Kate Collins's Blog, page 40
March 20, 2019
Why Cozies she asked
I often ask myself why are cozy mysteries so popular...and they are. I love ‘em, you do, lots of people do but exactly why? It’s like why some love Coke and others Pepsi? And to tell you the truth most don’t love both equal.Readers who love mystery do not love romance equally or syfy the same. Oh, they say they read everything but truth be told they will head to the romance OR mystery OR syfy etc section of the bookstore every time.
I’ve thought about this love of cozies and came up with this.
Cozy Mysteries are everywhere, just look around. Oh, they may not be labeled cozies but they are. A cozy mystery is the mystery without the blood, guts and gore. It’s Sherlock Holmes, Murder She Wrote, White Collar. It’s Castle and not Criminal Mindsor those CSI shows.
Why are so many viewers and readers into the cozy thing? I think it’s a rebellion to all the violence around us that just weighs us down. When we turn on TV or read a book we want to escape. A lot of shows out there just scare the crap out of us and we are already scared. Just pick up a news paper.That doesn’t mean we want mindless trivia, we still want to be surprised, we just don’t want to be shocked and disgusted and saddened. Bring on the cozies. No whack ‘em and hack ‘em stories with blood guts and gore everywhere but some fun. Remember that? When was the last time you laughed out loud over a book? Couldn’t wait to pick up a book to get back to the fun.Who doesn’t love seeing Becket and Castle together solving crimes? Or the new BBC’s new Sherlock. That Sherlock is young and sexy and Dr. Watson is to die for. Then again I have a crush on Sherlock so I give him credit for everything mystery. Cozies deal with BFFs and getting the job done.White Collarhas Peter and Neal. I love male friendships, the no man left behind attitude. Cozy books deal with jobs we all want. There are books where the characters quilt, knit, make wine, cheese, wedding dresses, bake pies, dream up recipes and make fudge for everyone. And then there’s the settings. Who would not want to live in Cabot Cove? Most mysteries are set in small towns and if they aren’t they’re set in the small area of a big city. Stephanie Plum is in the burg of New Jersey. I set my Consignment Shop Mysteries in Savannah. It’s like a character in the book. Settings matter.I think my love of cozies started back in the day with Nancy Drew. I read The Secret of the Old Clock in the sixth grade, not exactlyMad Men era but close. I loved that Nancy Drew was smart and caring. I really loved that she was smarter than the guys. I wanted to be Nancy! Reading Nancy Drew was great for mystery and the ego. Nancy was self-sufficient and took charge of her destiny. It planted a seed that took root in enjoying mysteries and life. So there you have it…why everyone is snapping up cozy mysteries or watching them on TV. Have you read one lately? Watched one? The new Sherlock? White Collar? Elementary? Let’s talk mysteries and why we love ‘em. Whats your new cozy mystery?
March 18, 2019
Couldn't Resist. . . .
by Maggie SeftonThese pictures that I'm posting today. That's what I couldn't resist. I was deciding what to post about for today, and I was scrolling through one of my files that contains lots of photos that I've posted to blogs, used for postcards promoting releases. and all sorts of things.
These go back several years and were taken at Lambspun Yarn Shop. I particularly love the adorable lamb that a Lambspun regular brought to the shop one Saturday. :) Also, those gorgeous Lambspun yarn skeins that just beg to be touched.
Maybe these photos will inspire some of you to check into some of your local yarn and fiber shops. See what's hanging on their walls and draped across cabinets and tables. You may be surprised, and I don't believe you will be bored. Not at all. Enjoy!
March 17, 2019
WHAT DO YOU VALUE IN A FRIENDSHIP?
By Mary Kennedy
I was sitting with a group of friends and the conversation turned to friendship. What do you value in a friendship? Why are friendships so important in our lives? What is a good friend?
Here is how we finished the sentence, a friend is...
1. Someone who is there for us when we need them. (even if we pretend we don't need them and try to tough it out ourselves.)
