Did You Know

 Did you know, President Warren G. Harding's dog Laddie Boy had his own seat at cabinet meetings? Supposedly, the dog howled for the three days prior to the President's death.

For more infomation: Laddie Boy - Wikipedia

Writerly Wednesday

 What's your word, synonym, example or sentence for:

Example: That book is simply amazeballs.

Ketch-Up Day

 

Not much excitement this week. Just critters, sunsets and a few more daffies.  What about on your end?

That's all, buds.

Weekend Wishes

 

AND

AND

AND

Traditional Romanian Holiday

Did You Know

 Did you know, the original color purple was made from the secretions of a rare sea snail and became the royal color, not only because of its vibrant hues, but because only the rich could afford it.

 

 More information at: Why is Purple Considered the Color of Royalty? | HISTORY

Writerly Wednesday

 What's your word, example, sentence or definition of:

 

 Sentence: Winkle-pickers were popular in the 1950s.

Ketch-Up Tuesday

 

Did you celebrate Valentine's Day, and if so, how?

We had a good one. We went to Shelton Vineyard and had a delicious lunch.As we left we were given a rose and truffles and macaroons.   Oh my gosh, the macaroons where the best I've ever had. Usually, it's the sweet cream flavor that comes through but with these it was the coconut. I ordered flatbread pizza and soup. The HH got a burger and fries and the price was about what we spend on breakfast at our go-to breakfast establishment. Both reasonable and delicious.

ROSES, ROSES AND MORE ROSES

From my valentine:)

 

Also from my valentine;)

 

From Shelton Vineyard

And Shelton's Vineyard's Strawberry Rose Spritzer recipe

That's all, blogger buds.

Weekend Wishes

 

Did You Know

Did you know, polar bears have black skin?

For more information:

Beyond White: Are Polar Bears Black? - MarinePatch

Writerly Wednesday

 What is your synonym, definition or sentence for:

Sentence: I have gubbins of story ideas floating around in my mind.

 

 

Ketch-up Tuesday

 

How are you? 

This week is busy, busy, busy here.

Being from the Midwest, I'm always stunned to see daffies blooming in February. They are cropping up everyone and the robins are out in number. Spring has got to be right around the corner. Here's our first. Pretend you don't see the weeds that are cropping up as well.

And, of course, the Christmas/Lenten roses. (Helleborus)

AND

More snow in Colorado.

Thanks, Julie.

What's the weather like there?

Weekend Wishes

 

Did You Know

 Did you know, that if you wrap the ends of a clutch of bananas in plastic it will keep the bananas fresh and yellow longer.

 

For more information:

How to Store Bananas So They Don't Turn Brown (realsimple.com)

IWSG Wednesday

 

 The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, SE White, Victoria Marie Lees, and Cathrina Constantine!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional
February 7 question: What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author's books? Constant mention of books?

The only thing I’ve run across that bothers me is when they’re awash in negativity. Everyone is entitled to air the discomfort they are going through or talk about the bad day they’ve had with their blogger buds. It’s just a sharing of themselves. But I’ve visited a couple of blogs that each and every post is centered around a grievance. They have nothing positive to say. Those are the blogs that bother me.

 

January/February Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

YOUR LIFE WITH JESUS: How to Spark memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir by J. Q. Rose

This is the second book in the author’s Life Storytellers Series. In it she gives specific directions for memoir writing including: how to begin the memoir, spark memories and engage readers. The book is divided into two parts: spurring memories and topics for journaling.

This book is geared to the reader who is looking to journal their religious experience and readers who enjoy spiritual memoirs.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

IN DARKNESS: THE ALIEN by L. Diane Wolfe

The fourth installment of IN DARKNESS is based on an alien, complementing the series of werewolf, vampire, and shark.

Working at a research station, Liz, our protagonist is kidnapped and sold. Bought by Stren for her planetary mining knowledge she is expected to marry her owner. Surprises ensues when she is slated to be chipped and her captor has his removed.

A great round-out for the IN DARKNESS series. 

