Sam and Pete

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Linda Andrews

So, I was reading a book on Isle Royale in Michigan and came across a reference. Apparently there was one resident who was quite colorful not only in his language but his use of other words to enhance those assorted four letter words. His name: Sam Hill, of the what in Sam Hill is this?

So I had to look it up on our great World Wide Web and was, naturally, more confused than ever.

Some say Sam Hill is a euphemism for the Devil or Hell.

That works.

Others say, it was about a merchantile in Prescott Arizona (Sam Hill’s Merchantile to be precise) that carried so much stuff folks had to ask Sam Hill what this was?

One or two sources blame a 1820s opera about the Devil and Samial (apparently sounds like Sam Hill)

Apparently, political Sam Hills abound and some credit them with the saying. I’m sure no one is surprised. Politicians take a lot of credit for everyone.

For Pete’s sake this isn’t a political post, so if you want more on Sam Hill, here’s the Wikipedia link.

As for Pete and why we call upon him, apparently that’s slang for God or Christ, because our buddy Pete is actually St. Peter. Oddly, we didn’t start using it (being officially recorded and all) until the 1920s. 

 

Posted in Life Observations, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Before I Lay Down to Sleep

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Linda Andrews

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a clean freak. I can withstand the effort to clean my house until the hairballs are the size of the actually cats, not the dog. Let’s not get carried away here.

I believe in the value of dirt. I worked as a microbiologist long enough to know that most of the ‘bugs’ are actually helpful to maintaining a healthy immune system.

I also have worked as a chemist long enough to be sensitive to most cleaning agents and really don’t feel it necessary to have my house so sterile I can perform surgery on the dining room table.

It is my mess, aided and abetted by they dozens or so people who live in my house. (okay, really there are only four of us, but the mess is equivalent to a dozen or so).

That said, there’s one room in the house that I like having clean in the morning. And when it’s not, I start the day feeling off. It’s the kitchen. When the hubbinator does the dishes, he loads the dishwasher, occasionally washing a few pots, but doesn’t wipe down the counters or finish all the dishes.

It drives me nuts, but it’s his way.

So before I go to bed, I finish  up the dishes. Wipe down the counters. Occasionally sweep.

And when I wake up….

My nocturnal children have returned their dirty dishes to the counter.

Arg. But at least the countertops aren’t sticky. So there’s that.

Until next time.

Posted in Hobbies, Life Observations, Science | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Days to celebrate in the Coming Week

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Linda Andrews

While most of us are looking forward to the weekend, here’s some fun days to celebrate when we go back to work next week.

2/17- National Cabbage Day. I hope that means sauerkraut. I love sauerkraut.

2/18- National Drink Wine Day. I didn’t think anyone needed a reason to drink wine, but hey, someone was thinking ahead. Bottoms up.

2/19- National Lash Day. Um, what? Okay, I looked it up. It’s celebrating eyelashes, not the  other kind of lashes.

2/20- National Love your Pet Day. this is everyday in my house. Of course, the cats that aren’t leaving me hairballs tend to be my favorite of the day.

2/21- National Sticky Bun Day. Mmmmm, ’nuff said.

2/22- National Margarita Day. I would think this would be closer to Cinco de Mayo, but hey, we can all use a little vitamin C. Cuz that’s why we drink it, right?

2/23- National Chili Day. Unlike some crazy people, I like beef and beans in my chili.

Until next time.

Linda

Posted in Life Observations | Tagged | Leave a comment

Facts vs Alternative Facts

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Linda Andrews

I have been a fan of alternative facts for years. Alternative universes, too. In other words, I love to read fiction. Pretty much any kind of fiction.

But what of our alternative-Alternative facts section? 

Who loves to read nonfiction?

I do, but only within certain areas. I mean I love history books, but these are relegated to those areas where I might potentially write books. Makes sense right? I mean, if I plan to destroy the world using a plague-type epidemic, why not use human behaviors that have already occurred during those times.

Last night, while attending a workshop by Kim Jones on cyber security, he mentioned that he likes to spend 15 minutes a day reading nonfiction in a field that’s not his area of expertise.

Then there’s blogs that I follow where the blogger reads both fiction and nonfiction books at the same time.

I’m a linear thinking person. I like to finish what I start (excepting craft/quilting projects) then move on. But I might give it a try just to see if my brain explodes. We’ll call it an experiment cuz I’m a scientist and it sounds better. Of course, I’m not gonna go crazy and read something completely different. I’ll stick with researching World War 1 and throw in a little fantasy to see how they mix.

If any of you read multiple books at a time, how to you decide which subjects to mix?

