Monthly Archives: June 2022

Fern Michaels > Blog WP > 2022 > June
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June 2022 Monthly Letter

Dear Friends,

June is busting out all over and so are the magnolias, roses, gardenias, hydrangeas, and some curious mushrooms.  Those I would not trust to eat, but they sure are interesting looking.

I hope everyone had a nice Mother’s Day and Memorial Weekend.  Sadly there seems to be more people to keep in our prayers every month.  It’s important to be thankful for the blessings in our lives even if it’s only having a day with no drama!

Hard to believe we are almost halfway through 2022.  Let’s hope things start to improve soon.  It’s been a heck of a couple of years and none of us are getting any younger!  Try to stay healthy so when the world finally regains balance, we’ll be around to appreciate it!  Geeze.

We have several holidays this month starting with Flag Day on June 14th.  Let’s join together and show our patriotism for our country regardless of politics.  On June 19th we have Father’s Day, so remember to honor your Dad whether he’s still with you or not.  Chances are if he’s not, he’s still keeping an eye on you.

The summer solstice is on June 21st which marks the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year when the sun is at its highest,  most northern point in the Northern Hemisphere.  At the same time, it is the beginning of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.  That’s today’s astronomy lesson.

On to my animal kingdom.  My cat Winnie has decided to make my dining room table his/her new permanent residence.  I know, I know.  How appalling.  Not really.  I have a big table and he/she takes up very little room.  Yes, it seems like I’ve turned into a “Crazy Cat Lady!”  By the way, I’m not intentionally being politically correct with the pronouns because when Winnie first showed up, I thought it was a she so I named her Winnie.  When he/she finally was tame enough to be an indoor cat, the vet gave me the surprising news that Winnie was a “he.”    So now I tell people Winnie is short for Winston.

Oliver the Owl is still trying to cajole Olivia into some kind of tet-a-tete, but she won’t have anything to do with him; and he’s keeping everyone awake with his longing.  Typical male.  Ignore them and they  keep coming back!  Fred, the woodpecker taps out his annoyance with them all day long.  I have to admit it sure beats hearing the sounds of horns and sirens!

I’m excited to announce the paperback edition of No Way Out is now available.  As I mentioned last month, a few comments were, “it ended too soon” and “what happened to Elle/Libby?”  The next sisterhood book, Tick Tock will see the return of Libby, and a few characters from Hidden (Book One of The Lost and Found Series) will also make an appearance.  I hope you become as attached to these characters as I have.

Last month’s contest saw a record number of entries.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I think we should reprise that with another bundle of my favorites including No Way Out.

A few more things.  June is cataract awareness month.  Take it from me, if your doctor tells you to have them removed, please listen and take action.  Waiting too long can cause serious vision issues.  It’s also National Adopt a Cat Month; and let’s not forget National Accordion Awareness Month.  Polka anyone?  LOL.

Thanks for visiting.  Hope you come on by again soon.  Be safe, be well, be kind.

Sincerely,
Fern

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June 2022 Recipes

Here are some fun easy summer recipes to enjoy:

Easy Grilled Skewered Shrimp

  • 1 lb. peeled and deveined LARGE shrimp – leave the tail on or off – up to you
  • Two tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning or Cajun – depending on what you’re in the mood for
  • 6-8 wooden skewers
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges

Directions:
Mix lemon juice, olive oil and seasoning in a large plastic zip lock bag
Once the ingredients are combined, add the cleaned shrimp to the bag
Marinate for minimum of 15 minutes up to 2 hours
Thread the shrimp on to skewers (trust me it’s the easiest way to cook them)
Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side
Or broil for 2-3 minutes on each side
Serve with lemon wedges

Greek Chicken Kabobs

  • 1 & 1/4 lb. boneless chicken breast cut into 2 inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 red pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces – you can use green bell peppers but they don’t always “agree” with people
  • 1 red onion cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 6-8 wooden skewers

Combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic and black pepper in a bowl or zip lock bag, add chicken and marinate overnight.

When ready to cook, alternate chicken, onion, pepper on skewer
If grilling – cook 5 minutes on each side
If broiling – cook 8-10 minutes on each side

Dipping Sauce:
You can either make this yourself or buy a pre-made Tzatziki sauce—you can usually find it where they sell humus (Cesar’s Food is the brand I use), Green Goddess dressing, or any kind of yogurt dill dressing.

If you’re ambitious here’s how to make it yourself:

  • 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup minced cucumber
  • ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
  • Optional garnishes: lemon wedges chopped parsley

Watermelon for Grownups

And…no summer picnic wouldn’t be complete without watermelon.  But here’s an “adult” version.

  • One round “sugar” watermelon
  • 2 cups vodka
  • Cut a 4-5 inch hole in the top
  • Using a paring knife chop the inside of the watermelon to make it chunky
  • Add 2 cups vodka
  • Fresh mint – pick just before serving
  • Put the watermelon in a bowl or a pan so it doesn’t leak all over, chill overnight in refrigerator

Scoop out the watermelon chunks and add  1 cup to a blender
Mix on high adding more watermelon as it emulsifies
Once it’s frothy, pour into an appropriate glass and garnish with fresh mint.
Cheers!