Fourth of July in Wanton, WV

Fireworks, a parade and lots of excitement surrounds the Fourth of July in Wanton, WV. There's even a Dilly-Dunker where it's a tradition for Mayor Harold Benson to get dunked. The townspeople have been trying for years to get the sheriff to volunteer too, but he says, "No way."

Mayor Benson, one of the biggest men in Wanton, smiles broadly as he sits on the little padded seat. People are lined up to get a shot at seeing him fall and hearing the song, "Splish-splash" play each time the target is hit. He's there early to allow the people to have some fun, but he has to leave around lunch time to get ready for the one o'clock parade. Never fear, he'll return to the Dilly-Dunker right after he finishes the parade, kissing some babies, and judging the pie baking contest.   

Aunt Linda always wins the pie baking contest, but no one minds because she makes plenty of extras to sell. Linda leaves McKeel's Bed and Breakfast long enough to watch the parade, win the Blue Ribbon for her apple-rhubarb pie and to take a couple turns at dunking the mayor.

The local gossip is all about Aunt Linda and Mayor Benson. Have they rekindled their the love affair of their youth? You'd think with so much going on in this small town for the 4th of July there wouldn't be time to gossip. 

Hearts on Fire

Love is in the air and in West Virginia the groundhog did not see his shadow, so an early spring is expected. This is good news for James and Carolyn, because they love to walk along the Cheat River and it's been way too muddy. While waiting for the mud to dry up, the couple needs to find another way to entertain themselves.

James and Carolyn (like any new lovers) want to spend some time alone.

Carolyn has never been to an auction. James is very excited. Usually it's her that introduces him to new adventures, this time it will be him. Auctions may not be the best place to buy antiques, but sometimes there comes along a great value and maybe even something hidden within something else. Such as a valuable painting under a cheaper print. Once James' mom had bid pretty high for a frame she wanted and she got the bid. The print was a dark, slightly damaged picture of an old barn with a wagon sitting in front of it. Under that print was a sketch by Grant Wood.

A  very good reproduction of a William and Mary Antique end table was up for auction. It was a very dark wood. It was a little over two foot high by almost the same width. The auctioneer suggested  perhaps it could be used to hold cocktail supplies, in a spare room or even at a summer cabin. William and Mary style furniture was known for the dovetail design and for the lightness to the pieces. With this type of carving and construction the furniture was made in a slimmer, sleeker style than ever before. It started out at twelve.

Carolyn raised her hand. The auctioneer nodded, stated he had twelve and went on with twelve-fifty. The auctioneer continued barking. He yelled fourteen, do I hear fourteen-fifty. The crowd was electric, the auctioneer was excited and James felt a little worried. It was a nice piece of furniture, but it was getting into pretty high numbers. He hadn't known Carolyn that long, but he couldn't see her spending that much on an end table, no matter how nice the piece of furniture appeared to be. He leaned close to her and whispered, "Do you think that table is worth Fifteen Hundred Dollars."

She pulled her arm in close to her body and her voice squeaked, "Fifteen hundred?"

After they left the auction empty handed, James suggested they grab a bite to eat. They entered the little diner, seated themselves and snuggled together in the back booth. The waitress seemed hesitant to interrupt them to ask if they'd like to order something to drink. James never mentioned the auction and neither did Carolyn.

Read more about James and Carolyn in
Stamp Out Murder 

Enter the contest at Facebook

Join me on my Facebook Fan Page 

Snow, Snow Angels and Snowshoe

James had seen snow every winter since he'd been a child, but this year, experiencing it with Carolyn is entirely different. He tasted it, as it fluttered to his tongue. He felt the coldness and he examined each flake that feel into his hands.

Playfully, he pushed Carolyn to the ground and she made snow angels. He laid down beside her and made a big snow angel. He wanted to have a snow ball fight and to build an igloo. Carolyn made him feel like a child again. 

West Virginia has some wonderful spots that have deep snow and giant flakes, if you get a chance to visit here, please share your experiences. Snowshoe Mountain is one of those spots. If you don't get to come here, James and Carolyn still hope you get a chance to play in the snow and they wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. \

What do you like to do for Winter Fun? 

Read more about James and Carolyn and the other wacky characters in Wanton. 

Stamp Out Murder 

Join me on Facebook

Coyote-the Four-legged Kind

Coyotes are very popular wildlife in West Virginia. They are a medium sized animal with large ears. The Eastern Coyote appears to have rounder ears than the Western Coyote possess.

Even though, the coyote looks like a dog, do not approach it. The canine can be as dangerous as many of the other animals found among the wild.

James and Carolyn went on the search of the West Virginia Coyote, because James wanted to take a photograph of one. He used his powerful zoom lens to capture this early morning photo. Often the coyote isn't as handsome as this big boy.




The Coyote below, which James saw from the attic room at McKeel's Bed and Breakfast, was what prompted the hunt.

James didn't want to admit that those glowing eyes were a bit frightening. If these animals were around Washington DC, he had never seen them. Carolyn laughed really hard, when James described the glowing eyes to her.

These coyotes are easier heard than seen, but if you are patient and look closely you will see them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX3cWUG1njg This video by 4jarda.

What do you think of Coyotes? Do you have any photos or coyote stories to share? 

Cher'ley Grogg Author and Friend

This is the new Banner on the fan page of Cher'ley Grogg Author and Friend. Among other things on this page are clips of the lives in Wanton, WV. Do you have a question about Stamp Out Murder? Do you want to know what James and Carolyn are up to or do you want to know how Linda and the Mayor are doing? So many characters, who is your favorite? 

An interview with Author R. G. Yoho

His love of Westerns began with the reading of "Flint," a novel by famed Western author, Louis L'Amour.


"Now, I routinely try to write the kind of books I like to read," he said. "And other people seem to like them, as well."

Let's learn a little about the Author R.G. Yoho.

Photo taken by Cher'ley Grogg at Little Hocking Park.




He was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. While he was still a child, his parents moved the family to a cattle farm in southeastern Ohio. A graduate of Hyles Anderson College, R.G. has been employed in manufacturing for almost thirty years. At the same time, he worked as a freelance writer for years in many fields, such as politics and sports.

In addition, R.G. also hosted a weekly radio talk show for over four years. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, R.G. is also a devoted fan of West Virginia University football and basketball.

Cher'ley: Bob is a very talented writer and he influences  people with his words. Tell us about your book that influenced the memorial at the Little Hocking Park.

Bob:I wrote a book called “Heroes in Our Midst,” which is no longer in print. The book was a series of biographies of World War II vets, most of them from the Mid Ohio Valley. Several of them had a local connection to my current hometown.

I have been told that some of the local women’s groups, inspired by my book, decided to put up a memorial to the veterans. If the story is true, I was flattered to learn that something I wrote was in some small way responsible for honoring those who sacrificially serve us. One of the WWII veterans I wrote about, was certainly well known at Little Hocking, because he played and sang bluegress there, every year for their July Fourth Ice Cream Social.

Cher'ley:  You have a new book out "America's History is His Story".  How long did it take you to write it?

Bob: The book took me about 6-8 months to write.


Cher'ley: As a fellow author, I know there is a lot more involved in writing a book than just the actual writing. In the near future, I'm going to write a blog about the writing process. I imagine there was months, if not years of research and thought that went into this book.

You can find all of R. G. Yoho's novels at Amazon. 

Cher'ley: What's your favorite quote?

Bob: “Whatsoever they hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Eccl. 9:10

Cher'ley: That is a great quote for a writer. We have to use all our might to stay focused and complete our books. 

Cher'ley: Where can you be found this summer?

Bob: I will be continuing to work on my books, in between shifts at my place of employment. In between those things, I will be spending time with my family and two grandchildren.

Cher'ley: I know Bob is planning on attending the West Virginia Writer's Conference, and he's a wonderful supporter of mine, so most often, you can find him at my book signings, and I'm sure he goes to some other author's signings as well, and of course he will have a signing of his own later in the year.

Also look for him on Facebook and Twitter.

Cher'ley:  Do you have a closing statement that you could share with us?

Bob: “America’ History is His Story” is undoubtedly the most painstaking and difficult writing I have ever attempted. However, it is probably the most fulfilling. I just hope that it can transform people’s ideas about our country, at the same time it entertains and enlightens them.

Cher'ley: Thank you, Bob. Feel free to update this in the comments, at any time. Folks, grab a copy of  "America' History is His Story" and check out R. G. Yoho's other books as well.

If you know Bob, leave a comment for him, and if you don't here's a great place to meet him. He's a wonderful man and he adds a lot to our writing community.

Tá gach rud mar is cóir

"Tá gach rud mar is cóir ," Linda greets her guests, as they come down to tables decorated with shamrocks and small white flowers in small crystal vases. 

James nods, and sets down at his regular table close to the antique sideboard. He notices the framed 1912 Irish Postcard displayed on the plate holder sitting by the coffee urn. He smiles, I'll see that later. 

Carolyn whips through the door, with a big smile on her face. She hold the coffee pot up and bows a little at James. "Coffee?" 

"Yes, please." He resists the urge to jump up and wrap his arms around her apron-clad waist. 

"Tá gach rud mar is cóir,"  She smiles. 

"That's great, but I have no idea what you are saying."

"All is as it should be." We love St. Paddy's Day. We're Irish.

"You're right, Miss Irish. Táka gacho  rudo marry is cóoler."

