Fitness: Squats. Scat. Owl Pellets … And Some “Fit” Newsletter Advice

Winter Fitness Class. (I never made it back to the gym after Covid shut down)

AM Class: Squats to put snowshoes on. Snowshoe Raven the dog up through new snow into the woods for dog business and sniffing of fresh animal tracks. Return to see busy plow. Keep snowshoes on; clear off car. Squats to remove snowshoes; add boots. Drive car away to await plow job. Return and shovel out doorway and access to woodshed with large push shovel (saves my back). Change into ice cleat boots: more squats. The driveway ice was exposed by the plow. Sand a path to the car and to the woodshed. Load the wheelbarrow with two separate loads of wood and deliver each to the woodstove. Remove cleat shoes (final squat). Squats rather than bending protect my arthritic back. Stare at computer and think, “Yaaa, right. Got energy for that.”
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Ooops. “Ass At Own Risk.” Details Too Good to Waste

I collect details that I migrate to my characters, plots and pages. (My pockets and car corners are full of errant slips of paper.)

Today I thought I’d share some of the list that’s taped next to me. Right in front of my face as I work so it’s hard to avoid. Yes, it’s typed but as the pages accumulate, there’s lots of scrawled notes too: snatches of conversations I might hear or how someone’s dressed. (On the coldest day recently, I stood in line at the post office with a woman in a down parka and flip flops. Bare feet).

I add signs found in windows, bumper stickers, intriguing or bad behavior. (Like an “Ass at Own Risk” sign missing its opening P.)

In Quebec last summer at small, public park . . .
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Gifting. No Wrapping Necessary.

Here is a gift from Maine Crime Writers’ reader Mary Ann, and my story of the best gift ever. (My best gift ever.)

The Affordable, but Really Good Eats Quest.

Last month, (fed up with not-worth-it but expensive food), I asked readers this question. “How might we eat out one or two times a month and spend less than $40-$45 per meal? Hopefully less than $35. Hopefully, around $75 per month for two evenings out. The food has to be really, really good food.”

 Mary Ann (using the formula I suggested), generously sent this review for us to share. Thanks, Mary Ann!  (I plan to head there for the flatbread pizza and coleslaw and of course, a long browse at Shermans Books.)

Trackside Station, Rockland, Maine    (Reviewed by Mary Ann)

The Good: Trackside combines the best of pub food with touches of fine dining. On the menu are such appetizers as pretzel bites and chicken wings, perfect to go with drinks at the bar. On that same menu you can also find Lobster Scampi, complete with herbs and white wine for date night. The daily specials include favorites such as . . .
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Eat Well. Eat Cheap. Avoid Bloated Buns

In late August I was treated to a three-night cruise on the windjammer the Angelique. There was much to rhapsodize about. (Thank you, Leslie!), but this is a post about food and avoiding disappointment, financial or otherwise.

I was warned the boat food would be amazing. It was. And all cooked in two tiny, closet-like kitchens. I could smell the baking rolls, breads, and pastries by 6:30 each morning. A partial list of meals we ate helps explain my epiphany and my project.

Here goes: tarragon-curry chicken salad wraps with olive oil, lemon, chives, a touch of mayo, honey and pickled grapes and a crisp pink apple salad; breakfast, quiche made with lobster, Canadian bacon, and fruit salad; lunch on deck, freshly made fish chowder, green salad, and flaky biscuits . . . Read more >