Winter 2020 Newsletter

Gay’s Winter Newsletter 2019/2020

Since the winter season begins before Christmas and extends after the first of the year, sometime in March, the cold, barren period has a calendar date of two years—2019 and 2020. As I write this, we have about 50 days left before the robins begin their song.

Down here in Houston, we seldom endure extreme temperatures. I’ve worn a coat only one time this winter. I needed it when hubby took me to the Houston Galleria to see an outside program. We parked our car in a parking garage and walked up and down Post Oak Street. We missed the outdoor dramatic presentation, but we enjoyed the scenery.

I’m sure you can tell that by the dated look that my jacket is ancient. In the 1990’s I worked in Alberta, Canada and needed a coat. I bought this one, and it came in handy in Canada. Not so much here in Houston, but it was cold the night we were out, so this standby garment felt good.

      

The lighting was beautiful, and we walked about three miles as enjoyed the scenery and brisk air.  The trees and decorations changed color. If you are ever in Houston at Christmas, you must see this display.

Healthy and Unhealthy recipes.

I’ve come up with a recipe for a Winter Wonderland Drink. This drink contains a zero-calorie sweetener called Monk Fruit.  I read about Monk Fruit recently. It’s supposed to be a dynamic, healthy fruit that helps control diabetes, weight, and hunger. Most markets don’t carry it. Perhaps I can find it at Whole Foods. Hubby found the granulated bag at Kroger’s and brought it home for me.  The granules look like sugar, and it is sweet.

         

Wonderland Warmer

Ingredients:

8 oz of Apple Juice. (I used Simply Apple. It looks more like cider)

8 oz brewed cup of Sleepytime Vanilla Herbal tea

2 tsp of Monk fruit granules.

2 tsp of vanilla extract.

Directions.

Heat apple juice in a mug in microwave until almost bubbly.

In separate cup, heat water and one tea bag of tea until hot.

When the cup of juice is hot, and the tea is made, combine the liquids into a separate container. Add the vanilla extract and Monk fruit granules. Stir. Pour into two mugs, serve and enjoy.  It’s about 60 calories per serving.

I love sitting in my chair with this hot drink and a good book. If the day is cold enough, I’ll turn on the fireplace. If I’m not careful, the fireplace will make the house to warm, and by bedtime, I’ll activate the air conditioner.

Speaking of good books, have you read any lately?

I enjoyed David Badacci’s book, Redemption.    

The lead character, Amos Decker forgets nothing. His memory is a blessing and a curse. His former partner, Mary Lancaster, reveals she is diagnosed with early onset Dementia.  The nuances in this book are palpable. He remembers everything, and she remembers nothing. I won’t be reading future books in the Memory Man Series, and that’s a shame. I loved the series. Our daughter suffers from early onset Dementia. It’s a cruel, evil disease. I don’t need to read about someone going through this sadness, even if it’s in a fictional novel. I live with it. I talk about it on my blog. You’ll find it under Dementia.

Barbara M. Britton’s book, Lioness, is about five orphaned women who wandered in the wilderness with Moses and the Twelve Tribes of Israel was interesting. They are the only women to inherit property in the Promised Land. I reviewed it on Amazon.

The five orphaned daughters of Zelophehad are mentioned four times in the Old Testament. Three times in the Book of Numbers, and once in the Book of Joshua. Mahlah is the eldest of the five, and in this fictional story, takes on the job of leadership for the family. 

 http://amzn.to/2hwc6nB

I read my Family Secrets again. Well, they aren’t my secrets. They’re Rebecca’s. I love this book, even if I’m the one who wrote it. The hero, Marshall Donavan, is so handsome, smart, and confident, he’s real to me. Rebecca Davis has secrets and those skeletons in her closet prevent love, marriage and family. I researched a great deal with this book. It’s set in 1975 when cultural issues were hot and nasty. I suppose they still are. When do we learn? Why can’t we accept people who have different backgrounds or skin color? Why can’t we remain civil to those who hold opposing political views?  Does society have to be unkind and impolite?  The two men in this book, Marshall and Sam, are willing to fight society if someone tries to hurt Rebecca.

Family Secrets is available on Amazon in KU, print and eBook. If you’re a member of KU, read for free.

https://amzn.to/2tRVY1H

Like most people, I decided to diet this year. In my book, Sarah and the Angelic, Magical Makeover, Sarah can change her looks in the blink-of-an-eye.  Wouldn’t it be great to do that? No work? Just blink? Be thin and beautiful? Go from blonde hair and blue eyes to black hair and brown eyes?

You’ll laugh out loud at Sarah in this book.

More Odds and Ends.

I’m not only a writer, but I’m a phone caller too.  The LDC Gas Forums allow me to call the most delightful people. I remind them of an upcoming Forum. The first LDC Gas Forum for 2020 is in April, and it will be held in Atlanta. I’m looking forward to visiting by phone with these interesting folks.

In the meantime, I’ll be writing, and I hope you’ll be reading!  Let me know if you like my winter-warmer drink. Send a comment if you’ve tried Monk Fruit. I hear its good stuff.