Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – March 15th – 21st 2020 – Friendships, Sidney Bechet, Kenny Rogers, Irish Soda Bread, Reviews, books and funnies

Welcome to the weekly round up of posts that you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord.

There cannot be anyone left in the world, unless they live in remote areas without access to the Internet, that has not read all the news this week on the global pandemic.

There have been inspiring stories of those putting themselves in the path of the disease such as healthcare workers and those keeping groceries and medicines available… and the also stories of the panic buying and behaviour by some who feel their need should be put above others.

So, I am not going to comment on any of it further than to say that I hope that you are all safe, and if isolated you have family and friends who are buying your groceries and keeping in touch by phone, video links and email.

I know that it must be very challenging to have children at home full of energy, with the prospect for some of them to be off school until the end of the summer. I can recommend for the younger ones that you tune into Jennie Fitzkee’s stories on the Aqua Room channel on Youtube for some wonderful chapter books.

You can read more about it : A Jennie Story on Youtube

And here is the link to The Aqua Room where you will find Jennie’s stories plus other activities for younger children: The Aqua Room

As I mentioned here, if you are on your own or would like to chat then my email is sally.cronin@moyhill.com – Don’t feel that you are completely shut off from the world, as our community here on WordPress and social media is a way to keep connected.

Apart from writing my next books and the blog, I have been baking this week… I don’t want to take the bread off the shelves when it is in such high demand and it is only time that prevented me from making my own in the last few months.  I make Irish soda bread (also a great mix to make scones as well).. No yeast required and very easy to make, I have just updated my recipe. Irish Soda Bread or Scones

This week’s batch that will keep us going for a week at least.

I would also like to remind any authors in the Cafe and Bookstore that whilst your physical book launches are on hold, you can still have a new book promotions here and that will usually be shared by many other authors across their own networks.

All the details can be found here:Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Free Author Promotion

On a sad note the wonderful Kenny Rogers has died at age 81, of natural causes, after a full life. His songs have always been on my top ten list of country music hits and I love his collaboration with Dolly Parton for Islands in the Stream…So R.I.P Kenny, keep singing.

As always I am very grateful for those who take the time to write articles for the blog and also to you for dropping by and commenting and sharing…

This month D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies explores the complex area of friendships and how to keep them healthy.

D.G. Kaye – The Realm of Relationships – Keeping Friendships Healthy

William Price King – Sidney Bechet (1897 – 1959) – American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer

Family Saga The Memory by Judith Barrow

Two more stories from the collection

Usher – Taking things for granted.

Vanessa in a dilemma

This week for Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday Poetry No 169 – Photoprompt we are treated to an image from Padre’s Ramblings to explore..I have written a Mirror Cinquain this week.

Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday Poetry No 169 – Photoprompt

A re-run of my Letters from America from two years ago – 1985 and we go to Houston for two years. I wrote home every week during our stay and after my father’s death we found a file with all the letters kept safely, with a note for me to publish..

Letters From America 1985/1987 Arrival in Houston

Smorgasbord Food Therapy – Aubergines – Don’t forget to eat your purples

The Memory by Judith Barrow on Pre-Order

Mystery In Search of McDoogal by Mae Clair

#SteamPunk – The Sensaurum and the Lexis.: A Steampunk adventure. (The Orphan Detectives Book 1) by Richard Dee

Shortstory #Horses Satin and Cinders by Jan Sikes

Coming of Age Bette A. Stevens, Writing Jane Sturgeon, Post Apocalyptic Terry Tyler

Romance P.C. Zick, Fantasy D. Wallace Peach, Dog Lovers Sue Vincent

Historical Apple Gidley, Fantasy Jack Eason, Africa Ann Patras

The Garden Watch with Jemima Pett

The delayed rewards of teaching by Pete Springer

Recipe Old English Potted Cheese by The Frugal Hausfrau

Long lost friends – Brendan and the Shared House by Tasker Dunham

Memoir ‘Fire!’ and separate tables! by Joy Lennick

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

Thank you again for dropping in when you have so much more to occupy your minds and days right now. I hope you will join me again next week… Stay Save  Sally ♥

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up March 1st – 7th 2020 – #Backup larders #Jazz, Books, Guests, Humour and Health

Welcome to the weekly round up of posts that you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord.

I hope everyone is doing well despite the ‘virus’, floods, tornadoes, fake news and politics. It is so easy to become panicked when you see what might be ahead and the papers are doing a very good job of keeping us informed but also creating a fear culture.

Healthy living has never been so important and a fully functioning immune system over the next few weeks and possibly months is vital. Especially for those with underlying health issues, such as the elderly. Apart from washing hands in hot water and soap frequently and avoiding crowds etc, we do need to make sure that we have a nutritionally balanced diet to maintain a healthy immune system system.

The governments are going to do their best to keep food and essential household products on the shelves and we are going to have to trust that it will happen without panic buying.

Having seen the images of what some people are grabbing off the shelves,clearly beer, chocolate and crisps appear to be classified as essential food groups for some.

Whilst I am not rushing out to buy food or these essentials, it is a possibility that as we are in our later 60s, we will be considered at risk and might have to self-isolate even if we do not have the virus.

