Kate Collins's Blog, page 53
September 26, 2018
A Feline Catch Up
by Karen Rose Smith
With the arrival of veterinary checkup notices for our year-old "kittens," I began reflecting back over the past year. Last summer, our rescued feline family of three inside cats and two outside feral visitors had settled into a routine where each member had a role that they were comfortable with. Zoie Joy (pictured above) was my bedtime companion, usually nestled on a pillow next to me. Halo and Paddy, our mother-daughter duo, settled in my office each night. Bonnie and Clyde, our outside brother/sister pair, spent their days outside and came into the basement each evening.
Then came Zander and Freya! They were found under a friend's porch and needed a forever home.
Freya
Zander
HaloThe whole household feline dynamic suddenly changed and each cat once again struggled to determine his/her role in the family. Halo, a beautiful sleeper who had reluctantly agreed to share the bed with Zoie, now had a third competitor for bed space. Zander loves cuddling up next to me and nuzzling his head against mine.
Freya, on the other hand, struggled to find her place in the mix. For some reason, perhaps because of their similarity in color, Zoie often shows her disapproval of her little "sister." Freya desperately wants to be hugged and loved. Often that happens in the middle of the kitchen...I simply pick her up and hug and cuddle her. Slowly she has begun sitting next to me on a dining room chair and having a heart to heart conversation together at least once a day.
PaddyI thought Paddy would enjoy someone new to play with. But she was slow to accept intruders in her domain. Now there are times of playful banter mixed with some snarls and chasing through the house. She has her favorite spot in a cat bed in an upstairs bedroom. The kittens know to stay clear of that space.
Bonnie and Clyde still enjoy their days roaming the yard, but as they get older seem to be staying closer to the house. They occasionally hunt in the field and bring us a "present" which they leave in the basement. Bonnie, in particular, does not like wet weather. She is a barometer. We know when she settles in the basement earlier than usual that we are going to have unsettled weather that night.
Clyde
Bonnie
A year after the arrival of Zander and Freya, things have slowly settled once again into a routine. The kittens are now almost full grown and enjoy extended naps each afternoon and evening. They also enjoy playtime each night before bed with ping pong balls and play mice.
A large feline family can have its challenges but the joy these cats bring and the smiles that they generate are well worth the extra time they require. A warm little nose nuzzling against my hand or a paw resting on my arm offer comfort and peace after a long stressful day.
Zander
With the arrival of veterinary checkup notices for our year-old "kittens," I began reflecting back over the past year. Last summer, our rescued feline family of three inside cats and two outside feral visitors had settled into a routine where each member had a role that they were comfortable with. Zoie Joy (pictured above) was my bedtime companion, usually nestled on a pillow next to me. Halo and Paddy, our mother-daughter duo, settled in my office each night. Bonnie and Clyde, our outside brother/sister pair, spent their days outside and came into the basement each evening.
Then came Zander and Freya! They were found under a friend's porch and needed a forever home.
Freya
Zander
HaloThe whole household feline dynamic suddenly changed and each cat once again struggled to determine his/her role in the family. Halo, a beautiful sleeper who had reluctantly agreed to share the bed with Zoie, now had a third competitor for bed space. Zander loves cuddling up next to me and nuzzling his head against mine.Freya, on the other hand, struggled to find her place in the mix. For some reason, perhaps because of their similarity in color, Zoie often shows her disapproval of her little "sister." Freya desperately wants to be hugged and loved. Often that happens in the middle of the kitchen...I simply pick her up and hug and cuddle her. Slowly she has begun sitting next to me on a dining room chair and having a heart to heart conversation together at least once a day.
PaddyI thought Paddy would enjoy someone new to play with. But she was slow to accept intruders in her domain. Now there are times of playful banter mixed with some snarls and chasing through the house. She has her favorite spot in a cat bed in an upstairs bedroom. The kittens know to stay clear of that space. Bonnie and Clyde still enjoy their days roaming the yard, but as they get older seem to be staying closer to the house. They occasionally hunt in the field and bring us a "present" which they leave in the basement. Bonnie, in particular, does not like wet weather. She is a barometer. We know when she settles in the basement earlier than usual that we are going to have unsettled weather that night.
