#Thursday13 - Autumn Date Ideas

I love FALL.  Everything about the season is wonderful! Acorn squash smothered with butter and brown sugar cooks in the stove while a hot apple pie cools. Burning leaves and then enjoying a glass of wine with friends. Here are a few ideas for you and your honey to have some time to yourselves.

1. Visit a local orchard or pumpkin patch.

2. Go apple picking then make caramel apples.

3. Bake an apple or pumpkin pie together then eat it before it gets cold. Have fun with the left over whipping cream. Enjoy a glass of local wine or brew.

4. Find your inner child and go on a corn maze and hayride. Rake leaves into a pile and jump in!

5. Make Apple Cider Floats and snuggle in front of a fire.

Apple Cider Float

1 cup of real apple cider

½ cup ginger ale

1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream or a seasonal flavor such as cinnamon or apple pie

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg for sprinkling

1-2 TBSP caramel sauce

Pour apple cider and ginger ale into a glass. Add vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle on nutmeg and cinnamon to taste and drizzle caramel sauce on top. Serve with straw and spoon.

 

6. If you are in a warmer climate, take your lap top and a bowl of popcorn to the backyard and watch a movie.

7. Have a thermos picnic at the park. Pack soup and hot cocoa.

8. Go on a Fall Foliage Drive. Pick up some pumpkin spice coffee and enjoy the ride.

9. Visit a local book store. Many offer special autumn displays and events.

10. Hop in the car and go for a drive to find a coffee shop or a local pub to visit.

11. Go on a Sunset Date. Grab a thermos of cocoa and a blanket then head off to a park to watch the sunset. If a park isn't in the cards, simply step onto your porch or back deck.  Weather permitting, do some star gazing too. Super romantic!

12. Have a “Power Outage” Date. Turn all the lights off, light some candles and have some fun.

13. Try a Spa Night. Take a bath together, give each other massages and put on your comfy-cozies.

What word do you use to describe this season? Autumn or Fall?

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Thursday 13 - Ode to Baseball

Baseball...a game to love as a player and a fan.

I live in Michigan and I'm a Tiger's fan who has never been to a live game in Detroit.

Hey... I'd rather watch them on TV. Don't hate me for it.

Friends, Nick & Carol are HUGE Cubs fans. I love how they "go all out" for their team.

Our Police Chief played pro ball "back in the day" and is my son's pitching coach.
The stories he tells could be in Pippa Grant's books.

My middle son has played baseball when he was in school and my youngest since he was a wee one, travel teams and all. 2020 was the year of no baseball for him. I miss the games, the crowds, Twizzlers.

Hats off to the players and teams who are struggling through this messed up season.

 Inspired by those who love the game, today's list is dedicated to all those hard working ball players and those who love to watch them. 

I've taken liberty to borrow some phrases from Ernie Harwell's Definition of Baseball.

1. 

Photo M. Quast

Baseball is the tossing out the first ball of the season.

2. 

Baseball is a scrubby school boy playing catch with his dad on a Mississippi farm.

3.

Photo M. Quast

So is the scout reporting on a sixteen year old pitcher in Cheyenne.

4.

Baseball is a spirited race of man against man, reflex against reflex.

5.

 A game of inches. Every skill is measured. Every heroic, every failing is seen and cheered, or booed. And then becomes a statistic.

6.

Baseball is a rookie.

 His experience no bigger than the lump in his throat as he begins fulfillment of his dream.

7.

(Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

It a veteran too, a tired old man of thirty-five hoping that those aching muscles can pull him through another sweltering August and September. 

8. 

Nicknames are baseball, names like Zeke and Pie and Kiki and Home Run and Cracker and Dizzy and Dazzy. 

9.

 Baseball is the cool, clear eyes...and the flashing spikes.

10.  

Baseball is just a game, as simple as a ball and bat, yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes.

11.

 GETTY IMAGES

 A sport, a business and sometimes almost even a religion.

12. 

Photo M. Quast

Baseball is a tongue tied kid from Georgia.

13. 

Still a game for America, this baseball! 

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Listen to Ernie Harwell's "Definition of Baseball", as recited at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

#Thursday13- Rewards of Romance

1. We all know romance is an important element in a relationship.
2. 
   
   
3. Here are some key rewards of being romantic
4. 1. Adds spice, sparkle and zest to our lives
5. 2. Hugs, kisses, caressing
   3. Makes us feel sexy and attractive
   4. Helps love grow
   5. Helps a couple feel closer
   6. Provides intimacy
   7. Keeps things fresh
   8. Makes daily routines bearable
   9. Brings fun and joy into a relationship
   10. Provides an atmosphere of mutual support
   11. Let’s a couple hear the little things that are important
   12. Makes us feel special and valued
   13. Reminds us how lucky we are to be sharing life and love together
   
   
6. 
   
7. 
   

#Thursday13 – Picnics, Picnics, Everywhere

A picnic can be a romantic event.

 I remember one time Dearest Hubby and I took two of our boys (when they were very small) to a beach along Lake Michigan. We packed a yummy picnic including juice boxes for the boys and a bottle of wine for us. We sat back, sipped our wine while holding hands while watching our little ones play.

One summer was very hot and we were limited on time due to a busy schedule. We often held a picnic under a tree in our yard, in the garden (where we often ate fresh picked veggies) or on the deck with hubby grilling.

While traveling we had a long layover at Chicago Midway. We spread a blanket under some potted trees. The youngest took a nap, while hubby & I played a game with another son. Nothing is sexier than a man being a good dad.

It is up to you and your honey, but even with the rug-rats around, it is possible to capture a few romantic moments.

Here is my list of places for a picnic.

1. On the beach

2. In a park

3. In the garden

4. On the deck

5. At the zoo

6. On a riverbank

7. In a city plaza

8. Under the stars

9. At an outdoor concert

10. In a public garden

11. On the porch

12. On a tailgate (maybe even at a sporting event)

13. In a pasture (but be aware: cows are very curious)

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Reasons to Read Eagle Dance

Today's Thursday 13 is 

a list of tempting teases to inspire you to read Eagle Dance

1. The sex is incredibly hot!

2. Dyami Schafer is sexy as hell.

3. Dyami is a Native American Eagle Shifter

4. He’s an ex-marine who’s now a Conservation Officer in Michigan and main job is catching poachers.

5. Despite being 6’7" he loves to dance.

6. He has a soft spot in his heart for rescued animals.  What a guy!

7. Amanda Collins is a tall natural beauty, an artist and very down to earth with a great sense of humor.

8. Amada’s memories help Dyami regain some of his own memories that were taken away from him by tribal elders.

9. The spirit of the eagle claims Amanda as a mate.

10. Pizza and wine with dessert being a human sundae complete with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup.

11.  A shared past and a lesson in trust.

12.  Beauty of wintertime in the Poconos Mountains.

13. Did I mention the sex is incredibly hot? Especially when Dyami is in human form with his wings extended.

 Celebrate Shifter Month with me and enter the contest on the sidebar.

CLICK HERE to read more Thursday 13 lists from some amazing writers!

Thursday 13- Cheap Summertime Date Ideas

Doing activities together strengthen the bonds in a relationship. However, not everything has to lead to lovemaking, simply being together doing non-romantic things gives a relationship a boost. Social science researches have discovered key activities that seem to help couples stay healthily bonded.

* Taking on a challenge together

*Being active together

*Sharing interest or exploring new ones

*Celebrating or learning more about your partner

*Doing the sexy stuff

*Making time for talking and laughing

Here is my list of 13 Cheap Date Ideas:

1. Visit your childhood... 

visit your old elementary schools, climb on the monkey bars. Share stories about your childhoods.

2.Take a camping class....