Until next time

Posted in Hobbies, Science, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Yeah, about that

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Linda Andrews

How did Monday get here so quickly? And where was that blog post I was supposed to write. Stuck in my head, thinking it was Sunday until the alarm rang at 0330 this morning. Fun Times when the vacation ended. Which is where my Friday post went. So sad.

In other news, the trying new recipes is swinging to the mostly good side. I made stuffed pasta shells which the midnight minions are eating (those would be college age children who don’t have to get up until 8am or later). 

I made a not so good strawberry rhubarb pie, so I’ve been giving the stink eye to one book. Of course it’s gotta be the book’s fault it couldn’t be mine. O^o

So, I broke out another book. This one a black bean soup that was apparently a Maine staple. I love black beans and I love soup. Except this one was kinda bland, pretty much like all the other black bean soup recipes I’ve tried. I even added a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne and some ham. I will try, try again but I’ll be adding some peppers, garlic, and maybe a dash of chipotle peppers.

Frankly, I love it when the authors of a cookbook give details about why these recipes became staples. I would love to know why most recipes from New England call for red potatoes instead of russets. 

Until next time.

Posted in Books, cooking | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

It Stopped my Heart

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Linda Andrews

It should come as no surprise to those who follow my blog that I am a big fan of Netflix. I think I have 63 documentaries, series, and movies in my queue.

63 is a lot of things to watch, especially considering that rarely is one thing a simple sit-down episode. In fact Supernatural is well over 200.

So imagine my reaction when I’m scrolling through my queue and I see the little tombstone of doom that says this show is leaving instant on a certain date. Usually within a couple weeks.

Be still my heart.

Thankfully, the one leaving I only have 8 more 22 minute episodes to view. It was pretty scary there for a moment. So I think we all know what I’ll be doing until the 15th.

Until next time.

Posted in Life Observations, Movies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Signing at the Chocolate Affaire

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Linda Andrews

I meant to take pictures. I really did. It just didn’t happen. As one of the organizers of the authors, I spent so much time running that I never had a chance to take pictures.

But I can tell you about it. Hey, I’m an author; it’s in my skill set.

First, I’m an extreme introvert so having to go out, surrounded by mostly strangers then reach out to talk to strangers requires oodles of mental preparation and a few cans of Dr. Pepper.

Some folks just want to pass by and not make eye contact with the writers. We get quite a few who just like looking at the covers (there are some awesome covers), and then there are those readers who are searching for their favorite authors and no-one else will do.

Then there are those that slow down and have to be lured over. Usually, the titles or covers do it. Other times, I’ll say something like ‘Come talk to the writers. We don’t bite but some of our characters do.” To be fair, these statements get weirder by day 3 of the event as I’m sleep deprived and my mind is spinning from caffeine.

To me book signing isn’t just about the sales. It’s about finding your tribe in a sea of humanity. My sense of humor tends to be twisted and dark. Not everyone appreciates it, but a few do. Those are my kind of people, even if they don’t read.

My favorites are those who tell us who their favorite authors are and ask who we have to match. I make it a point to find out what everyone writes so I can direct them to the right authors who might peak their interest. Almost every writer at the booth will do so. We love readers, no matter the genre and want them happy so they keep reading.

And lastly, the best ones are those who return year after  year. We lost one. Betty was in her nineties but she’d walk to the event year after year to meet her favorite authors and chat with everyone about their books. But we have our followers. Extraordinary readers who usually buy from everyone because they love reading so much. I keep joking we’re going to put their picture up as the ten most wanted Chocolate Affaire readers. It is nice to see a friendly and familiar face in the crowd. It’s scary that they will know your book better than you:D

Until next time.

 

 

Posted in Books, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

February a Month to Celebrate

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Linda Andrews

It’s Friday! Yay! I’ll be working and signing at the Chocolate Affaire this weekend. Eating chocolate goes without saying. Mmmm, chocolate.

Even if you can’t come to downtown Glendale, there’s still plenty of things to celebrate. Great googly-moogly, there’s a lot of things. So I thought I’d shamelessly copy and paste them from the National Day Calendar website. Which means many of them are links to click for more information. Awesome.

  • Free and Open Source Software Month * This is an amazing tribute to others sharing to help others.
  • American Heart Month Near and dear to my heart (sorry, I couldn’t help it.)
  • An Affair to Remember Month  I might have to break out the movie just to watch it again.
  • Black History Month
  • Canned Food Month
  • Creative Romance Month  Hey, it’s like a day to celebrate my kind of writing
  • Great American Pie Month Mmm, pie
  • National Bake for Family Fun Month
  • National Bird Feeding Month
  • National Cherry Month
  • National Children’s Dental Health Month
  • National Grapefruit Month
  • National Heart Month
  • National Hot Breakfast Month
  • National Library Lover’s Month
  • National Macadamia Nut Month
  • National North American Inclusion Month
  • National Snack Food Month   Snack foods deserve to be celebrated.
  • National Weddings Month
  • National Embroidery Month     I don’t embroider but I admire those that do.

