgences have lost their appeal and I'm ready for some homey comfort food.

One afternoon several years ago, a few days after our New Year's Eve party, I stood in front of the open door of our refrigerator trying to decide what to make for dinner. The heel of the New Year's ham needed using up, as well as bits and ends from a variety of chees es—a sharp aged gouda, a pungent Danish blue, a robust gruyere, and a piquant cheddar. Now I'm not one to be limited by recipes, and often throw in some of this and that, or improvise based on what I have on hand. So I pulled out all the cheeses and the ham, rooted around in the vegetable drawer to find a couple of leeks, grabbed the milk and butter and created the best macaroni and cheese dish we'd ever eaten.
It's become our standard mac and cheese recipe, except that it's different every time. A great way to use up cheeses after a party or the end of a ham, it's dish you wouldn't even know was made from leftovers.
Oh, and the mystery part in the title? Well, I thought it appropriate since this is on the cozy chicks blog. But more than that, the flavor produced by the varied combination of cheeses will be a mystery until you take your first tantalizing bite.
So be creative. And Happy New Year!
Mystery Macaroni and Cheese 1½ cups elbow macaroni3 tbsp butter3 tbsp flour2 cups milk¼ cup chopped onion, or two leeks, sliced thin2-3 cups grated cheese, of any kind, the more piquant the better¾ cup ham, chopped into small bits (or six slices bacon, chopped and cooked)¼ tsp dried thymeSalt and pepper to tastePinch of cayenne2-3 handfuls of breadcrumbsPreheat oven to 350.Cook macaroni using package directions.Melt butter and sauté onion (or leeks) a few minutes until softened.Blend in flour. Add milk and cook and stir until thick. Add thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne, and grated cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Add ham (or bacon).Mix sauce with macaroni. Turn into casserole dish. Cover with bread crumbs and dot with butter.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top crust is well browned.Serves 4 to 6.

A Cozy Affair

How perfectly cozy to attend a tea with good friends. Several weeks ago we went to an Afternoon Tea, also known as English Tea or High Tea, at the Ritz Carlton. The setting was very nice, with Christmas decorations to highlight the festive season. We were also entertained with Christmas tunes by a pianist. Our tea started with....

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A fine tea selection that included the traditional Earl Gray, as well as chamomile, green tea and English Breakfast. I chose to be daring and selected the Vanilla Bean tea which was quite delicious.
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Then we were served four finger sandwiches starting at the top:



Prosciutto, Butter, Cream Cheese, Asparagus, Chive, Cream Cheese Star on White

Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Herbed Cream Cheese, Chives on Whole Wheat


Classic English Cucumber, Chive Cream Cheese, Chervil Sprig on White

Smoked Salmon Rosette, Salmon Cream Cheese, Capers, American Caviar, Dill Sprig on Pumpernickel [image error]

Jars of honey and jellies, currants and butter balls adorned the table.
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And we had a choice of lemon slices, raw or white sugar cubes.
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Then the tower of delectable goodies arrived.
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From the top left: Éclair, Fresh Fruit Tart, Shortbread Cookie, Opera Torte, Vanilla Cupcake w/whipped cream topping and chocolate dots, Red Velvet Cupcake w/cream cheese topping, Palmier, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, and Blueberry Scone. What I ate was scrumptious.

And in the tradition that is the English Tea affair, we all wore pearls and when sipping our delicious tea, our pinkies were extended.

Have you ever attended an English Tea?

A Very Happy New Year to Us All!

Kelly Flynn Knitting Mysteries released in 2010----



DOUBLE KNIT MURDERS
November 2010
and


SKEIN OF THE CRIME
June 2010

Hi, Everyone! I'm still back East in Virginia. On the date of this post, my daughter Maria & I will be spending a few days in Colonial Williamsburg enjoying all the holiday festivities and events in this beautifully-restored colonial town.
If you're curious, here's the website: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/

I'll be back to my regular blog post next Tuesday, but while it's still 2010 I wanted to express my gratitude to all the readers for embracing the latest releases in the Kelly Flynn Knitting Mysteries: SKEIN OF THE CRIME & DOUBLE KNIT MURDERS----both pictured above.

Thank you, thank you to all of you readers who have made the Kelly Flynn mysteries the national bestsellers that they are. Thank you, Everyone! And I wish a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year to you all!