Clever, I Love Clever

While visiting a wonderful ice cream shop in Tallahassee, Florida called Lofty Pursuits, I notice the wall behind the candy-making worktable.  An interesting use of domino pieces made up the backsplash.  Centered in the middle of the domino tiles was a small sign.  See the second photo below to appreciate the cleverness. 

 

 candy-making worktable

 

If you're in the area, stop by Lofty Pursuits at 1415 Timberland Road, #410, Tallahassee, FL 32312 and visit www.LoftyPursuits.com for more info.

To Drink or Not to Drink

My husband, Bruce, has had a cold.  While he is infirm, I make him sleep in the guest bedroom.  My primary goal is for his quick recovery, and so undisturbed rest is key.  Of course, I don’t want to catch his cooties, either.  Therefore, I’ve been sleeping by myself, accompanied by the baked potato warmth of Abby, our rescued Chihuahua. Abby is a funny little doggie.  One of her weirdnesses is that she doesn’t like to eat from a bowl.  Her food must be on a flat plate.  A noisy saucer on our tile floor will not do.  It must be on a plastic lid from a Cool Whip type container.  All that is fine until it comes to water.  Ever try having sufficient water for an animal to drink contained on a flat lid?  It makes for desert conditions. Like it or not, I am forced to fill a bowl to the top with water and she eventually drinks.  Sometimes when she sits on my lap, which is her choice and constant, and which I like, she will lick her black dog lips, sounding rather dry to me.  I worry and I always try to remedy negative situations to avoid worry.  To that end, it was 4:30 a.m. and I got up to get myself a quick drink.  Abby was snuggled under the covers and I decided she was as thirsty as I.  So, guided by the glow of a small plug-in night-light, I filled a plastic glass with water and took it to Abby for a few puppy swigs.  I tipped the glass so the water was close to the lip and she wouldn’t have to stick her snout down inside.  I was triumphant.  She was thirsty.  Well, less than thirsty, but she did make one and a half tongue laps on or around the water.  The truth is, I heard more than I actually saw.  While I gloried in her hydration victory, my ears perked to another sound.  It was the soft splashing of the liquid falling upon the blankets and sheets in the center of the bed. 

My triumph dashed, I didn’t bother to turn on the light.  I crawled in bed with the dog, which seemed unmoved that I’d poured water on her blankies.  I pushed the cold wet covers to the side, in search of a dry spot.  Like a saturated sponge, the fluid had spread rapidly and wide.  I finally found that dry spot, located six inches from the edge of the mattress.  I had a decision to make.  I could either hug the seam binding and hope Abby, in her cuddling, didn’t push me off onto the unforgiving tile, not forgetting I was likely to hit my noggin on the marble bedside table on the way down. Or, I could sleep on the short loveseat in the parlor accompanied by the horrendous bong of the huge grandfather clock every thirty minutes, with the added harmony of Abby's howling, her latest self-taught trick.  Or I could put clean sheets on the recently stripped, hard to make up single bed in the office. Remember, it's now 4:45 a.m.  Hmm.  I decided to be brave and tough it out on the wet mattress with the singing dog.  And some say I’m not adventurous.   

Velvet Undertow Fave- Welcome Landscape Timber

Gardening   Home Decor

I came up with the idea of a painted landscape timber that says Welcome while putting the finishing touches on my garden in preparation for a family reunion.  It's easy to do whether freehand, traced, or stenciled.  You'll love it, and so will your neighbors.  Be prepared. They may want you to paint one for them, too!

      Enjoy,
     Jane Marie

 

an Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow fave at http://greenlightwrite.com/velvetundertowjanemarie.htm



