HAPPY EASTER FELLOW LARKERS!

Hands-on

A funny thing happened at our house yesterday. Well, not so funny but not altogether catastrophic, either. Our dishwasher died. Yes, our three-year-old, hardly ever used dishwasher gave up the ghost. Prematurely, I think.

Of course, the darling appliance waited until after it was fully loaded to croak. So, I spent the morning washing dishes. Then, I went to the appliance store and checked the prices on new dishwashers. Then, when I regained my equilibrium and recovered from the sticker shock syndrome, I went to the grocery store and picked up enough paper to last a while.

I've got to admit, I can be stubborn. I don't want to plunk down a chunk of cash for a new appliance. I don't want to eat off paper plates for long, but I'm not keen on washing dishes, either. I also don't love the idea of a repairman in my kitchen.

So what's a woman to do, given the circumstances?

I called the manufacturer, asked to speak with a repair technician and, thanks to a kind man named Jim, learned enough about the machine to consider doing the repair myself. I ordered a service manual and the three parts that are most likely at the root of my dishwasher's demise.

The parts arrive Monday morning. I'll let you know how the saga ends. Who knows? I may have a second career in plumbing!

Wishing everyone a happy holiday weekend!

From Peace to Mayhem

Yesterday I was out on one of our walks. It rained, it stopped raining, a weak sun trickled out, the wind rocked us, then it rained again. But nothing could stop us enjoying ourselves. We were walking a disused rail line that is now a walking path, in the beautiful Eden Valley. There is a magnificent viaduct that traverses this wonderful valley, where eagles swoop. I love this part of the world, as well as the quaint village of Kirkby Stephen where we end up. Diving into a cafe, we enjoyed tea and toast and felt glad to be alive.

Arriving home for the end of the news on t.v. I heard that there had been a police swoop in Manchester, Liverpool and our own lovely Lancashire, on suspected terrorists, who apparently were planning mayhem somewhere soon.

Talk about contrast. Up there by the Eden Valley you could forget all about the horror in this world of ours. What a pity we had to come back to it with a crash.

That has happened to us before. We were out walking in the Welsh hills and came back oblivious to the seige taking place, some years ago now, at the Iranian Embassy in London.

No wonder people become hermits - how wonderful to be able to escape the terrible things in this world...but for how long, I wonder can one actually escape.

For the Birds

When we first moved into our home, I noticed an ugly, wrought iron bird bath outside our bedroom window. I planned to put in the trash but it was incredibly heavy. So I waited and then it rained. Birds flocked to that bird bath to drink, bath and socialize.

So we bought a wire brush and cleaned it as best we could. We also change the water every few days. Dozens of birds come every day. I love to watch the mockingbird skid in for a crash landing and then happily splash away. At night two doves sit on the rim of the bird bath with just their tales dipped into the water. They look as if they are watching the sunset.

My husband and I now realize that bird bath is sometimes the only safe water source those birds have. So I've learned my lesson. When I'm thinking about throwing something out, I wait a bit -- just in case.

Woofy, Gin Gin and Jezebel

Don't they look like little angels? Once in a while we blog about our beloved pets so I thought it was time to share a great picture of mine. Sorry if I've posted this here before but they demand their 15 minutes of fame:)

Hubby and I are lucky that they get a long so well. Gin Gin is kind of a loner but sometimes she has no choice but to put up with Woofy and Jezebel when they join her on the bed for a nap. She treats them with aloof, much like she does us most of the time.

They're all good kitties, though. Even when things disappear, or one of them wakes me by plopping down on my chest. I've woken with Jezebel's little black nose against mine, I swear she's trying to steal my air!

That's an old wive's tale, isn't it?

Senseless

I've spent most of today trying to think of something to blog about. Actually when I woke this morning I was sure of my topic. Excited about it. Eager to share my thoughts, ideas and even a photo with you. But when I sat down to write, I did what I often do when I sit here. I clicked on the television set beside my desk. And when the news came on, all thoughts flew from my head.

A huge part of me wishes I could turn back time, to go back to the moment before I tuned into CNN.

Today's top story concerns a shooting spree at a location not too terribly far from our home. It's a good distance, but we often go to that town to shop, have dinner, meet friends or see a show. I'm heartsick by the whole thing. The news is still unfolding but as the hours pass it's clear that this day, which dawned so bright and full of light and promise, has turned tragic in one upstate New York town.

So senseless, and so sad.

I hope the news in your town today is happier than the news here. Sorry to be so glum but it's impossible to think of much else at this point.

Hoping you have a pleasant weekend planned.

New Novel

I know this is a blogspot for Whiskey Creek authors, but sometimes Whiskey Creek Authors publish elsewhere. I hope you will indulge me for promoting my latest novel.
Bitter Betrayal was published yesterday at Wings e-Press.com so I thought I would show you the cover and the blurb!

"Michael cannot forgive his humiliation and the pain of Charley's betrayal. However, Charley believes Michael betrayed her! Drawn togther by circumstances and business, Michael devises a plan to pay Charley back for breaking his heart...and Charley cannot resist the temptation to accept the challenge he offers."