2. Someone who is happy to listen to us and not judge.
3. Someone who offers sage advice when we veer off track.
4. Someone who is thrilled to celebrate the happy times with us, not just commiserate on the sad ones.
5. Someone who "gets" us. Really understands us at a deep level and loves us in spite of our faults.
6. Someone who can keep our secrets and would never betray a confidence.
7. Someone who lifts us up when we are down.
8. Someone who reminds us of our strengths when we are feeling weak and defeated.
9. Someone who has faith in us.
10. Someone who is never too busy to uplift us and enlighten us.
How about you? Do you have special friends in your life that make you feel grateful and blessed? If so, you are very lucky and I bet you are a good friend to them, too!
By Mary Kennedy
I was sitting with a group of friends and the conversation turned to friendship. What do you value in a friendship? Why are friendships so important in our lives? What is a good friend?
Here is how we finished the sentence, a friend is...
1. Someone who is there for us when we need them. (even if we pretend we don't need them and try to tough it out ourselves.)
2. Someone who is happy to listen to us and not judge.
3. Someone who offers sage advice when we veer off track.
4. Someone who is thrilled to celebrate the happy times with us, not just commiserate on the sad ones.
5. Someone who "gets" us. Really understands us at a deep level and loves us in spite of our faults.
6. Someone who can keep our secrets and would never betray a confidence.
7. Someone who lifts us up when we are down.
8. Someone who reminds us of our strengths when we are feeling weak and defeated.
9. Someone who has faith in us.
10. Someone who is never too busy to uplift us and enlighten us.
How about you? Do you have special friends in your life that make you feel grateful and blessed? If so, you are very lucky and I bet you are a good friend to them, too!
By Mary Kennedy
March 15, 2019
The experiment begins
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Some of you might remember that I love Indian food. I like spicy food (either Indian or Mexican), too. But ... I'm not fond of Indian or Mexican restaurants. A) Most Indian restaurants have a buffet. They food is good but ... not spicy (because many Americans seem pretty timid about spices) and B) Most buffets aren't hot. Not talking spicy here, talking temperature. It seems like there must be a shortage of sterno under the "warming" trays.
So ... the answer?
Make it myself. I've got a few Indian recipes that I make over and over again, but I've decided I want to do more. I'd like to make at least one new recipe a week. My only real problem is that I usually don't have the ingredients on hand, so this is going to take some planning. It's not so much the spices--I've got them and use them a lot, mostly for breakfasts and lunches (yup, I put curry powder in my omelets--garlic and cumin, too). It's things like plain yogurt and coconut milk.
So, in my quest for new-to-me food (and I'm not adverse to eating more vegetarian, either), here's the first recipe I made. And since there are only two of us, it made a HUGE amount of leftovers.
Easy One-Pot Cauliflower Curry Recipe
Ingredients
1 medium cauliflower head cut into florets
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
2 cups white onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
4 teaspoons curry powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups diced tomato with the juice from the can
2 cups green peas — frozen or fresh (optional)
¾ cups coconut milk from the can — not carton coconut milk
cooked rise
In a large pot, add 2 cups of water and place a steamer in the bottom.
Bring the water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the steamer basket (with the cauliflower) from the pot and let the cauliflower cool down for 5 minutes. Set aside. (Discard water.)
Return the pot to the stove and add oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onions are tender (3 to 5 minutes) Add the cumin, coriander, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything. Add the tomatoes, green peas (if using) and stir in the coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and add the cauliflower back to the pot. Cook everything together for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Serve over cooked rice.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Truthfully, I upped the curry and garlic, and next time I make it, I'll put in some cayenne in for heat. I also opted not to add the peas, but I think I will next time (only I might only put in 1 cup).
And how was it?
Terrific. And it made a LOT. (Guess what I'll be having for lunch for the next few days.)
What new recipe have you made for yourself and/or your family?
Some of you might remember that I love Indian food. I like spicy food (either Indian or Mexican), too. But ... I'm not fond of Indian or Mexican restaurants. A) Most Indian restaurants have a buffet. They food is good but ... not spicy (because many Americans seem pretty timid about spices) and B) Most buffets aren't hot. Not talking spicy here, talking temperature. It seems like there must be a shortage of sterno under the "warming" trays.
So ... the answer?
Make it myself. I've got a few Indian recipes that I make over and over again, but I've decided I want to do more. I'd like to make at least one new recipe a week. My only real problem is that I usually don't have the ingredients on hand, so this is going to take some planning. It's not so much the spices--I've got them and use them a lot, mostly for breakfasts and lunches (yup, I put curry powder in my omelets--garlic and cumin, too). It's things like plain yogurt and coconut milk.
