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.