First, our winners: Denise Smith and Alice Harnisch. Jenni will be in contact soon, asking for your snail mail info, and then you’ll each receive an autographed book. The new contest begins today: just comment, and you’re in. Jenni will draw two winners at random and your names will be posted right here next Monday.
I’m on Day 86 of keeping my gratitude journal in the new way and have no plans to stop, ever. In fact, when I did the Valentine’s Day signing at Barnes and Noble yesterday, I stocked up on new journals, just to have them on hand. (Plus, I LOVE any kind of journal.) Kasey, of B&N, did a marvelous job of keeping a herd of authors happy–and even though we didn’t draw a crowd, we had a blast, talking to each other and to the readers who did come in. Midge, it was great chatting with you and looking at the pictures of your pets. Juanita, your brother Lynn came in. 
And there was another couple–I’m sorry, your names escape me–but you knew people at Northport, the old hometown, and brought me a Weight Watchers soup recipe. Thanks for that–I can’t wait to try it.
Speaking of this being a small world: one of the other authors present was Mary Williams, and she’s from Northport, too! In fact, her mom, Nonie, gave me my first job, waiting tables and washing dishes at the Parrot Room, the restaurant next door to Lael’s Motel. I made $1.25 an hour–minimum wage then–plus tips. I once got into big trouble with Nonie for putting quarters in the jukebox and playing the theme from “Batman” six (or nine) times in a row. Nonie was a great role model, way ahead of her time, and she did not suffer fools–including this one. I learned a lot from her and will always be grateful.
My two funny Valentines, Tule and Mowgli, have arrived in Spokane, but they’re still at the shelter, waiting to be neutered. Once they’re sufficiently recovered, they’ll be coming to the Triple L to join Button and Wiki and the five horses as part of the menagerie. We’re having fun getting ready for them–kennels, food and a few toys await. There will be a lot of cuddling and settling in; first priority is to make them feel welcome and safe, of course. I’ve never had all-boy pets before–Bernice, Sadie, ChaCha and Jitterbug were all girls. Ought to be interesting!
Hope you had a happy Valentine’s Day, my friends. You know you’ve always got a place in this ole cowgirl’s heart.
Comment
I love it when just a few people show up to an event and you have a chance to chat with the ones that do show up. Catching up with other authors must be a favorite pastime of yours! Glad you had a great day. I had the memorial for my mom yesterday and even with the rain and it being Valentines Day, we had a lot of people come to pay their respects. Emotion filled day for my family but we got through it. I know I got several hugs from my oldest son during the day and one or two from my mom. Mom joined my oldest in January.
Comment
You made a sad day into a God filled happy one. Straight
from the heart.
Comment
Welcome to the 2 newest members of your family.
Comment
Ah just opposite of me who usually has all boy pets and now have a girl dog for 2.5 years is quite an adjustment – she is one that doesn’t give a darn!!
Comment
Hope you also had a wonderful Valentine’s Day!! I’m sure your two new Valentines, Tule and Mowgli, will settle in just fine. After all, you’re their new Mom!! Have a great week!!
Comment
Wait, how did I miss you are getting new fur babies? Good for you! Much joy and laughter will be had I’m sure. I have had all boys for awhile now. used to have one girl in the mix and she ruled for sure! lol
Comment
I had to work all day, but it was still a great day. Glad you enjoyed it!
Comment
it’s sleeting/snowing in S. Carolina today. I spent a good part of the day reading “Time Without End” on my Kindle. It’s been so many years since I read it that it’s like a brand new book. I have “Tonight and Always” downloaded and ready to read next. Thanks so much for the free books. I have to stop reading to do a little housework. I’m a widow and live alone, but can only let my house get to a certain point before I have to stop and do something. I’m 72 years old and still go to the gym three times a week. That keeps me going, so I can spend time sitting and reading. i Hope your new pets and established ones all get along with each other. I have always had female cats. Take care.
Comment
Hi Marjorie! I live in the upper NW area of SC and so far, nothing has fallen, but they’re calling for it and it is COLD! Keep warm.
Comment
Hope to see pics of your new fuzzy family!
Comment
I love journals too, my youngest daughter has some awesome ones, she collects also!!! Hope the boys get home and settled soon!!!! Prayed for your Mom to get settled also!!! Thanks for happy hours of reading!!!
Comment
I have a boy kitten and he is pretty independent but he still wants his petting when he wants it. He likes to spend a lot of time outside even if its 10 degrees but I still make him come in before dark. He doesn’t like the snow or rain to much but will still go out for a while. I can’t wait to see pics of all of your fur babies.
Comment
Pick me
Comment
I read all your books and would love to win
Comment
I would be great to win one of your books.
Comment
Congrats to the winners! I have had both male and female dogs and I really do think I like the male dog a bit better. I bet your new rescue babies are going to just love it joining the family and will settle right in!!
Comment
Congrats ladies.
I would have definitely played that Batman song as many time as you did.
There was this restaurant that we always went to for lunch back in the seventies when I was a kid (grade school years) and I would always play Mandy and Mac The Knife.
Linda
Comment
My first job was also in the Parrot Room–the older one nearer your folks motel. I also made $1.25 per hour and Mrs Striker was the cook. I think this is before Nonie took over but I don’t really remember. Ah the good old days when you were thrilled to get $1.25 per hr. Lovely to hear about the dogs, I know that the rest of their lives will be wonderful!
Comment
Congratulations to Denise Smith and Alice Harnisch!!! enjoy your books.
Linda, I pray you have a great week ahead, and have time to make that soup. I’ve been craving macaroni and tomato soup for weeks, and I make it, but still I want more.
Comment
I hope you will share pictures of your new babies. Have a good week.
Comment
Congrats to the winners. Love the names of your boys. It was a very cold Valentine day. Stayed home and read. Have a great week.
