Scampers and Capers

Fall in WV is always beautiful. The squirrel's scamper blithely from tree to tree. Carolyn points out a hidden one to James. He captured this picture. Can you find the squirrel in the photo? He,  along with his squirrel friends, seem to be enjoying the weather in Wanton. They are busy gathering for the winter, but they take time to play.

Carolyn decides to play too. She gleefully pushes James down the hillside into a pile of leaves. He catches himself on a nearby, young sapling. He recoups quickly and rushes back up the hillside. Revenge is on his mind. He laughs heartily and pastes a big grin on his face. He doesn’t want to give away his strategy. Well, if he had any. He laughs again, all the while edging closer. He reaches out, grabs her and kisses her.

Her heart beats faster, and she returns his kisses.

Then…

He pushes her down the hillside. A little too hard, she stumbles and crashes into a big tree. Her nose starts to bleed.

James runs to her side, but she threatens him away. He reaches out, and she hits his hand.

“I’m so sorry. Oh baby, I’m so sorry. I did’nt mean to hurt you. He pulls out his handkerchief, (his mom taught him, always keep a clean hankie).  

She grabs it and hisses, “You’re ssso gonna pay.”

He laughs. “Okay, but let’s get you to the house for now."

They walk up the hill, arm in arm. 

Maybe this stamp will make it into the next book in the series. Cancel Out MurderDo you know who is on this stamp? This stamp is printed in 1940. 

Fourth of July 2014

Fourth of July 2014 was almost the same as 2013, except James and Carolyn are even more in love.

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. 

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When Will James Arrive?

Mid January brings James closer to a heavy work schedule. The weather in Wanton, WV is unpredictable this time of year, but it's worth the risk to see Carolyn.

Carolyn excitedly awaits James' arrival. She tunes the Antique Philco Model 90  radio to the news station. She runs her hand over the smooth wood, and puts her ear close to the cloth covered speaker. The tone is a little scratchy, but not too much. The veneer is the light and dark wood shades that made up so much of the furniture in the 1930's. The Cathedral design gave it a bit of a regal look. Carolyn worried over James' unfamiliarity with the winding, switchback roads, that were so much a part of her life.

"Carolyn, get your ear away from that radio and make yourself useful. There's work that needs to be done. Your Uncle bought over a fresh load of wood and Pedro has stack it on the far side of the porch, but you need to bring some into the sitting room. Then we need to get the potato salad ready. There's no rest for the wicked is what I've ever heard, and I reckon I must be mighty wicked." Aunt Linda smiled slightly. "I know you're not wicked, but you can't lollygag until the work is done."


"Yes, Aunt Linda." Carolyn turned up the volume of the old fashioned white radio. "I'm worried about Jim."

"No sense fretting. He'll be here soon enough."

Carolyn rushed out to get the wood. 

A Very Wanton Christmas

Carolyn pulled James out the front door of McKeels Bed and Breakfast. Her gleeful laugh bought mirth to James heart, but he wished she would have given him time to put the toboggan cap on his head. He had never worn a stocking on his head before, but it was an early Christmas gift from Carolyn, and he had also been blessed with a matching scarf and mittens.  Homemade gifts had never been part of his family’s Christmas traditions. 

She dropped onto her back, right there in the front yard. Before his eyes, she started moving her arms and legs up and down as if she were doing jumping jacks on her back. After a couple of seconds he could see that she wasn’t having a medical episode and he reached down to help her up.

“A snow angel.” She flipped her hand over and pointed it toward the impression on the ground. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

“She is.” His dimples deepened as he gazed at her chilled face. He loved the rosy cheeks and red nose caused by the cold air.

“You make one.” She tried to pull him to the ground.

“No way. One angel is plenty.” He hugged her close. “Do you always get this much snow?”

“We do and more.”

“More?”

The scene looked like a Currier and Ives painting. A young couple standing in front of a Victorian-style house with a nice-sized, fully decorated Pine tree out front. The snow broken only by the couple, the snow angel and the red berries of a Holly bush. A red cardinal flew overhead and landed in the Evergreen tree. All the scene needed was a globe overtop.

Wanton, West Virginia is beautiful and serene on the surface, but along with the magnificentness rages discord and ugliness. You will see the full range of ups and downs in the novel “Stamp Out Murder” and coming next year “Cancel Out Murder”.

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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 

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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 

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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? 

Import Page Element

Import Page Element:

'via Blog this'

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Carolyn talked James into going to the "Strawberry Patch" with her. She promised him a fresh strawberry pie, if he picked enough strawberries. Linda baked the best Strawberry Pies in 3 counties, and she had the first place ribbons to prove it. Carolyn had helped her for years, but this year she wanted  to bake the pies herself. 

