Finished Reading “Sweet Revenge” and Digging Out

So… it snowed here this past weekend. Record breaking snow (for our area). There’s about 14” of the white stuff on our driveway and we still haven’t removed enough of it to get a car out. The frigid temps aren’t helping with the removal, either.

Some “kids” (they were in their late teens/early twenties) offered to shovel it for 60 bucks. Hubby is wishing now that he took them up on their offer. It’s not that it’s heavy (nope, fluffy stuff fell this time around), but just that there is so much of it! I don’t know where to put it all. Our piles are almost as tall as me (and I’m 5’6”) and we’re nowhere near finished.

Thankfully we’re in no hurry to get anywhere.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 2

Dates read: January 10-25, 2026
Title: Sweet Revenge
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Aedyn Brooks
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Grave Intentions #4
# of Pages: 284
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased at B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: Wyatt “Viper” Raine is two weeks from tapping out of his fifteen-year military career when he’s offered an easy assignment that could net him half-a-million-dollars. All he has to do is provide protection detail for K.M. O’Conner on a reality show. Once the mission was complete, he would be financially set to fulfill a promise he never forgot. When he meets the tantalizing and extremely talented contestant, Wyatt can’t help but wonder if he has bitten off more than he can chew.
    Keller O’Connor’s dreams were about to come true—she’d been selected to be on Hometown Advantage, a reality TV show where contestants compete in physical and cooking challenges. Her chances of winning are good—that is, if an escaped serial killer who’s hellbent on eliminating her permanently doesn’t get to her first. She isn’t happy when the show’s director assigns her a hard-as-nails Navy SEAL bodyguard/partner. Her plans didn’t include splitting the million-dollar winnings, nor getting unexpectedly married in Vegas. Of course, the idea of being chopped in real-life by a killer focused on revenge wasn’t appetizing either.
    As the chemistry heats up between Keller and Wyatt, so do the threats. Can he keep her alive long enough to make both of their dreams come true, or will a deadly killer exact his own brand of sweet revenge in front of the world?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Very entertaining. Kind of like reading about a contestant from the Amazing Race (which is the only reality show I watch). I found it interesting that there is now a culinary reality show coming soon to TV (forget which channel), which is what the reality show in this book is portraying. Still, lots of action and suspense in this, along with some ghosts and other paranormal stuff, made for a fun read.  

I know we don’t have it as bad as those places that got ice. I know what ice is like and I’m glad it didn’t happen here. Still, I wish the weather would at least cooperate and melt some of this snow, but that’s not gonna happen anytime soon. The highest it will get all week is 19 and that is on Friday. We got several below zero mornings to get through first. Ugh.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Crescent City” and We Got Snow (ugh)

It snowed today, which was a good excuse to read. I had plans to see my grandson in the play he was starring in, but because of the stupid snow, they cancelled the last performance. I’m sad I didn’t get to see him perform. I was really looking forward to it. So I just sat and read instead. Seemed like the best thing to do.

I was kind of hoping to be done with the snow, but that’s not what Mother Nature wanted it seems.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 3

Dates read: January 12 – February 16, 2025
Title: Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Sarah J. Moss
Genre: Fantasy romance
Series:  Crescent City #1
# of Pages: 799
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: Half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan loves her life. Every night is a party, and Bryce is going to savor all the pleasures Lunathion—also known as Crescent City—has to offer. But then a brutal murder shakes the very foundations of the city, and Bryce’s world comes crashing down.
    Two years later, Bryce still haunts the city’s most notorious nightclubs—seeking only oblivion now, trying to put the past behind her. When the murderer attacks again and an infamous Fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, is assigned to watch her every footstep, Bryce knows she can’t forget any longer.
    As Bryce and Hunt fight to unravel the mystery, the threads they tug ripple through the underbelly of the city, across warring continents and down to the deepest levels of Hel, where things that have been sleeping for millennia are beginning to stir…
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Took me a little over a month to finish this behemoth. Granted, even with the cruise and stays in various Florida cities, I wasn’t always able to read it like I thought I would (for some reason I didn’t read any of it in the car). Once I returned home, I spent more time on it (read the second half much quicker than the first). It’s a good book and I will probably get the next two in the series. Although, they’re even longer than this one. A mystery I didn’t figure out and lots of suspense. And I did wonder if there was going to be any kind of romance. That didn’t come to light until about half-way, which made me happy. A lot happens in this book, that’s for sure. But if you like big books, you’ll probably love this one. Plus, NO CLIFFHANGER! Yay!

Because I thought we were going to go out today, I had cleared the driveway. Then I got the news about the cancellation. If only they had contacted me earlier. I could have saved myself all that work.

