This week, doing my modified Paleo, I lost two pounds.  (I still attend Weight Watchers faithfully, even though I've gone rogue where what I eat is concerned.)  Naturally, I'm pleased--but I feel compelled to stress the word 'modified' here.  In my opinion, 100...

First order of business, announcing our winners, who will each receive an autographed book by yours truly.  This week, they are Brenda LaFone and Doris M. Ellis.  Congratulations, both of you.  For those of you who are new to the blog (welcome), the contest runs every...

May 2017 be your happiest, healthiest year yet--exceeded only by 2018 and the years beyond. Last night, I waded through 8 inches of unplowed snow to spend a delightful evening with my neighbors, Bill and Julie.  I should have taken the truck, but I didn't even...

I was surprised and saddened at the news of actress/writer Carrie Fisher's recent death, and doubly so to learn, just minutes ago, that her famous mother, the unsinkable Debbie Reynolds, had passed away just one day later. It goes without saying that the world will...

First, our winners: Mary Jane and Judy.  Congratulations, both of you.  This week's prize, as always, is an autographed copy of my latest book.  The new contest is underway now; to enter, simply comment.  Two winners will be chosen at random, notified by Super Jen,...

Yes, yes, I know the rest of the world is calling today 'Thursday', but that's a mere detail.  For me, it's Monday, the day I announce this week's winners:  Lisa Murray and Cassandra.  Congratulations to both of you.  A new contest is underway (well underway,...

Every year, around this time, I start thinking about my plans and hopes for the New Year.  Inspired by Debbie Macomber, a dear friend, I like to choose a theme word, and I've selected "Renewal" for 2017.  As in, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.."...

I spend most of every day living the lives of my Civil War characters, and you can probably guess how exhausting that can be.  My reading/listening habit provides some relief, and this week, I seem to be on a hiking kick.  (Vicariously, remember.)  I've been listening...

This week's autographed book winners are: Gayle Larson and Carole Fiore.  Congratulations to both of you.  The new contest is underway now; to enter, simply comment, and you're in.  Winners will be chosen at random, notified, and announced here next Monday, along with...

As I've mentioned, I like to cook free-style, so while I always use certain basic ingredients in my broths--I have a double-batch simmering away in my giant slow cooker at this very moment--I almost never follow exact measurements when making this kind of food.   For...

Our winners this week are: Alisa Boisclair and Cari.  Each of you will be receiving an autographed copy of my latest books. A new contest begins now.  As usual, two winners will be chosen at random, notified by Jen, announced on the blog next Monday, and will each...

This is the mushroom blog I warned you about :)--but first, an important update on the bone broth discussion yesterday.  I left out an important ingredient--apple cider vinegar--with is added at the beginning of the simmering process.  As one of you commented, ACV...