I love Mrs. Frizzle! Her outfits are so much fun! They focus attention on whatever she’s teaching, from her earrings down to her shoes.
​
I can never match her style, but it’s fun to try! Take a look at how I dress for my weekend videos. Can you match them together? Good luck!
​

Part 1; Matching People: Here are three screenshots from three videos. Two are about famous people. Match my outfit in screenshot 1, 2, and 3 to the people I was talking about.
​

One is about how we can all follow our dreams, like Dr. King did. A second is about Vice President, J.D. Vance. And the third is about Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself. Can you match the people I talked about to my outfit? Look closely for clues! 
​​
​

Following dreams, that’s Photo #2. White clouds on a navy shirt made me think dreams, and clouds are in the video too.

​The Title: Following Your Dreams.                               
The Link: (1) Facebook    

​

​Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is Photo #3. My black turtleneck, sweater vest, and cross necklace helped me read his most famous speech. 

Book Title– I Have a Dream.
​The Link: (1) Facebook​
 
​
​            

​Part 2; Matching Holidays: Here are two screenshots from two holiday read-aloud videos. One is the scary holiday children love to celebrate. The second is all about hearts and love. It’s another childhood favorite. Can you match the holiday to my outfit? Look closely, and you’ll find a few clues! 
​

The first holiday photo, Halloween. That’s when children dress up in costumes. Some, are scary! Usually I wear orange and black, but this sweater features a few webs and spiders too. SCARY!
                        The Book Title- Dino-Halloween.                                    The Link: Facebook 

And the second, Valentine’s Day. Did you notice my heart necklace and the rose-colored sweater?
                        The Book Title- Valensteins.                                               The Link: Facebook   

​
​These two screenshots are from the same holiday. Christmas, of course! But the read-alouds are different. One’s about Santa. The other’s about Baby Jesus. Which outfit matches their read-aloud?

The first screenshot, Baby Jesus. Did you see the star and the wise man? This is my Christmas Day read-aloud.                 The Book Title- The Christmas Story.                                                           The Link: Facebook 

And the second, Santa! Did you see him in his sleigh with the reindeer? It’s my Christmas Eve read-aloud.                             The Book Title- A World of Cookies for Santa.                                        The Link: Facebook  


​

Part 3: Matching Places: Here are three screenshots from three places I wrote about . . . the royals of ancient Egypt, estuaries in New Zealand, and tales from Wapakoneta. Can you match my outfit to the place I wrote about? Check the color and jewelry in each screenshot for clues!
​

Estuaries in New Zealand, that’s Photo #1. I picked the tan color in my sweater with hints of brown and black because it reminded me of the estuary photos.
​
The Title: Take a Trip to New Zealand.
The Link: Facebook

​
​​

And Wapakoneta, that’s Photo #3. Wapak was home to the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. I picked a blue/black paislley print. It reminds me of space. The necklace, it’s made of medallions with Neil’s footprint, the one he left on the moon in 1969. Over fifty years later, it’s still there, just the way Neil left it.

The Title: Tales from Wapakoneta.
The Link: Facebook      

​In 2023, I stopped on Day 3, and I let my writing guide me. This year I finished Day 11 and a new Word Power poster.

This is the title I’ve used since 2018. Come along with me, and I’ll show you where I was in 2023 and where I’m heading now that it’s 2025. 
​
​

​Part 1 – Things to Keep​: Up first, the things I'm keeping, the programs and tools that work for me. Look down below to see three things that powered me through 2022-2023.

Underneath, my new set. Did you notice I kept two things for 2025? The first, 12 x 12. It’s a community of writers, and I can take three video classes a month from the comfort of my living room in Wapakoneta, Ohio or Lafollette, Tennessee.

The second, my website. I love putting up posts and book reviews for you! I’m planning on updating it this year and giving it a tweak. I haven’t done that since it debuted in 2016. Now that it’s 2025, the time feels right!
​

​Did you notice the last box changed? Writing Magic ended sometime in 2022 or 2023. I replaced it with the Courage to Create Community. I miss Writing Magic, but I found a new home at Courage to Create.

​

​Part 2 – Two More Things I’m Keeping: If you look at the first row below, those are the things I kept from the 12 Days of Christmas in 2022-2023. The second row, those are the things I kept from Christmas 2024. 
 
If you look at both rows, the pictures on the left are the same. They’re about marketing; about searching for new ideas to promote my three published books. That’s something I’ll do forever, for every single book I publish. I hope there are a few more in my future!
​

​One is about Neil Armstrong and his Wind Tunnel Dream. The other two are about my favorite place, the lake. Lake Fun is a picture book, and Zoe is a chapter book. Both of them have stories about the things my kids did on lake vacations. They both have journals that let readers draw and write about their own lake experiences.