Clyde
Bonnie
A year after the arrival of Zander and Freya, things have slowly settled once again into a routine. The kittens are now almost full grown and enjoy extended naps each afternoon and evening. They also enjoy playtime each night before bed with ping pong balls and play mice.
A large feline family can have its challenges but the joy these cats bring and the smiles that they generate are well worth the extra time they require. A warm little nose nuzzling against my hand or a paw resting on my arm offer comfort and peace after a long stressful day.
Zander
September 25, 2018
Last Chance...
September
Kindle Deal of the month
Lethal in Old Lace for $1.99
Get LIOL here
excerpt...
I will not freak out, I will not freak out! I chanted with both eyes closed tight. I finally got the guts to pry one eye open hoping the casket had a light inside like a car did. You know how you close the car door and the light stays on for a bit till you get things going and since this was a super-super model coffin why not. But there was no light, not even a glimmer. Black and nothing but black. I could hear movement and muted voices. Someone was out there so I wasn’t alone, I reassured myself. Hey, I wasn’t under dirt, no tombstone on top, I was in an office, remember. Breathe, just breathe! Try diversion, think of how nice and comfy the silk was, how the pillow held my head so it didn’t flop around like a dead fish, and something was ringing? My ears? Oh, right, my phone! And it was loud! I wiggled my hand into my purse and maneuvered the flip phone to my ear, “Hello,” I whispered. “Reagan,” came Boone’s voice. “Why are you whispering? Where are you?” See, this is one of the reasons I never wanted a phone...anyone could get me anytime! “I’m in coffin. So, how’s your day going?”
September 24, 2018
Sweet Girl Katy
by Maggie SeftonDon't worry, folks. I'm not bearing more sad news. My dear 14 year old
Black Lab/Black Border Collie mix Katy is doing fine. She has adjusted to Max's sudden disappearance with the help of the neighbor dogs surrounding our house---a Boxer mix on one side, a mixed breed behind the back fence, and a full Boxer on the left side.
Everybody comes out to greet each other and bark at different times during the day. So Katy definitely has "doggie contact" every day. Of course, nothing compares to having a close doggie companion by your side. But I'll be traveling again in a week and a half and Katy will go to what I call the Doggie Ranch where she gets to play loose in a safe enclosed area with other dogs she knows. Since I do travel a lot, Katy gets to play with those doggie friends regularly. Right now, she's curled up on her cushion bed near the glass patio door watching the afternoon sun slowly fade away.
You can tell that the seasons are shifting. Our wonderfully warm Colorado temps have stayed warm ever since summer, believe it or not. Sunshine, too. Autumn will definitely appear, suddenly. And our leaves will start to change and all those Autumn scents in the air and sounds will show up as well. Just an hour away in Rocky Mountain National Park (at 7500---8000 ft as opposed to 5000 ft here in Fort Collins) the news footage is already showing the Elk challenging each other, heads down and antlers tangling. And there's nothing that signals Autumn like the eerie call of a Bull Elk. Higher pitched than you would think. I'll be traveling Back East soon to my old hometown area of Northern Virginia soon to see family and friends. Granddaughter Natale, who's a sophomore at University of Rhode Island and a Volleyball player, will be in the Northern VA area for a Volleyball tournament which I'll definitely join daughter Christine's family as they go to watch and cheer her team on. :) I'll also be able to see and visit daughter Melissa and daughter Maria and husband John----plus the three kids. :) Always lots of fun.
And---if you have a doggie or a kitty member of the family around, please make sure to pay some extra attention to them and give them a pat for me.
September 23, 2018
PARIS IS CALLING--AGAIN!
