The series Bad Sisters is funny at times. But it’s also shocking. And sad. I really can’t pigeonhole this series, which I really like. I love it when something defies genre. That’s something I’ve done my entire writing career and what we see with my current collaborations with Jennifer Crusie. They tend to get slotted […]
on Writers Helping Writers: Author Intrusion happens when the author butts into the story to address the audience directly, interrupting the character who’s supposed to be narrating. Sometimes this can be used deliberately to create a certain effect. CS Lewis, Jane Austen, Lemony Snicket…it works for them because it’s purposeful. Deliberate. As with so many […]
Pizza Hut is hoping to make your holiday entertaining even easier by offering an all-in-one takeout solution — including the chance to pick up a bottle of its new Tomato Wine. The tomato wine, Pizza Hut explained in a statement to Food & Wine, “captures the essence of your favorite slice in every sip.” “The […]
This list isn’t going to work for every author, reader, or story. Going to try to be as general as possible, but we’ll see how it goes. If you want to remove a basic skill from a character halfway through … Continue reading →
Welcome to Christmas Book Fair featuring authors I have personally recommended and also the new book spotlight authors from 2024 to give their books another boost. The first book today is food lovers by Carol Ann Taylor… tasty, cook from … Continue reading →
A guy walks into a bar and sees a dog playing poker. He wonders if his eyes deceive him. “Is that really a dog playing poker?” he asks the bartender. “Sure is,” the bartender replies. “Wow!” says the guy. “Is he any good?” “Nah,” says the bartender. “Every time he has a good hand, he […]
Myself, along with my 4 daughters, daughter-in-law, and one of my granddaughters formed a book club in January to see who could read the most books in 2024. We stay in touch with a group text every day and Goodreads. As an incentive we all agreed to put $1 a week into a kitty and […]
Do you love quotations on a beautiful background? If you do, you should try QuotesCover, a website that you use on your browser—no app to download.Check out the QuotesCover License Guide which offers details about the site's attributes: secure and private, free for commercial use image license, created especially for designing quotes images, supports any dimension, […]
Hello everyone, my name is Stewart F. Brennan. I’m the creator of this, the World United Music blog. Over the past two decades, I’ve juggled my time and energy populating five different blogs containing alternative news, music, economics, political activism and creative passions while also supporting hundreds of artists, activists and alternative news journalists. I […]
All-American patriot, artist, designer, entrepreneur, flower arranger, chef, and joyful servant, Sunny Lou Starling, was carried on the wings of angels to the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 6, 2023. She once said her mission was to “Gather and feed all you can, as often as you can, because you never know if […]
WASP Deanie Bishop Parrish, 44-W-4"Failure isn't failure unless you let it be. It's simply a change in direction. Just count your many blessings move on. With God's help, anything is possible!"Deanie Bishop Parrish passed away peacefully in her home in Waco, Texas, on February 24, 2022, just one day shy of her 100th birthday. She met every challenge […]
Editors Note: After posting over five thousand features and twenty five thousand images over the last thirteen years, the time has come to end posting weekly features here on The Old Motor. At this point, the site’s future hasn’t been decided, although it will remain online for the foreseeable future. There may be future updates...
In this weekly series, we ask our readers to tell us the year, make, and model of all of these vehicles along with the location where the image was taken and anything else you find of interest in the photos. You can look back on all the earlier parts of this series here. The photos are via Americar....
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez Contemporary Romance. Closed Door. First in a Connected Series. After reading and absolutely loving Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez, I found out it was actually the third in a series (even though it isn’t listed that way on Amazon). So I reserved Part of Your World, […]
March 1943. "Lynchburg, Virginia -- railroad station." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size.
April 1943. "Baltimore, Maryland. Transportation for war-swollen population. Traffic jam as workers of the first shift leave the Bethlehem Fairfield shipyards in cars and trolleys on the road to Baltimore." Photo by Marjory Collins for the Office of War Information. View full size.