The paragraph I just wrote, and this one too, that’s marketing! It’s about getting your product or service in front of people. Then convincing them they HAVE to buy it. If you’re interested in checking out my books, just take a look at my book link on rindabeach.com. It has a drop-down menu with all three titles.
​

The pictures on the right are about my search for an agent. In 2022-2024, I was querying agents with my zoo book. The main character, that blue poison dart frog. Would you believe he was playing hide and seek at the zoo?

I stopped querying in 2024 because I’ve been super- focused on writing a middle grade novel about the founding fathers, the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. This is the third year I’ve been revising and editing it, but it’s still not done. It’s getting closer, and I hope to send it out to agents sometime this year. Here’s to hope . . . I hear it springs eternal 😊

​​

​Part 3 – The New Things I’m Writing: Look below, and you’ll see my new story ideas from Christmas 2022. Back then I had six ideas. Three new; three old. I fleshed out community helpers, but I got stuck; I planned to get back to it, but . . . the Founding Fathers took over. 

​I spent the first three weeks trying to find my way into Chapter 1. I needed a ribbon, a thread that would weave its way through all 57 chapters. After three tries, I found it – in the last man standing, the last one to die.

That man – Charles Carroll of Carrollton; Charley to me, has become a friend. By June of 2023, I’d written 38 chapters, and that’s when I hit another snag . . . I thought one founder signed the Declaration of Independence late – it turned out to be seven. Yikes!

​
​That’s when I changed my goal from writing all 57 chapters in one novel, to breaking it into a middle grade series. It will make it easier for kids to read, to wrap their minds around. The first ten chapters, the first book. The timeline – from the Declaration of Independence to Yorktown. The 12 Days of Christmas 2024 helped me put it on paper.

                             Tomorrow – a new idea to try, and a few old ones I want to save, just in case.
​

​​
Part 4 – The New Things I’m Trying: Look below, and you’ll see a combination of something new, and three ideas I want to save. Leveling my blogs, a Teacher Pay Teacher account, and a private Facebook group are things I don’t want to lose track of. The time to implement them hasn’t come yet. So I’ll keep them on the back burner for another year.
​

My newest idea – to read aloud on Fridays. I found a 4th grade teacher who’s willing to welcome me into her room, and I’m excited about the opportunity. Once a month I hope I find books that resonate with her, her curriculum, and her kids.

I hope I can show them things about reading and writing that I’ve learned. I try my best on every sentence and paragraph I write, and so do teachers and kids. If opportunities arise, I’d love to expand this idea. But I’m going to take my time and let it develop. I’ll let this idea take me where it wants me to go.
​

​Thank you for the sixth time to Julie Hedlund. Each year her program helps me to see growth, especially when I feel like I’m spinning my wheels. But I also appreciate looking at why I’ve fallen short, and what I could do differently in the new year.

Meet The Imagination Library – You’ve probably heard of Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library. Did you know she gives books away to kids from zero to age five? Each child gets twelve specially selected books a year, without ever paying a dime, thanks to Dolly and her local partners.
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Dolly’s photo was taken in 1983. Did you know the imagination library started in 1995? Her inspiration came from her father. He couldn’t read or write so Dolly started with preschoolers from her home in Sevier County, Tennessee. Did you know Dolly sends books to kids in five countries today, including the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Republic of Ireland?

Did you know Dolly gives over two million books away each month? When she was growing up, she believed in dreams. Kids are still dreaming, and books have the seeds to help them grow.

Did you know according to their website Dolly registered 3,197,250 kids and counting? Or that she has given away 260,942,488 books so far? Impressive, and Dolly’s not done. Not yet!
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                   To learn more, check out: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library | USA, UK, IE, CA, AU
  
​

​
How This Post Came to Be – A year ago I saw a post online from the Imagination Library with reading tips for families. I saved it because those tips, they were great.

They’re not just about literacy. They’re also about building oral language and vocabulary skills for preschoolers. If you’re curious about the kind of books Dolly and the Imagination Library picked, click on this link: United States Book List - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. And now the link has been updated . . .  for babies arriving in 2025!   

​                                                                                           And now, those tips . . .

​Pointing, naming, talking, playing games – they’re so natural. I’m glad Dolly highlighted them.
​
They’re what my kids did, what my grandkids do now.
They’re also great tips to use beyond the book, in everyday life around the house. 

And now, two book picks . . .​
Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.

I picked Good Morning because it had a + sign beside it. That means it has bilingual text
or Hispanic content. So does another book from Richard Scarry. I hope I found the
right covers for you; I only had the titles to go on.

I picked Madeline’s 1 2 3 because it had a dot, like an asterisk. That means it’s a new book.
Madeline has been around forever, but 1 2 3 is a new title. There are two other new ones on the list. Writers like me hope that someday . . . Dolly will pick one of our stories too.

