Where Romance and Suspense Collide

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Sock Munkee’s Christmas Countdown Day 5

Sock Munkee picking his Christmas treeSock Munkee Picks a

Christmas Tree

Hey, welcome back everyone. Today was so exciting!

It wasn’t easy. We had to go to two different tree farms to find the perfect tree. Let me tell you, those farms are not little. I had to go all over both of IMG_0237them until I found it. Then I had to chop it down. It took FOREVER with my tiny little hatchet, but I was determined to do it myself. Mom offered to help, really, but I was adamant. I have to admit, it was kind of exciting to yell, ‘Timber!” when I took the last swing. After it fell, I had to drag it out to mom’s car and we tied it to the top of the car.

Before we left I couldn’t resist a patch of snow I found. IMG_20151204_063838I mean, I was so hot from all that work chopping and dragging. Mom didn’t want me to get all wet since I didn’t have a coat on, but I just had to do it. I rushed over, fell backward into the snow and made a Sock Munkee snow angel. When was the last time you made a snow angel? We don’t always get a lot of snow here, so I had to take advantage of it. What do you think of it?

So, after mom tsked several times, we climbed in the car and headed home. I was worried something would happen to the tree, but mom promised me it would be okay. I was very happy to find that she was right when we pulled in the driveway.

I couldn’t wait to get the tree inside and start decorating. Mom popped that balloon fast. Once we got the tree in the stand and watered it, she said we had to let it ‘settle’ over night. I guess the branches need time to warm up and relax a little after being out in the cold so long. All I know is I had to wait another night to get my Chrismas tree decorated. At this rate, I might not have it ready in time for Santa to put any presents under.

Okay, okay, I know I’m whining. I just love decorating for Christmas.

Do you like decorating for Christmas?

I’ll get back to you later.

SMJ

Day 4 of the SMJ Christmas Countdown!

Decorating the Office for Christmas Countdown!

Granny and Sock having cocoa and coffeeOkay, I promised you pictures of Lil Sock and I decorating Sandra’s office. Well, things didn’t turn out quite as well as we’d hoped, which is why I didn’t get back to you as planned. Plus, Sandra and I had to take Granny for coffee and shopping. This is Granny with me at Dazbog. They have really good hot cocoa there. Sandra and I had peppermint in ours. GranSocks and Christmas lightsny had a latte of some kind. I get too confused with the fancy coffee names so I can’t tell you what kind of latte. Back to decorating.

As you can see here, Lil Sock enlisted the help of another Christmas Sock Monkey who lives in Sandra’s office. I think the idea was to untangle the lights, but instead they tangled them around each other. I have to tell you, it is really hard keeping these two on task. They got really excited at one point and just had on GREEN Christmas lights. Of course, someone chose that moment to take my picture. I look like some crazy space alien or something. I don’t think green is my best color. It’s cool for Kermit the Frog, but not so much for Sock Monkeys.IMG_20151204_064136

Believe it or not, we Sock Munkee with Christmas Decorations on deskclimb all over the bulletin boards and monitor hanging lights, they decided it was cool to be in the office. They even made me clip them to the monitor so they could hang around like a couple of ‘real’ monkeys. As you can see, some of the issues with decorating were because Sandra has such a messy office. I think Santa should bring her a professional organizer for Christmas. She needs one.Christmas tree in office

There was one thing still missing from the office. You guessed it. A Christmas tree. Granny is really getting up there and didn’t want to put one up this year. I don’t know why. The one she had you don’t even put together, just pull it out of the bag. It’s even got the lights permanently attached. Sheesh! But, it worked out for us because she let us have it for Sandra’s office. It fit perfectly next to the printer. That way she doesn’t have any excuse about not working. It isn’t ON her computer or the printer. She has several projects in the works so I can’t cut her any slack. If she want’s Christmas day off, she needs to get busy! A Munkee can only do so much.

The really great news is we got the technical difficulties at my house fixed. That means the next post will be about more of my holiday activities.

What kind of holiday activities are you up to? Have you decorated yet or do you wait until closer to Christmas? Inquiring Sock Munkees want to know!

Until next time, this is SMJ signing off.

