I started this blog on August 21, 2012, with the release of my first book, Titan Encounter. Since that time, I’ve updated the website several times and I’m gradually updating the blog format and bringing it into this new journal. Back then, the sole purpose of the blog was to promote my books, but it gradually expanded to new topics. Sometimes I’ve mused about other things that are important to me, such as my family, my farm, rural life, and occasionally about politics and the country. However, I do try to limit politics.
If it weren’t for all the trees, I could probably see the peak from my house. On clear days, I do see it as I drive into town. Those of you who are old enough probably remember the eruption of Mount Saint Helens, forty-six years ago this week. I certainly do. I had just completed four years in the Navy and returned home with my British wife, Lorraine, and infant son. I rented a house in town and got a job.
Read MoreThe days are getting longer now, but it seems to me that this is the coldest time of the year in the northwest. While it doesn’t always snow in western Washington State it has this year and that brings more wildlife to the house and barnyard area.
Read MoreI guess I’m just old-fashioned.
In an age where saying “Merry Christmas” is considered a political act, and Christmas for many is just the holiday after Black Friday, I still enjoy this time with my family, a real Christmas tree and candlelight in church and home.
Read MoreI confirmed my position on the farm pecking order one morning a couple of years ago.
For my city readers, pecking order refers to birds, often chickens. They establish their rank in the flock by pecking on another bird, lower in the social order without fear of retaliation. The pecking order rank establishes who is boss and who gets what food and when.
Read MoreI’m reading Stephen King’s book, On Writing, and came across a passage that I shared with my wife.
“If she (King’s wife Tabitha) had suggested that the time I spent writing stories … was wasted time, I think a lot of the heart would have gone out of me. Tabby never voiced a single doubt, however.
Read MoreLiving close to nature means that there are annual chores that must be performed.
On a sunny day last week, I took some time off from writing and prepared the farm for winter. I opened the one beehive we have this year and made sure the colony was healthy. The workers had sealed every crevice and joint with propolis, a good sign. I added a special insulation box to the top and slid in a bottom board. Winter is a hard time for bees, but the colony is now as ready as it can be.
Read MoreMy Local bookstore now carries Through Many Fires!
You can now find my latest novel, Through Many Fires, at Book N Brush, on Market Boulevard in Chehalis.
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