Ye Olde Spam Cupboard

Hi Tarts…

As it’s Friday and laughs are always a good way to unwind, I peeked into Ye Olde Spam Cupboard to see if there was anything amusing.

There was, of course.

How can there not be?

And this time, the majority of the funnies had an interesting new slant as you will soon see.

It would appear spring is in the air.  Or should I say in cyber-space?

Either way, that must be it.  See if you agree…

Here are the latest gems…

From Tartan Ink’s Ye Olde Spam Cupboard:

“Top Free Cougar Dating Sites”

**Pull-ease!  Whoever posted the links for man-hungry cougars needs to visit another tea room.  

 ”A sorority cal king enrolls in absolutely free dating sites.”

**O-kay.  I’m seeing a trend already.  Not sure what a ‘sorority cal king’ is, but the ’dating’ bit jumps at you, doesn’t it?  We of the tea room must strike the spammies as needing dates these days.

“European Singles”

**See what I mean?

 ”Important information and facts! I have already been seeking something such as this for a long time now. Thank you!”

**This came from a usb stick website.. on my recent muesli recipe post.  I guess usb sticks eat lots of muesli.

“You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I to find this topic to be actually something that I feel I’d by no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me. I’m having a look forward on your next post, I’ll try to get the cling of it!”

**H’mmm… just h’mmm…  (I refuse to comment on ‘getting the cling of it.’)

“Who came up with the breathtaking website! here it is furniture stores in orange county”

**Wow.  First praise, then the tea room is in a furniture store.

“Thank you for sharing – always good to read about click here”

**I like to write about ‘click here,’ too, wise guy.

“Hey there,  You’ve done a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this website.”

**I digg it, too, man.

***

So-o-o!

Those were just a few of the gems in the spammie cabinet tonight.

Our old friends the aliens were in there, too.  They were jabbering away, talking their usual nonsense.

But the cougars and European singles definitely had the upper hand.

I wonder if Devorgilla is enjoying a second spring and somehow attracted all the dating spam?

Either way, I really digg looking in Ye Olde Spam Cupboard.

It’s a good way to wrap the week with a smile and a chuckle.  Laughter is good for the soul.

Here’s wishing you a great Friday!  (watch out for cougars and muesli-eating usb sticks) 

Sponge Rocks

Hi Tarts…

Earlier this month I did a Sunday Slices of Life post on my beach walk.

I usually cycle and walk the beach every day, so I thought it might be interesting to share some of the things I see on these jaunts.  The seascape is always the same, but the views vary greatly.  It all depends on the time of day and the weather.

Perhaps, too, my mindset.

Anyway…

When I did the beach walk piece, Karen C commented that the rocks in the above photo reminded her of big sponges.

I had to agree.

I’d never looked at them that way before.

They were just the rocks at the end of the island.  The place that marked the turning point of my beach walk.

And, of course, a spot where I often see dolphins (and sometimes sharks).   Being the end of the island, it’s also a place where interesting things sometimes wash ashore.  I once found a woman’s expensive leather purse buried in the sand here.

The handbag was filled with stolen wallets.  Credit cards and money had been removed.  What remained were things like store discount cards, personal photos, insurance cards, etc.  (yes, I took the whole thing to the police… they told me the thief had taken what he could use and probably pitched the purse off a bridge)

Another time I found a case of Cuban cigars, the super-expensive kind.  Handmade and pristine inside their metal holders.

But I digress.

Point is, where I saw ‘the rocks at the end of the island,’ Karen C saw sponges.

I’m betting this little egret saw cliffs…

From his perspective, those rocks look very much like many Scottish cliffs I’ve seen.  If I had time, I could probably find some photos to prove it.  But you’ll have to take my word on it as it’s late as I’m typing this and I’m too tired to comb through my Scotland pix just now.

But if you look with your heart in the right place (and your whimsy cap on) you can even see caves in the cliffs.

Ahem, ahem… just like in Scotland.

I’m sure you’ll agree.

Now these guys below…

… they probably see these rocks as thrones.

Don’t they look as if they feel ‘entitled’ to be perching there?  A king pelican and his court.  Or several pelican kings, each with his own regal seat.

Until I neared and they abandoned the rocks for the water…

Apparently, they didn’t see their rocky thrones as being secure enough to protect them from an approaching two-legger.

I felt bad to have scared them away.

I was delighted to see them.. they weren’t keen on spotting me.