Day 3 of Christmas Fun with SMJ!

Ready for more of SMJ’s Christmas Countdown?

Christmas Lights and a Sock MonkeyWe’re ready to do some work with the lights. Yes!

As you can see here, Lil Sock really likes bright shiny things. It took a while to dig him out of that bowl of bulbs. Do you remember the episode of The Big Bang Theory with Sheldon in the ball pit? You know, the one titled, The Einstein Approximation. Leonard tried to talk Sheldon into getting out of the pit so the security man could lock up, but Sheldon kept diving under the balls. then Leonard had to dive in and try to find him. Bazinga! That was me with Lil Sock in this big bowl of bulbs. This little guy is fast! I did finally get him out, but it was a chore.

Christmas cocoa mugs and 2 Sock Monkeys

Of course, afterward he wanted a treat because he was hungry, thirsty, and tired from playing. he ran over to the tray Sandra had set up with mugs. He thought the Sock Monkey figure holding a picture frame would help him argue his case. I guess he doesn’t quite have a grasp on real and play figurines. I know what you’re thinking. We’re monkeys made out of socks, we’re not real. Don’t get me started. Have you had the adventures I’ve had? Just check out my uncle Sock’s journey and my adventures ever since. Then we’ll see who’s real and who’s pretend.

Sock in Christmas Tree with the Browns Santa

Back to hanging lights. I gave up on the battle with my cousin and Sandra made us some hot cocoa. After we finished, I thought he would get back to work. No such luck. He ran to the tree and climbed up to the branch where the Brown’s Santa (that’s Sandra’s hubby’s favorite ornament) is lounging in a chair. I know, I know. Santa is supposed to be getting things ready for his big night of special deliveries. Calm down. It’s okay. He just took a few days to soak up some vitamin D and rest. He said the elves at the North Pole have been running him ragged.

You’re probably thinking, that’s not Santa. Santa is bigger and he always wears red. Take a minute and think about it. He’s trying to get some rest. If he went on vacation as he normally looks, kids would be lining up to talk to him everywhere he went. He wouldn’t get any rest. So, he used some of his magic Christmas snow from the North Pole and temporarily shrank himself and his beach attire. I promise, he’ll be back to regular size come Christmas Eve. Unlike Lil Sock, Santa takes his job VERY seriously.Lil Sock with a Christmas Sock Monkey

I guess Sandra finally put her foot down, because the next thing I saw was Lil Sock zinging around the tree moving the lights and hanging all his favorite ornaments. Of course, one of his Christmas Sock Monkeys visited with him. That’s Orna Sock Monkey with him in the picture. Some of his other ornaments are in the picture, too. Up at the top you’ll see a stick horse. Sandra’s mother-in-law made that a long time ago. Lil Sock really likes to ride it around the house during the holidays. He’s always tripping someone up when he does. Then there’s the little teddy bear ornament behind him. He likeIMG_20151116_094938s to use that one as a pillow for naps after all the hard work of decorating.

I did finally manage to get a couple of things done at my house. This first picture is black and white because I thought it made the cat’s eyes look like Christmas lights. I can’t remember which cat it was as we have four running around and two of them look almost identical. This is one of the twins as I call them. IMG_20151116_094218

This second pic gives you a better view of my tree. Isn’t it pretty? This is me hanging the first ornaments. You have to look close to see what they are. Yep, you guessed it, they’re shoes. These shoes are part of the cover for Sandra’s next release, Mastering the Brides.

As you can see we were quite busy yesterday. Lil Sock was busy being silly and I was busy running around after him trying to get him to help with the decorating. These crazy kids can wear a monkey out. Then again, they make all the holiday preparations that much more fun. I mean, who can’t laugh when they see a sock monkey next to Santa in a Brown’s shirt on a lounge chair. Am I right?

A little later today I’ll post our adventure of decorating Sandra’s office. This should be a blast.
So, what’s YOUR favorite Christmas ornament? Is there a story behind it? Tell me. I love Christmas stories.

Oh, and if you hurry, you can be the first one to pre-order the new Masters Men series novella, Mastering the Brides. It comes out the day after Christmas! Hurry, it’s available for pre-order on Smashwords right now. I’ll try and see if I can get more links later.

