Celebrating

I always visit my mother on her birthday. She lives three hours away, but distance doesn't matter. I'm going to be there to help her celebrate. This year she turned eighty-three. 

My sister Jan, me, and Minnie my mom

 

 

 

Happy Birthday and many more, Mom.

One Always Tries to Get Away

Never put all your eggs in one basket, or in this case—chicks.

One always tries to get away.

The same can be said for life. Something to think about.

Seven Chicks Just Waiting

Seven chicks to add to the roost.

Tom and I have been trying our hands at hatching eggs, and the outcome has made us very happy. 

The first set of incubated eggs only produced three chicks, but the second time around we had seven that hatched.

*In the pic, the chicks look smaller than they really are, but I'm sure that has something to do with the operator. My camera skills need to be updated, or maybe I just need new glasses... 

My very talented husband has built a second coop to house the ten chickens. The first three are already living in it, and the remaining seven will be ready to move out of their wooden box in a couple of weeks. I'm sure they'll be glad to live in a bigger home and be able to breathe the fresh mountain air.

Rooster Cogburn (who hates me) and our grown hens are Americanas. Their off-springs are beautiful. Thanks, Rooster Cogburn & ladies. I can't wait to see the babies full grown! 

#colormehappy

Here's What I Think

 

I've read several books lately, and here's my opinion of a few of them—and as I always say—it's just my opinion.

Her Cracked Heart
by P.A. Estelle 5 Stars
Title: Charming!

A woman loses her husband and daughter, goes into seclusion, finds another man, and then starts all over again. A typical story that could’ve been boring, but it wasn’t. It was sweet, charming, and drew me right in. I especially liked it when the little girl told Stephanie she had a cracked heart. Can’t wait to read more by P.A. Estelle!

http://www.amazon.com/Her-Cracked-Heart-ebook/dp/B00DZ34T0G

Cold Feet
by Jess Butcher 3 Stars
Title: Good

I enjoyed this story, but I was confused at the end. I felt as if there was a missing paragraph or something that would explain the ending better. Up until then, I loved the tale, but the ending left me shaking my head.

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Lexington-Avenue-Express-ebook/dp/B005DVJSKO

Short Cuts
by Erik Bowman 4 Stars
Title: I liked it!

This collection of short stories was a very good read. The writing is outstanding and kept me glued to the pages. Erik Bowman has a wild, vivid imagination that draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the very end.

However, there were a few glitches in some of the storylines, but all in all it was well worth the time I spent reading the book. Good work, Erik Bowman!

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Cuts-Collected-Stories-ebook/dp/B005X9UNJ6

American Goddesses
by Gary Henry 5 Stars
Title: Brilliant!

I really enjoyed this book. I also love a good comic book, and this story reminded me of one. Super powers and control—who, in the real world, wouldn’t want that?

The writing is excellent, making this book a fun and delightful read. And, I love a happy ending. I highly recommend Gary Henry’s American Goddesses. I didn’t know what to expect, but this book turned out to be a real page-turner. Brilliant!

http://www.amazon.com/American-Goddesses-ebook/dp/B0086XGFTS 

Shadow People
by Jo Robinson 5 Stars
Title: Very good!

Fantasy/Sci-fi/Paranormal, this one has it all. It was well written with very good character development, and it held my interest all the way through the book. A heroine who turns into a dynamo is always a good thing. I will be looking for more of Jo Robinson’s books.

http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-People-ebook/dp/B00BCL91EC

Always Sign Out

Most people don't bother to log out on Facebook, Twitter or their blog, but after finding a video that had been added to my latest post, you can bet I will from now on. I don't know what the video was about since I couldn't get it to open, but I'm willing to bet it wasn't nice. Hackers don't post good stuff on your site.

Shut down, log out, and sign off to keep hackers at bay.

Reviewer Gets Slammed

 Grams wrote a review of Corpus Christi—The Legacy Chronicles, giving it one star and saying she hadn't read the book.

And then all hell broke loose.

Folks pounced on the reviewer. All have asked the same question: "How can you give the book one star when you haven't read it?"

They also let Amazon know the review should be removed because it was inappropriate and unfair to the author. I even put in my two cents' worth.

But then I started thinking about something. Perhaps Grams felt compelled to write a review right then, not realizing that even though Amazon sends out emails asking people to rate a book, you don't have to do it right then. You can and should wait to post a review until after you’re read the book, or at least given it a try. There’s plenty of time.

After reading the review a couple of times, I think this might be the case here. The review seemed rushed as if Grams felt she had to say something.

I’m not taking up for Grams. I’m just saying she might need to be told how important a review is and that she doesn’t even have to post one unless it’s an honest review of a book she’s actually read.

And we all know it’s not mandatory to post reviews.  

Any way you look at it, Amazon should do the right thing and pull the review.

Read the review and comments:
http://www.amazon.com/Corpus-Christi-Legacy-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00BM5C8O8

Note: Amazon has removed six comments (one of them being mine). I shouldn't have commented in anger. I was ugly, and I do feel bad about it, so in reality, Amazon did me a favor.