The Philadelphia Pipe Bending Company, founded in 1880, is still in operation today. Here we see two workers standing inside some large coils with advertising signage. 6½ x 8½ inch glass negative. View full size.
In reply to Lynchburg Depot: 1943: Vachon might be standing on the Seventh Street bridge that takes you over the rail lines shown in this picture, and Blackwater Creek. A least one of these buildings still exists. Now, leading off the road, where you can see people have worn a trail of convenience, is the […]
In reply to Lynchburg Depot: 1943: Still in business today: HANDY DISTRIBUTION was founded in 1891 by Nathan Bryant Handy, who began his family-owned business delivering galvanized black sheets, steel roofing, copper, solder and accessories to his customers by horse and wagon.
Of those accessories that have been mainly linked to stylish menswear garments, the dinner jacket – also known as tuxedo – has due to its cut and use of luxurious … The post The Dinner Jacket: A Timeless Piece of Elegance appeared first on Shopping Kim.
Here’s an old Italian recipe for canning peppers, one of my husband’s favorites. Searching the internet, you’ll come across many variations — all probably good — but here’s a basic recipe to start you on your course. The kids and I canned these using the boiling method, though pressure canners might make the process easier. Not sure how, […]
Microgreens seem to be all the rage these days and for good reason: they are packed with nutrients and easy to grow! The USDA and University of Maryland found that leaves from microgreens had more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plants. And great flavor. Plus, you don’t need a lot of space […]
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 21, 2024 is: tenacious \tuh-NAY-shus\ adjective Something described as tenacious cannot easily be stopped or pulled part; in other words, it is firm or strong. Tenacious can also describe something—such as a myth—that continues or persists for a long time, or someone who is determined to […]
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. An easy one pot soup using rotisserie chicken and quick-cooking tortellini, made in 40 min start to finish! Cozy, comforting, rich with an oh-so-creamy chicken broth…what more do you need here? Oh that’s right, cheesy tortellini. Yes, please! Not to mention, this […]
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. The quickest (BEST!) 25 min dinner. With a nutty garlicky brown butter sauce, crispy sage & toasted pecans! Fall is in full swing and sage brown butter takes all of the glory here. And I really do mean, ALL OF THE GLORY. […]
The Defense Department will provide Ukraine with antipersonnel land mines, underscoring how President Joe Biden’s administration is becoming increasingly willing to poke the Russian bear in its waning days. The move comes as the Russians have changed their tactics in Ukraine by leading attacks with dismounted infantry to clear the way for mechanized forces, Defense […]
The remains of a World War II bombardier whose B-24 bomber crashed in 1944 were located under 213 feet of water off Papua New Guinea in late September. Searchers found the remains with the help of specialized underwater sensors and an autonomous submarine provided by Project Recover, a nonprofit of mostly volunteers who work with […]
Tuesday, November 12A pretty mellow day for Martha and I, this day marks the 29th Anniversary of her putting up with me as a husband. I say it often, the woman should be sainted!No festivities planned for or wanted by either of us, there'll be trips to foreign lands in our future we'd rather save […]
Record-breaking snow falls, this past three days. We approached two feet of snow accumulation I think here in our cul-de-sac in the SE portion of the mess which is Metro Denver!Lets just say I spent quite a bit of time running the snow-blower and doing some shoveling along with my loving wife Martha.I elected not […]
The reference might be a bit antiquated in our online age, but frequency means the radio station you’re dialed in to. Volume, of course, is how loudly the radio is turned up.I’m sure there are some exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of explanations I’ve seen from Democrats following their crushing loss in what they constantly […]
Obviously there’s a lot to discuss about the 2024 election results. I’ll offer just the following.None of this is about the merits of either candidate; it’s about the broad dynamics that shaped the outcome. You don’t have to like those dynamics any more than you like any other aspect of reality. But as the saying […]
Long before we were a sailing family, Alisa and I were a young couple in love with adventuring in Alaska. The opportunity to introduce Eric and Elias to the delights of outdoor living in the Great Land was one of the big bright sides of our return to Alaska. Earlier this winter, the boys and […]
So...this beautiful island is our home. See the barky? The boys just had their spring break. A week off from school and nothing to keep us from buggering off in Galactic. The weather was generally poor - nothing like the pics above for the most part - so we just snuck off to the west […]
Here is a link to a story about my struggle to draw with Parkinson's Disease. the story is from "The Daily Cartoonist" a Web journal concerning the world of professional cartooning. It was occasioned by the release of the documentary "Matters of Mind, My Parkinson's" which follows three families and their efforts to cope […]
Here is a short trailer for the PBS documentary "Matter of Mind, My Parkinson's. It follows the attempts of three people and their families to cope with the progressive, disabling and incurable neurological condition. The film won the Audience Choice Award for documentaries at the recent San Francisco Film Festival, possibly due to a scenery-chewing […]
JOIN US for Heyi Days in Anchorage. Heyi means “winter” in Dena’ina Athabascan. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, 2024, join us for this unique winter festival. This is the ... The post Join us for “Heyi Days” in Anchorage appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.
