Hockey Ugliness, House Update, and Dancing Video

That Penguins game felt so one-sided, it was awful. We get called for stupid minor things, but they can hurt our players and…nothing. It was so frustrating to watch. I don’t even want to discuss that goal they called a no-goal.

Time to come home and kick some butts.

And what is it with Nashville fans throwing catfish on the ice? They were even in the stands pouring beer over their redneck heads holding more fish! I heard they were Tennessee Titan players, too! NHL should really ban fans from doing that kind of shit. I mean, fans get ejected for throwing beer cans on the ice, but not fish?

Oh, and by the way, I don’t like it when Detroit fans throw the squid/octopus on the ice, either. It’s stupid!

Okay, rant over. For now. J

Got some pictures from our builders on Friday. The stone is now on the front of the house (yay!) and it’s ready for painting (on the inside).

See the stone around the garage and lower half of the front bedroom?

The kitchen area. All ready for paint and flooring.

This is looking out the back of the house. I wasn't expecting that middle

window (I said no to the fireplace and the window was optional), so we'll

probably put black curtains there since that's where the TV will go!

Thank goodness we didn't plan on wall mounting it!

I need something fun today. Saw part of this video at the Dragons game and enjoyed it so much, I found it on YouTube so I can share it with you. Let’s all dance!

So… How was your weekend? Sports-wise it sucked for me. Dragons lost on Friday and Saturday (froze at Saturday’s game—it was in the 40s), Vegas lost, and of course, Penguins lost. I hope the rest of the week turns out better for my teams.

Happy (grumbling) Monday!

Stacy

What a Game!

I think the Penguins are trying to give all their fans heart attacks. What a game last night! I have a feeling this next round is going to be super stressful.

What am I saying? They’re ALL stressful.

I’m just so happy that the Penguins woke up and came from behind to win the first game. In Capitals territory. Bwahahahaha!

After the Penguins game, Daughter and I watched the Vegas Knights. Not quite as stressful. Scoring 4 goals in the first period might have helped in that regard. And since I wrote this during the game, I cannot share the outcome. Yes, I stayed up late to watch it!

Tonight Hubby and I will are going to a Dayton Dragons game. Then we do the same tomorrow night with some friends. I pray for dry weather, but have a feeling it’ll be a little chilly. I wish it would hurry up and get warmer.

So… What stresses you out? I think it’ll always be hockey for me. Okay, possibly football, too.

Happy Friday! And let’s go Pens!!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and Our Fun Car

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #16

Dates read: April 18-22
Title: Dearest Ivie
Year of publication: 2018
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #15.5
# of Pages: 136
Paper or plastic: Ebook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: The last place Ivie expects to be approached by a devastatingly handsome male is in a crowded, smoky cigar bar rarely frequented by vampires—yet here he stands. Silas is flirtatious, gallant, and, above all, mysterious. Ivie is anything but. A nurse at the healer’s clinic and the daughter of a biker, Ivie is accustomed to speaking her mind. So she does. Since aristocrats rarely pick up females of her class, Ivie asks Silas just what kind of game he thinks he’s playing.
    Despite her guarded exterior, Ivie surrenders to the fierce desire she feels for Silas. And yet, just as their courtship is heating up, he reveals that it cannot last, for he is bound to return to the Old Country. Their bond only deepens as they make the most of their precious time together. But when she learns the truth, Ivie must find a saving grace—before all is lost. . . .

My thoughts: J.R. Ward is evil. And she made me cry. I was about ready to kill her and then I just wanted to hug her. Yes, I loved this story.

We have three cars: Hubby’s 2017 RAV4, my 2010 Xterra, and our fun car, a 2008 Solara convertible. The fun car doesn’t get used as much as it used to. Hubby wants it to last (especially since Toyota doesn’t make them anymore). But it is getting old, I suppose. The rear window defogger doesn’t work and lately the speaker cuts out. Since we were thinking of taking the fun car to Seattle in July (to catch our cruise to Alaska), I would like the speakers to work. I figured there was a loose cable or something.

