UPDATE: The winner is…Cindy!
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I know some of y’all are still dealing with freezing temperatures and snow on the ground, but we’re getting 70-degree weather this week, so our family’s thoughts are turning to Spring Cleaning!

I thought it might be fun to list the things that pop into my mind which constitute Spring Cleaning here on our little farm. We have to get the pool cleaned up, pressure wash the mold and “green stuff” off the outside of buildings, finish preparing the chicken coop for the chicks we’ve been raising—so far, all 18 are thriving! Plus, all the yard and housework that has to be done.

Maybe I left something off the list. Maybe you have other chores you incorporate into your springtime routine. For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me if any of the things I listed fit your routine or if you have items you need to add to the list! Enjoy the puzzle!

UPDATE: The winner is…Pansy Petal!
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It’s a dreary, gray day here in Central Arkansas. It’s not like I had big plans for today anyway. Maybe the rain is a good thing because I won’t be distracted by the sunshine outside. It’s cool and the rain is pretty heavy. Yesterday, I thought I’d have to run a hose to the pool to top it off, but now, I may have to dump some water because it’s reaching the rim. So…the rain is dreary, but the pool is full. Glass half full, you know.

I had a guest scheduled for today, and she may yet show up, but in the meantime, here’s a puzzle for you to play. Let me know how you liked it and tell me what the weather’s doing where you are for a chance to win a painted bookmark! ~DD

UPDATE: The winner is…Linda Rhoden!
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Schools are closed today due to the good possibility of icy roads today. The kids loved lying in on a Tuesday and are hoping the “snow days” stretch into Wednesday, too. It’s quiet in the house. One child’s reading in her room. Another has her school laptop open while working on an assignment. I’ve been under the weather for two days now. Headaches, fatigue, chills. I’m a weenie when I’m sick. I completely shut down. I binge-watched Abbott Elementary. It’s not my kind of show (no aliens or ghosts), but it’s funny and real. I was a teacher for a couple of years in a poor district and can relate to their struggles. There’s some really good acting there, too (Sheryl Lee Ralph!). Anyways, I’m moving away from the TV because…headache, ya know.

I decided to share a puzzle today. The theme is “things you can do or consume on a cold winter’s day.” For a chance to win a downloadable book from my backlist, offer another suggestion!

UPDATE: The winner is…Rachel!
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I struggled with a theme for today’s puzzle. My mind is on the work I have to complete. So, I reached out on Facebook for suggestions, and author A. Catherine Noon suggested chocolate. So, I could have gone with candy bar names, types of chocolate, but my mind when straight to things you can cover in chocolate that are delicious! And yes, a mild cheese coated in chocolate is very, very delicious! 🙂 Have fun with the puzzle.

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, give me some more suggestions for yummy goodness! Do you have a favorite combination? I love orange + chocolate.

UPDATE: The winner is…Jana!
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Here’s the contest: Open a dictionary (they’re online if you don’t have a physical copy!) and find a word you’ve never used before. Your goal is to learn its meaning and then use it sometime today! You can even choose one of the words I have in the puzzle below!

For our purposes (for the contest), share the word you chose, and its meaning, for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
Enjoy the puzzle, fellow nerds!

BTW, my new word is logophile. It’s someone who loves words and languages! How cool is that?

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!

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!