What is it they say about a watched pot never boils? LOL.  That's what it feels like here. I spend a lot of time staring at my daughter's very prominent belly.  I am so excited to meet my baby girl that I can't stand it.  If anyone doesn't know it, I adore little babies. Can hold and rock them for hours no problem. Plant me in front of a tv or a few people to talk to (remember extrovert here who doesn't like quiet solitude lol) and I am a happy camper with a baby in my arms. 

On the bright side, I was a bit behind schedule on book two of the Barons of Texas so this is allowing me to catch up. I'm hoping it will be done by tonight or tomorrow - well - first draft anyhow.  This one is a little challenging because the hero is a racecar driver and races come up so I have to keep going to my experts for input.  One of these years I'm going to make the hero something I am more familiar with - like a window cleaner or realtor ! LOL. 

Now - I am having a challenging time deciding how to title these Baron books.  I've gone a bit lazy of late and my last two series the titles have all been hero or heroine names. Do y'all have a preference? I really would like your input - Do you prefer titles like my Aloha, Honeymoon or Family Secets sereis or is doing Names like Farraday and Hart Land okay? 

Enquiring minds want to know!  (yeah - I'm that old LOL) 

​thanks ! 

oday is a day when the flags come out and hang on our porches or lawns (if you live in Texas there could be a flag pole involved) and words are never enough to thank all the serviceman who defended our country and are no longer with us. 

In our case, it is a quite day. For me, I am at my daughter's waiting for the birth of my granddaughter - I'll be honest, I am seriously excited! Growing up I loved shopping and traveling with my Mom and Grandmother. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this little girl will enjoy it as much as I did some day. Of course, I'm also praying that I'm in good enough shape to enjoy it as well when she's old enough. Until then I'll be hear snuggling and singing until she's old enough to realize Oma can't carry a tune in a paper bag! LOL. 

Here's a little photo of me upon my arrival. I was handed a piece of chalk and asked to help color Of course I drew a big heart since mine is so full. 

I have no updates on the new books - still working on them but very slowly now. Though I will tell you that book two has a baby calf scene - don't you just love those?  I finished writing it the other day and my friend Author JM Madden (fantastic military romance author if you haven't read her yet) is my go to for all things barnyard and once again she made sure I didn't get it too wrong for a city girl! LOL.  

Anyhow - I had better get back to work now that the grandson is off to bed. Have a good week! 

Tell me what you did for your memorial day! 

​I can’t believe how quickly time is flying by.  Only a few more days before I head south to my daughter’s on grandbaby watch!  Yesterday I went to the high school graduation party for my dog sitter. She’s the middle of three girls and lives around the corner. I just know that I’m going to blink and my granddaughter who isn’t even here yet will be all grown up – for some things in life, time passes much too quickly.
 
Things with mom are going so so. We are thankful for a family practitioner who orders every therapy that medicare will cover and even though life is getting more expensive every day we supplement a few things that medicare won’t pay for. So far it appears that her digression is progressing more slowly than the average Alzheimer’s trajectory that she’s been on till now. We credit all the therapy. Nothing miraculous, but she’s still pretty healthy. The challenge of course is that she is still smart as a whip, too sneaky for her own good, and reminds me of a mischievous toddler more and more. Most recently we had to put a plastic lock box on the thermostat after a ginormous energy bill because she keeps turning the heat on in the middle of summer (Keep in mind that summer strikes Texas early lol). Well as I said she’s still smart so when no one is watching she’s taken a screw driver and pair of scissor to pry at it. Needless to say when she finally succeeded, she turned the heat back to 85.  We’ve put the plastic back, put a big note do not touch on it, then I wrote a note for her that my husband makes her read every morning when she gets her pills, so far it seems to be helping!
 
As for my writing, I’m still working on book two for the billionaire series – which has a name. Ready? Drum roll: LOL: The Barons of Texas.  Book one will be Chase Baron’s story. Book two his brother Kyle and three his sister Beth. I’m pretty excited to finish book two and get to three because it will be my first time writing a scientist heroine who creates perfumes!  The goal is to have book two finished before the baby comes and then do my best to start working on the next book. I should have some release dates soon – if all goes well – the first books will begin releasing in October but that’s not confirmed yet.
 
As I mentioned earlier, summer strikes Texas earlier than up north. This year 90 degree weather struck early in May. Yesterday we were cooking. I suspect had a I cracked an egg on the sidewalk it would have fried – lol.  Today a cold front moved in – well, that’s if you consider 77 cold – but it’s been a nice break. The next couple of days will bring some much needed rain for the yards. By the time the heat returns I will be heading south.
 
