Kate Collins's Blog, page 47

December Thoughts

by Maggie Sefton





I'm about to travel back to Northern Virginia again.  Lots of activities and get-togethers with my family there.  As I've mentioned before, I have 3 of my 4 daughters in the Northern Virginia and all of my grandchildren.  So, it's constantly busy.


Before I leave, however, I wanted to remind Cozy Chicks readers and friends that the 16th Kelly Flynn Mystery was released this past summer.  DYEING UP LOOSE ENDS.  I still love that title.  This mystery has input from every one of the Kelly Flynn  regular cast of characters, so I think readers will definitely enjoy it.


[image error]

MORE CAT TRIVIA FROM THE KENNEDY CATS!

By Mary Kennedy                                               

Henry (and some of the other Kennedy cats) who weren't featured last week thought you might like some more cat trivia. Henry, by the way, used to be called my "sociopathic cat" because he was so aggressive, but he has totally reformed. I thought this was a cute photo of him "behind bars," and I always remind him that if he's not careful, he'll end up in juvie.
*The ridge pattern of a cat's nose is unique to each cat, just like a human fingerprint. Oscar, pictured below, said he thought everyone knew that!                                                                                 
*Female cats tend to be right paw dominant, and male cats tend to be left paw dominant.                                                                             
Eliza (mother of five!) said she wonders if that's why male cats never want to ask directions and why female cats are good at remembering birthdays. 
                                                                                     
*Cats can't taste sweetness. (so don't bother giving them desserts, and whatever you do, don't give them chocolate, it can be fatal.) Damian, pictured above, wants to remind everyone to hide the Christmas candy.                                                                           
Damian asked that I post two pictures of him since I left him out of the blog last week. Here you go, sweetie! Damian is fond of baskets (but aren't all cats?)
*cats love boxes. In case you've forgotten, your cat will probably enjoy the box as much as the gift!                                                                         
*Be sure to remember your local shelters with a donation around the holidays. 
My local shelter, Faithful Friends, in Wilmington, Delaware is quite amazing. You can visit them on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/ffasdelaware Or go to their website www.faithfulfriends.us You can follow them on Twitter!  https://twitter.com/faithfulfriendsYou can follow them on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/ffas_delawa...
 Calpurnia wants to remind you that every donation between now and Feb 15th is doubled!!!So please help Faithful Friends help the animals. They're doing an amazing job but can do more with your help.                                                                         
The Kennedy cats say, Happy Holidays, everyone! 

The Reluctant Bride

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

You know about Victoria Square thanks to the Victoria Square Mysteries. Artisans Alley takes center stage in those books, but the merchants--and their businesses--are just as intriguing. They all have stories to tell ... and that's what the Life on Victoria Square companion series is all about.

The next installment in this series is THE RELUCTANT BRIDE, coming on January 2nd and ready for pre-order.

Don Parsons and Nick Ferrell bought a ramshackle Victorian spinster and plan to transform her into a Painted Lady. Weddings and other parties are a part of their business plan. They’ll be hosting a small ceremony and reception for bride-to-be Lauren Washborne … except she doesn’t seem all that enthusiastic about her upcoming nuptials. Don wants to know why—but Nick is against the idea. Will Lauren have a chance to live happily ever after, or will her suitor be left at the altar?

Kindle US |  Kindle Worldwide  |  Nook  |  Kobo  |  Apple Books

Want to read some reviews?  Check them out on Goodreads.

Winter with Bonnie and Clyde

by Karen Rose Smith

After our recent measurable snowfall, I was admiring the white landscape across the backyard.  I was struck by the number of animal prints that were left in the snow by our feral visitors.  While I couldn't determine who left all of the tracks, I knew some of them were left by Bonnie and Clyde, our two faithful visitors, who have been around for over three years after they were captured, neutered, spayed and released as kittens.