Until next time.

Posted in Life Observations | Tagged | Leave a comment

51 Authors signing at the Glendale Chocolate Affaire

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Linda Andrews

If you’re in Arizona and looking for something to do this weekend, there will be 51 authors signing their books. From NYTimes bestsellers to first time authors, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

Friday 5PM-10PM

Name

2

Marie Patrick

3

Cathy McDavid

4

K. T. Roberts

5

Tonya Plank

6

Arabella Thorne

7

Kris Tualla

8

Deena Remiel

9

Stacy Connelly

10

Pamela Tracy

11

Kayce Lassiter

12

Tina Gerow/Cassie Ryan

13

Tia Dani

14

Tina Swayzee McCright

15

Wendy Ely

16

T. L. Smith
Saturday 10-2PM

2

Calista Fox

3

Pamela Tracy

4

Taylor Michaels

5

Julianna Douglas

6

Arabella Thorne

7

Suzanne Floyd

8

Leslie Keller

9

Ginger Scott

10

Abigail Johnson

11

Sabrina Devonshire

12

A. K. Smith

13

Maegan Beaumont

14

Dane McCaslin

15

Erin Quinn

16

Tina Swayzee-McCright
Saturday 2-6PM

2

Carmen Gerakos

3

 Mona Hodgson

4

Cheyenne McCray

5

Tina Gerow/Cassie Ryan

6

Kayce Lassiter

7

Cathy McDavid

8

K. T. Roberts

9

Kris Tualla

10

Marion Ekholm

11

Anna Questerly

12

Deena Remiel

13

Vijaya Schartz

14

Stacy Connelly

15

Ellen L. Buikema

16

 Charlene Kingston
Saturday 6-10PM

2

Marie Patrick

3

Tina Swayzee McCright

4

Tia Dani

4

Linda Andrews

5

K. T. Roberts

7

Kris Tualla

8

Deena Remiel

9

Vijaya Schartz

10

Wendy Ely

11

Suzanne Flaig

12

Sandra Rose Simmons

13

Tim Moore

14

T. L. Smith

15

Rita Toma

16

Cheyenne McCray

  

Sunday Noon-5PM

Name

1

Carmen Gerakos

2

Linda Andrews

3

Tina Gerow/Cassie Ryan

4

Kayce Lassiter

5

Taylor Michaels

6

Julianna Douglas

7

Tonya Plank

8

Vijaya Schartz

9

Ginger Scott

10

Tina Swayzee McCright

11

Tia Dani

12

Wendy Ely

13

Merle McCann

14

Susan Budavari

15
Posted in Books, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Little Escape

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Linda Andrews

In between the manic cleaning, cooking, and celebrating of my youngest birthday, the hubbinator and I managed to squeeze in 2 movies.

The first was the awesome Austenland. As we sat down to watch it, the hubbinator wanted to know if this was like the Battle of LA or another alien/zombie invasion flick.

I blinked kinda slow because I was running behind his thoughts. No, it’s about them park around Austen.

Right. In Texas. There has to be lots of action. Texas has to blow the national gun average. The zombies/aliens won’t know what hit ’em

At which point, I kinda keeled over with laughter. Wiping the tears from my eyes, I had to explain it was about Jane Austen and her romance novels.

Romance novels? Hubbinator slid off the couch relocated to the computer to take over the world. You had Netflix send us a chick flick as one of our DVDs?

Yep. Sure I grinned. And I enjoyed my chick flick with the occassional sound of marching armies and bombs in the back ground.

Afterwards, we went to the movies and watch Resident Evil The Final Chapter.

Awesome. Lots of fighting. Almost too much fighting and not enough time to catch a breath between. But it was awesome and I can’t wait to add it to my collection so I can have a marathon over the summer with all of them in a row. That said, there were a few places were it was drawn out for dramatic effect and a few scenes (like the predictive fight scenes) that could have been eliminated but not harm the story. But still I loved it and hope maybe they’ll do one last movie, cuz there’s the whole rebuilding of the planet thing.

Oh, and since I’m talking movies, Netflix did send us an awesome movie that I need to add to my collection: The Kingsmen. It stars Austen’s Mr. Darcy, er, I mean Colin Firth and a lisping Samuel L Jackson as the evil supervillian. If you love spy movies, action, and spoofs, this is the perfect way to spend an evening. 

Until next time

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment