I would have to say that March has come in like a lion this year. After all the nice weather we had just a short while ago, the last few days have been cold and colder. We even had a dusting of snow last night. Today was in the teens with winds that froze your face in short order. Tomorrow is not going to be much better. I think the forecast is for better weather to come in next week again.
It’s a good thing the weather is going to get better. We got Lambeau a ChuckIt and a couple of balls to go with it.For those who aren’t dog toy savvy, a ChuckIt is a long-handled cup that holds a ball so you can throw it farther. Looks like this:
But it’s been too cold to go out and play with it. I hope the forecast holds, because I think Lambeau is going to like this thing. He loves to play fetch and run, and this will give him plenty of both.
The second story in the urban fantasy series (no, it doesn’t have a title yet) is out to readers now. I started playing with a cover idea, and wrote up a quick blurb that will need some work. So that’s moving along nicely. I plan to use this coming week to work on short stories for the sci-fi anthology I’m looking at getting out either late this year or early next. Then it will be revisions on the urban fantasy, depending on what the readers have to say. So things are moving along, if not at speed, at least fairly steadily.
I also started playing around with some design ideas for business cards and larger promotional cards. I’ve wanted something for a while, because people will ask but I’m sure by the time they get to a computer, they’ve forgotten where to look and what to look for to see my books. So, I thought having some cards might help. And I can take the larger ones to events and such.
I’ve also been keeping up with reading, so far. I get a bit in every evening before dinner, and a bit more before bed, usually on two different books. I have eight done so far, and that’s pretty good for me, since I am not a really fast reader. But it does mean I have a couple backlogged for the Friday Review posts. Which is nice. Now, if I could get the reviews written and ready to go, that would really be great. I’m working on that part.
I ordered my seeds for starting this week. Much less than in past years, but we only have the deck, and plant stand in the basement to work with now. I ordered two tomatoes, cucumbers, and some lettuces. And we are going to put herbs in the AeroGrow units for the summer, and then tomatoes and cucumbers over the winter. I will also put basil on the deck in addition to what will be in the AeroGrow gardens, because you really can’t have too much basil, especially if you are fond of pesto. And we are quite fond of pesto.
Big News! The Rock’N”Roll competition chili cooking team (that’s me) and the ChiliCats team (that’s the BaldMan) are going to be back on the stoves again this year. Well, only one cook off, but we are doing it. We will be cooking at the New England Regional Chili Cook Off on May 6 in Somers, CT. I have to admit, I am kind of looking forward to cooking again. And am quite sure that when the day is over, I will say: “Well, that’s enough of THAT for this year!” We will be back to Chief Judge and Scorekeeper duties after. But you do have the chance to come out and see me cook my multiple award-winning chili, and taste our fabulous People’s Choice offerings. Interested? Go here for more information on the cook off:
And that’s about all there is for this week. Let’s hope the weather warms up again, right?
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Available now:
After five years away, Kaili is coming home for the ceremony to install her sister as head of the family business. When an old rivalry threatens the family, Kaili and her partner need to use all their skills to save the sisters’ lives. Learn more here.
A collection of six short fantasy stories set in varied worlds of magic and mayhem. Learn more here.
A short novelette set in a dystopian Earth after the final environmental collapse. Sam is a genetically engineered chameleon who may hold the key to mankind’s survival. Learn more here.
In a world reeling under the effects of severe climate change, food shortages are common, and arable farmland is scarce. Unscupulous distributors like Beni Oligowma take advantage of the shortages for their own gain. When a promising new technology for growing food even under the harsh conditions is unveiled, grocery store owner Frank is determined to see that everyone is able to benefit from the results, not just the Benis of the world.
Feed My People is a short story, set in a dystopian science fiction world, and is free. Learn more here
Demon hunters Johnny and Cerise travel to the small town of Carroll Fork where they find a demon-possessed thrift store, a sweet old lady who is more than she seems, and an army of underworld inhabitants. Can Johnny and his trusty yo-yo save the town from a devil of a problem?
Five and Daemon is a short novelette in an urban fantasy setting, with elements of the supernatural and humor. It is free to download.
Learn more here
And So On... 