We used to get snowed in when we lived in the mountains in Spain during the winter months, and it even happened here for over a week the first year in this house in Ireland. I have always kept a basic survival larder that is sufficient to keep us going for at least a couple of weeks.

If you are faced with self-isolation and still want to maintain a healthy nutritional diet for you and the rest of the household here are some of my basics for two weeks should we have to manage without shopping. As you know I do not recommend the use of industrially manufactured foods in a normal diet and prefer the cook from scratch approach. However, at times you might have to fall back on to some canned goods and cereals, but if you choose the ones that are low in sugar then it is not going to cause you harm in the short term.

For other posts on the immune system, supplements, and health you can find more information in the Health Column Directory

I keep a week’s worth of fresh vegetables and fruit topped up every shop that I make and if they start to wilt, I will cook off and they keep for another few days in the fridge.

In the freezer- depending on the size and ours is quite small.

• I keep some frozen vegetables – carrots, broccoli and cauliflower mix, butternut squash, onion, mushrooms.
• Protein in the form of chicken, beef mince and fish.
• Butter and cheese (both keep for at least three months in the freezer if well wrapped)
• Some pre-prepared meals that offer a full nutritional balance – Brown Rice Pilaf
• Slow cooked stews of meat and vegetables in family sized portions.
• Fresh eggs can last about three weeks after their best buy date in the fridge

In the larder

• Tinned tuna, salmon and sardines.
• Tinned soups that can be used as a base for a more substantial meal.
• Marmite, honey and nut butter.
• Brown Rice, whole grain pasta, brown bread (I make my own Irish Soda Bread but you can buy ready prepared mixes). Good quality muesli and porridge oats. Wholegrain rice cakes and oat cakes.
• Dried beans and lentils
• Tinned tomatoes, tubes of tomato puree and garlic puree, dried herbs such as basil, oregano and turmeric. Jars of pasta sauce.
• PIckled vegetables such as beetroot.
• Olive oil and coconut oil.
• Jars of carrots, spinach and green beans (useful during power outages).
• Canned pears and mandarins in juice.
• Good quality fruit juice without added sugar I have cranberry, orange and apple.
• Dried apricots and walnuts.
• Long life milk – Dairy or coconut or almond milk.
• Tea – Black, Green and lemon and Ginger
• Water (although that is unlikely to be a problem)
• Some 80% dark chocolate.

I hope that has been of some help with regard to having a back up in your larder that will provide you with foods that will help maintain your immune system over a hopefully short period of time without access to shops. As always if you have any questions please let me know.

Time to get on with this week’s posts and as always my thanks to my guests and their amazing contributions.

Jazz Pianist and Composer Thelonious Sphere Monk with William Price King

Two more stories from this collection.

Queenie Coming Back to Life

Rosemary – The First Date

Poetry and Prose Mr. Sagittarius by M. J. Mallon

Examining Kitchen Cupboards by Stevie Turner

Historical Caribbean – Fireburn by Apple Gidley

Eradication War of Nytefall Book 4 Charles Yallowitz

Mystery – Bay of Secrets by J.A. Newman

Dog Tales Patty Fletcher, Poetry Natalie Ducey, Paranormal Thriller John W. Howell and Gwen Plano

Poetry Balroop Singh, Thriller Lucinda E. Clarke, Memoir D.G. Kaye

Children’s Deanie Humphrys Dunne, Fantasy Deborah Jay, Historical Andrew Joyce

Poetry – The Paintbox by Miriam Ivarson

Family History Marian Longenecker Beaman

Humanity – Are We Selfish by Balroop Singh

Live Like a Millionaire by Sharon Marchisello

Looking back at 2019 by Judy Penz Sheluk

Food Therapy – The Humble Potato

Whilst we are all concerned about the spread of Coronavirus, there is a danger lurking in the food that we eat, particularly that prepared by rogue takeaway kitchens.

Food Poisoning on the increase 2.5 million cases in UK 2019

March 2nd Book Recommendations from D.L. Finn, Annika Perry and Cathy Ryan

March 3rd Romania Pat Furstenberg, Review Liz Gauffreau, Fantasy Teagan Geneviene

Author Spotlight James J. Cudney, Book offer Darlene Foster, Funnies The Story Reading Ape

Legacy Sue Vincent, Afghanistan Mary Smith, Weather Carol Taylor

#Translations Miriam Hurdle, #Poetry Pamela Wight, #Books Jacqui Murray

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

Thank you for all the support which is very much appreciated.. I hope you will join me again next week .. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – 23rd to 29th February 2020 – Clothes made out of Tents – Foods beginning with ‘D’ and Younger than Springtime…am I…

Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord.

Between the weather and the coronavirus epidemic…. and who is going to pay the millions of dollars security bill for Prince Harry and Meghan, the news has not been uplifting this week. However, there is one news network, determined to only share inspiring and motivational stories such as this one.

Eco-Activist Hits Fashion Week Catwalk With Clothing Made Out of Abandoned Tents Collected From Music Festivals

This eco-warrior entrepreneur is making clothes from abandoned tents collected from music festivals—and the line debuted this month on the London Fashion Week catwalk.

24-year-old James Marshall spent last summer scouring campsites and collecting abandoned tents following the Eden Festival in the Scottish Borders and Kendal Calling in the Lake District.