North Face, Columbia, Coleman and Bass Pro shops offer one day Camping 101 classes.

3. Just get in the car and drive...

Pick up some iced coffees or ice cream cones and go for a drive. Need a destination? Open a map, close your eyes and put a pin on the map and see where you might head off to.

4. Picnic...

Pack a picnic and head to a park. A change of scenery is nice.

5.Visit an observatory...

Many are open to the public once a month for free or a small fee. Some include lectures or concerts.

6. Find a night program at a park...

Many state and national parks offer nighttime programs such as moonlight hikes and star gazing.

7. Take dancing lessons...

many dance studios and clubs offer free dance once-a-week classes.

8. Volunteer...

Habitat for Humanity has programs running all summer long.

9. Reenact your first date...

If you can't go back to the original location, simply get creative.

10. Go shopping...

You don't have to save shopping for when you need something, but go just to go and not be interrupted by kids. Enjoy the ability to look at everything. Don't be afraid to get a little silly... just don't get thrown out by security.

11. Go to a community event….

Concerts in the park and outdoor movies are common in many areas. 

12. Attend a local movie festival…

See one-of-a-kind movies shown in smaller venues.

13. Visit your local coffee shop…

They often host local poets and authors for readings as well as musicians.

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Thursday 13 - Hot Cover Rejects

I've been given the task of pouring over thousands of images of hot men to pick ONE for the cover of Eagle Dance. After three migraines and a cazillion photos, I still don't have an image. Who knew a handsome Native American who is a bit rough around the edges would be so hard to find.

I've selected many but due to licensing of the photo, or the model being too young or too something... alas...we cannot use.
 I will prevail!

Here are a few of the rejects:

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Thursday 13 - Did you know...?

I know today's TT isn't very romantic, but I found this and simply wanted to share.

Wow, Some interesting stuff here! 

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Budweiser beer conditions the hair
2. Pam cooking spray will dry finger nail polish
3. Cool whip will condition your hair in 15 minutes

4. Mayonnaise will KILL LICE, it will also condition your hair
5. Elmer's Glue - paint on your face, allow it to dry, peel off and see the dead skin and blackheads if any.
6. Shiny Hair - use brewed Lipton Tea
7. Sunburn - empty a large jar of Nestea into your bath water
8. Minor burn - Colgate or Crest toothpaste
9. Burn your tongue? Put sugar on it!
10. Arthritis? WD-40 Spray and rub in, kill insect stings too
11 Bee stings - meat tenderizer
12.Peanut butter - will get scratches out of CD's! Wipe off with a coffee filter paper
13. Kool aid to clean dishwasher pipes. Just put in the detergent section and run a cycle, it will also clean a toilet. (Wow, and we drink this stuff)

Thursday 13 - Valentine Ideas

Trying new things together brings back the feelings of excitement and the thrill that you felt when you first fell in love. So for this Valentine's Day, do something new and adventurous together. Use Valentine's Day as a marker for starting to incorporate novel experiences into your schedule. Each of you can brainstorm a list of new places you'd like to see or things you'd like to try together. Make a goal to try one new activity each month or weekend, depending on what your schedule allows.

1.      Take a confectionary class. If you can convince your honey to attend it will be twice as fun.

2.      Gaze at artwork while nibbling on chocolate and listening to jazz music. Many art galleries hold special Valentine events with a special sweet reception and live local music. Check to see if your local art museum is hosting an event.

3.      Find out if your local history museum has an exhibition on historical wedding attire. Displays of this kind often feature not only gowns but also undergarments, traditions, and cakes.

4.      If you live in a warm climate (or feeling adventurous in the north) go for a night time stroll.

5.      Sign up for salsa or swing dance lessons.  Many studios will host a fun dance party. Or... a night night dancing in your own living room can be very romantic.

6.      Dinner and the theater. Many historic theaters offer an evening beginning with champagne, dessert buffets, flowers and candy all in a candlelit lobby. Then sit back and enjoy a show or performance.

