tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79686370024779371392012-02-13T07:48:36.646-05:00Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.comBlogger4081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-66479898155977900512012-02-13T07:48:00.000-05:002012-02-13T07:48:36.657-05:00

Ok kiddies, today February 13th through February 15th "The Valentine's Day Curse--A short story" is FREE FREE FREE!Get thee to your Kindle, computer, Smartphone, Ipad, Iphone and save yourself a whopping 99cents by downloading it here:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074B2DASI hope if you like it you will consider leaving a review, and/or a like on Amazon, and maybe even consider buying my other book,

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-87311013006070944322012-02-08T08:06:00.001-05:002012-02-08T08:08:54.969-05:00

As part of my promotional efforts for "The Valentine's Day Curse -- A short story" I decided to make it free on Amazon, in all six countries that carry it, (can't wait to get a sale abroad so I could call my self an international author Haha!) from February 13th - 15th. In order to get the word out I created an Event on Facebook. In case you're not on my "friends" list, and you really should

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-32255657393894151952012-02-05T11:27:00.000-05:002012-02-05T11:27:13.815-05:00

I've come to the conclusion that writing my stories is less "work" than promoting them. Luckily I come from a marketing/promotion background BC (before children) so I have some sort of clue as to the best way to do it, however, it is still time consuming. Frankly, I can't wait to get back to reading some of the many books I have on my Kindle, that aren't mine!When you release something new,

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-71778769369203079692012-02-03T08:32:00.002-05:002012-02-03T08:34:36.352-05:00

Live, in the Amazon store...it's The Valentine's Day Curse -- A short story! "When Lisa’s Valentine’s Day ritual is interrupted by a phone call, she is surprised it’s from someone she hadn’t heard from in many years. What could her ex, Joey, possibly want from her on what could have been their 25th wedding anniversary?The Valentine’s Day Curse…A short story about stirred memories of unrequited

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-48163598646167946902012-01-29T10:03:00.001-05:002012-01-29T17:09:41.850-05:00

Been busy, busy, busy! Getting closer to publishing my short story "The Valentine's Day Curse." Here's the cover we've come up with...thank you Marie Elena!And here's the blurb...Valentine’s Day is not always a bed a roses…I'm still working on fine-tuning the description. I also have to re-work the author bio, and compose something for the end of the book. I'm thinking about just putting my

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-70362304741778315352012-01-25T12:54:00.000-05:002012-01-25T12:54:30.407-05:00

Well, here we go again...I'm excited to announce I do believe I have completed my short story entitled, "The Valentine's Day Curse." My goal is to have it up on Amazon sometime during the first week of February, so I have to get my butt in gear. If I wasn't an independent author, there's no way in hell I would reach that goal.Over the next couple of days I will be busy formatting, creating the

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-87768393146076751262012-01-23T10:58:00.000-05:002012-01-23T10:58:10.661-05:00

Maybe I've been reading Joe Konrath's blog too much, but after careful consideration I have decided to pass on entering Fractured Facade in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. The grand prize is a publishing contract through Penguin Books, as well as a $15,000 advance.When I first considered possibly entering, I clicked on the icon for more information and immediately received an email

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-52502636085876871092012-01-20T11:41:00.000-05:002012-01-20T11:41:08.797-05:00

I discovered something rather quickly about writing to music I haven't heard in years...I can't. Rather than writing words, I found myself singing words. I couldn't concentrate. I was too wrapped up in the Swans and Leather Nun to complete a cohesive thought. So, I forced myself to shut off the music.I tried again, and this time discovered those index cards that a lot of authors use to "plot"

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-75230746906562628112012-01-17T08:34:00.000-05:002012-01-17T08:34:37.789-05:00

I awoke this morning to find this on my Facebook wall...Highlights from the Fractured Facade ebook event held in December at the Roanoke main library.Very cool.A couple of days ago I posted full versions of some of the songs so be sure to check them out here.Thanks again to all the artists who participated, Ron Bergeron of Star City Fame , River Laker of Roanoke Public Libraries, and everyone who

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-68547796380895524092012-01-15T18:36:00.000-05:002012-01-15T18:36:49.309-05:00

One of the best gifts I asked for, and received this Christmas, besides the Zumba2 game for Wii, was a vinyl/cassette to CD recorder. Best...invention...evah! This weekend was the first time I actually had a spare couple of hours to fiddle around with it. First thing I did was comb through my huge collection of records. Since the manual states that the needle only lasts for approximately 50 hours

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-77689850285729164632012-01-11T10:38:00.001-05:002012-01-11T10:41:09.980-05:00

The Roanoke Times' "The Back Cover" is running a guest blog post from me on the new South County Library... "Sure, I was a little annoyed that the new South County library meant I would have to drive a couple miles further than I used to. And yes, a little peeved that there wouldn’t even be a drop-off box at the old 419 headquarters, but I hoped I would fall in love with the new one so deeply

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-81043514611089475342012-01-10T11:50:00.000-05:002012-01-10T11:50:39.880-05:00

I'm thrilled to finally be able to show you some of the performances from the NYC...Live in Roanoke! event. Gotta say, they're exactly as I remembered from that night. I loved each band's unique take on the songs they performed. Thank you again for being part of Fractured Facade's book event...I wanted something different and entertaining, and all you guys delivered!One more thanks to River Laker

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-46141525375487369292012-01-09T12:05:00.005-05:002012-01-09T12:11:56.059-05:00

Thanks to Dana Bailey and The Roanoke Times for the Local Spotlight Q&A on the Back Cover Blog! I caught up with Elena DeRosa, local writer and blog reader, last week. She has been a joy to email back and forth with. Thank you Elena for taking the time to answer these questions.Look for a guest post from Elena on the new South County Library later this week.Q&ATell me about your book and what

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-86606425772052823182012-01-05T10:07:00.000-05:002012-01-05T10:07:45.765-05:00

So you might have been resistant to buying an eReader, vowing it would never replace your "real" books. Then you received one this past holiday, and quickly discovered it wasn't as bad as you thought, which made you say, "Hey, this is pretty cool," and after 24 hours exclaim, "What the heck took me so long?" And if you're like me, and many others, you probably spent the next couple of days

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-83026017909066193012012-01-03T08:02:00.000-05:002012-01-03T08:02:45.678-05:00

At first, she laughed at the gift, "Really Mom, a blanket with sleeves?" but soon discovered the magical powers one receives when wearing it backwards. I give you the Snuggie Wizard..."Damn, if only I had a wand and hat..."

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-54025609662174394202012-01-01T15:32:00.001-05:002012-01-01T15:44:04.873-05:00

I read this week marks the 40th anniversary of the $70 million drug theft ("The French Connection") from a Property Clerk's office, that rocked the NYPD in 1972. So, I thought for today's Sample Sunday of Fractured Facade I would post an excerpt from Chapter 20 which takes place in a Brooklyn police precinct... *****During all my Brooklyn years, I never needed, or wanted, to step into the 64th

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-20047792589096881812011-12-31T08:54:00.001-05:002011-12-31T08:55:39.702-05:00

As I was standing outside this morning the sky was blue, yet gentle rain was falling on me. In my reflections of the past year, I couldn't help tear up thinking about the loss of my loved ones. I felt they heard me and their teardrops were falling from Heaven. It stopped my tears and made me smile.Rather than wallow in sadness thinking about past memories, and future ones we'll never make

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-46568320369890074222011-12-29T09:29:00.000-05:002011-12-29T09:30:00.725-05:00

Today my daughter turns 18. I've heard the countdown for weeks now. She's very excited because she said she can now do all the things she couldn't do before. When I asked exactly what that entailed, she responded with the following:1. I can drive past midnight. (True, but she still has our midnight driving curfew!)2. I can have more than one under 18 passenger.3. I can stay at Valley View past 6:

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-35007854246666290772011-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-28T08:00:14.040-05:00

The view from my friend's apartment in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn...love the Verrazano Bridge.The view from my house in Roanoke, Virginia...love the mountains.So different, both beautiful. I'm fortunate I can straddle both...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-56657669675376244832011-12-27T08:30:00.000-05:002011-12-27T08:30:24.411-05:00

Well, our, I mean my daughter's, hopes for a full scholarship to Roanoke College were dashed when nestled amongst the Christmas cards was a Congratulations! letter informing the girl she had been awarded an additional $2,000. The professor who interviewed her wrote in his remarks that she was "a good person." I thought that was an odd thing to write. How would he know that after a five minute

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-61512516994159419582011-12-25T19:03:00.002-05:002011-12-25T21:25:52.278-05:00

Since we've been talking about stroufflers and memories so much around here lately, I thought I'd make this a Sample Sunday and post a passage from my eBook Fractured Facade, covering both..."When we got back to the “fake” home, Josephina brought over some home-baked Italian fig cookies. They reminded me of my mother. Nothing said Christmas more than the warm comforting smell of my mother’s

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-68391350677584708772011-12-25T17:38:00.000-05:002011-12-25T17:39:04.172-05:00

The older I get, the sadder Christmas seems to become. The memories and traditions I used to treasure have become tortuous reminders of those loved ones I have lost. Baking, cooking, shopping, a television show, a movie, a song, a smell of the season -- joys in the past -- now merely fill me with nostalgic melancholy. I miss the people I once shared my traditions with. Frankly, it's painful.So,

