ASPARAGUS AND WINE - Nothing Can Go Wrong!

May 24th and May 25th of May is National Asparagus Day and National WINE day respectively! Now, give me a good steak, or grilled salmon, or a pulled pork dish with asparagus and wine, and I’m in seventh heaven.

From everything I could find about asparagus, it has been used as a vegetable for not only eating, but also for its medicinal properties as a diuretic and as a purported aphrodisiac. It is pictured as an offering on an Egyptian frieze dating to 3000 B.C. It was known in Syria, Iberia, and to the Greeks and Romans who ate it fresh or dried it for winter use. My neighbor raises a variety of asparagus every spring and generously gives me a taste. Many people will tell you a person either loves asparagus or hates it. Which one are you?                                                                       

Now the idea of a national wine day is something everyone can get behind. There are over 10,000 varieties of different grape wines in the world that fit into the classifications of red, white, rose, sparkling, or dessert wines.  Since I’m a fan of Mexican food, I’m a fan of sangria which uses red wine and fruit juices. For a simple glass without any embellishments, I tend to like white wines. If you are an enthusiast of wine, what are your choices?

In celebration of the month that brings us flowers, I think I’ll finish this blog post, and the other household and writing chores, and wander over to the kitchen this evening where the wine is stored. What’s better than finding a comfortable chair, a good book, and a delicious glass of wine to end the day?

Cheers!

UNDER STARRY SKIES 

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Do you like humor and mystery combined? Under Starry Skies is the stand-alone intriguing sequel to my very first western, mystery, and romance, Red Fox Woman. Set in 1875 in the West, it’s a fast-paced read with a quiet rancher, determined schoolmarm, and wily Indian who wants to learn to read.

Taking a Twenty Minute Break

It’s August. Summer is winding down. Nights are cooler and golden rod is starting to bloom along the roadsides. Autumn is creeping up on us.

In this very hectic world, man needs time for peace, quiet, and reflection.  He needs time for observing the world around him, utilizing his senses of sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. There is something calming in being able to zone out with a favorite activity such as listening to the birds, smelling the petunias and phlox in bloom, or staring at the cloud formations in a cobalt blue sky—perhaps even petting a fuzzy little kitten. Or how about just listening to children laughing and giggling as they play?

According to psychologists, we need at least twenty minutes every day to devote to ourselves. And we should use that time for whatever we deem important at the moment: meditation, daydreaming, reading, knitting, woodworking, fishing, sketching, tinkering, doing puzzles and mind games—whatever brings happiness. And, by the way, this does not include using an electronic device to access social media. Put your selfies and digital pictures away. Let’s not bore our friends any more than we currently do.

When my children were little and bedtime rolled around, I always took time to sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and read. I enjoyed being transported away from the humdrum of the here and now. I could step off into another world. I could leave my problems behind and get a smile, laugh, or some good vibes, especially from a story with a happily-ever-after ending.

Lately, I’ve been at a standstill with my writing. I can’t decide whether it’s the reality that summer is slowly slipping away, or I need a break. Maybe the news of the latest Covid outbreaks are playing a role. Whatever it is, I need to get back to the keyboard.

But until then, I’m taking my twenty minutes sitting on my patio on my wicker swing. It always does wonders for my attitude.

Come on over. Rest awhile. Together, we’ll renew our energy and mindset. Or if you prefer, grab those twenty minutes in your favorite spot and leave your troubles at bay.

NEW COVER for Under Starry Skies!

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