Friday Sinema: Midnight Clear Space Rangers

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Silver James

So, waaay back in 1989, when MTV was really starting to be a thing, so did music videos that were more than just concert footage. They were little mini-movies. Also, waaay back then, production processes weren’t as high tech as they are now. Anyway, Kenny Rogers recorded this song and I LOVED it! At the time, I mentioned to LG that Kenny should turn it into a made-for-TV movie, along the lines of his “The Gambler.” Fast forward a few years. I heard the song again and decided I’d write my own screenplay based on it. I was playing around with various writing “forms” at the time. I wrote the story of a current-day Texas Ranger who needed some help and got it in the form of space rangers from the planet Texas. It went into the bottom of a file drawer and sat for about ten years. During a cleaning spree, I found that box, and decided I could turn that screenplay into a book. Or, at least a novella. I started it, got about 10K words into it and a different project caught my attention. Skip ahead at least ten more years. While looking for another project, which was lost in my digital files this time, I tumbled across the WIP based on “Planet Texas.” Iffy, my Muse, magically appeared, demanded I finish the thing as a Christmas novella and gave me a deadline of December 15 to have it finished, polished, and released. It was a crazy week and an a half, but I did it. And so MIDNIGHT CLEAR came about and was set loose in the wild. I thought I’d give y’all a gander at the song and video that started it all. Remember what I said about the production values back in the old days. Those processes didn’t age well but you can get the gist of the story. And if you read my version of it, please give me a Christmas present by leaving a review either on Amazon or Goodreads. Please and thank you and enjoy!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Wonder

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Silver James

Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. From now until midsummer, the light slowly comes back into the world, shrinking the dark by seconds and minutes. There’s a reason the liturgical calendar also celebrates the birth of Christ this time of year. He, too, brought light back into the world. And then we have Santa Claus, who brings magic and wonder into the world. Yes, I still believe in the jolly old elf. And I especially believe in the wonder and magic of season.

I’ll also admit that sometimes, I lose the feeling of the season. The hustle and bustle. Life. Stress. Time running short. This. That. Whatever. And then I stop. Take a moment. And I see a child standing in line to whisper to Santa their most fervant wish for Christmas. Or I glimpse them behind the window of a car as their parents drive through a wonderland of lights and decorations. Or I help my grandson place shining ornaments on the tree and when the time is right, the lights are off as we wait in the dark on this longest of nights, and flip the switch. Light returns, from the star on the top to the twinlking lights twining through the branches, glittering ornaments gleaming. Yeah…the Universe agrees.

Laced throughout every day of your life, Silver, are hidden highways of opportunity, invisible crossroads of time, and avenues for great personal transformation that, if only traveled upon, would reveal the extraordinary, the sublime, and the unexpected.

Yet most slip by undetected until there is first a childlike wonder at the ordinary, the routine, and the expected.

Hot diggity-dog,
The Universe
©www.tut.com 

P.S. After all, it’s usually a dirt road, Silver, that leads to the diamond mine.

In addition to the whole believing in Santa Claus, I’m an advocate for taking the way less traveled. Sometimes, when you come to a fork in the road, you should just take it. That’s according to Yogi Berra. He also said, “You can observe a lot just by watching.” I have the feeling Yogi and the Big U sit around up there and chat from time to time. Anyway, when Life wears you down, look at the ordinary, the routine, and the expected through the eyes of a child. And when you find childlike wonder, go drive down a dirt road. Who knows? You might just find a diamond…

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Wednesday Words: Are You Being Served?

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Silver James

Last week was crazy, what with Iffy turning into a whirling dervish and the push to get MIDNIGHT CLEAR finished, revised, edited, proofed, formatted, uploaded, and published. Since the #ThursdayThreads prompt comes out each Thursday morning, and that was the day I had to have everything done, I glanced at the prompt between cups of coffee and went back to work. I did, however, make note of the prompt in case any of you want to use it. It is: **“Which service do you need?”** Since I don’t have new words to share, I’ll share some already written that at least have the word service in the snippet. This is a somewhat telling scene with Devlin and Kathleen, and her new…roommate. I hope you enjoy. And yes, I’m back at work on the Wolves.

