Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Yesterday I discovered how to add more pages to the blog, so now my hunky covers are REALLY BIG!!! Take a look!

As always, I'm blogging on Wickedly Romantic today.


When you're finished working out with this guy, come on over!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Here's a little something for all of you cowboy lovers out there.

And you know what they say. . .


Save a horse. . .



























Ride a cowboy!

Oh, Mexico. . . .

My riding lesson was canceled on Tuesday because the horse I normally ride was lame (I was a bit lame myself, but I didn't tell him so). After that, my instructor is going to Aiken, SC for a month, so no lessons until the end of March. I emailed him back that I'd received the message, and hoped he had fun in SC, but I REALLY wish I was going with him! I went to Myrtle Beach over spring break once and it was lovely. Wisteria was blooming in the trees, the weather was warm, but not hot, nothing was crowded and the only drawback was that the ocean was too cold to swim in, which really didn't matter to me and my guys. You see, though we go to the beach every year, for the past several years, my DH and oldest son have not set foot in the sand. Sam and I usually do, but we spend less time there than we used to. Instead we spend our days shopping and enjoying the other attractions the region has to offer.

Lucinda McGary recently posted a blog on Casablanca about why she loves going on cruises, and I'm trying to talk the guys into going on one sometime. We'd love to go to Ireland, and if there was a cruise that went there (and there probably is) I might have some luck in convincing them, but I really want to go to Mexico. I went on a Caribbean cruise with a friend right after we finished nursing school, but something about Mexico keeps calling to me. I would love to go to Greece or Italy, too, but Mexico is closer.

Perhaps I've been influenced by songs. James Taylor, Eddy Raven, and Brooks & Dunn have all had hit songs about Mexico and what a relaxing place it can be. And I so need to relax! I'm not very good at it, either--at least not while I'm at home. If I'm sitting around in the house or on the deck, I see things that need doing, and can't really let my mind go. One of the first books I ever wrote was about a woman with the same problem who went to the islands for vacation and found not only relaxation, but mystery, danger, and romance. I could do without the danger, but the romance? Yeah, bring it on! I love teasing cute waiters, and I've gotten better at it as I've gotten older because it's obvious that I'm only teasing. The best part of teasing the hunks is that I often use these experiences to write my books. I think about what would happen to a younger, unattached woman in the same situation, and my imagination takes off.

One of the books that I've posted a few excerpts from here on the blog (How I Spent My Summer Vacation) was based on an actual encounter with two adorable guys I met in the hot tub at our hotel in Myrtle Beach. And no, I didn't go to their room for fun and games like the heroine in my story, but the verbal exchange I had with them was written almost word for word in the book, and, believe it or not, they were the ones who struck up the conversation with me--TWICE! Let me tell you, for an older woman who does NOT look good in a swimsuit, it was a memorable experience.

With that in mind, just think of the fun I could have if I went on a cruise now! Of course, it would be more interesting if I was with friends instead of family. My buddies egg me on when I buy drinks for cute boys at the bar, (yes, that actually happened and was written up in The Boy at the Bar) but my DH probably wouldn't get anywhere near as big a kick out of it as the girls would. It's sort of a Catch 22 thing; if I want nooky on vacation, I must take my DH, but then I can't flirt with waiters. If I go with the girls, I can flirt with the hunks, but I don't get any nooky. It's a trade off, but the trick is to take the DH along and then go a few places by myself to find inspiration. You just never know where lightning will strike!

I'm blogging on Casablanca Authors today. When you've finished your tour of Mexico, come on over!

Thursday Fun!

Nancy sent me this one. It's pretty cute. Anyone want to volunteer to be on the wall???

Men's Restroom Mural

--------Read before looking at picture...

Edge Designs is an all-women run company

That designs interior office space They had a

Recent opportunity to do an office project in

NYC.

The client allowed the women of this

Company a free hand in all design aspects.

The client was a company that was also

Run by all women execs.............

The result ...........well.....We all know that

Men never talk, never look at each other.....

And never laugh much in the restroom....

The men's room is a serious and quiet place...

But now...with the addition of one mural

On the wall......lets just say the men's

Restroom is a place of laughter and smiles.

And they say women don't have a sense of humor.

Send this to all the gal's in your life that need a smile

and the guys you think can take having a little fun poked

at them.

