~Cats and their funny ways~

I finally got Spice Cat to stop drinking out of the toilet, but now he has found his water source some place else. I guess I could lock all the bathroom doors. What's wrong with his own water bowl?

Don't have a snow plow? Make one of your own!

Introducing the Pallet Plow!

This is how Tom and I handled the snow. Friday, Feb. 4th, we got another snowfall (17 inches) the 4th one since Christmas. I, (the inventor in the family), came up with the idea of tying two pallets together and then draging it around the driveway and yard. And it worked! I have to give Tom credit with the idea of adding two large, cut pieces of a tree that he had cut down a while back (but hadn't split yet). Adding the logs gave the two pallets the weight we needed to hold them down. Then, using a heavyduty rope, we tied the pallets to the back of our 4Runner SUV and started the drag. And... it worked like a champ! We thought our Pallet Plow might clog up behind the 4Runner, but it didn't. You'd be amazed at how well it worked! There is one drawback to the Pallet Plow--you can't back up. Ha... ha... laugh out loud!

~Speaking of which~

No, the pic you're looking at isn't the result of the melting snow we had a couple of weeks ago, but is the flood we had Monday, Jan. 25th. We woke up to flooded roads and impassable bridges. In this photo there's a road and a bridge under all that water. As my new friend, Margaret (who always looks at the possitive side of everything) would probably say, "Well, that's just part of living in the mountains!" We love it!

~~Ann's Advice~~

December 19th will be a day most of us will remember for some time to come. It started snowing on Friday and by Saturday we had eighteen inches of the white stuff on the ground. What a glorious sight! I loved it... even though it meant there would be no birthday dinner for our 28 year old son, and no traveling to Newport News to see our family. We would miss my mother's Christmas party. As a matter of fact we wouldn't be going anywhere for a while. But that was okay, because we were finally going to have a white Christmas! That kind of made everything all right. Excited? Yes, we were. My husband and I were like little children. We went out and played in the snow with our dogs as we watched the snow fall. We even mustered up the courage (and energy...at our age) to build a snowman! It was wonderful. Well, the snow hung around until I had gotten so used to it that I forgot how dangerous it could be. I had trudged through it, played in it, and even drove my 4Runner around the driveway—just for the fun of it. The fun ended the afternoon of December 30th when I slipped on the ice trying to get out of my monster-sized truck. If anyone had been watching, I'm sure they would've have laughed at the sight of me slipping, sliding, and then flopping out of my SUV. I know I would have--at first. But when I hit my head on the running board, and finally came to rest on the ground, it was no longer a laughing matter. I lay there for a few minutes trying to figure out if I were alive or dead... or just injured. Fortunately, I survived the incident. But not so many would be that lucky. Several days later, I read about a young man who had taken a spill on the ice, and then died the following day. More tales of falls soon surfaced, and that's when I realized how lucky I had been. Snow is beautiful, but it's also dangerous. No matter how invincible you think you are, you're no match for the ice underneath it. When you least expect it, you, too, could become a victim of nature's magic. So, what I'm trying to tell you is, don't let your guard down, and don't take chances. Dress appropiately for the weather. Shoes really matter. I was wearing snow boots when I fell, and later I thought about the few times I went out wearing tennis shoes. That was a recipe for disaster. Never, ever wear tennis shoes in the snow! Enjoy the snow, but most importantly, be safe!

Setting sail with author/publisher Ann Mullen

By Alex Carrier

    In an economy that is sending many Americans down the path toward creating their own businesses, Greene County resident Ann Mullen has a good head start –a 10 year head start. Since moving to Greene County with her husband and family in 1999, Mullen has lived a second career as both writer and publisher of her Jesse Watson mystery series.
    “I had never thought of being a writer until we made the move to Greene County,” admits Mullen who retired from her job in the engineering center at Phillip Morris before moving to Greene. “My husband started it by suggesting I write my dreams in a journal. Then I entered a short story contest and the book followed.”
    While Mullen enjoyed the process and got support from family and friends after finishing her first book, the publishing world was not as receptive.

