Are You Superstitious?

Black cats, four leaf clovers, and salt thrown over the shoulder

Are you superstitious? Do you go out of your way not to walk under a ladder or tread carefully so you don’t step on a crack?

And what about black cats? Do you make sure they come no where near you? Throw salt over your shoulder when you spill some?

How about more?

The sound of bells scares away demons because they’re afraid of the loud noise.

If someone is sweeping and sweeps over your feet you will never get married.

Three using the same match is bad luck.

A cricket in the house brings you good luck.

The dried body of a frog worn in a silk bag around the neck averts epilepsy and other fits.

If you catch a falling leaf on the first day of autumn you will not catch a cold all winter.

A rabbit's foot will bring luck and protect the owner from evil spirits if carried in the pocket. Hmmm, sure doesn’t give the rabbit any good luck!

Cover your mouth when you yawn, or your soul can go out of your body along with the yawn.

And these are just a few! What about you? Are you superstitious?

Linda

Winter Recipes

Cold weather is here, so I've been digging through recipes I tend to make more during the winter than the summer. Here are a two of my favorites.

Chicken Taco Casserole

4 chicken breasts, cooked and cut up in large pieces.
1 pkg corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 small can green chiles
1 cup milk


Mix soup and milk together in bowl
Tear tortillas into large pieces. Place pieces in bottom of 2 qt casserole dish. Layer with chicken on top, several spoonfuls of soup mix then shredded cheese. Start again with tortilla pieces making sure last layer is cheese.

Bake at 375 for 45 min.



Working Woman's Meat & Gravy

2 lb stew meat-minimum
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 can water
1 can mushrooms--optional
1/8 cup ketchup
salt & pepper to taste--I use a little Schilling Season All and garlic pepper

Combine all ingredients into crock-pot, cook on low setting for 8 hrs or high setting for 4-5 hrs. Serve over rice or noodles.

Miss Pickles Prefers A Single Room

Miss Pickles was an icon as the fifth grade teacher at the Malcolm Rutherford Primary School for the last 57 years.

The last thing she expected was to be not only retired but to have to find a new place to live after she broke her hip.

“I prefer a single room,” she told Ms. Fallon, head of the Sunrise Home for Active Seniors.

Ms. Fallon’s round face stretched in a smile.

“We do not have single rooms here at Sunrise, Miss Pickles,” she informed her newest resident in a perky voice that the elderly former teacher didn’t think was appropriate for a woman who was clearly over the age of 50. “We encourage our guests to make new friends. At this stage in your life it is always good that you are surrounded by people. I would think you, especially, would enjoy the company of adults instead of all those children you taught over the years.” Her lips pursed displaying what she thought of anyone under the age of 80. Not good at all.

Miss Pickles was not happy to hear this, but she didn’t allow her emotions to show. After all, you couldn’t show them when you dealt with children. Like feral animals they could capitalize on weakness.

“I did not come here to make friends, Ms. Fallon,” she said in her slow even tone that always kept her students in line. “I am here because my doctor said I can no longer live on my own.” Arrogant man thought he knew best when it was clear Miss Pickles knew her strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. Managing to get Social Services in on this actually FORCING her to move here was reprehensible. But then, she did have to fail him in English when he was in her class. The boy never knew his grammar.

Ms. Fallon studied her computer screen. “I see we have a lovely corner room available,” she chirped. “Mrs. Timmerman is a wonderful woman. She lost her husband a year ago and came here to stay. She’s a favorite of everyone. Very warm and friendly, she’s heavily involved in our Tuesday morning knitting club, Thursday afternoon reader’s group, twice a week yoga class, and she recently organized a bridge club.” She beamed.

Miss Pickles didn’t beam back. She thought knitting was a waste of time, she read enough while teaching, she couldn’t imagine sitting on the floor forcing her body into odd positions, and cards, well, no thank you.

She allowed Ms. Fallon to escort her out of the office and into the building that housed the living quarters. She noted the walls were painted pale peaches, pinks, and greens. She was positive the staff thought the colors were meant to be soothing, but she only found it annoying just as the constant smiles of the staff members who always greeted her with a cheery smile and words.

“Mrs. Timmerman!” Ms. Fallon trilled the words as she tapped on the door and walked in without waiting to be admitted. “I brought you a new roommate. This is Lavinia Pickles, our newest guest.”

Miss Pickles didn’t like that. Does this woman not have any manners? She entered at a slower pace and almost reeled back at the explosion of color that abounded about the room. Lace doilies were everywhere along with splashy handmade quilts on both beds, embroidered samplers covering the walls, and seated at a comfortable reclining chair near a window was a spritely looking woman with silver hair set in tight curls.