****
Kathleen didn’t immediately get out of the SUV. Puck stuck his head between the front seats and nosed her cheek. She automatically reached to pet the big Newfie, all while avoiding meeting Dev’s eyes as he stood holding the car door open for her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Kathleen…”

She huffed out a breath and glanced up at him. “Are you sure this is the right thing to do?”

She had him there. He wasn’t sure. The boys all knew what had happened to Tommy Gallagher. But he also knew that this woman was meant to be his and if he claimed her, she needed to feel comfortable around his mates. She hadn’t grown up in his world and they were a rough-and-tumble lot.

“If you’re uncomfortable around—”

“No!” she cut him off immediately. Her cheeks flushed a fetching pink. “I’m a cop’s widow. They might not be…comfortable around me.

Dev hadn’t considered that possibility. Brian, Ronan, Mick, and Sean knew what her bastard of a husband had done to her but the others didn’t. Those in the know understood his protectiveness but only Ronan guessed the true depths of his feelings for Kathleen Gallagher. Declan and Callum were a bit concerned about what they considered his obsession with her but the younger men were too busy with their own concerns to care much. He knew his mates would accept her because she was his. It was the women who made him a bit leery.

He started to close the door. “We’ll do this another time.”

She shook her head and stopped the door from closing all the way. “No. It’s time to live my life.” She glanced into the back seat. “Are you sure it’s okay to bring Puck inside? It’s not like he’s a service dog or anything.”

He grinned and opened the back door so the big dog could jump out. Nose down, he immediately began to explore the small utility area. “I’ve already cleared it with Finn. So long as he doesn’t go in the kitchen, behind the bar or pee on anyone, it’s all good.”

At that moment, Puck paused, lifted his leg and marked the tire of a silver Land Rover. Kathleen laughed and Dev had to lock his knees. Her laugh was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard.

“I’ll not be tellin’ Declan that the wee doggy claimed his Rover.” He wouldn’t have to. Deck would know the moment he came outside and started to get into his vehicle. Taking Kathleen’s hand, he whistled for Puck and led them to the back door of Clancy’s.
****

There you have it. Just an interesting–hopefully–side scene that says a bit more about both Dev and Kathleen. And Puck. We can’t forget Puck! Also, how can it be almost Christmas? My shopping is done. Mostly. I still have a couple of stocking stuffers to pick up. And I need to make rolls. That’s on the list for tomorrow. Who else is almost ready Christmas? If you’ve got it all done and are just sitting back relaxing, shush! I don’t want to hear it. 😉

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Candied Christmas Pecans

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Silver James

Around here, we tend to give gifts of food to neighbors and friends when it comes on Christmas time. I’ve encountered Candied Pecans quite a bit in my life. I mean, I do live in the middle of pecan country. I can remember sitting on the back deck with my dad on a warm Autumn day shelling pecans. He had some customers that would always bring us big bags full of pecans in the fall. He used them to make caramel pralines. It wasn’t until “The Weasleys” moved in next door when Only was in middle school that I discovered the true delights of this treat. FYI, we called them the Weasleys because their two boys had red hair and then minute Only (who was a bit older) saw them, she hit them with the moniker. Anway, “Mrs. Weasley” would make Candied Pecans every Christmas and bring over a big jar. In return, I took them a pan of my homemade yeast rolls. This made both families happy. Sadly, we lost her several years ago to a rare blood disease, after a long illness. I did get the recipe though!

Candied Pecans

Note: I have no idea how long this actually takes. I just make them. It takes longer for them to cool than it does to make them. 🤷🏼‍♀️

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla

LET’S MAKE IT
1 – Stir ingredients together and cook in a heavy pan until soft ball (235-240° F) stage.
2 – Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of pecan halves.
3 – Turn onto foil-covered cookie sheet and spread.
4 – Let cool.
5 – Serve and enjoy.

Tip:
1. Store in air-tight jar or container.