Chocolate Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

Now, I've warned you ladies. We need to work up to this one very, very slowly. Don't scroll down too fast, or you'll go into cardiac arrest.


I mean it. SLOW DOWN!



Take it nice and easy.



Don't push it.



You'll thank me when you get there.



Whoa, now, girls. . . .



Easy does it.



Almost there. . . .


Okay. Don't blink. . . .


Here goes. . . .


























Are you still there??? Speak to me!!!!

Tasty Tuesday Crab Stuffed Peppers!

Leslie has been sending me some terrific recipes, and this one looks like a keeper! I'll have to try it out if I can ever get to my grill again. . .

Crab Stuffed Peppers

This is a very tasty and exotic recipe using the grill. I imagine that by now you’re all thinking “Are you crazy Leslie it’s freezing out there!” But trust me when I say that once you taste it you won’t mind the cold weather so much.

Ingredients
1. 2 poblano peppers
2. 1 tbsp pine nuts
3. 4 oz snow crab
4. ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, part skim
5. 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
1. Slice tops off peppers, but keep the top with the stem attached.
2. Remove seeds and rinse. Drain peppers upside down.
3. Mix together remaining ingredients and divide between the two peppers.
4. Replace tops and secure with toothpicks that have been soaked in water.
5. Grill until peppers are soft and blackened. (Don’t worry they are not burned)

And here's a red hot chili pepper hunk to go with them!

Monday Moons!

Donna has been quite the little web surfer lately, and has provided me with a wide range of hunks for your Monday enjoyment.

I think there's a little something here for everyone.

Chocolate buns, young buns, and tattooed buns!

It's a good thing she's been surfing because the February doldrums hit me hard on Friday. Yes, all the snow is quite beautiful, but I need some major hunkiness to jumpstart my imagination. These guys just might do it. I mean, that little Finn has got a serious ass on him, doesn't he?

Heh, heh. Just wait until Wednesday when Mr. Goodbar turns around. You won't believe it!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

I know he's not naked, but for some reason I can't get this guy out of my head. I think he needs to be a Zetithian. What are your thoughts?

I'm blogging on Wickedly Romantic today. Give Alexis a big hug and then come on over!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Donna recently sent me a bunch of these "Commando" shots.

They're all very sexy, but this one, well, he's just adorable.

Enjoy your Saturday!

It's that time of year....

. . . when we all wish we were in Acapulco.

Not sure if that's where this guy is, but at least it looks warm. I want to be there so very, very badly. . . .

One nice thing about snow is that my horses look really clean. Just wait until all of this crap melts and we're in mud up to our eyeballs. We'll be wishing for snow again, or at least a good, hard freeze.

I signed up for the RWA Nationals in Nashville a few days ago, which will take place in late July. *sigh* Sounds really hot, doesn't it?

Ah, well. Spring will arrive in just thirty more days.

And counting. . . .

In other news, a great big THANK YOU is in order for Ms Moonlight, who has once again graciously volunteered to redesign my banner. It's fabulous!!!

Next on the agenda is this Book Boyfriend Fantasy thing that Sweet Vernal Zephyr has tagged me on, so I guess I'll run down my list.

The Gutter Gals started this commotion...

"We all have our favorite book boyfriends and now you have the chance to create one just for yourself and your fantasies! How do you play?

• Fill out the quiz below
• Post a picture of sexy man
• Tag five other book addicts to do the same.

Don't forget to pop to their blogs as let them know they have been tagged! Once tagged... you have do do the same, grab the button, answer the questions, and keep it rolling! But don't forget the picture of the sexy man! It doesn't have to match your fantasy man, just a little eye candy for the rest of us... heheheee!" ~ The Gutter Girls

Okay, then. . . Here goes. . . . Along with pictures of the two men I find it very hard to choose between. . . .

Hair Color & Style

• Any color as long as his head isn't shaved.
• Preferably a lot longer than mine and curly.

Eye Color & Facial Features

• Eyes can be any color as long as they're kind
  
• Dimples would be a plus
• A killer smile
• Nice teeth
• A nice, big nose (we all know what that can indicate...)
  

Height & Body Type

• Any height will do. Tall is nice, but I like the cute little guys, too.
  
