"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

Lucy Van Pelt

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Thank you


 

“I’d like to thank the Academy, and so many more. Thank you, thank you. . . .”

   Seriously, it does feels like winning an Oscar seeing my short story on Amazon. Over the years, I’ve written many stories for the Trues. While I made good money, I got no by-line. So having The Snow Globe published is very exciting. And I do have many people to thank.

First, it breaks my heart that my Mother was not able to read The Snow Globe. Sadly, she passed away in November. Mom wrote poetry. The joy her written words brought to folks will continue to inspire me.

Secondly, I want to thank my husband Charlie. He fills my life with love and adventure, without those ingredients, I could not write.

To my amazing critique group, Dee, Konnie, and Steve, thank you. I constantly strive to be as creative and talented as each of them.

Still Moment Publishing has been incredible. Owner/Editor Darlene Fredette has been kind and supportive from day number one. Linda Pitts, a patient saint and editor, helped hone and enhance the story. Awesome cover—thank you Keri Neal.

Thank you all!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Look out!

When I walk or run, I find things. Sometime I just say to myself, “Hmmm. . . Self, that’s odd” and keep going, but mostly I bend over and pick it up. My collection is getting quite extensive, from sand polished beach stones to road ravaged Swiss Army knives.
Nearly always, I stumble on money. Not sacks of hundred dollar bills, alas only coins. Pennies from heaven are sheer inspiration. They remind me why I’m out there and push me harder. Lifelong fitness is my goal and I’m convinced someone ‘up there’ is encouraging me.
I write romance, so I’m thrilled when a heart finds me. Key chain heart, earring heart, lonely heart, broken heart, I stash them all in a heart-shaped bowl. The count is up to nine.
My last run, Thursday, I really hit the jackpot. A semi-crushed Derek & the Dominos double CD set (one still played and had my all time favorite Eric Clapton song, Bell Bottom Blues,) a dime, and Poppa Smurf. As a firm believer in signs, I often wonder. What are they trying to tell me?
And who?

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Watch for motorcycles


As you may recall, Charlie was involved in a motorcycle accident last fall. More precisely, he was stopped at a red light and rear ended by a distracted driver. The sad fact is that many drivers are oblivious to motorcycles. Some are not as lucky as Charlie.
My birthday present to myself was five bright orange signs pleading with drivers to watch for bikes. I spent the morning planting the signs along the route that the idiot that hit Charlie travels everyday to work. A small reminder for him and others, please give bikes extra space, be aware bikes do not stop on a dime, and that riders are very vulnerable.
Special thanks to ABATE of Monroe County for the signs.
To all my rider friends, ride safe. To all my other friends, watch out for us!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Peeps vs. Garden Supplies




Forget the groundhog. You know spring is just around the corner when Wegmans put out the Easter candy. Caramel eggs, jelly beans, and Peeps, I love them all.
But, I must be strong. Finally, after my weight plateaued like forever, with a whole lot of work, I’m losing again. To combat those powerful urges last year, I brought garden supplies and was doubly rewarded. So this week when the Easter candy popped up, I headed to Wegmans’ seasonal aisle.
Whew! Thank heaven the seeds had arrived, too. I found a most amazing item. A Smart Pot. It’s a ten gallon fabric growing container. Better yet, it’s made it the US.
I can hardly wait to fill my Smart Pot with dirt and seeds. It’s going right by the back door, so I can pick fresh onions for omelets or soup anytime.
Who needs sweet treats when you can have garden supplies?

Saturday, February 4, 2012

We'll miss you, Basket Factory




My guy and I decided to have a special lunch at the Basket Factory, one of our favorite places, today. Charlie discovered this gem of a restaurant years ago and we quickly made it our destination for special occasions. Over time, we’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries or just a nice bike ride to Middleport.
Yes, it actually was a basket factory. Logs were floated on the canal to the pond (now marina) where they were stripped and processed into baskets for the thriving fruit industry from 1893 until it closed in 1934.
We were looking forward to the mouthwatering Pasta Alfredo and bacon wrapped shrimp, not to mention the to-die-for warm bread sticks. The dining room, decorated with baskets of every size and shape, overlooks the canal. Of course, we have our favorite waitress. She’s a teacher, but we know she loves working at the Basket Factory, too.
I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed we were when we arrived to find a sign on the front door.
Business Closed.
Charlie and I have made a personal choice to support local restaurants over chains whenever possible. These are hard times for everyone. We’re all feeling the pinch from high prices and rough economy. Let’s hope we all make it through these stormy times