James followed Carolyn through the kitchen and into the huge walk-in pantry. She swished her long dark hair over her shoulder, and bent down to pull two pails from under the bottom shelf.

"Here, if we fill these, we will be able to make several pies." 

James absently grabbed the pail. He was fascinated with the organization that had gone into this pantry. He'd never seen anything like it. Giant cans of tomato paste nestled close to giant jars of peppers, which nestled close to giant cans of green beans. There were all varieties of vegetables, sugar, oils, shells of various kinds and pastas. This only touched the sundry of items that sat on the long shelves. 

"Jim?"

"Sorry, this all just fascinates me." He waved his hand in a slow circle.  "Ready?"

The "Strawberry Patch" wasn't far away. There was a small embankment beside the barn and it was covered in strawberries at various degrees of ripeness. Before long the young couple had filled their pails.

This is how Carolyn prepared the delicious, fresh, strawberry pie for James and for the other guests.


Ingredients 

2 (8inch) pie shells, baked or graham cracker crust
2 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar or sugar substitute
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 cup boiling water
1 package strawberry flavored gelatin


Directions

1. In a saucepan, mix the sugar and corn starch. Blend corn starch completely. Add boiling water, and cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add gelatin, stir until smooth. Let mixture cool to room temperature. 
2. Place strawberries in pie shells, berries pointed up. Pour cooled gel mixture over strawberries. 
3. Refrigerate until set. Serve with whipped cream.

If you love this recipe let us know, here at "Stamp Out Murder". We love comments, followers and friends. 

West Virginia Double Rainbow

A Beautiful West Virginia Double Rainbow, peaks over the top of the trees. James is glad that the rain has finally let up. He wants to walk along the Cheat River with Carolyn. The Falls thunder behind McKeel's Bed and Breakfast. 

Carolyn is in the kitchen helping Aunt Linda prepare her "World Famous Chicken Enchiladas". They are delicious and creamy. A great hit with everyone who tastes them. For the recipe check out a blog about "Stamp Out Murder" and the folks associated with it on Karen Docter's blog tomorrow.  http://www.karendocter.com/blog/ Stop by and offer your support. 

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?

Unusual plaid sky

IMG_0446, a photo by cherleygrogg on Flickr.

James and Carolyn had never seen such a sky. They took a lot of photos. Something else new in their lives.

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. 

Wanton's Folklore an excerpt from Stamp Out Murder

James and some of the other guests were gathered on the balcony listening to some guitar pickin' when this giant of a man (Aunt Linda's brother) Lionel started walking around until he had everyone's attention and then he started telling a tale that ne'er no one would believe. It went like this: 

Black Bartimore was an evil, surly buccaneer who murdered his wife and children and went to sea with a band of pirates as nasty as he. He roamed the Atlantic coast, murdering and pillaging and laying waste to the countryside as he passed. Soon Black Bartimor had a ship loaded with treasure; five hundred chests had he full of gold and jewels and goblets and mighty swords.

A thick fog lay over the bay as the ship approached, and the treacherous  tide soon took hold of the evil man's ship. He'd already kilt all his crew, so he had no help. The crashing, churning waters whirled and whirled until somehow, by magic, I suppose...by evilness, perhaps,  his ship came crashing down in the Cheat River.

Yes, the very Cheat River that runs right behind here. Just up yonder a ways. His ship, his crew and all his plunder landed. He had slit each man's throat, but he hadn't had a chance to throw them in the ocean, so when his ship got threw into West Virginia's raging waters, he had to dispose of the rotting bodies, and when he thought himself safe, he commenced to throwing bodies overboard and he didn't see the "Falls". They come up on him fast, and before he could abandon ship, he plunged headfirst and crashed on the rocks. His ship came crashing down on top of him and splintered into a thousand pieces. Some pieces big, some pieces small and the and Black Bartimore's treasures came to rest in that river, unless they hitched a ride on the ship parts and traveled on down the river.

Yet today, folks are afindin' human bones and if'n you do, you will have great luck if'n you lay that bit of the murdered pirate to rest. So as quick as you can dig a hole with whatever you can find and bury that bone, if'n you ignore it surely bad luck will follow you.

On the other hand, it's said, and I know  it's true,  every time folk hunt for his treasures, the water churns and churns and they hear a sound likin' to a raging bull. Black Bartimore rises from the river and chases them with a his cutlass. Now if you've come to Wanton to hunt for Black Bartimore's treasure, you may think twice because...sometimes he catches the folks that he's achasing.


Sources:

Black Bartimore (adapted and retold by Cher'ley Grogg from A Folklore of Black Bartelmy's Ghost)

Photo by mayakamina

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.