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

THE EDGE by David Baldacci

Travis Devine is sent to a small town in Maine to find the killer of the CIA operative Jenny Silkwell. But the case takes several twists and turns, and leads to several other murders, and a rape, that were covered up years ago.

I found this story riveting.  Some of Mr. Baldacci’s work I’m lukewarm about and some of it, I really like.  This one fell into the really like category.  Definitely a well-told tale.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

ANY OTHER NAME by Craig Johnson

This is number 10 in the Longmire series and another winner. Lucian drags Walt into another case that he must solve before rushing to Philadelphia to be present when his granddaughter enters the world.

Available at Amazon

 

DRY BONES by Craig Johnson

Number 11 is another intriguing read. This one deals with dino bones and a loss that strikes close to home.

 

AN OBVIOUS FACT by Craig Johnson

In number 12, in the midst of a huge bike rally, held in Hulett Wyoming we meet Lola. The Lola that Henry Standing Bear’s 59 Thunderbird is named for.

 

THE WESTERN STAR by Craig Johnson

Old memories collide with new in book number 13 as Walt waits for the parole hearing, of a dangerous felon, that he has a personal stake in and remembers his time aboard the Western Star.

 

A FATHOMLESS AFFAIR by Staci Troilo

Ms. Troilo’s firm grasp of her craft shines through in the sixth installment of the Pointe Series. Not only does the author create characters that are relatable and likeable, she creates personalities that we really, really don’t like 😊 And does it well.

Lorelei—and don’t you love that name—Audley is faced with too many crises to count while planning a wedding for her self-absorbed father at the Harbor Pointe Inn. Crises that include the paranormal. Luckily, she has two people squarely in her corner. A young man she just met and her wedding planner. But none of them are prepared for what happens next.

These well-developed characters and the story held my attention all the way through. The author’s pacing was spot on and her world building quite beautiful. A FATHOMLESS AFFAIR is another great addition to the series.

Available at Amazon 

 

 

 

 

 

Ketchup Day

 

 

 Not too much going on here. I took Penny out the other night to do her business and there was a possum sitting on the fence.  Didn't see that one coming. What's going on there?

GARDEN PICTURES 

Blackberry Leaves

 

CRITTER PIC AND VID

Louie, and Pearl and the Squirrel

AND from Colorado, eighteen inches of snow.

Thanks,Julie.

 That's all, blogger buds.

Your Weekend Read IN DARKNESS: THE ALIEN

 

In Darkness: The Alien
By L. Diane Wolfe

Souls shrouded in darkness…

 

Abducted from her research station, Liz’s life is flung into chaos. Sold into servanthood for her knowledge of planetary mining to a race called the Stren, she discovers her problems go far deeper. She is to marry her alien master, Krist, after enduring a procedure designed to eradicate her emotions.

Desperate, Liz persuades the Stren to grant her the duration of a short voyage to change his perception of emotions. But how can she convince someone lacking feelings of their value? Is there a means of accessing the emotional side of Krist before it’s too late?

Krist, the Alien – “Food is substance. While it must be palatable, it’s primary duty is to nourish. I do not have favorites, but fish is a dish that satisfies the criteria. Fresh fruit is also desirable. And while the taste of wine such as the type my brother produces from his vineyard is palatable, I do not consume more than one glass at a time. It distorts my reasoning and senses too much.”

Release date – February 6, 2024

From Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. www.dancinglemurpress.com
Romance-Science Fiction / Science Fiction-Alien Contact / Romance-Paranormal
eBook ISBN 9781939844972 $3.99

A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s an editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://www.spunkonastick.net/ - Spunk On A Stick
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ - Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Links:
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6QVWB2K
iTunes - https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6449979850Le
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940166065681
Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844972
Everand - https://www.everand.com/search?query=9781939844972

Gardners - https://www.gardners.com/Search/KeywordAnonymous/eBook?Keyword=9781939844972
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171026121-in-darkness

 

Did You Know

 Did you know, that Gary Cooper was originally offered the role of Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind but turned it down because he thought the film would be a huge failure.  Sorry Gary.

 

 

For more information: Gary Cooper refused the role in "Gone with the Wind" and thought the film would be a massive failure (thevintagenews.com)