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Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and well.  In February of 2021 I wrote about being a year into the pandemic, and now it’s two years!

Last year I wrote about Ground Hog Day and here I go again!  If you recall the movie, it’s about a cynical weatherman who gets trapped in a time loop where he keeps reliving the same day over and over again.  Sound familiar?  But there is a deep message in the story.  If you have the opportunity to do things over, what would you change?  We can’t change the past, but we can make better decisions about the future.  How’s that for an inspiring message from someone who is freezing her pantaloons off in chilly South Carolina?  If there is no such thing as global warming, someone needs to have a chat with Mother Nature because she didn’t get the memo.

Speaking of weather, we had a monster wind storm a few weeks ago that blew all my holiday decorations all over.  Saved me time from putting them away.  LOL.  Now that the Christmas ornaments are gone or packed, I wonder what the cats will destroy this month.

It seems the month of January flew by.  I hear a lot of people saying it’s as if time is moving faster.  It’s true the solar system is hurdling through space, but I wish it were more like the wind blowing through your hair as you tour a stunning countryside in your fabulous Lamborghini, or the sports car of your choice.  Or, perhaps riding on a beautiful horse through hills and valleys.  Just thinking about that kind of freedom makes me feel better.  Even if it’s only for a few minutes.  A-ha!  Maybe I should think about such things more often.  They say 1 minute a day of deep breathing and visualizing something beautiful can lower your blood pressure.  I’m all for that!

We have Valentine’s Day coming up.   I already told the cats “white chocolate, please.”  I leave empty wrappers around to drop hints.  Kidding.  But do you remember those little dye-cut cards we’d send each other in grammar school?  In some ways it was cute, in others it was cruel if you weren’t the recipient of any.  I had a teacher who put everyone’s name in a hat and each kid picked a name.  This way everyone would get at least one card!

And now I am going to do another Ground Hog Day paragraph, because it’s still important to remember.  If no one buys you candy this year, buy some for yourself.  Or buy yourself a new purse.  Treat yourself to something.  Even if it’s simply a walk in a park away from everyone who keeps asking you to do stuff.  We shouldn’t have to wait for other people to do something nice for us.  I am sure most of you have had your hands full for way too long.  A little retail therapy works wonders.  Even if it’s just a new lipstick.

For book news:  19 Yellow Moon Road is # 9 on the New York Times Best Seller List!  I am agape and agog.  This is book # 33 in the series.  I never thought it would have so much traction.  Honestly!  I started writing it because it was the only way I could met out justice in our mixed up world.  I guess a lot of people feel the same way.  It’s so gratifying to see justice served.

This months’ contest is a signed copy of  a new edition of  Southern Comfort in a new format with a new cover.

Be well, be safe!  Take care of yourself.

All the best,
Fern

Dear Friends,

This is what I wrote a year ago:

Let me start with wishing everyone a happy, healthy, stress-less 2021.  If you feel like you’ve been living in the spin-cycle of the washing machine, you are not alone.  2020 was a year where you wanted to hide under the bed as we were bombarded with bad news on a daily basis.  So, for this new year’s resolution let’s “resolve” to be strong and kind.  I know it’s hard to be pleasant when your life is in chaos,  but remember you are not alone.  We are all going through this together, even if we are apart.  Hang in there.  I truly believe better days are ahead.

It  doesn’t seem like much has changed, eh?   Feels like life is a hamster wheel or a recurring nightmare.  All I can say is the same things I said before.  Be strong.  Be kind.  Have faith.  And yes, I still believe we can get back to an old normal, because this new normal is kind of stinky.

The cats managed to mangle a few Christmas trees.  They think ornaments are toys.  Next year I may invest in rubber ornaments if they make them.  If they don’t, then someone should!  Based on the stories I heard, most pet owners would buy them for sure!

Once again I want to thank you for all your support last year and the years before.  Your kind words on social media mean a lot to me.  I’m not a big fan of social media because too many people use it in negative ways, so I greatly appreciate positive feedback and spreading a little cheer.