“Hello, Lavinia,” Mrs. Timmerman greeted her, popping out of her chair with spry movements with one plump hand outstretched. “I am so pleased to have company. I’m Maisie”

Ms. Fallon looked at the look of horror on Miss Pickles face as she gazed around the brightly colored room and escaped with a murmured “I’ll leave you two to get acquainted.”

Miss Pickles wanted nothing more than to flee from the chattering woman who sounded like a demented bird. This was why she never wanted even a parakeet.

She suffered through a day of seeing photographs of Maisie’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, meeting other ‘guests’ of the home, and turning down invitations to join a shuffleboard tournament, learn to play badminton, and so many groups and classes that her head fairly spun.

Didn’t anyone understand she really preferred to be alone with her thoughts and not scampering around this place like an energetic mouse? She really would have to do something about securing a single room. This was just not acceptable.

****
The screams then a strangled silence had the staff running to the rear room.

Mrs. Timmerman stood next to Miss Pickles’ bed. The latter’s throat was coated in red due to Mrs. Timmerman’s knitting needle sticking in it. Mrs. Timmerman was busily wiping her hands with a damp cloth.

“She didn’t want to join in,” she said with a deep sigh. “You know, we really can’t have someone like her here. Besides,” she uttered a giggle that didn’t go all that well with her advanced age, “won’t a coffin be like a single room?”

My After Midnight Series Is All Digital

I wote a romantic suspense series for Silhouette Intimate Moments and all three books are now on digital for Nook, Kindle, etc. I hope you'll check them out.

Roses After Midnight

After The Midnight Hour

Memories After Midnight

And don't forget the Halloween Hunt is still going on!

Linda

Welcome to Creepy Hollow!

Hello! My name is Grizelda and this is PooPoo, my panther, although she’s decided to go kitty size tonight for the tour of Creepy Hollow.

I’ve lived in Creepy Hollow for the last 800 years and while we’ve gone with the times, we still keep our own unique personalities.

When I want to play I love to hang out at the carousel. It’s only open after dark, but that’s much better.

As you can see we have a lovely mortuary and graveyard. I would advise you don’t go near there the nights of the full moon. You never know what might pop up.

And don’t you love our cinema? They played all the Mummy films last week. King Tut is a big fan of those movies and loves to point out all the mistakes. I would advise you don’t try Percy’s popcorn unless you don’t mind there are maggots in it. He likes the extra crunch factor.

We are not without culture as you can tell with our opera house. The Phantom is one of our big stars.

I love the Cauldron Café! The food is excellent, especially the ribs. Seymour's were especially delicious.

And could any town not be complete without a belfry? Plenty of bats can be found there. They’re so much fun to hang out with.

Igor left the science lab to drop off a delivery to the Skeleton King and his wife. I don’t go over there too much. The dragon has a habit of singing my shoes and I love my shoes!

I love our train depot! The train comes every dark of the moon. Funny thing. People might get off, but no one gets on.

We’re known all over for our medical ghoul school. I heard they can dissect a body in five seconds flat.

I told you we keep up with the times. That’s why Boris started his car lot. ‘Course, all he sells is hearses. But you can get one in any color you want. Mine’s a pretty pink. His prices are kinda high. At least, I didn’t have to give up my liver.

So that’s my town. I hope you’ll come to visit me sometime. I love company. Seems most who do come don’t live very long. Maybe you’ll be luckier.

Grizelda

Night Owl Reviews Halloween Hunt!

I'm offering up haunting goodies along with more authors. Visit their site and begin the hunt!