You'll need: 1 pressure treated landscape timber, length is your choice Acrylic paints in assorted colors, black for lettering, white for background under the letters Paint brushes Pencil for marking/outline/tracing, stenciling, optional Stencils, optional Spray paint, optional Sealer Newspaper Spray paint or paint the center third or so of the timber with white paint to set off the lettering.  Find the center point of the timber and mark it with pencil. Plan the lettering style and spacing.  Draw the letter C in Welcome on the center point. Working from the center out, evenly draw the other letters of the word Welcome, making sure to keep the spacing even between letters. Using black paint, paint the letters, adding decorative gold or single color trim on the upper left edges of each letter, if desired. Trace, stencil or free hand vines from the center out to about 3 inches from each end of the timber. Add leaves and colorful flowers in the same fashion. Wash paint brushes with soap and water. Let your painted timber dry over night. Seal the painted surface by spraying it with two coats of acrylic sealer.   Seasonal Timbers* Paint Merry Christmas with green holly vines and red berries. Valentine's Day / Anniversary:  Paint Happy Valentine's Day or Happy Anniversary, adding green vines and different sized hearts instead of flowers, angling the hearts differently.  Trace a bird or two.  Add some painted curling ribbon. Halloween: Paint Happy Halloween, adding green vines with orange pumpkins. St Patrick's Day: Paint Happy St Patrick's Day, adding light green vines with gold and/or dark green shamrocks instead of flowers. New Home / Wedding Gift for Newlyweds: Paint the couple's last name in the center with the wedding date written as: Est. 2006 (Established) on one end in smaller letters.  Paint vines and flowers along the length. You get the idea.  Make any occasion special with a painted landscape timber.     Reprinted from: www.GraciousJaneMarie.com

ASK Jane Marie

Dear Jane Marie,

 

How is it possible that 19^th century characters with no computers or smart phones are able to communicate and see your responses and photos posted in your Goodbye Lie Diaries?

 

Ruthie, Roswell, New Mexico

 

 

Dear Ruthie,

 

In The Goodbye Lie series, I hope the reader is transported into the surroundings, sorrows and sweet sentimentalities of the characters. I simply call it magic, magic of the mind …  In the same way, the players in my stories are able to reach through time to communicate with us and we with them.  I can’t tell you how this particular magic works, only that it does. Because of this, we can read their 19^th century entries and thrill that they can see our entries, too.  Oh, I don’t know, do they awaken to find a note on the tiger oak secretary in the corner of their library? Perhaps it is discovered on the low parlor table beside the rocker.  Is it printed, in cursive or does it have a typed script?  How are their responses transmitted and posted to my blog?  I imagine they hand write their postings or do they send the replies by way of a telegram, but to what address exactly?  I haven’t gotten any hard copies of telegrams in my purple mailbox. Is it simply telepathic, yet telepathy is not so simple. You, of all people, Ruthie, living in the suspected land of aliens, I imagine can relate to this wonderful magic.  I don’t question it any longer, I just go along for the adventure between centuries!  I’m glad you’re on the excursion with us all!  

Hugs and blisses,
                                                                                                              Jane Marie

Goodbye Lie Diaries- Miss Ella and Spring

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Late 1800s

 

Miss Ella

Miss Ella writes:  I so love spring.  The windows are open and the curtains are dancing.  The birds are happy, too, and singing so loudly outside my office, they are distracting me from my ciphering.  The proof of that is I’m writing in my diary.  I think Aqua Verdi Passenger Line will survive while I  take I few minutes to myself.  I can see the daffodils out by the Talkin’ Tree.  I love bulbs.  One day there is nothing and the next time you look, there they are, their pretty flower faces seemingly looking right at you.  I don’t know if my girls will find as much pleasure as I do gardening.   When they were children, we planted pansies together on either side of the front steps. As they are getting older, they are so busy, Breelan with her writing, Carolina with her designs and Marie—I don’t know what Marie is busy with, now that I think on it.  She is very often with Sophie Belle and I’m afraid the two of them might get into trouble the way Breelan and Nora did. Well, more Breelan, really.  Nora always seems to land on her feet. In spite of her mother, she is such a lovely young lady.   Sorry Lord, it is not for me to judge, but You have Your hands full with Aunt Noreen alone!  Bless her heart.   

 

 

Here is a photograph of my daffodil, Miss Ella. 

 I suspect it looks very much like yours! 

Jane Marie, 2014

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

The Goodbye Lie Diaries are communications between the fictional Dunnigan characters from historic suspense Goodbye Lie series set in the 1880s and present day.  We share the same Amelia Island, Florida, same town of Fernandina, same Atlantic Ocean, same Amelia River, same weather, same growing conditions, same buildings on downtown Centre Street, well over 100 years apart ... jmm

 

A Goodbye Lie Fave-Handmade Lace Hankie

In the 1880s when The Goodbye Lie takes places, girls and women, all, carried pretty hankies.  That's no longer the custom. For a special occasion, a wedding, a Christening, a theatre production, a ball, an anniversary or anywhere you might shed a few tears and need to dab your eyes, then a lace handkerchief is perfect and oh so feminine.   You can purchase one, of course, or make your own.  It's not difficult and will be treasured as an heirloom. If for a bride, it can easily be made into a baby bonnet for her first child.

