Goggle is amazing. I wrote a blog yesterday about ski racing up at Boyne Mountain, and mentioned my daughter Angie, who raced this past weekend with me and the rest of the gang. She calls me up about a half hour after I posted the blog, and tells me she just typed in "Angie" and "ski" on Google (she was looking for something related to the races) and my blog came up. Somehow Google grabbed onto those two words and found my blog that easily. I find that truly amazing. I, of course, had to try it myself, and yes, she's right. It did.
I have no idea how many people actually read this blog. I enjoy writing it, and that's enough for me. Hopefully, it brings some enjoyment to others. It does remind me of when I used to keep a journal, and wrote about anything and everything that interested me. Of course, this is the Internet, so I can't be quite as personal as I was then.
But let me finish up about the races. We had three days of racing over the weekend, a slalom race on Friday, a giant slalom race on Saturday, and a race we call the Cantor Cup on Sunday, in honor of Larry Cantor, a former racer and an extremely nice guy. I knew him well. He died during a race. I was gate keeping his course when it happened. He had a heart attack, had a heart condition, and wasn't supposed to be racing at all, but he loved it. He was in his early sixties, I believe. When it happened, the day had been cloudy and ugly, but after he passed, the clouds parted and the sun broke through. A lot of us figured Larry was letting us know he was okay. So his relatives built him a bench that sits on the deck of the race shack, and we honor him each year with a race on the last day.
So, to finish up, we had the three races, and as a result, Angie was a finalist for the year, and won the third place World Cup in her class. Marty, her fiance, won his first race, the Cantor Cup, dual slalom elimination style. He was the last man standing ... literally (very icy course). And Bruce (husband) had good results for the last half of the season, but missed out on a World Cup. Not a problem. He won his class the past four years running, very difficult to do. I had the two trophies from previous weekends, but didn't finish one race this time. I'll be buying some new race skis very soon.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ski Race Season over for the Year
Well, the race season is over for another year, but it was fun. I actually managed to get two trophies, a second and a third place, in my Vet A Women class. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that my daughter can watch my races this year. Before, we ran at the same time, but she's moved up to Elite II Women, a step above my class (a big step) and now she can watch my race. It has to be the reason I won something, because my skis are five seasons old; I didn't train, and though I usually work out extensively over the winter, I slacked off there too. But I wanted to ski well for her, and so concentrated very hard on my technique and was extra agressive.
We just got back from Boyne last night. It was really cold all weekend, but the sun stayed out. I will take sun and cold over warm and gloomy any day. The flat light on a cloudy day really takes away from the experience for me. I, like most skiers, like to be able to see the terrain. And on a super cloudy day, even the best goggles don't help much.
But we had three days of sun. The snow squeaked it was so cold, I think a minus one on Friday morning, but no wind. The slopes were perfectly groomed, and easy to ski, except once you stepped into the race course. That was solid ice, so solid even the best racers could not even begin to put a dent in it. I've never seen so many really great skiers slide out, or heard so many complaints. It really tested your ability, and your balance. Every racer out there sharpens and waxes their skis diligently before each race. You could cut yourself on their edges, but it was as if no one had done anything. We stood and watched as one skier after another fell on their behinds. One second they're upright, the next they're not. Like watching bowling pins go down.
I took two runs on the Giant Slalom course, the first not so bad because a little snow remained, the next run I slid out about a quarter of the way down and missed the gate. It was too far to climb back up; I would have interfered with the next racer, so I just skied the rest of the course the best I could. I was okay about it though. I did think seriously of buying new equipment for next year.
More on the races later....
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
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We just got back from Boyne last night. It was really cold all weekend, but the sun stayed out. I will take sun and cold over warm and gloomy any day. The flat light on a cloudy day really takes away from the experience for me. I, like most skiers, like to be able to see the terrain. And on a super cloudy day, even the best goggles don't help much.
