Summer Road Trip

It's snowing outside today. A wet snow that is slushy and messy. I'm not a fan of snow and winter, so I'd like to slip away for a moment to revisit summer.

Back in August, we made a spur of the moment decision to revisit Parrsboro as we hadn't been there for a few years, but the drive is three hours and too long with two dogs in the car. We thought it would be a good idea to stay overnight and decided to rent a cabin, but since it was the high season for rentals, we thought most cabins would be booked. Thankfully, we were lucky to find a spot.

The cabin was a bit rustic, but it was clean as were the linens. It had a little kitchen with a table, a bathroom, three beds, and a big deck for the three of us and the two dogs to lounge on.

Just a short walk to the left of our cabin was a river. The water was low due to not a lot of rain during the summer season, but the boys and my daughter sure loved walking in it to cool off.

We went back to the cabin to let the dogs rest and dry off before heading out again to grab some supper. We found the nice restaurant we had stopped at during our original trip and got some food to take back to the cabin. Yum!

After our meal, the dogs took another nap. Keefer under the car and Jagger under a lawn chair. The boys really enjoyed getting out and exploring nature, which tuckered them out.


We then piled back into the car...yes, that is Keefer's butt as he climbed into the back to be with Jagger, lol!

We headed to Five Islands, which is a must-see spot. There are five islands (named accordingly) located near each other and perfect for viewing from a picturesque beach. The beach front has a huge mountainous cliff, which to the far end have black rock formations that were created by a long-time-ago volcano. It's a beautiful sight.

We spent probably over two hours there. The water was a bit chilly, so my daughter and the boys just got their feet wet, except for the few times Keefer got brave and body surfed along the water's edge.

I collected a few rocks to take home, but not nearly as large as the one I collected on our last visit. Carrying a large rock while walking two dogs along a rocky beach wasn't an option. 

Two large hawks soared overhead. There were amazing. The were flying so low. Maybe they thought Keefer might make a good lunch, lol!

When we returned to the cabin, it was time to relax and watch the sunset. The highlight of the evening was watching flocks of geese fly by, heading to their sleep area. The only downside to the evening was when I took the boys out to the field to do their night-time business, I got attacked by mosquitoes. I returned to the cabin with over twenty bites! Thankfully, I remembered to bring cream.

We settled down for the night with Jagger sleeping under our bed. Keefer decided the floor was not good enough for him and spent the night sleeping with my daughter, which we only allowed to prevent him from roaming the cabin all night.

We awoke the next morning to a beautiful sunrise and the sound of the geese returning. We packed up the car to return home before the rain, which we knew was coming, arrived.

Though our trip was short, it was nice to get away, even for twenty-four hours. And though the cabin was a bit rustic, it gave us the comfort and relaxation we needed.
We'll definitely return!

Devastating Ending

Please note, this post contains spoilers of The Walking Dead episode 'Evolution' S9/Ep8. If you have not watched this week's episode, please stop reading and return afterward...unless you are too devastated to think about what just happened.

So, we watched The Walking Dead last night and my daughter and I knew something big was going to happen as this is what my daughter's friend told her, but she wouldn't give us details. Hey, as long as Darryl and Carol are okay, no problem, but I already knew they would be as I heard they signed new contracts.

So, we watched...and waited...and waited. We kinda had a feeling someone would meet their untimely demise. Maybe Aaron, but he just had his arm removed, so they could have killed him off then. Then we thought Eugene. He seemed the most likely from the group running from the whispering zombies.

But no, it wasn't Aaron or Eugene. They killed off Jesus! What?! No! Not Jesus! He's right up there in my top five favourite characters. They even gave him an incredible fight scene only to then kill him! Devastated. Sad. Upset. Unbelievable. Why Jesus?! I am still in shock.

I really enjoyed how the others arrived just in time to save Darryl, Aaron, and Eugene, but a little late for Jesus. Then, we discover the evolution of the zombies, which isn't an evolution of their species at all, but humans wearing the faces of zombies. What?! No. This plot line we did not like. It's just another bunch of humans trying to kill humans. Why not return the focus to the real zombies and install what Eugene said, that the zombie are evolving. Now that's a great edge of your seat plot line.

Disappointed at the demise of Jesus and the reveal of the whispering zombies.

However, a certain prisoner has escape...  :)

#Yum

Look what arrived on Friday!

I had to share this photo of the treats and cake my daughter (an aspiring pastry chef) brought home on Friday.

The treats (right photo) were a mixture of red velvet cup cakes, carrot cake, chocolate cheese cake, and chocolate cake with a type of peanut crackle on the top.

The cake, sporting a lovely chocolate butterfly, is red velvet with raspberry frosting.

I had a piece of each one, and though they all tasted very delicious, the red velvet cake was superb! So yummy!