The boys finally graduated from college and high school respectively and their dad put the house on the market. It sold in a week. We miss “The Weasleys” but we really enjoy or new neighbors too. This is their first Christmas in the house and yes, I’ll be taking them rolls, too. FYI, they call their place “The Weasley House” after I explained what Only meant when she said, ‘Oh! You guys are the ones who bought the Weasley House.” They laughed and decided that was a cool name. Anyway, these yummy munchies are so easy, even an old Texas Ranger like Cash Munro can make them. He’ll whip up a batch, sit on his front porch with his chair kicked back, boots up on the railing and watch the skies to see if “them fellers” ever come back. “An’ you tell your people, they don’t need no fancy thermometer. Just drop a drip into a cup of water an’ if it forms a soft ball, it’s done.” Which is true. But you have to touch the ball to make sure it’s soft and not hard and you really have to keep a close eye on your syrup to make sure it doesn’t hit hard ball stage because then you just end up with a glob of hard rock candy. LOL You can get to know Cash better by reading MIDNIGHT CLEAR and you can grab the book by clicking on any title mention or pic with the cover. These Candied Christmas Pecans make a perfect snack to munch on while you’re reading. What about y’all? Is there a special food or treat recipe that you make each Christmas to share with family and friends?

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Monday Eve of Christmas Monday

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Silver James

A week from today, people. Just sayin’… Hope everyone is ready, or close to being ready. I am, for all intents and purposes. I think. After the hectic braining of the last week and a half, I am no longer sure.

So what happened last week and over the weekend. As y’all know, I have a new book out.MIDNIGHT CLEAR came out of the blue. Well, finishing and publishing it did. I had no plans and then 💥 boom. The partially finished MS popped up on my computer and the rest is history. Sadly, the stress took its toll. I was supposed to give blood yesterday but when I got to the donation center, my BP was 162/78 and my hemoglobin count was 12.4. It has to be 12.5 to give. 🤦🏼‍♀️ The in-take lady suspects the hemoglobin was because I scarfed down a short Cinnamon Dolce Latte between the Starbucks on the the NW corner of the open air shopping mall where the donation center is located on the SE corner. Like a two minute drive (or a bit longer because Christmas shopping traffic and people fighting for the close parking spaces). Evidently 2 shots of espresso affects hemoglobin count. So does drinking tea, according to the tech. It probably didn’t help my blood pressure either. Anyway. I’ll try again the next time they have the mobile drive there.

I took Saturday off and basically vegged. Sadly, I felt a little guilty to not be working on the Boston Wolves. That’s my New Year’s Resolution–finish and publish them before the end of January! I’m just hoping Iffy stays as driven as she was on MIDNIGHT CLEAR. Yesterday was laundry, since I didn’t have the “blood drain” to blame for my laziness. And yes, I did manage to get them put up after folding. See, I fold as I pull stuff from the dryer. It goes into the basket until all the loads are done. Hang-up is hung up on the “laundry trolley.” By the time I’m done with the last load, I’m easily distracted and will walk away, leaving the basket there because it’s too much effort to carry it to the bedroom and put the clothes away. Yeah, yeah. I know. 🙄

Reading update: I’m 3 books away from meeting my 2023 Goodreads Reading Challenge of 150 books. I finished off the three books in Linda Winstead Jones’s Mystic Springs series. They are fun, cozy paranormal mysteries. Give them a try if you like that sort of thing. I’m currently listening to THE CURSE OF PENRYTH HALL. This is a gothic novel set just after WWI in Cornwall, England. I have mixed emotions so it’s a bit of a slog. The book has a lot of push and I’m trying to listen to new-to-me books and authors because yeah, I get in a tried-and-true rut and rely on my old-standby faves.

On a wildlife note, my murder of crows and the two ravens who hang out with them enjoyed their Sunday brunch yesterday. I feed the feral cats (and the occasional kept cat who shows up because they like my feral gushy food better than what they get at home) on the front porch. I feed the squirrels, and one is so bold that he’s almost eaten sunflower seeds out of my hand, along with the cardinals and some doves, bluejays, and sparrows in the back yard. In the driveway, I toss out any dogfood that Jake hasn’t finished off, along with leftover cat kibble, along with bird and sunflower seed out in the driveway. The starlings and the occasional cat, coon, or possum like the kibble. The doves, sparrows, chickadees, and wrens like the seed, and the driveway island squirrel goes for the sunflower seeds. The cross and ravens? They are all about the dog kibble and any meaty bits left over. Saturday night, LG grabbed food from Golden Chick so the Sunday morning had bits of french fries, crunchy chicken batter and some bits of chicken, along with the bits of hamburger leftover from Jake’s Friday night dinner. They were out in force yesterday happily cawing, awking, and chowing down. (Crows “caw.” Ravens “awk.”)