So I took it in to the Toyota dealership to have it and the rear window defogger fixed.

Of course nothing can be easy, can it?

Seems the defogger isn’t a loose cable. The wire on the glass got cut (probably from an ice scraper). They would have to replace the glass. But wait! The window is sewn in the rag top. But wait! They don’t make that rag top anymore (heck I think we got the last year the car was produced). They would have to make a custom top just to fix the defogger.

Yeah, I don’t think so. Maybe if the rag top needed replacing, but it doesn’t. On to the speaker problem.

Which, by the way, only seems to happen when it gets warm and of course we got a cold snap when I turned in the car. They couldn’t get it to cut out. Didn’t stop them from looking around, though.

They stopped when it became evident they would have to tear the dash out. Said it was most likely the amplifier (since it wasn’t just the radio that cut out, it was also the CD and auxiliary—iPod). That it would probably cost close to $2000 to get that fixed.

Yeah, I don’t think so.

So I guess our fun car won’t be SUPER fun to drive, especially if the speakers keep cutting out (I do like my music), but I’m not ready to give up the car yet. And it’s not like we NEED the defogger. We tend to only drive it when the weather is nice.

But man, why does everything have to be so darn complicated to fix?

So… How many cars do you own? Yes, we have the three, but figure that we will not replace the first one that dies. Right now, that doesn’t seem to be any time soon. Which is fine by me.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

We Have Drywall!

The last time I drove by the new house, it didn’t look any different (no siding), but we got pictures from the developer on Friday. We have drywall!

This is the kitchen area. Those three windows will be above 

the cabinets

From the great room toward the front door. Archway on the left is to the

master bedroom. Kitchen is to the right.

Holy Pucks, Batman! Did you see yesterday’s Penguins/Flyers game? I thought for sure we were going to lose (and after Friday’s game, I was rather depressed) and then BAM! The Penguins showed up. Yay! So glad THAT series is over. Now we wait to see who we play in the next round. I kind of hope it’s Columbus. I’d like to see them win a first round for once (knocking the Capitals out would just be a bonus).

Author event down in Corbin went about as I expected. Got two new subscribers to my newsletter. Sold a book. But look at my new banner. Ain’t it pretty?

I miscalculated the height needed (it was too tall for the table), but made it work. I also have a smaller version (for when I only have a 3’ table), because I thought it turned out so great.

And yes, I realized AFTER I set up the table that I had the vampire books over the ghost saying and the ghost books over the vampire saying. I will remember to line them up correctly the next time.

Best question I got on Saturday: Do you write paranormal? Hmmm… Let me think.

I’ll have you know that even having traveled 3-1/2 hours on Friday, the book signing and traveling 3-1/2 hours home on Saturday, I have NOT broken my writing streak. 43 days and counting (of writing 300+ words). Whoo hoo! Motivation (or would that be competition against myself) is a powerful thing. Plus, I’m just so darned THRILLED that writing has become fun again.

So… How was your weekend? Frazzled or quiet? Or maybe a happy medium?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

On the Road Again

Today I head down to Corbin, KY for tomorrow I shall be at the Southeastern Kentucky Author Event. If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll come by. It’s only $5 per person to see over 40 authors. Should be fun.

DL Hammons is running the WRiTE Club again this year (http://www.dlhammons.com/). If you want to help out some writers (who have submitted anonymously), check out the bouts and vote for the one you like best. There’s a different bout each day (and it started on Monday), but you have a week or two to vote, so it’s not too late to go over there and start reading and voting.

I started watching “The X Files” this week (after my writing, of course) basically as research (since I kind of reference it in a book I’m revising). I’ve never seen the original series before and I’m enjoying it so far. Twenty-five years didn’t seem all that long ago, or different, in my mind, but now that I can actually SEE it on the screen… Wow. Life was different back then. Not quite as connected as it is now.