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-17057666745163235042011-12-24T10:34:00.000-05:002011-12-24T10:34:58.420-05:00

Just a couple of shots to wish you all a Merry NYC Christmas...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-68911336379776119112011-12-23T16:19:00.001-05:002011-12-23T16:21:28.563-05:00

It's that time of the year to bring out the Strouffler recipe...got everything except the brown paper bags...heading out again!6 eggs4 cups flour2 1/2 tsp baking powder3/4 cup sugar3 tbs CriscoMix flour, baking powder and sugar. Add Crisco. Make a well in the middle and put eggs into it. Mix together until smooth. Make long snakes, cut into pieces, then roll by hand into balls. Make them small --

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-22275772792702193972011-12-16T11:06:00.000-05:002011-12-16T11:06:13.412-05:00

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a wee bit worried that we would be able to pull off last night's NYC...Live in Roanoke! event. Having been around musicians most of my life I know they could sometimes be, ummmm, undependable. So as we got closer to the date and I heard reports that this one wouldn't be coming, and that one couldn't make it, I thought, what happens if no one shows up?!Well, last

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-1207642069618432222011-12-14T08:52:00.001-05:002011-12-14T12:54:01.181-05:00

Script completed and videos delivered. Voice don't fail me now.Yup, tomorrow night's celebration of independent aritists, and the release of my eBook Fractured Facade, is almost upon us, and the music line-up is amazing. I am so psyched to hear the following renditions..."My Way" - Daniel Francis Gardener"You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" - Ron Bergeron"Mother" - Laker"Free Money" - Josa

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-26471948193152400912011-12-12T09:18:00.000-05:002011-12-12T09:19:00.203-05:00

I've been reading some Kindle Community Boards to see how independent authors who have enrolled with the KDP Select program are faring. It seems to me the "big draw" of the program to many authors is that Amazon allows the book to go free for a couple of days before being put into the lending library. Authors are jumping up and down with joy at all the downloads they have received..."OMG, I can't

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-53869307637674916472011-12-09T09:13:00.000-05:002011-12-09T09:13:38.935-05:00

Yesterday I wrote a post entitled, KDP Select and Me, which briefly covered independent authors opting into Amazon's Kindle Owners Lending Library.As expected, message boards, twitter, facebook and blogs were all afire as to if this was the greatest thing since sliced bread to happen to independent authors, or, just another way for Amazon to flex its muscles. The independent community is split.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-39351462348928614002011-12-08T12:07:00.001-05:002011-12-08T18:10:19.997-05:00

When I initially heard stirrings that Amazon would be allowing independent authors another way to introduce their books, via the Kindle's Owner Lending Library, thus far only containing a limited choice of ebooks, I thought, "What a great opportunity!" Besides getting more exposure, the authors would also get paid.According to the press release , based on a monthly $500,000 fund, it works like

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-54029832326776433432011-12-06T08:44:00.000-05:002011-12-06T08:44:24.410-05:00

I had originally planned on having a video shown at the NYC...Live in Roanoke! event in which I show a day in the life of an independent author. I wrote the script, and although humorous and over-the-top, it has a ring of truth to it. Picture me wearing a sandwich board with my book's info on it, running up and down the streets of Roanoke, sped up ala Benny Hill, me ringing a bell ala Monty

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-44364983293083050432011-12-04T11:28:00.000-05:002011-12-04T11:28:58.653-05:00

Remember last year when we found our four deer in rather compromising positions?Well, it was a fruitful union...Say hi to Baby Doe and Baby Buck... The family grows...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-18153869506305304302011-11-30T08:30:00.000-05:002011-11-30T08:31:06.040-05:00

"Grief starts to become indulgent, and it doesn't serve anyone, and it's painful. But if you transform it into remembrance, then you're magnifying the person you lost and also giving something of that person to other people, so they can experience something of that person." -- Patti SmithWith over 50 years of shared memories of my beloved cousin, it's hard to pull the best ones...they're all "the

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-1924377358050785412011-11-28T09:31:00.001-05:002011-11-28T09:34:15.107-05:00

I lost my best friend yesterday. He happened to be my cousin, John Paul. He was two weeks older than me, the other black sheep of the family, and who everyone referred to as "my partner in crime." I'm at such a loss I don't know what to do. I always thought that when two people had a special bond, when one person left the earth, the other person would know it. I didn't. I felt sick the day before

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-81689345191113895522011-11-25T11:15:00.001-05:002011-11-25T17:04:09.238-05:00

For some, the day after Thanksgiving is a day to spend in stores, shopping, shopping, shopping. Not this family. We don't refer to today as Black Friday, we refer to it as Bright Friday. For tonight, the dark, gloomy hilltop will be awash in bright lights. Motorists will be able to see what lies ahead around the turn and up the hill. The walkers will have their dangerous path lit. And the

