Sunday, December 8, 2013

Mystery, clues,a puppy and fudge for the holidays

Hi, Allie McMurphy here. My writer tells me that even though it is Spring time in my world, it's the holidays in yours and with the holidays comes a wonderful Killer Character giveaway. I thought you should know what you are getting should your comment be the winning comment today. And so I titled this blog Mystery, clues, a puppy and fudge for the holidays. I know. I'm more clever with fudge than I am with writing.

My life has been a roller coaster the last few months. First my beloved Papa Liam died. My inheritance - The Historic McMurphy Inn and Fudge Shop -turned out to need a bit more work than Papa had admitted to when we talked about my first summer as owner -in-training. Then I discover Joe Jessop in my second floor utility closet not merely dead but really most sincerely dead. (Sorry, I just watched The Wizard of Oz on TV and I couldn't help myself.)

Now I would much rather prefer creating new fudge recipes than following clues to solve a murder, but it turns out I'm pretty good at both. It's the mystery and my introduction to the Mackinac island community that make this tale of old secrets and new friendships so much fun to tell.

I mentioned the Wizard of Oz because it was a holiday tradition in my family to watch it. My Grammy Alice would make popcorn. Papa Liam would make fudge and we would gather together with the holiday lights in the background and we'd be off to see the wizard. What I want to know is, what is your favorite family tradition for the holidays?

Cheers and good luck and more importantly Happy Holidays.

72 comments:

  1. Watching Carols by Candlelight while wrapping last minute gifts, although with safety issues it's usually flashlights (we call them torches) or glow sticks now.

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    1. Hi Jocelyn, what a great image and tradition. Cheers! Nancy

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  • Thanksgiving always marks the beginning of our Holiday Traditions, from going to Frankenmuth for a great Chicken family dinner, writing out all the Christmas cards, putting out the nativity set one piece for day ---baby Jesus the last to be put in on Christmas Eve -----just to start! Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy Reading! Lynn/MI

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    1. Hi Lynn/MI
      I put out the Nativity set one piece at a time as well. :)
      Happy Holidays!!

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  • Cooking Christmas Eve dinner and visiting with a friend on Christmas morning. Love the pup on the cover.

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    1. Hi Mary Lousie,
      Visiting is always great. I have no idea why we wait until Christmas to visit the older house bound. Must make a resolution to try and do that more often. Thanks for the idea.
      I love the pup, too- she looks like my Little Dog. LOL
      Happy Holidays! Nancy

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  • We'd gotten out of the traditions habit and this year, in a new place, are just beginning to feel the desire to re-establish some. First up, some candles for the windows (did that last night); next, a few holiday decorations around the house. We've not finished unpacking, so this will push us to clear out some more boxes, rearrange china cabinet, and make room for more festive elements. I think our tradition will begin with decorating a tree and just sitting and enjoying it for the first time in a long time (more than 15 years).

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    1. Hi Claire,
      Wow - that is too long- glad you are in a place where you can restart your traditions! Thanks for reminding me to put candles in the windows.
      Happy Holidays! Nancy

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  • We love to watch Christmas Story. We open gifts Christmas morning. Our daughter traditionally hands them out, and we pen them one at a time so we can ooh and ahh!

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    1. Hi Ikleback,
      I have to admit I've never see Christmas Story-trust me my children are horrified by this lack of culture.
      My Grandpa used to hand out the gifts one by one. Thanks for bringing back that lovely memory.
      Nancy

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  • I remember The Wizard of OZ being shown every Christmas Eve. I usually make fudge to give as Christmas gifts. I don't have a favorite Christmas tradition anymore. Usually I have to work.

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    1. Hi Kat,
      People who have to work on Christmas have a special place in Heaven. I'm certain of it. This book has ten fudge recipes you can enjoy any day of the year.
      Happy Holidays!
      Nancy

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