(click on the links above and enjoy articles from our website, www.GraciousJaneMarie.com)

 

 

You'll need:

• One 9"x 9" square of batiste or any finely woven white cotton fabric or linen that is soft to the touch
• 44 inches of one inch wide lace, flat on at least one edge, cut into four equal pieces
• Sewing machine or minimal experience in hand sewing
• Matching thread
• Straight pins
• Embroidery thread and needle, white or colors (optional)

Cut the lace into four 11 inch lengths. 

Wash and press the fabric square.

Lay out the fabric square

Center the flat side of an 11 inch length of lace on each edge of the square and pin in place.   You want any scallops the lace might have to be on the outside edge, away from the cloth square.  The ends of the lace pieces should overlap at right angles. 

With a tiny zigzag stitch, carefully sew the lace around all four edges of the hankie. 

With a tiny zigzag, carefully sew from each corner point of the cloth square out to the edge of the lace.   When all four corners are sewn, carefully snip the overlapping lace off the corners close to the diagonal stitching and discard.  The lace will be joined in a diagonal seam at each corner.  

You may also roll the raw edges under and secure them by hand with a small whip stitch.  Add the lace as mentioned above using tiny straight stitches.

You may choose to embroider a few white on white or colored flowers and leaves in one or all the corners.  You can even put the initials of the bride or baby or grandmother or godchild in one corner.  I sewed a white shamrock on the handkerchiefs I made for the bridesmaids in my daughter Barbra's wedding.

 

If time is short, just add lace to a store-bought hankie that has the edges already finished.

 

Article reprinted from www.GraciousJaneMarie.com



Nina and Pinta in Fernandina on Amelia Island, FL

What a fun little island we live on!  After a book signing at Books Plus in our historic downtown, I walked to the marina and shot this photo of the Nina and Pinta tied to our dock.  While these are replicas of ships from 1492, I love them amidst the modern yachts.  With the sun setting as a backdrop, it was quite a sight.

 

visit www.thenina.com/ for more info

 

Hollywood Hearts - Spring, Spring, Spring!

Once again it is Spring, at least on the calendar.  No matter if you are ankle deep in snow, slush, mud or sand, here is a fun song called Spring, Spring, Spring from the 1954 movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers by Stanley Donen.  Thank you to Adam Grayson for posting this song. Enjoy!

 

Click here to view:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwa89n7lb_g

 (Sorry, you may have a commercial before you hear the song on You Tube, but it's worth it if you listen to the simple poetry in the lyrics.)

 

St. Patty or St. Paddy?

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

to ya from Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie series characters  Michael Dunnigan, Miss Ella, Breelan, Carolena, Pat, Marie and Aunt Noreen!  Oh,  and me, too, Jane Marie.  

 

I also want to make certain we all say the abbreviated version of this annual Irish greeting correctly.  It's Happy St. Paddy's Day NOT Happy St. Patty's day, since Patty is short for Patricia!  After all, Saint Patrick was a fella! 

 

 

And just in time for the holiday, see the photo below. I was looking over our courtyard garden and found this sweet little shamrock plant growing between cement and metal!

 

 

Just In Time For St. Patrick's Day

What?  You need to sound as if you're from Dublin, Ireland for St. Patrick's Day?  Listen to this short YouTube video called How To Do An Irish Accent.  Click here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2PHch4IPPQ to learn the basics in 2 minutes and 34 seconds!  Have fun!

And, too, listen to this little Irish ditty, It's a Great Day for the Irish, sung by Judy Garland. Click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrt_PA5PflM

M_____ on Invitations?

Have you ever wondered if you're filling out the RSVP wedding invitation card correctly when it comes to the large letter M followed by a long blank line, as in M_____________?

 

 

 

I wanted to make certain I was doing this properly all these years, so did a little research.  This is the answer.  You add the rest of the letters in your title, as in Mrs. or Mr. Always include the name of your guest, too.  If you aren't sure at the time just who your guest will be, but you know you will be taking a date, write and guest.