• Muscles clearly defined, but not so big that they're grotesque (Raphael is purrrfect!)
  

Visible Age

• Late 20's to early 40's--which still makes me a cougar!

Bangability ie. kinky/bi/size

• Kinky is good!
• Not sure about the bisexual thing unless I approve of his boyfriend. However, these two together would be perfect!
  
• Size: Big enough that I can feel it, but not so big that I'll need reconstructive surgery afterward.
  

Human or Other

• Depends on the nature of the "other." Some of those "others" can be pretty creepy!
• But if he's a Zetithian, it's a definite YES!!!!
  

Paranormal Skills

• Doesn't need them.

Interests

• Loves making love all day and into the night
• Loves music
  
• Loves to laugh
• Loves children
  
• Loves animals of all kinds
• Loves me!

Special Skills

• Knows his way around a kitchen
• Can take care of me when I'm sick
  
• Can fix anything that can break
• Will clean the house without grumbling
  
• Can drive any kind of vehicle
  
• Has a good sense of humor
• Makes me feel loved

And that's it!

I guess I'll tag Marie, Kendra, MsM, and Helen Hardt on this one.

Any other suggestions?

Volunteers?????

And also, because he's hot, sexy, cute as a bug's ear, and we all love him so, heeeerrrreee's Benji!

PS: Do be sure to click on the guys. They all get bigger, except Raphael. . . *sob*

February ups and downs. . . .

Yesterday I actually had a full day with nowhere I needed to go, and all I needed to do was talk to a reporter named Helen on the phone for a half hour or so. The house was clean, the refrigerator was stocked, no cars were stuck in the driveway, and there was nothing to distract me from writing blogs and working on Renegade.

February has always been the worst time of the year for me. It was a time when I didn't do much with the horses, and certainly nothing in the yard. The house would close in on me and the doldrums would begin. It's a little better now that I have a whole world at my fingertips and can chat with people from all over the country. I can open a file and suddenly, I'm on another planet. The only thing I have to contend with are cold feet and a sore butt from sitting in this chair.

But it was worth the sore butt and cold feet for the strides I made on Renegade! Dax, I'm happy to report, has now lost his virginity, and BOY OH BOY did he lose it, as only a Zetithian can do! I'm loving this guy more and more all the time. For a fellow who claims to be clueless when it comes to enticing females, he's turning out to be pure gold.

The telephone interview I gave will be printed in Indianapolis Monthly in April or June, Helen wasn't sure which. She had checked my website prior to the interview, so she knew a bit about the blog, but I had to explain to her about Wednesdays and to warn people to be careful if they choose to visit. I had also sent her a PDF of Fugitive, so she got to read a little bit of it. She asked me if being a nurse made it easier for me to discuss body parts, but I'm really not sure that's the case. I've known lots of nurses who blush pretty easily--and some doctors who are the same way.

Anyway, it's back to work tonight for a three night stretch. I may miss the gang, but I certainly don't miss having to stay up all night. It's been very nice being a normal person for a change. They've been crazy busy while I've been off on vacation, too, and I'm sure that won't change just because I'm back. It was wild the last few nights I worked, and it's bound to continue. Not looking forward to it, but the job does pay the bills, and being busy means job security. But I'd rather stay here and enjoy the hunks!

On snow drifts and Whopping Weasels. . . .

Happy Hump Day, ladies!

There were actually some bigger whoppers in that last batch of pics that Ms Moonlight sent me, but I think we need to work up to them s-l-o-w-l-y. . .










They're humongous!!!!

Been getting a lot of writing done on Renegade, and my editor sent me the contract a few days ago. It covers the next three books in the CSC series plus two option books.

Right now, it's 4PM on Tuesday, and I've spent a good part of the day shoveling snow and pushing cars uphill. I got out and went to the grocery (didn't know this storm was coming or I'd have done it on Sunday!) and bought a lot of very heavy things. Cat food, cat litter, Puppy Chow, horse feed, bird seed and a couple of gallons of milk and orange juice in addition to all the regular stuff I was out of. Went to Walmart and the parking lot was completely clear. No trouble there, or at the other places I went, but I knew there was my driveway still to be negotiated and my neighbor's tractor is in the shop. I got almost to the house, unloaded the car, and then Sam and I pushed it up to where I could drive it into the garage.




