Well… maybe. I guess it DOES need to be cleared. Haven’t bothered with the cars, yet. Hoping it’ll get warmer. But with that howling wind, I don’t think that’s gonna happen any time soon.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “One Sad Kitty” and Tired of the Snow

I’m already tired of the snow. It snowed on Monday (6”). It snowed Friday on top of that (2”). Nothing is going to melt for a good long while. I’m really looking forward to leaving on Thursday. Don’t know how warm it will be as we drive toward Florida, but it’s gotta be warmer than here. It’s expected to be in the single digits on the morning we pack up the car. Brrrr!!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 2

Dates read: January 6-12, 2025
Title: One Sad Kitty
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Pepper McGraw
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series:  Murrysville Coalition #2
# of Pages: 171
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from Book: In the aftermath of tragedy, even the mating bond Julie never knew she had isn’t enough. It will take every bond of friendship, every bond of community and Coalition to carry her into the future.
    For ten years, Brian has denied the mating bond, protecting Julie from the true nature of his love for her. Then his best friend is murdered and Julie falls apart in the aftermath. To save her, to tie her to the community and home she loves, Brian will end a decade of silence, break the promise he made her brother and finally claim the mate he’s always loved.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: So… this isn’t a continuation of book 1, but is taking place DURING book 1. So… a lot of the story in this book was duplicated and sort of boring (because of the duplication). I pretty much KNEW how this book would end since it was implied in book 1. Again, I expected a little more humor in this book than I thought I’d get.

Barnes & Noble was having a book sale just after Christmas (plus bonus stamps for purchasing). It was buy one paperback, get one 50% off. I already had one of the paperbacks in my wish list so I went searching for another that I might like to try. I saw this book by Sarah J. Maas. It was the first in the series and figured now would be a good time to try her out. I didn’t bother reading any of the details of the book (besides the blurb) and now I’m thinking maybe I should have. When I received my order, I gasped as I pulled this 800-page tome from the box! I’m taking it on our trip, figuring I won’t finish it in 3 weeks. Hope I like it. Just in case, I’m also bringing my Nook. Oh, and some crochet projects. Always gotta have crochet projects.

So don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me for awhile. Especially if I like the book.

800 pages. And it’s only Book 1? I’m still shaking my head.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Crazy Cheetah Lady” and Stuff

New year, new reading goals. I decided to stick with 30 this year since I managed to reach that goal last year. Not gonna put any stress on my reading and I don’t see this year being all that different from last.

I have started the year off right, though. I finished a crochet project before the 4^th. I had been working on it since October and realized that I wouldn’t meet with the woman I give my projects to until February if I didn’t finish it by the 4^th, because I was meeting her that day. I made it (on the 3^rd—talk about cutting it close) and she was very thankful.

I also finished revising Alien Desires! I still need to go over the last chapter I “fixed,” but that shouldn’t take long (hopefully will get to it today). I emailed my editor to see if she could start working on in next week. She can! Now I just have to get the blurb written so I can get the cover made. Let’s see if I can get that done before the 16^th, when we leave for Florida to cruise and spend time with friends.

Yep, we’ll be gone about three weeks. Some of it on a cruise. Some of it in Ft Lauderdale. Some of it with our friends in their timeshares (Titusville & Kissimmee). At least it should be warm down there. Well…warmer than here!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 1

Dates read: December 30 – January 5, 2025
Title: The Crazy Cheetah Lady
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Pepper McGraw
Genre: Paranormal romance (MMMF)
Series:  Murrysville Coalition #1
# of Pages: 172
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from Book: Abby doesn’t exactly believe in the paranormal, even though she’s made a career of writing about it. Then she saves a trio of cheetah cubs from the river and everything changes.
    Alpha shifters, Marcus, Peter, and James are on the trail of their kidnapped triplet nephews. They’ve tracked the cubs to Abby’s town and heads are going to roll.
    When the men reclaim their nephews and leave Abby behind, she follows their trail, determined not to lose the cubs she saved. This is fine with the alphas since they’ve decided she’ll make an excellent shifter mate. For them.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Didn’t realize that this was a male/male/male/female erotica paranormal story when I bought the two books. I thought it was going to be a funny series. It’s light-hearted, but not humorous. And very short. I thought there would be more to it, but when it's erotica, it’s all about the sex, I guess. I don’t mind reading these when I’m prepared. And frankly, with my memory, it could be I just forgot what these books were about when I bought them from the author I sat next to at a book convention.

