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.
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.
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.
