Saturday, August 23, 2025

Singing the praises of the wheelbarrow

   Over the last twenty years, I've spent a good amount of time pushing a wheelbarrow. They should make one with an odometer! 

   Until it breaks down, this simple farm implement is hugely taken for granted. When it does go south, you are up a creek with more than no paddle.

The term "wheelbarrow" is made of two words: "wheel" and "barrow." "Barrow" being a derivation of the Old English "barew". It originally denoted a simple frame with handles and no wheel used for carrying loads, often requiring two people to operate. 

 In ancient China, the wheel was typically in the center of the barrow. There is little evidence that the Greeks used this idea, and the Romans preferred four wheeled carts.  

The first wheelbarrows in medieval Europe appeared sometime between 1170 and 1250. the first archival reference was in medieval Europe 1222, specifying the purchase of several wheelbarrows for the English king's works at Dover.

 When we were children, wheelbarrow was a game of competition. 


       That still holds true today, especially if libations are allowed. 
In Hungary, they have The Wheelbarrow Olympics. It's an international sporting event! 

Participants compete individually and in teams, in several categories: solo, double, triple, sandwich, and in speed and skill exercises.

    Take a minute and watch the Red Barrows of Devon, England. They have ramps, a ring of fire, and precision barrow-flying moves.  

Meet the flying Red Barrows

The Red Barrows competition


England also has the Overton's Fancy Dress Wheelbarrow Race. Looks like they pick a different theme every year. 


 I'm was thinking of decorating my wheelbarrow, although the goats would most likely make short work of anything I put on it, including paint.    

They have two-wheeled models now. They don't fall over as easily when attacked by naughty goats, but they are far less maneuverable in stalls.  

    Here's a snazzy one, so pretty, but no way could I bring myself to filling it with donkey doo!


    Who knew the unassuming ancient wheelbarrow would make it to modern times as an essential helper on the farm, as well as become a source of competition and merriment. 



Amazon author  https://amzn.to/2R53KA9

Western Romance:

* Break Heart Canyon * Undercover Outlaw*  A Cowboy’s Fate 

* Special Delivery* Cowboys, Cattle and Cutthroats 

Contemporary Romantic Thriller:

* Fatal Recall

Contemporary Fantasy

The Fae Warriors Trilogy: 

*Solace * Bliss * Portence

Medieval Romance:

*The Dragon and The Rose * Iron Heart * Promise Me Christmas

Victorian Romance: * Lady Gallant * Victorian Dream

 

 



 



















Friday, August 15, 2025

Fatal Recall, win a gift card at N.N. LIght event.

Grab a copy of my award winning romantic thriller 
and take a chance at winning an AMAZON gift card


 Fatal Recall,
an N.N. Light book award winner and 
 judged Best Romantic Thriller of the year 
by Colorado Authors' League. 


Blurb: 
   Hudson Kincaid prefers the wide-open spaces. But tracking down a serial killer means hanging out in Denver as he investigates neuroscientist Dr. Marilyn Monrose. So far, he can’t figure out if she’s city kitty in high heels, or a country kitten in cowgirl boots? 
    Marilyn’s experiments using ramped up virtual reality, captures the final moments of each murder victim’s life, a chilling discovery she’s trying to keep secret. The last thing she needs is a determined private detective barging into her lab—no matter how sexy he looks in his Stetson hat.
   When word of her research is leaked to the press, Marilyn becomes the killer’s next target.   
   Now the woman Hudson races to save, is the one who has stolen his heart.    


Monday, August 4, 2025

You Tube Promise Me Christmas book trailer.

                    


Live now on You Tube! https://youtu.be/A5PI8TeUmPI

My beautiful trailer was created by Mistress of Book Reviews                          https://www.mistressofbookreviews.com/

Blurb:
The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.  
Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.  
As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 
On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. 

Available here: https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE


 

Western Romance:

* Break Heart Canyon * Undercover Outlaw*  A Cowboy’s Fate 

* Special Delivery* Cowboys, Cattle and Cutthroats 

Contemporary Romantic Thriller:

* Fatal Recall

Contemporary Fantasy

The Fae Warriors Trilogy: 

*Solace * Bliss * Portence

Medieval Romance:

*The Dragon and The Rose * Iron Heart * Promise Me Christmas

Victorian Romance: * Lady Gallant * Victorian Dream