What’s the weather in your neck of the woods? Do you live in early summer or late spring country? 

Time is just flying by!  Every year I gather with a group of friends who enjoyed the TV show JAG. This weekend was the weekend and we realized next year we will have been doing this for twenty years! 

Anyone who really knows the show JAG and reads my books, from time to time will notice a nod to the TV show. I forget which book, but someone had lobster oven mitts. Yep - that was a nod to JAG LOL! 

This weekend we ate, we laughed, we watched DVDs and played games. Since it's crazy hot already time was spent cooling off in the pool too! Unfortunately, it also means that I didn't get my Friday words in or my weekend catch ups - but I should be able to catch up this week - I hope! ​ And here you go - a photo of first JAG weekend nineteen years ago and today - the crowd is a little smaller but we still have fun! 

My hair may be longer and more gray - okay very gray LOL - but at least I can still fit in the same pants!  Okay - I wasn't wearing the same pants for this photo - but I do still own them and I do still wear them so I know they fit lol ! 

​While I have you - reminder that tomorrow is release day for Honeymoon for Five - make sure to grab your copy now! 

So, tell me - Do you have any hobbies you share with friends? Do you have a favorite TV show you never miss? An old show you wish had lasted a little longer? 

Sorry this was late today but it's been a whirlwind few days. 

I have family all over the world. Literally. I actually know and communicate with third cousins who we share childhood memories!  I have one set of relatives who live in Holland who are my fourth cousins. For those who don't quite follow the family line my fourth cousin and I share the same Great Great Great grandparent ! Pretty cool huh? 

Well a little more realistically I am blessed to have a first cousin and his family who are relocating to the same state as me. That means that the last few days have been spent looking at so many houses and neighborhoods and schools that my head is still spinning! 

On the bright side in about six weeks we'll all be in the same state. I'm looking forward to one day attending my niece and nephews graduations and hopefully I'll still be around for weddings and maybe even their children - of course that has a way to go since the youngest is still in elementary school - LOL !  

Do you keep in touch with cousins? 

Also, even with all the house hunting, I've still been tinkering with one of two new series. I really hope y'all are going to like it! 

here's a sneak peek at the opening paragraphs: 

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Kyle Baron’s sister Beth threw her purse onto the white leather sofa on the family yacht and stood with her hands on her hips. “Do you have any idea how many years you just shaved off of my life?”
With only one hand, Kyle poured himself a drink.
“A little early in the day to start drinking, don’t you think?”
“It would be if it were something stronger than cola.” He took a slow sip of the fizzing drink. “I gather SOANDSO called you?”
“He. Did.”
The sharpness in his sister’s voice made the hackles on the back of his neck rise. He did his best not to wince at the venomous tone. “Do I want to know what he said?”
Her hands still fisted firmly on her hips, she stared daggers at him. “I was informed, in a voice mail, that you went sky diving. That alone wasn’t alarming considering speed and risk go hand and hand with you. We’re all used to it. The problem is the next part. Apparently you had a little accident.”
He didn’t dare meet her gaze.
“How the hell do you have a little accident falling thousands of feet out of an airplane?”
“You don’t.”
“Exactly.” Now her foot was tapping. “I had visions of your body splattered across miles of empty field. Piece by bloody piece.”
Now he did wince.
“Thank heaven’s the hospital informed me you were alive before I called Mom or worse, the Governor and Grams. News like you’d been in a skydiving accident could have sent all three of them to their graves. At least all I need now is for my hairdresser to hide the newly sprouted strands of gray.”
He really would have to have a chat with SOANDSO about what information was shared with his next of kin. In Kyle’s profession, there just might be a day when he really was sprawled piece by piece across a track and voice mail was not how he wanted his family told.  “I’m sorry. Really.”
Finally, on a long slow breath, her hands fell to her sides and a softer expression washed over her face. “Why couldn’t you have been an accountant?”
That made him chuckle. His entire life his mother had tried to steer him in the direction of a stable career. What she really meant was safe. Sadly for his mother’s nerves, few things in life could beat the adrenaline rush of coming across the finish line at almost 200 mph. If there was a thrill involved, whether it was on land, on the water, or in the air, Kyle was all in. 

Okay- I'm calling it a night - see y'all next week! 