 

 

 

Goodbye Lie Pinterest

I love Pinterest! 

 

 

Please visit my Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie Trilogy board at: http://www.pinterest.com/1janemarie/amelia-islands-goodbye-lie-trilogy-by-jane-marie-m/.  Find the fashion Breelan wears, the fan Carolena carries, the furnishings Peeper polishes and so many other items circa the 1880s and there about, when the novels take place.  If you look closely, you may just see those Dunnigan girls and even Aunt Noreen walking between the images...

Enjoy my other ever-changing boards, too, which include:
Rich Romance
For the Manor
Created by Hand
People/Places/Prizes
Just for Me
Martha Bear and Captain Fancy Patch
For the Tum-Tum
Word, Words,
Faith

See them all my boards at http://www.pinterest.com/1janemarie/ 

Left Handed Discovery

I'm left handed and recently discovered something about pens with advertising on them.  If you hold the pen in your right hand, you can read the name.  If you hold it in your left hand, the name is upside down!  Talk about discrimination.  It's such an unfair world, don't you think?

Quick Fix

Did you just get a phone call from a friend or relative saying she, he or they were just around the corner and would arrive at your place in five minutes? There are dishes in the sink and the dishwasher is full of dirty or clean dishes! What can you do?

Remove the top rack in the oven. Find a basin or bucket that will fit in the oven. Quickly fill it with the dirty dishes and hide them in the oven. Just don't forget they are in there and turn it on the next morning to preheat.

This handy hint came from the mother of  Jo Nix. Thanks, Mom!

PS With all the ways I try to avoid or hasten my time spent doing chores, I'm ashamed of myself for never thinking of this.  Of course, in the past, I have gotten really good at barring the way with a sawhorse and zigzagging caution tape across the kitchen entrance.  

What a mess!

Open Face Tomato Cheese Sandwich - Family Fave

Martha Bear

 

 
Martha Bear, spokesbear for our 700 page  website, www.GraciousJaneMarie.com , star  of her own free online silly short stories at www.MarthaBear.com and who makes cameo appearances in Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie Trilogy says, "Since tomatoes are available year-round in the grocery stores, you don't have to wait to grow your own. Two or three open face sandwiches per person are usually requested, so have sufficient tomato slices, bread and cheese on hand for the number of people you’ll be serving.

 



To make one open face sandwich, you’ll need:

• 1 slice of a large fresh tomato or enough smaller slices to cover one slice of bread
• 1 slice of bread
• 1 slice mild yellow cheese (I use Velveeta lite.) 
• Oregano, fresh or dried

Set the oven to broil. 

Place all the bread on a cookie sheet and heat until the bread is lightly brown on one side. 

Remove the bread from the oven and turn the bread over. 

Place the cheese on the untoasted side of the bread. 

Top with a tomato slice. 

Sprinkle each sandwich with oregano. 

Return sandwiches to the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the bread are brown.  

Serve while hot. 

Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

This recipe is reprinted from our website, www.GraciousJaneMarie.com.

Quote by Nancy Kamp

"We make glaciers look like medal winners..."
                        -Nancy Kamp
                         freelance editing
                         jewelry making  
                         www.greenlightWrite.com

Goodbye Lie Diaries - Marie Dunnigan - the horse tail





Late 1800s

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida
 

Marie Dunnigan

Marie Dunnigan writes:  I recently learned the most dreadful news while I was volunteering as a nursing assistant. There was a young man in a wheel chair with a bandage around his eyes.  I asked what happened to him and a nurse said he was hit across the face by a horse’s tail.  While everyone knows not to stand behind a horse lest it kick you, the swish of his tail is like a whip, but it is more than that.  The nurse explained how the hair from the horse tail is jagged and not smooth like that of the mane, so it actually lacerated the man’s eyes.  I so hope he recovers.  Over my long eighteen years on this earth, I had never heard there was a difference in texture between the horse’s mane and tail.  I knew surgeons use the hair from the mane to stitch up wounds and guessed they didn’t use the tail only because of the location where it naturally would be dirty.  While I would prefer being at home reading a romantic novel in the shade of our talkin' tree, I must admit when I learn new things, I feel smart, almost as smart of Carolena, my big sister.  She has the best brain of all of us, except our mother.  Miss Ella outsmarts Daddy every day of his life.