We’re expecting a lot of snow later today. I’m hoping it’s all hype and blows over. Or maybe it just shifts away from us. I really don’t want to clean up snow. Why do I live in Ohio again? Oh yeah, family. I have so little as it is, don’t want to be away from it. So I guess I just deal with snow. Ugh.

Happy Reading!

Stacy 

Reading Update and Ohio’s Screwy Weather

I’ve lived in Ohio for nearly 31 years, you’d think I’d get used to the screwy weather in April. Or at least REMEMBER that April is full of screwy weather. I’ll blame the remembering part on my old brain.

But on Monday, April 18 (half-way through the month!!), it snowed here. For half the frickin’ day! Didn’t stick to the roadways so much, but it did stick to the grassy areas, the trees & shrubs, AND my car (of which I was using because I had a LOT of errands, of course). Plus, it was cold! I’m ready for spring. It’s supposedly been here a month already, so what’s with the snow?

Oh… spring is coming Saturday. Or rather, summer is poking its head in. It’s supposed to reach 80 on Saturday. Frostbite to sunburn within one week. Yep, April weather is screwy in Ohio.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 12

Dates read: April 5-14, 2022
Title: Hollow’s End
Year of publication: 2013
Author: Marianne Morea
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: The Legend #1
# of Pages: 245
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from the book: Two hundred years of secrets and lies are bleeding into the present, and high school seniors, Hunter Morrissey and Rowen Corbett find themselves linked with unseen forces shrouded in mystery and violence. In the quaint river town of Sleepy Hollow… But the dark water of the Hudson River is not the only blackness looming in the distance. Truths, buried and long forgotten, have risen at a time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
    Only Hunter and Rowen hold the key to locking the past in the past. And setting old wrongs to right.
    Can justice be served?
    Can the two find a way to straddle both worlds and solve the mystery when they don’t understand the clues?
My thoughts: The copy I have had way too many grammatical mistakes that kept taking me out of the story. But the story does end and it was interesting. If you like YA paranormal, give this a try. On the book it’s labeled a YA romance, but it’s not, not really, although there is romantic elements. And in Goodreads, it’s listed as a horror, but I didn’t really find it all that horrific. It’s certainly suitable for young adults.

On Monday (during the freakish snow storm), I ordered some “computer” glasses after my eye appointment (of which my eyes haven’t changed all that much). These will be bifocals with the middle range on top and the reading range on the bottom. I normally wear trifocals with a really narrow middle range that isn’t suitable for a computer screen. At least, not for me. I’m hoping the new glasses will make it easier for me to write. At this point, I’m trying everything to make it easier to write (or at least eliminate the excuses??). Wish me luck that it works. I need something to work.

So… Do you wear glasses? How annoying are they for you?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Happy Groundhog’s Day

Today the groundhog is supposed to tell us whether we have six more weeks of winter or spring is just around the corner. Since it’s supposed to be raining pretty much all day today, I’m guessing he won’t see his shadow. But spring right around the corner? Ha! We have the biggest winter storm of the season heading our way. I’m not looking forward to that. I may grumble when we get an inch or two, but an inch or two I can handle. Six to ten inches? I’ll more than grumble. I’ll have to actually SHOVEL the crap. I’m sure I’ll be cursing a lot tomorrow.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 4

Dates read: January 17-26, 2022
Title: Negligence
Year of publication: 2013
Author: Robert Gregory Browne
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Trial Junkies #2
# of Pages: 377
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from the book: She was found with a bullet in her head, and the kid she was last seen with woke up drugged and disoriented in a neighbor’s back yard. Now the kid is awaiting trial for her murder, and reporter Matt Isaacs is convinced that there’s more here than meets the eye.
    Matt’s old college pal, Ethan “Hutch” Hutchinson—washed up actor and newly-minted trial junkie—isn’t so sure…until a violent attack propels Hutch and his friends into the middle of a conspiracy that takes them all the way from the courthouse gallery to the not so hallowed halls of an exclusive Chicago prep school… straight into the hands of a killer.
My thoughts: I read the first book quite a while ago and can honestly say I didn’t remember ANY of it (still don’t), even with some hints in this book. So you really don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. And I did enjoy it. I’m sure I enjoyed the first one, too (or I wouldn’t have bought this one), I just wish I remembered it (and I can only fault my brain for that, not the book itself). Of course, I probably don’t remember the stories in half the books in my bookcase. I pretty much don’t need to buy new books (not that I would stop). I could just keep reading what I own!

My surgery is still scheduled for Tuesday, February 8th. I’m supposed to go get a COVID test beforehand. First they asked if I could come in on Friday. I asked if I could come in on Monday, since roads could be tricky Friday. They were okay with that. Whew!