So, in my quest for new-to-me food (and I'm not adverse to eating more vegetarian, either), here's the first recipe I made. And since there are only two of us, it made a HUGE amount of leftovers.
Easy One-Pot Cauliflower Curry RecipeIngredients
1 medium cauliflower head cut into florets
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
2 cups white onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
4 teaspoons curry powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups diced tomato with the juice from the can
2 cups green peas — frozen or fresh (optional)
¾ cups coconut milk from the can — not carton coconut milk
cooked rise
In a large pot, add 2 cups of water and place a steamer in the bottom.
Bring the water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the steamer basket (with the cauliflower) from the pot and let the cauliflower cool down for 5 minutes. Set aside. (Discard water.)
Return the pot to the stove and add oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onions are tender (3 to 5 minutes) Add the cumin, coriander, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything. Add the tomatoes, green peas (if using) and stir in the coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and add the cauliflower back to the pot. Cook everything together for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Serve over cooked rice.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Truthfully, I upped the curry and garlic, and next time I make it, I'll put in some cayenne in for heat. I also opted not to add the peas, but I think I will next time (only I might only put in 1 cup).
And how was it?
Terrific. And it made a LOT. (Guess what I'll be having for lunch for the next few days.)
What new recipe have you made for yourself and/or your family?
March 13, 2019
A New Release
by Karen Rose Smith
Along with my Kensington cozy mysteries, I also write romances for Harlequin. I was so pleased when they asked me to participate in a new continuity series--Furever Yours. The series centers around a pet rescue center in North Carolina. My novel in the series is THE NANNY CLAUSE which will be released on March 19 in print and on April first as an e-book. The hero and heroine's love story revolves around his three adorable daughters and a pregnant stray cat that becomes a part of his family.
It was easy for me to write the feline birthing scenes because my husband and I had experienced the event with a pregnant stray cat we found in our backyard and took into our home. She had her litter of kittens under the desk in my office. It was awe-inspiring to watch the birth and the immediate bonding Halo developed with her three kittens.
We found good homes for two of the kittens and kept Halo and her firstborn Miss Paddington. Four years later, the two of them still have a special bond...they eat together and share the solitude of my office at night.
Here is a preview for THE NANNY CLAUSE:
Three kids. One pregnant cat. And one perfect nanny…
When Daniel Sutton's daughters rescue an abandoned calico, the hardworking attorney doesn't expect to be sharing his home with a litter of newborns! And the adorable kittens aren't his only house guests. Animal shelter volunteer Emma Alvarez is transforming the lives of Daniel and his three girls. The first-time nanny is a natural with kids and pets. Will that extend to a single father ready to trust in love again?
THE NANNY CLAUSE on Amazon
THE NANNY CLAUSE on Barnes and Noble
Along with my Kensington cozy mysteries, I also write romances for Harlequin. I was so pleased when they asked me to participate in a new continuity series--Furever Yours. The series centers around a pet rescue center in North Carolina. My novel in the series is THE NANNY CLAUSE which will be released on March 19 in print and on April first as an e-book. The hero and heroine's love story revolves around his three adorable daughters and a pregnant stray cat that becomes a part of his family.
It was easy for me to write the feline birthing scenes because my husband and I had experienced the event with a pregnant stray cat we found in our backyard and took into our home. She had her litter of kittens under the desk in my office. It was awe-inspiring to watch the birth and the immediate bonding Halo developed with her three kittens. 
We found good homes for two of the kittens and kept Halo and her firstborn Miss Paddington. Four years later, the two of them still have a special bond...they eat together and share the solitude of my office at night.
Here is a preview for THE NANNY CLAUSE:
Three kids. One pregnant cat. And one perfect nanny…
When Daniel Sutton's daughters rescue an abandoned calico, the hardworking attorney doesn't expect to be sharing his home with a litter of newborns! And the adorable kittens aren't his only house guests. Animal shelter volunteer Emma Alvarez is transforming the lives of Daniel and his three girls. The first-time nanny is a natural with kids and pets. Will that extend to a single father ready to trust in love again?
THE NANNY CLAUSE on Amazon
THE NANNY CLAUSE on Barnes and Noble
Family...the good the bad and the How in the heck can we be related.