By Mary Kennedy
There's something magical about Fall in Paris. The August summer crowds have left the city, the shops have re-opened for business, and while the cafes might not be as empty as the one pictured above, there are certainly fewer pedestrians, less traffic and it's easy to maneuver around the city. And you can always get a seat at Le Bonaparte, my very fave Paris bistro. In case you're looking for it, it's at 42 Rue Bonaparte, so it's easy to remember.
I highly recommend the croque monsieur or croque madame. Delish!
Or a baguette with fromage and jambon is also a good choice! Very classic and be sure to save room for a delicious pastry.
The tough part about ordering a French pastry is that the choices are endless! Somehow French women eat them and stay thin, something I've never been able to figure out.
I love Paris in September and October. The weather is usually sunny, the winter cold hasn't set in, and I can find delightful little shops that were closed the summer. Here's an adorable cat bed I found in a little shop in the Marais district, the shop is devoted entirely to cats! (and those who love them.)
And Paris perfect for strolling and people watching at this time of year. A lovely stroll down the Champs Elysees is a delight, whether by day or night.
Airlines are offering some wonderful deals on flights to Paris, so that's another incentive. Hope you manage a trip this Fall, I know you'll enjoy it!
Happy travels!! mary
There's something magical about Fall in Paris. The August summer crowds have left the city, the shops have re-opened for business, and while the cafes might not be as empty as the one pictured above, there are certainly fewer pedestrians, less traffic and it's easy to maneuver around the city. And you can always get a seat at Le Bonaparte, my very fave Paris bistro. In case you're looking for it, it's at 42 Rue Bonaparte, so it's easy to remember.
I highly recommend the croque monsieur or croque madame. Delish!
Or a baguette with fromage and jambon is also a good choice! Very classic and be sure to save room for a delicious pastry.
The tough part about ordering a French pastry is that the choices are endless! Somehow French women eat them and stay thin, something I've never been able to figure out.
I love Paris in September and October. The weather is usually sunny, the winter cold hasn't set in, and I can find delightful little shops that were closed the summer. Here's an adorable cat bed I found in a little shop in the Marais district, the shop is devoted entirely to cats! (and those who love them.)
And Paris perfect for strolling and people watching at this time of year. A lovely stroll down the Champs Elysees is a delight, whether by day or night.
Airlines are offering some wonderful deals on flights to Paris, so that's another incentive. Hope you manage a trip this Fall, I know you'll enjoy it!
Happy travels!! mary
September 21, 2018
My summer of thrifting
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
When I look back on yard sale season, I think ... wow, it was bad this year. That is until I look at my pictures of my various hauls and remember what I got. You never know what you're going to find when you hit a yard sale. Below are just a few of the treasures I found.
I just started decorating for fall. Everything but the pumpkin on the right I got at a yard sale. (Okay, on the tray--not the loveseat or coffee table, etc.)
The flowers, vase, pumpkin, little BOO, doily and tray cost me less than $3 and I love them all.
Most of the things I bought this summer were things I intend to use to decorate. I've never really been into decorating before, but I started watching things like the Summer 2018 $5 Goodwill Challenge on Youtube. (They came out with the fall challenge on Monday.) Wow, what some of these ladies find and do for five bucks is astounding.
Here are some of the highlights from my summer of thrifting.
Now I can't say where this little chalk elephant is going to go, but it won't be any seasonal decoration. I do have an elephant collection, and right now he's just sitting on my bookshelf wondering where he will live. I'll have to ponder that. He's about 5 inches tall, so he doesn't take up much space.
I love this plastic tray that I got at a rummage sale. It was $3 a bag--and I filled it. I figure the tray cost me about a quarter. It's so cheerful, I'm going to use it to decorate come spring. I've got some small carved wooden birds that will look adorable on it.
This beautiful conch shell was in a free box with a lot of other large and small shells. One of my readers asked if there was a hole ini it. Yup. It turns out that's where they pushed the unlucky sea creature out to eat it. Awwwwww...
