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Monday, May 25, 2015

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day, America! Today, while you're out with family and friends, or whatever you do, please spare a moment to thank the soldiers who keep us safe.

Thank you to our soldiers and veterans for your service to our country.  If you're overseas, we pray for your safe return home, but if you can't be here, please know that we're thinking of you.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Page Uploaded for FIRE!


Just a little treat for my blog readers today: the page for FIRE, Book Four in The Elemental Series, has now been uploaded to my website!  You can check it out by clicking the link, along with a first look at the excerpt for the book!

I can't wait for you to meet Ethan, the fourth of my Elementals.  He's troubled and passionate, and the sparks between him and the heroine, Gypsy, just fly! I'm in the homestretch of the first draft, so I hope you'll be able to meet them soon.  Until then, happy reading!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Speedy Seasons


















Every year, it seems that the weather warms up in a hurry.  As much as I complained about the preceding winter, I'm ready to groan over how hot it gets ... normally.  This year, I welcome the sun and warmth, because even into mid-May, I'm remembering those snowbanks that went up over my head.

I know that once it hits those hot, humid extremes, I'll change my tune, but for now, the weather appears to be trying to behave itself.  I am enjoying watching my gardens flourish, and looking forward to the first vegetable harvest.  We've got tomatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, peppers, and spinach - not to mention a host of herbs and flowers to enjoy.

What do you plant in your gardens?   How do you spend your spring?  I'd love to hear.  In the meantime, enjoy the season!  No matter what, it goes by too fast.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Restaurant Review: Bull and Bear


The family and I tried something new for dinner last night - Bull and Bear Roadhouse in Liverpool, NY.  It opened recently, and its lot has been packed with cars ever since.  We decided it was high time to see what the fuss was about.

On first impression, the outside was neat, but could have used a little weeding in its landscaping.  Inside, it was quite noisy.  The bar was packed, but we were greeted and seated in the dining room right away.  The room was noticeably loud and quite warm.  I assume their A/C needs a little attention.  The heat was unpleasant, and the noise made it difficult to hold an across-the-table conversation without raising my voice.

Our orders were taken and brought to the table promptly.  The waitress was attentive without being pushy, and very honest about her opinions when we asked about the menu offerings.  The menu was not extensive, but sturdy and varied.  I ordered the Vermonter burger and loaded salts with a glass of ice water.  The meal cost $11.  The burger was generous and piled with toppings, but in no way was it done to hide the taste of the meat.  The meat itself was course-ground Angus chuck, and very flavorful.  In one bite, this became my new favorite burger in Central NY. The loaded salts were three salt potatoes with pulled pork, sour cream, and chives, and they hit the spot.  The pork was very good, seasoned nicely with a not-too-sweet, not-too-savory balance.  When finished with the meal, I was too stuffed for dessert. :)

Hubby ordered the Vermonter with tater tots and sriracha sauce.  It's hard to mess up a tater tot, but he enjoyed his meal.  My son got a grilled cheese and fries, which was a $4 meal and also generously portioned.  Overall, the meals and two soft drinks for my boys cost just over $30.

I would definitely visit again in spite of the noise and heat.  Pleasant experience and worth going back.

Rating: Four of five stars

Happy Mother's Day!


Today, I'd like to wish a very Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there, near and far.  I'm not one to gush publicly over my son, but as a mother myself, I never thought I could love another human being so much.  It's a special bond, and one worth celebrating.

Whatever it is you do today, whether it's going out to dinner with your family or spending a quiet day at home, I hope you have a happy and peaceful day.  Enjoy!

Friday, May 01, 2015

Winner of the 2015 Earth Day Giveaway!

Congratulations to Dee G., the winner of the 2015 Earth Day Giveaway!  Dee chose a copy of HEAVY NETTING, my book in The Wild Rose Press's Lobster Cove series:



Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's contest. Please keep checking back with me for announcements of future contests. Congratulations again to Dee G.  Happy Reading, and Happy Earth Day!