Has your comment been removed?

We Love Our Hats

If my mother knew I posted this picture of her on the net...

I laughed at the hat. She loved the hat. I laughed harder when I found out she was serious. I love her, so who cares about the hat?

The mother in my books is my mother in real life, Minnie Crumpler a.k.a. Minnie Watson. If you've read my books, I need say nothing more, but I would like to ask—do you think Minnie Watson would wear that hat?

And what do you think my mother thought of my hat?

Note: She's too much of a lady to laugh.

Just My Opinion

I write, but I also love to read. Here are a few books I've read and my opinion of them.

Fosgate’s Game
by David C. Cassidy 5 Stars+
Title: Tops my list for best writing!

The storyline was interesting and I really enjoyed it, but I was most impressed with the author’s writing ability. Mr. Cassidy’s writing was so tight it was as if he chose every single word with great forethought. There were no useless fillers in this tale.

The setting was perfect—a stormy night with two men sitting around playing a game that not only is evil, but deadly. Sounds like a tale straight out of a Stephen King or Dean Koontz book… only the writing was much better.

I believe David Cassidy could write in any genre and have you glued to the pages. His talent is that amazing.

Thanks for such an enjoyable read. I’m ready for the next one!

http://www.amazon.com/Fosgates-Game-Supernatural-Novella-ebook/dp/B00C8PDRMI

Deadly Money
by Anthony Kinner 1 Star
Title: Needs a proofreader!

I really wanted to like this book. I met the author a couple of weeks ago, and he’s such a nice guy, but after a few pages, I had to put the book down. I can’t even tell you what the story was about. The writing was awkward, choppy and riddled with spelling and grammar errors.

I overlook a few mistakes, but this was just a mess. Please fix. I gave him one star for effort.

http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Money-Casey-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00BKOG018

Mouth of the Rat
by Peggy A. Edelheit 5 Stars
Title: Another excellent read!

As usual, Ms. Edelheit does not fail to entertain. I love Samantha Jamison and her kooky friends. Who says little old ladies can’t be fun? I was sucked right in from the start and enjoyed ever twist and turn. Fun, entertaining, and well-written.

Terrific! Can’t wait to read the next one.

http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Jamison-Mystery-Volume-ebook/dp/B009G1WQB0

The Witch, the Princess and the Dragon
by S.T. Matthias 5 Stars
Title: Very good.

This was a cute, simple fairy tale complete with your typical characters—a princess, dragon, witch, King and Queen, and lots of knights. It was a good read for its target audience.

http://www.amazon.com/witch-princess-dragon-Fairy-ebook/dp/B00AH0YHZM

Closing Costs
By Jess Butcher 4 Stars
Title: Good!

When I think of this story, I have visions of a slicing machine being used to cut up the annoying bad guy. What a way to close a deal. Way to go, Jess Butcher! Can’t wait to check out what else you have for me to read.

http://www.amazon.com/Closing-Lexington-Avenue-Express-ebook/dp/B005N0PT76

**Feel free to tell me what you think. I welcome your opinion.

Happy reading!

How You Like Me Now?

I bought this Lincoln Town Car from our friend Bill Kerr (who owns Camryn Limousines in Charlottesville, Virginia) when he switched over to Cadillacs. All I can say is—how you like me now? You dumped me for a Caddy, but that's okay because I found a good home. Even got a little sprucing up! Now I have a name!

Thanks for a job well done, Performance Signs—Ruckersville, Virginia
434-985-7446

Hey, if David Hasselhoff can do it, so can I!

Recess Time

Took the babies out to play yesterday and they were very well-behaved. Now if I can just find a stroller for them...

We all need a good laugh, and I thought that was funny. What do you think?

Just being myself...

Three Chicks

When I said three chicks, I bet you thought this post was going to be about three women. Well... it is in a way. Kinda. Unless these chicks turn out to be roosters. Heaven forbid! What will I do with three roosters? I already have one, and one's enough.

One man around the house is all a woman needs.

Peep Peep!

One More Mouth to Feed

Our first egg hatched this morning and now we have a baby chick.  Three more scheduled to hatch today. So excited!

Lots of chirping going on from such a little creature. Life is good.

Two of a Kind

My pony met a handsome Mustang in the grocery store parking lot. 

The green one is mine.

 

You Can Always Tell

You can always tell how good a man is by the way animals love him.

Donkey just loves Tom Mullen. Me... ah... not as much. What's that all about? I'm a good person and a good donkey caregiver. Just ask Belle and Sable.

Hee-Haw!

Need a Ride?

When it comes to our kids, as parents, we'll do almost anything for them... even carry them on our backs if we have to. This pic was on the front of the Father's Day card our son gave his dad. I think it pretty much says it all.

Hee-Haw!  