If you’re in the path of this storm, I hope nothing bad happens to you. Ice is the worst and it’s predicted our area will get anywhere from .1” to .5” of ice. I expect a lot of people will lose power. I just hope I’m not one of them! Or you! But yeah, it gives you a GREAT reason to stay indoors. And maybe read a book or two. Right?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Other Stuff

I got my first shot. It was a Pfizer shot. My arm hurt and I got a headache, but that was about it. I’m sure it’ll be worse after my second shot, though. Which is scheduled for March 13th! Hubby gets his second shot on the 6th, which means by the end of March, we’ll both be protected. Yay!!

This also means that if the May cruises are allowed to go, we’ll be cruising again. Man, I really miss those.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #11

Dates read: February 15-23
Title: Effacement
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Hieronymus Hawkes
Genre: Sci-Fi Futuristic
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 392
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Free from author
Blurb from book: When recording every aspect of your life has become the law, what happens when your connection to the world is severed?
    With the advent of BioNarratus’s Vitasync neurochip, serious crime has all but disappeared. Without a lifelog, you can’t get a bank account, medical insurance, or a job. But a government agency is bent on using the neurolink tools Cole Westbay helped develop to target and kill potential enemies. After uncovering a clue to their plans, he wakes the next day with his neurochip destroyed and his recent memory wiped.
    A renegade exec and an enigmatic attorney become Cole’s new allies in a race against the clock. Targeted by a single-minded government agent, Cole must discover the plot and prevent more innocents from being murdered before they shut him up permanently.

My thoughts: Interesting story. Yes, I received this book free from the author. I had read an earlier version of this story back when I was the author’s critique partner (way back before I was published), and he mentions me in the acknowledgements (awwww!). If you like futuristic stories (set on planet Earth), give this one a try.

I saw some of our grass yesterday! A spot around the downspout. Weather is finally getting warmer (supposed to get up into the 50s this weekend) and I’ll be sooooo happy to see the snow go. It’s still covering most of our yard now, but it shouldn’t be too much longer. I hope…

So… reading anything good? I’m back at the Morganville Vampire books. I found a good deal and bought them. Probably wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t know that the last book is the actual ending to the series. Since I know it has an ending, I’m okay with finishing them. Because I really do enjoy the stories.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and I’m Losing Motivation

I’m still exercising 4-5 times a week, but I’m losing motivation to continue. Then I kind of realized part of my problem: I’ve been sleeping in too late. Each day this winter I’ve been getting up later and later. In the summer I would get up at 6:30 to go walking. Now I’m lucky to climb out of bed by 8:00. So, I’m going to start setting my alarm (starting Thursday, since I don’t work out on Wednesday and Sundays). Hopefully that will get my motivation back. And free up my morning to actually WRITE! We’ll see…

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #10

Dates read: February 10-15
Title: The Vanished
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Brett Battles
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Series: Jonathan Quinn #15
# of Pages: 414
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: A missing physicist. Two botched jobs. And a world gone mad. Will this be Jonathan Quinn’s last job ever?
    It’s been nine years since Quinn last worked with Mariko. That fateful job left him with a permanent sense of guilt, and her with a life forever changed.
    Now, their paths have crossed again. Not in a way Quinn would have hoped for, but at least in one that might allow him to make partial amends.
    But a cleaner’s got to do what a cleaner’s got to do.

My thoughts: Man, I forget how sucked into these books I get. This is a really good series. Even got my husband hooked on these books.

Last Friday I got lucky and nabbed an appointment for my first COVID vaccine (state opened it up to people with certain diseases and such and my leaky heart valve got it for me—about time it did SOMETHING good). My appointment is for this Saturday. I hope it goes. The snow has delayed some shipments and anything is possible. Keeping my fingers crossed I actually get the shot.

So… It’s snowy and cold here. Got 7” of snow on Monday/Tuesday. And more is forecasted for Thursday. But first, a deep freeze (temps in the single digits with wind chills below zero). I’m so over winter!!! How about you?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and I’m Sick of Snow

There has been snow on the ground since… forever. Okay, not forever. Probably just last week, but still… There’s too much. It snowed on top of snow. Multiple times. I miss seeing the grass. Even between snow storms. And we’re not finished with the storms, either. More is forecasted tonight. I really hate this season.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #8

Dates read: February 2-6
Title: Fade Out (Morganville Vampires Vol. 4)
Year of publication: 2009
Author: Rachel Caine
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: Morganville Vampires #7
# of Pages: 215
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Borrowed from daughter
Blurb from book: Without Bishop ruling over the town of Morganville, life has changed—dramatically. The resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population. With their newfound freedoms, Claire Danvers and her friends  are almost starting to feel comfortable again, but when a filmmaker goes missing after starting work on a short documentary about vampires, Claire and her friends are feeling anything but safe.