With the help of his friends and family, he amassed around 300 tents which were then turned into trendy bucket hats, bumbags, and jackets by fashion designer Imogen Evans.

Some of James Marshall’s designs at London Fashion Week. SWNS.

Read the rest of this story and discover more good news: Eco Activist makes fashion week clothing out of tents – The Good News Network

On that note… time to get on with the week’s posts, and as always my thanks to guests who make such an amazing contribution to the week.

Carol Taylor A-Z – Dates, Dragon Fruit, Durian and Dirty Rice

Frank Prem shares his twenty year journey to achieve his publishing dream

This week ‘Younger than Springtime’ from South Pacific…

South Pacific – Younger than Springtime and Bali Hai

Two more stories from the collection.

Owen – Face to Face

Patrick – Love in a Time of War

Love Poetry – Walk Away Silver Heart by Frank Prem

 Annika Perry with her review for the wonderful Elisabeth’s Lists by Lulah Ellender.

Book Review Elisabeth’s Lists by Annika Perry

Traffic incident with Marian Longenecker Beaman

Jennie Fitzkee with the wonderful true story of a little girl and her family.

The Story of Romana by Jennie Fitzkee

Author and finance expert Sharon Marchisello shares tips on how to make sure you get the best value for money when travelling.

Foreign Currency with Sharon Marchisello

One Writer’s Journey 1 Star Reviews by Judy Penz Sheluk

Grinders by C.S. Boyack

Magic – Mr. Sagittarius by M.J. Mallon

Poetry – Inner Rumblings by Joyce Murphy

Format Your Picture Book Paperback for Amazon by Jo Robinson

Supernatural Marcia Meara, Romance Teagan Geneviene, Post Apocalyptic Sandra J. Jackson

Poetry Miriam Hurdle, British History Mike Biles, Fantasy Vashti Quiroz Vega

Thriller Mark Bierman, Adventure Audrey Driscoll, Short Stories Anne Goodwin

Angels Jan Sikes, Review Olga Nunez Miret, Mystery Mae clair

Recycling Carol Taylor, Chocolate Eat Dessert First, Poetry Colleen Chesebro

Afghanistan Mary Smith, Legends Andrew Joyce, Patience Geoff Le Pard

Short Story Beetley Pete, Medieval History Nicholas Rossis, Author Promotion Susan Toy

A study into why the immune system of bats has caused such a rapid mutation, better breast screen monitoring and the long term side effects of the Keto diet.

Bats and Coronavirus, Breast Cancer, Keto Diet

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

Thank you for dropping in and I hope you will join me again next week … thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – 16th – 22nd February 2020

Welcome to the weekly round up with posts that you might have missed on Smorgasbord during the week.

It is a windswept Saturday morning although thankfully it has stopped raining. I do feel so sorry for all those affected by the floods in the UK and other countries at the moment. Water is so destructive.

We came home after being away for two weeks at Christmas one year, and opened the door at midnight to find water running down the stairs and the whole house warm and humid, like a tropical greenhouse. Luckily our taxi driver from the airport was a plumber in his day job and he had his tools with him. He and my husband went into the attic and found that a hot water pipe had a one inch long rupture and had been pumping water out since a freeze within days of us going on holiday. We had left the heating to come on twice a day but it had not been sufficient to stop the pipe bursting.

Three ceilings had come down, all the wallpaper had peeled the walls and we lost around 700 books. I do tapestry and 8 large ones were steamed up beneath the glass of the frames, along with posters and prints,and all had to be dried out and re-framed over several weeks. We lost family photographs and clothing which was already covered in mildew. They wanted us to move into a hotel whilst humidifiers dried out the house, but we knew that opened the house up to being broken into.

All the walls were stripped back to the plaster and after 8 weeks three decorators came in and spent another 6 weeks repairing the damage. We managed to salvage some of the carpets but overall we lost so many items of sentimental including the books, most of which we had been collecting for 30 years. Whilst the insurance paid for replacements, those items that meant the most of us were gone forever.

We were lucky that we managed to salvage as much as we did and repair the damage, but so many over the last few weeks will not not necessarily have that outcome and have lost everything they own. Tragically there has also been loss of life as a result of the weather, and whilst material items and houses can be replaced, a life is the most precious and irreplaceable of them all.

Hopefully this wave of storm fronts will die away and we can look forward to a spring and summer that is less turbulent.

Time to get on with the posts from the week, and as always my thanks to contributors and guests for their wonderful posts… And to you for dropping by and supporting us all.

William Price King with John McLaughlin English Guitarist and Band Leader

Three more stories from this collection. ( I had a senior moment and posted two by mistake on Saturday)

Lily The Collector

Martha The System Administrator

Norman an Old Soldier

We have a lovely image this week, selected by Ritu Bhathal as the prompt for Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday Poetry No 165 – Photoprompt

Shadorma – A Beacon by Sally Cronin

Psychological thriller – Warning Signs by Carol Balawyder

Over the last six weeks I have shared the nutrients we need to be healthy and their main food sources. This week I am pulling that all together to provide you with a one sheet shopping list. You just need to cut and paste into word and print off.

