Spice Cat---my fearless snoop companion---had to take a break away from his prowling around to get his rabies shot which was offered at the VoTeck Center in Stanardsville. Once a year, Ret. Veterinarian Dr. John Hayes offers his time to vaccinate local cats and dogs (at only the cost of the vaccine). No appointment. No office visit charge. This is a real blessing for folks who have several animals! Spice wasn't crazy about getting a shot, but he loved the attention he got from Carol Sarginger---another outstanding Greene County volunteer (GCWC). I think my husband Tom had as much fun introducing Spice Cat to everyone as Spice did when they lavished their praise on him. He loves to be told how handsome he is.

As most of you can tell, I'm not one who blogs very often. So, if there's anything you would like to know just email me at aftonridge@aol.com. As far as MySpace, Twitter, or the rest of the many stops on the internet highway are concerned... it's all I can do to keep up with Blogspot. If you email and want me to be added as a friend, please don't take offense if I don't respond. I have tried many times, but I always got lost in the maze. For those of you who have already ordered my new book, Death on the Bella Constance, thank you so much! And if you haven't, now would be the time to do so. Christmas is just around the corner, and what a great gift idea for the reader in your family, or for a friend. Why not introduce them to the Jesse Watson Mystery series? You may now order by phone at 434-985-1957 using your bank or credit card--- and I will be the one taking your order, so you don't have to worry about security and confidentiality. I will safeguard your card number as if it were my own. (Please--don't email me your credit card number! You know how not-so-private email is.) Thank you and I hope you enjoy my new book! Warm regards, Ann Mullen

Photo taken by Alex Carrier at the Blue Ridge Cafe in Ruckersville, VA, one of the many local places mentioned in my books.

Support Our Troops

While we get ready to celebrate and enjoy our freedom this July 4th, take time now (and every day) to remember the ones who make this celebration possible. Support Our Troops.

Photo from one of our soldiers Tim M in Afghanistan.

Graves Mountain Lodge

Graves Mountain Lodge has just opened for their new season. On your visit, be sure to stop by their gift shop and say hello to Sylvia. Pictured here holding her copy of my latest release, Greene County Killer, Sylvia will be glad to show you all the great gifts they have to offer ... along with copies of all my books. Enjoy yourself!

~~Ann's Advice~~

This last cold snap we had here in Greene County was a real doozy! And I learned something from it that I'd like to share. When the temperatures get in the single digits, it's time to go outside and crank up your car (if it hasn't been driven for a while). Let it run until the engine warms up, and then drive it around the yard or the driveway. Don't let it sit for a couple of days when it's freezing cold. When I got up yesterday, it was so cold outside, I was worried about our car batteries. So, I went outside and started them up. They were sluggish cranking just like me when I get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes it's slow going. Another cold wave is supposed to hit, so keep your car in mind. If its been sitting for a while, go outside and start it up. You'll be glad you did. Email your thoughts on my advice to aftonridge@aol.com. Stay warm!

I am very happy to announce that my book, Greene County Killer, has been nominated for a Library of Virginia Literary Award! Keep your eyes on my blog to find out when you can cast your vote online for your choice of favorite book nominated. The purpose of the 12th Annual Library of Virginia Literary Award is to honor Virginia authors, their publishers, and their literary contribution. For more details, visit http://www.lva.virginia.gov/.

The perfect day for reading?

You don't need to wait for a day like this to enjoy my Jesse Watson Mystery series. Visit my website at www.aftonridge.com and order your copy today. I hope you'll be glad you did.