The Things I Do For Research.

Patricia Davids here. Happy Spring. 

If you want to be a writer, or you are a writer, you have to be prepared to do some research. I always knew that. Happily for me, I love research. Hours and hours in the library, pouring through old books. Finding out wonderful facts. That is fun.

As it turns out, sitting in the library will only get you so far when it comes to writing realistically about something you aren't familiar with. Take the Amish. There is still a lot I don't know about the Amish even after 12 books in my Brides of Amish Country series. Their culture is so diverse that what works for an Amish romance set in Ohio won't necessarily work for a story set in Pennsylvania.

 Because I didn't want a dozen books about farmers and quilters, I had to investigate business run by Amish families. There are many. I've been to visit an alpaca farm, ridden in a buggy, sat behind a draft horse in a wagon, took a tour of a printing press company and museum. I've visited a fabric shop and quilt store in an Amish community, visited with Old Order Mennonite women at a family run café, spent hours talking to my nephew's wife about being nurse-midwife, and I even interviewed the cutest small town sheriff ever. (If I get arrested, it will be in Council Grove.) I have watched a buggy wheel being made in a blacksmith shop and seen a huge sewing machine for making leather harnesses. In all, less than one tenth of what I've learned goes into any given book. But they don't call me the trivia queen for nothing. Just ask me. I'm sure I'll have an answer and if I don't, I will make one up. I write fiction, you know.

For my latest book, THE SHEPHERD'S BRIDE, I have the privilege of visiting a sheep farm during lambing season. Talk about hard work, awesome dogs and cute, cuddly baby lambs. I will admit that alpacas have won my heart, but a baby lamb comes in a close second.

So I'm going to open it up to questions here. What would you like to know about the Amish, sheep or even alpacas?

Did you know sheep can be buried under the snow for nearly a week and survive? The heat from their bodies will melt breathing holes. They'll dig down to grass or eat each other's wool for food and they can get enough water by eating snow? Boggles the mind.  

Parenting parents

Hi everyone, Pat Davids here. I've got to put this post up then I have to head out of town. My parents (aren't they the cutest couple) live two hours away on the farm. I love going to the farm. I grew up there and each time I set foot on the place I'm surrounded with wonderful memories. What I don't like is seeing how frail my parents are becoming. Don't get me wrong, they live very independent lives. They may be 80 but they both still drive and enjoy going out with friends, but the truth is, they just need more help these days.

The big farmhouse is too much for my mother to keep up with. My daughter and I get up at least twice a month between us to clean house. My sister-in-law helps too.

My mother has fallen several times this year. When she told her doctor, he said it time they started looking at assisted living. My mom said, "We've talked about that."

As we left the office, she looked at me and said, "I'd really like to go looking for new kitchen flooring. Can you come with me?"

Now does that sound like someone who is thinking about moving out of the big old rambling farmhouse? Not!

So today I'm on my way to take Mom shopping for new flooring. We will not be looking at assisted living facilities.

When is the time right to make that move? I wish I knew.

Oh, well. I need new flooring too. We should have a fun day.

Is anyone else helping parent a parent? How do you approach the subject of moving to a smaller, safer place? I could use some suggestions. Thanks. I'll check back for replies when I get back later tonight. Blessings everyone.

K.Z.

Pat Davids here,

I'd like you to meet the newest member of my family. K.Z. This pound puppy arrived at my home a few weeks ago and boy has my life changed.

For one thing, no shoes can be kicked off when you get home. They must be put away because the toe or strap will instantly become a puppy chew toy. Not good.

You must be prepared to race to the back door on a moment's notice, day or night, and throw it open before a puddle can form on the carpet. I'm getting faster.

Occasionally, you can expect a pile of puppy poo in the den even if the dog has been outside for two hours. Sometimes, when K.Z. is playing hard she forgets to do her business until she comes in. You need eyes in the back of your head to spot K.Z's long tail heading toward her favorite spot behind the coffee table.

When K.Z. joins you in bed, expect to sleep on a very small strip of the mattress. No amount of pushing or shoving can move a sleeping pup from her beauty rest. She's almost 40 pounds of beauty and I expect she will grow bigger. Much bigger.

Thank goodness she almost has me trained. At least she fetches her own ball.

Tell me about your pet. Has your pound pup or kitten managed to train you?