Blog Archives
The neighborhood gift cache
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Our house used to be the neighborhood depository for Christmas gifts. We didn’t have kids. We’d store all the neighborhood kids’ gifts for their parents until Christmas Eve. For years, not one child peeked and found a gift before Christmas. Is it no wonder the kids around here believed in Santa so much longer than their peers did did?
While browsing Amazon I noticed that they still make Barbie’s cheap-ass pink 3-story dream house. I remember that one well. On a Christmas (how long ago I’ll never tell) when DH and I put one together for my Goddaughter’s parents who lived two doors down from us. Yes, we even assembled the gifts for the parents AND delivered them Christmas Eve. (We also had the parents come here and wrap the gifts that they didn’t want on unwrapped display for the kids Christmas morning.)
We were very sneaky adults in this neighborhood all those years ago. Now all those kids are grown many with kids of their own. Some neighbors moved away and we are no longer the hideaway for Christmas gifts. I don’t miss assembling toys but I do miss the fun and giggles of sneaking the gifts to all the homes after the kids were asleep.
Anyway back to that Barbie house….When anything says ‘easy assembly’, beware. We spent two hours putting that blasted flimsy 3-story Barbie townhouse together. It gave us all sorts of problems. The costly cardboard and plastic house didn’t make the walk from our house to two doors away in one piece. Upon entering the neighbor’s house, the parents, DH and I had to reassemble the danged thing all over again.
Posted in Holidays
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Christmas, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Holidays, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Santa, Santa Claus, Writer, Writing
Point of view, what is your preference?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I find I tend to write in first person. I also prefer to read books written in first person. Books written in first person tend to draw me in faster and keep my attention longer. They are difficult to put down because I become part of the story.
One of the free books I downloaded to my Kindle is in third person. It’s a fantasy and I hate to say it…but it doesn’t hold my attention. The book is easy to put down and walk away from it. Don’t get me wrong, there are many wonderful books written in third person however, this fantasy isn’t one of them. I guess it goes to show you that if you want to read a good book you have to pay for it.
Now dear readers it’s your turn. Which viewpoint do you prefer? In what viewpoint was the worst book you ever read written? The best?
Tags: Amazon Kindle, Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Comfort foods and a comfortable marriage, what more can one want?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
We like breakfast for dinner. I often make sausage and French toast or pancakes for dinner. Sometimes it’s fried eggs, or scrambled eggs, or omelets each served with a side of bacon or sausage. Maybe if we’re hungry for it I’ll even make SOS that I serve over fresh biscuits instead of toast. I make a mean SOS.
When we were younger, we went to local diners in the wee hours of the morning and enjoyed an early breakfast. We don’t do that often now. In fact, it’s years since we have.
For one thing, DH is seldom awake during the wee hours and for another, eating out gets expensive.
With his MS turning walking into a major feat, DH does prefer to stay home most of the time. In the summer, it’s too hot to anywhere and in the winter too cold. I don’t mind.
It is funny how things work out for us. After all those years of him working different shifts with the police department, we’re still on different schedules even with him retired on disability. He’s up early in the morning and off to bed early. I’m up late and off to bed about the time he’s getting up. Maybe that’s why our marriage works so well. We aren’t connected at the hip and we’re very comfortable with each other.
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Getting used to my Kindle
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I find my Kindle 3G easy to hold. It only weighs .2 ounces more than the cheaper Kindle and is as thin as a pencil. With the connectivity of the 3G and Wi-Fi, books download in mere seconds—amazing. So far, I’m sticking to free books because our budget is a tad tight now. I’ve downloaded six free books, read one, and am halfway through a second one. This is with taking breaks to play the free word game I downloaded, cook dinner, play with the dogs, write, and do laundry today.
I love that I can easily adjust the print size. I find a bit larger print keeps my eyes from tiring.
Gavin is not amused with it because I am reading and not paying constant attention to him. The dog thinks I have nothing better to do than cuddle and pet him. At least he hasn’t tried to snag the Kindle from my hand as he has books on occasion.
DH loves it because I don’t have to turn the light between our chairs on high to read. It is easy to read in low light.
Posted in Misc, Writer, Writing
Tags: Amazon Kindle, Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
A woman’s prerogative
Posted by doggonedmysteries
This what my Kindle looks like
As a woman, I have the right to change my mind. As a writer, I owed it to myself to learn all I could about E-books and E-readers. At least that’s what an agent told me recently.
“You should really know everything you possibly can about E-books and E-readers. After all they aren’t going away, they are getting better.” She said.
I whined, “But what about book signings and the feel of a real book in your hands?”
“Don’t worry there will always be real books. However, E-books and E-readers will get your books out there to more people, younger people.”
The discussion went on for quite some time and by the end, I was still whining, but I figured that I’d better take her advice and look into the whole business.
I checked out all sorts of E-readers and then I bought a Kindle. It arrived yesterday around noon. I spent the rest of the day learning about it, playing with it, dressing it in a skin, and even downloaded two free books and a game.
I hate to admit it, staunch book fan that I am, but…I like it.
Posted in My books, Writer, Writing
Tags: Amazon Kindle, Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, E-book, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Easy to gift
Posted by doggonedmysteries
G and I buy a ten-dollar or less, gift for each other every year. We’ve done this for over thirty years. She’s never once failed to come up with something I love.
This year G told me I was difficult to buy a gift for, who me? I’m easy. There are many things I appreciate and enjoy. For a few years, she got me a Borders gift card each holiday. That little sucker would burn a hole in my pocket until I could get to the store.