Hi, Everyone, Reagan Summerside here talking about families and there are no families on this here planet closer than Southern families and that includes the Summersides. We’re all different for sure...Mamma and KiKi were sisters. At birth the muses tangoed over auntie’s crib turning her into Savannah’s dance diva and they wrapped mamma in a blanket with little elephants resulting in this campaign and me getting the name Reagan.
but we’re there for each other when it counts like now when Mamma’s running for office!
“People are going to hate me if I do this,” I said to Auntie KiKi. “They’re going to cuss a blue streak and call me names and tell me to mind my own blankety-blank business and then slam the phone in my ear.” “Oh for crying in a bucket, Reagan.” KiKi shoved a computer printout at me. “Time to put on your iron-clad bloomers and dial the numbers on this here sheet. It’s your very own mamma everyone in this room is trying to get elected to city council.
The last thing on earth I want to do is make campaign calls but I will because it’s for Mamma. I keep reminding myself this is the woman who single-handedly raised me after Daddy went boar hunting with the good old boys proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that guns and Johnny Walker Red are indeed a mighty poor mix.
Mamma and Auntie KiKi have always been there for me not rubbing it in when I divorced Hollis Beaumont the Third when they both told me from the get-go he was a horse’s patoot.
Usually I let them have their way because they are my elders and the fact that they don’t listen to me any more than I listen to them but on occasion I put my foot down and get my way.
I studied Mamma and Auntie KiKi and Bruce Willis, a huge wave a thankfulness that we were still here in this kitchen sucking air pouring over me. “We need a group hug,” I blurted. “Honey,” KiKi said in her best auntie voice. “This isn’t California, we’re Republicans. We’re more a kiss on the forehead you’ll be fine as a fiddlekind of family then we just move on with life.”I folded my arms across my too tight green warm-up suit and held my ground.
And then there’s my wedding that’s just around the corner...…you’re walking me down the aisle, BW is the ring bearer, Mamma is officiating and we’re having pot roast and mac and cheese for dinner. You got to admit that’s better than rubber chicken. And of course the best part is I’m marrying the best guy ever.
Okay, so you know my family and now I want to know about yours. When was the last time you did something for them when you reeeeeally didn’t want to? Dog sit? Kid sit? Throw a party for obnoxious Uncle Harry?
March 11, 2019
It's That Time Again
by Maggie SeftonWow! It's Tax Time again. Time to gather all your bank statements, W-2 forms, and get to work. If you're one of the millions of Americans----and the vast majority----it will be quick work. You can easily fill out a single or a married filing jointly tax return and drop it in the mail. Easy, easy.
However, if you are one of us who have small businesses (and writing fiction is a very small sector of the American Economy), it is the time to gather all the receipts and 1099 forms that show income received during the previous year and categorize and total everything. And write it down. If we are comfortable enough with filling out tax forms, then we can correctly fill out the IRS form Schedule C for Sole Proprietors (of small businesses). Since I had spent many years as an accountant and a CPA before that, I did all the preparatory work and filled out the forms myself, even during the early years when I was working as an accountant in various offices and writing fiction at nights and weekends. . Then, when the Kelly Flynn Mysteries were published and began selling (quite well, I'm pleased to say), I decided to turn the final phase of the job over to a CPA. Thank goodness! It was quite time consuming, and I had fiction to write.
The characters from DEADLY POLITICS were banging on the door, demanding to be put on the page. Then, a few years later, the characters from my 1890 Historical Mystery---SCANDALS, SECRETS AND MURDER---started demanding their turn onstage.
Cozy Chicks Blog readers and friends are well aware of how pushy and assertive fictional characters can be because the Chicks have shared that with you over the years. And all of the Chicks are SO very grateful and happy that you enjoy our books. Meanwhile, join the rest of us and finish up those tax forms---or---hand everything over to an experienced accountant. Then, you can relax with a good book. :) Enjoy!
March 10, 2019
TRUSTING YOUR GUT, YOUR BRAIN OR THE FLIP OF A COIN
By Mary Kennedy
What do you do when you have an important decision to make? When a major life choice looms ahead of you? I've noticed Lori Grenier from Shark Tank often says, "What does your gut tell you?"
This the traditional advice and most people would approve of it. They believe it trusting their gut to lead them down the right path and not make a mistake. (and maybe you feel this way, I don't know!)
It's not easy making choices and people are resistant to change. It unsettles them, makes them feel nervous and insecure. Whether small or large, a decision can definitely be a stressor. The thought of making the wrong decision can make us literally paralyzed with doubt and fear. And a big dose of anxiety
But going back to the "trust your gut" philosophy, did you know that a recent study shows that people do better when they take a more rational approach to decision-making and leave emotion out of it? How can this be, you wonder! It flies in the face of conventional wisdom. And could you do it? Here's how it works.
. When you come across a novel situation, your brain begins to analyze it, but emotions also creep in. And memory creeps in. So when the brain recognizes a "familiar" situation, it immediately searches memory banks for similar scenarios.
And here's where your emotions may play tricks on you. Your recall of a past situation may not be as complete as you think, and the memory may be partial. So if your emotions bring up a small negative connotation to the past situation, you might be ready to throw out the present situation without properly examining it. You might think, "I've been down this road before and it didn't bode well!"
Throwing out the baby with the bath water, to coin a cliche!! And no one wants to do that.
The secret? It's okay to recall past situations but make sure your emotions aren't outweighing your rationality and common sense.
And if you're wondering how the flip of a coin comes into decision making, it's how my best friend always makes her decisions. She simply flips a coin. Heads she says yes, tails she says no to an opportunity.
Why does this work? Because it doesn't matter which way the coin lands. What depends is your reaction to the result. Are you happy or sad? Did you wish the coin toss had gone the other way? It really focuses your thinking. Try this the next time you have a decision to make and see if it works for you!
By Mary Kennedy
What do you do when you have an important decision to make? When a major life choice looms ahead of you? I've noticed Lori Grenier from Shark Tank often says, "What does your gut tell you?"
This the traditional advice and most people would approve of it. They believe it trusting their gut to lead them down the right path and not make a mistake. (and maybe you feel this way, I don't know!)
It's not easy making choices and people are resistant to change. It unsettles them, makes them feel nervous and insecure. Whether small or large, a decision can definitely be a stressor. The thought of making the wrong decision can make us literally paralyzed with doubt and fear. And a big dose of anxiety
But going back to the "trust your gut" philosophy, did you know that a recent study shows that people do better when they take a more rational approach to decision-making and leave emotion out of it? How can this be, you wonder! It flies in the face of conventional wisdom. And could you do it? Here's how it works.
. When you come across a novel situation, your brain begins to analyze it, but emotions also creep in. And memory creeps in. So when the brain recognizes a "familiar" situation, it immediately searches memory banks for similar scenarios.
And here's where your emotions may play tricks on you. Your recall of a past situation may not be as complete as you think, and the memory may be partial. So if your emotions bring up a small negative connotation to the past situation, you might be ready to throw out the present situation without properly examining it. You might think, "I've been down this road before and it didn't bode well!"
Throwing out the baby with the bath water, to coin a cliche!! And no one wants to do that.
The secret? It's okay to recall past situations but make sure your emotions aren't outweighing your rationality and common sense.
And if you're wondering how the flip of a coin comes into decision making, it's how my best friend always makes her decisions. She simply flips a coin. Heads she says yes, tails she says no to an opportunity.
Why does this work? Because it doesn't matter which way the coin lands. What depends is your reaction to the result. Are you happy or sad? Did you wish the coin toss had gone the other way? It really focuses your thinking. Try this the next time you have a decision to make and see if it works for you!
By Mary Kennedy
TRUSTING YOUR GUT, YOUR BRAIN OF THE FLIP OF A COIN
By Mary Kennedy
What do you do when you have an important decision to make? When a major life choice looms ahead of you? I've noticed Lori Grenier from Shark Tank often says, "What does your gut tell you?"
This the traditional advice and most people would approve of it. They believe it trusting their gut to lead them down the right path and not make a mistake. (and maybe you feel this way, I don't know!)
It's not easy making choices and people are resistant to change. It unsettles them, makes them feel nervous and insecure. Whether small or large, a decision can definitely be a stressor. The thought of making the wrong decision can make us literally paralyzed with doubt and fear. And a big dose of anxiety
But going back to the "trust your gut" philosophy, did you know that a recent study shows that people do better when they take a more rational approach to decision-making and leave emotion out of it? How can this be, you wonder! It flies in the face of conventional wisdom. And could you do it? Here's how it works.