All the nutrients the body needs in one weekly grocery shopping list

This is the first post by author Annika Perry and I am sure as you read, memories of your own from your childhood and teenage years will resurface and be enjoyed…

Memories I Remember by Annika Perry

10 Step Plan to promote your boo by Scott Hughes reviewed by Barbara Ann Mojica

Little House on the Prairie, to Geography, to Maps, to Mount Rushmore, to History… And More by Jennie Fitzkee

How Long Does it Take to Write a Novel by Janet Gogerty

Writing Blogs about Writing by Stevie Turner

Love Poetry – Walk Away Silver Heart by Frank Prem

Dystopian The Colony Series Book One: Subject 36 by Teri Polen

Holly & Abby Series Book 4 – The Hidden Stairway by Janice Spina

Thriller, Death on the Move Book 3 by Colin Guest

Childrens Nicholas C. Rossis, Blogging Anne R. Allen, Scifi Jack Eason

YAParanormal Karen Demers Dowdall, Relationships Alex Craigie, Crime Reference Sue Coletta

Fantasy Julia Benally, Romance Linda Bradley, Mystery Lizzie Chantree

Interview Norah Colvin, Writing Eloise de Sousa, Horror Sue Vincent

Funnies Story Reading Ape, Short Story Beetley Pete, Recipe Richard Dee

History with John W. Howell, Booktour Charli Mills with MJ Mallon, Author Spotlight James Cudney with Sandra J. Jackson

Writing Scams Anne R. Allen, Afghanistan Mary Smith, Family Pete Springer

Chai and a Chat Ritu Bhathal, Oxford Mike Biles, Composting Brigid Gallagher

Debby Gies with some new finds and new material from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

Thank you very much for dropping in and look forward to seeing you again next week… thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – 9th to 15th February 2020 – Food, Music, Guest, New book releases, Book Reviews and Laughter.

Welcome to the round up with some posts you might have missed here on Smorgasbord during the week.

I hope that those of you who celebrated Valentine’s Day had a wonderful time… we always enjoy even after 40 years, but this year we managed to both buy the same card for each other which we had a good laugh about… luckily there were a few others that were anonymous to make up for it!!

It was my 67th birthday on Thursday and rather than go out for a meal we decided to indulge in pizzas and ice cream. We don’t give birthday gifts anymore since I have more clothes, handbags and shoes than a department store, don’t have occasion to wear bling very much, and don’t need something else to dust. The most precious gift to me is that we are still going strong and able to eat pizza and laugh.  But I did have a few friends over for tea… virtually.

A wild and windy couple of weeks with the odd day of sunshine as one storm front drives through after another. We are not as badly off as many, especially those who live on the wild Atlantic coastline in the west of Ireland. Nor do we get the snowfalls that those in Britain can expect. And there are a number of storms brewing of a different kind around the world from more floods in Australia to the increasing momentum of the coronavirus.

Whilst naturally are very concerned about catching the virus there is already a fallout that is impacting millions. The travel industry is going to be badly affected as will the tourist industries of many countries around the world as airlines stop services in and out of China and people decide not to fly unless absolutely necessary.

I was looking at the images of the normally very busy Chinatown in the heart of London where we have spent many a lovely evening sampling crispy duck and dim sum. Completely deserted with businesses seriously threatened and the jobs of thousands at risk. Unfortunately it is not just businesses that are threatened but also individuals who are being targeted for the ethnicity.

We have little option but to wait it out and hope that the measures being put in place will turn the tide. Personally I will not be flying in the next few months, especially into major airports. I normally avoid crowded events and places anyway with shopping done early in the morning.

For the elderly, the young and those with a compromised immune system the dangers are very real and it is important to make sure that they are isolated as much as possible from infection. Tough to do but frequent hand washing does help and when my mother was alive she was disappointed that hugging and kissing were banned!

Even though I am a strong advocate for natural therapies, there is no magic potion that can protect you completely. I do use tea tree lotion with a touch of silver on my hands and I am making sure I am getting plenty of vitamin C and D in my diet. Getting out in the fresh air on a daily basis is also a good idea as our centrally heated homes are very attractive to both bacteria and virus opportunists.

I hope by the time I share next week’s round up there will be better news…

Now time for the posts from the week and as always my thanks to contributors and guests for their amazing posts.

The Letter C – Calabash, Cajun, Curry, Cloud Eggs, Chilli and Calamari

Editor Sarah Calfee with a step by step guide to creating the perfect romance plot

Guest Writer Editor Sarah Calfee – The Romance Plot Sequence

The Wind Beneath My Wings from Beaches

Another two stories from the collection

Jane – The Surprise

Kenneth – A Love of Life

This week on  Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday Poetry No 164 the prompts were very appropriate,’Love and Harmony’….. I have selected the synonyms ‘Passion and Rapport’

Etheree – Two Hearts

Shopping List by Nutrient – Part Six – Essential Fatty Acids

Trouble at Clenchers Mill by Diana J. Febry

Trillium by Margaret Lindsay Holton

Scifi Richard Dee, Romance Ritu Bhathal, Thriller Stevie Turner

Short Stories Karen Ingalls, Thriller Terry Tyler, Fantasy C.S. Boyack, Memoir D.G. Kaye

Afghanistan Patricia Furstenberg, Fantasy Kevin Cooper, Midlife Romance Sally Cronin