 

 

2014

Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida

 

Jane Marie writes:  I, too, found out this fact when we were visiting Fort Clinch, here on Amelia Island, Florida.  While there are no real soldiers stationed there in this time, gentleman called re-enactors dress in Civil War uniforms and pretend the year is 1864.  It’s so very interesting to those of us who love history.  Well, I know you’ve been to Fort Clinch over the years.  I don’t know if the two-story building directly across the parade ground from the main entrance was build in your day. When you climb the stairs to the second floor hospital, the first thing you notice is, unlike the other buildings with red brick interiors, all the walls here are  painted white inside and the windows are opened.  The breeze was glorious this hot late summer day and the man playing the part of the surgeon explained that General Grant, (I am sorry if that name still upsets you), I believe he said it was Grant, received word how a bright and ventilated room speeds healing. To this end, he ordered all the infirmaries, where possible, should be located on the second floor and have white walls.  He also mentioned to those of us visiting about the difference between a horse’s mane and tail.  I’m not around horses very often. We ride in automobiles, powered by gasoline, but next time I am, I will compare the two by feel.

Oh, and as to your mother being the smart one in the family, I have to agree.  With all that goes on in the lives of the Dunnigans of Amelia Island, it takes a powerful woman to handle the unexpected and keep everyone feeling comforted and stable--everyone except Aunt Noreen.  She is impossible to control...


Marie is the youngest sibling of four Dunnigan children featured in Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie Trilogy set on Amelia Island, Florida in the 1880s.  Through the magic of electronics, she and the other characters in these fictional novels are able to communicate with their author, Jane Marie Malcolm, who, coincidentally resides in the same town of Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida.

Amelia Island's GOODBYE LIE & VELVET UNDERTOW on KINDLE

ORDER TODAY!

The Goodbye Lie Kindle Edition $2.99
Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow Kindle Edition $3.99
Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow NOOK Buy As Gift: $3.43

Request your signed & personalized Paperbacks of Goodbye Lie & Velvet Undertow at graciousjanemarie@yahoo.com. Each novel is $13.22 with FREE SHIPPING!!! Get BOTH books for just $23.99, a $9.91 savings over original retail plus FREE SHIPPING!!!

Goodbye Lie Trilogy Trivia

In Amelia Island's VELVET UNDERTOW, what does young Jack Patrick Dunnigan hang from the trees?

 

 

Excerpt:

   "Do you know what your son has done this time?” Mrs. Ickles hollered in Miss Ella's face.

   "Good day to you, too."

   "Apparently, you don't. So, let me enlighten you. ...  I go into town to learn he and those other savages have been hanging dead snakes from the tree branches across South 3rd and Broome. When the ladies pass underneath in their buggies, why, I myself have seen two faint dead away! And one of them was driving alone! Her horse saw the snakes, bolted, and ran the whole rig into the iceman’s wagon, spilling huge chunks all over the street. What with the screaming and whinnying, it was one disagreeable agitation, I can tell you. It was so bad, we've had to cancel this morning's meeting of the Literary League, and we have our annual Buy a Book sale in two weeks' time! Frankly, Miss Ella, that boy of yours is the meanest white child in Fernandina!"

 

We Have Just Hit 500 Postings!

Do I hear the call for 501?  You bet!

Free Scarf Organizer

I like scarves.  I wear scarves. I have several scarves.   I fold them. I stack them.  They slip and slide and fall on the floor.  I pick them up and repeat the maintenance process.  Yes, there are all styles of scarf organizers out there, but they cost money.  So, as I stood in my closet one day, I turned around to realize I had my own built in organizer, the rectangular spaces on the front of the wire shelf!  As you can see in the photo below, my scarves are happy, healthy, and hanging- all for free!  And who doesn't like free? 

What Is This Gift?

I gave this  glazed ceramic bowl to my daughter, Barbra, as a gift. Because it matches her dishes, she was crazy about it. Then she asked me, "Just what is it?"