Devil’s Club is a common wild plant in Alaska that’s large & covered in hidden sharp thorns, growing everywhere from remote forests to even well-groomed Anchorage city trails. Just because you’re “in town” doesn’t mean you won’t run into devil’s club. It’s smart to stay on the trails, particularly if you’re not confident spotting it. […]
Here’s a delicious fall-time spin on classic blueberry muffins. If you’re a solo adult who likes good food, this recipe is for you. Or if you’ve got extra kitchen “helpers” around (read: kids who need entertainment), turn baking these Halloween muffins into a fun toddler snacktivity. Pumpkin BOO-berry Muffin Recipe Ingredients: 2 boxes Jiffy brand […]
These gluten-free pumpkin cookies are the softest, most delectable cookies you’ll ever eat! They are remarkably light in texture and are topped with a luscious, dairy-free brown sugar frosting. They are quick and easy, and the cookie dough requires no refrigeration. They will quickly become one of your favorite pumpkin desserts! I don't know about you,... […]
I’m home now. I’m looking at the flea market couch I brought up from California; I had cushions made three times over the years till I got it just right. Now it’s just right. It’s been in my life 42 years. Tim has been in my life 34 years, but he had to be out of […]
I’m saying my goodbyes to Toronto. I’ve seen my last Hot Docs Festival film, and I’m just back from my last author program. I’ve probably had my last roti, checked out my last book at my local branch library, gone to my last art workshop. Horror of horrors, I’ve even watched my last play. The thing […]
Worst salmon season in 20 years The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has finally released its summary of the 2024 commercial salmon fishing season in the 49th state, and the only […]
Expediting the U.S. trip to the grave On the day a “sweeping new paper” put America’s crisis of corpulence in the headlines across the country, I was reporting on the record number […]
It’s here. The big day. My memoir, the one I spent 15 years struggling over, launches today from Raised Voice Press. I’m feeling very exposed, very vulnerable. This is not at all similar to when Dolls Behaving Badly launched from Hachette Book Group. That was a novel, and while some of it was based on… […]
I had had Alaska writer Dan Walker’s YA novel SECONDHAND SUMMER on my list for a long time, and two weeks ago finally had the chance to dive in. I wasn’t disappointed. Walker’s book, geared for middle school readers (but still immensely enjoyable for adults), follows 14-year-old Sam’s move to Anchorage from the small fishing… […]
This idea came to me years ago when I was trying to think up something "new" for dinner. It is one of those recipes that you can customize a million ways. Lots of fresh avocado? sour cream? fresh tomatoes? lettuce? Whatever "go withs" your heart desires. Picky-picky husband hates spicy food, so this recipe (using 1/8 […]
My list of 10 Best Gifts for Cooks and Food Lovers helps last minute shoppers buy great presents for the food obsessed; most of the items on the list I’ve used and loved for years. Most importantly, if you act quickly, there’s still time to order most of my recommended gifts and have them arrive […]
It's that time of the year! I voted by mail for convenience and didn't get a sticker. I'm a little sad about that but will stop by one of the voter locations and ask for a sticker. Anyway! Click the images below to save and print to color. Small jpg of vote coloring page: Large transparent png of vote […]
All about insects is the theme for the next session of Sitka Sprouts on Tuesday, April 30. This is the last Sitka Sprouts session before summer. “We’re going to wrap up Sprouts this spring with a program about insects,” Sitka … Continue reading →