7.      Go ice skating. Local ice rinks may open to offer specials for the holiday. Outdoor rinks are fun and you can enjoy a break in a warming house with some hot cocoa. Skiing and snowboarding can be fun too!

8.      Have a cheap night in. Cuddle up with your loved one as you watch the classic "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and the passionate "Moulin Rouge." Best movie double feature ever.

9.      Simply relax. If you have crazy busy schedules then perhaps a night of doing absolutely nothing is in order. It’s nice to just snuggle.

10.  Go to a spa or create a do-it-yourself spa in your home. Take a bath together, use oils and give each other a massage.

11.  Make each other cards or write each other love letters. Create handmade coupons with gifts your partner can use anytime and insert into the card for your honey.  Don’t limit cards to each other… make cards or write letters to others who are important in your life. It’s a nice time to let others know how much you appreciate them.

12.  Host a Valentine’s Day Party. Blow up balloons with prizes (such as chocolate kisses) in them. Add paper hearts around the room for people to write “secret messages” on.

13.  Of course, my favorite involves cooking up some romance in the kitchen. Choose a fun or favorite dish to prepare together. Drink wine and have some strawberries with whipped cream handy while you heat up some fun. Don’t forget something chocolate for dessert!

In honor of Valentine's Day I'm offering a coupon 

to pick up my V-Day story, Queen of Hearts, 

for FREE from Smashwords.

Use Coupon Code WD94A 

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Tips for a Romantic Bath

I LOVE baths! 

 I bet you can't guess what inspired today's post.  LOL

Taking a bath together in winter is as sexy as skinny-dipping.

It's also a great idea for a "cheap date night".

1. Rose Petals
   One of the most common symbols for romance, the rose is not only a beautiful addition to your bath water and/or bath area it is delightfully fragrant as well.
2. Bubble Bath
   Bubble bath comes in so many varieties it can be hard to choose the right one. If you know your partner has a special favorite, use that one. If not, try something a little creative like bubble bath in a champagne bottle.
3. Mood Music
   Initiate a romantic environment with a little calm and relaxing mood music. Many stores offer nature or mood themed music. Pick out a CD that will help you create the exact mood you desire.
4. Candlelight
   Restore that healthy glow with a liberal sprinkling of candlelight. Tea lights are easy to use, make little mess and are easy to throw away once cooled. Don't place candles where you may splash water on them.
5. Bath Loofah or Accessories
   Why not give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little skin pampering? Go shopping together and pick out a few fun bath products in a scent you both love
6.  Skin Care Take care of each others' skin and try new exfoliation products or other skin improving products. Pay special attention to each other's elbows, knees, hands and feet. Make your own product with sugar and lick it off.

7.                    7.  Hair Care  The scalp is an erogenous zone. Give each other a complete hair washing, including combing out their hair during the conditioning process. 

8.    8.  Champagne
Celebrate your time together with a romantic toast. Use this couple time to renew promises or vows with each other. Or, just revel in actually having couple time.

9. Try a fun, sensual bath game. I'm not going into detail here. *wink, wink*
10. Warm, Fluffy Towels
    Put your towels in the dryer for a few minutes for a warm and toasty after-bath treat.
    Take turns drying each other off for a more intimate experience.
11. Mood Inviting Bath Soak
    Bath soaks are usually a blend of ingredients you add to your bath water to create a desired effect, such as a sore muscle soak, stress-easing soak or relaxation soak. Most bath and body and drug stores carry bath soak products.
12. Privacy
    A romantic moment is easily ruined with unwanted disruptions. Arrange your water play encounter at a time when you can be together alone. A great way to do this and create the perfect memorable night is staying at hotel with a spa or Jacuzzi tub in your room.

13. Shower Power When you don't have time to take a nice bubble bath with your partner, opt for a nice, hot, candlelit shower with incense and music. This is wonderful for mornings because it refreshes the mind for the day.