Happy Halloween!

Every year I look for a better Halloween Hunk, but since the 31st falls on a Monday this year, he's still the one, pumpkin buns and all.

Damn, I love that picture!



















However, I know some of you may prefer someone who's a little more sinister and spooky, but nonetheless hunky...

But no matter what you do, be sure to have a safe, hunky, and Happy Halloween!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

He looks comfortable, doesn't he?

And I don't mean that he is comfortable, but that he would be nice to, you know...sit on, perhaps?

Enjoy your Sunday!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Well... at least his head is warm.

Friday Fun!

Like, WTF is that I see peeking from between his legs?





















Or from underneath his hip?

Or from under the hat?

Thursday Thoughts

You may have noticed that the banner changed again on Tuesday afternoon. That's because my editor sent me the new, final cover for Stud on Monday. In some ways I like it better, because you get that nice little curve to his side, and though the original was a little effeminate, I do miss that smirk. Oh, well... I guess I'll get used to it.  

BEFORE

And AFTER

In other news, I went past 75,000 words on Wildcat yesterday. Hoping to be done before Christmas. Then I'll start working on my backlog of manuscripts and try to self publish another one. Not sure which one it'll be, but I'll keep you posted!

Sam got his braces yesterday. He's a little sore, but pleased to finally get them on. Unfortunately, they told him he'd probably have that spacer bar over the roof of his mouth for 6 months to a year. He was NOT HAPPY to hear that!

Not much in the way of news since the shower got finished. I did get Bugsy a collar. It's red with little paw prints on it. He's a sweet little dog and he and Peaches are having tons of fun. They've scattered construction materials all over the yard and torn up lots of cardboard.

Well, I guess that's it for today. No, wait! Must add the hunk...

This is just one example of how a headless pic can work, but I still like getting the whole effect.

Your thoughts?

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

LOL! Looks like Lisa has been hunk hunting again.

She believes this guy is a contender for a WWW title.

I'm not sure.

I think he's simply grown a third leg--one that he can actually stand on.

Your thoughts?

Tasty Tuesday Tossed Lasagne!

Donna's been cooking again, and she's come up with exactly what I've been craving lately. LOL! I even have the ingredients on hand to make it!

Just Toss This Lasagne  in the oven. It's Fast and Easy!! Even our old friend Niko can do it.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 (26 ounce) jar garlic and onion spaghetti sauce (such as Ragu® Robusto® Sauteed Onion & Garlic Pasta Sauce)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2.5 quart baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender, and drain.
3. Cook and stir the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the fat from the meat, pour the cooked pasta and spaghetti sauce into the skillet, and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Pour half of the hot pasta-sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread with the cottage cheese in an even layer, and sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese. Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it stand 5 minutes to firm up before serving.

Monday Moons!

I believe this will be the first weekday in more than three weeks that my shower replacement guy won't be here. It's nice to have the house to myself again, and to be able to sleep after working all night without drilling and hammering going on.

Love the new shower, though. Just glad that life can get back to normal. Can't wait for Mikey to come home for Thanksgiving so he can see it! It'll be nice to have him home again. I miss him!

The Sextet's Volume 4, Entanglements will be available on Siren on November 21st. Haven't gotten a cover yet, but I'll post it as soon as it's finalized.

It's hard to believe that October is almost over, but the INRWA writer's retreat is coming up in a couple of weeks. Can't wait for that. I'm bringing chili and tequila--and Willy, of course! Should be a blast!

BTW, be sure to check out the fancy new blog banner, which now includes all eight CSC book covers! *sigh* Guess I'll have to redo it again when I get the cover for Wildcat. Ah, well... something to keep me busy on cold winter evenings....

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Is it basketball season yet?

He can use my new shower anytime!

Friday Fun!

And to celebrate the completion of the new shower, here's today's naked hunk!

Now if I could just photoshop him into my shower....



























which is almost finished.
This is how it looked at the end of the day on Thursday. Just needs a little more paint, caulk, trim, and two towel racks and it's done.
*sigh* And I have to work for the next three nights. Can't celebrate with tequila until Monday! ;(

Thursday Thoughts

OMG! The shower finally has a door!!!! 

 

I took these pics after Sam used it for the first time. Those little reflections are the lights over the sinks. No leaks to speak of even though there's nothing to catch the drips at the bottom and channel the water back in except the slant on the tile. There's another piece he could put in there, but I'm not sure we need it. Plus, I like the smooth tile step better. I think he should be finished with trim and painting on Friday, which will officially put it at seventeen days--much longer than the original estimate! Hopefully, this shower will last at least as long as I do. After that, it's someone else's problem.

