Blog Archives
Tons of leaves and two dogs
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Our yard has three trees, a large magnolia, a very tall tulip poplar, and a sweet gum tree. In the spring and summer, I love them. They shade our yard and house and keep us cool. In the fall, I’m not so fond of them. In the fall, they drop a ton of leaves.
I raked leaves today. Raked, and raked and raked them. I raked leaves until I thought my arms would fall off. I raked up enough leaves to hide several bodies in the piles if I wanted to. Each pile is waist high and at least twelve feet long.
Ah, yes the piles of leaves. If you have kids (I don’t), they are a magnet. You would think I’d have it easy without kids around. However, I have two dogs who think they are kids and—you guessed it, the leaf piles are magnets to them.
Our city will pick up the leaves if they are out on the street. I need to haul those two huge piles of leaves out there. Well, I will move them if I can keep the dogs out of them.
I raked leaves. Patty flew out the door and leapt into the nearest pile with great glee. I raked the leaves back into the pile. Gavin decided that she looked as though she was having fun so he followed suit and barreled into the other pile of leaves. I raked again. They both dashed through the first pile of leaves. I raked. With every trip outside—they played and I raked.
My work gloves didn’t prevent the blisters from appearing on my hands. I’m pooped. Tomorrow the pups will be going outside on leashes until I can move the leaves out of the yard.
Posted in Dog related, Misc, My blog, my garden
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Gardening, Gardens, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Peeling back the layers
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Every person has layers, like onions. They have layers to their personalities, their life experiences, and even their dreams. In creating characters, we need to remember this. We need to give them those all important layers. Without them, our characters fall flat.
We don’t need to write every detail but we need to know the minutiae behind our characters. We need to know the little nuances that will make them unique and real to the readers. We need to bring them to life.
How do we do this? Some people make complicated charts, lists, and countless outlines. I’m lazy I don’t. I have a one paragraph character description, maybe two, or three for major characters, in a file for each book I’m writing. The most important thing is to peel back the layers and show the character’s goals, needs, and morality.
You need to show what drives the character. Once you know what drives each character, what is beneath each layer, you’ve given them those all important three dimensional lives that will make the readers come back for more.
Posted in My blog, My books, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Um, the check is in the mail?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I was going to sit down and write checks for all the bills tonight. I guess I wasn’t supposed to. After I wrote out the second check and went to write the third one, I was surprised to find that I didn’t have any checks left in the book. “Okay,” I thought, “I’ll get a new book of them out.” I dug around where I keep the checks and to my chagrin I found that yes, I’d used not only my last check in the book, but I’d used my last check.
GAH! Thank heavens I could go online and order more checks. I hope the different companies I was writing checks to (okay, was going to write them to) can wait for the new checks to arrive since I can’t pay any of them online. That’ll teach them.
I’ve become so used to paying most of my bills through my bank or online I tend to forget that the city and county want their bills paid by check or cash. They are so far behind the times it’s silly.
Now if only I can remember to buy stamps….
Posted in Misc
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
16 lbs of candy and a ton of smiles
Posted by doggonedmysteries
It was interesting to see which costumes were popular among the Trick or Treaters this year. We had a great many firemen and a few other super heroes among the boys. There were more pirate wenches than there were pirates. The girls that visited brought more variety, dressing as vampires, witches, fairies, fairy princesses, princesses, and the pirate wenches I mentioned before.
We seldom had a lull. At times, the line of T or T’ers stretched for a block. At other times, they came from two directions. All of the children were polite and said thank you. Wow, was that delightful.
We played music and had plenty of flashing lights, which contributed to several impromptu dance parties in the street. (It’s a good thing we’re on a side street and not a main street.) I even handed candy out to some people who drove by and commented on our display. All the smiles, children’s and adults’ that we saw Friday night were priceless.
Posted in Food, Holidays, My blog
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, fun, Halloween, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Trick or Treat, Writer, Writing
This is why I enjoy Trick or Treat night
Posted by doggonedmysteries
These pictures are only a few of the people who came by. We had so many Trick or Treaters that we finally gave up on taking pictures. We went through 16 lbs of candy this year. We all had a blast.
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Candy, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, fun, Halloween, Holidays, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Trick or Treat, Writer, Writing
Halloween break 2009
Posted by doggonedmysteries
This is my ‘see you in two days’ post. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be busy getting ready for Friday’s festivities. I’ll be back on Saturday with pictures of our fun. I’m hoping to snap plenty of pictures of the little monsters who show up at our porch. That all depends on fast they come through though. Last year we had so many large groups arrive, I never got a chance to take pictures of them.
You try taking pictures when you have to work the fog machine and hand out candy at the same time. We did have fun though. Maybe if I beg Dear Hubby enough he’ll be willing to snap a few pictures.
Have fun! Many thanks to you for stopping by. For those of you who take the time to comment on my posts, I am grateful.
Posted in My blog
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, fun, Halloween, Holidays, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Trick or Treat, Writer, Writing
Summer versus winter
Posted by doggonedmysteries
In the wee hours of the morning, the sound of a distant train, crickets, waterfall, and fountains I’ll miss it in the winter. Instead, I’ll hear the steady breathing of two sleeping dogs, the furnace running, wind howling, and the murmur of the TV that never stops.
The scent of fresh mown grass, flowers in bloom, and warm garden soil. Instead, I’ll smell dogs, a stuffy house, and many meals cooked.
Instead of the warmth of the summer sun on my face and arms, a gentle breeze, and the grass tickling my feet. I’ll feel cold, the crunch of snow under my boots, the slip of ice, and burn of cold winds.
