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We will soon be handing out candy
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Trick or Treat night is on Friday here. G and I are preparing for the après treating time party. It’s not going to be easy for her this year since she’s going in for her second cataract surgery today. However, she does plan to have a good time.
She just had the other eye done several weeks ago and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. She can see again! She’s excited enough that she plans to dress in costume and party hearty. She knows from the other surgery how fast she’ll recover.
She has a mask to wear because the only (slight) problem she had with the first surgery, was the bruise under her eye, she had quite a shiner for a week. Nevertheless, she still plans to bake and decorate a birthday cake for Little D. I can’t wait to see Little D’s face when she sees her cake. G is a very clever cake decorator.
I will take pictures not only of Little D but also of many of our costumed revelers on Friday. I’m glad I have a 2-gig card for the camera.
Posted in Holidays
Tags: Author, Birthday cake, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Halloween, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Trick-or-treating, Writer, Writing
If wishes were horses
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Three weeks after I got married my parents, grandmother, and baby sister moved a great distance away. It was a long time before any family moved back to the area.
No family members live here now. When relatives travel, they never seem to get near our area. Our location is sort of like Rhode Island; you only go there if that is your destination.
I have traveled to my father’s old hometown to visit cousins and aunties but it’s difficult to do so as often as I’d like to when I have to do the eight-hour drive alone. DH doesn’t travel well. A long car ride is excruciatingly painful for him. Consequently, as much as he loves visiting my family, he’d rather stay home with the dogs where he is more comfortable.
Therefore, to torture myself, I periodically browse the real estate listings in the old hometown. I love to hit the bird’s eye view when looking at properties close to my family.
Tonight, I went browsing, and spied two houses that I loved. One lovely home was across the road from a cousin’s house. I hit the bird’s eye view and looked for my aunt’s house on the next road. I could actually see my cousin’s horses out in the pasture. [Sigh] The idea of living near loving family brings out a case of the ‘I wishes’ in me.
Posted in Misc, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
On writing
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I know many of you have read books in which the characters, plots, dialogue, and scenery are so compelling, that they draw you into new worlds or familiar ones. They grab you. Then they hold you there, breathless, waiting for the next scene and the next, all the way to the end of the book.
Like all writers, I admire anyone who can do that. I often hope and pray that my books will do the same for the people who will read them.
New writers will often ask how does so and so do it? How do they become a wizard at creating scenery, dialogue, and building believable characters?
In my experience, it is through hard work and so many rewrites that the average person would quail at the sight of the stacks of printed manuscripts sent to the recycling bin.
Although some writers are prolific and quick in their writing, it doesn’t mean that they don’t work hard as well. It probably means they have time to write without many interruptions.
Then there are those of us who plod along putting in a few hours here and there as often as we can. We work hard.
I soon hope to type ‘the end’ on one of my manuscripts. It is my dream that when my books do hit the shelves they will grab you.
Posted in My books, Writer, Writing
Tags: Arts, 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, Writers Resources, Writing
A new sexy look
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Surprise! I’ve changed the look of the blog again. I’d debated repeatedly on whether or not to change to this one when it came out. I do like the large print. I love the colors and that my picture fit perfectly on the header with only a minimal cropping.
With winter approaching fast, I felt the blog needed a lighter more uplifting appearance. I’m happy with this one.
I hope you all enjoy it.
Posted in My blog
Tags: 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
Silly things
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I’ve mentioned before that I enjoy silly things. The other day I was browsing through Amazon.com and came across adhesive bandages that cracked me up so bad I had to order some. I’m glad I did because once they arrived I found them to be even funnier.
I have mini handcuffs dangling from my purse. I have a crime scene clean up company pen I carry all the time. Now I have crime scene tape bandages. They are hysterical. On the tin, there’s a line, “For best results apply to body parts not already outlined in chalk.” I should’ve bought a case.
I ought to stay out of that place. Not only can I buy any books I want but they also have silly stuff. I think I need to lock up my credit card. Is there an ‘I shop too much at Amazon’ anonymous? “Hello, my name is M and I’m an Amazon shopaholic.”
“Hello M.”
Did you see the robot pencil sharpener? I can see me with the barnyard flingers that make noises as they fly through the air…
Oooo! They have a winter scarf that looks like crime scene tape. Where did I hide my card?
Posted in Misc
Tags: Amazon.com, Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Crime scene, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Another Ampyra post
Posted by doggonedmysteries
DH was born in this town. He might’ve been born in the house we live in had his mother not insisted on going for a walk after dinner one night fifty-seven years ago. It turns out she went into labor about a half a block from the hospital. Had they been closer to home she probably would’ve dropped him on the front steps while his father got the car started. Even though DH was her first (and only) child, she wasn’t in labor for very long. As it was, she barely made it into the hospital before he made his appearance.
Yes, it seems that DH has always been in a hurry. This is probably why his MS tends to frustrate him so much at times. He had to slow down to a three-legged creep. That is until recently.
He’s on Ampyra and it has improved his walking. He’s not back to full sprint capabilities but he is walking better. He’s even walking without his cane occasionally and that’s something he hasn’t done for a few years. Even the dogs have noticed a difference. He’s not riding on his scooter and running them. They walk.
Posted in MS related
Tags: 4-Aminopyridine, Acorda Therapeutics, Ampyra, Author, Biogen Idec, 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
They can has gummies
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Occasionally my sweet tooth gets out of hand and demands I scarf down something sweet. Today was one of those occasions. Fortunately, I have a ton of Halloween candy on hand. I could pick and choose, but thought I’d best stick with something less calorie laden than some of those oh so rich chocolate caramel bars.