Not fifteen minutes later, Sam's day services provider got stuck. It took a lot more doing to get him out, and when we finally did, I told him he might as well just go home instead of taking Sam out for his trip to town because he was bound to get stuck again when he brought him home.

So I'm taking a breather right now before heading to the barn. Peaches just kills me. She bounds through the snow, and the horses trample it down without any difficulty whatsoever. They look at me slogging through the drifts like, "What the hell's the matter with you? Can't walk through a little snow????"





















I told Peaches that in my next life, I want to be a puppy like her with nice people to take care of me so I can have that much energy. I'm pretty sure I never did, even when I was a kid. I could run, but I never ran as fast as she did down the driveway in the snow. She's amazing! I'd show you pictures of her running, but they would just be a blur.




















While I was at Walmart, I went to the lawn and garden department and bought some seeds. Now, I know it will be May before I can plant them, but it still makes me feel better just to have them in my possession and know that someday, it will be warm enough to plant. If only I could be sure that Peaches won't dig them up as soon as I plant them. I just went out to take these pictures and found she had pulled the hatchet and the cat bowl down from their perch. They normally sit on top of two wooden boxes that are on top of a table on the porch. She can jump up there. I know because I've seen her do it. It's hard to believe that this is the same puppy who was so sick at Christmas. I can honestly say that she has fully recovered, but I'm not so sure about me. . . .

Tasty Italian Tuesday!

For today's tasty Tuesday, Donna has sent me this recipe for Italian Stud Cake along with some pics of her favorite hot Italian stud, Marco Mastronelli. She says he gives the ladies a real pounding.

I wonder if she knows that from personal experience. . . .

Italian Stud Cake (aka Italian Love Cake)

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
• 2 pints part-skim ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

1. Prepare cake mix as directed on box. Pour batter into 9 x 13 x 2 inch greased baking dish. Set aside.
2. Combine ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Blend well. Spread mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 75 minutes if using a glass baking dish, 90 minutes if using a metal pan.
4. Blend pudding mix and milk until thickened. Blend in whipped topping. Spread over cooled cake.
5. Add the hunk!
   
6. 

Back to work. . . .

Today marks the beginning of a new era in the Cheryl Brooks saga. I have simply GOT to start writing again! I've been blogging constantly for the past two months and getting very little work done on Renegade. I hope the promotions for Fugitive were effective, but I won't know for sure until I get my royalty statement, which, if I remember correctly, will be arriving in late April. Aside from the blog tour, part of the reason I haven't been doing much on Renegade is that was that I wasn't completely sure my editor wanted it. Knowing that a contract is in the works helps enormously, but I still have to buckle down and do it.

I came up with a great idea while I was sitting in the INRWA meeting on Saturday, and fortunately, I had a pen and paper to write it on. I tried writing a little bit on Saturday night, but by the time I had caught up on all the emails and blogs and such, I edited the last few pages a bit and wrote maybe two lines of new dialog before conking out. This is NOT a good trend! Granted, I have until the end of June to finish it, but during that time I also have to work and go to Myrtle Beach and the RT Booklover's Convention.

Speaking of RT, Last year's Mr. Romance, Charles Paz, is apparently expecting me to "find" him and give him a big hug, so that's one thing to look forward to in Columbus this spring, but aside from that, I'm hearing that the convention is one big party and I am so NOT a party animal! I do try, however, but I do best when I'm among friends. In a big crowd like that, I tend to disappear. And for the record, I am NOT dressing up as a Zetithian. That would require a complete body, face, hair, eye, and ear makeover, which I don't think I'm quite up to.

So anyway, I will be writing more and blogging less in the coming months, with the result that there will be more books for you ladies to enjoy, so I'm sure you'll understand. The blogs will still go up daily, but forgive me if I don't check in quite as often. Any hunks, stories, or recipes you ladies care to send me to post will save me a lot of time and will be greatly appreciated.

Oh, yeah, right. . . . It's Monday. What the devil is wrong with me? I almost forgot the moons!

Enjoy your Monday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

For your Valentine's Day reading pleasure, I'm pleased to present another episode in the James and Eliza story by our own Hunkybuns Inspector Ana!

Enjoy!