After the Wallyworld trip–stocking up enough to get my into mid-week next week because who in the world wants to face the crowds on the day after Christmas?!?!–, and with the laundry down yesterday, I’ll put my guilt for not working to good use and get back to work on the Wolves.

On that note, I’m off with one last request. If you’ve read MIDNIGHT CLEAR, please leave a review/rating or Amazon and/or Goodreads. Please and thank you! How was your weekend?

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Friday Sinema: Ol’ Red

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Silver James

Y’all know I’m a country music fan. And Blake Shelton is a favorite singer. So is Reba McEntire, who took Blake’s spot as a coach/judge on “The Voice.” And yes, we’re all proud Okies! I originally saw this performance on X but sharing from that platform doesn’t always work so y’all are getting the YouTube version. Sadly, it does not include the judges’ reactions, including that of Gwen Stefanic who is married to Blake. FYI, Blake recorded this song back in 2001 for release on his debut studio album. I loved it then, love it now. But Jordan Rainer? She owned that stage! Hope you enjoy the performance too. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Always

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Silver James

It’s holiday season. Shopping. Cooking. Decorating. Cleaning. Parties. Family. Friends. What do you mean Christmas is only 11 sleeps away?!?!?! **muppet flail** And in my case, it’s DEADLINE!!!! THE BOOK!!!! NOT DONE!!!! **more muppet flailing** Okay, everyone. Including me. Stop. Take a deep breath. Grab the relaxing beverage of your choice. SIT DOWN! Take another deep breath. And read this from the Universe…

In case you haven’t noticed, Silver, the sun doesn’t always rise in crimson.

The wind doesn’t always blow from the south.

The rains don’t always fall on the plains.

And so must you allow for your own rhythms in time.

Always in love,
  The Universe
©www.tut.com 

P.S. Plus, Silver, when things slow, it creates the rest you need to become even more.

So there you go. You have permission and the reasons why you need to take care of yourself. Writers are notorious for ignoring self-care. We drink too much caffiene, we sleep erratically, we fret over…well…everything! Caregivers also fall into this trap. And moms, single parents, over-achievers. Gotta admit, we’re in good company. So, do all of us–and yourself–a favor, um-kay? Find the rhythm of your life, listen to the beat and learn to dance along, whether it’s a quick-footed jitterbug with strobe lights or a-shuffling slow dance in the dark by candlelight. We like having you around. And nobody can run on empty. Just sayin’…

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Wednesday Words: Someone? Anyone?

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Silver James

I’m still working–a bit haphazardly to be truthful–but working on the Boston Wolves. I mentioned that Iffy found the stash of espresso and dark chocolate, didn’t I? ANd now there’s this super secret project that has to be finished by the 15th. Anyway, today is Wednesday so there much be words. Last week’s #ThursdayThreads prompt is: **”There has to be someone.”** As it turned it, it was the exact information I needed to get some timeline stuff sorted out and get me back on track with the Wolves. I hate getting derailed and it has happened a lot. Sadly. Also, ARGH! I’m just going to toss this tidbit up here and let y’all run with it…

At twilight, two men sat on a park bench. They appeared to be strangers. One wore a tailored suit, starched shirt, and tie. His leather Oxfords shone from a fresh polishing. The other looked rumpled—coffee-stained shirt, wrinkled slacks, sport coat in need of dry cleaning. The thick rubber soles of his scuffed and dull shoes marked him as a working man. 

The sharp dresser, known as the Fixer, held a phone to his ear and spoke, “The boss is not happy.” 

Rumpled-stiltskin, as he called the other man in his mind, shrugged and tossed peanuts into his mouth with stubby fingers. “My boss is takin’ heat too.”

“So what do you plan to do about it?”

“Make an arrest.”

“When?”

“When we fuckin’ figure out who the perp is.”

The Fixer sighed. It was bad enough that a wrong cop had been murdered in his employer’s warehouse but to have this lazy one drag his feet on the investigation was frustrating. “It can’t be that hard.”

