Jingle-Jangled Sweet Mercy

Ooooh, Fern just reminded me about this blog. Sweet Heavens! I got so caught up in slicing and dicing and baking and making, and decorating and Christmas carols. 

1) Fifi's nails. I've been painting them a different glitter every day with matching bows to coordinate with my outfits. I scored an after Christmas bargain doggie nail kit, can you believe it? And I bought a few to last the year, actually, they may last a lot longer than that, doggie nails aren't very big. Fifi is so proud. She just prances. Fern says her "prancing" is just her arthritic gait. Oh, I've also been giving Fern lots of raspberries this holiday season, and I don't mean the ones that grow on bushes.  

2) Last book giveaway of the year. Over here. One of the authors did an interview, too. Blah. Blah. Blah. 

3) Pinterest. Oh my. See my opening comment above. So many things I must try. 

4) Can I just say I'll be glad to say goodbye to 2016. Just a weird year. I'll carry my battle scar with me but hope to never again experience anything like what went down in Paradise this year. 

Happy New Year! Hope your Christmas was grand. Eat all the leftover goodies ASAP, celery stalks and broth season is right around the corner. 

Just in Time for Christmas Gift Craftarooing!

Pinterest Worthy Doggie Duds

The other day my sweet niece Kathryn explained to me what Pinterest really is. I didn’t get annoyed once even though I have been on Pinterest and throwing around phrases that I didn't even understand.  I thought Pinterest had something to do with bulletin boards and fails and pallets—which didn't interest me very much. Though the fails that people post are kind of funny and I think of Fern and get the giggles which completely taxes all my self-control and certain muscles.

But hot-diggity-dang if my ears didn’t perk up when Kathryn mentioned my Fifi costumes were worthy of an entire board . . . and I could share them with other puppy lovers everywhere.

So, Pinterest or not, I thought today I’d share my doggarific design skills for creating everyday ensembles your pooch will prance proud in.

The Vivacious Velvet Vet Sweater

No poor pup wants to visit the veterinarian so why not perk up poochy’s day and yours? It’s as easy as:

1. Snip a swath of velvet to fit around your doggy’s torso. Personally, I like scarlet.
2. Glue on sequined buttons to one edge and sew a few corresponding button holes on the other. Use gilt thread. Gold brightens everyone’s day.
3. Perk up the rest with dots of glitter glue to catch the sunlight.

Fuzzy Muzzle Woolsy Warmer

Keep your darlin’ as smoldering as one of your hot flashes. Here’s how:

1. Swipe some Smart Wool socks out of your sister-in-law’s dresser. If you don’t have a cranky sister-in-law, spend a few moments kicking up your heels, then go raid another relative’s dresser.
2. Cut the socks into strips and whip out a pair of the largest knitting needles you can find. Mine are electric green and when I get my groove on and the light hits just right, it looks like a neon disco ball flashing little dots all over the room.
3. Knit a circular tube the length of your dog’s snout—not too long though or the poor thing won’t be able to breath.
4. Tassles are optional.
5. So is fringe.

There you have it—two “Pinterest Worthy” or "Interesting" Pupstart Pretties to beautify your bow-wow. I've been Pinning so many I don't have pictures. But I found a blogger who gives all sorts of great advice when beautifying lil bowser. Right here. http://www.jewelrycoco.com/12-diy-dog-clothes-coats/

International AGAIN. Hello from Sicily.

Alas. Not me. I'm not in Sicily. But the authors aren't either, so that helps my jealousy level! 

The book says hello. That cup of coffee looks delicious as well. Italian coffee. Oh my! 

Maybe I'm inspired, too. I think I'm going to whip up some Tiramisu Cookies to drown the last bit of jealousy away! 

Waking from the Food Coma?

So full. Are you? 

Goodness. I made such a feast. 

For Fern and me. Bob had other plans. I'm not pouting. But I will remind him as often as I feel it is appropriate to do so that he was not with me on the glorious holiday that celebrates food. And my cooking. He loves my cooking. 

I will describe in great detail the golden hue on the butter topped flaky buns and how they smelled like yeasty heaven come down when the oven released their delicious aroma. And how the stuffing I made tasted of fresh sage, celery and hickory nuts with the tiniest slivers of roasted garlic. And my pumpkin pie with the home crafted cloud of whipped cream melted in my mouth. The brown sugar glazed pecans  adding just the texture needed to complete the bite. 