Review of The Marionette Heart Poetry

The Marionette Heart Poetry

by Jane Walsh 5 Stars

Title: Excellent!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Marionette-Heart-Poetry-ebook/dp/B00BNHX4KW

Before I bought The Marionette Heart Poetry, I checked out the author, read the reviews, and clicked on the book to read a sample chapter of poems (like I always do). Knowing this was a collection of poems from a survivor of child abuse, I expected a lot of despair, hopelessness, and many visits to dark places.

Well, I got that and more—the pleasure of getting to know a strong woman who survived it all. Good for you, Jane Walsh. Your poetry is sad, but beautifully written. I almost cried at the dedication page. What does that tell you?

We've Crossed Over

That's right. We're now offically farmers. Tom and I raise donkeys and chickens and now we're growing more chickens. We borrowed an incubator and we'll have baby chicks in twenty-one days.

The incubator was in the dining room, but it was too hot by the window for the eggs, so we had to move it. They're doing well. I can't wait to see what happens when the eggs hatch. Stay tuned.

Are You Paying Attention?

Just checking.
Now... onto the heart of this post. I've read quite a number of books on Kindle (and have a whole lot more to go), but I haven't posted reviews. Sorry for being such a slacker. I'm working on it. Here are three reviews I've written. This is my opinion and you might not agree with me, but that's okay. After getting my first bad review, I can now handle almost anything. Well... almost anything. Just don't talk bad about my donkeys.

June 7, 2013.

The Adventures of Mrs. Browning

by Marcia Carrington 5 Stars

Title: I love it!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Mrs-Browning-ebook/dp/B008B2XVZU

I love Mrs. Browning and her double life. She’s a widow by week, and on Fridays, she’s a different person. This was a terrific short story with interesting, believable characters, and was well-written. Formatting was good. No spelling or grammar errors. Perfect.

Hint to Mrs. Browning: Give up your day job of being a widow and make every day a Friday. But then, if you did, there goes your double life. I can just imagine all the things you could get into.

Well done, Marcia Carrington! Give us more of Mrs. Browning. I’d gladly pay for another tale about her secret life.

The Christmas Exhibition

by V.T. Vaughn 5 Stars

Title: Not my kind of book, but if it was…

http://www.amazon.com/The-Christmas-Exhibition-ebook/dp/B00AEGNKBQ

This is not normally my kind of book, but I just wanted to check it out. Graphic, hard-core sex written to please readers of true erotica. If this is what you’re looking for in a book, then this one is definitely for you. The writing is very good and leaves the reader with some mighty powerful visual images.

I might get up the nerve to read another book by V.T. Vaughn, just to see if Jill and… never mind. I’m still blushing. This was my first erotica novel and I’m still recovering from the intensity.

Thanks, Mr. Vaughn, for giving me a glimpse into your world of writing. Your talent shows through on every page.    

Miss Nancy: June 5, 1964 to September 13, 1964

by Dallas A. Dixon 5 Stars

Title: Never a dull moment.

http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Nancy-June-September-ebook/dp/B0055U89SA

I have to agree with everything the other reviewers said. This book moved right along, has believable characters, and keeps one’s attention. There’s never a dull moment if you enjoy soft erotica with a lot of sex scenes, while following the mystery in the story. If you’re not into that, look somewhere else. Lots of sex going on.

My only complaint about this book—the formatting for proper ebook conversion wasn’t done, the content being uploaded in MS Word. Shame on the publisher! I don’t blame the author for their sloppy work.  

Good work, Dallas A. Dixon. 

~~~~

That's it for now folks. Stay tuned. More to come. Please feel free to leave a comment or email me at aftonridge@aol.com  

Did you notice my sweatshirt had my website on it?  Been thinking about getting a decal (with my website on it) for the bumper of my Town Car. David Hasselhoff has one on the bumper of his Corvette. Really! www.davidhasselhoff.com I probably spelled his last name wrong, but who cares? If he can do it, we all can.

Happy reading and don't forget to post reviews. They mean so much to an author.

My Regards,

Ann Mullen

Land of the Happy Donkeys & Fox Chasing Chickens
Afton Ridge Publishing

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Ann%20Mullen&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerank

Oh My How Fast They Grow

Belle was born one week before Christmas. Here she is at two days old, weighing in at about 50-75 pounds. Tom said she weighed 100 pounds, but I wasn't so sure about that. I could've been wrong... I'm not real good at guessing weight.



Sable and her newborn, Belle.

Here she is now, five months later. I'm still not good at guessing weight, but when she stepped on my foot yesterday, I could've sworn she weighed five-hundred pounds. I could be wrong...


Sable in the back. Belle, front and center.

Warning: Never wear flip-flops around large animals.

Hee-Haw!

Out For the Kill

A fox killed three chickens, so now we're out for the kill. We're determined to rid ourselves of that pesky critter. Chickens on the loose and hunters in place... but it didn't happen today.

Tom Mullen with his shotgun.



James Kresky with his AR-15.



Maybe next time.