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-3868518448407951582011-11-23T09:39:00.000-05:002011-11-23T09:39:30.013-05:00

I love Thanksgiving. It's like Christmas without the stress of presents. It's the kick-off. It's when I find it acceptable to start listening to Christmas carols. It's when Christmas shows can be watched. It's when "March of the Wooden Soldiers" is supposed to air, like it did every Thanksgiving on WPIX in NYC. Here in Roanoke, VA, it never does. It doesn't matter anymore. My family got tired of

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-45842037977969226242011-11-21T08:56:00.000-05:002011-11-21T08:57:05.918-05:00

Have you noticed lately that Roanoke's cool quotient has been rising? Maybe it's always been that way, but I was too ensconced in my little mommy bubble to realize it, but now that I feel like I'm "getting my life back" I'm excited to be part of it.For instance...I had never listened to a podcast before, but when I saw that Tad Dickens of the Roanoke Times had interviewed punk/underground pioneer

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-32533535064056957982011-11-17T14:39:00.000-05:002011-11-17T14:39:33.535-05:00

Every once in a while I get to feeling very "Shondelli." It could be a note that I hear, a pic that I see, the smell of a chill in the air, and suddenly, I hear Tommy James and the Shondells playing in my head. I'm brought back to my warm blanket...a comfortable, cozy, bordering on the edge of excitement, but still innocent, time.A Youtube commercial on FB, even if it wasn't the actual one, of a

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-25205549387963644092011-11-15T08:49:00.000-05:002011-11-15T08:49:14.097-05:00

Visitors to the Roanoke Valley, and in particular, those who came to Roanoke College on Monday, got to experience the beauty that is Southwest Virginia this time of the year. Yesterday, the first students who were semi-finalists for Roanoke College's Scholarship descended upon Salem to compete for the coveted awards. Yes, my daughter was one of them and we didn't have to travel as far as some of

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-75575864797651773192011-11-13T10:26:00.002-05:002011-11-13T12:50:01.518-05:00

I have to give the Roanoke Times credit, not only for running my commentary which they gave a great headline to, "Make way for the new punk" on the front page of the Horizon section, but for running another commentary lamenting "Suddenly, everyone is a published writer" right next to mine.The major difference in our attitudes is made clear in the first paragraph of Betsy's commentary when she

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-19159996596637696462011-11-12T18:09:00.000-05:002011-11-12T18:10:10.096-05:00

Thanks to Facebook I found out today is Neil Young's birthday. From the first moment I heard his voice, I became enchanted. It was in the early '70's, and up until then I was an ardent AM Radio fan. I spent whatever money I would find hidden in the couches on 45's at the local candy store. My prized possession was my friend's record of Peter St. Crispin's "Pied Piper." I would make her play it

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-10996841243586913282011-11-11T09:28:00.001-05:002011-11-11T09:35:32.552-05:00

Take the time to thank a veteran today...thank you Dad.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-83723338812351666042011-11-08T08:26:00.000-05:002011-11-08T08:27:20.001-05:00

I happened to be flipping through channels the other day when I landed on some sort of auction show. Up for bid were two old books. One was a history book that had John Hancock's signature, the other was a first edition of "The Great Gatsby." They each brought in a pretty penny and it got me thinking about my own antique book collection.It's been quite a while since I dusted them, so figured now

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-66758605978043760262011-11-05T20:26:00.005-04:002011-11-05T20:36:18.159-04:00

I must say, for someone who just had all four wisdom teeth removed, the girl looks pretty good. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the trees around Mill Mountain. Guess I waited too long to get up there and take some fall foliage shots...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-4185615459119244262011-11-02T07:56:00.000-04:002011-11-02T07:56:31.875-04:00

It would have been my father's 79th birthday today. People say it gets easier with time, but does it really?Dad, I kept the promise you never heard. I did it. I told our story. I always knew I would dedicate my first book to you, but never dreamed it would be about you. Miss you...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-41992740181336853552011-11-01T09:25:00.000-04:002011-11-01T09:25:59.537-04:00

Although I appreciate all the folks who have said, "Oh, I would definitely buy your book, if only it was available as a "real" book," once they saw what I would have to charge, I highly doubt they would put their money where their mouth is. And that, in a nutshell, is why I chose to only go the eBook route...cost!I never bothered trying to attract a publishing house as I doubted my debut novel

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-4244718627807937102011-10-31T08:02:00.000-04:002011-10-31T08:06:04.222-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-45757494067599997352011-10-28T08:57:00.000-04:002011-10-28T08:57:08.908-04:00

Today marks 125 years since the Statue of Liberty was unveiled.According to the October 28, 1886 edition of the New York Times: “All day yesterday people came to the city in droves to participate in to-day’s celebration. Extra heavily loaded trains, much behind schedule time, were the rule on every railroad entering the city. Every hotel was crowded to its utmost capacity last night, and there

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-61266243438432063432011-10-26T17:26:00.003-04:002011-10-26T17:31:53.712-04:00

Just a quick update to my last blog post...my daughter just received a card informing her she has been selected as a semi-finaist for the Scholars Program! The competition is in November. Woo Hoo!Congratulations baby!!! You are one determined little cookie. Maybe I should put the umbrella back in the closet!