Yes. 

I will tell him. 

He spent Thanksgiving in a restaurant. Have you ever? 

But, on a positive note I did get Fern to read this article and agree that she doesn't want to be a cat in the Lord's kingdom. I think she is warming to Fifi, finally. 

OOOOhhhh Moonstruck!

I missed the Super Moon. 

I didn't miss it, miss it. But Bobbykins was out of town for a few days. And when he returned to Paradise he was laid up with back issues. Those long car trips are rough on him. 

While others were gazing into each others' eyes and whispering sweet nothings including proposals of marriage while the huge moon crept out of the horizon and into the sky I was serving chicken noodle soup and changing out ice packs. I did make this recipe. You have to go to the lady's blog to get it. One of the writer sent it in and FORGOT to tell everyone that it's my recipe. Oh. They have a book giveaway, too. 

Anyhoo!!!! I pointed the moon out once or five times to Bob. Even suggested we try to sit outside for a bit. He grunted. I'm sure there was love and maybe a little awe in those grunts, but that's all I got. 

So I had to live vicariously through pictures. 

Have you seen some of them? Ooooh baby, that was one huge moon. 

While looking at pictures I found out some facts, too. (Don't worry, even though I saw it on Facebook I'm sure it's accurate. They said it came from Scientific American.)  

Dogs are more likely to end up in the emergency room. I hugged Fifi extra tight after reading that fact. Shudder. I had her out and about with me, coming and going. The little thing probably has post dramatic stress issues because of the whole murder fiasco and near death of her mommies. Oh, gracious. I'm so glad I missed this fact before the moon or I would have had her on lock down, behind Fern's closed door where there is literally nothing she could hurt herself with. Fern has a desk and a bedside table and nothing on the walls. Or surfaces. It's worse than a hotel. At least hotels have colors. Not Fern. Fifi would have definitely gotten post dramatic distress from that. 

One of the other facts. Plants grow better during full moons. Woot! Woot! The garden club meets in my garden the day after tomorrow. That means I'm going to be full flower. So I can still claim something wonderful from that big old moon.  

Gotta go take care of the Bobbis. He's feeling better but still needs a little TLC. And I like to call it ZLC cuz with Zula on the move Loving Care is off the charts. Full super moon TLC. Now just to freshen up and sprinkle that extra cinnamon love on those muffins. The man is going to be moonstruck without the benefit of Super Moon. 

Romance. Pitter, Patter, Heart!!!

💖💖💖 Oooooh, I just love romantic stories. Be still my heart. My Bobbykins made me a tape or ddd or whatever those things are called of my favorite romantic movies scenes. Now I can stick it in our player or use my computer to swoon for six whole hours if I want. One of my favorites is Return to Me when he rides up on the bike with the nun sitting on the handle bars and he tells Grace how much he loves her. 

Ooooohhh and that movie is full of Frank Sinatra. Flutter. Flutter little heart. 💖💖💖

I like to take the little lap computer into the kitchen and just play the thing while I cook. When I look up I can swoon, swoon, swoon while I stir, stir, stir. I think Bob is a smart man. He just loves my cooking and he has found the way to inspire me. I come up with some creative concoctions while I'm dreaming of love. 💖💖💖 

💖One of the writers has a romantic story she shared. You can see it here. And she's giving a book away, too!!!! 

Whew! Here We go Again

I think that title sounded cranky. Well, Fern just said it did, I'm pretty sure it didn't but if I don't type this now she's going to pester me until I do. 

Housekeeping issue resolved. 

What I meant by the title was that one of the writers forgot to let me know about a post...a guest post where she shared one of MY RECIPES!!!! 

Zula's Siren Cinnamon Muffins. If you'd like the recipe then head on over here. 

And the other writer was interviewed at this on-line magazine and maybe talked a little about me. The magazine is free for the next 36 hours or so. Download the free kindle app for computer or phone and then click buy now. The cost will be zero through the 15th. There are loads of interesting things in the magazine. And hopefully much about Fern and me because without us/ our story these writers are just a lot of hot air. 

I'm Not Upset, No, Just Inspired!

The writers went to a tea party. 

Interestingly, Fern and I weren't invited. Apparently they didn't talk much about us, discussing other books as well as our story. And apparently the food was delicious and some would have appealed to Fern's more hippie palate due to gluten free and decreased sugar etc. 

But I wonder why we didn't receive the invitation. 