My thoughts: Another story with an ending. I’m shocked. If this keeps up, I may have to go buy the rest of the series. Or at least look for them in the library or used book stores. :D. Myrnin is becoming my favorite character in this series and I can totally see David Tenant playing him. He’s one crazy vampire!

Book #9

Dates read: February 7-9
Title: Kiss of Death (Morganville Vampires Vol. 4)
Year of publication: 2010
Author: Rachel Caine
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: Morganville Vampires #8
# of Pages: 213
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Borrowed from daughter
Blurb from book: Vampire Michael Glass just received the call he’s been waiting for all his life. His music has attracted the attention of a heavily connected music producer who wants him to cut a demo and play some dates—which means Michael and his friends will have to enter the human world. But between a pack of hateful humans and a savage party of traveling vampires, Michael, Claire, Shane, and Eve may not make it to the show on time…or ever.

My thoughts: Very suspenseful! Now that these stories are actually ending (yes, this one had a satisfying ending), I want to read the rest of the series. Yes, I know. I’m strange.

Hubby has an appointment to get his COVID vaccine tomorrow. Unfortunately, I’m too young to get mine. Too young by two years. So I wait… At least Hubby is getting his. One less thing to worry about.

So… How’s the weather where you are? Is the ground white, green, or brown? Haha!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and I’m Sick of Snow!

Snow, snow, snow. All it seems to do is snow anymore. Especially, ESPECIALLY when I have plans. Why is that, do you suppose? And our new house is drafty. I thought something was wrong with the furnace, but now we’re suspecting the windows. I put in a warranty request right away (since the house is still under warranty). The windows should NOT be leaking. Brrrrr…

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #13

Dates read: February 23-March 3
Title: Skinwalker
Year of publication: 2009
Author: Faith Hunter
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series:  Jane Yellowrock #1
# of Pages: 320
Paper or plastic: Paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Jane Yellowrock is the last of her kind—a skinwalker of Cherokee descent who can turn into any creature she desires—and hunts the undead for a living. But now she’s been hired by Katherine Fonteneau, one of the oldest vampires in New Orleans and the madam of Katie’s Ladies, to hunt a powerful rogue vampire who’s killing other vamps.
    Amidst a bordello full of real “ladies of the night,” and a hot Cajun biker with a panther tattoo who stirs her carnal desire, Jane must stay focused and complete her mission…or else the next skin she’ll need to save may be her own.
My thoughts: I have finally decided to start reading books by authors that I have seen at Dragon Con year after year after year. And I started with this one. It’s heavy on the descriptions and a bit more dense (meaning, hardly any white space on the page) than I like, but it was enjoyable and I can see me reading more of this series. If you enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series but don’t like all the sex, then this book is for you. Don’t know if the other books in this series have sex, but this one does not. Just a lot of death and gore. You know… fun stuff.

Are you sick of winter, too? Warm weather cannot get here soon enough. Of course, then the bugs come. Ugh. Why can’t we have warm weather without the critters! I know, I gotta complain about everything. I’m blaming it on the SNOW!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

The Rams are Going to the Super Bowl!!

Yes, I wish the win wasn’t tainted with a bad call, but this isn’t the first time (and probably not the last) that a bad call affected a game.

But I’m still happy the Rams are going to the Super Bowl!

The one thing I really hate about the NFL, though: Overtime. Especially in the playoffs. Make it like the NHL (hockey) in the playoffs: play the entire 15 minutes and if it’s still tied, play another 15. Or do it like college. Heck, if the Saints had scored a touchdown (instead of throwing an interception) on the first drive of OT, the Rams wouldn’t have even had a chance to touch the ball. I just don’t think that is fair. Why does the NFL’s OT have to be so different?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday we were under a winter storm warning. Supposed to get a lot of snow dumped on us (something like 9”). The forecast was so frightening, my local RWA chapter decided not to have their meeting (which I was okay with, since it’s 60 miles away for me). But what does it do instead? Rain.

Rain, rain, and rain.

Oh, don’t get me wrong. I was happy for that rain. Until it started freezing. That happened around the time the sun set. Then around 6pm, we lost power, too. Actually, our whole neighborhood/development did (since our power lines are buried). Seems the transformer that fed our area blew.

And of course, I was in the bathroom when THAT happened. Man, that room got dark in a hurry! And it has a window!!

Luckily, the power was restored at 8:45pm (and our house didn’t really get all that cold—yay!). I almost thought I might have to store the contents of my refrigerator and freezer outside, though. It certainly wouldn’t have spoiled out there.