“Gotta have evidence to arrest somebody.”

“Then get some, preferably evidence implicating Ronan O’Connor.”

The cop stiffened. “Your boss is stupid to go after him.”

Putting aside the pretext of having a separate conversation on his phone, the Fixer swiveled and focused his cold stare on the cop. “Do you work for Boru’s Wolves or us?”

“I know who pays my freight but goin’ after the top guy? Still stupid. Ronan O’Connor is as untouchable as Brian Boru hisself.”

The Fixer cringed inwardly. There was no excuse for bad grammar. With infinite patience but in a voice as frosted as his gaze, he insisted, “There has to be someone.”

The cop’s flaccid face crumpled into a sly grin. “There is. O’Connor’s precious baby brother.”

The copy said it with such glee he was almost drooling and licking his lips. The fixer reached for more patience. “You believe he is more vulnerable than the older O’Connor?”

“Yeah. He is.”
                                   
The Fixer stood up. “Fine. Then make it happen.” He strode away without a glance back.                                                          

The cop watched him retreat through narrowed eyes. Oh yeah, Mick O’Connor was ripe for the picking and he’d waited a long time to exact his revenge.

A curious squirrel jumped up on the bench and crept close. The cop wadded up the bag and nailed the rodent right between the eyes when he threw it. Yeah. He was finally gonna get Mick O’Connor in handcuffs. Tomorrow would be a good day.

**Cues the dramatic music** Dun-dun-duuunnnn…. I promise to get back to the Wolves ASAP. Iffy has promised to cooperate provided I indulge her in this secret project of hers. And…wow…I have an actual murder of crows outside in the driveway. There are five of them dining on leftover dog food. Oh. Sorry. As you know, I’m easily distracted. Which is why Iffy is my Muse. Where was I? Oh, yeah. Writers, grab the prompt if it will help your WIP. Readers, do you like surprises? Especially at Christmas time?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Red Dirt Chicken Casserole

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Silver James

LG and I have been in something of a rut of late when it comes to dinner. From time to time, I get a few emails containing recipes, or I catch them on social media. Sometimes, I’ll print one off and by the time I get around to actually looking closely at it and considering making it, I’ve totally forgotten where it came from. Anyway, my printer is on the fritz so I emailed the recipe to LG asking him to print it out, no rush. He printed it out immediately and brought it to me. “This sounds good,” he said. So yeah, the incredients I didn’t have on hand went on yesterday’s grocery list. And yes, I whipped it up last night.

Creamy Chicken Casserole

Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cook time: 1 Hours
Total time: 1 hr 20 min
Serves: 6-8 people

Ingredients
Cream Sauce (homemade instead of condensed soup)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional–we’re not pepper fans)

Casserole
3 cups shredded chicken (fully cooked)
1/2 cup dry elbow macaroni about 1 1/2 cups cooked (I used other pasta because…reasons. LOL)
10 oz bag frozen mixed vegetables
8 oz can water chestnuts drained
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Topping
1/2 cup Corn Flakes crushed (I used more because I like crunch!)
1 Tablespoon melted butter

Let’s Make It
Sauce
1 – Melt butter in a small saucepan on medium heat.
2 – Add in the flour. Stir or whisk constantly. Cook for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
3 – Pour in the chicken broth and whisk until there are no lumps. Return the saucepan to the stove and lower the heat. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until mixture begins to thicken.
4 – Add in half and half, milk, thyme, garlic powder, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
**Sauce will thicken more as it begins to cool.

Casserole
1 – Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
2 – Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
3 – Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
4 – In a bowl mix together the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, mixed vegetables, water chestnuts, sour cream, and seasonings. Add the cream sauce and mix until it’s all combined. Spread evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
5 – Sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese.
6 – Combine Cornflakes with butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the top of the casserole. Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until casserole is heated through and golden brown.