 Now all it needs is a wet hunk! 

BTW, I heard from my editor yesterday. It's official. Cat Star #9 will be called Wildcat. Can't wait to see the cover!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

 

LOL! Doncha just love the new XL photo option on Blogger? I started to use this guy for yesterday's "balls as big as pumpkins" request from Donna, but I dunno... He seems more like the Whopping Weasel type to me.

What are your thoughts?

Tasty Tuesday Pumpkin Ravioli!

Here's another great recipe from our own Diva Donna!









 

Do you like Pumpkins?  For a new way to enjoy pumpkins this season. Try pumpkin ravioli with a rich gorgonzola sauce. This is a favorite recipe of  my daughter's.  My son makes this at the fancy restaurant where he cooks now. You'll have to post some guy with Big Balls the Size of small Pumpkins, Cheryl. If you have them. I couldn't locate them this morning. LOL!

Pumpkin Ravioli with Gorgonzola Sauce
 Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh sage
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 30 round wonton wrappers
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, toasted

Preparation

• Spoon pumpkin onto several layers of heavy-duty paper towels, and spread to 1/2-inch thickness. Cover with additional paper towels; let stand 5 minutes. Scrape into a medium bowl using a rubber spatula. Stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, minced sage, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Working with 1 wonton wrapper at a time (cover remaining wrappers with a damp towel to keep from drying), spoon 2 teaspoons pumpkin mixture into the center of wrapper. Brush edges of wrapper with water and fold in half, pressing edges firmly with fingers to form a half-moon. Place on a large baking sheet sprinkled with cornstarch. Repeat procedure with remaining wonton wrappers and pumpkin mixture.
• Fill a large Dutch oven with water; bring to a simmer. Add half of ravioli to pan (cover remaining ravioli with a damp towel to keep from drying). Cook 4 minutes or until done (do not boil), stirring gently. Remove ravioli with a slotted spoon; lightly coat with cooking spray, and keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining ravioli.
• Combine milk and flour in a saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add butter, stirring until butter melts. Gently stir in Gorgonzola.
• Place 5 ravioli in each of 6 shallow bowls, and drizzle each serving with 3 tablespoons Gorgonzola mixture. Sprinkle each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons hazelnuts. Serve immediately.

 
Okay, Donna. This is what I came up with. They aren't quite the size of pumpkins, but I think they'll do!

Monday Moons!

The shower saga continues. He's supposed to do the grout today. The door and outer walls after that. I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel, but having all the blood rush to my head when I shave my legs can't be good for my brain. Or maybe it is. Difficult to say. Just ready for it to be finished. Here are the latest photos.



























Note the stylish shower curtain and duct tape accents!

I've gotten quite a bit done on CSC 9. I think I'm going to keep calling it that until I have the final print copy in my hand. Before that time, they'll have had an infinite number of opportunities to change the title. Can't wait to see what they do with the cover. *snort* Can you sense my sarcasm?

Sam has an orthodontist appointment this afternoon. Depending on how well this bar has spread his teeth apart, he may get his braces today. He's been counting the days for several weeks now. When the office called to remind us of the appointment, I had to laugh. He'd already called them and told them how many days it was until his appointment. Never saw a guy so anxious to get braces before. He may change his mind once they're on.

I think it's time for some moons.This is a position similar to the one I have to get into to shave my legs these days. I'm sure I don't look one tenth as good as he does, but at least I don't have to use the hose!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Wow! What a great view! Where do you suppose he is? Certainly not anywhere around here...

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

 

Yeah, I know he's a little young. Just try to remember yourself at the age of 18, and you'll appreciate him more.

Actually, I'd have appreciated him at 28 and 38. Maybe even 48. We'll see how I feel at 58. 

*sigh* Won't be long now...

Friday Fun!

Well, gang, I have gone past 60,000 words on the book originally known as Loner, then known as Hunk, formerly known as Savage, and currently known as Wildcat. I did a find and replace for the word "savage" and replaced it with "wildcat." Some places it worked, and others it didn't. At one point I referred to Jerden as a "wild, savagely sweet pussycat." I'm starting to feel a little schizo--either that, or he is.
Ah well, the prices we pay to be published authors...
Not feeling very funny today. My back still hurts.
Must check my archives.

I believe Donna sent me this one. 
Just needs a little tweaking....

What Women want in a man

What I Want In a Man, Original List
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises

10. Has a big YD. (added by the Cat Master)

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32)
1. Nice looking
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries

10. Has a decent YD. (added by the Cat Master)

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42) 
1. Not too ugly
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lid

9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down

10. Shaves most weekends

11. Has a YD that stays hard

  
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't re-tell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off the couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends

11. Has a YD that EVER gets hard.  
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62) 
1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend

11. Remembers that he HAS a YD.   

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)
1. Breathing.
2. (Has a YD long enough that he) Doesn't miss the toilet.  


