EARTH DAY - APRIL 22, 2025

Earth Day in April is the one day that focuses on the crucial role of renewable energy in combating climate change and securing a sustainable future. It highlights the importance of renewable energy using sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and tidal power. 

Many people are dismayed to learn that China currently leads in renewable energy capacity and generation, hosting nearly half of the world's total operating wind and solar capacity, and generating a significant portion of global renewable electricity. Whether a fan or foe of green energy, finding alternate ways to generate it to help save our planet from destruction and for future generations is a noble cause.                                                                                                  

When I look around our house, we have embraced solar energy with solar lights on and around our house. They are both an aesthetic feature and also provide illumination for safety reasons. Many schools are now building small solar energy farms to save energy costs. The Steelton-Highspire School District (SHSD) in Pennsylvania is a school district that utilizes a 1.7 MV solar array to power 100% of its electricity needs, resulting in significant cost savings and serving as a clean energy mode.

I am always in awe of the windmills when we travel. Locally, you can view them along the mountain tops on a drive to Altoona, Pennsylvania. When we visited Palm Springs, California, we were able to see the vast number of wind turbines of the San Gorgonio Mountains, strategically placed on both sides of Interstate 10 to take advantage of the 15-20 miles per hour wind that weaves through the pass in between the San Jacinto Mountains that hug Palm Springs. 

With springtime sneaking upon us, it is time to rejoice and appreciate the beauty of our planet. There are already small buds on our lilac bushes. The poppy plants, fearless of the cold, have awakened with green foliage shooting upward and daffodils and crocuses are blooming. As I look around and think how beautiful our rural landscape is, I can't resist raising my voice in celebrating Earth Day with all those who support the protection of our lands and Planet Earth. 

                                                 LINK to my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

 

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

March blew in mild and warm to Central Pennsylvania, then swept out while morphing into rainy days and chilly weather. We know April will be fickle here and always brings us breezy, sometimes blustery days as well. But, April showers will bring May flowers, as the saying goes.

As we look toward to spring marching in, we start thinking and rehashing in our heads all the outdoor and various chores we want to accomplish. Just remember the old phrase, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Take time to make time for yourself.                                                                    

Find something you like to do: Read a book, work on a craft, re-order your aggravating miscellaneous files or your desk. Put in order anything that makes you uncomfortable at a first glance. Clean an untidy corner. Take a walk. Do whatever will make you happy and feel good.

This month, I’m highlighting my book, “Courting Betsy,” Book 3 in the Ashmore Brothers Series. It’s a romance with a touch of mystery, but has the humor of children, the quibbling of grown siblings, intrigue, and of course, Two Bears, a Ute Indian and friend of the Ashmore Family.

BLURB:

When Betsy Ashmore, adopted sister to a family of four brothers, discovers U.S. Marshal Luke Ashmore is lying wounded in a renegade Indian camp, she can’t refuse to help a brother in peril—especially one she has loved all her life. With the help of a wily Ute Indian, the spunky shopkeeper saddles up to rescue him.

 Marshal Luke Ashmore never expected to be bushwhacked  while escorting the young boy of a murdered army scout northward to Fort Collins in the Colorado Territory. Outlaws want the boy and believe he knows the location of a hidden treasure.

As Betsy and Two Bears struggle to get the marshal and the child to safety, can they outwit the ruthless outlaws following them? And what will they do with two more orphaned boys they stumble upon along the trail?

Fall in love with the plucky shopkeeper and her three scheming youngsters—all determined to help the U.S. Marshal lasso her heart so they can become a family.

A sweet romantic western and mystery!
Best Book Award Finalist!

               VISIT MY   AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE FOR ALL MY BOOKS