The Goodbye Lie Diaries - Peeper's Green Chili Squares

The Goodbye Lie Diaries

(Defined - Through the magic of electronics and a sprinkle of stardust, we are able to communicate with the Dunnigan family of The Goodbye Lie historical  romance/suspense series!)  

             The Goodbye Lie

 historical  romance/suspense series 

 in e-book and paperback  

Late 1800s

Fernandina, Florida 

(Peeper Clegg adopted the Dunnigan family and moved right in on them, way back in the 1860s.  Now, she is the beloved grandmother to the lot.  Famous for her elixir fixers and funny fights with neighbor Aunt Noreen, she is a prime character in the The Goodbye Lie historical romance series) 

Peeper writes: 

   These here green chili squares is very popular around Dunnigan Manor.  A square pan a them goes quick.  I grow my own chilies out back like I do lots a other plants. Wherever ya get yur chilies, hot or not hot, make a batch fer yur kin.  Good fer other gatherin's, too.  Here's my recipe.

 Green Chili Squares from Me, Peeper Clegg

 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese [sharp]             

Peeper

1/2 cup [4oz can] chopped mild green chilies [undrained]

6 eggs

salt and pepper ta taste

Mix all the ingredients and pour inta a 8" x 8" pan.  Bake in a slow oven [300 degrees F] for 30 ta 40 minutes or till a knife stuck in the middle comes out clean.  Cut inta squares.  Serve warm. Put on ice, if'n' there's any left.  Good fer breakfast, or any time a'tall.

Grammy Camp - Poo-Poo People

     Meet our Poo-Poo People!  

     In recent memory, with toilet paper such a hot commodity, and recycling always meet and right so to do, why not make silly-looking folks from the tp tubes.  Here is our result!  Create a whole town of Poo Poo People.  Have the whole family embellish them with lace, ribbon, feathers, glitter, colored markers, rhinestones, etc.  However your decorate you new PPP friends, it's all about creating.  Have fun!   

Grammy Camp - Beading

Key Chain with Initial A by Ava

     Beading and jewelry making has many parts.  You first have to decide what to create.  Then, you must sort through the beads/embellishments to find the color, style and mix you want. Next, you lay them out on a special tray in a pattern, changing your mind repeatedly.  Finally, you string everything and finish with special tools for wire, if used.  In our case, the result is Ava's key chain, which is useful besides being decorative, where Grammy's bracelet is only decorative.  Ava wins on value points!

     Thank you to my sister, Nancy Kamp, a jewelry making instructor, who knows her craft, and thank you, Aunt Nancy, too, for our endless supply of beads!  

                                         Love, Ava and Grammy

Heart Bracelet by Grammy

Grammy Camp - Watercolor Artwork

by Ava

     Watercolor is supposed to be difficult.  Granddaughter Ava makes it look easy.  She has talent for sure! (Spoken like a true-blue grandmother.)
  

by Ava

by Grammy
(My two koi fish look more like an orange seal and an orange shark, but, heck, they do resemble aquatic creatures.  We had fun and
that's the best part!)

******

Grammy Camp - Oreo Truffles

     Here is our version of Oreo Truffles that granddaughter Ava found online.  Three ingredients and you have delicious truffles!

You'll need: 

1 14.3 oz package of Oreos

8 oz package cream cheese

12 oz package white chocolate chips

Crush the Oreos, stir in softened cream cheese.  Form balls, freeze for 30 minutes.  Melt the chips for 45 seconds in the microwave.  Cover the balls with the white chocolate.  Done! Warning:  These are majorly rich! 
 

Peeper's Muffin Tin Meatlof Muffies - Goodbye Lie Diaries

Jane Marie's modern version of
 Peeper's Meatloaf Muffies

(What are The Goodbye Lie Diaries?

Through the magic of electronics, a scattering of stardust and a fluttering of bluebird feathers, characters out of the past from The Goodbye Lie series can communicate  with us and we with them! Read on... )   

 

Late 1800s

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Peeper writes:  Our wee ones and not so wee ones, just 'bout anybody eatin' supper with us at Dunnigan Manor, is crazy fer my meatloaf muffies I bake in muffin tins.  Why, even Mrs. Ickles, who does a whole lot a grousin', almost worse than Aunt Noreena, likes 'em.  They's the caterpillar's corset, if I do say it myself - and I do!  Jest mix up a batch

*Peeper

a your best meatloaf, grease each holler in the muffin tin, roll balls a meat betwixt your hands, press 'em gentle-like inta the holes in the pan, top with a tomata slice or sauce and bake in a medium hot oven fer 35 ta 45 minutes till all done.  Don't be aburnin' 'em, but I do like mine crispy on the outside.  Give it a try and there'll be plenty a grins showin' meat in their teeth around the dinner table. 