Time to talk books. For those of you who are Sisterhood fans, 19 Yellow Moon Road is on sale now.   If you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, have no fear.  There is a lot of back story so you don’t have to start at the beginning of the series. This one was interesting to write because it deals with a very wealthy man who lures young women into a sex slave enterprise.  Sound familiar?  The subject has been in the news lately.  Sometimes I scare myself when I write about things that eventually happen.  Believe me, I do not claim to have any psychic abilities whatsoever.  It just seems to occur from time to time. Too bad I can’t do that with the lottery!  So this month’s contest will be a signed copy of 19 Yellow Moon Road.

No matter where you live, the weather seems to be unpredictable.  We’ve had temperature swings from 65 to 35 degrees in two days.  I worry about the trees and the plants.  They have no idea what’s going on.  Come to think of it, it seems like the weather has the meteorologists perplexed as well.

Let’s hang on to our hats, coats, and pantaloons and face the New Year with as much gusto as possible.  To help with that I am including some comfort food to fuel your soul.

Be well, be safe.  Be kind.  Have fun.

All the best,

Fern

Dear Reader,

Looking back I think I’m having Déjà vu all over again.  People are still arguing about masks, but this year we can add vaccines to the mix.  And now they’ve given us one more thing (Omicron) to fuel our angst. How about this:  Dear Santa, Can You Please Give Me Some Peace? Honestly I think everyone could use a big dose of it.

So here we are riding the rollercoaster of the holidays and it’s enough to make you queasy.  Yes.  Let’s all admit it.  Neither you nor I are Super Heroes.  We can only do what we can do without doing bodily harm to ourselves, or that jerk in front of you in line at the store.  Ha. Ha.  I recall discussing “thought balloons” like they have in comic books.  The words that are in puffy-looking clouds.  So when someone starts to get on your one last nerve, imagine them getting hit in the face with a cow-pie!  You’ll probably laugh out loud at the image, and everyone around you will think you’re cuckoo and will get out of your way.  See?  Imagination  can be used in many ways.

I trust most people got through Thanksgiving.  I’ve been hearing that it was mellow for most—everyone is crispy around the edges.  But I did hear of a few skirmishes where people were asked to leave.  And that’s really too bad.  I wish we could flip a switch and have people simply be nice.  I feel like a broken record, but remember Kindness Doesn’t Cost a Thing…Be Generous.  You can really make someone’s day with a smile or a compliment.  But keep the compliments down to something safe like “Nice nail polish”  or “cool sweater.” People are very touchy so inanimate objects are your best bet.

I’d like to offer an idea if you are throwing a holiday party.  Ask your guests—instead of bringing wine, candy, cake, or cookies, etc.—bring an unwrapped gift for a kid, and donate them to Toys for Tots or a local charity.  Another idea is to ask them to bring imperishable food items [canned goods, rice, pasta, baby food] and donate them to the local food pantry.  It takes the pressure off your guests, you don’t end up with six fruit cakes, and everyone can feel good about doing a little something for someone in need.

Last year I said to hang in there and we had come a long way, and I was looking forward to 2021.  While it may not feel this way, 2021 was a little better, but it sure has been a long haul.  Take care of yourself and others.  Just be sure you put your oxygen mask on first!  Nothing is more important than good health and a good frame of mind.  They go hand in hand.  So if anyone tries to rattle your cage make up a thought balloon.

I say this every year…For those of you who have been following me, you know I go all out for Christmas decorations.  Check out the photos of my house and all the sparkle, shimmer, glitter, ornaments, foliage, swags and bows.  Martha Stewart would have a seizure if she came to my house!

Once again I must mention my cats.  They are little maniacs.  They think I had the house decorated just for them and it’s their own personal amusement park!  They are having lots of fun wrecking the place.

Before I sign off, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful comments and reviews for Santa Cruise. People needed a little escape.

I hope you are not disappointed,  but we are not going to run a contest this month.  The elves have a lot on their to-do list and I don’t want to overwhelm them.  Next month we will be running a contest for signed copies of the next new Sisterhood novel, 19 Yellow Moon Road.  All I will say about it is there’s a very rich man who owns a very private estate in the Caribbean and he “procures” women from a religious cult for sexual entertainment for equally international wealthy men.  Coincidently there is a woman on trial right now for aiding and abetting such a person, who allegedly committed suicide while he was in jail.  Considering I wrote the book over a year ago I think it’s rather timely.  Or, as my friend would say, “woo-woo!”

Have a happy, healthy, sane, holiday and a sane, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you and everyone who you wish the same.