Again, as I apparently have to do every time I post, I must remind the writers. This story is about us. Our murder, our little village quaked with fear and riddled with crime.  My scars. My PTSD. 

So. I will just do my own little tea and not invite the storytellers! I can throw a party like nobody's business. I am the queen of events. I received a little cross stitch to that effect. It's on my wall. (Well, I found it and purchased it, but it's true! And it was on sale so it's like it was a gift!) 

I will be serving: 

Pumpkin Molasses Bites

Coconut Clouds

Toast Points with Umami Gravy

Sprout Slaw

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie (I just saw this on Pinterest!) 

Holiday Chutney

And Decadent Fudge Silk Pie

The writers received gifts. Hand-made gifts including bouquets made from found flowers. So you can be sure there will be a fabulous theme tied to this tea party as well. And soaps and other wonderful things made by myself. Also, I will be inviting dogs to come with their owners and we will make them cute little neckties or booties or something with ruffles. 

That's all for now. I have an epic party to plan! 

Banana Cake A Cure for the Boos...

The writers have another busy month in November. Which means I'll probably be required to post a few extra times. Today is Halloween. We don't get many trick or treaters anymore. All those Trunk or Treat and the malls are all the rage now. Some of those costumes are scary! Have you seen some of them? And people buy them for little kids. Sweet mercy. I can't imagine the sugar overload and the terror filled nightmares. 

I would share my famous candy bar cookies today. But that would be too predictable for Halloween. 

I will share this recipe though. 

Also a hint. Did you know that if you peel old bananas and toss them into a plastic bag in your freezer you have a much easier time of getting the banana where you want it to go rather than all over you. I'm shocked at how many home chefs just shove whole bananas in the freezer. Ugh. Then you have the slime, the black and greasy peel and the strings. Oh, that's almost enough to give me a nightmare! Trust me. Peel the banana first and toss it into a gallon sized banana bag. You'll thank me. You know you will! 

Banana Cake  (Slightly healthified by Fern but with non-hippie options still available for those of you who wouldn't know flax from a flea.)

Makes one sheet cake.  Heat your oven to 350.  Grease and flour a jelly roll pan.

Cake

¾ Cup coconut oil (You may use butter if y’all think that’s better. I will say Fern's suggestion of coconut oil did add a different and tasty spin on this cake. Trust me she tells everyone that she converted me. Yeah, whatever, Fern, whatever.)

3 Cups whole wheat pastry flour (whole wheat flour that is decimated into a much finer flour. Whole wheat traditional would give you much denser result. All purpose would work as well. Or give old fashioned oats whirled into flour a try. Fern fix. She just has to meddle in everything, I swear.)

1 Cup water

½ Cup milk (¼ cup if using eggs instead of ground flaxseed)

2 TBSP ground flax seed (or 2 eggs and decrease milk amount as noted above)

2 Cups sugar

1 teaspoon slightly mounded baking soda

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

1 ½ Cup or 4 ripe mashed bananas

Pinch of salt

Optional but highly recommended!!!:

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1-2 Cups chopped pecans or walnuts

Place the water, coconut oil (or butter) and milk into a saucepan. Bring to boil then remove from heat.

Place every other ingredient into a large mixing bowl where you have smashed the bananas. Pour the hot liquid over the other ingredients and mix very well.

Pour and spread into the prepared pan. Test the cake at 20 minutes. A toothpick or knife should come out clean or with wet crumbs.

Frosting

½ package cream cheese (4 ounces)

4 Cups powdered sugar

dash of vanilla

1-2 TBSP milk, added 1 TBSP at a time.

Mix it to the consistency you want. I made mine pretty thick.

Spread over the cooled cake. Serves at least 20 people.

I hope you survive Halloween. Watch out for clowns. Fern and I are staying in tonight for sure. I'm still healing and just can't abide by a scare. Mabel said she she saw a clown in the wooded area by the parking lot. Sweet mercy. I'm hoping it was Ralph who actually is a clown and that he'd just come from a birthday party. Ralph is a little strange though. Oh goodness. I've gotta go, I need to lock my doors!

I Am Available if I Can Carry-On Fifi

A story reader sent one of the writers a picture of the book hovering near that one huge attraction in Rome. What is it? The one I

always think is Greek. Not the Vatican. Hmmm. Never mind what it's called. Fern will tell me while peeking over her readers and tightening her lips into a tiny, judgy rosebud.