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

Current Day

Jane Marie writes:  I agree with Peeper.  I tried her meatloaf muffies and, not only are they a fun presentation, but they don't take as long to bake at 350℉ as does an actual meatloaf. I used muffin papers and you can top them with ketchup, too, of course.  I sprinkled mine with a little parmesan cheese.  Oh, they are great for a bagged lunch as long as they are kept chilled until devoured.   

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

Who is Peeper?

Peeper Clegg adopted the Dunnigan family and moved right in on them, way back in the 1860s.  Now, she is the beloved grandmother of the lot.  Well known for her elixir fixers and funny fights with neighbor Aunt Noreen, she is a prime character in the The Goodbye Lie historical romance series. 

If you love romance,

try Jane Marie's Goodbye Lie series. 

 "Men will die

 for Breelan Dunnigan ..."   

 BUY E-BOOKS and PAPERBACKS HERE!"

💖 May sparkling hearts overflowing with love 

rain down on you forever! 💖 -jmm

Year-Round Patriotic Tree

      We should celebrate America every day, so why not put up a patriotic tree?  You can leave this decorated gem out year round.  I have posted pictures of other themed trees, Christmas, Valentine, St. Patrick, Easter/Spring and now we are enjoying this red, white and blue delight and it's easy to create.  The whole family can participate, which makes it all the better.  From the Spring tree, I removed anything that was not red, white and blue.  There are round Christmas balls, flowers, Dollar Tree U, S and A, letters (all on one banner which I cut apart), ribbon, lace, cut out paper stars I down-loaded free from the internet, silver ice-cycles to add extra sparkle along with the twinkling white lights and three large flags surrounding the top hat made from a coffee can. Scroll down to see the top hat tree topper photo. The only expense was one dollar for the USA sign and two more dollars for some extra flowers.  I was short on the red and blue.  Any-who, I love how it turned out.  Consider doing your own and God bless America!

The tree topper is made with red and white checked fabric covering a coffee can.  A painted cardboard brim, computer printed paper stars, a recycled bow with added ribbon, the white plastic coffee can lid, an embroidered star from an actual American flag and glitter complete the hat.

Precious Perfection

     These beautiful robin eggs were discovered by my brother, Bob Harkins, a retired Navy Chief. (I'm very proud of him, as you might guess.) They are in a rose bush, of all places.  Pity the poor critter who tries to snatch them...smart mama bird. Well, as soon as he sent me this photo, I knew I had to share. Thank you, Bob.  Thank you, Lord, even more!

Nao Santa Maria in Fernandina, FL

     Here she is, the Nao Santa Maria.  Built in a Spanish shipyard by the Nao Victoria Association in 2017, this is a full-sized  replica of the original ship that carried Columbus across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492.  It was constructed to  celebrate the 525th anniversary of the "meeting between two worlds."

Videos to enjoy: 

5 Facts about Santa Maria - interesting

Amelia Island Florida Santa Maria Video - beautiful

 

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida 

is a wonderful place to live!

Birdhouse Save

      My Bruce built our courtyard gate ages ago.  Sea air, sun, rain and wear and tear have been hard on it and the top of a picket broke off.  What should I do?  Well, I once saw a picture of a wooden garden bench with one of the back pickets cut in the shape of a birdhouse. Hmm.  It came to me that I had a small birdhouse and, by jingo, it perfectly filled the empty space.  Our son-in-law, Mark, secured it with screws and now I have a special addition that not only adds charming curb appeal, but, maybe, an actual bird could make a nest inside.  Of course, if that happens, we will have to lock the gate shut until the babies take flight, lest they are jostled. Entrance through the garage will work just fine. Odds are slim, but how sweet would that be?

Thank You

 

A Floral Remedy, The Goodbye Lie Diaries with Breelan and Miss Ella

Goodbye Lie Diaries

(Through the magic of electronics, mental telepathy and a smidge of time travel, I am able to communicate with my clan of characters from our Goodbye Lie series. The result is The Goodbye Lie Diaries, scattered throughout this blog. -jmm)

Late 1800s

Fernandina, on Amelia Island, Florida   

   

TELEGRAM

Breelan Dunnigan

FROM: BREELAN DUNNIGAN

TO: ELLA DUNNIGAN

GIFTED BOUQUET STOP VASE NECK TOO BIG STOP REQUEST SOULTION STOP AUNT COE SENDS LOVE  

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

Miss Ella

FROM:  ELLA DUNNIGAN

TO:  BREELAN DUNNIGAN

TIE STEMS WITH GREEN RIBBON 2 INCHS ABOVE VASE EDGE STOP LOVE MOTHER

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

Current Day

Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida

Jane Marie writes:

     With regard to the above telegram from Breelan Dunnigan to her mother, I wondered if, once Breelan arrived home to Amelia Island, Miss Ella would speak to her daughter about the cost of sending such a frivolous request.  But Bree wanted an answer and she went to her mother first. I like that.  Apparently, Aunt Coe never heard of this solution. Neither had I.  Having a fresh bunch of flowers, naturally, I tried the trick. Putting them in a vase with too large a mouth, I tied the stems with a green ribbon scrap and it worked. See the photographs below.  Thank you, Miss Ella!    