And that’s the point of these late-night ramblings.  Perspective.

It’s all in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it?

Rocks at the end of the island, big sponges, Scottish cliffs, pelican thrones, or whatever.

The same can be said of many things, and that should always be remembered.

We all see the world with our own eyes.  And we paint our own wonderful impressions of each day’s specialness.

I think that’s really neat.

Oh Do I Love Those Stovies

Kathy Here:

 

Sue-Ellen has talked about and given us a link to a Stovie recipe.  Well when I saw the picture it did not look like my concept of Stovie.  I have a wee cook book that I bought twice while in Scotland.  Yes that’s right Tarts, each time I when I came home with a copy.  In that book there is a recipe for Stovies.  The ingredients are the same as my sliced potatoes fried in a skillet.  Well at least that was what I was thinking until I read the recipe through.

So let’s take a look at these Stovies.  First we will look at Sue-Ellen’s entry.  The recipe can be found HERE.  When I was putting this recipe together I thought this is really what Mince and Tatties was.  It sure seems like what I had pictured as Mince and Tatties.  Mince in Scotland is finely ground meat whether it is lamb or beef.  It is a lot more finely ground than our ground beef here in the States.  I love this recipe by the way.  Even if you have no intention of ever making it; please read it though.  You will be sure to get a chuckle out of the cooking terms.

The first time I made it I totally missed that you can add vegetables and/or cheese.  The second time I noted it but did not add those items.  This is a filling and satisfying meal that no potato freak will be able to pass up.  Add a tossed salad on the side and I’m all set.  I made it for the second time on Sunday.  I left the house with everyone having eaten and there was still a half a pot left.  When I got home there was just a small bowl left which my daughter claimed the next day for lunch.  < sigh >  Where did the rest of my Stovies go?!!!

Now we’ll look at my recipe.  I found it, as I said, in a little cookbook with the title Favourite Scottish Recipes.  This is a wonderful recipe for a side dish.  If you want to have it as the whole meal it is recommended for that as well.  Unlike the first recipe there is no meat in this one.  The meat is served on the side as cold slices of chicken or beef or lamb.  As this is a copy written book and I am just going to tell you how to make them and not copy out the recipe.  This recipe just has you slice onion and them saute it in oil or what ever you use for such purposes.  Then you add enough thick sliced potatoes to feed the hungry mob.  [That would be Sue-Ellen if she gets a whiff of them cooking ]  Cover and cook on very low heat for an hour or until potatoes are tender.  It is best t use a heavy bottomed pot for this.  Salt and pepper can be added with the potatoes.  If you like you can put them in a pan, top with the cheese of your choice and broil.  Oh are they good!I used my cast iron skillet for broiling them in.

I looked on line for this cookbook and it is available with the back cover being the front on line and it can be had for $0.99.

I mentioned Mince and Tatties earlier.  This dish I researched on line and spoke to my mother and aunt.  Mom told me it is ground beef in brown gravy served with mashed potatoes.  This my aunt confirmed when I spoke with her.  There are recipes found here.  Now I haven’t tested any of the recipes on this site but will at some point as they look really good.  I asked my mother about Stovies but she miss-understood me and started talking about something entirely different.  My aunt said my grandmother used to make them but she didn’t remember how she did it.  My aunt is not a cook.  She told me if I could talk to one of her friends I would be all set.

So the tea room gives Stovies in any form:

 

Five Thistles for flavor

 

Five Thistles for ease of preparation

Five Thistles for comfort

Tarts have you ever gotten it into your head to try a new dish and found widely varying recipes.  Then tried a few to see which you liked best?

 

When Words Mirror Life

Hi Tarts…

This is a quickie post.

It’s a very busy time for me, this entire month.  As March will be as well.

But I hope to always find something of interest for you.

Today, for a header, I could’ve referenced the old saying about fiction mirroring life.  Or truth is stranger than fiction.  But neither is quite what I needed.

So I inserted ‘words’ as I was thinking of a quote book.

As I mentioned many moons ago in a guest blog somewhere, I have a lovely little book filled with inspirational quotes.  It’s in German and was given to me by a dear friend from my Munich years.

The book is called Jewelen Der Weisheit, which means ‘Jewels of Wisdom.’

Every day before I begin work, I take the pretty little volume in my hand and close my eyes, breathe and meditate a moment, then open the book and read the quote displayed.