I can't believe how quickly our vacation came and went!  Then I was blessed to have two lovely writer friends join us for a working retreat. I can't think of anywhere nicer than the beach to work and think. 


And we did work.  I am very excited to have not one but two new series under way - we'll see which one comes together soonest.  My K9 family saga is still on the burner but I've been a little distracted with a Texas Billionaire Cowboy series too! ​

I'm especially excited because I have the first book in the Billionaire series already written. I got my rights back to it years ago and have finally gotten around to editing it into the first in a new series.  I'm hopeful that with the help of my plotting friends (see why we holed away at the beach lol) that I can whip this series out by the fall. We'll have to see which one comes together sooner! ​​

And of course, what would a working retreat at the beach be without some fun bird watching - This fellow - I think he's a crane of some kind- showed up our last full day at the beach just wandering outside our door! So much fun to watch. And a little inspiring too! 

Do you have a favorite theme or trope for books you read? I would love to know what's on your To-Be-Read pile? Are you more interested in the family saga with a little marriage of convenience thrown in, or some Texas billionaires? Let me know! 

Until next week - ta ta! lol. 

​Honestly, I think this is the first family vacation since my son’s tenth birthday trip to Disney World.  I’ve gone places with my mom and daughter in the past, or just my mom, or just my husband, or my husband and daughter (to a family wedding) or my kids and me to visit family, but this is the first time my husband and both my kids and I have gone somewhere – to make even sweeter, my mom is here too (in body at least). And of course making it more fun for Oma is the grandbaby. It’s just hanging out at the beach, but it’s been warm, and casual and fun.
 
My grandson really loves chasing the birds, sticking his fingers in the holes in the sand, though we have no idea what animal make them, and dancing in the waves. He’s a little young to jump over them yet, though Oma tried to teach him and learned at my age it’s best to do a one foot at a time jump versus two footed landing (the knees don’t like that!). 

​Of course, digging in the dirt was a fun adventure as well for both the grandson and the PawPaw (granddad). This was mostly accomplished under the tent that took a village to assemble – after we broke the first one and bought a bigger one!  (I of course was the official photographer for the big event LOL.

​I was raised in the northeast and we all just fried at the beach. LOL. The tent seemed like a much better idea after too long in the sun!
 
All in all, fun memories were made and now it’s down to work with some author friends to bring y’all more books!
 
Will keep everyone posted – where is your favorite place to vacation? 

I haven’t had many experiences in my career where people recognize me, but when it happens I freely admit it is seriously fun for me.  The first time it happened I was at a book signing in California at a winery. Lots of strangers there for a tour or lunch wandered into the room and perused our books, some even bought a few. One woman walked up to me and I asked do you like to read romance? She said yes, I’m in KU, then she told me my name looked familiar. I proceeded to explain that she wouldn’t have read me as I’m not available in KU. She was scrolling through her phone and told me if she loves an author she’ll buy their books. Then she got a bright smile and showed me her phone. She owned every book I had written to that date. It was an amazing feeling to find a real fan. 
 
The next time that happened to me I was on a cruise with my mom (before she had dementia) and we were in a massive line getting off the ship. We struck up a conversation with the women behind us. As usual, my mom started bragging on me. The women asked what do you write? I said romance and handed them each my business card with a photo of Adam on the front. One woman actually squealed. Then she told me she’d read all my books and loved me and could I please autograph the business card. Surprised the heck out of me, but once again made me smile.
 
Just the other day it happened again. I had to have a stress test due to a bout with unexplained chest pain (apparently having a mother with dementia isn’t good for a daughter with stress induced heart disease). As you can see from this photo, I was pretty well hooked up, and they let me do the treadmill barefoot!  Due to a few mistakes (like the hospital wanting to charge me 8k instead of 1.5k – and yes heart disease healthcare is expensive so please tell all your friends to buy a few books! LOL) I had to do the treadmill instead of the injection nuclear test. The nurse/technician was lovely and very helpful as I was draped over the treadmill hanging on for dear life (doctor says I’m in horrible condition for my age- but it’s hard to be in good condition when you’re whole day is spent on your derriere hovering over a computer lol).  After it was all over I gave her one of those book cover business cards. She smiled at me and waving the card told me – I knew your name looked familiar to me! Another fan! It put a happy spin on a rather stressful day!
 
I hope everyone who celebrates Easter and  Passover  has had a blessed time with family and friends. Next week I’ll be writing from our family vacation at the Beach! Yay!
 