She was nervous. James had been married to his wife Eliza for 6 months now and knew when something was wrong. For the past week she had been avoiding him, barely even kissing his cheek at night before settling down to bed. He knew, well, he hoped, he hadn’t done anything to upset her.

And tonight was going to be the night he was going to get her to open up to him. Eliza’s friend Melissa was having a party to celebrate her engagement to her childhood love, and ironically enough, it was February 13th. He had plans for his wife for the 14th and wanted to go into the day with everything cleared between them.

He saw Eliza heading to the kitchen and quickly followed after her, glad to see no one else was in there. He licked his lips seeing her bend over in the fridge a little. She retrieved a water bottle but then gasped and dropped it when he gently kissed her neck. “O-Oh James…You scared me.” She murmured and picked up the bottle. “Um…Was there something you needed to talk to me about?”

“…You’re kidding me right?”

“No, why? What’s wrong?” “Okay fine. I’ll play along.” He looked around then pointed to the bathroom across the hall from the kitchen.

Eliza looked at him strangely but followed him to the bathroom. He locked the door behind them and crossed his arms over his chest looking down at her. “What?” She set her water bottle down on the sink counter and then leaned back against it. “Eliza, what’s it going to take for you to talk to me?”

“James, what are you talking about? I don’t understand what you want me to tell you.”

“No? Okay let’s start with how you’ve been avoiding me for the past week. And don’t tell me you haven’t because a kiss on the cheek in the morning and at night is definitely avoiding me. You haven’t said more than a couple of words to me,” he explained and saw that she remained quiet. “Alright, let’s try a different tactic.” He started to scoot closer and she gasped backing up until her head touched the mirror attached to the counter she was leaning on. “I miss you my sweet, sweet Eliza,” he murmured gently then kissed her.

She whimpered in the back of her throat and her hands immediately shot up to grip his hair lightly. He did this to her. He wound her up and then let her explode into a million wonderful pieces. Her husband’s kisses undid her, made he want more, always more. She shuddered lightly when he pulled his mouth away. “J-James…”

“Mm. . . I’ve missed my wife very dearly,” James said in that low sexy tone that did wonders to her insides. He kissed along up her neck, to her ear, giving a little nibble before working on the zipper to her dress. She gasped as the silky green dress slithered down to her feet. “J-James there are people in our h-home.”

“And the bathroom door is locked. Turn around, put your hands on the counter.”

“I don’t think that’s such--”

“Turn around, and put your hands on the counter. I won’t repeat myself Eliza.”

Eliza shuddered and swallowed hard as she turned and did what he said. When James dominated her at times, like that, it turned her on even more. She could already feel herself growing wetter and he had barely touched her. She looked in the mirror and saw her husband unbuttoning his black silk shirt and dropping his slacks and boxers. She licked her lips seeing his erection standing upright, curved towards his bellybutton.

James caught her stare and smirked stepping up to her. He reached around her waist and cupped her breasts lightly, twisting her already hard nipples lightly with his thumbs and fingers loving the soft moan of pleasure she gave him. Then again he loved everything about his wife. Even when she drove him crazy. His hands curved back down to her hips and he nudge his thigh in so she would spread her legs more making sure he moved her panties to the side, out of the way. He lifted her hips, kissed the side of her neck, then thrust into her hard, biting back a groan of pleasure, loving the soft mewl of pleasure she uttered.

When she tried to close her eyes he gritted his teeth and grasped one of her hands placing their joined flat palms against the mirror beside her head. “Open your eyes Eliza, watch what we’re doing. What I do to you and you do to me,” he said and trailed kisses back up her neck then to her cheek. He looked up and their gazes locked together on the mirror as he pulled out then thrust into her deep again, but this time at an agonizingly slow pace. It was driving him straight to the edge because she was so tight around him but he loved every second of it. He held her hip with his free hand so she had less control of the intensity of his thrusts.

“J-James p-please…I-I need m-more.” She panted lightly, squirming to get more from him.

“Who am I to deny my wife?” He asked then immediately started to thrust in and out of her harder, faster, deeper, feeling her muscles clench around him.

“James…Oh James yes…” She moaned out his name, her nails digging into the mirror and counter as she came hard, panting heavily. He groaned, bit into her neck a little roughly, and came deep inside of her, panting softly.