Almost always, the words reflect my present situation.

And I can’t mistake the quote selected because the tiny book (smaller than my palm) opens to one quote only.  The second page is either a photo or bit of art.

Last week was a rough one for me.  Lots of work and general annoyances.

Some of it is still hanging around, keeping me from enjoying my days fully.

So guess what today’s quote was?

Here it is, in original…

“Unsere Leben gleichen dem Lauf der Sonne.  Der dunkelste Augenblick verheisst den Anbruch des Tages.”

It’s noted as a quote simply from ‘The Times,’ but we will all recognize it in one form or other.

It says…

“Our lives are like the path of the sun.  The darkest moment hails the break of day.”

In other words, it’s always darkest before the dawn.

Isn’t it neat for such a fitting quote to turn up at a time when I need to hear just that?

Frankly, most mornings the book indeed gives me an eeriely fitting message.  I think Devorgilla must’ve taken a field trip to Germany and wriggled her knotty fingers at the little volume.  Dusting it with Highland magic so my German friend would choose it and send it to me as she did.

Who knows?

Could also be that my friend just knew I’d appreciate and treasure the book.

Friends are like that.

True ones, anyway.

They hang around through thick and then, never leaving you no matter what.  (or if they do exit the stage, they let you know why) 

My German friend is the kind everyone should have.  She puts up with my writerly nonsense, tolerating (for the most part) when deadlines cause me to disappear from face of the earth and when other writing-related botherations make me a less than perfect friend.

Regardless, she’s always there.

As are a few good friends in Scotland and also on this side of the Pond.

One sent me flowers yesterday.  She knew I’ve been less than myself lately and wanted to cheer me.

Wasn’t that thoughtful of her?

So this morning, as I begin my work day, I have beautiful roses on my desk from one friend and my little German quote book claiming pride of place not too far from the stunning scarlet flower vase I can use again and again and so be reminded of a dear friend’s thoughtfulness.

How about you?

Do you have special friends who are always there for you?   Do you agree that those closest to us know just when we most need their love?

Or how about a ritual like opening a quote book each morning and seeing what the fates have to say to you?

The Extra Mile

Hi Tarts…

This is me with a Scottish reader.

The photo means a lot to me.

It’s special because this reader really went the extra mile to meet me.  She took a day off from school and also her work, as did her boyfriend who drove her all the way from Edinburgh to the north of Scotland to join me for lunch.  Not a group lunch at a conference or anything like that.

Just me, the reader, and her boyfriend.

After lunch, we went for a lovely stroll on this beach in the photo.

It was a wonderful day.

And if you’re wondering why I’m mentioning it, the reason is because I want you to know how much it meant to me that this reader went to such great lengths to meet me.

Authors love meeting readers.

I certainly do.

Yet readers who email me sometimes say, “I’ve never written to an author before…” 

They speak of being shy.

Yet reader emails and letters (or a hello at a signing or conference) really brighten an author’s day.

Writing is a tough and brutal business.  It’s also pretty much solitary.  And there are as many lows as there are highs.  Actually, I think the lows dominate.  But that’s a topic for another day.

Point is, wherever a writer is in her career, she wouldn’t have that career without readers.

So if ever you think about emailing an author to tell her you enjoyed a book (or whatever), please do so.

Your thoughtfulness will be much appreciated, I promise.   Chances are also good that your kind words will arrive just then when a boost was needed.

On the topic of meeting authors, I would love to know your venue of choice..

RWA National, RT, Small RWA Conferences, Rom-Con, Author-Reader Get-Togethers ala Lori Foster’s Annual June Event or Heather Graham’s New Orleans Gatherings.  Or Fill-In-The-Blank, please.

Or would you prefer something more intimate like the day I enjoyed with my reader from Edinburgh?

Just you and the author, for lunch or dinner, if opportunity allowed.

In Honor of Judi McCoy…

Hi Tarts…

There is no good way to say this, so I’ll be blunt…

Judi McCoy passed away this weekend.

She died on Friday after a long illness.  And so I am re-posting a Tartan Ink post I did in her honor this past Novemeber.

As you’ll see I really loved Judi’s work.

Above that, I admired her as a person.  She was very down-to-earth and, well, just a good soul.  She loved dogs, especially her yorkiepoo Rudy, who starred in her amazing Dogwalker mysteries.  She was devastated to lose Rudy in the middle of writing the series.