Reality informs Fiction – Trails in the Sand by P.C. Zick

FDR Barbara Ann Mojica meets Author Bret Baier

Haiku Dogs Released by Denis Young

Mystery Wish You Were Here by Janet Gogerty

Poetry – Who’s Worse by Stevie Turner

Interview Jill Weatherholt and John Howell, Delta Pearl Teagan Genviene, Roti Kool Kosher Kitchen

Valentine’s Day Amanda Cade, Valentine’s Dinner Carol Taylor, Mistaken Identity Anne R. Allen

Reading Robbie Cheadle, Books Teri Polen, Children’s books Jennie Fitzkee

Afghanistan Mary Smith, New Book Teagan Geneviene, Author Promotion Susan M. Toy

D. G. Kaye and her Guest Ann Patras

D.G. Kaye and her guest Ann Patras

Thank you for dropping in during the week and your support is very much appreciated.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – 2nd – 8th February 2020 – Jazz, Italian Valentines appetizer, Guests, Books, Reviews and Funnies

Welcome to a round up of posts from the week on Smorgasbord that you might have missed.

I hope you have had a good week. Weather wise some sunny days with a promise of spring, but this weekend we are expecting storm Ciara to hit by lunchtime but we have got used to gale force winds this winter and fingers crossed they have passed through without too much damage. The same cannot be said of the west coast which gets the brunt of the weather when it hits from the Atlantic. We don’t plan to go anywhere and will be breaking out the movies.

Anyway hopefully these posts will brighten your day….

As always my gratitude for the wonderful posts written by the regular contributors and guests and to you for dropping by and supporting the blog.

William Price King with Grammy Winning Ramsey Lewis

This month a mouth watering appetizer perfect for Valentines Day created by Silvia Todesco.

Heart shaped puff pastry stuffed with bacon – Appetizer for Valentines Day

Robbie Cheadle shares the condition OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), her observations in those that suffer from OCD and how it has influenced her writing.

How interacting with OCD sufferers has influence Robbie Cheadles Writing

This week it is the turn of Amino Acids and how to ensure that you are eating the foods that promote a healthy balance in the body. This is a little less straightforward than the other nutrients, as most of the amino acids we need are manufactured in the liver. So this requires a shopping list to include the foods this organ needs to be healthy.

Part Five of the Shopping List by Nutrient – Amino Acids

Two more stories from the collection.

Isobel – Hiding in Plain Sight

Jack a VIP Visitor

This week for Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday Poetry No 163 – Poet’s Choice we can decide our own format and theme. I have written a Butterfly Cinquain…

Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday Poetry No 163 – Poet’s Choice

Witch Way and Other Ambiguous Stories by Cathy Cade

Secrets of the Galapagos by Sharon Marchisello

Be My Valencrime (The Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery Series Book 3 by Amy M. Reade

The Player (Men of Warhawks Book 2) by Jacquie Biggar

Dumfries Mary Smith, Gardens Cynthia S. Reyes, Contemporary Jessica Norrie

Memoir Joy Lennick, Memoir Marian Longenecker Beaman, YA fantasy Jean Lee

Paranormal Marcia Meara, Thriller J.P. Mclean, Romance Ruth Larrea

This is the first post by author P.C. Zick and it is one that is both emotive and thought provoking. Patricia shares her own experience of PTSD, and that of a couple who she met who wanted their story told about their own traumatic experience.

PTSD its a real and present danger by P.C. Zick

This is the second post by Elizabeth Gauffreau and shares the trip she made to Vermont to share her book Telling Sonny with the P.E.O International Organisation, and to reconnect to the very special ties she has to the P.E.O through her grandmother.

Trip to Vermont connecting with the PEO Sisterhood by Elizabeth Gauffreau

Haiku Hound – Climate Change

When Stars Will Shine Anthology by Jane Risdon

Can we be replaced by AI.. by Jan Sikes

Poetry Colleen M. Chesebro, Mexico & Travel Insurance D.G. Kaye, profile photos Scott McCormick

Lifestyle Toni Pike, Blogging Pete Springer, Phone Safety ACFlory, Language Sue Vincent

Blogging Brigid Gallagher, Art Emma Cownie, Thailand Deventuretime

Swearing Alison Williams, Bread Irene Arita, Kookaburras Cindy Knoke

Photos Hugh Roberts, Olive Oil Cake Eat Dessert First, Millennials Nicholas Rossis

Comedian in Residence and some jokes from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

Thanks for visiting this week and I hope you have enjoyed…have a great weekend and see you again I hope.. Sally

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – 26th January to 1st February 2020 – West Side Story, A-Z of Food, Guests, Funny moments and Books Galore

Welcome to the round up of posts from the week on Smorgasbord that you might have missed.

An historic week for the UK when finally Brexit happened last night at 11 p.m. I was 20 years old when we joined the Common Market 47 years ago and it seemed like a great idea at the time. Trade between the partners without tariffs and joint projects and co-operation across borders, which made sense in the aftermath of the Cold War and an extended period of peace in Europe.

Unfortunately (in my opinion), like most well-intentioned projects, this went off the rails once it became a European United States with far more members than originally, many of whom who were not financially stable. Primarily in response to the power of the United States and Russia, but also to open the door to controlling  many aspects of our daily lives as possible. Some of which were excellent and aimed at improving our health, welfare and safety. But, very soon we had a huge governmental oversight in Brussels, costing billions a year, and the committees that were set up no longer looked at the bigger picture of our daily lives, but the minutiae.