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-63937752971969588342011-10-26T10:56:00.001-04:002011-10-26T10:57:41.684-04:00

You know a college is really expensive when your child gets a letter congratulating them on receiving $18,000 a year in scholarships and your reply is, "Not nearly enough." At today's tuition rates, the remaining cost for her tuition and board would be $108,000 for four years. Um, no. There's no way I could justify that amount for the career path she has chosen. I can't see saddling her, and me,

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-339831472846667622011-10-24T08:58:00.000-04:002011-10-24T08:58:32.426-04:00

I have a theory that in order to be successful at anything you're passionate about, you must perform at least one activity per day in order to achieve your goal. It doesn't matter how small the task is as long as you do "something" to advance your cause. Even if it's just posting an update on Facebook, tweaking an author page, or shooting off a quick e-mail, it still counts. For today's task I

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-49542511141854553932011-10-23T10:09:00.002-04:002011-10-23T10:17:07.059-04:00

Posted over here today, and I'm starting to rethink the wisdom of trying to maintain two blogs. Decisions...decisions.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-43535957235529138122011-10-19T09:52:00.000-04:002011-10-19T09:53:21.762-04:00

Some of today’s independent authors remind me of yesterday’s punk rockers…and that’s a good thing. For the most part, music in the seventies was dominated by stadium rock icons signed to the handful of large record labels. Unknown bands, realizing it would be a futile struggle to wrestle the keys from the record gods, chose instead to create new locks. With their new sound, new look, and new

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-48114672104014886672011-10-18T08:02:00.004-04:002011-10-18T08:10:38.605-04:00

During my stroll along the Roanoke River in Salem I spied the blue heron again. It's been a couple of months since I last saw him. He certainly has grown...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-59765151744344069862011-10-17T08:58:00.001-04:002011-10-17T08:59:39.680-04:00

Posted over here today...Premium Catalog.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-76856597269268532892011-10-15T16:00:00.000-04:002011-10-15T16:00:51.832-04:00

The other day I heard this loud crashing sound, so loud it actually made me jump up from the kitchen table where I was snapping green beans. I couldn't decipher exactly where it emenated from, but it felt as if it was above me. I ran outside to see if a huge branch had just fallen on my new roof. Nope, nothing there.I ran downstairs to see if maybe the water heater exploded. Nope, that looked

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-381012269277757122011-10-13T11:09:00.000-04:002011-10-13T11:09:15.455-04:00

During the 15 years we've lived in this 1957 Roanoke house we've had to use quite a few contractors. A painter, a closet builder, a wooden floor refinisher, a ceramic floor tile installer, a plumber, an HVAC tech, a concrete patio designer, a window installer, and most recently, a vinyl siding and roofing crew, have been hired. The majority of them did not perform the job they were paid to do, to

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-5158496010737352472011-10-11T07:47:00.001-04:002011-10-11T07:50:12.537-04:00

Yup, I'm one of the Ghost Gals. Hope to see you at the Roanoke Library tonight.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-8309245421272802212011-10-10T08:58:00.002-04:002011-10-10T09:03:56.028-04:00

The view from my dining room window...I love dogwoods. Enjoy your Monday.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-42752762767624463582011-10-06T11:54:00.001-04:002011-10-06T11:56:35.473-04:00

Posting on my other blog today...The Best Reward.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-19659261267786025082011-10-02T11:05:00.004-04:002011-10-02T11:29:10.600-04:00

I've neglected this blog because I've been here and here, but I'm back baby! I am thrilled to post that I finally did it...I hit the publish button and Fractured Facade is now available!It's up and running on Smashwords and can be downloaded to any eReader, phone, or desktop. You can find info on it here or just click the cover on the sidebar. I'm awaiting Amazon to finish publishing before it

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-57302972012862655902011-09-23T09:36:00.005-04:002011-09-23T09:39:56.173-04:00

Where have I been? Here and here...Check it out and you'll see I've been busy working on getting my novel, "Fractured Facade" ready to launch!

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-29295805898011988182011-09-16T14:16:00.000-04:002011-09-16T14:16:37.023-04:00

Two Roanoke buildings that Roanokers will easily identify. How about the shot in between them? Where's that located?