Can you ever have enough wreaths for the front door? I scored this one at a rummage sale to benefit a cat rescue. I think it looks nice for fall, but will take the bird's nest away. I can put it on one of my summer wreaths.
How about this haul? Don't turn your nose up at the tea-stained potholder. Two days soaking in Oxiclean turned it pristine white once again. These items were from a church rummage sale for a total of $2. (It wasn't a bag sale.) I'm just getting into "orphan" teacups and saucers, thanks to reviewer/blogger and reader Karen Owen. Check out her instagram profile and see how she pairs up orphans.
That faux Ball jar looks cute with silk hydreangeas in it.
Love this little lamp.
Teacups? Boy did I find teacups. I love it when the owner gives you the history. This one was a buck at a yard sale and the woman said she had been a pre-school teacher for 37 years. During that time, the staff had a yearly "tea" and she collected odd cups here and there for them to use. This was one of them. The picture doesn't do it justice--it's gorgeous. This one's a keeper and won't be given away on one of my Facebook events. (Lots of others will!)
That's just scratching the surface of my summer finds. Which one is your favorite?
=====================================
P.S. If you are having a hard time leaving comments on our blog, the best browser to use is Google's Chrome. Google owns the server where The Cozy Chicks blog resides and they just like it better when you use their product. Go figure!
When I look back on yard sale season, I think ... wow, it was bad this year. That is until I look at my pictures of my various hauls and remember what I got. You never know what you're going to find when you hit a yard sale. Below are just a few of the treasures I found.
I just started decorating for fall. Everything but the pumpkin on the right I got at a yard sale. (Okay, on the tray--not the loveseat or coffee table, etc.)
The flowers, vase, pumpkin, little BOO, doily and tray cost me less than $3 and I love them all.
Most of the things I bought this summer were things I intend to use to decorate. I've never really been into decorating before, but I started watching things like the Summer 2018 $5 Goodwill Challenge on Youtube. (They came out with the fall challenge on Monday.) Wow, what some of these ladies find and do for five bucks is astounding.
Here are some of the highlights from my summer of thrifting.
Now I can't say where this little chalk elephant is going to go, but it won't be any seasonal decoration. I do have an elephant collection, and right now he's just sitting on my bookshelf wondering where he will live. I'll have to ponder that. He's about 5 inches tall, so he doesn't take up much space.
I love this plastic tray that I got at a rummage sale. It was $3 a bag--and I filled it. I figure the tray cost me about a quarter. It's so cheerful, I'm going to use it to decorate come spring. I've got some small carved wooden birds that will look adorable on it.
This beautiful conch shell was in a free box with a lot of other large and small shells. One of my readers asked if there was a hole ini it. Yup. It turns out that's where they pushed the unlucky sea creature out to eat it. Awwwwww...
Can you ever have enough wreaths for the front door? I scored this one at a rummage sale to benefit a cat rescue. I think it looks nice for fall, but will take the bird's nest away. I can put it on one of my summer wreaths.
How about this haul? Don't turn your nose up at the tea-stained potholder. Two days soaking in Oxiclean turned it pristine white once again. These items were from a church rummage sale for a total of $2. (It wasn't a bag sale.) I'm just getting into "orphan" teacups and saucers, thanks to reviewer/blogger and reader Karen Owen. Check out her instagram profile and see how she pairs up orphans.
That faux Ball jar looks cute with silk hydreangeas in it.
Love this little lamp.
Teacups? Boy did I find teacups. I love it when the owner gives you the history. This one was a buck at a yard sale and the woman said she had been a pre-school teacher for 37 years. During that time, the staff had a yearly "tea" and she collected odd cups here and there for them to use. This was one of them. The picture doesn't do it justice--it's gorgeous. This one's a keeper and won't be given away on one of my Facebook events. (Lots of others will!)
That's just scratching the surface of my summer finds. Which one is your favorite?