SMJ

 

Day 2 of 25 Days of Christmas Fun!

Welcome back to SMJ’s 25 day Christmas Countdown!

Okay, IMG_20151110_021056so I’m taking a break with some more hot cocoa because of technical difficulties at my mom’s getting things going. I know, it was a little misleading yesterday with me talking about Sandra going away for Thanksgiving. Sorry about that. I’m getting confused about where I am at any given time right now. Anyway, my cousin, Lil Sock sent me some pictures of him decorating Sandra’s house, so I thought I would share those with you. Fair warning though, he gets a little crazy sometimes.IMG_0968

Here’s Lil Sock taking a break after setting up the village in Sandra’s front window. If you look closely you you can see the lady from the quilt shop he’s sitting next to is handing out cookies. I wouldn’t put it past him to try and snatch one. Lil Sock has a real sweet tooth.

After theLSandSanta village (and his pilfered treat) he moved onto the step-case. I’ll admit, I’m a little jealous of this one. He got to ride in a big sled AND visit Santa’s workshop AND Santa. I want to meet the big guy too.  I may be older than Lil Sock, but I still believe in Santa. Don’t you? You better or you’ll get coal in your stocking. I don’t know about you, but I do not want coal. Hmm, I guess I better put visit Santa on my list so my mom doesn’t forget to take me.

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I’m sure Lil Sock drove Sandra crazy while she was decorating. Check out this picture and you’ll understand why. See the gingerbread men ornament? Look closely. Yep, that’s Lil Sock monkeying around. The kid never takes anything seriously. I guess I can understand, though. It is Christmas time and it’s so much fun playing with all the different decorations!

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Since it’s been pretty cold here in Colorado, Sandra hasn’t wanted to go out and play much. Actually, there’s not a lot of snow to play in anyway. That didn’t stop Sock. He still found a way to play with snowmen, snow-women, and snow kids! Leave it to my little cousin to know how to make a cold day fun. This kid rarely stops.

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Case in point, look to the right. If you look at the right hand side of the picture, behind the reindeer, you’ll see a stocking on the floor. Yep, that’s right. Lil Sock was supposed to be hanging the stockings, but he got distracted by the reindeer’s bells. That’s his story anyway. Oh, and there’s another reindeer (who’s not in this pic) that sings “Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer,” so, they were probably all having a grand time dancing and singing.

Well, folks, I’ve got to take a break and get some lunch. Just looking at Lil Sock’s pictures wears me out. Kids have all the energy. Sheesh, wish I was young enough to take a nap and not get teased. Oh well, I guess we all have to grow up a little, but never so much we stop believing. Right?

Later, we’ll join Lil Sock as he decorates the tree. I can see it now. Lights tangled, decorations every which way. But hey, he’s having fun.

Do YOU still believe in Santa? What do you want him to bring you for Christmas this year? Leave a comment below and tell me. I’ll send a special note to Santa to remind him for you.

SMJ

Sandra S. Kerns’ Blog – New Release!

Well, it’s finally here – RELEASE DAY!!!! Yay! Yippee!! Woohoo!!!

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I know, you think I’m totally insane, but you have no idea how long I’ve waited for Sam and Rina to be available. But, Sam Callaghan slipped into town last night and is now available at your favorite online retailers. He will soon  be available in Paperback as well. There is a little teaser about this book – Callaghan’s Conundrum below.

First I want to let you know I may not be posting much this week as I am getting ready to go to the Crested Butte Writer’s Conference. My critique partner, Annette Elton and I are speaking at the conference, too. My mind is a bit full between tweaking the presentation and getting Callaghan out. Oh, I promise to post and let you know how Rehabilitating the Lion does in the Sandy contest at the conference. Cross your fingers for me. Theo is one hero I can’t wait to get out to you, but I will to make sure his story is as good as it can be for my favorite readers!

Here’s the promised teaser for Callaghan’s Conundrum. If you want to read more the purchase links are below, too.

3rd Installment in the Colorado Skies Series –Available Now!

