Monday, April 27, 2026

The Dirt Foot Gang


Coming soon: The second book in The Dirt Foot Gang series.


Four boys. Bare feet. Endless curiosity. And one secret code that refuses to stay buried.

When the Dirt Foot Gang discovers mysterious chalk symbols along an abandoned rail spur, they are pulled into a thrilling hunt for a long-lost treasure tied to the hobo trails of the Great Depression. With their loyal dog Angus leading the way, Logan, Pudge, Will, and Cotton follow the clues through hidden caves, haunted forests, roaring fairs, and forgotten lumber camps—only to realize someone else is chasing the same prize.

Packed with heart, humor, friendship, and nonstop adventure, this nostalgic middle-grade mystery celebrates courage, loyalty, and the wild freedom of childhood. Perfect for readers who love classic coming-of-age adventures with a touch of danger and a lot of fun.

 


 

Mallards


Mallard Ducks

These dapper gentlemen are male mallard ducks, showcasing their unmistakable breeding plumage. With their brilliant emerald-green heads, crisp white neck rings, rich chestnut-colored breasts, and elegant gray-and-brown bodies, they’re among the most handsome waterfowl ... in my opinion. Whether gliding across a pond or preening in the sunlight, mallards never fail to brighten the day. 




Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Happy Spring

As of March 20th, it's spring!

I hope everyone had a beautiful Easter, filled with time, laughter, and love shared with family and friends. My grandchildren are all grown, but I remember the excitement of watching the littles color eggs and then scramble to find the hidden ones.

Between the excitement of Artemis II preparing to take us a little farther into the unknown, and the ever-looming tax deadline tomorrow, life feels like it’s balancing wonder and responsibility in equal measure.

Meanwhile, spring is quietly working its magic—flowers blooming, trees budding, birds singing, the world softening and waking up again. Of course, if you are a birder like me, this is the time to get outside to find and identify new birds migrating through the area. This is my favorite time of the year. It’s hard not to feel a sense of renewal in the air.

And since it’s National Letter Writing Month, maybe this is the perfect time to slow down and put pen to paper. Send a note, tell a story, or say something you’ve been meaning to say.

Here’s to new beginnings, small moments, and the stories waiting to be written. 

 


Friday, April 10, 2026

Weekend Roundup - O

This week's assignment: Starts with O, Favorite, and Over.


Starts with O: This OWL let me get close enough to take this pic. He didn't fly, just stared.




Favorite: It isn't a horse, but I do enjoy the beach. This is near Destin.


Over: The train bridge is OVER the Illinois River near Chillicothe.




Linking to Weekend Roundup


Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Weekend Roundup - H


 This week's assignment: Starts with H, Favorite, and Hope.


Starts with H: Feels like a HERON kind of day and HERON does start with H. This is a Great Blue Heron hanging out at the beach in Florida.


Favorite: My favorite kind of HERON is the Green HERON. 


Hope: And this Great Blue HERON is strolling along the edge of the pond in HOPES of catching a fish.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Linking to Weekend Roundup

Friday, February 13, 2026

Weekend Roundup - G

 This week's assignment: Starts with G, Favorite, and Giant.


Starts with G: GATE starts with G. This one belonged to the late great Dallas Cowboy, Walt GARRISON.


Favorite: Critters are always a favorite. In this case it’s a mama GOAT and her babies.


Giant: Dignity outside of Chamberlain, South Dakota is a GIANT.


Linking to Weekend Roundup

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Weekend Roundup - F

 This week's assignment: Starts with F, Favorite, and Flight.

Starts with F: FOG begins with F. Took this two years ago from the front door of our house in Oklahoma. 


Favorite: Of course I had to find a FOAL.


Flight: An osprey with a FISH.


Have a wonderful weekend!!

Linking to Weekend Roundup