Drove by the new house yesterday, but not much has changed on the outside. Still waiting on the siding. Maybe next week! I think the weather is supposed to get warmer. Gosh, I hope so!

So… Got any plans this weekend? I’m hoping I get to Corbin before the Penguins game comes on. I don’t want to miss it!

Happy Friday! And let’s go Pens!!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads Almost Wasn't

I almost didn’t have a book to report. I ended up finishing it during the Blue Jackets/Capitals game (double OT!). I am rooting for the Columbus team to win, in case you were wondering. But I’m enjoying seeing each game go into OT. Whoever wins might be a bit exhausted going into the next round. Which, of course, I’m hoping is against the Penguins. I hope the good Penguins show up in tonight’s game!

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #15

Dates read: April 14-17
Title: Twice Bitten
Year of publication: 2018
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Argeneau Vampire Series #27
# of Pages: 373
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: For someone who’s been around for over a hundred and forty years, immortal Elspeth Argeneau hasn’t done a whole lot of living. Now that she’s moved away from her controlling mother, she’s tracking down rogue vampires and enjoying some overdue freedom. A fling would be fun. A life mate can wait. Yet to Elspeth’s surprise, her landlady’s hot grandson checks both boxes.
    Wyatt fell instantly in love with Elspeth four years ago. He’s stunned to run into her again, especially as she has no memory of him. Then again, there are a lot of things about Elspeth that don’t make sense, like the miraculous speed with which her wounds heal. And the chemistry that transforms every touch into an explosion of desire. But with mysterious “accidents” besieging Elspeth, the ex-Special Forces soldier appoints himself her bodyguard. But time is running out to uncover the truth about her enemies—and rediscover the man determined to love her for eternity.
My thoughts: I love it when a new book comes out in this series. They’re just so much fun to read! And this one is no different. Humor, romance, and a touch of suspense. Perfect.

So… What are you reading now?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Happy Tax Day!

If you’re one of those last minute tax preparers, I hope you get your return filed in time (I believe you have until midnight tonight). I may be a procrastinator, but I NEVER wait until the last minute. The IRS scares me too much to do that. Haha!

I got my return filed weeks ago and already received my refund (another reason I filed early). I’m sure I would have waited until later if I owed money, but I still wouldn’t wait until the last day. Nope. That would just be too much stress for me.

I do not have any pictures from Sunday’s Reds game. That’s because we didn’t go. It was raining pretty steadily by the time we had to leave for the 1:10 game, so we waited. Game kept getting postponed until first pitch started at 3:45. By that time I was already into the Penguins game (they’re now up 2 games to 1—whoo hoo!). Plus it was getting colder by the hour. Thank goodness the tickets were free. I didn’t feel that guilty not going.

I took a walk to the post office on Friday. It was pretty windy, but nice and warm (close to the 80s!). Thought I might actually get to start walking outside this week. Then I checked the weather.

Yeah, it ain’t happening this week. Rain, rain, maybe snow, and cold weather until Friday. Some spring this is turning out to be. We’re going to go straight from brrrr to sweaty, I just know it.

So… Has the weather put a crimp in your weekend plans? Next Saturday I’ll be in Corbin, KY for the Southeastern Kentucky Author Event. It’s not an outdoor event, but I sure hope the weather is nicer. Maybe then more people will attend!

Happy Monday!

Stacy

More Pictures of the House

Our closing date has moved to May 23rd (instead of May 9th), but that's okay. I kind of expected it since we'd had all that rain (and snow). Yesterday we got to walk through the house! Kind of hard to picture the rooms since the drywall isn't installed, but I took some pictures anyway.

From great room looking toward front of house. Kitchen is on the

right (island is partially framed in).

Taken through the master bedroom "wall" is a view of the sun room.

You can see what kind of view I'll have from there.

View from the upstairs bonus bedroom.

Steps lead up to the bonus bedroom.

Our back yard view. I have a feeling the lake will contain

lots of geese someday. There were already a few there.

Sun room. You can also see how close we are to our neighbor.