G was trying hard to think of a different gift to give me when it dawned on her that buying me some sushi would be perfect. Only a best friend would think of buying sushi as a gift. She knows I love sushi and that I rarely get it.
She’s often been with me as I drooled over the case of freshly made sushi in the grocery store. I’ve bought some for us to eat on the way home many times. On rare occasions, she and I have treated ourselves to the finest of sushi in our favorite Asian restaurant, Bamboo.
She brought over a gift-wrapped sampler platter of sushi yesterday afternoon. I enjoyed it. Nommy nom nom.
Posted in Holidays
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Food of the Gods
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Yes, it is chocolate. I always have some in the house. I blame my Grandmother. She was a true chocoholic. She taught me the joys of dark chocolate.
A few days ago, I was in a grocery store and spotted an irresistible display. They had a sale on Ghirardelli dark chocolate brownie mixes. It was a two for the price of one sale. I’d never tried them because I no longer do much in the way of baking—don’t need the extra calories. I read the back of the box and I bought two, one of their ultimate dark chocolate brownie mix and the other their dark chocolate brownie mix. I would’ve bought more if they hadn’t been out of the turtle ones. There wasn’t a single box of those left.
Last night I made the dark chocolate brownies. They were so good they were very nearly orgasmic. I hope they have more mixes when I go back to the store. I intend to keep a box or two on hand for when a chocolate crave hits me, or if I have drop in company.
DH was in heaven when I served them up still warm from the oven for dessert with fresh coffee.
Posted in Food
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Chocoholism, Chocolate, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Dogs and the theory of levitation
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Gavin and Patty will always try to mooch food. DH was munching some cinnamon toast this morning and both dogs stood in front of him. All the while he ate they never took their eyes off him. Their concentration was so intense I swear they were trying to levitate the toast from the plate to their mouths.
“Abracadabra!” Said Gavin. “To me, to me, come to me.”
“No, no! Alakazam, it’s mine.” Patty moved in tighter.
Each time DH lifted his toast to take a bite both tails would wag, more drool would drip, and four dark eyes never wavered. If from my desk I called their names, I received no response. The toast, oh, the marvelous toast, all slathered in butter and covered in cinnamon sugar drew their attention to the exclusion of all else.
DH saved them each a small piece and they gulped them down with joy. Let’s not tell them that they don’t know the theory of levitation.
Posted in Dog related
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Hooked on DIY Network
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Now that my TV gets it, I’ve become hooked on the DIY network. It’s my late night background noise while I write. Although at times, it does drag me away from the computer because it catches my interest.
DH and I had many plans of what we wanted to do with this house. Only one ever came to fruition and that was the pond. Maybe if we’d known sooner that his MS was going to kick his ass we would’ve jumped on those projects.
Now, instead I drool over ideas and projects I see on the show. A deck or patio? Oh, yes that would be nice. To see the kitchen and front bedroom stripped of wood paneling and neatly wall boarded and freshly painted? A pipe dream.
If any of those hosts want to come in here and do the work (free of charge) I’d let them. Tap, tap, tap…is thing on? Can you hear me out there?
Posted in Favorite TV shows
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, DIY, Do it yourself, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Home and Garden, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Television, Writer, Writing
I wonder, do Koi get the sniffles?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
It seems that pond heaters, when used hard in very cold weather, have a two-year lifespan. I have to replace ours this winter. It isn’t heating well. Without a heater in the pond, our lovely Koi won’t last through the winter. I was glad to find them on Amazon and ordered two so I had a spare just in case.
So far, we’ve been lucky with the old heater managing to limp along. The pond hasn’t frozen over completely yet. Sunday we’re supposed to have a day in the fifties with rain. However, the temperatures will take another dive after that. I hope the old heater survives until the new ones arrive.
I also hope the Koi stay healthy in the meantime.
Posted in my garden
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Gardens, Home, Home and Garden, Koi, Koi pond, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pond, Water garden, Writer, Writing
We don’t live in a fantasy world
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Have you ever seen some small thing that you coveted? I did last night. The local meteorologist had a jacket on that I immediately fell in love with. As my five regular readers know, I am not a fashionista, but this jacket really caught my eye. It’s perfect for dressy and casual wear. I was ready to kill to know where she got it. Yes, I wanted the jacket that bad.
Then, as I searched the web for one like it, I began to rationalize. With my luck, the jacket would look like crap on me and I’d have to return it. Therefore, I say that it’s better to dream than to have reality slap you in the face over something so trivial.
Is it no wonder that fantasy games are so popular? They suspend reality and that’s something we all need occasionally.
Yes, I said occasionally. If you spend more than an hour or two a day playing games, you need a dose of reality. You do have to put those things down, suck it up, and step out into the real world more often.
Did I ever find the jacket? Nope, but that’s okay I really don’t need it.
Posted in Misc
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
A quick recovery
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Gavin is feeling terrific today. He’s been driving Patty and us crazy. He’s even begged for and eaten cookies all day. I think we can stop his pain pills now.
Last night he was back to his old self, screaming for his dinner. He was HUNGRY! His remaining teeth are nice and clean and he’s even been chewing on his favorite Nylabone. Dogs are lucky in this way.
Last time I had a tooth pulled I didn’t bounce back fast. I sipped liquids for over two weeks and pain pills were my best friends.
Did I chew on anything harder than bread for at least two weeks? No way in hell.
Posted in Dog related
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
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