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Pages/Hunts.aspx

Linda

Linda's Haunting Treats

“Not enough chocolate!” Fluff protested, after dipping an ear in the bowl and taking a taste. “More.” He headed for the container of cocoa. “And sugar.”
“Stop that!” Stasi scolded, picking up the mixing bowl and cocoa, while nudging the bag of sugar out of his reach. “As if we want you on a sugar rush.”
“Tell me again why we’re doing this?” Maggie poured a cup of mudslide flavored coffee along with a shot of toffee syrup then perched up on the counter. Her short Nordic blonde hair was brushed loosely behind her ears while she wore her usual uniform of worn jeans and a dark pink tank top.
“Because it’s fun.” Jazz did the same with her coffee. “So what do you want me to do?”
“Stay away from cooking utensils,” Blair said, pulling a large plastic bag out of the shopping bag Jazz brought with her. She squinted at the contents. “Are you sure these bat wings are fresh?”
“Medlin assured me they were.” Jazz looked over her shoulder and wrinkled her nose. “Those are totally disgusting.”
“And very good when mixed with my special cupcakes.” Stasi took the bag from her friend. She opened the bag and dusted the wings with powdered sugar then shook it to better coat the wings.
“I do hope I will not see your spider cookies this haunted season,” Elle, Maggie’s bejeweled black widow spider observed from her silken web in a corner of the kitchen. “They are very politically incorrect.”
“But tasty.” Horace popped an eyeball in his mouth and chewed noisily. He suddenly spat it out. “Hey! It’s got peanut butter in it! I thought it was real.”
“Not at the price they were asking.” Jazz picked one up and nibbled. “White chocolate and peanut butter is better anyway. Not as chewy”
“As if you’d eat one anyway,” Puff scoffed, stealing a ghost finger cookie.
“Soooo, are we dressing up in black complete with peaked hats, striped stockings, and those ugly shoes or can we go wild with costumes?” Maggie pulled out her favorite knife and idly wiped it on her top. As a top member of the supernatural services, she wasn’t happy unless she had a weapon, or ten, on her person.
“Nick’s going to the party as Sam Spade.” Jazz rolled her eyes. “How clichéd for a vampire private investigator? What about Trev and Jake?” she asked Stasi and Blair.
“Trev wants to be Rhett Butler and I be Scarlet O’Hara,” Stasi said. “I was hoping for someone either more glamorous or evil.”
“And Jake’s thinking of,” Blair paused for dramatic effect, “Frank N Furter.”
Laughter exploded throughout the kitchen.
“You are kidding!” Maggie howled the way Jake tended to howl when he was his Border collie self. “Damn, I almost snorted coffee out my nose.” She rubbed her face. “How does he look in the corset and fishnet stockings?”
“Actually, not too bad.” Blair raised her eyebrows. “Are you bringing anyone to the party?”
“As in ‘hey Maggie, have you met a sane guy in the past hundred years?’” The blonde witch shook her head. “The last male I dealt with was a totally pissed off boggle. Very very messy. I think you three got the last good ones. I intend to remain free and fancy free. Not interested.”
“Oh.”
The four witches turned as one and stared at Horace who tried to look innocent but totally failed since innocence wasn’t in the gargoyle’s DNA.
“Meaning?” Stasi’s voice turned dangerous.
“Well, his name is Reginald. He’s a wizard. Single. Brown hair, brown eyes, and can’t wait to meet you at the party,” he blurted out, slowly backing away. His gaze swept in a wide arc to keep them all in sight. “You met him on SupeMatch three months ago. I sent him that picture of you from the Memorial Day.”
Maggie’s eyes practically popped out of her head. “Not the bikini one.” She huffed a breath. “Of course, the bikini one.” She threw a spark of magick in his direction.
“He’s a nice guy!” Horace yelped. “Okay, so he still lives with his mother, but that only means he’s sensitive. And he plans to find a place of his own. And he doesn’t drive. And sometimes his magick sputters a bit, but he claims to make a nice crème brulee.”
“You are so dead,” Maggie snarled, stalking the gargoyle. She reached out, finally grabbed him, and tossed him upward until he was snarled in Elle’s web. In no time, Horace was wrapped in spidersilk with no chance of escape. “You thought it was bad being turned into a gargoyle? Wait until I finish with you.”
“No more goodies for you,” Stasi stated, showing no sympathy.
“Or going to the All Hallows party,” Blair said.
“Even better, maybe he should clean out Eurydice’s fireplace for the next hundred years,” Jazz said. “I only did it for six months and it’s a really big fireplace.”
Horace struggled but the web only tightened around him.
“That’s the last time I try to find you a date!”
And now for one of the witches’ favorite treats. Enjoy!

Eyeball Nummies
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons shortening
2 drops blue food coloring
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
red food coloring (optional)
1. Beat the peanut butter and butter with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Beat in the sugar and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll chilled dough into small, eyeball-sized balls and place on 2 baking sheets lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
2. Melt the white chocolate and shortening in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each melting, for 1 to 3 minutes (depending on your microwave). Do not overheat or chocolate will scorch. Dip each eyeball into the white chocolate and transfer to the waxed paper until the chocolate has set. You can chill them in the refrigerator.
3. Stir a few drops of blue food coloring into the remaining melted white chocolate. Make a round "iris" on the top of the cooled eyeball and press a mini chocolate chip in the center for a "pupil." For an extra spooky bloodshot eyeballs take a toothpick dipped in red food coloring and make squiggly lines on the eye.