Sunday, August 10, 2025

Sunday Snippet: Yee Haw!

The first full week of August kind of flew by. We had a power outage and mobile phone outage on the same night, which made for a long six hours. Also kind of weird since there wasn't a storm or anything that would be a normal reason for the loss.

Very busy week with work projects and September is looking like another busy month. I'm definitely not complaining. I miss having dedicated writing time, but I also squeeze that in whenever I can.

The school year starts next week, which means the husband will be at his new position in the elementary school. He truly wishes he'd had this job thirty years ago. I can't blame him. He drove almost an hour each way for twenty-plus years. The schools in our district are all less than five miles away and the elementary school is three blocks from our house.

Had my daughter home for several days this week and we had a great time catching up. She even had me cut her hair, which turned out really well. Always love it when she asks me to help with stuff like that.

Had a solid viewing week and made it through my whole slate of shows, including my two back-burner ones. Not sure what the upcoming week will bring but hoping to keep on target.

Started the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and finished up the first season. Can't wait to start season two. Another one of my favorite episodes is coming up.

Caught another Madame Blanc Mysteries and really enjoyed the twisty turns in this one. This season is shaping up to be a lot of fun. I like Charlie and Simone so it's good to see them again.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and it's the penultimate episode before the season thirteen finale. So great to have Florence back, even if only for a brief time. Looking forward to the finale.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. This one was a lot of fun, especially having Poirot sneaking into a house and getting caught. And spending a night in jail to boot!

Caught an episode of Elementary and very much enjoyed Sherlock figuring out Alfredo needed some support. The mystery ended up being pretty interesting also.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Always fun to see Bruce and Barbara spar, and I loved Terry trusting Bruce to help him.

Lower Decks again charmed and annoyed me. I've come to kind of accept that's how this show is going to be for me. I did really like the teamwork in this one.

Finished up the episode of Peak Practice from last week and even started the new episode. Have to finish it this week.

Finally, Reacher. Man. This show. I truly get the hype around it. So many revelations. Finlay. Yeah, didn't see that one coming. Explains a lot. Roscoe. Badass. Seriously. I'm on the fence with Charlie's admission about Hubbel. I think there's more to the story there. And Reacher having the light-bulb moment with the last-standing professor was excellent. Here's hoping she stays alive. Can't wait to watch the next episode!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yee Haw, a novella that throws a couple into a precarious situation thanks to new guys.

Here's the miniblurb:

Two new transfers upset the delicate balance of the space carrier, Mephisto, that Kellsie Eaves and Wick Fairchilds worked so hard to obtain. When the duo attempts to restore the status quo, the troublemakers go after Kellsie and she gets to school them in the art of kicking ass, with Wick as her backup.

And a sneaky peek…

Eldric entered the small equipment storage locker he and Bert claimed as their official work zone, meaning the place they killed time when they were on shift.
Bert glanced up. "Yo, I jacked a wireless feed. We can now watch whatever we want, including all the sex shows available to the galaxy." He turned the screen toward Eldric.
Eldric snorted. "We can watch the actual thing if we want to, and you'll never guess who with…" His eyebrows waggled.
Bert winced. "If you say that female deckhand who's into women, I'm not interested."
Eldric shook his head. "No, man. Captain Hot Ass is boning Major Dick Face. I literally heard them going at it." He huffed out a breath. "Probably why she's such a bitch … Dick Face can't satisfy her."
Bert perked up. No doubt because they speculated about Captain Eaves and wondered if the woman ever got any. Well, Eldric confirmed she did.
Bert leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. "Maybe we oughtta teach her a lesson and show her how real men handle uppity females … especially when they're always trying to put our balls in a vice."
Eldric nodded. "Yeah, and maybe that'll keep her and the major from running to Colonel Numb Nuts. When's that meeting supposed to take place?" He pulled a stool around and sat down.
Bert shrugged. "What do we know about Major Dick Face so far?"
Eldric grunted. "Aside from him being a pain in the ass? He's a stickler for detail." He made a face. "Hence the reason he's a thorn in my side."
Bert snapped his fingers. "Exactly. He won't go to Numb Nuts until he's got everything documented, color coded, and alphabetized." He cocked his head a moment. "Probably another day maybe two."
Eldric grinned and leaned in a closer. "Then we have time to follow Captain Hot Ass and find her alone somewhere before that happens."
Bert's mouth twisted. "Yee haw … damn right we do."