 This one should do it...

 

Thursday Thoughts

 

Here's a little something to think about. 

Only have time for a quick pic today. This has been one helluva week so far. Must be the full moon! 

Enjoy your Thursday!

Whopping Wildcat Weasel Wednesday!

Here's another pic from Lisa.

She sure knows how to pick those whoppers!

Update on CSC #9. Now they want to call it Wildcat. Also, manuscript isn't due until March 1, 2012, which means a release date of February 2013.

I'm starting to feel a bit like a yo yo.

I've got a blog up on Casablanca Authors today. Come on over if you get the chance!

Tasty Tuesday!

On Saturday, we went to the Kentucky Guild Fair at the Indian Fort Theater near Berea, KY. Unfortunately, I didn't take a single picture while I was there. We met up with Bonnie's daughter Amanda and her family, and then went to visit White Hall.


















This was by far the best historic house tour I have ever been on. The house was incredible (I wish we could have taken pictures of the inside!) and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Would you believe that back in the 1960's this beautiful house was being used to store hay????

The house had 44 rooms, 9 levels, and central heat. Added to that, it was beautifully decorated and had 16 foot ceilings on the ground floor.

This was the outdoor kitchen, which was bigger than my whole house!

The grounds were pretty too!

We met Bonnie's son, Andrew and his wife, Kristin, at the University of Kentucky Arboretum, which is a large park with trails and flower gardens. This is just one small part of it. After walking around here for about an hour, we were starving. We had dinner at Cheddar's Restaurant and then went back to Bonnie's house and went to bed!!!!  Except Bonnie, who still had to milk the cows...

 

On Sunday, Marcy left early and Bonnie and I went riding. I hadn't ridden a horse cross country in a western saddle in a very long time. Needless to say, I'm a bit sore...

I got home at about 6 PM on Sunday evening. Mikey was home from Purdue for Fall Break, so I fixed his favorite dish, Chicken Piccata. I know I've posted this recipe before, but it's worth repeating. 

Chicken Piccata

1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded until thin and cut into bite-sized pieces
2-3 Tbsp Olive oil
1/4 cup butter, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
juice of one lemon, strained
2 Tbsp capers
2 tsp parsley flakes

Makes 2-3 servings.
Prepare chicken as above. Mix flour, pepper, and paprika in a bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Add chicken pieces and shake until coated. Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat, add garlic and saute until lightly browned. Remove garlic, add 2 Tbsp butter and then add chicken and cook until browned on all sides.

Remove chicken and add the wine to the skillet. Cook about 5 minutes until reduced by half, then add remaining ingredients, including 2 Tbsp butter. Return chicken to skillet and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.

Add cooked pasta (I use angel hair pasta) or noodles to the skillet just before serving and toss to coat.

Then find a nice, hungry hunk to share it with!

Monday Moons!

As you know, I visited my sisters in Kentucky this past weekend, and Marcy being the history buff that she is, there were several historic places she wanted to visit. I arrived at Bonnie's house at about noon on Friday, and after a quick lunch, we went to see the William Whitley house. Apparently Marcy and Bonnie have been trying to visit this one for a while, but since it isn't open year round, they kept missing it. This time, they called ahead and made sure it was open before we went!

This is the house. That's Marcy on the left and Bonnie on the right.

Apparently the old Indian fighter decided on a brick house after his first two houses burned down. During the tour, I found out one timely little tidbit that was worth remembering. Apparently the old saying "Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the bedbugs bite" relates to the rope type of mattress support (which should be tight) and the little bag of tansy that was hung from the foot of the bed to keep the bedbugs at bay. Tansy is a rather pungent smelling, inedible herb that apparently repels them. I used to grow it, but haven't for a while. I'm thinking I'll plant it again next year, just in case the bedbug problem ever reaches us!

After the visit to the Whitley house, we went to Danville and visited Constitution Square, a cluster of historic buildings in the middle of town, that include the courthouse,

The jail, 
 

 

where Bonnie insisted that Willy needed to be locked up!

And this post office, which was the first post office west of the Allegheny Mountains.

After that, we walked through Danville for a while and had dinner at a nifty little cafe, which, of course, I didn't think to take a picture of! We went back to Bonnie's house after that. Marcy and I conked out pretty early, but poor Bonnie still had to go out and milk the cows!

That was day one of my visit. I'll tell you more about day 2 tomorrow, but right now, we need some moons to start the week off right!