    “Once I wrote my first book, I decided I wanted to have that book in my hand,” explains Mullen, “but all I got from mystery publishers was rejection. When you have exhausted all your avenues, most people just give up but some of us are headstrong and won’t give up.”
    Mullen credits much of her inspiration to become her own publisher to Dan Poynter's “Self-Publishing Manual.”
    “It was the best book to use as a guide,” says Mullen. “He explains everything you have to go through. After my experiences with publishers and hearing stories from other writers, I decided that if my only option was to use a vanity press or do it myself, I would do it myself. I would have complete control of everything.”
    “Once I made up my mind, I started my own company, paid my dues, paid my fees, and took all the other necessary steps to becoming a publisher,” explains Mullen. “You can’t win or lose if you don’t try.”
    Mullen tells other entrepreneurs her bottom line truth. “One of the problems with self-publishing is that all the money is going to come out of your pocket,” warns Mullen. “Expect to put out a hefty sum to pay others for the work they do so you can create a quality product. It’s all about the money – which is the title of my next book.”
    Mullen warns would-be writer/publishers to be willing to invest a lot of time as well. “It is a full-time job,” she admits. “You’re writing, dealing with proofreaders, layout, graphic designers, printers, marketing, and bookkeeping, while trying to keep your readers happy.”
    “It can be done,” stresses Mullen. “I have had my own form of success and a lot of that is because of my readers. They have gotten behind me and kept me in business.”
    Those readers/fans will be happy to know her sixth book “Death on the Bella Constance” is now in print. This time, her main characters take a cruise to Bermuda but, as in all good mysteries, the trip turns into a working vacation as bodies start piling up on this “cruise to die for”.

    Mullen invites anyone interested in self-publishing to contact her.

    “I had people who helped me through the process,” says Mullen. “I want to help others if I can.”

    Those wishing to contact Mullen or looking to purchase any of her books can do so online at http://www.aftonrige.com/ or by phone at 434-985-1957.

This article's first print was November 9, 2009 in the Greene County Record where you can read Alex Carrier's weekly column. To read other articles about Ann Mullen be sure to visit http://www.vgreene.com/.

All I wanted for Christmas was to have a white one, and boy did I get my wish! For three days I didn't see a car on the road where I live, nor did I venture out. Tom and I built a snowman, drank plenty of hot chocolate, and sat by the fire. What a wonderful time of the year! I hope everyone had a great holiday and will have a healthy and prosperous New Year!

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.

Greene County Residents!

There's always something coming or someone moving to Greene County. To our benefit, we now have David Randle, Attorney at Law, in our midst. He's the new kid on the block; handles General cases, and the best of all: His fee is so low, you won't believe it. And he's so nice! If you need an attorney, give him a call, or send him an e-mail (while his price is still low--you know everything goes up).  David Randle 434-985-8440 davidsrandle@embarq.com

*No, that's not him in the truck. That man is the one who delivers my books. I can't tell you his name because he's shy!

Noon Whistle Pottery

has a new face!

Noon Whistle Pottery is located on Main Street in our fair town of Stanardsville. Check out the handmade crafts, and while you're there look for my books--an enjoyable read anytime of the year!

~UVA Cavaliers~

Tom & me

Yes, we're Hoos fans!

My first live football game since high school (1969), and now I'm hooked. Not on the game, (baseball is my thing), but on the camaraderie and team spirit! The tailgate parties are the best! Sorry, the Cavaliers lost to Miami Saturday, but it sure was fun to be there. Go, Hoos!

Smoke choking you out?

When you clean your wood stove, don't forget the cap. A clog can cause your whole house to fill up with smoke. So, if your wood stove is smoking you out every time you open the door, look at your cap. I did, with binoculars, and knew something was wrong. This is how it looked once it was removed. Have a safe fire-free winter!

Massanutten Resort
Come join us each Monday from
~2:00-4:00~

for a wine tasting. A buffet of Swedish meatballs, cheese and crackers are included. Be treated to an array of crafters offering everything from speciality items to artwork. And of course I will be on hand to sign copies of my books. Admission is $3.00 for Adults and $1.00 for Children. You don't have to be a Massanutten resident or timeshare owner. The public is always welcomed. You can find us at the Conference Center located on top of the mountain at the very end of the road on the right. If you need directions, check in at the gate. An officer will be glad to assist you, or just follow the signs.

Let's go on a Cruise!

Recently, I thought about going on a cruise to Alaska, so I searched the internet for the best deal I could find. I wanted the best of everything for the least amount of money. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered I didn't have to go any further than my own family. My sister, Jan Downey, at www.JRockTravel.com, could offer me (and everyone else) a deal too good to pass up. I really could get more bang for my buck with these folks. Check it out. Save money. Good luck and happy traveling. Sorry, Thor and Athena, you have to stay home. No canines allowed on this voyage.

Favorite Virginia Author

I am proud to announce that I have been chosen as Favorite Virginia Author in a poll by Cooperative Living Magazine. Read complete details in the August issue (pictured right) online now.

Visit www.co-opliving.com

Thank you readers and voters. I owe my award to you!