Well, the big news on the farm this week is that Lady had puppies. There are two sweet little puppies: one black, one champagne-colored. I suspect this will mean they’ll be Valentine puppies. I’ll take pictures of them for next week. Mom’s pretty protective right now.
And our hens are still not laying, and we have no idea why; they’ve been checked for parasites, aren’t coming out of molt, and, according to the vet, aren’t unhealthy. He thinks it’s stress. Stress? Chickens have stress? They have a warm henhouse, good food, herbs, water, lovely nest boxes, and safety. Go figure.
Now, I have stress. I do not, however, lay eggs, so I suppose it doesn’t matter. I am about halfway to having all the gifts for Christmas collected and wrapped; the tree and decorations are up, the kids are excited, and we’ve released the last book for the year (going on special Monday), so we are trying to wind down. I’m busy catching up on the files needed for next year, putting together a rough publication schedule, and, as always, there are more projects than time. I’ll be back to regular writing shortly. In the meantime, we need to get the ice off the front walk. You could skate out to the mailbox. I am beginning to get Christmas cards again, and I really enjoy all the comments. Thank you so much!
You could freeze a deer outside, and it wouldn’t thaw until summer; seriously, it’s 10 °F out with a wind chill under zero. I have not seen weather like this in ages, possibly the blizzard of ’78 winter was as cold. Usually, cold comes in mid-January here in central Ohio. This is six weeks early. It does look like we may have a white Christmas. My favorite weatherman is calling for three polar fronts to move through over the next couple of weeks. BRRR. There is a hint we may have a blizzard this year. I have asked Dan to please set up a way for him to get to and from the barn safely. I believe we need a rope set up again. And it does not matter whether it’s climate change, regular, or created by us; it’s cold and hard to deal with.
But it’s time to tell you about the newest book; book two of the Beyond the Veil series, is our special for this 2nd week of Advent.
December 8-12 The Power of Four, book two of the Christmas mystery series, is our free download the second week of December.
This Christmas, the Veil between worlds isn’t just thin—it’s about to be shattered. In a world where secrets hide in the shadows of snowflakes, one cozy Christmas mystery changes everything. Join us as we spy on another dimension of place and time, one that influences what happens in our time and our place, and on which the future of a small town and four old friends depend. Come with me as we travel to find out just what is really happening all around us-Beyond the Veil.
And our hearts go out to the family of Sara Becksman, I pray for the remaining gentleman Mr. Wolfe, who were both shot in the line of duty. This season, let’s keep all our first responders and military in our thoughts; they do a difficult job protecting us. And now, I need to head out and get back to the prep for next year. Blessings to everyone, and peace to all.