My daughter is back in the chocolate room this week, so I can't wait to see what new designs she comes up with.

Snow Day!

Today is our first snowfall of 2018 and Keefer's first step in snow.

He was really curious and kept looking out the window. He stared at the window letting out little humphing noises and small barks. He didn't seem too impressed.

I waited for enough snow to be on the ground before taking him out. He was pretty nervous, so much that I had to push his butt out the door. 

Once he was on the deck, he froze. He wanted to go back inside, but I encouraged him to come into the yard. After a few minutes of slowly walking around, he started running and playing. 

Unfortunately, the snow isn't staying on the ground long enough for a second play outside. Ice pellets are to start soon and then rain.

At least my baby boy's first steps in the snow were lots of fun!

Proud Mama Bear

My daughter is in college, training to be a pastry chef. I am already truly proud of the person she has become, but even more so with the undeniable baking talent she has. Here are a few photos of some of the incredible pastry work she has created.

This week she is in the Fine Dining rotation and created the above two delicious plates.

The above photo is a fruit tart she made a few weeks ago...and brought it home! I can honestly say, it was delicious!

These white chocolate treats came home too! Her chocolate bark work was awesome and the taste was amazing.

This Halloween cake left me speechless. My daughter's chocolate work on the top and the cake design was a master piece.

My Wild Rose Books Now on Audio

Do you like having someone else do the reading for you?

Well, I have exciting news!

All of my Wild Rose Press titles are now available in Audio!

Click on the Amazon.com links below or click on the link to visit my Wild Rose Press author page to download a copy and start listening. Enjoy!

Determined to win back Christina, Steven will take the law into his own hands...even if he has to play dirty.

https://www.amazon.com/Law-of-Attraction/dp/B078HKVHRK/ref=sr_1_5_twi_audd_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1542120894&sr=1-5&keywords=darlene+fredette

One twist of Faith can change everything.

https://www.amazon.com/Twist-of-Faith/dp/B07FFFDK4B/ref=sr_1_3_twi_audd_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1542120894&sr=1-3&keywords=darlene+fredette

Britt may be Hershey’s choice, but can the boisterous Labrador convince his owner?

https://www.amazon.com/Hersheys-Choice-Choices-Series/dp/B07FFB6NY3/ref=sr_1_1_twi_audd_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1542120894&sr=1-1&keywords=darlene+fredette

Wild Rose Press Author Page:

https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/1186_darlene-fredette

Rick Grimes' Last Episode

Due to early Monday mornings wake-ups, we don't watch Sunday's airing of The Walking Dead until Monday evening.

As a huge fan of The Walking Dead, Rick Grimes, and Andy Lincoln, I was anxiously awaiting Rick Grime's last episode. And my patience was tested. My daughter was suppose to get off work at 7:30pm, but called to say she would be late as she was asked to cover a later shift. This meant she wouldn't be off until 9:00pm and she had to close, which meant 9:10pm. I had the DVR on and the remote in my had, ready to hit Play as soon as her butt hit the sofa.

With my anxiety levels rising every minute that passed, I squeezed my hands together, waiting for Rick to say goodbye. I don't think I've ever been on the edge of my seat for a television show.

Wow! That is my one word summary of this week's episode. I won't reveal any spoilers as you MUST watch this show, but I will say I am thrilled they didn't have Rick's departure by zombie attack. The anticipation of this final scene was crazy! Then, seeing tears in Darryl's and Carol's eyes was heartbreaking.

What an episode!

My daughter has been watching The Walking Dead since the beginning, but I didn't enter until season three. I immediately became a 'Dead' fan. Hearing my favourite cast member was leaving was beyond upsetting. I thought for sure the show was doomed. But the skilled producers and writers made Rick's final scene amazing to watch and the ending gave me hope. I will continue to watch The Walking Dead because my other cast favourites (especially Darryl, Carol, Ezekiel, Jesus, and Negan) have new stories to tell.

A 'Dead' fan forever!

Book Review - Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen

I finished reading Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen on the weekend. This is an enjoyable story with an interesting cast of characters, which for me, was the high-point of the story. I felt there was a lot of time spent sailing on the sea in search of Jock, which slowed the action, but there was plenty of drama off shore.

Below is my review...published for Still Moments Magazine. https://stillmomentsezine.blogspot.com/2018/11/between-pages-zoraida-grey-and-voodoo.html

Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen

Sorchia DuBois
August 2018

Zoraida Grey needs help. With the witchy Logan clan holding her best friend hostage in a haunted Scottish castle, she can’t trust anyone—certainly not beguiling but dangerous Shea Logan. And Al, her overprotective boyfriend, doesn’t believe in magic. 