I spotted a large bag of snack-sized bags of gummy spiders, mummies, and monster shapes. Ah, not only could I curb my sugar craves, but I could also set up the ice cubes I wanted to make for our party.
Once I had the spooky gummies in the ice cube trays and had them back in the freezer I was ready to indulge myself on what was left in one little bag.
I curled up in my lounge chair, sat back, and began to chew on one. The next thing I knew I had a dog’s head on each knee. Two pair of triangular black eyes stared into mine. I tried to ignore them as I popped a second gummy into my mouth.
Gavin and Patty know all about gummies they love them and will drool like crazy as soon as they smell them. By the third gummy, they had my knees soaked. I looked in the bag and there were two little gummy spiders left. Gavin and Patty will gulp things down without tasting them. However, when it comes to gummies they chew and chew and chew them.
“Can we has the last two gummies?” Those eyes and all that drool….
I am weak. I am a big softie.
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, Food, Gummy candies, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Miscellaneous things
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I’ve had my blucigs for almost two weeks now, and in that time, I’ve only smoked four regular cigarettes. That’s quite a big accomplishment for me.
I replaced my dead fog machine yesterday. I have far too many enablers. 😉
G has Little D’s Halloween birthday cake all figured out. She’s making a sheet cake cemetery. I finally caught Little D’s mother R today to ask how many candles we should put on the cake—a detail we’d forgotten. DUH.
While driving yesterday G and I noticed that many of the trees around here have donned their brightly colored fall fashions.
The pups are enjoying the chilly weather and are so full of energy they’ve been chasing each other around the house like maniacs. It’s a wonder there’s a stick left standing here. Everything in the curio cabinet has wandered to one side from the thundering herd’s floor rattling romps.
You all have a good day. If you live where you actually have a pretty fall, do try to get out and enjoy the colors.
Posted in Misc
Tags: A special Halloween birthday cake, Author, Birthday cake, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Cake, Cake decorating, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
The horrifying death of my fog machine
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I wasn’t going to buy anything else for Halloween this year since I did buy two rather large props. However, it seems I will be making another purchase. My fog machine is dead. I’ve had it for well over fifteen years. I was hoping it would limp through this year, no such luck.
I’d bought some fog juice and fog machine cleaner my last trip to Spirit Halloween. Last night I decided to get off my duff, drag the machine down from the attic, and clean it. I’m glad I did. The machine gave one gasp and died. I was horrified.
I can’t go without a fog machine all the kids around here look forward to our yearly display. Today I was supposed to go with G to Target to get paper Halloween plates and more candy (DH says we don’t have enough.) Little does G know that we’ll be making a quick side trip, more out of the way, but on the way.
Now I have to decide what size to get. Back when I bought mine, you didn’t have many choices there was only one available.
Posted in Holidays
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Decorations and Props, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Fog machine, Halloween, Holidays, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Trick-or-treating, Writer, Writing
Spare us from the food police
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Another major city is trying to introduce a new ‘eating healthier’ food regulation for restaurants. Good grief, spare us from the food police. Sure, it’s true we have an obesity problem in this country but for heaven’s sake don’t go regulating everything we eat.
When we go out to dinner, an extremely rare event, I want what I want for my meal. I don’t care if it’s high in fat. I’m dining out to enjoy myself, to consume something I don’t make at home, and not have to cook.
I’d say that out of the 365 days in a year we go out for dinner maybe ten times. This year, I’m not so sure we made it out anywhere near that many times. So please don’t tell me I shouldn’t eat that luscious cheesecake they have on the menu or indulge in that butter heavy sauce I never make at home. Don’t tell me not to have a medium rare steak, if I want one I’ll have it. Dining out is supposed to be a pleasure.
What would make my dining experience more pleasurable? That’s a whole other post…
Posted in Food
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Cooking, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Eating, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
It’s not a breeze when it hits fifty mph
Posted by doggonedmysteries
We had lots of wind yesterday and more today. Gavin doesn’t like wind. Wind makes his ears tickle. He doesn’t want to stay out in it long. Poor pup. He doesn’t like it when it rattles the windows and lets the wind know with grumbling woofs.
Patty loves the wind. She dashes to the center of the yard, stops, stands still, her nose high sifting through the scents. You can see the wheels turn as she catalogues each smell. She wants to stay out and explore the many aromas the wind is bringing to her.
Any dead branches left in the trees by the last few storms that passed though certainly came down yesterday and today. I see another yard clean up in my future. Now, if only I could remember where I put my garden gloves…
DH wanted to mow the grass. However, yesterday he tripped over one of the dogs and took a bit of a tumble. He decided the mowing could wait another day or two. He’s not saying anything but I’m betting he’s a bit stiff and sore.
Posted in Dog related, Misc
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, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Stop me before I buy more!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Many of my Halloween decorations are old and worn out. Therefore, the last few years I’ve been buying new stuff and slowly throwing away the old, decrepit, and falling apart decorations.
I should have myself banned from Spirit Halloween. G and I went up there today to get HER costume. I should’ve left my money at home because I found another prop I loved. Yes, I bought it. Yes, she got her costume too.
What I went up for and intending to buy was fog machine cleaner and fog juice. I did get those.
However, I am the proverbial kid in a candy store. I also found something irresistible to any writer—fun pens. I now have a boxing vampire pen and two pens that look like blood filled syringes.
If I go to the store again, I may need an intervention…
Posted in Holidays, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Costume, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Fog machine, Halloween, Holiday, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Parties, shopping, Writer, Writing
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