It took him a few moments but he soon recovered and looked up seeing her troubled gaze in the mirror. He pulled out of her gently, then turned her to face him, kissing her forehead. “Eliza, talk to me. Please. I’m worried sick about you. And if I’ve done something wrong I’ll fix it. I’ll do whatever I can to make it--”

“Do you like the name Junior?” She interrupted and caused him to blink in surprise. “I’m sorry?”

“Like James Junior. Or maybe Daemon. Or Alicia, or Delia.”

James just looked at her a confused look on his face. “I’m sorry Eliza, I’m not quite--”

This time he was interrupted by her finger on his lips. “I’m sorry James. I was so scared to tell you. I was so scared to know how you’d react. But I don’t want to keep any secrets between us. So I’ll just come out and say it. James, I’m pregnant. I’m going to have a baby; our baby,” she murmured and lowered her finger.

But he remained silent only staring at her, blinking a couple of times. Taking it as a bad sign she bent to retrieve her dress but then gasped as James grabbed her arm and pulled her flush against his chest. “You’re pregnant Eliza? We’re having a baby?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Oh Eliza, why didn’t you tell me before?” He asked kissing her passionately then kissing her nose and smiling.

“I-I didn’t know how you’d react.”

“Mm and when did you stop having such faith in me?”

“I just--”

James kissed her again. “No more secrets my love. I’m ecstatic about the baby. I was quiet because…” He blushed a little. “Well we have a ton of planning to do, clothing to buy, toys to buy. I need to buy books to learn. Oh God we’ll have to furnish a nursery. I need to hire a designer. I need…” He trailed off hearing Eliza laugh. “What? What’s so funny?”

“Oh James, I love you. I love you so much.” She stood on her tiptoes. “And I know I’ll always love you. Happy Valentine’s Day my love.”

“Mm. . . . Happy Valentine’s Day to you too my sweet Eliza. Let’s make it an even more amazing one.” He said then grinned pulling her close, and kissing her like his life depended on her very essence, her being, her.

Well, now that Ana has you in the mood for love, I'm blogging on Wickedly Romantic and Casablanca Authors today talking about--you guessed it!--Valentine's Day! Come on over!

Saturday's Hunk (and recipe) of the Day!

Figured I'd better post this today since some of you might want this recipe for tomorrow. Thanks Leslie!

















Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Cherries

Ingredients

1. Waxed paper-lined baking sheet
2. Fresh strawberries
3. Fresh cherries
4. 2 Tbsp. of butter
5. 12 oz. of dark chocolate (melting wafers)
6. 12 oz. of white chocolate (melting wafers)

Party City sells melting wafers that taste good and hardens quick so it's perfect for making this treat.

Instructions

1. Rinse and dry the strawberries and cherries (not taking off the stem)
2. In a microwave safe container place the dark chocolate and one Tbsp. of butter.
3. Microwave for one minute and then stir. Repeating the process until the chocolate is completely melted.
4. Holding by the stem dip each strawberry and cherry into the dark chocolate coating 2/3 of the berries and leaving 1/3 uncoated.
5. Place the berries on the waxed paper-lined baking sheet and put inside the fridge to cool down.
6. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the white chocolate after the dark chocolate has harden on the berries.
7. Holding by the stem dip each strawberry and cherry into the white chocolate coating only the tip of each berry.
8. Repeat step 6.

Enjoy! :)

















And yes, there is a hot hunk (courtesy of Ms Moonlight) to enjoy along with the fruit.
























Hope you're having a great weekend!

Back home again in Indiana...

Damn it's good to be home! Vacations are lovely, but my bed, and my sweetie, have been calling my name. And boy oh boy, have the mice been playing around the blog while the Cat Master was away!

The trip as a whole would have been a lot more enjoyable if I hadn't had a cold the whole time I was gone. While others all around me were catching the flu and every other bug imaginable, I alone remained healthy. Under a great deal of stress, perhaps, but healthy. Looks like the pressure finally caught up with me, though, but at least Hero got finished on time and the new contract is in the works, so it was probably worth it. I've pretty much recovered, but now Suzie has it and coughed her head off all the way home.

Another thing we had to contend with was crappy weather. If it wasn't raining, it was snowing or at least cloudy. Yesterday was the only day of sunshine we had this whole week. However, I can't complain. The snow around here was pretty tame in comparison to the blizzard the East got this week. Looks like all of you at least had internet while I was gone.

