Happy fall

 

Today is the first day of autumn, my favorite time of year.

I love the crunch of leaves, the scent of pumpkin spice! How about you? What's your favorite thing about this time of year?

 

1838 Rendezvous site near Riverton, Wyoming

My photos of the 1838 Rendezvous site, near Riverton, Wyoming, where mountain men gathered at the confluence of the Wind River and Popo Agie (now Little Wind) rivers.

The area looks nearly the same as in 1830 and 1838 when Jim Bridger, Kit Carson, and other famous mountain men met for the annual fur trade and to re-supply. Annually, a re-enactment of the 1838 Rendezvous brings attention to the history of the area.

Want to learn more? Go to: https://www.1838rendezvous.com/rendezvous

 

The travel bug

 

Traveling is in my blood.

I moved around a lot as a kid with my family. As an Air Force Spouse, I moved around with my young children to various places, including Japan.

I've also traveled to other places like Hawaii, where my daughter held her wedding. The Caribbean, Samoa, New Zealand, the Philippines, and many places in the United States.

But Wyoming? I've lived here a long time, and I'm still venturing out to new sites. I have a long list of places yet to explore, and each summer, I try to visit somewhere new.

On a trip to Riverton, WY, I stopped by the Wind River Heritage Museum, which features items from trapper Jake Korell. The displays are amazing, and you'll learn plenty of historical information. Below are a few more pictures of the things you'll see there.

What are some of the places you've visited?

“Once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote.” ~ Michael Palin

Doggos rule!

It's difficult to lose a pet.

Emotionally, I find it one of the most stressful events to heal from. After Ewok, our little doggie went over the Rainbow Bridge in December, I swore I could never handle it again.

Seven months later, I'm back to being a dog mama again, and I'm loving it!

Meet Myka (Mike-a), our new Goldendoodle pup! She's 12 weeks old and in only 2 days, she's the star attraction of our home.

My heart is happy.

Do you have a dog/cat? What is your favorite story about them? I'd love to hear it. 

Survival of the fittest

Look what survived the harsh Wyoming winter! This is a Bleeding Heart bush tuber that I planted last spring.

Its sister plant didn't make it, but this one survived. I love gardening, but alas, Wyoming is rough on anything green that tries to grow.

Unless its a weed. Weeds flourish around here, but they're not very pretty in the yard.

While living in Colorado and Utah I had lush gardens full of tomatoes, peas, corn, beans--you name it! 

Many people here in Wyoming use greenhouses to grow gardens, but that's beyond my reach, unfortunately.

That's why when I manage to coax something green out of the ground, I'm a happy clam.

Here's a drawing of what Bleeding Heart looks like when they get larger and begin to bloom. I can't wait for mine to flourish! These flowers are supposedly deer and rabbit resistant, so wish me luck!

 

"In every walk in with nature one receives far more than he seeks." --John Muir

     One of my hobbies besides writing is walking. On this sunny day as I was strolling through my neighborhood, I ran across some sidewalk chalk art. I love finding fun things along my path.

     I decided to share it so hopefully it might brighten your day, too. Enjoy!

Bloody Prairie, a Solstice Publishing title by author Ryan Fleming

 

Hello everyone!

Ryan Fleming, a Solstice Publishing author based in Belton, South Carolina, has stopped by today to talk about his novel, Bloody Prairie. 

Here is Ryan's synopsis:

The Canadian Prairies are a land of endless skies, wild weather extremes, and endemic human trafficking. Saskatchewan high schooler Clint Carpentier takes matters into his own hands when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) drop the ball on investigating the abduction of his native girlfriend. 

A shocking betrayal and bloodbath leaves Clint fleeing to Montreal by way of Toronto with a bloodthirsty pack of traffickers hot on his tail. His ordeal will end the same as it began; in a hail of lead.

This is a neo western thriller that fits squarely with the works of Cormac McCarthy and Elmore Leonard. Horses are replaced with V-8 engines and motorbikes, revolvers and bandoliers with automatic weapons and magazines, but still there are the wide-open spaces, the dust, and the human greed that made—and makes—the west wild.

Ruthie L. Manier gave Bloody Prairie a five-star Amazon review, along with other reviewers. She said the book is action packed, full of gory murders, and love. 

"This is not a genre that I usually read but I was pleasantly surprised with ‘Bloody Prairie.’ Ryan Fleming is a convincing writer who uses a lot of detail describing events and making you feel like your there in the action! I think this book would make a great movie. And the love between Clint and Megan through all they went through was perfect!" 

Click on the links to go to Amazon to purchase a copy, or you can click on the book cover. Happy reading!

Solstice Publishing author, Ryan Fleming