But we had three days of sun. The snow squeaked it was so cold, I think a minus one on Friday morning, but no wind. The slopes were perfectly groomed, and easy to ski, except once you stepped into the race course. That was solid ice, so solid even the best racers could not even begin to put a dent in it. I've never seen so many really great skiers slide out, or heard so many complaints. It really tested your ability, and your balance. Every racer out there sharpens and waxes their skis diligently before each race. You could cut yourself on their edges, but it was as if no one had done anything. We stood and watched as one skier after another fell on their behinds. One second they're upright, the next they're not. Like watching bowling pins go down.
I took two runs on the Giant Slalom course, the first not so bad because a little snow remained, the next run I slid out about a quarter of the way down and missed the gate. It was too far to climb back up; I would have interfered with the next racer, so I just skied the rest of the course the best I could. I was okay about it though. I did think seriously of buying new equipment for next year.
More on the races later....
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
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Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A Great Day for a Signing
I thought you might like to hear how my latest book signing turned out. I have to admit I was nervous about the weather, worrying that the roads would be covered with snow and ice on my drive to Fenton. But it was a beautiful sunny day, the roads clear and dry. The journey didn't take as long as I thought it would, about forty-five minutes, and I tend to be a cautious driver, rarely exceeding the speed limit.
The owner of the Little Professor Book Center stationed all of us at the front of the store. Previously I mentioned six authors would sign, but actually it was eight of us. And I liked everybody! They were all so friendly! Two were children's book authors; the others wrote non-fiction. I bought of few of their books, and they bought a few of mine also. I've read each and thought them wonderfully entertaining!
Normally, a signing would last at most two hours, but this one was scheduled from 11:00 to 4:00, and most of us stayed, enjoying talking to each other when business slowed. I had a great time!
My daughter Angie stopped by and took pictures of us, and brought me something to drink, which was sweet of her. She stayed about a half hour, bought one of the author's books, and chatted with everyone.
All and all, it was a very good day.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
lastest book signing, nervous about the weather, Little Professor Book Center, six authors, enjoying talking to each other, daughter Angie stopped by, took pictures, a very good day, mystery romantic suspense novel, Her Last Letter
The owner of the Little Professor Book Center stationed all of us at the front of the store. Previously I mentioned six authors would sign, but actually it was eight of us. And I liked everybody! They were all so friendly! Two were children's book authors; the others wrote non-fiction. I bought of few of their books, and they bought a few of mine also. I've read each and thought them wonderfully entertaining!
Normally, a signing would last at most two hours, but this one was scheduled from 11:00 to 4:00, and most of us stayed, enjoying talking to each other when business slowed. I had a great time!
My daughter Angie stopped by and took pictures of us, and brought me something to drink, which was sweet of her. She stayed about a half hour, bought one of the author's books, and chatted with everyone.
All and all, it was a very good day.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
lastest book signing, nervous about the weather, Little Professor Book Center, six authors, enjoying talking to each other, daughter Angie stopped by, took pictures, a very good day, mystery romantic suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Friday, February 1, 2008
Book Signing(s)
I'm happy to say I have three book signings coming up soon, two scheduled, and one in the works. One is at the "Little Professor Book Center" in Fenton, MI, and scheduled for Mar. 1st. It should be a big event, since I believe it will involve about six authors, one of them me. I'll be the only one with a mystery romantic suspense novel. I think two of the other authors write children's books, and I'm not sure what the other three write. I should be getting an email soon giving me the information. I'll send it to everyone I think might be interested.
The second signing is more informal, at my local chapter meeting for Romance Writers of America. That is on the third Tuesday in February I believe, the 19th. I and others will be signing during the break before they announce the speaker for the evening. I was told to bring about ten to fifteen books.