Now, as I believe, she and Rudy are reunited.  I am sure his heart must’ve burst to see her crossing the Rainbow Bridge towards him on Friday.  That’s the only good thing about losing her, knowing she and her beloved Rudy are together again.

I don’t want to be maudlin today.  (In fact, I am still enjoying my beach break as noted yesterday)

But I did want to honor a wonderful author and send her (and her Rudy) peace and blessings.

Here’s the post I did on her several months ago…

Happy Saturday, Tarts!  It’s a really good one, too, because today is the day I’m keeping my promise to introduce you to one of my very favorite authors.

She’s Judi McCoy.  And I absolutely love her Dogwalker series.

Judi’s Dogwalker books are the most wonderful cozy mysteries and an absolute auto-buy for me.   And before I say another word, be assured I am not doing this endorsement because Judi and I are pals. I did send her an email a few years ago, telling her how much I loved her new series when it first released.  She kindly sent me a few bookmarks and signed book plates.  But there our contact ended.  I do not know her from Adam.  She doesn’t even know I’m featuring her in the tea room today.

I know Tarts will love her.

So I’ll let her introduce herself (I clipped this bio from her website)

Judi and her husband Dennis live in the peace and solitude of Virginia’s beautiful eastern shore. Retired from her career as a nationally rated women’s gymnastic judge, she now writes and promotes her dog walker series full time, teaching aspiring authors and speaking at conferences around the country.
Though she lost her yorkiepoo Rudy, the star of the dog walker series, in January 2009, he lives on in each of her books. He will always be her boy, the best little four-legged pooch a girl could hope for. But she has a new lady in her life; Sasha, a beautiful Bichon Frise, rescued by Tidewater Bichon Rescue of Suffolk, Virginia.
Before TWBR got Sasha, she’d spent four years in a wire crate, the prisoner of a puppy mill. Her little paws had never touched grass, she couldn’t jump, and her bark was only a whisper. But Judi and Den changed all that. Sasha now barks at every dog, cat, goat or horse she sees on TV, jumps on the furniture and bed, and loves her daily walks around the neighborhood with her sister Belle and brother Buckley. From the very first night, Sasha fit right in with the pack, sleeping next to her mom while Belle is under the covers at Judi’s feet and Buckley is by her side.
So please watch for more books in the dog walker series and know that Buckley, Belle, and Sasha, as well as Rudy, are Judi’s continued inspiration for the antics of the dogs in her novels. Their thoughts and opinions come through in every canine character and plot. And she’s forever grateful for her readers continued support.

Happy Reading!

Judi McCoy

Doesn’t she sound like our kind of person, Tarts?

I do love her books.

And from what I have seen of her, she’s also just plain nice, down-to-earth, and the kind of person I would love to count as my friend.  I like nice people, Tarts.  I can’t stand swell-heads and braggarts, which was the theme of my recent rant about authors and self-promo, Author Overload.  

Judi isn’t a horn-tooter.  That’s something I credit highly.

She also loves dogs.

In fact, Judi donated all her royalties from Hounding the Pavement, Dogwalker Mystery Series #1 to the amazing Best Friends Animal Society.  That alone endeared her to me.

Here is a mini-blurb for Hounding the Pavement:

The newest dog-walker on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has a talent—she can hear what her canine clientele is thinking. So when a dog’s owner turns up dead, Ellie must bone up on her sleuthing—and perk up her ears to find a killer.

And here’s a great PW review:

Publishers Weekly Starred Review:
“Cozy fans will savor this paranormal mystery series opener from romance author McCoy. Recently divorced Ellie Engleman, ready for a fresh start, adopts a Yorkie and discovers she can telepathically communicate with dogs. Naturally, she launches a dog-walking business on Manhattan’s posh Upper East Side. On the way to walk prize-winning Bichon Buddy, Ellie discovers the body of his owner, Professor Albright, murdered in his entryway. Buddy is missing and no one, save Ellie, is concerned. Sexy, annoying NYPD detective Sam Ryder considers Ellie a prime suspect, but that doesn’t stop her from searching for Buddy, hoping that finding the dog will lead her to the killer. Somehow managing to avoid every talking animal mystery cliché, McCoy fills this delightful story with humor, quirky characters, and delicious hints of romance.”

Click here for an excerpt!

***

I ordered Hounding the Pavement after learning about Judi’s love of dogs, how she was supporting Best Friends with the book, and because I just plain adore cozy mysteries.  Especially ones starring animals.  And the dogs in Judi’s books can talk!  Only the heroine, Ellie, can hear them, of course.  And the reader, who will fall in love with the dogs, because their povs and interactions with each other and their world is an absolute riot.  And, at times, so gripping.  In short, I was hooked from the moment I opened the book.

Judi’s darling yorkie-poo, Rudy, is the star of Hounding the Pavement and I was heartbroken when, after reading the book, I discovered that she’d lost him.  But Rudy lives on in all the stories and isn’t that a beautiful tribute to a well-loved, much-missed pet?

I have since read all Judi’s Dogwalker books and have loved each one.

Hounding the Pavement

Heir of the Dog 

Death In Show

Begging For Trouble

Till Death Do Us Bark

The series has everything I appreciate in a story: the books entertain me, letting me read as a reader.  The characters are sympathetic.  She does great atmosphere so that I feel as if I am right there in the story (always a biggie with me).  The plots are fun and the mystery keeps me guessing.  The stories make me laugh and cry.  And the dogs are the icing on the cake, adding so much depth, heart, and warmth, to each tale.

It’s rare for a book to make me cry.  Yet Judi weaves some pretty emotional bits into her stories.  Loving dogs as I do, some scenes really squeeze my heart.  But be assured, the good guys always win and the dogs triumph.  A happy ending is had for all, two-leggers and four-leggers alike.

If I haven’t said it yet:  I LOVE these books.

I am sure you will, too.

So many Tarts love dogs, many of you may already know of Judi and her Dogwalkers.  If not, I sure hope you’ll give her books a try.  As I noted in my Author Overload piece, Judi isn’t a trumpet-blaster.  I’ve never seen her on Twitter, though she may be on Facebook.  (I don’t go there)  I do know that I would love to see her burning up the bestseller lists because her books are so very wonderful.

She deserves every success.

I hope you’ll give her books a read.  You’ll be slipping into one of my own very favorite storyworlds when you do.

***

Thank you for joining me in today’s tribute to Judi McCoy.

The romance and cozy mystery worlds have lost a wonderful, caring soul and I deeply regret Judi’s passing.

I could not let the weekend pass without remembering her.

If you haven’t yet read one of Judi’s books, perhaps you’ll give Hounding the Pavement a try?  All sales of the book benefit the fabulous Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

That’s a fine way to honor Judi.

 

Beach Break

Hi Tarts…

As I said yesterday, it was a rough week.

So I’m taking the weekend off to relax and refresh myself.

I’ll be cycling and walking the beach.  Doesn’t it look lovely in this photo I took a few days ago?

Softly clouded and peaceful.

I love such weather and really enjoy being out when the Gulf is dressed in polished silver like this.  Loving atmosphere as I do, these are times when I catch my breath, enjoying the world at its finest.

Of course, I also have lots of work to do.

That never ends (which a good thing in this business).

But mainly, I need a wee break to recharge and fill the well, as is said in writer speak.

Just to keep today’s post from being boring…

Look below to see…

Ta da!

The Florida version of Karen C’s adorable gnome home…

For the curious, I spotted this very near to where I saw the gigantic black snake a few weeks ago.

So I am betting this is his lair.

I’m also not very pleased to tell you that there are many more hidey holes just like this along the dunes.  If my hunch is right, then Mr. Snake has lots of pals.  Not a nice thought.

But it won’t stop me from enjoying my beach walks.

Here’s wishing you a great weekend, too.  Wherever you are.

Ever Feel Like This…

Hi Tarts…

I couldn’t resist sharing this little guy here to the left.

Look close to see the gull behind the other birds.  He’s marching along to his own tune, isn’t he?

Ever feel like that?

I do.

This has been a rough week, lots of work and pesky pc issues.  Every single day.  Valentine’s Day was the worst.  Don’t ask.

So-o-o!

I remembered this little guy I saw a few days ago.  I liked how he strode along, fully oblivious to the black skimmers who seemingly know something he doesn’t.

Those black skimmers are pretty special birds, by the way.  Rare and lovely.  I think of them as ‘skinny puffins’ and smile every time I see them when I’m walking the beach.

But the other day, it was the lone gull who made me smile.

That’s how I’ve been feeling lately.. me against the world, striding along all by lonesome, everyone else doing their own thing.  And obviously something I am not.

No matter.

There’s a lot of truth and wisdom in the old adage that ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person.’  Or, likewise, do it yourself.

I think the little gull above is also a do-it-himself kind of soul.

But anyway…

When I reach the turning point on my cycle round here below…

I can take a deep breath (or several) and the world is a good place again.

By the way, doesn’t this spot remind you of the little beach on Gilligan’s Island?

It does me, every time.

‘Course that’s my writer’s imagination at work again.  (which is a very good thing to have, I’m thinking)

Any-hoo…

I’m curious: do you ever feel like the Lone Ranger?

Muesli

Hi Tarts…

A while back, we were talking food again and someone mentioned enjoying homemade muesli.  I believe it was Mary P.

But anyway…

I was delighted to see her mention muesli because it is a staple in my home and has been for years.

Not store-bought muesli.  (I think most packaged cereals are little more than cardboard) 

I mean good, wholesome muesli you make yourself.  That way you know exactly what goes into it.  And, more importantly these days, what doesn’t.

Muesli has been on my radar since the years I lived in Germany.  It’s a very popular breakfast food there.

German breakfasts are entirely different from American breakfasts, usually consisting of fresh-baked hard rolls fetched that very morning from the village baker, an assortment of cold cuts and cheeses, likewise from the local butcher and dairy shop.

You can see the German hard rolls in the baskets at the bottom here…

In Germany, they are called Brotchen.  Or, where I lived, in Bavaria, they are known as Semmeln.

Semmeln come in a vast assortment of shapes and varities, but this is the most popular…

They really are delicious.  And no one makes them better than a baker.  So the early morning jaunt to fetch fresh breakfast Semmeln is something of a tradition in Germany.

Even I was willing to rise early to go get them.  (that says something!) 

A soft cooked egg is often included.  Cooked exactly six minutes and presented in a pretty porcelain ‘egg dish’ and eaten with a tiny, delicate spoon.

And, of course, muesli and yogurt.

But I digress.

Mainly, I wanted to share my old muesli recipe as promised.

Here it is…

German Homemade Muesli 

10 Tbsp. oats

7 - 8 dried apricots, chopped

4 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds, chopped

10 Tbsp. wheatgerm

Orange and lemon peel (shavings, from one each)

Mix the oats and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.  (oats and pumpkin seeds can be lightly roasted if desired)  Chop the dried apricots.  Add to the bowl of oats and chopped pumpkin seeds, along with all other ingredients.

Store in an airtight container.

(I use a glass Mason jar as shown above)

Enjoy.

***

This is an original German recipe for Muesli and it’s very, very good.  2 – 3 tablespoons added to a serving of yogurt is a delicious and healthy breakfast.

Best of all, once you have the ingredients on hand, it’s easy to whip up more and also much less expensive than buying ready-made cereal at the supermarket.

So-o-o!

That’s my recipe of the day.  Straight to your kitchen from my Munich years.

This table is set with a typical German breakfast.  Minus the muesli and cold cuts.

If you’ve traveled abroad, do you enjoy different eating cultures and foods?

Or do you prefer the tried and true, wherever you are?

(I hope you will try my muesli)

PS – Just so everyone knows, I’m bit scarce online just now because of work and also pc issues that have been plaguing me all week.  I hope to be back up and running again soon.

Till then, have a great day!

Tails of Love Winner!

Hi Tarts!

I hope all of you enjoyed a Happy Valentine’s Day yesterday.

And I know you’ll be looking forward to seeing who won a signed copy of Tails of Love.

So-o-o…

Without further ado, the winner is…

Marguerite  Guinn (and her rescue cat, Henri)

Marguerite, congrats!  Please email me with your mailing address.  You can find my email address on my bio page of the blog.

For the rest of you, thank you so much for looking in and joining our Tartan Ink Tea Room Valentine’s Day Party yesterday.

It’s always good to remember pets we love and I wanted to honor them with the Giveaway.

Remember, too, if you’re looking for a good read, please consider purchasing a copy of Tails of Love.  As noted often enough, all author and agent proceeds go to a wonderful no-kill animal shelter.

So each sale really helps needy and deserving pets.

And if you’re thinking of a welcoming a new pet into your home, please consider a rescue animal.  They made great pets and will love you forever.  (and beyond, as I believe)

If you already share your home with a pet (or pets) please give them some extra kisses and cuddles from me today.

And tell them ‘hi’ from my best buddy Em.

Go pets!