=====================================
P.S. If you are having a hard time leaving comments on our blog, the best browser to use is Google's Chrome. Google owns the server where The Cozy Chicks blog resides and they just like it better when you use their product. Go figure!
September 20, 2018
The Gettysburg Connection
by Karen Rose Smith
When I write a cozy mystery, I try to make each book special with an element that will give the novel an extra sparkle. In MURDER WITH LEMON TEA CAKES, coins were involved in solving the mystery. In MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES, Amish quilts and an art gallery added a Lancaster touch. In MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES, (June 2018 release) food critics abound. I'm working on Daisy mystery #4 now, MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS. Besides creating a scrumptious cherry tart recipe, I wanted to give the book another Pennsylvania local connection. I chose Gettysburg.
Recently, I went on a research trip there. The Battlefield always drew us as bike riders when our son was young. We'd ride the paved route and hop off bikes to study the monuments. Devil's Den was always a popular destination. It is located on a hill covered by large boulders on the south end of Houck's Ridge. It played a prominent role on the second day of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.
My favorite and most meaningful landmark however has always been The Peace Light.
If you've ever been to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. and felt the church-like atmosphere of standing there, you can begin to understand the hushed atmosphere at The Peace Light. There are no picnic tables or interactive stations. There is simply the monument and what it stands for...the words engraved in the granite. The monument symbolizes the blue and grey uniting under one flag. The gas-lit flame was the inspiration for the eternal flame on President John F. Kennedy's grave at Arlington.
The photo below was snapped at the base of the peace light. It shows the monuments, distinctive fencing and open fields that are so prevalent on the battlefield.
I hope you enjoy all of the Daisy Tea Garden releases and look forward to cucumber sandwiches and cherry tarts!
When I write a cozy mystery, I try to make each book special with an element that will give the novel an extra sparkle. In MURDER WITH LEMON TEA CAKES, coins were involved in solving the mystery. In MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES, Amish quilts and an art gallery added a Lancaster touch. In MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES, (June 2018 release) food critics abound. I'm working on Daisy mystery #4 now, MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS. Besides creating a scrumptious cherry tart recipe, I wanted to give the book another Pennsylvania local connection. I chose Gettysburg.
Recently, I went on a research trip there. The Battlefield always drew us as bike riders when our son was young. We'd ride the paved route and hop off bikes to study the monuments. Devil's Den was always a popular destination. It is located on a hill covered by large boulders on the south end of Houck's Ridge. It played a prominent role on the second day of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.
My favorite and most meaningful landmark however has always been The Peace Light.
If you've ever been to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. and felt the church-like atmosphere of standing there, you can begin to understand the hushed atmosphere at The Peace Light. There are no picnic tables or interactive stations. There is simply the monument and what it stands for...the words engraved in the granite. The monument symbolizes the blue and grey uniting under one flag. The gas-lit flame was the inspiration for the eternal flame on President John F. Kennedy's grave at Arlington.
The photo below was snapped at the base of the peace light. It shows the monuments, distinctive fencing and open fields that are so prevalent on the battlefield.
I hope you enjoy all of the Daisy Tea Garden releases and look forward to cucumber sandwiches and cherry tarts!
September 19, 2018
Hi, Duffy Brown here up to my elbows in dirt... I’ve been...
Hi, Duffy Brown here up to my elbows in dirt... I’ve been replanting my garden in hopes that the new one will bloom a lot better than the old. While shoveling dirt and digging holes I realized that I’m planting a lot of poison, a little something any mystery lover would consider, right?When writing Pearls and Poison the title doesn’t leave much to the imagination on the murder weapon of choice but the question is how to get the job done. With a gun you pull the trigger and bam it’s over. With a knife it’s slash and dash, but with poison the possibilities are endless. The big question is, where do you get it? You just don’t walk into Walgreens and ask which aisle has the cyanide. How much do you need? Which ones work the best? What do you mix it in?
