UPDATE: The winner is…Tamye Whitener!
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My day starts with a cup of coffee. I need a couple of cups just to get going in the morning. Then I have another around noon because I don’t dare have one later in the day or I’ll be up to the wee hours of the morning.

Coffee is more than just my jumpstart. Always has been. When I was in the Army, we called it “Lifers’ Blood,” and yes, we drank out of an urn of coffee that kept it warm all day, but the coffee had the consistency of molasses by the time the afternoon rolled around. Still, we drank it. Actually, it was a badge of honor to sip a cup of the sludge without grimacing.

These days, my daughter and I sit sipping coffee outside in the morning, rain or shine, warm or cold weather, while the dogs have their morning run. We talk about what we’re doing that day, gossip about family and friends, share news about politics and celebrities—all over our favorite beverage.

I’ve decided that since my daily brew is the center of so much of our lives, that we deserve an upgrade. For convenience’s sake, we both have Keurigs. Truly, it makes terrible coffee. We’ve tried different brands, but they all pretty much taste the same coming out. We do love how fast we can get our cup in the morning, but I’m willing to put in the time to produce a decent cup for our morning “share” session.

Years ago, I had an espresso/cappuccino maker. It was a pain in the ass to operate and clean. However, espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes are my favorites when I go out to someplace that actually makes a decent cup. Hell, I’d also love a coffeemaker that makes a decent plain cup of coffee.

So, for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, help me out. Share your recommendations for improvements. Do you love a particular brand of K-cup? Do you have a coffeemaker you love? Do you have a recipe for a fancy coffee that I could try making with what I have?

UPDATE: The winner is…Donna Bayar Repsher!
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I love gift-giving and our family looks for every opportunity to celebrate holidays with gifts, food, and fun. So, naturally, I’m already turning my attention to the next celebration.

Solve the puzzle, then tell me whether this is a holiday you like to get behind for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winner is…Diane Sallens!
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Enjoy the puzzle! Then tell me how you plan to spend your New Year’s Eve for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card! Let’s ring the new year in right!

UPDATE: The winner is…Brenda Rumsey!
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I love celebrating a new year in big and small ways. Of course, there has to be a party, even if I can’t manage to stay up to watch the ball drop. We have food and sparking grape juice/wine/champagne. I prepare my new year’s work plan in the days leading up to the big day. I’m always optimistic about my plans. I may not accomplish everything I list, but I do fare better if I have a vision for the year. I know some of you treat the passing of the year as just another day. I get that. It really is. But I like celebrating…well, everything. Any excuse for a happy event. New Years? I’m there. The beginning of another season of Walking Dead? I’m there. The summer solstice? I’m there! Yeah. It’s why I list so many obscure holidays on this blog. 🙂

So, what do you have to do to win a $5 Amazon gift card? Easy. Tell me whether you’re planning to do anything to celebrate the passing of another year? Are you making up a resolutions list? Retiring your 2022 calendar? Big or small. List it in the comments and you’re entered to win! Enjoy the puzzle!

I finally wrapped presents last night! Woot! The last-minute “dump & go” edit job is done! Now, I can coast through Christmas without any stress and just enjoy being with the family.

I hope you like the puzzle! It’s a silly, whimsical one that struck my fancy (and yes, I know that’s “old-people” speak!). Enjoy the holiday, enjoy the puzzle. Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to you all!

Open Contests

1. Michal Scott: Continuing the Family Legacy: Sarah Jane Woodson Early (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Saturday Puzzle-Contest! Counting Down to Christmas! — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. A Christmas (sort of) Puzzle! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Things on a Christmas Tree Word Search! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Merry Christmas Gift for you! — This giveaway ends soon! Everyone can get a FREE read!

UPDATE: The winner is…Sherry!
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I have another puzzle for you! I know you’re bored at home, maybe covered up with family, and need a brain break—something fun to do! I’m here to save you!

Too much? Sorry. I bubble up under pressure. Anyways, the theme of the word search is things on a Christmas tree, and yes, pickles and spiders are things—Google them! Also, who doesn’t have Elvis singing “Blue Christmas” hanging from their tree?

So, what do you have to do to win a $5 Amazon gift card? Easy. Tell me your weirdest or your favorite tree ornament. Or if Christmas isn’t your thing, tell me what weird or favorite decoration you put up during your holiday!

UPDATE: The winner is…Sandy Kelly!
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I couldn’t help myself. I was looking for a topic to talk about this morning, thought I had one, then went looking for a picture to use and found the cutest Christmas (sort of) picture. I knew I had to use it in a puzzle, but I have to do it this week, so… If you want to know why I love it, you’ll have to solve it!

My topic was going to be about having kids underfoot all week, being covered up in pets (we have 9 dogs, 4 cats, a bunny, and a betta!), and me being driven mad by dog hair, cat puke, and cleaning bunny cages and fish tanks, while, I might add, trying to wrap up several editing projects this week. There’s no rest for a self-employed writer/editor. No vacations allowed! EXCEPT, I think I’m going to Hawaii in July, so I’m giving warning… I WILL NOT BE HELD HOSTAGE BY DOGS, CATS, FISH, RABBITS or EDITS! There. I got that off my chest. Now, let’s play!

Comment about anything at all—topic of your choice—for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!