Only one creature strikes fear in the blackened hearts of the Logan witches. Trouble is Jock disappeared five centuries ago leaving a trail of destruction across the Gulf of Mexico. Now he’s stepped into a steaming pile of Voodoo. 

Can Zoraida drag wayward Jock back to Scotland? And what’s she supposed to do with two men who promise completely different futures? A Scottish wizard, stripped naked and painted blue—a Voodoo priestess bent on immortality—a yacht-load of Caribbean pirates. What can possibly go wrong?

Between The Pages
This story starts where book one left us hanging. Granny, who was a favourite of mine in the first book, with the help of her sister (also Shea’s mother) Skulja (who was disguised as Grimalkin the cat) gives Zoraida a new task. The author does a superb job creating interesting characters. A few to watch for are Azili, who is an enjoyable, mysterious character, and Jock, who jumps from the pages running around naked and painted blue. The cast of characters are the driving point in this book, which also has plenty of action and adventure. This paranormal story has fun twists and turns. With a touch of romance, Zoraida finally chooses her mate. This story (like the first one) ends on an edge with a return to Scotland and Castle Logan, leaving the reader wanting to find out what happens next.

Rating 
4 Stars

Hot Chocolate Addict

On Fridays, I will post a few of my favourite things, giving visitors a peek into the life of this 'Wife' for twenty-six wonderful years, 'Mother' of a college student, and 'Dog Mom' to two handsome yellow Labradors.

This first favourite that comes to mind, is my love of hot chocolate.

BUT, not just plain old hot chocolate. I like a little shot to spice up the taste. No, I'm not talking about a shot of booze, though I'm sure that would be okay too, lol. I'm referring to the bottles of flavoured syrup I purchase from Wheatons. I've tried Peppermint, French Vanilla,  Gingerbread, Candy Cane any more, but Coconut and Hazel Nut are my go-to's. When the bottles run dry and I'm waiting for my next trip to Wheatons, I break out the box of hot chocolate packets of Turtles, Coffee Crisp, and After Eight. I've even been seen breaking apart candy canes and mints and plopping them into my cup for the flavoured twist.

With the holiday season upon us I can't wait to go to Tim Hortons and order a white chocolate, hot chocolate with whip cream on top!

This favourite is a curious one to me, as I am not a big fan of chocolate. No chocolate bars or cake for me, just pass me the hot chocolate.

How often do I have a cup of this deliciousness? Every day...even during the summer! And if I miss a day or two of my steamy cup of chocolatety goodness, I get a headache from caffeine withdrawal, lol.

My name is Darlene and I am a flavoured hot chocolate addict.

What is your favourite drink?

In The Mail

Since we got the community mailboxes, I only check the mail when the dogs and I are returning from our walk. Most days, the mail is an assortment of flyers or junk mail. But yesterday, to my surprise, there was a small parcel address to me! Inside, was a print copy of Catherine Lanigan's new book (release date today).

I can't wait to start reading book ten in Catherine's Shores of Indian Lake Series. This series has been one of my favourites.

I just need to get through the few books already waiting on my tablet. Let the reading begin!

Blank Pages

When I wrote my last blog post (in May) I had started writing a new book, but stopped to continue edits on my finished manuscript. My last chapter was returned from my beta readers this week. Next week, I will give the pages one last review and have it ready to send to the new editor once she takes over Escape's managing editing position. I'm hoping the new editor likes the third book in my Redford Falls series, but because she isn't familiar with the series, I'm not sure if her response will be positive. If rejected then I will have to adjust the story line to remove it from the series and make it into a new stand alone title. Fingers are crossed I don't have to do that, but I am prepared to make the changes if necessary.

While waiting for my seventh story to find a home, I am taking a 'writing' break. I have lost the confidence in my writing and trying to push the words is frustrating. I have a few stories in the works, but I'm letting them sit on the shelf for a bit. The words just aren't coming to me. The pencil is ready, but the page is blank. So, I am taking the next two months off. I hope the break will give me a breath to 'find the write words' and maybe my writing mojo will sharpen a return in the New Year.

A Long Summer Break

After a long...very long break, I have finally returned. Spring had cooler temps and Summer was more humid than normal. The days just flew by...a new puppy could be the reason. My mornings started at 5am with a few 4am mixed in. Thankfully, potty training went by fast. Keefer loves his big brother, Jagger!

Now, we have two of the Rolling Stones. Keefer is named after Keith Richards, but I wasn't naming him Keith or Richards. When my husband told me that Mick Jagger's nickname for Keith was Keef, we decided to put our own spin to the name. 

Keefer is growing fast. He's adorable and devilish. He tests our patience, but then one look into his big browns eyes and our hearts melt. Two dogs are definitely a lot to handle. There's never a dull moment, but I wouldn't change a thing...other than those original early mornings :)

Stay tuned for more puppy updates and photos!