So, like I always do when I have a question, I hit the Google and there it was…plants! With Pearls and Poisonset in Savannah there are lots and lots of plants year round. All I had to do was pick one, a not so healthy one. Decisions, decisions.Everyone knows Poinsettia berries are a big no-no but I bet you didn’t know those lovely spring daffodils you adore can cause big problems. You may not die; you’ll just be so sick you wish you were dead.I have a whole hedge of oleander in my back yard and one plant could probably wipe out my neighborhood. Good thing we never used the sticks to roast marshmallows!
Rhododendron, jasmine azaleas and wisteria, foxglove and columbine are so beautiful, the are the focal point of spring gardens and toxic to extreme. The victim gets deathly ill then a coma and then he kisses his butt goodbye. ( I used one of these in Pearls and Poison)You can eat dandelions but yew is fatal and has no symptoms you just keel right over. Up one minute dead the next.And then there’s Lantana, buttercups, periwinkle Vinci rose and hydrangeas. These are in every summer garden and pot and totally lethal. How can thing be so lovely and so deadly?I did a ton of research for Pearls and Poison to get the right poison and figure out how to get the victim…who deserves to die…to drink it.When doing this research I was invited to a dinner party and asked to bring ice cream instead of the salad. Gee, I wonder why?I had a cleaning lady. All my poisonous plant books along with Deadly Doses, Armed and Dangerous andIntent to Killwere on my desk. She never came back. Life is not easy for a mystery writer.
I just planted an Angel Trumpet in my front yard. It’s one of the most deadly plants on earth but it’s so beautiful. Mine isn’t blooming yet but you can see how it’s going to turn out. Least the deer won’t eat this one. Hugs,Duffy Brownwww.DuffyBrown.com
Pearls and Poison third book in Consignment Shop Mysteries
September 17, 2018
My Sweet Boy Max
by Maggie SeftonI promised our supportive Cozy Chicks Blog readers and fans an explanation for my short
post last Tuesday. The reason for the delay was because Monday of last week was a heartbreaking day for me. My sweet, silly, and devoted Blue Tick Coon Hound/Black Lab mix, Max, died all too suddenly within that one day. Only Ten years old, Max should have lived in his healthy and happy surroundings until his mid-teens. My Black Short Hair Border Collie/Black Lab mix, Katy, is fourteen this year. She has now survived the passing of two doggie partners---Rottweiler Carl who developed lung cancer and died in 2008 and now Max. I will explain what caused this sudden death.
Monday of last week, Max was acting normally---playing outside with Katy. Barking with the neighbor dogs on all three sides----Boxer mix Ginger, Multi-Mix "Barky Dog" and purebred Boxer on the 3rd side, Jesse. Max was running around with Katy like usual after breakfast. I was working on the laptop in the living room and could see the two of them outside through the screen door. Later in the morning I took a break and went into the kitchen to refill my iced tea and glanced outside. I only saw Katy sniffing around the bushes. Lots of bushes line the back fence in my back yard, providing lots of doggie hiding places. So I stepped outside and looked around. I didn't see Max anywhere. I use a combination lock on the gate to my back yard----I had to to keep long-nose Max from opening the chain link fence gate years ago. I looked around the yard for Max and called his name. He didn't come.
Then I looked inside the open door to the garage. There was Max, lying on the garage floor. I walked over to him and called his name. He lifted up his head, looked at me, then put it down again. I thought his taking a rest was a little unusual, but I let him rest. A half hour later I came back to the garage and checked Max again. This time he didn't lift his head. But I noticed his breathing looked heavier than normal. So-----I called out to my neighbor with Ginger. Lauren was a part-time Vet Tech and I asked her to help me put Max in the back of my Explorer because my instinct told me to take him to the Vet School Clinic not that far away. Colorado State University has a top College of Veterinary Medicine and Medical Research. Lauren stayed in the back with Max and listened to his heart with her stethoscope.