I just want to inform any of you who might be traveling to Europe that I'd be happy to go and tell you the story myself. The only condition is that Fifi needs me and should be considered carry-on. I've already knit her a union jack jumper. (I'm working on my language skills, too! ) I think I'll sew her a smart French black shift with a simple strand of pearls. And a toga.

Another Recipe ~ Oh, You Want THIS!

The writers are quiet. One has moved off to promote another story. Her characters aren't quite up to having their own blog if that says anything. And I think it does. Granted, those characters are historical so the world webs weren't around then, but that's beside the point. 

I am quite capable of stepping outside the book covers and moving and shaking. Shake what your mama gave you, folks. That's my motto. 

While you are shaking you might as well be baking. Not baking per say, because these are no bake treats. But I think you get the drift. 

These are totally season appropriate which is why I'm going to share them now. 

Saltysweet Sensations (try singing it, very lyrical) 

3 TBSP coconut oil
3 TBSP peanut butter (creamy, crunchy, whichever you have is good)
1 package marshmallows (10 ounce) 
4 Cups krispy or flaky cereal
1 Cup dry roasted peanuts
1 Cup candy corn
*Optional - 1 Cup chocolate chips or candy coated chocolate pieces should you need a chocolate fix. Note that the color of your treat will change unless you wait until they are cooled. I left the chocolate out this time. Peanutty delicious. Also if you leave out the chocolate you can share with your four-legged bestie. Fifi danced and whirled for a morsel of these. 

Melt coconut oil and peanut butter. Add marshmallows. When melted throw everything else in and mix. Press down into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Use wet damp hands to press or a spatula if you don't want sticky fingers. And cut them with a pizza cutter when cool. These are delicious!

Update on Our Story...And A Recipe!!!!!

The writers are blah-blah-blahhing over here http://bit.ly/2dVDvuY. They talk about how they invented us and took us through danger for their enjoyment. Yeah. "Whatever" as the kids say.

Since I'm just a figment of someone's or someones' imaginations I will just go on and head to the kitchen now. 

Hmmm well, if I'm imaginary how in the world do I have recipes?  Interesting!!!!

German Chocolate Krispy Bars

3 TBSP coconut oil
3 TBSP butter (note, you can do 6 TBSP of either one, I like the mix though for additional flavor goodness)
1 10 ounce bag of marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt (this helps cut the uber sweetness and adds dimension)
1 Cup toasted coconut *

1 Cup toasted pecans *

1 Cup chocolate chips
4 Cups (roughly) of crispy rice cereal.

Melt butter/coconut oil over flame in a large saucepan. Turn down heat, pour in marshmallows, stir until they begin to melt. Remove from heat and keep stirring until they are fully melted. Add salt if using and vanilla. Stir well. Pour in cereal and add-ins.
Press your mixture into the greased 9 x 13 (or 8 x 8) pan, wait til they cool and cut and devour.

*Toasting coconut and pecans. Cover a baking sheet with a cup of coconut and chopped pecans and toast 3-4 minutes at 350. Stir. Put back into the oven for 5 more minutes. Watch carefully the last minute so the coconut doesn't get darker than golden brown. 

Woot! Woot! Glossy Magazine Article All About ME!

Whoo-oo! Whoo-oo! Whoo-oo!

I am interviewed. You can read it and get one of my recipes. (And one of Fern's). 

You have only 4 more days though to grab it for free. My interview starts on page 8. There are multiple pages. Oooooh I'm so excited!!!! They asked me so many wonderful questions. I gave so many wonderful answers!!!!! 

They even interviewed Fern. Poor thing just isn't quite a natural like me though!!! And detective Flynn. He got a little "air"time, too. He didn't give us a shout out though. He must have been caught off-guard because he didn't mention us at all.  

I'm so excited. Grab a copy for free. You may have to join the club first. If so, here is the link to do that for free. http://www.bookfun.org. And if you don't have Kindle, you can download a free reading App from Amazon. There's a free trial one that ends up turning to a monthly fee so don't click that one by mistake. It should clearly state it's free and pop up once you click on the free magazine link. 

The Story Behind the Story Continues...

A little stop on the book tour train. https://quidproquills.com/2016/10/07/out-of-the-frying-pan-behind-the-story/

Kind of all about the writers again. You'd think they were the important ones. We solved the murder. We risked necks, shoulders, knees and toes. You can quote me on that. 