The snow did eventually arrive, but the winds were so bad, it just blew it around into drifts (I couldn’t tell how much we got, but certainly not 9” worth, more like 2”). And then the temps dropped to single digits.

On Sunday, wind chills were below zero. Both cars were covered in ice. We didn’t even leave the house. Yep, I actually had to cook! Good thing I was smart enough to have bought some food in advance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Writing update! I think I figured out the ending of my WIP. Of course, I thought I had it figured out until I started writing the scene before and then another idea came to mind. I can’t wait to get back to it this week. I have a feeling I might actually finish this first draft this month after all! Whoo hoo!!

So… Did you watch the football games? How do you feel about OT rules? Are you going to watch the Super Bowl? And did you get caught in this storm?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Ice and Snow, I Finished, and…Comments

Woke up yesterday to everything covered in ice. I couldn’t even see out the windows because they were coated. Then later it started snowing on top of all that ice. It was a pretty yucky day.

I am so not ready for winter.

I Finished!!!
That’s right. I finished my short story on Wednesday. Boy what a great feeling that was. It had been tooooo long since I’ve felt that way, too. It’s currently at 10K words, but that’s okay. It has to be between 8-12K long. I even got a blurb going, but I’m hoping to get some eyes on it before I share it here (or on my newsletter).

But it’s written. And I’m sooooo happy!

Commenting on my blog
I don’t get many comments on my blog, probably because not a lot of you read this. Does that make me sad? Ehh, sometimes. It is what it is. Doesn’t mean I’ll stop blogging because one of these days my books will hit it big and… Well, you know.

Still… I thought that I allowed anyone with an ID to comment on this blog. Seems Blogger changed something along the way (or I’m crazy—which is highly possible, too) and I only have three choices for receiving comments: From Anyone (including anonymous), from Google Users, or from members of my blog.

Since I’m the only member of my blog, I certainly didn’t choose that. And I have chosen “Anyone” in the past, but got hit spam. So my blog is marked for “Google Users,” which is where I thought it used to say something about other types of IDs, too.

Now, I know not everyone has a Google account, but if I change it back to “Anyone,” I might as well turn on modifications and approve each comment. And I’m not so sure I want to do that, either. That’s because I don’t always get notified of comments.

I can thank AOL for that. It doesn’t like to recognize my OWN comments!

What do you think? Should I open the comments up to “Anyone” knowing that it might be a few hours before your comment appears? And I realize if you can’t comment on this blog, it would be kind of hard to answer, so you can e-mail me (address is listed on this blog in a few places).

For now I’ll leave it at Google users. It’s only if I get enough of you who don’t have Google and wish to comment that I’ll change it. Because I know how frustrating it is to read a blog and not be able to comment. I tend to not visit those blogs again.

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Aaack! It Snowed!

Woke up this morning and came into the sunroom—which wasn’t all that sunny—and thought at first it was foggy outside. There was this softness on the rooftops. Upon closer examination (without my coffee, even), I noticed my mistake. It wasn’t fog. There is snow on the rooftops!

It snowed last night! Aaack!

Okay, not a lot of snow, but still… snow. It’s cold enough to snow out there. I am not amused.

Frankly, I thought the snow was supposed to show up sometime tonight, mixed with rain. Which was why I was kind of glad Wayne wasn’t playing tonight. We’d be sitting in that mess.


Stayed up last night

I stayed up watching the Steelers dominate the Panthers last night. Okay, I didn’t stay up THAT late. The game went by pretty quickly. And there was lots of high-fiving. I like those kinds of games!


Please send good vibes

This morning I have the honor of being my daughter’s driver. She’s going in for some minor surgery to remove a lump from her breast that isn’t cancer, but her doctor thinks it could turn into it. Best to get rid of it now and Daughter agreed (I think our new family history had helped her make that decision). Appreciate any good vibes you can send her way.

So… Did you wake up to any surprises this morning?

Happy Friday!

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

I’m Going to an Author Fair, but…SNOW!

Saturday I’ll be traveling to Marion, Ohio, for an author fair at the Marion Public Library. But wouldn’t you believe it? More snow is forecasted. Ugh.

I’ve been looking forward to this event and would like a good turnout. But how many people will turn out if it’s snowing?

Will winter never go away?

I can only hope that the storm isn’t going to be bad, or it goes south (let Cincinnati and Kentucky get it all!). But I won’t hold my breath that’ll happen. I might pass out!

So… If you happen to find yourself in the Marion area on Saturday, I hope you’ll stop by and say hi. You could buy a book, too. I won’t mind!