Suddenly we are sitting in near darkness due to rules on light bulbs, unable to buy decent vacuum cleaners that actually sucked up the fluff on your carpet, and were forced to buy regulation size and shape vegetables! Sounds trivial, but for many people this was an intrusion too far.

It was this heavy handed oversight across every aspect of lives from the justice system to the shape of our vegetables in Britain that persuaded the population to vote for Brexit. And for a change the will of the people has actually been complied with.

And now the hard work begins to ensure that on major issues such as cross border co-operation on terrorism and crime continue. Also to agree trade deals with the EU member states and with the rest of the world, as part of the broader WTO (World Trade Organisation).

It sounds a bit like a Common Market to me………

For me as a British citizen living in Southern Ireland, things will not change noticeably as there is a reciprocal agreement signed between the UK and the republic on most issues, including health care and travel.

There will be a honeymoon period of 11 months whilst issues are ironed out. Hopefully with billions of euros being spent by British holidaymakers all over Europe, and their love of French cheeses, German Beer, Spanish Rioja, Italian Prosecco, Dutch tulips and Irish Guinness, there will peace and harmony….

Anyway.. on a less serious note…. here are the posts from the week.

As always I am so grateful to the contributors and guests who provide such wonderful content, and to you for dropping in and supporting us.

This week Carol Taylor works though some of the foods, cooking methods and kitchen equipment beginning with the letter B.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Food Column – Carol Taylor – A – Z of Food – Baking Soda, Bananas, Broccoli, Butterflying food and cooking with a Bain Marie

Maria from West Side Story

Two more stories from the collection.

Hector The Homecoming

Ifan and the Black Sheep

The circle of life Etheree Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday Poetry No 162 – Theme Prompt

Etheree – The Circle of Life

Little Tea by Claire Fullerton on Pre-Order and my advance review

My review for The Shirt by Richard Dee

Pete Springer shares more funny school moments and an extract from They Call Me Mom.

Delighted to share a brand new feature which is a collaboration between Kaye Lynne Booth of Writing to be Read and Robbie Cheadle. I was very honoured to be the first guest of the series and it was wonderful to be invited to share pieces of my favourite poetry.

Treasuring Poetry with Robbie Cheadle and Kaye Lynne Booth

D.Wallace Peach with another short story…. a bewitching tale I know you will love.

Short Story – Sign by D.Wallace Peach

Liz Gauffreau with a moving short story that I am sure you will enjoy as much as I did

Liz Gauffreau short story. The Ides of September

Richard Dee with some thoughts on how to deal with your story’s characters when they do want to come out to play.

Communication Breakdown when your Characters Refuse to Play by Richard Dee

Jane Risdon shares her experience of the generosity of our writing community…

We all need help and advice – Paying it Forward by Jane Risdon

Jan Sikes shares her top ten books that she read in 2019.. great recommendations.

Jan Sikes Top Ten Book List for 2019

Thriller – Vanished by Mark Bierman

Paranormal S.A. Harris, Thriller Carol Balawyder, Romance Jacquie Biggar

Memoir D.G. Kaye, Paranormal Roberta Eaton Cheadle, Family James J. Cudney

Poetry Balroop Singh, Children Janice Spina, Poetry Bette A. Stevens

Writer links D.G. Kaye, Funnies The Story Reading Ape, Photography Cindy Knoke

Photos Jennie Fitzkee, Recycling Carol Taylor, Reviews Annika Perry

Author Promotion Susan M. Toy, Poetry Challenge Colleen M. Chesebro, Community John W. Howell

Delta Pearl Teagan Geneviene, Virus Outbreak Jane Gogerty, Review film 1917 Geoff Le Pard

Justice Pete Springer, WATWB D.G. Kaye, Grief When Women Inspire

Minerals the body needs and the foods you should add to your shopping list.

Part four of the shopping list by nutrient Phosphorus to Zinc

Comedian in Residence D.G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

More funnies from D. G. Kaye and some new material from Sally

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you have enjoyed…look forward to seeing you again next week.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – January 19th – 25th 2020 – Music, Food, Guests and Humour – Enjoy the Party.

Welcome to the round up of posts that you might have missed in the last week here on Smorgasbord.

I hope that everyone is doing well, the week has flown by as usual and suddenly, or so it seems to me, we are at the end of January. The good news is that spring is around the corner.

A couple of reminders.

If you have a new book release coming out in February please let me know. If you are already an author in the Cafe and Bookstore I just need the date.

If you are new to the Cafe.. then details are in this post. It is FREE: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore

The Cafe and Bookstore is in the process of a makeover with new links being added and shortcuts to buy links and blogs. Sorry for the mixed look at the moment but working through it over the next few weeks.

My thanks as always to my contributors and guests who bring such great content to the blog each week, and of course to you for dropping and supporting, by liking, commenting and sharing…

William Price King with Charles Mingus – 1922- 1979

Two more stories from the collection.

Grace – The Gift

Hannah – Finding a Way to Move Forward

This week in Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 161 we are treated to a photo prompt selected by Willow Willers which is stunning.