I LOVE my grandmother’s navy bean soup, but it takes forever to make with soaking the beans overnight and then slow cooking the soup all day. I decided to try it in my Instant Pot and it was a success! Not only that, but my kids loved it…score! Ingredients: 1-2 Tbs. olive oil 1 onion, diced 3 […]
Download Radio Show The June 30th show featured a conversation with Kari Sagel and Brooke Schafer in our semi-regular cross-over between the Sitka Library Show and the Sitka Nature Show. If you have questions or observations you want to share, please feel free to leave a comment here or on the page I’ve set up […]
Download Radio Show The June 16th show featured a conversation with Daniel Graham and Zach LaPerriere. Daniel was the artist who crafted the Sitka violin commissioned for the Sitka Summer Music Festival by Marcel and Connie LaPerriere, it was the made out of wood sourced in Sitka by Zach LaPerriere. We discussed the of the […]
At the end of July we took the boat over to Halibut Cove to hike the Saddle Trail with the kids to picnic at Grewingk Glacier Lake. It's a great trail for kids to master themselves, and Riggs hiked the whole way himself. Raina was in the backpack, but more because we wanted to hike […]
A man who just moved to Homer about a year ago from Chicago has started a podcast interviewing people from the Homer community. He called up my husband a few months ago and asked him if he would be willing to be interviewed. My husband said sure, so the second episode of Alex's podcast features […]
Well, 2017 was not a good garden year in my area, even for those of us with greenhouses/high tunnels. I'm sure I didn't help my chances at all; we had a month between returning home from the States and getting the roof on the high tunnel, and I didn't start any seeds or work the […]
For cheesecake lovers, these recipes will take your dessert game to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a classic, silky cheesecake or a creative variation with fun flavors, these cheesecake recipes are sure to please. From rich and creamy baked cheesecakes to light and refreshing no-bake options, there’s a cheesecake here for every taste... […]
Mountain View is in for a treat — a whole new store full of treats, in fact. Packed with dozens of varieties of handmade custom candies, classic favorites, and assorted other sweets, Sweet Creations Lollipop Boutique is one of the latest businesses to open doors in the neighborhood. Owner Missy Simms made it for the […]
During our time in Washington we also took some time to drive over to Kennewick to visit some of my family in that area. We camped in my aunt and uncle's driveway and visited them and some of my cousins. The highlight for the girls was the nerf war for sure (pictures here). It was […]
INGREDIENTS3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon active yeast (not rapid or instant)1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt1-1/2 cups slightly warm water (tepid)--2 teaspoons canola oil (For top and bottom of dough ball so it doesn't stick or form crust while rising)-2 TB butter melted in ramekin, with brush (set aside)--10” Seasoned Cast Iron SkilletMETHODAdd flour to bowl. Add yeast […]
My husband loves this cakeso much he had two pieces 'after' eating lunch...Ingredients2 Eggs1 ½ cup Canola Oil2 cups Granulated Sugar3 cups A-P Flour2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg½ teaspoon Kosher Salt1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda4 cups Chopped Apples (peeled and cored): measure after chopping1 cup chopped Pecans: measure after chopping1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract⅔ […]
Picture of the day This technical illustration shows early hot air balloon designs. The first untethered manned hot air balloon flight was performed by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d'Arlandes on this day in 1783.