My writing is still going strong, although I doubt I get anything written on Saturday (there goes my streak!). Of course, if I get up early, I could possibly get some words written. Hmmm… Sure something to think about. Don’t want to break that streak.

So… Do you like driving in the snow? As long as it’s daylight out, I’m usually okay. Night time and snow? Not so much. I don’t like how the snow is reflected off the headlights. It’s almost as bad as fog!

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and When it Rains…

First off, I’m finishing this post up after returning from a wonderful night in Pittsburgh. Plus, the Penguins won! Didn’t enjoy driving home in the snow, though…

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #3

Dates read: January 31 – February 6
Title: “Blood Fury”
Year of publication: 2018
Author: J. R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Black Dagger Legacy #3
# of Pages: 411
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Borrowed from daughter
Blurb from book: A vampire aristocrat, Peyton is well aware of his duty to his bloodline: mate with an appropriate female of his class and carry on his family’s traditions. And he thought he’d found his perfect match—until she fell in love with someone else. Yet when his split-second decision in a battle with the enemy endangers the life of another trainee, Peyton has to face the idea that his future, and his heart, actually lie with another.
    Novo, as a female in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training program, feels like she has to prove herself to everybody—and she has no interest in being distracted by falling in love But when Peyton proves to be so much more than a rich playboy, she is forced to confront the tragedy that has broken her soul and closed her off from love.
    As the two grapple with Novo’s past and Peyton’s present, another couple must contend with an erotic connection that is unparalleled—and potentially scandalous. Saxton, who has had his heart broken, discovers in himself a deep-seated attraction to Ruhn, a new member of the household. But will the other male explore the connection? Or will he close his mind and his heart to what could be true love…and cost Saxton everything?
My thoughts: Two romances in one book! I loved it. Then again, I love this series, and the series it’s spun from and the world and just everything about it.

When you make one appointment doesn’t it seem like another pops up and then another? When it rains, right? That’s what I’m faced with anyway.

It started with this funny mole-like thing on my temple. Turns out it’s cancerous (basil cell carcinoma, not melanoma, thank goodness). They wanted to schedule the Mohs surgery for Feb 5th. But I was going to Pittsburgh the next day and asked if that would be possible. They didn’t think it would be a good idea and since I wasn’t NOT going to the hockey game, they moved the surgery to Feb 12th. All is good until this past Monday.

I get a call from the cardiology department regarding my stress echo test. I expected the call, because I told them I was ready for the test now (I was supposed to have it back in November, but with all the surgeries and radiation, they said to wait until I was finished with that). The tech told me it was scheduled for Feb 13th. Hmmm… I told her I had Mohs surgery the day before. If they didn’t like me traveling to Pittsburgh and going to a hockey game, I wasn’t sure how’d they feel about a stress test.

Couldn’t I do the stress echo another week? Seems not. My doctor is being deployed the week after for six months and didn’t want to wait that long. But if I was okay with using a different doctor, I could probably do that. Didn’t really want another doctor (I’m already on my second cardiologist), so I said I’d call dermatology and see what they said.

Turns out they’re sort of okay with it. I’m not on any blood thinners and I’ll be at the same hospital. They’ll just wrap me up good on Monday and said to stop in on Tuesday if it starts leaking after the stress test.

The cardiology nurse said to remind them about my surgery. I said I’d probably have this huge bandage on my head and she replied that they aren’t always the brightest to spot that sort of thing. Gosh, don’t you love it when your cardiology department has a sense of humor?

So… How’s the weather in your neck of the woods? Did Liam come visit you? And don’t you just love these storm names?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

No Wednesday Reads But I’m Reading

I did finish a book this week, it just happened to be my own. Haha!

I’m reviewing the digital copy of my box set and want to make sure it doesn’t have any annoying characters (those strange symbols that show up every now and then), which means reading it. Or at least scanning it closely. Can’t help it if I get engrossed in my own book, can I? It’d been awhile since I last read My Sunny Vampire. Man, I still enjoyed that story.

If it weren’t for the fact that I reached my reading goal, I would have so added it as a book read this year. Because I may have scanned SOME of the story, but I read MOST of it. I just couldn’t help myself! And now I’m onto Bite Me, I’m Yours. We’ll see how much I scan and how much I read of that one. Although right now I’ve been reading it (and a good thing—already found one of those pesky strange characters).

I’m not letting it interrupt my writing, though. I am now strongly motivated to reach my daily goal of 500 words a day. Starting yesterday. And I reached it. Whoo hoo! I love scratching things off my “To Do” list.

