Collecting Critters # 1 Meet Octo

I love collecting hand knitted critters. Why? I suppose what I love about my little critters is that each one is made with love. 

 Today's critter is "Octo." Octo's maker is my sister, Christine, who usually makes octos for her kitties to play with. Here, Octo has joined on vacay in April 2022. Octo can't wait to try the Wahlburgers.

I liked my visit to visit Wahlburgers.  It's not a chain that I see here on the West Coast, though I believe there's one in Los Angeles (kinda out of my way) . I had the tots and the "Our" burger.  What's in an "Our" Burger:

Beef Burger

Government Cheese

Lettuce

Tomato

Onion

Pickles

and Paul's signature Wahl Sauce

I can honestly say Wahlburgers was a hit and I would go there again. Now, I've never seen the show, but I do appreciate a good Wahl burger. 

****

FOR YOUR SUMMER READING:

Journey of the Heart is available on Amazon as an Ebook for .99 cents.

BLURB: 

James DiMera returns to his home in California after World War II, only to find out he's lost his farm. His way of life gone, James becomes a journeyman, selling Bibles, looking for a sense of purpose. But after the loss of his dream, what can there be for him?

Rachel Santori's family winery is in trouble. She's looking for someone to trust. When Rachel meets James, she can't deny how he touches her lonely heart and soul with his kindness and the way comes to her aid. How long has it been since she had someone to depend on? Can James find a place of belonging in Rachel’s life? Can love mend both their weary hearts?

EXCERPT: 

"Wait a minute, Sir," James interrupted, and peered at Rachel's spellbinding eyes for a second before looking at Mr. Smith. "You've tasted this vintage before?"

"I have."

"So you know how much it's worth?"

"I do."

"You seem like a fair man, Mr. Smith. At least you were with me. I believe if you offer miss Rachel one thousand dollars, you'll recoup your investment and more." 

"Now young man, how much do you know about wine?"

"Not much, but I do know human nature. You respected her father, and he, you, enough to share an expensive bottle of wine. Honor that respect now. I suspect if Miss Rachel didn't have to make this offer to you, she wouldn't have. She knew you and her father had a good relationship. Honor that like you honored my service."

"You're good, Son. I'll give you that. I'll offer you nine hundred dollars for the wine," he paused. "I know I've been hard on you Miss Rachel. You should consider hiring a young man who can help you manage the estate." 

"Thank you, Mr. Smith. I'll accept your offer and take your advice to heart." 

Mr. Smith grabbed his ledger, wrote a check, and presented it to her. 

"Do you have someone to carry in the cases? It's just Vito and I." She tucked the check into the purse. 

"Well --"

"I'll do it," said James. 

"Grab my stock boy from the back, Son." 

Rachel offered her hand to James. "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate your assistance. I'm Rachel Santori." 

"James DiMera." 

BUY LINK: 

https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07S1VL7JZ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=15VI1AD1QJRVI&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1688153586&sprefix=stephanie+burkhar%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-4

Visiting the Valley Greek Festival May 2023

The Valley Greek Festival in Los Angeles was back, and I was happy to visit. Opa! It took place at St. Nicholas Church on Plummer and Balboa.  I grew up in a city with a prominent Greek community, so I’ve always had an affinity for Greek culture. In Germany, I loved visiting the authentic Greek restaurants.  My favorites were the Gyros and Ouzo. Lol!! And Ouzo has a black licorice taste to it, but it’s so smooth, it’s worth the shot for me. 

 

First thing we did was check out the food.  They had a big food tent, but the line was forever! So, we had to pass.  My son and I visited the drink tent. Ouzo and Kona for us! We found some pork souvlaki, zucchini sticks, and calamari as well as fried cheese which was remarkably good. Hidden secret there. 

 

Next, we explored the Greek Church, St. Nicholas.  For me, I found a lot of things in common with a Catholic church.  The vestments and ornaments seemed very ornate. There were differences, too. For me, I felt the reverence.  My spiritual beliefs have been evolving as late, as I’ve been working on God/Source and that he is the vine and we are the branches.  We are all one and yet separate.  The reverence in church was humbling.

 

Next we watched some dancing, but the line for the Loukoumades was far too long to wait in so we headed over to the Arts and Crafts and found a Greek coffee booth. The coffee was smooth.  The most impressive Arts and Crafts booth was the wood carving. It was advertised the carvings were from olive tree wood from the holy land.  I was very impressed with the intricate carvings. 

 

Overall, it was a fun day and nice to get out.  A bit overcast in Los Angeles, but still nice weather. 

 

What are your favorite Greek things? Drop me a line.

 

My story, Arrow Through the Heart is now avail on Kindle Unlimited.

 

EXCERPT:

Ella paused next to her room's door. "This is it." Her voice was soft, yet had a hint of awkwardness to it.

Logan drew in a small, nervous breath and jammed his hands into his pockets, trying to appear casual. "Did you have fun today?"

"I did." She cast her eyes downward for a second, and then glanced back up at him. Her gaze smoldered. His heart skipped a beat.

"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked.

"I'd like that." She pulled out her cell phone and typed in his number. Logan did the same.

"On the Fourth, would you like to spend the day with me?" he asked.

"I—" Ella placed her hand on the door and it swung open. She glanced at him, surprise on her face. 

"Was your door latched?" Logan asked.

"I thought it was." 

"Let me." A sudden urge to protect her swelled in him and he stepped in front of her, entering the room. The sheets on the bed were crumpled, bureau drawers were spread across the floor, and her clothes were tossed about. A rope had been tied to her tennis racket and it hung from the ceiling fan with a note attached to it.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Through-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B0C5ZWD28D/ref=sr_1_6?crid=VKZ3MU4PNZ17&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1686535941&sprefix=stephanie+burkhart+%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-6 

 

Find me at: 

 

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