Newsletter: Gardening, Dogs & Cars

 

Growing, Restoring, and Writing Hello again, dear readers! It's time to step away from my writing desk and share another update with you all. Life has been busy, as always, but in the best possible way. Let me give you a peek into what’s been going on lately. The Garden’s Growing Strong The garden is coming along beautifully, and I’ve had a little help along the way. My husband helped me build the last box I needed in the greenhouse and install the greenhouse door. Now my tomato plants are safe from the deer who think they’re entitled to a bite (oh yes, those sneaky thieves!). My daughter and her friend pitched in and carried a shelf out to the greenhouse, where I’ve got flower seeds sprouting to add a pop of color to the yard this year. Every evening, after finishing up work, I head out to hand water and pull pesky weeds while listening to a good audiobook. It's my little moment of serenity in the middle of the chaos. Shop Time with My Favorite Mechanic When I’m not in the garden, I’m hanging out with my husband in the shop. Right now, he’s restoring our daughter’s 90s Chevy pickup. She bought it a few years ago and patiently waited while we rebuilt the shop, so now they’ve been working together on the bodywork. This weekend, they’ll be installing the windshield (fingers crossed that they don’t break it again this time!). And then there’s my Hummer project. We picked it up for a steal—just $3,500—and while we’re putting a few thousand into repairs, it’s going to be a beautifully restored Hummer with a brand new Root Beer Brown paint job. I may not be painting, but I’m still in the shop, cleaning up parts and lending a hand where I can. It’s a lot of work, but the end result will be worth it! Dog Drama Update Remember the Mother's Day dog drama? Well, Mocha has fully healed and is doing well. He’s back to his happy self in his pen, staying out of trouble with Scout, our German Shorthair. But now we’ve added a new twist to the mix—Mabel, my daughter’s Laberdoodle, has been spending time with Scout. It’s funny to watch Scout, once the big dog around here, now being bullied by the younger and faster Mabel. They tire each other out, and it’s hilarious to watch. When they get too rowdy, we separate them, but they have their fun in the meantime. DAR Updates As an officer in my local DAR chapter, there’s always something going on. We’re on a break from our regular meetings until September, but we’re still staying busy. We’ll be marching in the 4th of July parade next month, and in August, I’ll be spending a week at our booth during the county fair. We’re also planning a genealogy summit for the fall, which will be a great opportunity to bring in more members. Plus, I’m busy with our social media campaigns, creating posts and writing material to spread the DAR’s mission. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun! Book Update – The Woolsey Saga Continues! Writing may be taking a backseat to life right now, but I’m still making progress. The first draft of the next book in the Woolsey Saga is finished, and I’m deep into the editing process. I thought I had the title figured out—The Path Home—but after reading through the first draft, I’m not sure it fits anymore. I’m still brainstorming ideas and also thinking about cover designs. My goal is to have it out by the end of July, but we’ll see how the editing process goes! I’m also researching for the next book in the series, which may include a story about Richard’s grandfather, Daniel Woolsey, who was a Revolutionary War soldier. There’s still a lot of genealogy work to do before I can dive into that one, but I’m excited to explore more of the Woolsey family’s history. Don’t Forget to Get Your Copy of "His Greatest Regret" If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of His Greatest Regret (just click below). This book picks up where Alice’s death left off, showing how Richard’s grief and struggles shaped his relationship with his children. Dysfunctional families didn’t just happen in modern times—there were plenty of them in the 19th century too. In the next book, though, you’ll see how William made a choice that helped bring the Woolsey family back to their core values. It’s a story you won’t want to miss. Until next time, Happy Reading! In the heart of Civil War–era Indiana, Richard Woolsey faces the devastating loss of his beloved wife, Alice, leaving him to raise six children alone. Through poignant letters to Alice and the hard choices that follow, Richard navigates a world of grief, resilience, and second chances. His Greatest Regret is a deeply human story of love, loss, and the enduring hope for redemption—perfect for readers who crave historical fiction rooted in real family stories. Button Don't you just love stepping back in time and experiencing the past? I do, and I bet you will find more great books in this group that will take you back in time. Button The Ancestral Pen 621 Monarch Rd, Sagle United States of America You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us. Unsubscribe