Adventures in Strawberry Land

Hello Night Owls,

Popping in for a bit to share some pics from the Strawberry Festival.  It was held back in May, I want to say 20-21, but it's always the 3rd weekend of May.  It's been a while, but I love to go every year.  It's held in Oxnard, CA and every year the event keeps getting bigger.  I remember the first year I went, the arts and crafts were held on the grass at Oxnard College but now they shut down the adjacent street and hold the arts and crafts there.  My, how things have changed!

This weekend the weather was great.  It wasn't too hot, but then we went after work.  We got there around 430 pm and closed the place down at 6. Tip:  Go later on in the day.  It wasn't as crowded during this time as it usually is, (as we've gone earlier in the past) and it was a lot cooler. 

Here are some typical food booths.  Of course, I'm a sucker for the garlic fries, but we got calamari and I spilt a Philly cheesesteak with Andrew.  Joe is picky so I'm sure we got him chicken nuggets.  They also sell Strawberry nachos, Strawberry beer, and Straweberry tacos. 

The boys drinking their strawberry smoothies, 2017.  Smoothies are the best part of the Strawberry Festival. 

Posting next to all the Strawberry sellers. Every year the strawberries are always fresh and tasty.  You never get a bad strawberry at the festival.  They have shortcake making contests.  Unfortunately, due to time, I missed visiting "Strawberry Shortcake" this year. 

This is a picture of the boys drinking smoothies from 2013. Boy have they changed!  They've certaintly gotten bigger. 

Here is me with my gratitious basket of strawberries.  We can't eat them fast enough when we get come.  I'm wearing the Angels hat because it's red and I wanted something red for the festival. 

Thanks for hanging out with me at the festival.  Sorry I'm late.  If you get a chance, check out my Christmas story, Mr. Christmas Elf, for a little Christmas in July. It's 99 cents and will be going away at the end of August.  Now is the time to get it!

BLURB: 

Jules' Christmas list is looking pretty pathetic. She needs a new muffler for her car and a hundred dollars for her root canal. Her niece is asking for an iPad, but all Jules can afford is a Barbie doll. The peppermint on the top? Her boyfriend dumps her in a text message. 

Jules could use a little Christmas magic, so when Elvis pops up claiming that he was sent by Santa to fill her Christmas list, all she has to do is believe – in the magic the season has to offer.

AMAZON BUY LINK:  http://a.co/3usLDDt

Christmas in July: 99 cents romance: Mr. Christmas Elf #ChristmasinJuly

Enjoy a little Christmas in July with Mr. Christmas Elf! Only 99 cents. 

BLURB: 

Jules' Christmas list is looking pretty pathetic. She needs a new muffler for her car and a hundred dollars for her root canal. Her niece is asking for an iPad, but all Jules can afford is a Barbie doll. The peppermint on the top? Her boyfriend dumps her in a text message. 

Jules could use a little Christmas magic, so when Elvis pops up claiming that he was sent by Santa to fill her Christmas list, all she has to do is believe – in the magic the season has to offer.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

"So you're the one with the depressing Christmas list."

"Hey, I can't believe you're insulting me and we just met."

He held his hands palms up. They were nice hands with smooth palms and lean fingers.

"No insult intended, but usually people don't ask for mufflers and scratchers. Can I walk you in?"

"Sure." It was easy to forgive him, especially with that irresistible dimple. I adjusted my purse on my shoulder and proceeded toward the door. Elvis kept his hand in the small of my back, helping to steady my shaky legs. Comforting warmth spread up my back. My muscles relaxed. I liked everything about Elvis. He was tall and lean, with a kind smile, full lips, and amazing white teeth.

Joe stood guarding the door, one eye fixed on his watch, one eye on me. He scowled and twisted the lock to let me in.

Elvis opened the door for me. What a treat! When Vince opened the door, he usually walked in first. I paused and turned around in the doorway, gazing into Elvis' cool, expressive eyes. "Can I buy you a coffee?"

"Absolutely not. A gentleman never lets a lady pay for him."

Joe glared at me. I pointed toward the employee area. "Ah, thank you for catching me back there. I have to sign in now."

"You're welcome."

I rushed off, hung up my purse and put on my 'Cup o' Joe' elf hat before joining Renee at the register.

Renee leaned over and whispered. "Who's the cutie?"

"Elvis." I grinned. I'm sure it was one of those "he's-absolutely-gorgeous" grins that leave you speechless.

"He's a doll."

"Uh-huh."

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: 
 https://amzn.com/B01CLM0PIG

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-christmas-elf-stephanie-burkhart/1123503128?ean=2940152907896

KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/mr-christmas-elf

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/620517

SaveSave

Christmas in July: 99 cent romance - Mr. Christmas Elf! #christmasinjuly

Enjoy a little Christmas in July with Mr. Christmas Elf! Only 99 cents. 

BLURB: 

Jules' Christmas list is looking pretty pathetic. She needs a new muffler for her car and a hundred dollars for her root canal. Her niece is asking for an iPad, but all Jules can afford is a Barbie doll. The peppermint on the top? Her boyfriend dumps her in a text message. 

Jules could use a little Christmas magic, so when Elvis pops up claiming that he was sent by Santa to fill her Christmas list, all she has to do is believe – in the magic the season has to offer.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Dad kissed me goodbye on my way out the door to catch the bus. Cold air chafed against my cheeks. Snow fell slowly in big fat flakes from puffy gray clouds. They took forever to melt against the glass. At least we were going to have a white Christmas.

The bus slid up to the stop near the coffee shop. I hustled out the door and rushed toward the store, noticing a guy reading the letters to Santa in the window. There were five minutes 'til opening. I didn't want to disappoint Joe again by being late, so I broke into a trot – and slipped on a hunk of ice. The sidewalk was coming up fast, but I fell into the arms of the letter reader.


He smiled one of the most adorable smiles I've ever seen and a cute little dimple popped out in his cheek. "You smell like peppermint," he said.

I opened my mouth, stammered like an idiot, and shut up. Mr. Dimple held me close. I didn't want to move. He owned a very solid body, with unkempt, curly, sandy blond hair that covered his ears and ice blue eyes that pierced my soul. I melted like a snowman in June.

"I'm Elvis."

"Hi, Elvis." I managed to squeak.

He chuckled and helped me to firm footing on the ground. "And you are?" 

"Julie Erwin, but everyone calls me Jules."

"So, you're the one with the depressing Christmas list."

"Hey, I can't believe you're insulting me and we just met."

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: 
 https://amzn.com/B01CLM0PIG

BARNES AND NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-christmas-elf-stephanie-burkhart/1123503128?ean=2940152907896

KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/mr-christmas-elf

SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/620517