I had no answer for her.  You see, I got it several years ago, put it away in the closet and when I found it, I couldn't recall its purpose.  Someone suggested it might be a sort of bundt pan.  If so, why the spout visible in the upper left of the photo?  Someone else said it might be for chips and dip, but the center cup that is molded into the ceramic is way too small to hold much salsa or anything else. The overall diameter is about 12 inches. It's only about 3 inches deep and I believe it says microwavable on the bottom. It's now collecting dust at Barbra's house.  Beyond that, I don't have a clue. 

Please send your suggestions about what it might be to graciousjanemarie@yahoo.com or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jane.m.malcolm.  My child would like to put her present to good use!

 

Handbell Choirs- Wow!

As you may know, I ring handbells.  I have been referred to as the senior ringer in my group.  It is not because I am expert or better than anyone else.  In fact,  I believe I peaked a decade ago.  No, they called me senior because I've been ringing for a very long time-- and I love it.  I figure it is as close to playing in an orchestra as I'll ever get.  Coincidently, Breelan Dunnigan, heroine in my Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie, plays handbells in 1882.  Go figure!

I think you will enjoy these three videos below.  Each is different from the other and each is wonderful.  Don't forget the third link without the picture.  The lack of picture is operator error, I'm sure.  (That would be me.)  Click on the link and enjoy number 3.

As always, thank you to YouTube.com.

Adele's Rolling in the Deep - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyFmJxApKRA -  Amazing Handbell Choir -The Impulse Handbell Ensemble is made up high school students from the Morganville, NJ area.  Published on Dec 21, 2012

We Three Kings- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYwSt_4tbkE- Hyles-Anderson College live at First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. Uploaded on Dec 7, 2011



Click on the link below for:  
Pirates of the Caribbean & Phantom of the Opera - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xmHuS57DV0-  18th Concert, Daejeon Handbell Choir / Aug.28,2010 / Daejeon Handbell Choir - South Korea

Valentine Treasures

 Pretty Things, Romantic Things

 for

Your Valentine's Day ...

close-up - note the pewter box in the photo is featured on the cover of The Goodbye Lie

 

words and photos from the heart of Jane Marie

Heart Garland

Here is an easy extra you can make last minute for Valentine's Day, a bridal shower, tea party, wedding and/or wedding reception,  a paper garland of hearts. You can even use recycled paper, just turn the printed side inward.

Cut strips of paper, 1/2 to 1 inch wide. I used pink and purple. The longer the strips, the bigger the hearts. Staple two strips together at the top and bend around to form a heart. Staple at the bottom. Add two more strips to each side of the bottom staple, being sure the new strips point toward the top of the heart. Staple the new strips to the old strips over the bottom staple and curve the new strips down to form another heart. Continue in this manner to make your garland as long as you want.

Wear as a crown, a necklace, swag it or put around the base of a potted plant or vase of flowers. Decorate the world with heart garland!     

Goodbye Lie Diaries - Peeper Worries plus Coffee Roast

1880s Fernandina, Florida



Grandmother Peeper

Grandmother Peeper writes:

Aunt Noreen just give me a earful, Jane Marie, saying ya ought not ta be writin' about the squabbles betwixt my Breelan and them two fellas, Captain Waite  and Lt. Trip, the gents achasin' her. Them words a yourn in The Goodbye Lie is pretty personal, I admit, but if'n Breelan don't mind folks reading 'bout her findin' her true love, who is Aunt Noreen ta say different? Why, if a singin' kangaroo jumped out of a tree and landed in front a her, she'd scold him fer bein' off key. So what's she know?  Nothin'!  She ain't worth the spit it takes ta say her name.

Oh, I forgot ta tell you, Janie, we gots ta git ourselves a new fish fer the well.  I think one a Jack Patrick's friends come by, pulled it up in the bucket then took it home fer supper. Nugget is down at the creek just afishin' hisself silly, getting another sos it can eat the bugs in the well water fer us. 

We're havin' Grammy's Coffee Roast Beef after church, come Sundee noon.  Ya need ta be acookin' some a that meat fer yourself and your family, making sure your Barbra has the recipe when you're gone.  It's a keeper.

**********************
Present Time, Fernandina, Florida 
Jane Marie writes:

Hey Peep,
I appreciate you cautioning me over my writing.  Don't worry.  Remember, I dedicated The Goodbye Lie to my father, because I didn't want either of us to be embarrassed when he read it.  He wasn't.  So, if it passed the Daddy test, I think we're safe.