The last signing will be at a local Barnes & Noble, still waiting on the date for that one. At this point it looks like I will be by myself. Other than any advertising they might do, a mention in their newsletter possibly (I'll have to ask) the rest will be up to me. I plan to make some posters and flyers, and do everything I can to let people know about the event. I did read that the purpose of book signings is not just to sell books, but to get to know the staff and let them know about you and your book so they will be more inclined to mention your novel to book buyers. That makes sense to me. Since I like talking to people that should be a no brainer. I also plan to wear a pin which has a picture of my book cover and my name on it. Angie will design a nice one for me. B&N suggested I do the signing on a Saturday or Sunday, and that's fine except that a few of those weekends are already taken, especially in February, so it could end up taking place in March. That actually wouldn't be so bad as it would give me more time to promote the event.
I am excited about all three signings, and plan to buy a nice oufit to wear. I'm thinking a brown tweedy sort of suit, with a brown turtle neck shirt, brown hose, and nice shoes ... sort of Sherlock Holmes, but feminine. I may not be able to find what I'm looking for, but I'll know it if I see it.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
lastest book signing, nervous about the weather, Little Professor Book Center, six authors, enjoying talking to each other, daughter Angie stopped by, took pictures, a very good day, mystery romantic suspense novel, Her Last Letter
The second signing is more informal, at my local chapter meeting for Romance Writers of America. That is on the third Tuesday in February I believe, the 19th. I and others will be signing during the break before they announce the speaker for the evening. I was told to bring about ten to fifteen books.
The last signing will be at a local Barnes & Noble, still waiting on the date for that one. At this point it looks like I will be by myself. Other than any advertising they might do, a mention in their newsletter possibly (I'll have to ask) the rest will be up to me. I plan to make some posters and flyers, and do everything I can to let people know about the event. I did read that the purpose of book signings is not just to sell books, but to get to know the staff and let them know about you and your book so they will be more inclined to mention your novel to book buyers. That makes sense to me. Since I like talking to people that should be a no brainer. I also plan to wear a pin which has a picture of my book cover and my name on it. Angie will design a nice one for me. B&N suggested I do the signing on a Saturday or Sunday, and that's fine except that a few of those weekends are already taken, especially in February, so it could end up taking place in March. That actually wouldn't be so bad as it would give me more time to promote the event.
I am excited about all three signings, and plan to buy a nice oufit to wear. I'm thinking a brown tweedy sort of suit, with a brown turtle neck shirt, brown hose, and nice shoes ... sort of Sherlock Holmes, but feminine. I may not be able to find what I'm looking for, but I'll know it if I see it.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
lastest book signing, nervous about the weather, Little Professor Book Center, six authors, enjoying talking to each other, daughter Angie stopped by, took pictures, a very good day, mystery romantic suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Skiing Soon
Well, Christmas was fun, got what I wanted, a new ski jacket. Actually, I knew about this gift beforehand, so it wasn't a surprise. (I picked it out and tried it on at the ski shop.) But I didn't wear it until Christmas day, so it did seem like a real present. I love it. It is black, with pin stripes on part of it, and looks good, and I've never had a black ski jacket. The one I've been wearing I still like a lot. It's sort of a gray blue, with purplish accents, and so warm.... That is a requirement. I hate being cold. I once had a ski jacket, a red one, that I talked myself into buying because I liked how it fit, but it was not warm. It was actually a shell, with no insulation of its own. For several years I froze wearing that jacket, convinced that if I just put enough sweaters on underneath it, it would be as warm as an insulated jacket. But it wasn't. I think I developed a lot of new blood vessels wearing it though, a result of my body searching for ways to keep me from shivering. I have noticed that when I'm biking now, I wear a lot less clothing than everybody else in the cool weather, and I stay warm. Of course, that could also be because I ski and many of my bicycling friends don't.