Where is the ribbon?

The secret green ribbon works!😊

Buy The Goodbye Lie Series 

 in E-books and Paperbacks HERE

10 Books About Amelia Island Includes Our Goodbye Lie Series

\\

 

Amelia Island's GOODBYE LIE Series in paperbacks and E-books HERE

***

     I am so pleased to share this post from The Arbor Company Blog. Of the ten books featuring Amelia Island, Florida, there are six in the non-fiction genre, three mysteries and one romance.  That romance is my Goodbye Lie series!  The ever-unpredictable characters in the novels, our Critter Crew and I want to sincerely thank Melissa Sloper, Executive Director of The Lakeside at Amelia Island retirement community, for including us.  

The Lakeside at Amelia Island is a lovely retirement community operated by The Arbor Company.  Located at 649 Amelia Island Parkway, Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32034, call 904 274-4953 for information.

Best Mother's Day Gift Ever

      

     I have always heard watercolor painting is difficult to master because water is a moving thing. Too much or too little will ruin your desired goal. I'm not bragging, well maybe a little, but take a lookie-see at this beautiful watercolor rose painting my granddaughter, Ava, created for me.  I love it!  And I told her the next time we get together, we're going to frame it.  Thank you, baby girl.  I just had to share it with all my online friends out there.  

                                                 -Grammy 

 

Happy Mother's Day!!!

      

     Isn't this a beautiful wreath for all the mothers out there to see and enjoy? I know my mother in Heaven would love it.  To me, it represents the tender devotion mamas have for their children, no matter their baby's age.  My friend, Jolene Woods, was sweet enough to let me snap this treasure of hers.  Happy Mother's Day, Jolene, and Happy Mother's Day to ALL!

wreath hand crafted by Tammy Haya 

 Message Tammy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tammy.haya.1

 if you'd like her to make something special for you or yours. 

Pictorial Bouquet for Mom

 

     If you are unable to be with your mother this Mother's Day, along with a selfie, send her pictures of your flowers, greenery, herbs, whatever you have, as a long-distance pictorial bouquet. (I recently did this with a friend far away.  I think she really appreciated the gesture.)  Don't have any outdoor plants of your own? Take some pics of the neighbor's vegetation so she can see what you look at each day.  Try a picture of a houseplant you've been nurturing.  Don't have flora of any kind? Take a shot of what you're cooking on the stove or  have just pulled from the oven. It doesn't matter what you text or email your mom because communication of any kind will tell her she's in your thoughts, the same as you are in hers. Nothing need be fancy.  If you're watching your pennies, and who isn't, send her a few snaps of the goings-on in your world.  She really wants to know. And a phone call or video chat would be a bonus.  Just sayin' ...   😉

 

                              needs fertilizer

         a cheat picture inserted here from a bouquet not my own

                                                   first tomato of the season!

Make and/or recall memories on 

Mother's Day

Spokes-Dog Parties

 Abby,  our mascot and canine model, celebrates her heritage!

Announcing Our Gnome Mascot Family

R. Novel Gnome with Chappy and Graph

      Please meet the newest members in our GraciousJaneMarie.com mascot family. Left to right: R. (Romance) Novel Gnome and his diminutive friends, Chappy (Chapter) and Graph (Paragraph). Proudly representing this Amelia Island Southern Fiction Blog and The Goodbye Lie historical romance series, the gnomes are joining Abby, our Spokes-Dog,  the various and mostly four-legged members of our Critter Crew, Martha Bear, our Spokes-Ursine and her always mischievous bear friend, Teddy O.  (Teddy is in the process of planning a GTHYOOT -  Glad Ta Have Ya On Our Team staff party.  Those of us who have attended past Teddy O parties, dread, I mean are always somewhat surprised that, so far, we have survived each one. We can only hope this gathering  won't be too eventful, that the goings-on don't make a post here. This is a family friendly blog, after all.) 

  

R. (Romance) Novel Gnome

     R. Novel oversees our gnome team as head story consultant and editor. A tree root inspector by trade, he wanted a change because, by the end of the day, his beard was too often matted with mud and nematodes. Word of mouth led him to us after he'd completed a correspondence course on apple head doll making. His qualifications are slim. No matter because his services, being free, are within our budget. 