The lake trip was pretty uneventful. We watched movies, laid around, had one short sing-along, and, as usual, ate way too much. I never stuck my nose out of the house the whole time we were there. I felt like I'd been hibernating all winter by the time we left.

I got a few new things to wear to the writer's conferences this spring (RT) and summer (RWA) and refreshed my memory about how to get around Nashville (a little bit) so I won't be completely lost when I go back there in July. It'll be nice to visit when it's warmer, but Nashville in late July might have me wishing for February.

The good news is that now I can start writing again! I've got until the end of June to finish Renegade and I've already got 32,000 words, so I'm pretty sure I can do it. I wrote a little bit on book eight before I left for Tennessee because I had some ideas I didn't want to forget, but I need a title for it. This is the one about a Zetithian who has been spreading his seed as he travels. He winds up rescuing one of his "clients" but I'm not sure which way to go with the title; whether to focus on the seed-spreading or the rescuing. So put your thinking caps, ladies, and let's hear some ideas!

The Road Home

On the road today headed home. Not sure when we'll arrive, but I should be back online tonight. In the meantime, enjoy today's hunk!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

I think this one speaks for itself.

I'm still at the lake with the gang.

*sob* We leave tomorrow. It'll be nice to get home to my sweetie, though. He's usually the only thing I miss while I'm gone--that and my son, my own bed, my own shower, my own house, the cats, the dog, the horses. . .

You get the idea.

Tasty Argentinian Tuesday!

Donna's Argentine Lentil Stew

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes

Ready In: 55 Minutes Servings: 4

"The flavors of paprika, apple, and a little barbeque sauce may seem an unlikely combination, but they work together well in this beloved lentil stew!"

Ingredients:

1 cup dry lentils 1 quart water 1 cube vegetable bouillon 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced 1 large onion, diced 1 carrot, sliced 1 medium apple - peeled, cored and diced

1/2 cup frozen peas 1 large clove garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup barbeque sauce 1/2 teaspoon paprika salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.	Place the lentils and water in a large pot, and mix in the vegetable bouillon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.
2.	Stir the tomatoes, onion, carrot, apple, peas, garlic, olive oil, barbeque sauce, and paprika into the pot. Continue to simmer 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to serve.

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And what better to go with your Argentine stew than a hot Argentinian cowboy hunk? Saddle up and ride!

Monday Moonday!

Yesterday we went to the Opryland Hotel and walked around for a couple of hours. Fabulous place! I'm looking forward to staying there for the RWA Nationals in July. These pictures were taken in the Delta section of the hotel. I'd have taken more, but the batteries in my camera died. If anyone is ever in Nashville and wants to visit, you can park for free in section 6B at the mall and there's a paved path through to the hotel where you can wander around for free. There are some nice shops and restaurants there, not to mention some amazing scenery. We took a boat ride around the Delta waterway for $9 apiece, which was probably worth the price for the information, if nothing else. Beautiful place. Check it out if you get the chance.

We're leaving Nashville for the lake today. No bars, no hunky cowboys, just chillin' with the girls. We'll eat too much, drink too much, lay around like slugs and watch movies all day and into the night.

My kind of vacation. . . .

No internet there, though, so I won't be posting any comments until Thursday night. But you ladies know the drill.

HAVE FUN!!!!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

I hear from Donna that Lisa has the hots for this guy.

Not hard to understand why, is it?

May there be plenty of sun in your Sunday!

And, Donna, I'm sorry but. . . .


GO COLTS!







I'm blogging on Wickedly Romantic today. For more on the Nashville trip, come on over!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

This one just goes to show that a guy can be hot and adorable, even with his pants on.

Enjoy your Saturday!

Nashville News!

Greetings from Music City! The hotel is lovely and the food last night at Demo's was fabulous. We're taking the Nash Trash Bus tour today. Should be a blast from what I hear. Haven't been to the Wildhorse Saloon yet, but I'm sure we'll get there at some point.

We're stocking up on goodies for the Super Bowl party on Sunday and generally having a great time. Just getting out of town for a while is a plus. No telling what mischief we'll get up to over the next couple of days, but I'll try to keep you posted!