Fern

Here are a few recipes for an Italian Christmas Eve dinner.  It’s usually 7 Fishes, but this is a good alternative:

Christmas Eve Dinner Italian Style

Eggplant Stacks

• (2) large eggplants, skinned and sliced ¼ inch thick
• (3) cups Italian flavored breadcrumbs
• (2) eggs beaten
• (1/4) cup milk
• (2) cups Parmesan cheese
• (4) tablespoons chopped parsley
• (2) teaspoons dry oregano
• (2) cups Ricotta Cheese
• (8 oz.) tomato sauce – Prego or other brand
• (2 cups) shredded mozzarella
• (1) cup olive oil

Mix eggs and milk in a bowl.

Mix breadcrumbs,  and half the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and oregano in a different bowl.

Heat olive oil to medium.

Dip eggplant in egg batter and dredge through breadcrumb mixture.

Place eggplant in frying pan and brown on both sides.

Place on paper towels.

Mix/whip ricotta cheese and remaining ingredients (except mozzarella) together

Let the eggplant cool.

Begin stacking.

1 slice of eggplant, top with 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture—spread on eggplant; add another slice of eggplant; top with a spoon of tomato sauce and a tablespoon of mozzarella.

Repeat until you have 3-4 slices of eggplant per stack.

Once assembled, bake in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts.

Shrimp Scampi

• 1-2 lbs. JUMBO shrimp/shelled and deveined (leave tail on or off)
• 2 tbs. olive oil
• 4 tbs. butter
• 4-5 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine or vegetable stock
• 2 tbs. lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Crushed red pepper if desired

Heat olive oil and ½ of the butter.  Saute’ garlic 2 minutes.

Add shrimp and sauté on one side for 2 minutes.

Flip shrimp and pour wine/stock over shrimp, cook 3-4 minutes.

Shrimp should be pink.

Add remaining butter, lemon juice, and toss parsley into shrimp (red pepper).

Remove pan from heat.

Can be served over linguini or rice if desired.

Stuffed Flounder With or Without Crabmeat

• (1) Piece of founder per person (using 6 pieces for recipe)
• 1 cup chopped crab meat (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• (4) lemons for garnish – cut into equal pieces
• Zest and juice of (1) lemon
• 2 cups breadcrumbs Italian flavored breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
• 4-5 cloves finely chopped garlic
• ¼ teaspoon oregano

Rinse flounder and pat dry.

Heat oven to 325 degrees.

Heat butter and ½ olive oil in sauce pan, add garlic and saute’ for 1-2 minutes.

Add breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, oregano (crabmeat if desired) and sauté until blended and if  adding crabmeat until cooked.

Place 2-3 tablespoons of mixture and spread in middle of flounder.  Roll flounder and hold together with toothpick.

Mix lemon zest and lemon juice together and pour over flounder.

Bake 15-20 minutes until fish turns white.

Once removed from oven top fish with any remaining stuffing.

Squeeze lemons over fish.

Fresh Apple Cake, courtesy of Deb Yarmula. 

Ingredients:

You will need (3) large mixing bowls, Bundt pan, shallow baking pan

• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 ½ cups chopped Granny Smith apples – cored and peeled
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 325.  Coat 10 inch Bundt pan with non-stick spray and lightly floured.

Spread walnuts in a separate pan and toast for about 7 minutes until golden.  Cool completely.

In large bowl whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.

In another large bowl combine walnuts, vanilla, cinnamon and 3 cups of the cut apples.

In third bowl beat sugar, oil, and eggs with electric mixer on medium until well blended.

Turn mixer to slow speed and gradually add the flour mixture from bowl 1. Scrape bowl occasionally with spatula.  Beat one minute longer of until well combined.

Fold in apple mixture from bowl 2.

Once all ingredients are folded together spoon batter into bundt pan. Add remaining apples to top and gently press into mixture.

Bake 1 ½ hours or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Cool on rack.  Serve with a big helping of ice cream.

Hello everyone!

It’s November!  Time flies when you’re having fun…and even if you’re not.  It just doesn’t seem fair! All we can do is to do our best, even if we’re weary.  I hope Halloween brought you more treats than tricks and now we are heading toward Thanksgiving.  We need to focus on those two words:  Thanks and Giving, especially with the holidays looming.  Many people have suffered a lot over the past year and a half, but as long as you can get out of bed and put your pants on you’re ahead of the game!  I don’t mean to be flippant—just something to think about.