     His uniform consists of a sock imprinted with books. (The set of socks was a gift from my retired Navy Chief brother, Bob Harkins. Should R. Novel decide to change his hat, said sock has not been harmed in any fashion by glue, thread or scissors.  R. Novel's beard is a Dollar Tree mop draped over an orange Dollar Tree safety cone.  His golden nose is a perfume bottle cap.  The heart on his beard is from my sister, Nancy Kamp, jewelry designer and teacher extraordinaire.  His moustache is faux fur.  A sharpened mini-pencil tied to his hat with twine and a Goodbye Lie business card complete his look. 

Chappy

     Chappy (Chapter) is our pacing gnome.  His job is to review the flow of my writing, pointing out the good, the bad and the boring. He helps me with this blog, too, when he can spare the time between snacking and napping.  His faux fur beard is over a mini Dollar Tree safety cone.  His hat is a fuzzy sock, with a pencil, paperclip and pinchie-thingie as added embellishments.  The heart he wears has a sparkling crystal in the center, also from Nancy. 

  

Graph

     Graph (Paragraph) is in charge of grammar and punctuation, sometimes rearranging the order of his namesake, i.e., my paragraphs.  His skill set is limited, but he tries very hard, spending his breaks diagramming sentences with pretty colored pencils. We hired him because he is sincere and willing to work for paperclips. 

     He has a shiny green nose, courtesy of Nancy.  And, in the spirit of uniforms, he wears a heart and his hat is trimmed the same as Chappy's.  His hat is half of another pair of fuzzy socks. Never a wastrel, I wear the mate along with Chappy's extra sock. Yes, I sometimes don mismatched socks.  I do it because I am too busy to take the time to sort socks.  Also, I don't look at my feet after I put on my shoes.

     You'll see and hear from our devoted mass of assistants, here and there.  After all, do you think I can imagine all this great blog junk to write about plus my novels, by myself?   

      

Free Spring Tree Plus The Goodbye Lie Diaries - Carolena Dunnigan

Spring Tree

     Here is a simple idea for another free seasonal tree.  This time, it is a Spring Tree. With supplies scrounged from cupboards, closets and the garage, it didn't cost a penny.  Silk flowers, bows, decorations from what used to be a fanciful grapevine wreath, a small stuffed bear and light gray bunny, a few pastel ball ornaments, and a garden angel from my kids, well, just plug it in and you have a soft spring-like twinkling tree! Create your own and watch for smiles. 

                           -Jane Marie 

***

The Goodbye Lie Diaries

(Through the magic of electronics, mental telepathy and a smidge of time travel, I am able to communicate with my clan of characters from the The Goodbye Lie series. The result is The Goodbye Lie Diaries, scattered throughout this blog.)

Late 1800s

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

*Carolena writes:  

 Good day, Jane Marie,

*Carolena Dunnigan

     I have enjoyed seeing your Valentine and St. Patrick's trees and now your spring tree. Mama and the Littles decorated our parlor palm for Daddy. He hinted and, quite frankly, pestered her into making him his own Irish tree. She loved the end-result. As it turns out, I am inspired now, too, and want to help bedeck a spring tree of our own. I have some lovely hair ribbons that will be perfect, draped over the palm fronds.  If I know my family, I imagine we will decorate one evening soon, immediately after dinner. That way, we can sit back and admire our efforts whilst having a slice of Peeper's vanilla pound cake. Mmmm. 

     I do hope Aunt Noreen doens't come over for one of her intrusive visits. I dread she will critique the finished palm plant and hurt feelings. If she does, I may just let go of my tongue and tell her what I honestly think of her.  I get so tired holding back and not challenging her rudeness. I pinched my finger this morning when I closed a stall door and it still hurts.  I would so enjoy taking my suffering out on her. Of course, if my sister Breelan participates, she may beat me to it. She stands up for herself and injustice more often these days. Being the oldest, I think Bree is fashioning herself after me and growing a backbone. 

      

*Carolena Dunnigan is the featured player in Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow, set in 1889 Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida.  Judgmental, often with a quick temper, she is the interior designer for yachts and ships in the family's Aqua Verde Passenger Line.  Commissioned to build a yacht for a world famous conductor, Paulo Alontti, deceit reigns, driving the story into the horrors of the great Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood.  One reader wrote: I can smell the flood waters! This is all part of Jane Marie Malcolm's Goodbye Lie historical mystery/romance series.

Buy e-books and paperbacks from The Goodbye Lie series HERE! (You will be redirected to Amazon.com. 👓 📚 👍)

HE IS RISEN!

     HE IS RISEN INDEED!

 

(The wooden church was inspired by Barb at The Shabby Tree. My friend, Doug Roselle, cut the wood, nailed it to the base and sanded it for me.  The star was cut from a copper sheet years ago for a grapevine wreath by Larry Dingman, a master horticulturalist. I made the cross from clay. It was a necklace, originally. Thank you, Doug and Larry.  -jmm)                 

Sloth Bunny

🐰