Caveat: This recipe serves 4-8 people, depending on their appetites. There’s just the two of us so I sort of cut the ingredients to like 3/4’s(?), at least for some of the ingredients, and the picture is what came out of my oven, in an 8×8 baking dish rather than a 9×13. In some ways it reminds me of that ol’ standard chicken casserole recipe, King Ranch Chicken. And yeah, I do have that recipe tucked back in one of my recipe boxes. That said, this is NOT that. Another caveat, I used small shell pasta because LG is not a fan of macaroni. It happens. Anyway, this was pretty easy for a “scratch” recipe and it was pretty darn tasty. Want to know who else thinks this is pretty tasty? Deacon Tate of THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION. Quinn has been taking cooking lessons from her mother-in-law, and we all know Katherine Tate is an amazing cook, so Quinn decided to try making this casserole. Guess what?!?! It turned out. Deacon enjoyed it and when a couple of his single brothers showed up at the last minute, there was enough to share. They chowed down and had nothing but compliments for the cook. FYI, she “cheated” and used Pillsbury frozen biscuits, baking them to go with the casserole. What’s not to love? You get chicken, pasta, veggies, all in a creamy sauce. Since Christmas is on the horizon, I suggest you grab a copy (or reread the one you already have) of THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION to find out how country-music superstar Deacon falls for take-no-prisoner’s Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Quinn Kincaid. Especially since a rare Christmas blizzard interferes with their plans. Fun times. Just click on a pic or the title. You’ll zip on over the Harlequin and you can get a copy there or find your preferred on-line store to purchase it. Are you a fan of “one-pot” meals?

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Three Mondays Away

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Silver James

Did you realize Christmas falls on a Monday this year? I don’t know whether to be excited or dismayed. LOL Anway, today is Monday, then there’s next Monday, and then there’s Christmas Mondays. That makes three. (In “real” people time, that’s two weeks for those of you who are counting–14 days from today.) The outside lights are up. I managed to get the dining room table decor switched from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I need to find the tablecloth for the kitchen table. I’m not sure how much more decorating we’ll do. Just call us Mr. & Mrs. Scrooge.

I’m listening to BIGFOOT AND THE LIBRARIAN by Linda Winstead Jones. It’s a cozy paranormal, lighthearted and fun. There are two more books in the series and I’ll probably grab them from Hoopla too. Sometimes, I just want something light and airy when I need a break from my own characters.

Writing. Argh. Last week was filled with frustration. I think I FINALLY have the blasted timeline fixed. But then stuff happened and I’m delayed again. I’m sorry. I am working on it but it’s just going slower than I want it to. Gah. Y’all are so patient and I appreciate that sooooo much!

I gave my hair a shape and a trim yesterday. I’m growing it out for a “Meg Ryan Pixie.” No, really. That’s the actual name of the cut. The problem is, the hair in the back grows faster than the hair in the front and some of the hair in the back grows faster than the rest of the hair in the back. Yes, I am weird. You don’t need to ask.

We watched “On Patrol Live” (OPL) Saturday night. An older woman in Indian River County was driving home from Lowe’s and/or Target. She turned into her subdivision but missed the street and put her small SUV into a very deep ditch, or possibly a canal. Luckily, she was unhurt but was all kinds of “all shook up.” She told the investigating officer that she was so embarrassed because she missed her turn and she didn’t often drive at night. Oh, boy! Did I relate to that! Her speech was not slurred and she had no trouble standing or walking but she was babbling a bit. I’m thinking shock. Then the investigating officer tells another officer he can smell alcohol on her breath. When offered a sobriety test, she refused. This usually means an automatic arrest, which she was. Oops. In a later update, the police performed a breathalyzer test at the station. The woman blew a 3.2. I repeat! A THREE POINT TWO! That’s almost acute alcohol poisoning. And yes, she was transported immediately to the ER. If I’d been drinking so much that I might blow a 3.2, I’d be curled up in a corner snoring LONG before I ever hit that point.

Looking ahead to this week, I found a new chicken casserole recipe I want to try for dinner one night. The ingredients are on my grocery list for my Wallyworld run today. Stormy has his weekly soccer match on Tuesday. I think that’s the sum total of our social calendar. 🙄 The only other thing on the agenda is writing and editing. And there might be the possibility of a secret…something. *bwahaha*

Warning: Iffy discovered the coffee and chocolates stashes. I am not responsible for her actions.

And finally, I leave you with this thought: A SciFi Romantic Contemporary Western Christmas novella…

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