Petticoats and Pistols

Grocery shopping done, beef out of the freezer for stroganoff, and the house is clean.  Now if I could find my pudding mould so I could mix up my Christmas pudding, it'd be a great day.

Meanwhile, I'm hanging out with the chicas over at Petticoats and Pistols, and talking about mixing things up a bit in Montana, Mistletoe, Marriage.  There's a copy up for grabs as well so come on over!

SNOW?!!!

I woke up this morning to white stuff. This is even earlier than last year! In fact yesterday we changed our plans to go visit my mum this weekend for several reasons, but getting up and seeing the snow and the wind and what not, I was glad we weren't going.


I'm also glad I thought to buy my eldest new winter boots a few weeks ago as her feet grew more than 2 sizes since last year! After breakfast it was evident that dollar store stretchy gloves would not be enough so down to the basement I went for winter jackets, sturdy gloves, and warm hats.

The bus was late, so the dh and I decided NOT to do the longer walk as we were already snow-covered. Instead we put our heads to the wind and walked home, shaking off our outerwear before we came inside. I'll have to venture out later to shake off our apple trees, as they need to be staked and were bent with the heavy weight of the snow this morning.

The kids are ready for hot chocolate and Christmas movies. I'll confess...I just might be too, as well as thinking about pulling a holiday story out of my tbr. All I can say is while I love snow for Christmas, November 6 is a *bit* early and I'm glad that by Monday it should be mostly gone.

For now - has anyone seen my shovel?

Brrr

Working on: Chapter Six of Doorstep Baby
Listening to: Josh Groban
Reading: The Viking's Captive Princess, Michelle Styles

It is a bleak, cold, November day outside.  The rain is icy cold and the air goes through to your bones.  After a quick, necessary walk for the dog, we came back home to a warm breakfast of maple oatmeal and an extra half-cup of coffee.  I have a lamp on for cozy light (it's very dark, even with the blind open) and I put on "comfort music" - Josh Groban.  Now fingers crossed for a good writing morning.

I should catch up with reel reviews right?  Last night the dh and I finished watching the final season of The Unit.  We were only going to watch a few episodes and we ended up watching the final four.  I was on the edge of my seat trying to keep it all straight.  For the most part, things ended in a satisfying way.  I am really going to miss this show.  It is one of those where even though it is fictional - and over - you wonder what is going to happen to the characters next. 

I did like how they handed the Colonel and Jonas.  Viewer loyalty - and the loyalty of the men - has always been with Jonas, so the Colonel's situation ended just right.  And may I say that Max Martini is vastly underestimated as an actor.  His scenes in the church had me wiping my eyes.  I'm thrilled with how his storyline ended as well. 

Anyway in a lighter vein - we watched Paul Blart Mall Cop on the weekend.  It is SO funny.  I love Kevin James and he's at his best here.  It's nothing profound but it is fine entertainment to watch with the kids.  All four of us laughed lots, so it was the perfect downtime activity.

The girls and I have watched all the Hornblowers, so last night we moved on to North and South.  It is a proud moment when they go to the dvd cabinet and the three choices they come out with are North and South, Cranford, and Jane Eyre.

P.S. Just read This Interview with Nora Roberts.  I love her thoughts on not leaving the house for three weeks.  I agree COMPLETELY.

The World is my...Lobster

I can't resist.  Even the dog got suited up - Maritime Style - for Halloween.

Have crossed several items off to-do list.  Have no idea what is for supper, nor is there a drop of milk in the house.  Will cross that bridge after homework is done!

Anyway  - here's that pic.  She is my Princess Baby Dog.

A New Month

The clocks have been set back, Halloween is over, and here we are in November.

That means  - my newsletter has just gone out.  If you haven't signed up and would like to - check out the box on the right sidebar.  :-)

My site will also be updated in the next short while.

And yes, I'm up wayyy too late.  After complaining of being so tired, I can't sleep so I'm tackling the to-do list.  Not sure what the problem is, though I suspect several things acting in concert is keeping the zzzz's at bay.

Anyhoo - congrats to Colleen Conklin who has won October's contest!  Next up is my Third Annual Twelve Days of Christmas Contest.  It all kicks off on Deadline Day - November 30! 

Twelve Days.  Twelve Authors.  One Big Prize.

I can't wait!

November is gonna be a good month...

Errands and promo stuff due ate up my morning, darn it.  But I'm moving forward now on Chapter Six and hopefully thing will pick up speed.

November however is shaping up to be a good month for books.

First we have the North American release of Montana, Mistletoe, Marriage (UK direct and online).

Then we have the hardback release of One Dance With The Cowboy.

And THEN we have The Rancher's Runaway Princess - in Italy.

Finally, Hired: The Italian's Bride is out in Portugal.

Now that's something to cheer about!

Pouting

I'm working on bringing chapter five up to scratch courtesy of my CP and the dentist had a cancellation so I took the opportunity to move an appointment ahead.  But I'm pouting.  Partly because I'm COLD - my fingers can't seem to stay warm lately - and mostly because I really wish the dh were home.

We knew when he took this job it'd be a lot of travel, but every now and again it just feels like a little much.  Much of this year it seems we've had very little of the time we've been used to. Either he's been away, or when he's home there have been other things going on.

I kinda miss having him all to myself sometimes.  :-)