Front door entry.

I look forward to the day the siding is added. Due to the rain, they're behind. We're like seventh on the list. Once it's up, I'll get more pictures.

Yesterday the temps reached the mid 70s! It was so nice. I wish it would last, but no such luck. At least it doesn't appear to be getting as cold as freezing, so there's that.

Hubby won two tickets to Sunday's Reds game. Awesome seats. If I remember to take pictures, I'll post them on Monday (if I remember--haha!).

Wednesday's Penguins game was awesome! Sure hope they play the same aggressive game tonight (they're fun to watch that way!). So cool to actually get to see one of Sid's batted in goals. I'll miss Sunday's game because of the Reds, but hopefully I'll catch the end of it. I wouldn't mind a sweep, but know that's virtually impossible with these games. I can hope, though.

So... Today is Friday the 13th (I just noticed that as I went to post). Are you superstitious? Or do you like to drive superstitious people nuts? I've been known to do the latter.

Happy Friday (the 13th)!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and I Had a Scare!

Monday morning I did my best writing of the year (986 words!). I even worked on my editing project and was implementing my changes on the document when I realized my keys weren’t working. The mouse would move the cursor (so I was able to save the document), but I couldn’t type anything out.

Okay, time to reboot. Right? That’s what I did. At 1:30pm.

Five minutes later, the screen still said “Restarting.” I tried to turn off the laptop. Power button wouldn’t work. Now, before you tell me to disconnect the battery… I couldn’t. It’s built in. I needed Hubby to do that and he wasn’t due home until close to 10pm.

Yep, my computer was out of commission all freaking day and all I could do was hope I could turn it off and then turn it back on. I didn’t want to lose those 986 words (I hadn’t e-mailed the document to myself yet)! I also didn’t want my writing streak to end if by some chance I had to turn my laptop into a repair center.

But do you know what was a real miracle? I didn’t lose my temper. I didn’t feel the need to throw Big Red out the window. I was just disappointed.

Whew, you don’t know how happy THAT made me.

Good news, though. Hubby was able to pull the battery wire (he couldn’t remove the battery). Yay, it turned off. We let it cool awhile. He then plugged the battery back in, and pushed the power button.

Yay, it turned on. I emailed the document to myself. What a relief.

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #14

Dates read: April 3-8
Title: “The Silent Corner”
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Suspense
Series: Jane Hawk #1
# of Pages: 434
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: “I very much need to be dead.” These are the chilling words left behind by a man who had everything to live for—but took his own life. In the aftermath, his widow, Jane Hawk, does what all her grief, fear, and fury demand: find the truth, no matter what.
    People of talent and accomplishment, people admired and happy and sound of mind, have been committing suicide in surprising numbers. When Jane seeks to learn why, she becomes the most-wanted fugitive in America. Her powerful enemies are protecting a secret so important—so terrifying—that they will exterminate anyone in their way.
    But all their power and viciousness may not be enough to stop a woman as clever as they are cold-blooded, as relentless as they are ruthless—and who is driven by a righteous rage they can never comprehend. Because it is born of love.
My thoughts: It’s horrific, but not horror, if you know what I mean. And the fight is definitely not over. It’s freaky and scary to think something like this could happen, and I certainly hope it cannot. That this is really all just make-believe fantasy. But if it’s not… Ugh. This book is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure (think Stepford Wives). Will I read the next one? You betcha. Already own it (thanks to Christmas money!). But I wasn’t going to buy book 3 until I read this one. It’s on my list, now.

So… How often do you back up your computer? For important stuff, like my books, I e-mail a copy to myself every night I touch it. Other than that, I do backup my laptop about every 4 months, or when I think about it, like I am now. Hmmm… time to backup!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

29 Days and Counting

Sunday marked 29 consecutive days of adding 300+ words to my WIP. Even better, the last 15 days it’s been 500+ and the last 7 days it’s been 600+ words. I love seeing those numbers increase.

