Debbie's Blog
Book Fair
Wayne and I are off to the Martin County Book Fair in Stuart, Florida this weekend. My husband generally attends with me, especially if the event is within driving distance of our home. The event starts off with an evening cocktail reception to raise funds for the library. While I’m practicing my power schmoozing techniques, he’ ll be doing a private wine tasting and menu sampling. I always enjoy book fairs. Not only is it a wonderful opportunity to meet my readers, but I often am able to spend time with other authors Read more
A Frost in Vero Beach
I don’t expect a lot of sympathy from those of you in the throes of winter, but it froze in Vero Beach last night. We’re talking Florida! I realize there is very strong evidence of global warming, but you’d be hard pressed to prove it to me this morning. I’m huddled over my computer, pausing every few words to rub warmth back into my fingers. I look a little silly in my Christmas tree sweater, but it’s the warmest one I have with me. Spring can’t come any too soon. Stay warm, my friends! Read more
Too Sick to Knit
Oh, woe is me! Picture me with the back of my hand pressed to my fevered brow. I’m down with a bad cold. How sick am I? Let me put it like this: I was too sick to knit. Now that’s really sick for me. I’ve been coughing, wheezing, blowing my nose, and generally feeling wretched. I slept nearly all of Sunday, but don’t know if it was due to needing that much sleep or all the meds I downed. What I really need is Charlotte’s chicken noodle soup. With or without the soup, I’m
Foot Fetish
Bogie, our 4 month old puppy, has a foot fetish. Not shoes, mind you, but feet. Yesterday I discovered him with his entire head thrust inside of Wayne’s shoe. For a moment I feared he was stuck and hurried to the rescue, only to discover a look of sheer bliss on his face as he quickly gulped down another breath and reinserted his head. It isn’t just the smell that interests him–he also loves our toes. No one is exempt. To our puppy, feet are a delicious temptation. Fair warning to all who enter our abode; bring steel-toe Read more
Short
I couldn’t stand it any longer. After months of patiently waiting for my hair to grow out, with visions of moving my head back and forth and my hair going swish, swish, I broke down and had it cut. Short. Over-the-ears short. Florida-comfortable short. Short enough to crawl out of bed, run a brush through it, and walk out the door. I think I’m gonna enjoy this! Read more
American Idol
Tonight is the night. American Idol–my favorite television show, starts this evening and I can hardly wait. I’m under no misconception of my own singing ability. Anyone who has ever heard me do karaoke (and that number is exceptionally few) will testify I should stick to my day job. Still, I know what it is to dream and I feel a certain kinship with the contestants. I encourage others to dream big dreams because you never know where those dreams might take us . . . Read more
A Relaxed Lifestyle
We live in what is basically a retirement community. Most everyone on our street is retired and enjoying a relaxed lifestyle. This point was recently driven home in a rather unique way. Last Friday I had to run an errand, and on the return trip home I saw a woman driving a golf cart down our street. That isn’t an unusual sight, but what I found rather amusing was the fact that she had her right arm extended out to the side. Attached was her dog on his leash. She was walking him using her golf cart. Now that is a relaxed lifesty
How to Have Fun While Exercising!
I’m back to walking the track two miles each morning with my good friend and fellow writer, Martha Powers. The miles just disappear as we chat and laugh. Twice this morning someone stopped us with the reminder that we were having far too much fun. This is the way exercise was meant to be! The key for me is finding something I enjoy, and in the case of walking, having a great partner. So, if one of your personal resolutions this year is to get more exercise, I suggest finding a partner to do it with you–one who's as much fun as my friend M
Marine Life in Florida
Wayne and really love our new home. It’s on the Indian River in Vero Beach and we had the pleasure of watching four or five manatees right by our dock. I hesitate when I state the number because, well, err . . . it appears to be mating season. Every time we’ve been on the river we’ve seen dolphins too, which I so love. They are friendly and charming and simply delightful. Florida inspires me! Read more
Bogie in Florida
Wayne and I are in sunny, 80-degree Florida–don’t hate me! Bogie, our puppy, however, doesn’t appear to like it here nearly as much as Wayne and me. He’s attempting to dig his way back to Washington State. Our back yard resembles a World War I battlefield, complete with trenches. We didn’t have a clue he had this penchant for digging, but then the ground was mostly frozen in Port Orchard so he didn’t have much of an opportunity to show his true colors. The dog trainer advised us to sread cayanne pepper in his holes with the promise it wouldn’t Read more
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas from the North Pole, better known as Washington State, especially after the deep freeze we’ve experienced the last few days. In an unexpected turn of events, Wayne and I are leaving for Florida tomorrow, so Merry Christmas, dear friends and readers! I’ll be checking in right after the first of the year. Read more
Short Lived Tranquility
The predicted storm for our area hit around three on Friday afternoon, and our power went out first thing. I thought it would be kind of fun. I lighted candles around the house, Wayne opened a bottle of wine, and we snuggled up in front of the fireplace.