Mirror Cinquain Ritual of Mehndi by Sally Cronin

My review for A Sweet Smell of Strawberries by Mary Crowley

D.Wallace Peach treats us to a therapeutic shampoo with special powers…

Image Pixabay combo

Short Story Clarifying Shampoo by D.Wallace Peach

Jacqui Murray shares some strategies to survive the work in  progress.

12 Survival Tips for Writers by Jacqui Murray

Richard Dee does not just create other worlds in his scifi books, but also does some nifty creating in the kitchen… peanut cookies..

Author Richard Dee showcases his skill in the kitchen.

Short Story Ghosts in the attic by Darlene Foster

Is the editor you hired actually doing the editing by D.G. Kaye

Memoir – Into Africa with 3 kids, 13 crates and a husband by Ann Patras

Non-Fiction – Speak Flapper: Slang of the 1920s by Teagan Geneviene

Mystery – The Charli McClung Mysteries book 6 – How Deep in the Darkness

Short Story The Shirt by Richard Dee

Flash Sarah Brentyn, Family Claire Fullerton, 1920s Elizabeth Gauffreau

WritingProse Harmony Kent, Fantasy Jack Eason,Thriller Allan Hudson

Recycling Carol Taylor, Alien Beetley Pete, Q&A D.G. Kaye with Jane Sturgeon

Blog award Karen Ingalls, Bletchley Park Mike Biles, Author Spotlight James J. Cudney with Zach Abrams

Interviews Kellie Butler with Judith Barrow, Jo Lambert with Jane Risdon, Dogs by Debbie the Dog Lady

Interview Book Club Mom with Ritu Bhathal, Mae Clair with Victoria Zigler, Afghanistan with Mary Smith

Books for Life Patricia Furstenberg, Fantasy Free Aurora Jean Alexander, What does your ring finger length mean by Jim Borden

Research is indicating that as well as possible liver damage resulting from taking too many paracetamol, it might also be impacting the way we relate to others.

Concerns are raised regarding Paracetamol and mental wellbeing

This week’s shopping list by nutrient is part three with the minerals Calcium to Manganese

Grocery Shopping by Nutrient Part Three Calcium to Manganese

More funnies from Debby and new jokes from Sally

Debby Gies with more funnies and guest poet Ann Patras

Thank you very much for dropping in today and I hope you will join me again next week.. thanks Sally

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – January 12th- 18th 2020

Welcome to this week’s posts on Smorgasbord that you might have missed.

I hope you have had a good week… I am in housekeeping mode both on and offline. At the moment the Cafe and Bookstore is in the middle of a facelift with the addition of both UK and US Amazon selling pages, Goodreads where the author has a page, and their website or blog. It is a work in progress so don’t worry if your entry does not reflect this change yet, it will soon.

You can help me out if you are an author on the shelves by letting me know in advance that you have a new book being released. That helps me keep your entry up to date but also ensures that you receive a new book promotion when your book is available or is on pre-order offer.

I do go through every week to check for recent reviews but with 150 authors it is easy to miss one. To keep the cafe at a manageable size, authors listed have reviews within the last six months.

A few statistics about the Cafe and Bookstore.

• In 2019 there were 130 Cafe Updates including the summer features and Christmas book fair and 125 New book Promotions
• The top viewed (220) New Book on the Shelves was A Bit About Britain’s History by Mike Biles
• The average new book on the shelves promotion has over 100 views on the blog, multi-retweets on Twitter and shares on Facebook.
• It is a free book promotion and all it costs is a little bit of your time, letting me know and responding to comments. Judging from comments, I am confident that the posts do result, in not only effective exposure for your books but also sales and more reviews.

If you are not already an author in the Cafe and Bookstore you can find all the details at this link: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore FREE Author promotion

As to my offline decluttering… with the likelihood of a move and alleged downsizing this year, I am working through my depleted but still over subscribed clothes stash. Despite my continued weight loss, I doubt that the silver lame 1970s disco trousers that I have clung on to will see the light of day (or glitter ball) again… despite the pain it will cost me it is time to send to the charity shop and hope that some other young person might enjoy taking them for a twirl… along with the last of my stilettos….(I need a hoist to keep me upright).  Still I have my glory days to remember… and I still take to the kitchen floor when the mood takes me….

Anyway.. keep dancing

And as always my thanks to the wonderful team who keep coming up with amazing posts and to you for dropping in to read them.

A wonderful introduction to the new column from D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies who explores the Realms of Relationships. She will be on her winter retreat for February but will be back in March. In this column Debby explores our communication skills both verbal and behavioural and strategies for resolving conflict.

D. G. Kaye – Exploring the Realms of Relationships

Welcome to a new series from Carol Taylor, the wonderful A – Z of Food and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of wonderful ingredients across the food groups, spices and herbs.

Caroly Taylor’s A – Z of Food – Almonds, Arrowroot, Aubergines and Avocado

This week on the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills   the prompt was a husband carrying his wife…

Carrot Ranch – A Dream Home by Sally Cronin

Two more stories from this collection…

Francis – Forging New Bonds by Sally Cronin

George – Playing Away from Home

This week the prompt for Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 160 the prompt is ‘Calm and Present’… I have chosen the synonyms ‘Serene and Deliver’ for my Etheree.

