My willow oak is “blooming” or whatever that stage in its life is called when little tassels appear before full-grown leaves. I guess it’s tasseling. Since my deck is nearby, the wind fondly blows all those lovely little wisps onto it. There is no keeping it swept clean. Nemo, my furry friend, looks like a […]
Apr 18, 2021
Whippoorwill Winter?
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The maple leaves are as large as a rabbit’s ears; flowers are blooming, but, you know what? We have freezing temperatures, in the upper 20s and a possibility of snow on the way. In the early spring, we have periods of reverting to cold weather, called by various lovely names. Whippoorwill winter? Blackberry winter? Someone […]
Mar 18, 2021
It’s All in the Family
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I’ve heard women say, “I don’t want to become my mother as I grow older.” How sad. If someone tells me I’m like my mom, I consider it a huge compliment. My mother and I were best friends. I think you’d have liked her. If you never had that privilege, you can get just a […]
Mar 6, 2021
How It Began
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I had a feeling there was no use in responding to Miss Evangeline, because she was what my father used to call, “wound up.” She wanted me to listen, so that’s what I did. Without warning, she grabbed my arm. I jumped. She whispered, “Shh. What was that? Did you hear anything, Nettie?” Her grip […]
Mar 3, 2021
Lovely Morning
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It’s such a lovely morning, above freezing, sunshine, flowers hesitantly starting to take a peek at the world. I wonder, on such a morning, why there’s turmoil and trouble and hatred anywhere? At last, I can breathe a sigh of relief for the robins. When snow and ice covered the ground, those real-life early birds […]
Feb 11, 2020
Murder Under a Full Moon
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An excerpt from my current work-in-progress, the fourth Ned McNeil mystery: The next day, Pat’s and Jackie’s reactions were similar to Cade’s. “Look,” I said, as Janie set our coffee in front of us. “My curiosity was already piqued, so Tom’s request just gives me a good excuse. It’ll be kind of exciting to […]