I’m Ready for Snow!
A snow and wind storm is predicted for the Seattle area this afternoon. I can hardly wait. While most everyone is waiting with dread, I’m nearly giggling with excitement. You have to understand, I just don’t get to see snow nearly often enough. That’s one of the downsides of being a snowbird. At any rate, I have the fireplace all primed, the popcorn popper is set, and the grandkids are scheduled to arrive early afternoon. This is an ideal situation for fun.
Fallen Angels
This Christmas, as part of the outside decorations, I purchased three five-foot angels for our front lawn. They’re adorable, with bright lights shining in the dark winter night. Their wings are gold, as is the halo, and each one is holding a large, lit, gold star. They are perfection. And then . . . it happened.
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Christmas Swimmers Tea
This afternoon is the annual Christmas Swimmers Tea, which I host in my home. It’s always so much fun because we actually get to see each other with street clothes on! It’s sometimes a shock. Recently, I was amazed to learn that Rachel wore glasses. She didn’t know I did, either.
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Christmas Crazies
The Christmas craziness is well in progress. On Saturday alone I did a Christmas Breakfast with Delilah (yes, the Delilah of radio fame!) for 75 guests, followed by a Christmas potluck with my local writers’ chapter held in my home. That same evening I was given the honor of lighting our city Christmas tree with great pageantry and pomp, followed by a fireworks display. On Sunday, after church, Wayne and I did a wee bit of shopping and then we vegged out. We both needed that. Read more
Holiday Celebrations
The honors just keep coming. Last Christmas about this time I was one of the fruitcake judges for the Port Gamble Country Christmas celebration. Then in September of this year I judged the pies at the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup. It really doesn’t get much bigger than that.
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2009 Knitting
Wayne and I are packing for Florida. Naturally, the first thing I sorted through to bring with me was yarn–no surprise there. Every year I knit each one of the grandkids a project. They choose the pattern and the yarn, and we have a good time of it. This next year, however, I’m knitting them small things instead of an afghan or a sweater. They’re getting hats and scarves. The major knitting is going to be for me. I feel almost guilty saying that, but I have so many projects stored up I’ve been wanting to attempt.&n Read more
Black Friday
Yes, my friends, I was one of those crazed shoppers you viewed with horror on the Friday night evening newscast. My daughters and I set the alarm for 2 a.m. and were pulling into the Silverdale Kitsap Mall parking lot at 3:45 a.m., lattés in hand and our credit cards humming a Christmas ditty in our purses. As it was, we were fortunate to find a parking spot.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
You’d think, being a writer, that words would come easily to me, and in some instances they do, but at other times I struggle. I’ve always found it difficult to know what to say when comforting the grieving or how best to ease another’s pain. It’s almost as hard for me to find the right words to give thanks.
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Wayne Shopping
Wayne spent the last two weeks in Florida getting our new home ready for our late December arrival. I have missed him something fierce, and he missed me, too. To let you know how much, he volunteered to go to the grocery store with me this afternoon. Wayne offering to shop? For a moment there I feared he was suffering from altitude sickness. He hates anything to do with shopping. Ah well, I’ll count my blessings and smile sweetly and suggest he push the cart. Read more
Costco Shopping Is Not Cheap!
I went to Costco this weekend. That was a big mistake. First off, it seemed every person within a tri-state area had the same idea. I was fortunate to find a parking spot.
Bogart at the Vet
We had to take our puppy to the vet this week. His two sisters have ear mites, and we wanted to check to be sure Bogie’s ears were clear. While we were there, the vet decided to take Bogie’s temperature. Only our little doggie was having none of that. He looked at the thermometer and said, “You’re going to put that where?” Oh, the indignity of it!
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Fun with Phones
I had a fun telephone conversation with a Boca Raton, Florida readers group last night. They meet every other month, have a potluck and discuss a book. This time they were reading TWENTY WISHES, and I was excited to chat with them. At one point in the discussion they asked me to listen carefully. The phone went quiet , and then I heard what sounded like fireworks in the background—only it wasn’t. The noise was the sound of these fun ladies parading around the floor popping bubble wrap! I loved having this scene from Read more
Happy Birthday, Isaiah!
My grandson, Isaiah Anton, is five years old today. He’s the youngest of my daughter Jenny’s three children. I swear that boy could charm a snake. In addition, he has such a sweet and clever personality. Okay, I’ll admit I’m prejudiced, but then I am his grandma. Happy Birthday Isaiah. Grandma hascake and ice cream waiting for you! Read more