. When you come across a novel situation, your brain begins to analyze it, but emotions also creep in. And memory creeps in. So when the brain recognizes a "familiar" situation, it immediately searches memory banks for similar scenarios.
And here's where your emotions may play tricks on you. Your recall of a past situation may not be as complete as you think, and the memory may be partial. So if your emotions bring up a small negative connotation to the past situation, you might be ready to throw out the present situation without properly examining it. You might think, "I've been down this road before and it didn't bode well!"
Throwing out the baby with the bath water, to coin a cliche!! And no one wants to do that.
The secret? It's okay to recall past situations but make sure your emotions aren't outweighing your rationality and common sense.
And if you're wondering how the flip of a coin comes into decision making, it's how my best friend always makes her decisions. She simply flips a coin. Heads she says yes, tails she says no to an opportunity.
Why does this work? Because it doesn't matter which way the coin lands. What depends is your reaction to the result. Are you happy or sad? Did you wish the coin toss had gone the other way? It really focuses your thinking. Try this the next time you have a decision to make and see if it works for you!
By Mary Kennedy
What do you do when you have an important decision to make? When a major life choice looms ahead of you? I've noticed Lori Grenier from Shark Tank often says, "What does your gut tell you?"
This the traditional advice and most people would approve of it. They believe it trusting their gut to lead them down the right path and not make a mistake. (and maybe you feel this way, I don't know!)
It's not easy making choices and people are resistant to change. It unsettles them, makes them feel nervous and insecure. Whether small or large, a decision can definitely be a stressor. The thought of making the wrong decision can make us literally paralyzed with doubt and fear. And a big dose of anxiety
But going back to the "trust your gut" philosophy, did you know that a recent study shows that people do better when they take a more rational approach to decision-making and leave emotion out of it? How can this be, you wonder! It flies in the face of conventional wisdom. And could you do it? Here's how it works.
. When you come across a novel situation, your brain begins to analyze it, but emotions also creep in. And memory creeps in. So when the brain recognizes a "familiar" situation, it immediately searches memory banks for similar scenarios.
And here's where your emotions may play tricks on you. Your recall of a past situation may not be as complete as you think, and the memory may be partial. So if your emotions bring up a small negative connotation to the past situation, you might be ready to throw out the present situation without properly examining it. You might think, "I've been down this road before and it didn't bode well!"
Throwing out the baby with the bath water, to coin a cliche!! And no one wants to do that.
The secret? It's okay to recall past situations but make sure your emotions aren't outweighing your rationality and common sense.
And if you're wondering how the flip of a coin comes into decision making, it's how my best friend always makes her decisions. She simply flips a coin. Heads she says yes, tails she says no to an opportunity.
Why does this work? Because it doesn't matter which way the coin lands. What depends is your reaction to the result. Are you happy or sad? Did you wish the coin toss had gone the other way? It really focuses your thinking. Try this the next time you have a decision to make and see if it works for you!
By Mary Kennedy
March 8, 2019
The Dogs Next Door
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
About 14 months ago, new neighbors moved in.
They had dogs. Rather big dogs.
Ruh-roh!
When I was five, I got bitten by a wire fox terrier who was just as big as me when he charged and knocked me down. Since then, I've been wary about "big" dogs.
I love dogs. Little dogs. My parents had scotches and Westies and they were pretty much sweet little dogs. Mac (the Scottie and their first) was our favorite, but their last dog, Jessie, was also a sweetheart, and in between was Buddy, who was a joy to walk. I would love to have a dog--preferably a small poodle mix. Supposedly, poodles don't smell when they get wet. But -- Mr. L isn't a dog person. He once was, but I converted him to being a cat person, and now he doesn't want to look back. *Sigh*
And so our neighbors have these largish dogs. We thought that might be a problem, but it turns out it hasn't. Their yard wasn't fenced when we moved in, and the chain-link fence we had wasn't up to code. Mind you, it was grandfathered in, but since the new neighbors also had children--one of whom was only three, we decided to upgrade our fence. Oooba-dooba -- that was a headache, and incredibly expensive. Even worse, they said they could do the fence in one day. They didn't. So there was our in-ground pool EXPOSED for more than 24 hours and there was a small child next door. (The dogs had been going out on leashes for their outdoor visits.) Finally the fence was in, but the gate was not. I'm a born worrier, so that was another headache. Finally, the gate and fence were finished. And a few weeks later, the neighbors finished off fencing their yard on both sides of the house. Looks very nice.
