Coffee and Chilblains

The morning sun gently warms a pale blue sky; all is still, even the wind. March smiles serenely this morning, but, beware! March is untrustworthy. Today and tomorrow will lull us into thinking spring has come, but, Friday! Surprise! Winter comes roaring back. (At least, that’s what our meteorologist says. I haven’t consulted the Almanac […]

Changing Times

Changing Times

Sometimes change happens suddenly. Sometimes, it’s gradual, but whichever it is, it is a mystery. For the Ukrainian people, change came swiftly, a change that affects the rest of the world. Looking back at history, we can see how huge events–wars, famines, droughts, new inventions, have changed life for many. Within our families, life is […]

What a Character!

What a Character!

Hey! You aren’t supposed to say that! I looked at the paragraph I’d written. This character was speaking and acting…well, out of character. I had her personality planned and knew how she fit into the story I was writing, but, here she was, taking the bit in her mouth, the bull by the horns, and […]

Frigid February?

Frigid February?

Is your birthday this month? A happy February birthday to you!  Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan also had birthdays this month, so you’re in good company.  Your birthstone is the lovely Amethyst and your flowers are the violet and primrose. If you had lived during the Victorian era, a gift of violets […]

Roving Reporter Caught Me

At last, she did it! The roving reporter caught up with me. She asked probing questions and I did my best to provide interesting answers. Roving Reporter: Tell me, please, what led up to your becoming a writer of mysteries? I mean, well, no offense, but just looking at you, you are sort of the […]

This Day

This Day

What are you doing this nippy January day? Actually, ten degrees is a bit more than nippy. Thankfully, we don’t have a howling wind or blowing snow or sleet. But, it is cold. This means I’ll need to replenish bird baths for thirsty birds and make sure they have enough sunflower seeds. There’s one form […]