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-4030000254039842002011-09-14T08:53:00.000-04:002011-09-14T08:55:47.504-04:00

Just as I predicted in this post a couple of weeks ago, the Board of Supervisors voted for the wind energy ordinance. Actually, they voted to make the original ordinance less restrictive regarding setback requirements! Any amendment Ed Elswick, whose district these behemoths will be the first (but not last) place to wind up in, put forth hoping to protect the citizens of Roanoke was voted 4-1

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-76823006737190090462011-09-11T00:01:00.000-04:002011-09-11T00:01:02.803-04:00

I am a New YorkerI am a New YorkerI may no longer live in the five boroughs or on the Island or UpstateI may now live hundreds or thousands of miles awayOr I may live just over the GW BridgeBut I am a New YorkerI am a New YorkerWhatever took me out of New York:Business, family or hating the cold did not take New York out of me.My accent may have faded and my pace may have slowedBut I am a New

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-57258429409605030262011-09-07T14:40:00.002-04:002011-09-07T14:40:59.025-04:00

Now that I own my name, I can begin work on my new website. Got the basics down for now...Let me know what you think.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-44232320984675185942011-08-27T10:38:00.002-04:002011-08-27T10:45:58.731-04:00

Here's a couple of quick links to various cams...Hope everyone stays safe and sound. Hurricane Cam Coney Island Earth Cam Statue of Liberty Cam Times Square Cam

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-42450363046688180202011-08-24T09:32:00.002-04:002011-08-24T13:09:34.627-04:00

Last night I watched about four hours of Roanoke County's Board of Supervisors meeting. Yeah, I do things like that sometimes, although I was playing Blackjack on my Kindle as I was listening. All of the speakers were either "for" or "against" establishing a wind farm in Roanoke County on Poor Mountain. A couple of observations... I think more people spoke "for" the wind farm than against it.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-18515404545316230322011-08-21T11:29:00.000-04:002011-08-21T11:29:26.680-04:00

My last hope to reap a crop... The fourth fig trip in as many years is doing better than any of its predecessors. Those never got a chance to grow this big. The wildlife has always found the tree a tasty treat, especially at its young tender stage. I've never eaten a fig leaf but something around here loves them. Twice, my next door neighbor in Brooklyn handed me shoots from his tree, but the

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-85154554149274049962011-08-16T11:45:00.000-04:002011-08-16T11:45:04.578-04:00

It's been a year since I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I guess the worst part of it came last week when I saw my rheumatologist and asked him, "So when do I get off the Methotrexate?" and he answered, "Never." What...the...hell? After I picked my jaw up off the floor I reminded him that during my initial visit a year ago he claimed we could put the RA into remission by dosing

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-18659165408816242292011-08-14T19:59:00.000-04:002011-08-14T20:00:11.605-04:00

For the first weekend alone without children, ever, I decided to bring my husband to Nitro, WV for a relaxing time at the Mardi Gras Resort and Casino. My husband had suggested we head to Atlantic City, but I didn't want to drive that far, and figured a three hour trip rather than an eight hour one would give us more "fun-time." Haha! What a mistake!!! I'm sure many of you in Roanoke have seen

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-61763966610836245112011-08-11T11:19:00.000-04:002011-08-11T11:20:05.174-04:00

When I came home from lunch at Torino's (highly recommend), I wondered who had made coffee and spilled grounds. As I got closer I saw the grounds were milling around and then moving up and down a trail along my windowsill. They were the first ants I've seen all year. And they weren't there when I left. Ants give me the willies. These were very tiny ants, which really make me squirm. So, the

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-50614600001139490702011-08-08T09:17:00.004-04:002011-08-08T09:24:30.416-04:00

On my book blog today a post about eReaders -- Kindleicious.

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-13795682955692542612011-08-04T16:40:00.000-04:002011-08-04T16:40:35.934-04:00

I've started another blog called Fractured Facade.If you're a writer thinking about self-publishing, or a rabid reader (and I assume you are if you read my blog), it might be of interest.My e-Eureka! Moment starts it off...I'll still be posting on this blog, but right now my head is over there.Come check it out...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-23826810718672125572011-08-03T09:20:00.002-04:002011-08-03T09:32:13.660-04:00

You ever see a zucchini that size? Me neither. No, it didn't come from my garden. The teeny tiny tomato did. Luckily my customers are kind enough to bring us veggies and fruits from theirs, such as the mega zucchini. I swear that thing must have weighed ten pounds. I could barely hold it while shredding it. For those of you fortunate enough to have more zucchini than you know what to do with here

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-51629752367020221372011-07-27T18:25:00.000-04:002011-07-27T18:25:24.209-04:00