I don't often include an antagonist POV, but the danger level needed to be set and doing it from this perspective helps establish how creepy these guys are.


 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Sunday Snippet: Yearly Vigil

Whew. Ended up being a long week between work, home, and other projects. The biggest and best one is helping my daughter edit her final paper for her master's degree. I'm so proud of her!

I made a small dent in the great cleanout project. Didn't get a lot accomplished but made a bit of progress, which I'll take.

Finished up two work projects and continued on with two more. I have another two in flux and two new ones coming sometime this week. Excited to stay busy!

Pretty good week for viewing. I got through my full round of shows and finished up one from last week. I'm still working on one of the others.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it was one of my favorite episodes. I love a good masquerade or costume party.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries and enjoyed Gloria and Nick working together. Hope to see more of that in future episodes.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. The run-up to Neville leaving is turning out to be a lot of fun. And always good to see Dwayne back. Looking forward to the next episode.

Finished up the two-part Poirot and loved how the resolution came together. I like it when the infallible Poirot gets off on the wrong track for a bit.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed the mystery. Also enjoyed Joan handling her detractor and Sherlock acting as the support system afterward.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. I remembered this one from my original watch. A lot of fun.

Caught an episode of Lower Decks and, again, ended up being equally charmed and annoyed. I think that's my standard for this show.

Finished up the Reacher episode from last week and wow. Gotta say I didn't see the ending coming, which is always a good thing. Hoping I can get a full episode in this week.

Almost finished an episode of Peak Practice. Things are getting very messy in the relationship departments for everyone, and Sam, whew, what a huge pile he's getting ready to step into.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yearly Vigil, a novella that pulls a couple together over a shared loss.

Here's the miniblurb:

Venessa Broyles makes a yearly vigil to the graveside of her former lover, Hamish Blesdale, where she runs into his best friend, Hogan Baird. What starts out as an awkward stroll down memory lane eventually brings two lonely souls together.

And a sneaky peek…

Hell, why do I care?
He cocked his head. "I care because Hamish loved you." And Hogan wanted to understand her mindset.
Why she would refuse the honor of having the flag.
Maybe because she'd killed his best friend. Indirectly, but the responsibility rested on her shoulders. When he figured out how he felt about that specific instance, he might be able to start the grieving process.
Until then, he needed to conduct himself as Hamish would expect. "He'd want you to have the flag."
Venessa shrugged. "I don't need a flag to remember him."
Hogan frowned. "Or to remember your role in his death." Harsh, but the shrug got to him.
She flinched like he'd slapped her, and he regretted the accusation, but he didn't take it back. He did blame her … a little. Might not be rational, but too bad.
Venessa popped the door open. "You're right. I'll never need a reminder about why he died." She moved behind the door, using it as a barrier between them. "Good that you came, Hogan. Hamish deserved to have the people who cared about him most to see him laid to rest." She slid behind the wheel.
Hogan put a hand on the top of the door. "If you change your mind … let me know." He met her gaze. "Take care, Venessa."
She blinked and gave a nod. "Yeah, you too." Then she pulled the door shut and started the engine.
Hogan didn't like the subdued but dangerous look in her eyes. He quickly made his way to his rental vehicle and decided to follow her. No matter how he felt about her role in Hamish's death or her current lack of emotion, he'd make sure she got home okay.
Pulling out behind her, he stayed a few car lengths back. "It's the least I can do for my best friend."

Pretty happy with how this story is coming together. Hamish and Venessa have a long road to travel, and I enjoy this journey.


 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on this flipside.

ML Skye