Etheree – On the Wind by Sally Cronin

Movie Hits – Mrs Robinson – The Graduate by Simon & Garfunkel

My review for The Hat by C.S. Boyack

My thanks to Mark Bierman for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award

To start the new series, author Jacqui Murray who shares the wonderfully descriptive simile…very useful for all writers.

51 Great Similes to Spark Imagination from Jacqui Murray

#Canada, #Pottery and #Eagles by Darlene Foster

#Memoir Byte – Reminiscences of the 70s and 80s Fun and Fearless by D.G. Kaye

Scifi – The Magisters Book One by Jack Eason

Acts of Convenience by Alex Craigie

Vandana Bhasin, Smitha Vishwanath, Mae Clair, Miriam Hurdle

#Poetry Bette A. Stevens, #Fantasy Fiona Tarr, #Fantasy D.Wallace Peach

#SunshineBlogger Mark Bierman, #ReadingAloud Jennie Fitzkee, #IndieShowcase Richard Dee

#Karma D.G. Kaye, #Interview Patricia Furstenberg, #Afghanistan Mary Smith

#Guest Marcia Meara with Joan Hall, #Bookclub Amy Reade, #Q&A D.G. Kaye, #Review by Michelle Clements James

#Children’sfears Becky Ross Michael, #Nonverbal Communication Jim Borden, #Familyhistory Liz Gauffreau

#Publishing 2020 Nicholas Rossis, #Freebook Olga Nunez Miret, #Flash Charli Mills Carrot Ranch

In part two I share the best sources for vitamins C to K2 to ensure your shopping list reflects what your body needs to be healthy.

Shopping List by Nutrient part two Vitamin C to K2

More funnies from Debby and a joke from Sally’s Archives

Even more funnies from Debby Gies and Sally

Thank you for dropping in today and during the week. Your support is very much appreciated. I hope you have enjoyed the posts you might have missed and look forward to your feedback. See you next week.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – 5th – 11th January 2020 – Count Basie, Phosphorus, Reviews, New Books, Bloggers and Funnies.

Welcome to the round up of posts that you might have missed during the week here on Smorgasbord.

It seems to take longer each year to get back to normal after the holidays. Almost the middle of January and at least spring always appears to be around the corner once we get into this part of the year. Nothing startling happening around the house as we are waiting for dry weather to get in stones for drainage and topsoil to finish the piece where the new fence has been erected. We have adopted a much more relaxed approach to these jobs now, as nothing we do or say is going to make the weather more amenable to our needs!

Never mind, there is plenty of warmth and friendship online to enjoy and we could have it a great deal worse. As the fires in Australia continue, we can only be grateful for days of rain and the ability to live safely. The devastation and loss of life and wildlife is something that will take decades to fully recover from and it must be a huge worry for relatives of families in the areas under attack.

As always my thanks to the regular contributors and to you for dropping in and supporting us with your comments and sharing of posts.

This week William shares the music of the legendary Count Basie – 1904 – 1984

William Price King with Count Basie

In the final post of this series Carol Taylor and I team up to share the symptoms of a deficiency of Phosphorus and the foods you need to include in your diet regularly.

This week cooking from scratch to prevent a deficiency of phosphorus

This month Silvia Todesco shows us how to make authentic pesto sauce, and essential ingredient in pasta sauces.

Pesto alla Genovese sauce, ten tricks for the best result

What I wish I knew then by Pete Springer

My review for Watching Glass Shatter by James J. Cudney

My review #Mystery Watching Glass Shatter by James M. Cudney

Two more stories from this collection…

Eric – Just Making Do

Fionnuala The Swan

For the first Tuesday in the month for Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 159 it is poet’s choice.  I have selected a Butterfly Cinquain…

Butterfly Cinquain – Friendship

Unarranged Marriage by Ritu Bhathal on pre-order February 9th.

Beck ‘n’ Call Lands of Exile Book 2 by Stuart France and Sue Vincent

The Old Gilt Clock by Paulette Mahurin

Thriller Carol Balawyder, Mystery Diana J. Febry, Afghanistan Patricia Furstenberg

Poetry Lynda McKinney Lambert, Thriller Don Massenzio, Prehistory Jacqui Murray

Book Review Michelle Clements James, Book Launch Tips Mary Smith, Climate Change Carol Taylor

Movie Review D.G. Kaye, Funnies The Story Reading Ape, Measurements Beetley Pete

Recipes Amy Reade, Tarot Jan Sikes, Interview Jane Risdon

Carol Taylor – Whimsical Wednesdays – Robbie Cheadle Book review, Marcia Meara with a marketing opportunity

Aurora Jean Alexander – Books, Inspiration Charli Mills, Japanese Poetry Colleen Chesebro

Here is part one of an alternative shopping list that your body might write if it was capable. It does try to tell you that it is missing elements that it needs which is when you are sick. This list contains the top sources for the nutrients our bodies need to be healthy.

Shopping List by Nutrient – Vitamins A- B

More funnies from Debby and a joke from Sally’s Archives

More funnies and an invitation to join in the fun

Thank you for all your support and wishing you a great week ahead. Look forward to seeing you here again.. thanks Sally.