With today's visit to Roanoke College I am thrilled to report that our college quest has come to a happy end. This is the one. We loved everything about it. I suspected we were heading in the right direction, not only because the school had a name tag typed up and a Roanoke College t-shirt for my daughter, but after listening to a short presentation by the admissions person. She touched on areas

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-26769901874148013652011-07-21T10:07:00.000-04:002011-07-21T10:07:08.301-04:00

Being Sicilian, knowing how to read signs seems to come naturally to me. Some people call it intuition or that little voice inside, but my "signs" usually come in the form of slapping me across the head. So when I ventured outdoors yesterday and found a dead cardinal lying on the table under my carport I wondered what it meant. I quickly called to my husband to remove the bird asking, "What do

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-64996316256003184222011-07-19T15:56:00.000-04:002011-07-19T15:56:19.477-04:00

After living in Virginia for 16 years I think I may have finally uncovered what women really mean when they say, "Bless your heart..."It's Southern speak for..."You poor thing..."-- or --"You haven't got a clue..."-- or --"You are so pathetic..."-- or --"You are a freaking moron..."-- or --Fill in the blanks.In any event, I find being told "Bless your heart" or someone saying "Bless her heart"

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-601027167271904782011-07-18T13:08:00.000-04:002011-07-18T13:08:39.640-04:00

Just realized I had some shots from my ten minute visit of the Salem Fair...Top and bottom teeth...a rarity at the fair...We would have been outta there in five minutes if it wasn't for this guy...Now don't be jealous if you didn't get to go...the fair will be back next year, and because it was such a success they're adding more days. Oh joy...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-82889194552872836192011-07-12T09:02:00.000-04:002011-07-12T09:02:25.796-04:00

Excuse my absence...my body is in steamy Roanoke but my mind is chilling at the shore..."The beach is a place where a man can feel he's the only soul in the world that's real..."Need beach...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-69830920371772239342011-07-08T15:59:00.000-04:002011-07-08T15:59:27.322-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I had been standing under a cherry tree scanning up and down the block to see if any other neighbors would emerge from their homes to see why the power was out. It was a clear day, no thunder, no rumbles, yet the power switch had been shut off quickly and quietly. As I reached up to hold onto a branch my hand brushed something crunchy. I about jumped out of my skin when I saw

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-69390591241415130572011-07-06T10:47:00.000-04:002011-07-06T10:47:42.088-04:00

I figured I end my New York City blog posts on some shots of iconic city buildings, sites and sights.This shot of the New Yorker was taken through my friends sun roof...Top of the Empire State Building as seen from my hotel room...A building in Midtown as seen through my daughter's eyes...I love the reflections found on many of the glass buildings...Times Square...Maybe one day Simon and

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-9482088615327258002011-07-05T09:58:00.000-04:002011-07-05T09:58:48.483-04:00

Abradcadabra...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-21020433467310311312011-07-04T09:16:00.001-04:002011-07-04T09:20:20.119-04:00

From my heart to yours...Happy Fourth of July!

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-38675509729258095792011-07-02T10:30:00.003-04:002011-07-02T10:35:50.994-04:00

On Sunday we walked along Fifth Avenue from 32nd Street to meet our Docent on 10th Street so we could watch the Pride Parade together. Since NY passed the right for gays to marry the night before the atmosphere along the route was giddy.I had never attended this parade before and was astonished at how large it was. Everyone was so happy and gay.I could only imagine the pain this guy felt walking

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-55034443715453003222011-07-01T08:05:00.001-04:002011-07-01T08:08:22.281-04:00

As soon as we escaped MOMA we headed downtown to the Chelsea area to meet some friends. The first stop was The Hotel Chelsea which looks the same as it ever has, except there weren't any junkies hanging outside like the last time I visited it.After taking some photos my docent suggested we meet my friends at Dallas BBQ on 23rd Street because Lord knows, we don't have any barbecue joints in

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-25097460128007036362011-06-30T08:54:00.001-04:002011-06-30T09:00:45.019-04:00

The next museum we visited was the Museum of Modern Art. Back in the day, I used to go with my dad to see films there. That, and the cafe, were the only parts of the museum my father would visit. Here's a shot of the lovely courtyard...Although there were a couple of works of art I finally got to see "in person" including some favorites from Van Gogh, Monet and Warhol......for the most part my

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-3918554418903040392011-06-29T10:04:00.000-04:002011-06-29T10:04:18.300-04:00

My daughter and I decided we would be New York tourists and stay in Manhattan rather than at the house in Brooklyn during our girl's getaway. After perusing Trip Advisor, looking at what hotels go for, and its close proximity to Penn Station, we chose to stay at the LaQuinta on 32nd Street, aka Korean Way, so named for the Korean restaurants that line that particular block. If you like Korean