So, now I have this great new warm ski jacket to wear when we go up north to ski soon. I'll be ski racing again this winter, amateur stuff, as will my husband and my daughter. Angie is incredibly fast. She has been able to beat me racing since she was ten years old. She started skiing at three, and was really good then. I remember taking her out to our local ski area and lifting her onto the chairlift, holding her so she wouldn't fall, and then helping her off and skiing to the top of a moderately moguled hill. (A mogul is a small to large bump in the snow made by skiers skiing back and forth, pushing the snow into little piles, and also digging ruts around the piles.) By the end of a snowy day some slopes are covered with them. Many skiers find them intimidating because it takes a bit of finesse and experience to ski them well.
Anyway, I remember the two of us waiting at the top of that slope, Angie so tiny and babylike in her tiny skis and cute little ski hat, a number of adults and teenagers standing there with us, hesitating to ski down this heavily moguled slope. Then I gave the signal and my little Angie took off, skiing smoothly around each mogul, all taller than she was, and hearing a collective gasp from the onlookers.... She is and has always been an accomplished skier.
So, we will all be racing again this winter, and it will be fun. I am not as fast as I once was, but I still enjoy it. Shooting across the finish line, hoping my time will at least be competitive, is still a thrill. My daughter's fiance, new to ski racing, will be giving it a try this winter. He skis pretty well, and is athletic, plays hockey, a goalie, and mountain bikes in the summer. He's looking forward to it. It will be fun watching him, giving him tips etc. He also got a new ski jacket for Christmas, a Spyder. It is cool, and I just remembered, black also. Come to think of it, Angie's jacket she bought last season is also black. Guess all of us will match, except my husband, who has a wild looking blue and orange and yellow one. I never have trouble spotting him on the slopes.
Well, got to go. Hope you're enjoying the holidays and happy new year!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
skiing soon, Christmas was fun, new ski jacket, keep me from shivering, I stay warm, go up north, top of the slope, little Angie, skiing smoothly, racing again this winter, Spyder ski jacket, enjoy the holidays, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
So, now I have this great new warm ski jacket to wear when we go up north to ski soon. I'll be ski racing again this winter, amateur stuff, as will my husband and my daughter. Angie is incredibly fast. She has been able to beat me racing since she was ten years old. She started skiing at three, and was really good then. I remember taking her out to our local ski area and lifting her onto the chairlift, holding her so she wouldn't fall, and then helping her off and skiing to the top of a moderately moguled hill. (A mogul is a small to large bump in the snow made by skiers skiing back and forth, pushing the snow into little piles, and also digging ruts around the piles.) By the end of a snowy day some slopes are covered with them. Many skiers find them intimidating because it takes a bit of finesse and experience to ski them well.
Anyway, I remember the two of us waiting at the top of that slope, Angie so tiny and babylike in her tiny skis and cute little ski hat, a number of adults and teenagers standing there with us, hesitating to ski down this heavily moguled slope. Then I gave the signal and my little Angie took off, skiing smoothly around each mogul, all taller than she was, and hearing a collective gasp from the onlookers.... She is and has always been an accomplished skier.
So, we will all be racing again this winter, and it will be fun. I am not as fast as I once was, but I still enjoy it. Shooting across the finish line, hoping my time will at least be competitive, is still a thrill. My daughter's fiance, new to ski racing, will be giving it a try this winter. He skis pretty well, and is athletic, plays hockey, a goalie, and mountain bikes in the summer. He's looking forward to it. It will be fun watching him, giving him tips etc. He also got a new ski jacket for Christmas, a Spyder. It is cool, and I just remembered, black also. Come to think of it, Angie's jacket she bought last season is also black. Guess all of us will match, except my husband, who has a wild looking blue and orange and yellow one. I never have trouble spotting him on the slopes.
Well, got to go. Hope you're enjoying the holidays and happy new year!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
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Monday, December 17, 2007
Shop 'til you drop...
Christmas is just around the corner, and of course I'm not finished shopping yet. I have done some of my shopping, and actually I am ahead of schedule considering my usual habits. I usually wait until a week before Christmas to begin, when the panic really starts to set in. I then wander aimlessly around the mall for several days in a row, hoping the perfect choices for gifts will magically appear. They don't. I then drop hints to loved ones to tell me what they want now, or suffer the consequences. They are not surprised. They've seen this before.