I've made the Coffee Roast before. You're right.  It's time to make it again.  And yes, I'll be sure Barbra has the recipe.

We've had terribly cold nights last week.  I hope my orange tree will survive.  It has dropped some leaves, but I think it is still hanging on. Fingers crossed.    

And try not to fight with Aunt Noreen.  Although, we all find your tiffs interesting to follow, dare I say entertaining, they can't be good for your blood pressure or your bunions.

Love to the family- and that includes Aunt Noreen! Remember, she's still Michael's sister and if you love him, and I know you do, you'll love his sister. Well, you can at least pretend, can't you?

*********************

Coffee Roast Beef

(The recipe is below but here, also, is the link to the recipe on our 700 page website, www.GraciousJaneMarie. It is for those who love a rich beefy taste. http://www.greenlightwrite.com/coffeebeef.htm )

The story goes that cowboys in the Wild West roasted beef seasoned with coffee over the campfire.  My husband came across this recipe in Roswell, New Mexico at a potluck supper.  Give it a try for something different and delicious.    Enjoy,     Jane Marie

http://www.greenlightwrite.com/homegraciousjanemarie.htm

You'll need: 3 pound beef roast (with the fat removed) 6 cups of strong brewed coffee 4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced or garlic powder Preheat the oven to 325° F  Make several slits in the raw roast and insert the garlic chips or sprinkle the roast generously with garlic powder.  Place the meat in a roasting pan and pour the coffee beside it - not over it or it will wash off the garlic powder.  Cover with foil or lid.  Bake 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the meat falls apart, removing the cover during the last half an hour to brown the meat. Cool 10 minutes before slicing.  Make gravy from the drippings or serve the unthickened coffee/beef broth left in the bottom of the pan over noodles, rice or potatoes.  Pass the salt and pepper. I’ve also made this in the slow cooker set on low for 6 to 8 hours until it turns into stringy meat.

Goodbye Lie Romance - An Excerpt

Honor, Treachery, Epic Romance

 are just part of
 Amelia Island's GOODBYE LIE Trilogy where

 Little House on the Prairie meets Gone With The Wind ...

  Men will die for Breelan Dunnigan

      in 





   

Treat yourself and get your copy here: http://www.greenlightwrite.com/homegraciousjanemarie.htm  

 



Goodbye Lie Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oAsQkLUoJY



 

Review: A rollercoaster of emotions … [which] include … loving the characters. … The unexpected ending makes a jaw dropping jolt to the senses. --ReaderViews.com

Find romance every day and every night between the covers of Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie.  Set in 1882 Florida, here is a snippet of the spirit of my kind of romance! -jmm

Excerpt:
    "Trip it shall be. Please, call me Breelan." And he held her secure, leading her in wild spins around and around. She threw her head back as she laughed softly, her hair covering his uniformed forearm.

     Waite was completely aware of Breelan's movements. He wanted to kiss the ivory of her flawless bare shoulders. But when he saw the lieutenant's arm tighten around Breelan's waist, Waite's desire turned violent as he imagined ripping the soldier's arm off at the elbow. He resented the man, any man, holding her, let alone holding her as close as this gent was. Trip's body pressed intimately against Breelan’s green dress, separating her skin from his by only a few thin layers of silk and cotton. His officer's white-gloved fingers entwined themselves in the ends of her satiny brown hair. At least, his actual flesh wasn't in contact with hers, Waite consoled himself. He was glad a gentleman always wore gloves when dancing so as not to soil a woman's gown with perspiration. He'd considered many customs foolish and a waste of time. Not this one. For this social edict, he thanked the stars. 

     "Waite, darling," Miss Visper spoke a second time. "You're not listening to me, are you?"

     Caught. He was having difficulty tearing his eyes from Breelan. He asked, his tone mocking, "Leona, do you think I'd dance with a woman and she not be the center of all my attention?"

     "I think one thing. You're most engaging and you know it. Any woman who allows herself to love you is demented. You'll only break her heart."

     "You flatter me. But I think the excursion to that point would be an escapade not to be missed," he suggested, stroking her mind, using her. He excused his selfishness because he knew she wanted him. He needed a woman tonight and she was an alluring, if somewhat obvious creature...

 

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