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Watch for motorcycles, please



I’ve remained silent on this topic too long. As you all may recall, Charlie was involved in a accident on October 7th. Stopped at red light, he was hit from behind. From the moment he stood up from that mishap, it's been his intent to get back in the saddle. He wanted to handle it his way and asked for my support and respect. Basically, he told me to be quiet while he dealt with police reports and insurance. I agreed only to hold my tongue until everything was settled, so here's the story.
On that morning, the light at Buffalo and Trabold turned red. Charlie checked his mirror, a vehicle was far back. He stopped, had both feet on the ground, looked up at the light, and then at his mirror. He saw the SUV, heard the tires, and had no time to react. The bike was pushed forward. He was thrown back onto the hood, and bounced to the pavement.
His protective gear, a full-face racing helmet and armored jacket, saved him from serious injury. Badly bruised, pulled back and arm muscles, sprained ankle, and a few scrapes, were all that he suffered. Many thanks to Gates Ambulance and Immediate Care in Greece.
There was never any doubt as to whom was at fault. The blame fell on the other driver. But here things start to get fuzzy. Gate Police report reads—V2 (Charlie) was stopped at red light when same vehicle was struck in the rear by V1. D1 stated he glanced up at the traffic signal and when he looked back down the motorcyclist was in front of him.
Surprise! Even though the other driver admitted being behind Charlie for at least 2.5 miles, it was *POOF* motorcycle. Good news, hitting Charlie saved him from getting a ticket for running the red light. That's right, no ticket was issued.
No ticket, no points against his license, and let's hope he had accident forgiveness so his insurance rates don't go up. Granted, his 2011 Infinity was badly damaged from hitting the bike and Charlie's body slamming into the hood. His insurance deductible was his only inconvenience.
Charlie did question the officer later. His reply was he doesn't issue tickets for accidents unless there's severe injury. $10,000 damage to the bike alone and personal injury, all from a careless driver about to run a red light. No ticket? Sounded like a cop-out. (sorry.)
Now, Charlie is dealing with insurance companies. All he wanted was to have his bike put back together. His bike was '08 Kawasaki Concours. He had been looking for a few years and found a real cream puff last April. It was love at first sight and he traded in his Suzuki that he had owned for 18 years. Yeah, he planned on keeping this bike for some time.
Our vacation, schedule months ago, was to begin at 5 o'clock the day of the accident. Well, that plan went to Hell. The next day, Charlie seriously hurting. A little better the next day. Monday, it was a check in with his personal doctor. Not much she could offer except Advil and sympathy. Also, on Monday, he spent a grueling 4 hours with insurance people. One belittled his injuries and tried to settle for a minute amount.
Charlie's only concern was to get that bike together and get some riding in. The estimate kept climbing. That used bike was a rare find and could not be easily replaced. Charlie finally had to accept the cold hard fact his bike was totaled after a long week of tug of war. Fix it. Too costly. Fix it. Can't be fixed.
Once the decision to pull the plug, the search began. Hollinks came through. Bill had a silver 2011 'Connie' still in the crate.
Just one more chore before we pick it up. A little reminder for the careless driver who hit Charlie. Special thanks to ABATE of Rochester for the bright yellow sign that will be planted in his yard.
While I'm still on my soapbox, to all my rider friends, be safe, wear the gear, and keep your eyes open. Everyone else, please, please watch for motorcycles.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Where did summer go?


My personal end of summer comes only when my bike is put away and the farm markets close. Sigh, today was the last day of the Chili Farm Market. This morning cold temps couldn’t keep the farmers away. There were plenty of pumpkins, mums, and of course, apples. Fancy chickens and baby goats, to the delight of children and myself, were on display. I stocked up on broccoli and the discovery of the day was a ‘birdhouse’ gourd.
Charlie is in the process of removing the battery from my bike. It will be tucked away until next spring.
It’s time for winter projects, time to do some serious writing, time to make a trip to Joanne’s for knitting supplies, time to start counting the days till spring.