Unlike most women, someone forgot to give me the shopping gene. I am like a few men I know in that respect. I wish I could give cash sometimes, or gift cards, but that is so very impersonal. I wouldn't like it, so I can't possibly do it. But if my loved ones aren't going to like what I buy, and must either take it back or not use it, what is the point in buying it? I am happiest when the ordeal is over, and the gifts are under the tree, and I've managed to somehow come up with a few nice surprises. The joy is seeing the looks on their faces.
I did enjoy the mall though this year. I took a day just to look at the lights and the decorations, and sit and enjoy a coffee and biscotti at Starbucks while all the shoppers rushed by. Somehow this relaxed approach helped clear my head, and I actually found some nice presents this way; I think because I didn't go there to shop, just to look around.
But I'm not done, though I am close. And I still have seven days, a lot of time. Like I said, most years I wouldn't even get started until now. I think I feel relieved already.
Hope you enjoy the holidays!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
Christmas is just around the corner, not finished shopping yet, loved ones, forgot to give me the shopping gene, enjoy the mall, coffee and biscotti at Starbucks, nice presents, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Unlike most women, someone forgot to give me the shopping gene. I am like a few men I know in that respect. I wish I could give cash sometimes, or gift cards, but that is so very impersonal. I wouldn't like it, so I can't possibly do it. But if my loved ones aren't going to like what I buy, and must either take it back or not use it, what is the point in buying it? I am happiest when the ordeal is over, and the gifts are under the tree, and I've managed to somehow come up with a few nice surprises. The joy is seeing the looks on their faces.
I did enjoy the mall though this year. I took a day just to look at the lights and the decorations, and sit and enjoy a coffee and biscotti at Starbucks while all the shoppers rushed by. Somehow this relaxed approach helped clear my head, and I actually found some nice presents this way; I think because I didn't go there to shop, just to look around.
But I'm not done, though I am close. And I still have seven days, a lot of time. Like I said, most years I wouldn't even get started until now. I think I feel relieved already.
Hope you enjoy the holidays!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
Christmas is just around the corner, not finished shopping yet, loved ones, forgot to give me the shopping gene, enjoy the mall, coffee and biscotti at Starbucks, nice presents, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Day before Thanksgiving
I'm sitting at my computer, as usual, completing some projects. Slicky, my long haired black cat, is sitting just below me on his papers near my feet. He has a fondness for colored tissue paper, the kind you put in gift boxes, and likes to both play with it and lie on it for some reason. Right now he is reclining on light and dark pink paper, plus some white. Seems very content. It's nice to know he likes to hang out with me.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and though we usually go to Julie and Neil's house, my niece and her husband, we won't be this year. Her sister-in-law wants to do Thanksgiving instead this time. That's too bad, because it's fun at my niece's, and my sister and her husband show up, and my daughter and her fiance, and I get to see my niece's children, who are growing up way too fast. But my niece thinks she may have another holiday party possibly, so we can all get together then. But, the way it gets over the holidays, it may not happen. Time just seems to fly during this time.
So tomorrow it is just my husband and I, then the day after Thanksgiving my daughter and her fiance are coming over. He promised to visit his own parents on Thanksgiving, which is fine. He is very good about spending time with both of our families. I am instead making a small ham tomorrow, and keeping it fairly simple. Then the day after Thanksgiving I will roast the large turkey I bought. So, in a way we will have two Thanksgiving dinners. Also, my bicycle group usually does a Thankgiving day ride, which I always miss because of other plans, but I could actually go this time if I want. But I may not, as I like to watch the Thanksgiving parade on t.v., and see Santa Claus show up on his sleigh, doing the HO, HO, HO thing.