As we drove Lauren reported that Max's heartbeat was very slow. And as we were turning into the long driveway to the front of the Vet School Clinic, Lauren said: "Maggie, he's gone!"
I cannot tell you how shocked I was and how that grabbed my heart. When I pulled in front of Vet Clinic, I ran inside and told them at the front desk and they immediately wheeled out a gurney and brought Max into one of the exam rooms. There, one of the Vet students said that unfortunately they do see sudden deaths of healthy dogs. I told them I wanted to find out what happened to my sweet boy, and they suggested I sign for a Necropsy to be performed. It would examine Max's entire body and brain and find answers then issue a report.
Last Thursday, one of the Vets called me and explained what they found. Max had developed cancerous tumors that had aggressively spread around his body, not causing any pain and didn't show up on any x-ray or could be felt by a vet. No signs or symptoms. The Veterinarian explained that type of cancer tumor had attacked Max's blood vessels and when they reached a certain size, one of them ruptured. When that happened, death was swift. The Vet also said chemo was not effective against these tumors. It was a stark report, but it did bring some closure.
I had Max cremated, like Carl and Samson before him, so I can sprinkle his ashes around the back yard and scatter some of them in the mountains. A fitting tribute to an active and lovable Hound Dog.
Sweet Boy Max.
September 16, 2018
WHY IS IT SO HARD TO PART WITH BOOKS?
By Mary Kennedy
It's that time of year again! I have to say adieu to some of my beloved books and it never gets easier. It's for a good cause. The local AAUW (American Association of University Women) holds an annual book sale and the benefits go for college scholarships for women.
But I'm such a wuss when I try to decide who makes the cut.
After dithering around for way too long, I finally decided to make three piles. Books that were absolute keepers, books I could give away to a great cause, and book that I think I'd like to read again.
Here's what I came up with (and this might help you if you're in "donation" mode.)
Books that are keepers.
This was actually easier than I thought. Books that are autographed. Many have lovely notes inside and there is no way these treasures are leaving the house!
I also included books that have great sentimental value. A copy of Rudyard Kipling'sThe Cat That Walked by Himself, a gift from my father. My father inspired my lifelong love of books (and animals!) and I could never part with the books he gave me.
Now, on to category two. Books I can give away without too much of a pang. I included a lot of travel books. I used to love collecting travel books, reading about exciting, exotic places that I hoped to visit one day. Marrakesh, Trinidad, Cairo. I still like to thumb through them, but they take up a lot of room and I can find anything I need on the internet. So, adios, Abu Dabi! (at least for now.)
Category three was the toughest, because it includes books that I probably will want to read again. Many are written by friends and I enjoy re-reading the earlier books in the series.
When I checked my Kindle, I found that I already had digital versions of these old favorites, so all was well! I could give my paperback editions to some new fans who would love the books as much as I did. So it was all good...
How about you, do you find it hard to part with books?
Mary Kennedy
It's that time of year again! I have to say adieu to some of my beloved books and it never gets easier. It's for a good cause. The local AAUW (American Association of University Women) holds an annual book sale and the benefits go for college scholarships for women.
But I'm such a wuss when I try to decide who makes the cut.
After dithering around for way too long, I finally decided to make three piles. Books that were absolute keepers, books I could give away to a great cause, and book that I think I'd like to read again.
Here's what I came up with (and this might help you if you're in "donation" mode.)
Books that are keepers.
This was actually easier than I thought. Books that are autographed. Many have lovely notes inside and there is no way these treasures are leaving the house!
I also included books that have great sentimental value. A copy of Rudyard Kipling'sThe Cat That Walked by Himself, a gift from my father. My father inspired my lifelong love of books (and animals!) and I could never part with the books he gave me.
Now, on to category two. Books I can give away without too much of a pang. I included a lot of travel books. I used to love collecting travel books, reading about exciting, exotic places that I hoped to visit one day. Marrakesh, Trinidad, Cairo. I still like to thumb through them, but they take up a lot of room and I can find anything I need on the internet. So, adios, Abu Dabi! (at least for now.)