I guess my new medication isn’t messing with my creativity after all. I do have an appointment with my oncologist today to check in the progress of my medication, since it was about this time (30 days taking it) on my old medication that my meltdown occurred. No such event this time. I’d like to think I’m happier because I’m getting my writing done, but it’s possible I’m getting my writing done because a pill isn’t making me depressed.

I really think that old pill was making me depressed.

All’s good for now. That’s what matters. Right?

Saw the Penguins play in Columbus last Thursday. I’m beginning to really dislike Blue Jackets fans (they are so obnoxious!). All I can think is that they are a jealous bunch and I’m super glad we SWEPT them this year.

Wednesday is the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the most stressful part of the season. I really believe the Penguins have a shot of 3-peating, but only if they’re on their A-game (meaning their defense steps up). I think this will be a harder-fought playoffs than the last two, and the last two weren’t cake walks!

I might need to get me a stress ball.

Saturday Hubby and I attended opening day of the Dayton Dragons. Man, was it cold or what? The high only reached 40 and of course it dropped quickly once the sun set. We only lasted six innings, which was probably just as well. The Dragons fell apart in the 7th inning and ended up losing 9-2. Our next game is April 27th. Sure hope it’s warmer then!

So… What fans do you think are obnoxious? I sure hope it’s not Penguins fans!!

Happy Monday! And Happy Birthday to my daughter tomorrow!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and Being Tested

I’m being sorely tested this week. And I’m learning something from it, too. Seems I can get 500+ words written pretty quickly in the morning. Did not know I had that in me. It’s coming in handy, too. My afternoons have been busy with other things lately and I so much want to keep my writing streak going. And so far I have. All because I forced myself to get the writing done first. Before e-mails. Before blogs. Heck, before my shower!

I’m going to have to remember to do that more often. It’s kind of…freeing.

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #13

Dates read: March 23-April 2
Title: “Sleeping Beauties”
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Stephen King and Owen King
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 700
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: In a future so real and near it might be now, something happens when women go to sleep: they become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If they are awakened, if the gauze wrapping their bodies is disturbed or violated, the women become feral and spectacularly violent. And while they sleep they go to another place, a better place, where harmony prevails and conflict is rare.
    One woman, the mysterious “Eve Black,” is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease. Is Eve a medical anomaly to be studied? Or is she a demon who must be slain? Abandoned, left to their increasingly primal urges, the men divide into warring factions, some wanting to kill Eve, some to save her. Others exploit the chaos to wreak their own vengeance on new enemies. All turn to violence in a suddenly all-male world.
My thoughts: A world without women vs. a world without men. Very interesting. I don’t know if the women would have been quite that organized, though. I’d expect a lot of back-stabbing and bickering. Or do the men make them act that way? Hmmm.

So… When do you do your best work? I’ve always been a morning person, but I used to use that to exercise. Because I hate exercise. I’ll still have to do it eventually (like if it ever gets warmer or stops raining), but for now I’m taking advantage and writing in the morning. I get so much more accomplished that way.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

More House Pictures

Penguins played pathetic last night. I really hate those back-to-back games. They play so sucky on the second game. Ugh!!

Ghostly Liaison is featured over at Marcia James’s Go Pets! Blog http://marciajames.net/2018/04/01/stacy-mckitrick/ Well, I guess I am, too. Haha! Hope you’ll check it out.

I showed you a picture of our house from last Tuesday. On Friday, Hubby and I went over to see how it was going. We couldn’t believe what we saw!

This is the back of the house, in case you couldn't tell. :)

You can see the retention pond behind our house

(and the foundation ditch for the house next door).

No back yard neighbors for us!

Is this house moving along or what?

I finished March writing 11217 words. Sure makes me feel good seeing numbers like that. I want to do a LOT better in April.

So… Did you have a great Easter? We spent it with friends and family and ate some really great food. Of course the day had to end in snow. SNOW! Mother Nature's April Fool's joke on us. Ugh!!

Happy Monday!

Stacy