The third book in the Colorado Dreams series, Romance and Suspense truly do collide when another Pinecrest, Colorado detective comes face to face with his past. Connor from Dream Stalker lends a hand with some research and moral support. Still, it’s a bumpy ride through Pinecrest and the foothills as Sam tries to make peace with the pain our heroine caused him.

~~~~~

Pinecrest, Colorado Detective Sam Callaghandoesn’t know it, but he’s walking into the weekend from hell. The sniper he stops while running an errand turns out to be the upside of the long Memorial weekend he faces. His past and present collide in a gut-wrenching crash when the only person injured by the sniper, turns out to be the last person he ever expected to see again. Even worse is the battle raging inside him; having despised her for so long, how can he still want her?

Nine years after Pinecrest’s princess on the hill, Katrina Stokes left without a trace; she’s back. Unable to deny a request from her estranged mother, she takes a chance to meet with her and explain why she disappeared. But the reunion is not to be. Instead, a sniper’s bullet finds Rina as she dives to rescue a child. Seeing Sam take out the sniper, Rina knows she has to disappear again before he or anyone else recognizes her. His life and that of their son depend on it.

   Smashwords       

Sandra S. Kerns’ Blog – Sock Munkee makes it to CO!

Sock Munkee had a busy day back in NY with his girls. He may be a traveler, but there’s nothing he likes more than hugs from his two favorite girls, J & L. I’m sorry, but with his popularity growing I just can’t reveal their real names. He doesn’t want his family impacted by all the notoriety.  (Yes, he did say that with sarcastically. He is really quite modest.)

Anyway, back to the trip to CO. After an amazingly restful night at the hotel they got on the road again pretty early. Though he made sure everyone who wanted it got some breakfast, they didn’t do any lollygagging. He didn’t even stop for coffee, just grabbed one of the free cups in the hotel lobby and they were off!

The drive was extremely windy. Diz and Bit kept meowing from the back that the car was going to blow off the road. That, of course, put the mingos in a tizzy and pink feathers were flying everywhere. Forget the wind outside the car, Sock was having a hard time seeing through the constant barrage of feathers. Eventually, using his amazing talent for calming creatures, everyone settled down and the mingos even took a nap.  With quiet, other than his oldies playing on the tape-deck, the morning flew by and before Dizzy could blink they were pulling into McDonald’s for lunch.

Nothing hits the spot like a Mickey D’s burger and fries when you are on the road. And the soda perked me right up!

 

Sock likes to take the girls to McDonald’s once in a while for a special treat. That was the only hard part of stopping there on the trip. It made him miss his girls. But, he promised them he would help their aunt with her move to Colorado, so he persevered.

Mingos on road trip

Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall off the bench. Now, smile!

After lunch they went outside to stretch their legs a little. Of course the mingos had to have their picture taken again.

Once Sock managed to get everyone back in the car, he kept up a tough pace. See, he loves all these critters, but being in a car with them all day was starting to get to him. And of course, at the next hotel, Bit managed to get under the bed to hide again; Diz tried to pull a Houdini but was grabbed just in the nick of time; and the mingos drove everyone nuts preening in front of the mirror over the dresser. The morning couldn’t come soon enough for Sock Munkee.

SM on Road Trip

No, we are NOT stopping for the bathroom again. We’re only 10 minutes away!

On the third day he was determined to reach their destination. Stops were few and far between. The wind hadn’t let up much. Thankfully, his crew figured out he was having to concentrate to keep the car on the road and they didn’t whine too much.

Finally, they pulled into Northern Colorado.  My son met them at the house to let them in (I had to work). By the time I got home everyone was relaxing in the backroom watching TV. Okay, not everyone. Sock was sitting in our front room by himself. I think he wanted some quiet time after listening to the kitties screaming to get out of the car. Of course, once they were out of the car, they started screaming about being in a house with a dog. Sheba was very gracious though, and didn’t even bark at them.

They made it to CO, but that’s not the end of the story. Sock Munkee’s girls were worried their grandma would miss them too much over the holidays, so they wanted him to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas out here. Tomorrow we’ll give you a peek at a rather piggy Sock Munkee.

 

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