The neutering process must have traumatically affected them because, even three years later, they are still feral.  They have made some strides in trusting us because they come for food and now spend most nights in our basement.  Clyde will let us pet him, but the slightest movement of our feet or hands sends him scurrying.  Bonnie will pass close by but will not tolerate sudden movements or the slightest attempt to pet her as she passes by.

But with the onslaught of an already harsh winter, I am so glad that they trust us enough to come inside our basement.  And this year they seem to be more comfortable with the warm inside surroundings.  Many days they are waiting outside to come in around noon, rather than their usual summer late afternoon or early evening arrivals.

They spend the afternoons napping and we try to spend time with them before their evening feeding.  It is reassuring to watch Clyde purr as he is massaged after eating or even to see Bonnie sit close by, still debating if she trusts us enough to allow us to make contact.  She enjoys playing with the wand or chasing treats as long as the play is done on her terms. 





Each day, I rest more comfortably when I know the pair are safely in the basement for the evening...one less pair who are outside struggling to stay warm and well-fed.  I have shared in previous blogs things we have done to help our feral community be safe over the winter months.  Here is another wonderful article for caring for community or stray cats in winter.  CLICK HERE FOR LINK.

As you sit around the fire and enjoy your family and friends this holiday season, remember the feral feline community who also need warmth and food...also water.

a bit of bragging

Some of the reviews for Tandem! Thanks everyone for posting on Amazon! That you all are having fun with Evie and the Mackinac Island gang sure makes my day.Hugs, Duffy 
Intriguing, funny, and a wonderfully plotted mystery, TANDEM DEMISE has it all. There are more twists and turns than you’ll find on even the most winding of bike paths. As the story built to the climax, I was both excited to read who the killer was, and bummed that the book was almost over. Duffy Brown fans, you can’t go wrong with TANDEM DEMISE. New to this author and/or series? Strap on your helmets, you’re in for a wonderfully bumpy ride! Lisa KS Book reviewsThere were lots of secrets, red herrings and just plain fun times on Mackinac Island in this book. I didn’t want the book to end! After the exciting showdown as well as the sweetest ending though, I can’t wait for more! Tari Hann Cuddle Up With A Cozy Mystery
Do yourself a favor and read this one if you like warm, rollicking mysteries with likeable people, charming places and a few red herrings. Five stars for this one. Historical Reminiscing with Marilyn Marilyn Watson
The humorous, snappy dialogue kept the action moving and the entertainment at a high level with laugh out loud moments.Eva Millien Littery Addicts Book community

I was enrapt with the setting (Mackinac Island--how wonderful!), the weather, the wonderful characters. All that would have been fantastic, but what author Duffy Brown did to deliver the plot and the super-twisty convolutions and fool me? Over the top superb!
~Mallory Heart's Cozies From page one Evie and Fiona had me cracking up. Their antics provided this reader with many laughs and giggles.
~My Reading Journeys Tandem Demise is a humorous and engaging cozy mystery.
~The Avid Reader The premise for this book is ripe for a punchline. What do a cop, a wedding planner and a dock worker have in common? Unfortunately for the dock worker, it is death on a Wedding Paradise Island.
~Laura's Interests What a wonderful read by Duffy I love her books. She has a way of drawing the reader in and holding your attention until the very end.
~Babs Book Bistro

Return To Earth

by Maggie Sefton

                                                                                                                   
My entire family is getting excited right now because my daughter---NASA Astronaut Serena---will return to Earth with her two crew mates on or about December 19th of this month.  Serena plus Russian Cosmonaut Kasparov and ESA (European Space Agency) Astronaut Gerst will climb aboard the Soyuz capsule and leave the International Space Station (ISS) to return to Earth.  Believe me, Cozy Chicks readers and Friends, I will breathe a huge sigh of relief when my daughter is once again on Mother Earth.