Would you believe I cooked our Christmas dinner? I shocked myself in getting everything ready at one time. Well, except for the biscuits. My oven can only hold so much food! But the meal was yummy: meatloaf, mac & cheese, and green bean casserole (yeah, not healthy, but who cares). It had been awhile since I’ve had the meatloaf and mac & cheese. Of course, I’m used to making them separately, not together. That was more work than I was prepared for. But kind of worth it. It really was good.

I also cooked on Christmas Eve, but that meal was super easy and turned out awesome! I bought a bag of frozen Italian seasoned meatballs and put them in a crock pot. Added a can of regular spaghetti sauce and a can of 4 cheese spaghetti sauce (I used what I had in the pantry—Hunt's) and cooked it on low for about 6 hours. I then cooked the pasta separately. Man, those meatballs were so good and so was the sauce. Definitely a keeper recipe!

Maybe I’ll cook more in 2018. Easy recipes, that is. After we use up all our bonus coupons from the gift cards we bought this month (and we bought a LOT of gift cards). Free money is free money, especially when you eat at that restaurant all the time.

Made it to the theatre on Monday (got smart and bought the tickets early this time) and saw “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” I enjoyed it very much. I don’t get what people didn’t like about it, but then I’m not into the fandom that heavily. I like what I like, but I don't necessarily join clubs about it.

So… How was your Christmas? Was it a white one? Ours was. And much too cold. That warm weather can return any day now.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

 

I'm Not Ready for Winter

Winter is barging her way here. Winds have been pretty strong and now a dusting of snow is on the ground. I’m so glad I’m going on vacation somewhere warm.

Yeah, I know other people—people who live farther north—have it rougher than I do. But I don’t live there. I live here. I’d probably complain louder if I did live there.

I should know. I complained plenty when I lived in Alaska. Now there was a cold place. Didn’t get a lot of snow, though. Nope. Too cold. Saw more snow when I lived in New Jersey!

Yeah, I complained about that state, too. So you’ll probably wonder why in the world I settled in Ohio? Easy. We couldn’t afford California. J

I’m not ready for winter to settle in. So I guess I better soak up whatever sun I can during the next week.

I still plan on blogging during vacation (just like the last time). I still have my 13-post/month goal to save. Last month! Yay!! In 2017, I think I’m not going to worry about missing a post here or there. Too much stress. Haha!

Still haven’t caught that mouse. Grrrr… I really hope we catch him before Saturday. Or can I hope he’s left the house? Is that even possible? Probably not. Why go out in the cold if you have a warm place to stay, right?

So… You all set for Christmas? Taking a vacation so close to the holiday has helped me get ready sooner. Presents that need to be mailed have been mailed and I believe I have everything bought (just not all delivered). I’ll worry about wrapping when I get home.

Have a great Friday. And stay warm!

Stacy

Wednesday… Hmmm

I finished reading those books I was judging and now I’m reading something I can talk about. But did I finish that book in time for today’s post? Of course not! So I guess Wednesday Reads WILL return next week for sure (because there’s no way I won’t finish reading at least one book by then).

My Goodreads challenge says I’m 4 books behind. But, since I can’t record those 7 books I judged (yet), I’m actually 3 books ahead. So as long as that behind number doesn’t drop below 7, I’m good!

Snow, snow, snow! It was snowing yesterday morning when I woke up which meant I didn’t go to the fitness center. Guess what it’s still doing. Guess where I didn’t go. Ugh. I really hate missing my exercise routine, but I hate snow more.

So… If you could leave on vacation today and money was no object, where would you go? I’m thinking a cruise, in one of those huge suites, to Jamaica. I’ve never been and hear it’s lovely. Plus, I’d love to be in one of those huge suites!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

How Much Snow?

Okay, I’m ready for winter to be over already. And I’m not even living in the path of the blizzard that’s forecasted!

Thanks goodness.

But if you’re in the path, I wish you the best success: no power failures. Blizzards tend to mean heavy winds, right? And heavy winds wreak havoc on power lines. Not to mention what the weight of all that snow does. I hope you’re safe. I truly do.

We’re only expected to get about an inch and it’s supposed to start Friday afternoon. If it’s falling heavy by dinnertime, I might tell hubby to forget about going out. I can find something to cook, I’m sure.

Living on a cruise ship during the winter isn’t sounding so bad right about now, is it? I think I could do it. Sure beats shoveling snow.

So… What’s the most snow you’ve seen at one time? Or maybe, where’s the most snow you’ve seen at one time? I lived in Alaska for a few years, but the most snow I saw at one time was when we were living in New Jersey (1982-1987). It had to be over a foot of snow. I remember Alex, our cat, jumping into the yard and disappearing! Yes, he was a strange cat.

Stay warm!

Stacy