But I'm refusing to give in to my disgruntledness. Instead I will share a pic of our sweet lil pluffwuggins of cuteness. She loves it when I cook. And she's getting pretty good at catching morsels. The first few times she got smacked right in the kisser. But she's got the hang of it now, don't you, Fifs? Widdle, cutie patootie, snookie-wubba. 

I need to stop now because I'm needing some snuggle-wuggle time with this little gal.  Wait till you see the skirt I made her. Oh, MY! 

It's So Quiet, For Now....

Now that the whole murder fluff and stuff has died down, and our story is out and plugging along it feels kind of quiet around here. 

The writers still have a book giveaway going on. The linkie dowickie clicky thing for it is here.  http://ow.ly/lY2h304L7rQ

Comments are coming in. One person bought it and gave it to a friend who's husband is reading it to her while she has chemo. That feels real good to know that our story of overcoming and solving a murder might be making someone else feel a little better during a hard time. 

Did I share our giveaway baskets we put together for our big book signing event? I curated some jewelry and a scarf and shared a favorite product. Nutella. I could just eat that right out of the jar with a spoon. I'm a little jealous that someone created a recipe book, that shoulda woulda coulda been me! 

That gives me an idea....I'll be back. Hang on you little darling jar of chocolate heaven, Mama's coming! 

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

No, no chicken. But it's not false advertising it's just a creative way to grab attention. And the prize was so much better than chicken. Goodness. The prize was copies of our story!!!!

But that drawing is over. New month, new pumpkin recipe ideas swirling in my mind. And apple recipes. The ciders, the spices, the holiday meals to begin preparing. Oh, I just can't wait to unleash my ideas on people! 

When my darling, may he rest in peace, husband and I lived in a little town in Illinois, before Fern became my near neighbor, so she can't weigh in with any comments. There used to be a flurry over an invitation to my house. I was whipping up French Chef delicacies almost every weekend so we started inviting people over. That French food isn't always good for a working man's lunch pail the next day so we needed help to cut down on leftovers. The first time my hubby-wubby took a beautifully packed napoleon in his pail he said the guys laughed for a month. The quit laughing when he refused to share the chocolate mousse a few weeks later. That showed them. Anyhoo, our weekend dinners got so popular people were offering to buy the ingredients if only they could have a seat at the table. I still have a bit of that, especially when I make my spice cake. Or cinnamon bun muffins, or Salmon de Zula, or my chocolate and potato chip cookies. 

Whew. I got a little bunny traily there for a bit. 

I was writing to reveal the winners for the Goodreads giveaway.  Someone named David and another one named Nancy. If you are reading this, congratulations. One of the writers will get that out to you. 

But if you aren't David or Nancy there is a new chance. And an old one that's almost over...it ends today. So go here and here and enter away. 

Free Book and Love Advice. Here. Keep Reading!

Giveaways. 

Here https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/202827-out-of-the-frying-pan Hurry. Hurry. Last day. 

And here, there is more about Fern and me, very little. But the writer nailed Detective Flynn. Oh, what a hunk of man!!!!!http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2016/09/michelle-griep-writer-wednesday.html

Always be prepared with gold and glitter you can't go wrong. 

Oh, I so want Kathryn to marry him. I'm tempted to line up a judge, club the detective over the head, and get them married off before he comes to his senses. 

Not that she's not worth marrying, goodness, she's a peach!!! A Georgia peach, not those from the grocery store in June or October. A real live juice-running-down-your-chin Georgia peach. But sometimes when there are broken hearts and "complications" involved these young people just don't seize the day. 

When Bobbykins pops the questions I have my wedding kit ready to go. I can throw a fabulous party, and be the most stunning bride in less than a week. Preparation is important, all you single ladies, don't let him think too long or too hard about anything but you. Got it? What was I talking about? Mercy. Well, it'll come to me later I'm sure. Tata, Loves! 

Well, This is Awkward

One of the writers has been "tweeting". I'm not sure exactly what that is other than she says stuff and people read it and like it or something. I don't get this technology thing. Back when I was younger you had a television. Or a radio. You pushed a button and had a dial. And what you got was what you got. The phones were dials, too. And you either got a busy signal or ring. Then things got fancy with princess phones in glorious pastels. You could push buttons on those pretty little things. But you still got rings or busy signals.

After that I got lost.