Most of you know I am a news junkie.  Recently I saw an interview with a psychologist talking about all the anger people are feeling, and, unfortunately, acting out in ways that are horrifying. And most of it is displaced, like yelling at the clerk in the grocery store because the line is too long.  Do you really think they planned it that way?  I don’t think so.   I know I talked about this in my last letter but it’s a chronic problem and it’s up to each of us to try to stem the tide. All of us can do a little each day.  I don’t want to get preachy here, but I implore each of you to try a random act of kindness.  Open the door for someone.  Give a total stranger a compliment “Oh, I like your shoes!”  It will make their day, and as a result, it will also make yours.  I know life is very frustrating right now, but if everyone makes a small effort to be nice to one another,  I truly believe we can become more civil and kind, which will truly shift the energy in a more positive direction.

I say this now because as we approach the holidays people are going to be even more frustrated with lack of goods and services.  So, before you blow a gasket ask yourself, “Do I really need that thing?”  (I’m not talking about necessities, like toilet paper.)  Or if your children are becoming too demanding, reel them in.  They will only learn if you teach them.  As Crosby, Stills & Nash said, “Teach your children well.”

Now I shall step off my soapbox and talk about our contests for November.  We will be giving away (5) special links for an audio-book download version of SANTA CRUISE.  There will be a Special Holiday Contest Coming soon. Check back next week for details.

Have a wonderful THANKSGIVING!
Fern

Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting my website.  I don’t know about you but as Yogi Berra used to say:  “It’s  Deja vu all over again.:”   It seems like we’re in a hamster wheel trying to move forward and getting nowhere.  Yes, some things have gotten better, but not enough.  People are still arguing over masks and vaccines.  Then when things seem to be opening up,  we get hit with another wave.  No wonder so many people are cranky.  Then there’s the whole school issue.  Virtual?  Hybrid? In-person?  I mentioned once before, I am so glad my kids are grown up and with the exception for one grandkid, they are no longer in school.  It’s a tough time for everyone and that’s an important thing to keep in mind.  We are all going through this.  A friend of mine was having dinner at a nice restaurant and there was a very loud and raucous group of five men.  They were terribly loud and annoying.  Finally she got up and walked over to their table and politely said, “Gentlemen (I know she used that word loosely) could you be so kind as to lower the decibel level just a bit?”  One of the men—who was a bit intoxicated—said “Listen lady, it’s been a rough year and a half. We’re just trying to have some fun. ”  She calmly said.  “Yes.  I agree.  It’s been a rough year and a half for everyone, including all the other people in this restaurant.  They too would like to have an enjoyable evening.”  Four of the men apologized, but Mr. Cranky Pants kept at it.  “And who do you think you are?”  He snapped.  She put out her hand and calmly introduced herself.  He had no choice but to shake her hand, otherwise he would have looked like a bigger jerk.  When she went back to her seat another gentleman at the next table said, “Thank you.  You did something the rest of us wanted to do.”  It takes a strong woman to be soft and reasonable.  I am sure she would rather throw a drink in his face, but that would only have escalated the situation.  My point is, no matter how much you want to smack the snot out of someone, take a minute and think about the outcome you want.  Peace or fisticuffs? And that’s  today’s lesson in tolerance.  It ain’t easy.  Try to be patient.

On to fun stuff.  I am happy to say HIDDEN has been a big hit and has been in the top 3 best-selling paperbacks for three weeks.  SANTA CRUISE just shipped and the cover looks spectacular.  It’s an entertaining read if I say so myself.  LOL.  Lots of shenanigans and a tribute to friendship.  To celebrate the book, each week for the  month of October we will be giving away a signed copy, so be sure you enter the contest. Winners will be chosen every Sunday at 12 PM EST so sign up as often as you’d like!

The kitty patrol are up to their usual tricks like turning on the TV in the middle of the night.  I have to remember to hide the remote, except I forget where I put it.  Need to leave a post-it, but I’m sure Mz. Boo will figure out a way to hide that too!

Be well, be safe, be kind, and try to have some fun.   All the best, Fern