Thank you for visiting my website.  It’s hard to imagine we’re in a new season with some of the same old issues.  The situation with schools and virtual learning is a nightmare.  While it’s nice to work from home for some people, having to teach and monitor your children at the same time can be stressful, to say the least. Sure glad my kids are grown up, and my grandchildren aren’t in school!  I know people are dealing with a lot of anxiety and stress.  Please try to take a few moments each day—and I know they’ll only be moments—but stick your head out the door, breathe some fresh air, take a walk around the block, or lock yourself in the bathroom with a good book.  In other words, give yourself a break.  You know what they say when you fly:  “Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.”  And that is the truth.  You can’t be any good to anyone if you’re not good to yourself.

In last month’s letter I mentioned the Hallmark movie A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING  is now in production. The tentative air date is December 13^th.  They’re not sure about the movie title because Hallmark already has one with the same name, but we should know soon.  For those of you who are Hallmark fans, Taylor Cole [Ruby Herring Mysteries] will be playing the female lead, Kate Stafford, and Steve Lund [Schitt’s Creek] will be playing Kevin Matthews.  I am all atwitter about this.  It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.

The kitty patrol is doing well.  Ms. Boo is doing well, and her mother, Tessie is getting used to her new digs. I’m still flabbergasted that I own three cats.  I got them an automatic laser toy.  It was getting tedious using the single button bullet type.  It looks like a cat and runs on batteries.  You turn it on and the laser bounces all over the place.  It drives them wild.  All I have to do is push a button, sit back, and enjoy the show.

Halloween is in a few weeks.  I think “Trick or Treat” is going to be tricky for sure.  It’s a shame so many traditions had to be left behind this year.  Everything from graduations, to celebrations, but try not to let it get you down.  We are creative and resourceful people.  If the kids can’t go out let them get dressed in a costume and hide the candy around the house.  Kind of a Halloween Easter Egg hunt without the Easter Eggs!

Since it’s apple harvest time I want to share an extremely easy apple crumble recipe.

Preheat oven 350

Butter an 8X8 baking pan
6 applies peeled, cored, and chopped – slices or squares —up to you
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
1 ½ tsp lemon juice
Mix together and place in baking pan.

In a separate bowl combine
½ cup cold butter cut up in cubes
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup light brown sugar
1 cup granola
¼ cup flour
Pinch of salt

Once combined spread on top of apple mixture.  Bake 40-50 minutes.

That’s all I have for now.  I’ve been getting a lot of comments about the contests and how much people are enjoying receiving signed books, so this month’s contest will be an autographed copy of my new Christmas novel, THE BRIGHTEST STAR.

Stay well, stay healthy and stay strong!

All the best,
Fern