That's when they started letting their dogs loose in the yard, and since then we have had hours of entertainment.
These are very quiet dogs. So when we hear them bark, we know they mean business. Usually there's a squirrel (or some other animal) on the other side of the big fence at the back of their yard, which the previous owner put in as a wind break. When we hear them bark, we usually look out the window. Yup--one of them has barked to say, "We're cold! Let us in." Sure enough, a few seconds later, the back door opens and dogs go inside with their tales wagging incredibly fast. Sometimes we see them wrestling in the snow. The other day, I was clearing the driveway and one of them (Lucy) came bounding up to the fence to warn me not to intrude on her territory. I told her, "Good dog!" She kind of blinked and said, "Oh, okay" and then ran back to play with her pack-mate.
Next time I get a chance to talk to the neighbors, I'm going to ask if it would be okay for me to give them dog biscuits. I'd like to make friends with them.
Meanwhile, here's a picture of one of our new kittens, Poppy. Isn't she adorable? (Um, for some reason she thinks she can help me write. She also likes to sit on my mouse which is uncomfortable for both of us.) It's okay if Mr. L has become a cat person. It really is.
Are you a dog or cat (or other animal) person?
About 14 months ago, new neighbors moved in.
They had dogs. Rather big dogs.
Ruh-roh!
When I was five, I got bitten by a wire fox terrier who was just as big as me when he charged and knocked me down. Since then, I've been wary about "big" dogs.
I love dogs. Little dogs. My parents had scotches and Westies and they were pretty much sweet little dogs. Mac (the Scottie and their first) was our favorite, but their last dog, Jessie, was also a sweetheart, and in between was Buddy, who was a joy to walk. I would love to have a dog--preferably a small poodle mix. Supposedly, poodles don't smell when they get wet. But -- Mr. L isn't a dog person. He once was, but I converted him to being a cat person, and now he doesn't want to look back. *Sigh*And so our neighbors have these largish dogs. We thought that might be a problem, but it turns out it hasn't. Their yard wasn't fenced when we moved in, and the chain-link fence we had wasn't up to code. Mind you, it was grandfathered in, but since the new neighbors also had children--one of whom was only three, we decided to upgrade our fence. Oooba-dooba -- that was a headache, and incredibly expensive. Even worse, they said they could do the fence in one day. They didn't. So there was our in-ground pool EXPOSED for more than 24 hours and there was a small child next door. (The dogs had been going out on leashes for their outdoor visits.) Finally the fence was in, but the gate was not. I'm a born worrier, so that was another headache. Finally, the gate and fence were finished. And a few weeks later, the neighbors finished off fencing their yard on both sides of the house. Looks very nice.
That's when they started letting their dogs loose in the yard, and since then we have had hours of entertainment.
These are very quiet dogs. So when we hear them bark, we know they mean business. Usually there's a squirrel (or some other animal) on the other side of the big fence at the back of their yard, which the previous owner put in as a wind break. When we hear them bark, we usually look out the window. Yup--one of them has barked to say, "We're cold! Let us in." Sure enough, a few seconds later, the back door opens and dogs go inside with their tales wagging incredibly fast. Sometimes we see them wrestling in the snow. The other day, I was clearing the driveway and one of them (Lucy) came bounding up to the fence to warn me not to intrude on her territory. I told her, "Good dog!" She kind of blinked and said, "Oh, okay" and then ran back to play with her pack-mate.
Next time I get a chance to talk to the neighbors, I'm going to ask if it would be okay for me to give them dog biscuits. I'd like to make friends with them.
Meanwhile, here's a picture of one of our new kittens, Poppy. Isn't she adorable? (Um, for some reason she thinks she can help me write. She also likes to sit on my mouse which is uncomfortable for both of us.) It's okay if Mr. L has become a cat person. It really is.Are you a dog or cat (or other animal) person?