I only attended the downtown Thanksgiving parade once (except another time as a student band member when I marched in the parade). My daughter and I rode down in a charter bus that picked people up from the community center near our home. Angie was in high school then, and it was a cold cold day, and we were dressed warm but still freezing. I even brought chemical heater packs for our toes and hands, but it barely helped. When the bus parked, we walked down a little ways, maybe a half a block, and stood and watched it all. Then after Santa passed by, we hurried back smiling to get on the warm bus. But all the smiling quickly stopped as we watched the bus start pulling away. Angie and I just looked at each other and started running. We were downtown after all, thirty miles from home, and no cell phones back then, or even payphones, plus all the stores were closed.
It was awful! We would run, almost catch the bus (moving slowly through traffic) then the light would change from red to green and the bus would start up again. We ran after that bus for two or three blocks, waving and screaming. Finally, just before the bus was about to turn onto the freeway ramp, we came alongside the driver's window and yelled and pointed at ourselves and then at the bus. He did stop then and we got on. The only excuse anyone could give was that it was so cold that everyone got back on the bus long before the parade ended. And no one did a head count. No excuse. Needless to say it was our last parade, but I do still like watching it on t.v. :)
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
I'm sitting at my computer, Slicky my long haired black cat, colored tissue paper, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, holidays, roast the large turkey I bought, parade on t.v., Thanksgiving day parade, Santa Claus show up on his sleigh, cold cold day, catch the bus, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and though we usually go to Julie and Neil's house, my niece and her husband, we won't be this year. Her sister-in-law wants to do Thanksgiving instead this time. That's too bad, because it's fun at my niece's, and my sister and her husband show up, and my daughter and her fiance, and I get to see my niece's children, who are growing up way too fast. But my niece thinks she may have another holiday party possibly, so we can all get together then. But, the way it gets over the holidays, it may not happen. Time just seems to fly during this time.
So tomorrow it is just my husband and I, then the day after Thanksgiving my daughter and her fiance are coming over. He promised to visit his own parents on Thanksgiving, which is fine. He is very good about spending time with both of our families. I am instead making a small ham tomorrow, and keeping it fairly simple. Then the day after Thanksgiving I will roast the large turkey I bought. So, in a way we will have two Thanksgiving dinners. Also, my bicycle group usually does a Thankgiving day ride, which I always miss because of other plans, but I could actually go this time if I want. But I may not, as I like to watch the Thanksgiving parade on t.v., and see Santa Claus show up on his sleigh, doing the HO, HO, HO thing.
I only attended the downtown Thanksgiving parade once (except another time as a student band member when I marched in the parade). My daughter and I rode down in a charter bus that picked people up from the community center near our home. Angie was in high school then, and it was a cold cold day, and we were dressed warm but still freezing. I even brought chemical heater packs for our toes and hands, but it barely helped. When the bus parked, we walked down a little ways, maybe a half a block, and stood and watched it all. Then after Santa passed by, we hurried back smiling to get on the warm bus. But all the smiling quickly stopped as we watched the bus start pulling away. Angie and I just looked at each other and started running. We were downtown after all, thirty miles from home, and no cell phones back then, or even payphones, plus all the stores were closed.
It was awful! We would run, almost catch the bus (moving slowly through traffic) then the light would change from red to green and the bus would start up again. We ran after that bus for two or three blocks, waving and screaming. Finally, just before the bus was about to turn onto the freeway ramp, we came alongside the driver's window and yelled and pointed at ourselves and then at the bus. He did stop then and we got on. The only excuse anyone could give was that it was so cold that everyone got back on the bus long before the parade ended. And no one did a head count. No excuse. Needless to say it was our last parade, but I do still like watching it on t.v. :)
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
I'm sitting at my computer, Slicky my long haired black cat, colored tissue paper, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, holidays, roast the large turkey I bought, parade on t.v., Thanksgiving day parade, Santa Claus show up on his sleigh, cold cold day, catch the bus, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
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