                                                 ***

James is very happy right now. All is as it should be, but soon his vacation must end. He doesn't know what will happen next in his life. 

                                                ***

This week at McKeel's Bed and Breakfast, there will be Celtic Music every evening.

                                                ***

After you read "Stamp Out Murder", I'd like to invite you to help me write the first chapter of the next book. "Canceled Out", as in canceling a stamp. Remember some people will not have read the first novel when they start on the second, so some backstory from "Stamp Out Murder" will need to be included and it will need to also be a stand alone as well as in the series. 

  "Tá súil agam go bhfuil lá breá agat." I'm hoping you have a fine day. 

Photo Wikipedia Commons 

Blurb for Stamp Out Murder

From Washington DC
An amateur stamp collector and antique enthusiast, James Freeman, takes a vacation from his accounting firm to acquire an exquisite French Armoire, that he located on the internet. With his mapquest print-out in hand, he leaves the comforts of the city and heads into the wilderness. 


To the Mountains of West Virginia
He travels to the small town of Wanton, West Virginia, where he ventures down the wrong road, and becomes the prime suspect in the drowning of Sam Austin. The locals believe The Cheat River Ghosts are responsible for this murder and the cold case murders from the past. Nevertheless, the Sheriff, who doesn’t believe in ghosts, is convinced that James came to his town for more than a piece of furniture.


The Cheat River has claimed one life from the McKeel clan for the last three generations. With steadfast determination, James fights with all of his might to break the curse, before the river claims the life of his newly found love, Carolyn McKeel.


To the Hospital
Because of his meddling into the mysteries of Wanton, James wakes up battered, beaten and bruised in the hospital. This warning for him to get out of town only makes him more determined to find out  who is responsible for his injuries, the death of Sam Austin, and the recent shenanigans in Wanton.


To Hard Decisions
James has the life he’s always desired in Washington—A high paying career, a big, antiques-filled house, the freedom to pursue his stamp-collection hobby, and his solitude. Will he give it all up for love and the quirky friendships he makes in Wanton?

Rain, Rain Go Away

April Showers bring May Flowers, but what do June Showers bring?

James and Carolyn love to walk through the woods and spend quiet time together, but the rain is interrupting their rendezvous.  By the time Carolyn has her chores finished the woods are too wet to walk in.

Yesterday, Aunt Linda packed a picnic lunch for them. She had no idea they were going to rent a canoe and paddle down the river. Even after all that's happened, Carolyn doesn't fear the Cheat River. Aunt Linda would be livid if she ever found out. The rain poured down on them and soaked through the picnic basket before they had a chance to eat their fried chicken. The couple's lunch was ruined, but not their spirits. They ate as much of the soggy food as they could and fed the rest to the fish.

On returning to Jessup's Bed and Breakfast,  Carolyn showed James the full rain barrel. She talked him into helping her wash her thick, dark hair, explaining to him that there's nothing that makes the hair shine like rain water.

He reached into the barrel and started splashing the water on her. That was not exactly what she had in mind.


James had better be careful. West Virginia girls like to get even. 

Canceled

You have found a box filled with old postage stamps in your attic. You are not so sure how to identify old postage stamps but you have a gut feeling that you have found your grandfather's old stamp collection that dates back to the 19th century.

Then you become curious and ask “how can find the value of old stamps? When does the cost of old stamps increase?”

Aunt Lavina, the owner of Jessup’s Bed and Breakfast has a trunk filled with old letters and certificates. While James was searching for Civil War Memorabilia he got curious about the value of the old stamps that were on the envelopes.  James followed this link to find out more about identifying stamps. Value of Stamps.

The Two Penny Blue Stamps (1840)

These postage stamps lacked the country's name. One of the earliest stamps made in Britain.These rare British stamps, also known as the Blue Penny postal stamps, were sold for nearly $4 million in 1993.

What other valuable information did James find in the trunk? Read “Stamp Out Murder” to find out.

Canceled

You have found a box filled with old postage stamps in your attic. You are not so sure how to identify old postage stamps but you have a gut feeling that you have found your grandfather's old stamp collection that dates back to the 19th century.

Then you become curious and ask “How can you find the value of old stamps? When does the cost of old stamps increase?”

Aunt Lavina, the owner of Jessup’s Bed and Breakfast has a trunk filled with old letters and certificates. While James was searching for Civil War Memorabilia he got curious about the value of the old stamps that were on the envelopes.  James followed this link to find out more about identifying stamps. Value of Stamps.

The Two Penny Blue Stamps (1840)

These postage stamps lacked the country's name. One of the earliest stamps made in Britain.These rare British stamps, also known as the Blue Penny postal stamps, were sold for nearly $4 million in 1993.

What other valuable information did James find in the trunk? Read “Stamp Out Murder” to find out.