Serena and her crew mates, Kasparov and Gerst, plus  the three new astronauts who recently joined them via the Soyuz, have been kept busy.  The SpaceX Falcon rocket has brought up new shipments of supplies including their recent Thanksgiving dinner.  It's also brought new scientific experiments for the astronauts to research in the weightless environment of the ISS.

Serena also participated in several Question and Answer sessions with Elementary, Junior High, and High School students.  I was able as a family member to watch the live sessions on NASA TV.  The kids always asked fascinating questions.  Pictured above is  Serena during one of these NASA TV student sessions.

 

FUN FELINE FACTS FROM THE KENNEDY CATS

By Mary Kennedy                                                 
The Kennedy cats (all six of them!) thought you might enjoy reading some feline trivia!
Why do cats love people who don't like cats?     One theory is that people who don't like cats are usually disinterested in your beloved cats when they come to visit. They don't try to interact with the cats in any way, and this makes them seem non-threatening to a cat. (Calpurnia just reminded me that the Chinese believe that people who don't like cats were rats in another life but I usually keep this thought to myself in the interests of being a good hostess!)                                                                              
Are cats smarter than dogs?
Every cat I've ever had would say yes! But if you want to be technical about it, cats have 300 million neurons in the prefrontal cortex part of the brain and dogs have about half of that. Not sure this proves anything because cats and dogs can learn at the same rate. Of course, there are very few "helper" cats and a ton of "assistance dogs" but maybe that is just because cats don't believe they were put on earth to serve. In their minds, we're here to serve them! Dogs have the advantage of being domesticated thousands of years before cats.
                                                                              

Do cats prefer to be alone? Are they really that independent? 
Cats love being with their humans and can feel intense separation anxiety when parted. They also form strong bonds with other cats. As far as feral cats, it's important to rescue them before 4 months, because the best window of time to "socialize" them. After that, they seem to keep to themselves and continue their feral ways even though you've brought them into the house.
                                                                              
Why does your cat like to lick you?
Even though you may flinch at their tuna breath, cats love to lick you and nuzzle you. It's their way of saying they feel perfectly safe with you and you are part of their family.
More about cats next week!
Mary Kennedy

It's that time of year!

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

Sometimes we forget that not everyone celebrates the holidays, be it because they belong to other religious persuasions or have no religion at all. But there's one thing we should all be able to agree on ...

COOKIES!
The holiday season is about spoiling those you love and...why not yourself, too?  And one way to do that is with food.

Here's a recipe for a favorite of mine.

SNOWBALLS
Ingredients
1 cup butter softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 325ºF (170ºC, Gas Mark 3) Cream the butter and sugar in medium-sized bowl until creamy. Add the vanilla; beat until well mixed. Add the flour and nuts; beat at low speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until well mixed. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes; roll in powdered sugar while still warm and again when cool.

Yield:  4 dozen cookies

Every day can be a holiday. What's your favorite holiday cookie recipe?.

Deck The Halls

by Karen Rose Smith



My husband and I were on our way to a holiday party last weekend and I enjoyed seeing the decorations that were appearing on houses along the way.  I was struck by the variety of decorating ideas.  Each was special in its own way.  While we celebrate Christmas as a gigantic holiday with its parades, gift-giving and festive atmosphere, I couldn't help but wonder about the family traditions that were behind each decorated home we passed.  More than a starred date on the calendar, the holiday is also a family celebration of traditions and memories that are uniquely special to each household.
What kind of holiday decorator are you?  Have you developed your own decorating style or are your decorations part of a long-standing holiday family tradition?
Are your decorations professionally prepared? 

Are you an over-the-top outside decorator with multiple lights and garlands?


Are you decorations simple but tasteful? 

Do you follow a holiday decorating theme? 

Do you prefer funky whimsical decorations?

Regardless of your decorating style, I hope you enjoy the process of decorating and appreciate the joy it brings to all who see your holiday displays. 

Why Cozies??

Hi, Duffy Brown here chatting about Cozies and why they are so popular.
Cozy CrazyCozy 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?