We have a computer. I can send emails. And that's good enough for me. I do like to look over Fern's shoulder when she's on that Facestalker thing she does. (She gets so mad!) Kathryn posts lots of fun things, I love her Mr. Wright pictures. He's a snuggly cute little wuggins of fluff! And she'll post hilarious comments sometimes. Fern really gets angry then when I hoot in her ear. I kind of like pushing Fern's buttons, but don't tell her that!

Anyhow. Yesterday the writer said that someone "retooted" a "post" she was mentioned in. And she "clicked" on it to see who it was so she could thank them or "follow" them. Turns out this woman had "28k" followers. That was cool she said. But then she read the "bio" and this person promotes erotica.

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I sure hope no one thinks our story is trashy! Oh my! I mean, I'm a red hot woman, but not that red hot!!!!

But all publicity is good? Right?

Party! Party! Party!

The writers had a party! 

They served mocktails and little bites of deliciousness!!!! And the food items were my recipes. (Well, apparently one had to be tweaked a bit! But that's because they don't have my awesome bundt pan!) 

The writers held this party in a cute book shop in Minneapolis, and the shop was set up for partying like nobody's business. The store name is adorable...wait for it....ONCE UPON A CRIME!!! Isn't that CUTE???

When the writers walked in it looked like a book store full of racks and shelves of books. They had a moment where they wondered where would they put the bodacious spread they had prepared from MY RECIPES!?!?! And the mocktail table? And the book signing table? 

Oh those clever book store people! Racks on wheels. They just swooped in and turned the whole room into a book-lined PARTY ROOM!!!!! The writers even shared the Paradise Paragraphs newsletter with the CROWD. It was a huge CROWD. Here are some pictures. 

I'm going to be putting wheels on all my living and dining room furniture. Fern will be helping. Or maybe if I offer Salmon Roberto and Spicy Dicey Onion Rings Bobby-Boo will help. Darn. I may have to see if I can't rope in Detective Flynn. He's got a nice strong back and I am his favorite senior citizen of all time. 

But I just LOVE the wheeling idea. I could redecorate weekly. We can have dance parties after dinner. It's brilliant! BRILLIANT!  Oh, and here's another interview. I'm not sure I like what was said about me, but speaking of favorite senior citizens I think I loved that part. 

Come See Me

Tomorrow: Come taste my recipes!!!! Saturday, September 24th, y'all are invited to the book launch of Out of the Frying Pan. Join Michelle Griep and co-author, Krazy Kelly Klepfer, for a night of mystery and mocktails at the Once Upon a Crime bookstore in Minneapolis at 6:30 p.m. 604 West 26th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55405

And the other writer shares her doggie story. But don't read the answer to the question about her writing her dog into stories. Rotten answer. I covered Fifi's eyes and had to sing to her for an hour before she calmed down!!!

Where We Have Been

The writers are promoting us all over the intra-inter-whatever-net. I've decided to share the most interesting ones here. So you can go if you'd like. If you haven't read them yet, or maybe if you'd like to reread them. Because these are really kinda all about me (and Fern, of course.) 

MY RECIPES!!!!!!!

About us #1 

About us #2 

And where are we going???? Oh my. My writers are doing a book signing and they are using my recipes again!!! Different ones. Five recipes!!!! So EXCITED!!!!!!!

Win a Book. Win a Book. No Really. Win a Book!

"The party's over, hmmm, hmmm, mumble, la,la, la....."

Yes. The winners of our story are Martha Peace and Lora Young. They hopefully are being notified by one of the writers. But their names are nice. Fern would love Martha Peace. She asks for peace almost every morning. Fern is very sensitive until after a good cup of coffee or tea. Very, very cranky. 

But there will be no peace until another book has been won! The party is not over after all. It has just migrated to another location! Sign up, people! It's another chance. 

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Out of the Frying Pan

by Michelle Griep

Giveaway ends September 30, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Out of the Frying Pan Starring.....

Not as happy as yesterday's Recipe LOVE the writers shared. 

Because today's interview isn't quite so much about Fern and me. But we are pretty happy with the idea that our story could hit the big screen!!!

Imagine, our sleuthing skills, my cooking skills, MY SENSE OF FASHION and FLAIR and our HUGE WIN in capturing a murderer! For all the world to see. 

And I have to admit other than the beige the woman wears far too often, I'm pretty happy with the choice in actresses to play me. She can be kind of high strung though. I don't know if she could pull off my subtleties. The more I think about it, she really dresses pretty low-key. There would have to be some serious color and patterns and glitter. I would need to bedazzle her! I'll insist on being the one choosing the wardrobe that's for certain. Insist! 