Do you have any family traditions this time of year? My favorite Easter tip is to let kids color eggs with the egg in a whisk J

 
All winter my pool has been slowly losing water. This week we filled it up, the repair people came, found the latest leak, and plugged it up! Yay - fingers crossed that it lasts all summer! Then I need to start playing the lottery so we can have the darn thing replastered. Considering we’ve lived here for almost thirty years and have never replastered, it’s time!
 
I also tinkered with an old story and restructured it for the beginning of a new series, so after I write the new k9 series, then I’ll work on the Texas Billionaires. What do y’all think of that? I’m trying to plan ahead more.

​And while I’m sitting her recapping my week, accompanied by my dogs, by any chance does anyone have any history with German Shepherds and DM? My thirteen year old Gunny is losing use of his hind legs and even though he’s otherwise healthy, when it strikes, I can see how frustrated he is. Would love any suggestions for things that will make him happier. The vet doesn’t really have any suggestions. We already give him cosequin (?) chews which helps him in general with aged joints, but the DM is different.
 

And back to books – here’s the unedited first few paragraphs of Honeymoon for Five – y’all will see it in its edited entirety next month!
 
           “I absolutely love the smell of Spring.” Mina Ummarino stood on her neighbor’s back porch and sniffed at the air like a dog taking in the scent of a sizzling steak.
           “Smell?” Jo, her younger and more technical sister scrunched her face and shook her head. “The only thing we can smell out here is the exhaust from MacArthur Avenue.”
           "Aren’t we in a mood?” Melody Harwood teased the sisters. “You guys can argue about whether the air smells of rain or flowers or cat litter for all I care. Three more days and Shane and I will be basking in glorious Caribbean skies.”
            “Oh,” Jo spun around and flopped into the rocker. “Ever since my sisters and I bought the house next door to Angie and have heard all the great stories, I’ve added a cruise to my bucket list. They sound like so much fun. I just hope that I don’t have to wait till I’m going on a honeymoon to take one.”
           Mina nodded. She hoped the same thing. No matter her intentions of getting some friends together and having a seaside vacation like her friend and neighbor Angie, life had a way of always making other plans. Days flew by too fast. She really would have to make more of an effort if she wanted to pull off a friends’ vacation.
          “The only thing that would have made this little honeymoon trip of ours even better would have been if we had been able to take it after the wedding instead of a year later, but it’s going to be so sweet.” Melody handed a diet cola to Mina and chuckled. “At least I’m all packed and ready to go.”
            “About that.” Shane Harwood, a tall man dressed in military camo came out the kitchen door.
           Melody turned and flashed a sappy grin at her spouse that made all the sisters on the porch smile. Love really was fun to watch.
          The moment Melody’s eyes leveled with her husband’s, the sweet grin slipped. “What’s wrong?”
              “Orders.”
              “One word and already I don’t like the sound of that.”
 
 
Will catch everyone next week! Take care! And keep your fingers crossed!
 

​Too bad I don’t do that. LOL.
 
My week has been good and bad. Work on Honeymoon for Five is now behind schedule. I’m a little stuck and wish that Mina and Kent would start talking to me a little more! LOL. I know they will but they’re not keeping up!

My diet took a large wrong turn. When I do my weekly weigh in later today I don’t expect to see more than half a pound loss for the week if that, and today isn’t going to help any as I’ll be having a writers dinner with local authors. Though I can never complain about time with friends, but I will probably graze my way through the evening!
 
The real surprise of the week was my split across the floor of Fish City. Really tasty restaurant with diet friendly meals.  Newly remodeled and open since the tornado two years ago ripped through that part of town, the place is really nice. And the floors… a pretty shade of blue… and slick. Very slick. As in my right foot slipped one way and my left another! I no doubt looked like a failed acrobat, or perhaps a beached whale, sprawled across the pretty blue floor. At least my dress matched J.  Seriously though, I’m delighted to report one bruised toe. That’s it. No knee damage, no back damage, the hefty hip padding came in handy. I guess when my shoe kicked off it bent my toe out of whack, but I consider walking out on my own two feet a successful, if not graceful, fall.
 
On the bright side, we’ve been giving my German Shepherd Gunny some new pills that are helping him get around. His back legs are slowly giving out to DM and these pills seem to make him feel better because he’s up on his feet more and walking around to greet us and ask for treats. So, I’ll take that as a second win for the week.
 
Until next time! Have a lovely week filled with pleasant surprises.