Instead of watching flowers bend in a breeze, radiant sun shine, trees full of green leaves, and insects playing tag with each other. I’ll watch snow blowing across the yard; icicles drip and hang from the eaves, and sunshine turning snow and ice into gleaming diamonds.
The taste of grilled foods, fresh fruit, vegetables, and berries picked a moment before. Instead, I’ll taste hot soups, stews, and comfort, stick to your ribs foods.
Yes, I enjoy living where I have four seasons. However, three of them, spring, summer, and fall are my favorites. I’ve lived in warmer places, colder ones too. Where I live now suits me.
Posted in Misc, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
It bugs me that…
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Dear Hubby is always in pain and I can do nothing to help ease it.
We can’t visit my Aunts and Cousins more often. I do wish they lived closer to us.
I get an average of at least 50 hits a week on my Bottom Line Books scam post. This indicates that the company is continuing to rip people off at an alarming rate.
I have inconsiderate neighbors who think nothing of blocking our driveway. This means I have to waste time hunting someone down to have him or her move his or her vehicle in an emergency when I need to get my car out of the driveway. I know this because I’ve had to do it more than once when DH’s mother has fallen or when he’s needed me to take him to the ER. I’d have them ticketed, but by the time the police show up, they are gone. These are the same people who persistently honk their car horns at all hours, crank the car stereos up so high that my walls shake, and they leave their dog outside to bark all day long no matter what the weather.
The summers go by so quickly and the winters seem to stay longer. Of course, I thought they did this when I was a kid, but it seems to go even faster now.
What’s bugging you?
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, bugging me, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Rants, Writer, Writing
Trick or Treat night is almost here
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I need to buy more candy this week I don’t have near enough for the hordes. Thursday I’ll make a big pan of lasagna (in my brand new pan gifted to me by a very dear friend.) Then on Friday night, all I’ll have to do is heat it up after the children have finished. It saves me time.
I supply the garlic bread. G is bringing over a pumpkin swirl cheesecake that is to die for and I have a weakness for cheesecakes. The pumpkin swirl is one of her best. I know this because whenever she makes a cheesecake she brings me samples.
While the lasagna is cooking Thursday night, I might carve a pumpkin or two if I can the size I like. I haven’t seen many good ones yet. Most of them are too short, too small, or too thin. Yes, I’m picky.
Friday G and I will spend the day decorating the porch—a haunted house theme this year. We’ll get our exercise going up two flights of stairs to the attic to haul all the decorations down. It’s going to take several trips.
Posted in Holidays
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Candy, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, fun, Halloween, Holidays, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Trick or Treat, Writer, Writing
USA network has another hit on their hands
Posted by doggonedmysteries
USA network has scored far above the competition for several years now. Their newest gem, White Collar is another sweet treat. The show is well written, witty, and has sparkling characters. Give me shows like this any time!
To Jeff Eastin, the creator and executive producer I say kudos and well done. Thank you for keeping me entertained.
All the other networks need to take a lesson from USA. Drop the reality shows that are long past their freshness date and stink. Quit rehashing the old, tired themes. Enough of doctors and nurses—I don’t find anything about a hospital entertaining. Done to death as well are the lawyer shows.
Go find good writers—hey, we are out here.
Posted in Favorite TV shows
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
That’s a wrap…for this week.
Posted by doggonedmysteries
It’s been a long week. In the last two days, the weather improved drastically. We had a temperature of 75 degrees today and plenty of sunshine. Whoopee!
I now have a working oven light. Another whoopee! I no longer have to use a flashlight to check on things cooking in there. My next door neighbor’s dear son came in today and was able to remove the end of the broken bulb. Thank goodness for tall people with long arms!
Dear Hubby is feeling much better since the oral surgeon removed the stitches. In addition, I realized I haven’t heard him complain of a headache since the removal of those broken teeth. That one deserves a big yippee!
The pups are happy and healthy. {Knock on wood there.} I posted a new picture of Patty in the Bull Pen, and if you scroll down a few posts, you’ll see Waldo the owl.
I managed to finish another chapter in my book without going postal.
My kitchen is clean and I did some yard work today. I do need to figure out how to plug the hose for the little gargoyle fountain since I’m worried that he might freeze and crack over the winter. I’ll be bringing him in with all the other garden statuary until spring rolls around again.
Posted in My blog, My books, my garden, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Gardening, Gardens, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pets, Pond, Ponds, Writer, Writing
Doggoned Green Tomato Pie
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Doggoned Green Tomato Pie
3 ½ c. peeled and sliced green tomatoes
¼ to ½ cup of golden raisins (optional)
3 tbsp. butter or margarine
6 tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. sugar
¼ C lt. brown sugar
3 tbsp. flour
¼ tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. nutmeg
¼ tsp. cloves
1 tsp instant tapioca
Sauté the tomatoes in the butter and lemon juice until just tender. Combine tomatoes with sugar, flour, salt, tapioca, and spices. Line 9″ pie pan with pastry, pour in filling, and cover with top crust. Snip a couple of vent holes in top crust. Bake at 450 degrees 10 minutes then reduce to 350 degrees and bake until crust is brown–approximately 35-40 minutes.
Posted in Food
Tags: Author, baked goods, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Desserts, Disability, Doggoned, Fall Desserts, Fall Recipes, Family, Fiction, Food, Gardening, Gardens, Green Tomato Pie, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, recipes, Writer, Writing
Doggonedmysteries 