Here's the link to that fun DREAM! 

My RECIPES!!!!

I just can NOT contain my excitement!

My recipes are here http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2016/09/yum-art-and-science-of-page-turning.html
at this blog. MY RECIPES!!!! TWO OF THEM. 

Florida Sunrise Morning Muffins and Florida Sunshine Crunch Bars. 

Yes. That's right! Both recipes right here on the Whole World Web!!!!! 

I haven't felt this excited since I came to after the incident! Well. To be honest I was terrorized at that moment, but I got real excited when we were the ones who helped capture the assailant. 

So quit reading this and click on that blue line up there and you can go SEE MY RECIPES!!! Go. Now. Do it!!!!!!!

And There They Go Again....

The writers are all over the place again. Like weasels released from a sack. Three locations today. Not a single one of these articles or posts talks about our heroic murderer-defying, life-risking, epic village-saving event. 

However, one does mention my backstory a bit....so maybe check that out. And I kinda wish I could get ahold of some of the candles she talks about getting rid of. If any of you decide to declutter any floral arrangements LET ME KNOW! 

But the rest....meh...go read all about them. We're fine. We'll be right here when you come back. I'm currently sewing a mermaid tail for Fifi. She will be so, so cute!!!! 

And speaking of cute. Look at these little babies holding our book!!!!!!

Sweet Mercy

Those writers are high maintenance. 

I told Fern we'd only post once a week. And I think I've been here every day. I have little callouses on the tips of my fingers and I think I've pulled a muscle in my neck!!!! I'm certain of it. Either that or Fifi slept pushed up against my face again. That's possible. I dreamt of being buried alive in a portable toilet. (Fifi has some digestive issues and she ate a little too much grass on our after dinner walk.) It happens. 

So that mystery is solved. Ha.Ha! Oh, and we solved ours, too. Just in case you didn't know that Fern and I pretty much single-handedly took down some serious baddies! (I was even injured...but I can't share more.)

Anyhoo, the writers are at the following blogs today. Promoting our story. However, they never really do us justice! 

Jodie Wolfe http://www.jodiewolfe.com/single-post/2016/09/14/Kelly-Klepfer interviews Kelly Klepfer about her writing life. Kelly stinks at spelling. I learned that. 

Tootle on over to Whispers in Purple http://bit.ly/2cEiLss where Michelle Griep shares some such about co-writing. 

Now. I'm going to go ice my fingers around a tall glass of home made lemonade! 

And if you haven't signed up to win a copy...you are missing out. Do that. K? 

Turn It Up, Fern.

Fern is in a rut.

There! I've said it. And not for the first time. But this the first time on the whole wide web. I'll even say it again! Fern is in a RUT!

I've been trying to convince her to bring back aerobics Richard Simmons style. Our generation knows how to Sweat to the Oldies. But she is insistent that simple yoga moves and pilates and tai chi are good for our cores and our strength. To her credit she plays tennis. And as adorable as some of those cute little sweater/skirt/headband combos are I'm just not going to attempt to whack a tiny, yellow, fuzzy ball with a flat colander on a stick. If I connected with the ball I'd lose a fingernail for sure. And if I missed I'd have to bend over to pick up the ball and in my choice of tennis wear that would NOT be a good idea.  

When we have asked Fern for aerobic exercise to get the ol hearts a pumpin she just pushes us to move at a faster slow pace so we don't lose the benefit of the moves. Kind of like race walking. Who walks like that if they aren't rushing to the bathroom? Right?!? And if that's exercise I'm pretty sure I just don't want anything to do with it. Can you imagine the swishing sounds from a nylon workout suit? Annoying. Plus how could a hunky man take me seriously when I'm looking like an overactive bladder commercial? 

So then I see there's this whole new trend. Dance moves like the pop stars to their music. Sounds a little like "Sweatin to the Oldies" has a new life, doesn't it, Fern. Like aerobics aren't dead, just pumped up a bit. And then I saw another thing called bungee dancing. Now this is something I could do without hurting myself. And I think I still have a couple off the shoulder Flashdance sweatshirts from the 80's hanging around. Oh, Fern, I think you'd even have fun. Look at them, Fern. Just look at them!

Oh, and don't forget to try to win a copy of our book. Trust me. You want to read all about our heart pounding few weeks in Paradise!