Greetings from South Dakota.

We’re back in our old hometown for a 60’s Class Reunion. Paul and I actually graduated in 1970, but since we started our final year of high school in 1969, our class was invited to join the decade reunion. Plus, we were the “fun class” (at least in our minds) so quite a few of us said, “Sure. We’ll come.”

But the real reason we’re here is for family. When someone you love is diagnosed with an uncurable disease, your priorities change. Time is the only gift that counts, and we make that time more for ourselves than our loved one. Being present brings back memories that we can share, and new memories that hopefully help cushion our impending loss.

Here are some photo highlights from our travels.

Coalville, Utah, was a cool layover. We enjoyed exploring the little town and devoured the best wings ever at Annie B’s Pizzaria!

Our overnight near Casper, Wyoming, was still windy but far more pleasant with the Platte River behind us. (Is it me? Or does that log beside me look like an alligator? I assure you, it was a log.😉)

We passed through northern Nebraska again on our way home. Our night at Chief White Crane Campground near Yankton, SD, was memorable when a wind storm hit. But it’s a gorgous campground on the Missouri River, right across from Gavin’s Point Dam.

The next morning we headed to another lake about 90 miles north: Poinsett.

We visited our old home town again, and this time returned to a few of our of college haunts, including the South Dakota Museum of Art. This painting, The Prairie Is My Garden by South Dakota artist Harvey Dunn, has always been part of my art identity. Re-visiting it was very moving.

Summer weather in eastern South Dakota can be very unpredictable. Strong storms—wind, rain, and hail—are common, but it was the heat and humidity that bothered me the most. I’ve lived in a virtual desert for too many years! I truly do understand what they mean by a “dry” heat, now.😉

But during one storm, the clouds broke and the sky speakth…pretty neat, no?

A super yummy and easy Camping Recipe: Caramel Rolls (AKA Sticky Buns) from Lynn Salonen

2 loaves frozen bread dough, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large package regular vanilla pudding
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp milk
Cinnamon to taste

Mix ingredients. Grease pan and layer 1 of the loaves in bottom. Pour half the caramel mixture over bread. Sprinkle second loaf on top and pour the rest of the mixture over it. Let rise for several hours. Bake at 350-degrees for 25-30 minutes.

My sister-in-law, Lynn, made these sticky buns one morning and I swear the pan disappeared in minutes. Enjoy!

BOOK NEWS

While I’ve been traveling, my writer friends wrote some NEW RELEASES:

Fellow Sweet2Heat author, Lisa Mondello’s NEW BOOK: Love Walks In (The 80s Mixed Tape series) is now available in ebook for just $1.99. What a deal!!!

Grab it here!

Meredith Prichard dreads the 1989 class reunion booked at a neighboring resort in Crystal Cove. Rumor has it Griffin Cole, the man who'd broken her heart by breaking their engagement to fight for his country during the Gulf War, will be there. The handsome, fun-loving man she’d fallen head over heels in love with in high school was now a decorated Colonel in the Air Force. Faced with the past and all the memories of their love, Meredith now questions returning to Crystal Cove when Griffin forces her to admit the love still between them and the past decision Meredith made to forget him that could destroy that love.

Also available in print here.

And from my New York Times bestselling author pal Kathryn Shay, ALWAYS MINE – Book 1 in Wounded Heroes: The Redemption Series is now available at all vendors.

This series follows the lives of five men who have been scarred by life. A cop, a CEO and former gang member, a Secret Service Agent, a firefighter and a minister all work their way to redemption with help of their friends and with the love of a good woman.

His shoulder was shredded and he can’t be a cop anymore. Who is he now?

Lt. Diego Rodrigez was injured during a gang bust. He lost full use of shoulder, he lost his partner and he lost his task force members. He isn’t anybody anymore. Restless and hopeless, he finds comfort in his old love, Annie Stefano. And she wants him back. But their road is rocky and then danger befalls Annie. How can Diego rescue her?

Available at your favorite vendor here.

Stay cool, my friends, and happy reading,

Deb

Coming Aug 22: more travels, celebrating 2 very special birthdays + WIP news