Category three was the toughest, because it includes books that I probably will want to read again. Many are written by friends and I enjoy re-reading the earlier books in the series.
When I checked my Kindle, I found that I already had digital versions of these old favorites, so all was well! I could give my paperback editions to some new fans who would love the books as much as I did. So it was all good...
How about you, do you find it hard to part with books?
Mary Kennedy
September 13, 2018
Nothing like a hot cup of tea in an historic home
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
If you know anything about me, you know that I LOVE tea. I start every day with a cup (and usually drink an entire pot) and often have another cup or two in the afternoon.
I am a tea addict, and I'm not ashamed.
That said, mostly drink English Breakfast (black) tea, and not much else. The fun part comes because I have a lot of teacups and tea mugs. Chosing one every day makes the day start with a lot more whimsy.
Not long ago, Mr. L and I visited the Buffalo area and visited the Millard Fillmore house. I was surprised at how many artifacs were available from our 13th pesident, a man who only served two years after the death of Zachary Taylor.
That's a cardboard cut-out of President Fillmore on the porch.
For such a small house, which Fillmore built with his own two hands, there were an astonishing amount of presidential artifacts.
The teapot above belonged to Fillmore's first wife, Abigail. I wonder how many wonderful cups of tea she delighted in from that pretty pot.
This teacup belonged to the Fillmore family. It was probably used by the President. Think of the history!
The above tumbling-block quilt was made by the first Mrs. Fillmore. The stitching was exquiste. The bedframe was the bed they took to the white house and slept in for their two-year tenure.
The docents at the Fillmore house were fantastic and kept us spellbound with their tales about the last Whig-party president.
I went to visit the Buffalo area because I wanted to reconnect with my character, Jeff Resnick, for an upcoming book, but I'm pretty sure he never visited the Fillmore home. Still, it never hurts to visit the rich history of any area you write about, and I'm sure glad I visited the Fillmore House.
This makes three presdential homes I've visited. The first was Mount Vernon, home of George Washington. The second was James Buchanan's home (Wheatland) in Lancaster, PA, and now Millard Fillmore's home.
Have you ever visited a home of a president?
If you know anything about me, you know that I LOVE tea. I start every day with a cup (and usually drink an entire pot) and often have another cup or two in the afternoon.
I am a tea addict, and I'm not ashamed.
That said, mostly drink English Breakfast (black) tea, and not much else. The fun part comes because I have a lot of teacups and tea mugs. Chosing one every day makes the day start with a lot more whimsy.
Not long ago, Mr. L and I visited the Buffalo area and visited the Millard Fillmore house. I was surprised at how many artifacs were available from our 13th pesident, a man who only served two years after the death of Zachary Taylor.
That's a cardboard cut-out of President Fillmore on the porch.For such a small house, which Fillmore built with his own two hands, there were an astonishing amount of presidential artifacts.
The teapot above belonged to Fillmore's first wife, Abigail. I wonder how many wonderful cups of tea she delighted in from that pretty pot.
This teacup belonged to the Fillmore family. It was probably used by the President. Think of the history!
The above tumbling-block quilt was made by the first Mrs. Fillmore. The stitching was exquiste. The bedframe was the bed they took to the white house and slept in for their two-year tenure.
The docents at the Fillmore house were fantastic and kept us spellbound with their tales about the last Whig-party president.
I went to visit the Buffalo area because I wanted to reconnect with my character, Jeff Resnick, for an upcoming book, but I'm pretty sure he never visited the Fillmore home. Still, it never hurts to visit the rich history of any area you write about, and I'm sure glad I visited the Fillmore House.
This makes three presdential homes I've visited. The first was Mount Vernon, home of George Washington. The second was James Buchanan's home (Wheatland) in Lancaster, PA, and now Millard Fillmore's home.
Have you ever visited a home of a president?