Comment
I had a wonderful Valentine’s weekend. Hope you did too.
Comment
I look forward to many puppy stories when they get to the Triple L.
Comment
What breed of dogs are your arrivals?
Comment
I am so dissapointed to have missed out on your time at B & N , I was at the one at north Spokane Library couple of years ago, and would have loved to have visited with you all.
Congrats on your new life surrounded by boys , it ought to be quite a change.
Comment
I am so dissapointed to have missed out on your time at B & N , I was at the one at north Spokane Library couple of years ago, and would have loved to have visited with you all.
Congrats on your new life surrounded by boys , it ought to be quite a change.
Comment
Hello Linda,
Glad to hear you’re rescuing 2 new pets. I know you’ve lost some
Recently and your heart was broken. Best wishes to all at the Triple L for a happy home!
Comment
Hello Linda,
Glad to hear you’re rescuing 2 new pets. I know you’ve lost some
Recently and your heart was broken. Best wishes to all at the Triple L for a happy home!
Comment
I had intended to go to B&N yesterday but it went out of my mind just like wanting to go to the starving artist show yesterday too.What did I do? Reading. Hope I will get another chance. Thanks again for the autographed book I won love it. Phyllis
Comment
Wishing you’d come to OKC!
Comment
Here’s hoping all your fur babies get along with all your other fur babies.
Comment
I’m looking forward to your latest book.
Comment
thanks for blogging. Reading about your life is always such a positive experience. I love your books but I greatly admire your determination to live a positive life. It’s all in the attitude and reading about what you are doing always fills me with new determination to continue my own attitude of gratitude.
Comment
Congrats to Denise & Alice on your win! Enjoyed the blog and do keep us informed on how your mom is doing, and your little boys.
Comment
Gosh Lida, I am as excited as you to get your new “sons.” I have only had male chihuahuas bir always wanted a girl. Somehow I always ended up with typical “mamas boys” dogs. Since you are new to make dogs, I have two words…”belly bands.” Just in case, they are handy to have around. Good luck and bless you for giving all your animals a wonderful home!
Comment
I know you will be glad to get your Valentine’s home..We had our Missy for 22 years..have not replaced her yet but would love another dog..thanks for years of great reading and rereads.
Comment
I absolutely love your posts. Have a good week.
Comment
I am glad u had a good time.
Comment
I am glad u had a good time. Can’t wait to hear more
Comment
Congrats. Guess I missed the new additions. What are they? Love and blessings!!
Comment
I always look forward to your posts!!! So glad you will have 2 more doggies to add to your family!
Comment
My Shih Tzu, Sabrina, passed last Sept. I miss her so much. I want to get another one but my husband don’t want any more. He says it’s too hard when they pass away. Yes, it is hard but they bring so much joy in your life while they are living. He also said they are too much work and he’s too old. He is just 60 years old. That’s not too old. Anyway I have been putting in applications to get a rescue Shih Tzu. So far I have not been accepted. I have about decided to go with a reputable breeder. I have been saving my money to get one. I will get another fur baby one way or another.
On Valentine’s Day we stayed home and slept most of the day. We were both so tired. My husband did give me a dozen of yellow roses. Yellow roses were used in our wedding 39 years ago. He’s still a romantic.
Comment
And you in ours, Linda.
Brother Lynn informs me we may get to see you in September! I look forward to it.
Hugs!
Comment
Linda, I so enjoyed meeting and chatting with you yesterday at
Barnes & Noble. It’s been a few years since I had a fun Valentines day. I think I could talk to you for hours. Hope
we will meet again someday soon. Your little new furballs are
adorable and I know they will join your Triple L herd quite
nicely. If you would like to ride my Walker, Pearl, she needs
the exercise and is fairly smooth on the joints! Thank you for
being such a great person.
Comment
Welcome to your two new family members. They are just going to love living there
Comment
Looking forward to hearing the new adventures with the new pets.
Comment
Congratulations to the lucky winners. Lucky pups to have found a home with you. My rescue, this time a cat, is snuggled in having his morning snooze on the most comfortable chair in the place.
Comment
Congrats and welcome to your two new family members! May they bring nothing but joy.
Comment
Hi Linda. Great picture of your Vacation. Looks like lots of fun. Lots of snow finally made it to Ohio. We had snow days for the kids here. Have a wonderful day
Comment
Hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day too.
Comment
Everyone needs a first job like the one you described. Let us know when your little boys arrive!
Comment
Happy valentines day, presidents day, lent and whatever else is in the works!
Comment
♡Happy Valentine’s Day♡
Comment
Linda, love your blogs as usual. I’m hoping when I’m back home in WA some summer I can take a quick drive to Spokane, and be lucky enough to meet you. I love your books. Living in AZ now it’s always fun to read about locations I know so well, such as Seattle. And, while I haven’t seen Marana mentioned we are right next to Tucson on the NW corner. Maybe some day…. :0)
Comment
This Valentines day was really special. My husband and I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary. WE took our dog baby, Molly, and went to Tulsa for a long weekend getaway-antique shopping trip for our antique mall.
Comment
It was so much fun chatting with you and Mary at the book signing event! My youngest daughter married Lyle, Jack and Lois Murphy’s grandson and they are living on Flat Creek with my youngest grandson…. so much talent has come from people grown out on those farms…. I can’t wait to see what talents my grandson develops as he grows!
Comment
Congrats on your new fur babies! I lost one in December! Oh how my heart hurts. He was 14. PLOTTHOUND. Always such a baby. I want another one, just like him! I think it is to soon though. I will never replace him. Look for your new book yesterday, at Books A Million, of course they did not have it. My daughter Wendi took me. I cannot get out and stand up long due to my spine. Maybe next time. God Bless you and yours! Evelyn