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-85450240254880552202011-06-28T11:35:00.000-04:002011-06-28T11:35:26.240-04:00

Having just returned from New York City after a maiden voyage on Amtrak via Lynchburg I thought I'd give a primer on what to expect if you plan to travel by train.Since we live in Roanoke, a "rail town" that does not have a rail passenger station we had to make our way to Lynchburg to catch Amtrak. Although the Roanoke Times has reported today that there will be bus service starting July 19th

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-40958950467539110442011-06-19T08:30:00.000-04:002011-06-19T08:30:09.737-04:00

Dear Daddy,It's been quite a while since we've spoken. It's not your fault, nor is it mine. It is what it is. I thought I would catch you up on what's been going on down here.Your grandson will be entering his second year of college aiming for a Computer Science degree. His grades are okay, and would be much better if he gave even a smidgen of effort. Remember how we thought he was the smartest

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-35902601274329130472011-06-15T21:03:00.000-04:002011-06-15T21:05:16.624-04:00

Some of you already know, but for the stray reader who happens upon this blog and doesn't, my teen aged daughter has been suffering from headaches for months. Actually, it's not "headaches" but one continuous headache that varies in intensity. I've said from the beginning that I thought it was because she was under pressure. She disagreed saying through clenched teeth, "I'm not stressed!" I

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-5851566437719043912011-06-13T08:49:00.001-04:002011-06-13T08:50:56.274-04:00

When I was growing up and heard the word "Judge" I felt no fear, actually I probably laughed as this is what came to my mind...When the kids of today, especially in Roanoke County hear the word "Judge" followed by Trumpeter, this is how most of them react...After my daughter and I spent two hours in his courtroom last Friday I really don't know why. Neither does she. No, she wasn't in any sort of

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-13684209074755046352011-06-07T11:37:00.003-04:002011-06-07T11:42:31.800-04:00

Is this bunny not adorable? Look how tiny he is. I've never seen a bunny so tiny. He could fit in my palm. And he's not afraid of me either. He's too young to fear anything. What a wonderful feeling that must be...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-24445081635485043122011-06-03T08:47:00.000-04:002011-06-03T08:47:30.904-04:00

As I was strolling along the trail in Garst Mill Park I came upon this little fellow...I took the pic with my phone so it's not a good shot and you probably can't tell how big the turtle is, but he was a tiny little thing no larger than two or three inches. I had never seen a turtle in the creek at Garst Mill so was happy that there was a good possibility I would begin seeing a turtle family

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-80835411835180004312011-05-28T17:36:00.003-04:002011-05-28T17:48:08.221-04:00

It's rare you'll encounter an "old" mechanic. Usually they'll "retire" way before they should because they have no choice. It's a hard field...hard on the bones...hard on the hands...hard to deal with so many morons, just kidding, no, I'm not.As many of you know my husband is a mechanic, but he's always thinking about what he'll do next when he can't turn a wrench anymore. His preference would be

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-49909140844111954222011-05-22T10:09:00.003-04:002011-05-22T10:28:35.144-04:00

Over the last week Blogger has been riddled with problems. Today is the first day I can sign into my dashboard but only using Firefox and not Internet Explorer. When I tried signing in with IE it would take forever and then I'd get an error message saying the URI is too long. Clearly it's a problem with Blogger as others have experienced it as well. I've been following the "help" boards which

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-44385275451866517022011-05-12T08:01:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:57:10.313-04:00

I stumbled upon the "special effects" setting on my camera so went to town on the creek at Garst Mill Park in Roanoke County...

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-56353105813112073132011-05-10T08:33:00.001-04:002011-05-10T08:33:56.155-04:00

On Saturday the "Ghost Gals" checked out the Civil War Homes Tour offered by Roanoke County. There were eleven different locations that could be viewed over a two day period. We toured seven in one day. I would have liked to visit them all but time ran out and didn't want to spend Mother's Day finishing up.Besides the fronts of most of the homes being very similar in style, the other constant

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-54114841860763922872011-05-07T18:34:00.000-04:002011-05-07T18:34:35.274-04:00

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-28340986477847095092011-05-05T14:28:00.000-04:002011-05-05T14:28:52.730-04:00

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968637002477937139.post-49272293468035666892011-05-04T16:10:00.000-04:002011-05-04T16:10:49.812-04:00

I thought everyone had heard of The Cloisters. "Come to The Cloisters" was drilled into my head when I was a kid watching WPIX NY. That commercial along with "Come to Palisades Park" was run about a million times a day. My parents brought me to Palisades Park but never The Cloisters. It was too far to drive up the Hudson River to see some creepy building. For the record, I discovered on this trip

Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070488432007287857noreply@blogger.com0