The titles include shapes, homes, family, animals, body parts, and nursery rhymes.
You and your child will have lots of pages to turn, things to name, and questions to answer.
​Enjoy! Time flies!

Ask questions. Talk about words and pictures. Pick books. Set goals and rewards.

Your preschooler is growing into a reader! Just look at the skills they’re learning
​and the kinds of books they get from the Imagination Library.

And now, those book picks . . . 
Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.

K is for Kindness, is about being nice. That’s a social skill. It’s also
 an ABC book; a literary skill, and littles need both.

Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night is more than a truck book. It’s also a bedtime story
with rhyming text and great illustrations. Plus, it’s a series of stories . . . with steam trains,
jet planes, and speed boats who need sleep too.

Animal stories are still in the library, along with a variety of others. Here’s the link if
​you’d like to check them out . . . United States Book List - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
​And now the link has been updated . . .  for babies arriving in 2025!

Tomorrow – Reading tips for toddlers ages 3-4 and 4-5

Point to letters and numbers. Find a story in the illustrations.
Talk about plot and characters. THESE are the skills that prepare kids to read!
 
And now, two more book picks . . .
Note – Both titles are gone in 2025.

Corduroy is a book my kids loved, at home and at school.
It’s the story of a teddy bear who only wants a home.

I got The Snowy Day in second grade. I was excited to see both books
on Dolly’s 2024 list. And so disappointed to see them leave.

But don’t worry! There are still twelve great titles to help your
child learn about the world around them.

Tell the story. Write and draw responses. Talk about words and story meaning.
It’s almost time for Kindergarten!

And now, two more book picks . . .

Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.

Danbi’s Favorite Day comes from her home in Korea – Children’s Day. Kids
the world over will love how she finds a way to celebrate.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! This is the custom book every child
gets when they turn five. Its job – to make them feel confident and excited about starting school.

And the other ten, they include titles about books, folk tales, and school.
One even started as a song, Dolly’s Coat of Many Colors.

No more tips. This used to be the last set of books for kids born in 2019. Now it’s for kids born in 2020.
And the last two books . . .
Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.​

​Can you ever have too much snow? The animals in Rabbit’s Snow Dance
think so. . . especially in the summertime!

Are you ever as busy as a bee? Find out what they really do in You Are a Honey Bee.
It’s the first in a STEM nonfiction picture book series for young readers.

And the other titles, they’re as diverse as these two!

​I’d like to welcome my next guest blogger, Kylie Eckerd. She emailed me with an idea for a post last March. It didn’t fit you, my audience. In my videos, I always say that I write for kids, their parents, and teachers. That’s what I told Kylie. She accepted it, said she’d keep her eyes open, and at the end of October she sent me this idea. I said perfect! So here’s her new post, just for you . . . 

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​

For stay-at-home moms, the idea of starting a business can be a powerful way to achieve financial independence while staying connected to family life. Today’s flexible digital landscape offers an array of options that align with different skills, interests, and time commitments, allowing moms to transform ideas into thriving ventures. This guide dives into realistic, achievable strategies, highlighting ways for stay-at-home moms to build and expand their own businesses successfully, all from the comfort of home.


​
                                                                    1. Business Ideas to Consider 
​

There are a variety of business ideas that align well with the needs of stay-at-home moms looking for flexibility and growth potential. For those skilled in organization or communication, virtual assistance can be a rewarding option, helping entrepreneurs or small businesses manage tasks like scheduling, email handling, and customer service. Moms with expertise in specific subjects can explore online tutoring or create courses in their field, allowing them to share knowledge while setting their own hours. Additionally, freelance writing, social media management, or digital marketing offer creative pathways that cater to a remote lifestyle. 

​
​

​Exploring digital products is another flexible and profitable business opportunity for stay-at-home moms. Ecommerce platforms offer user-friendly interfaces to create and sell digital goods like ebooks, online courses, and digital art, without the hassle of managing inventory. These platforms often include features such as customizable storefronts and email marketing tools, ensuring your products are appealing and secure. By leveraging these solutions, you can reach a global audience and grow your business from home.


​
                                                       3. Consider a Scalable Business Model   
​

 
​Adopting a scalable business model is crucial for growth. This approach allows you to expand operations without compromising quality or efficiency. By leveraging cloud computing and automation tools, you can manage increased workloads seamlessly. Employing a flexible workforce, such as freelancers, enables you to adjust team size according to demand, optimizing costs and resources. A scalable model supports sustainable growth and positions your business to capture larger market shares.



​                                                                         4. Forming an LLC is a Smart Move 
​

Creating a limited liability company (LLC) is a wise decision for your business, as it protects your personal assets from any business-related liabilities. This means that if your business faces financial challenges or legal issues, your personal finances remain untouched. An LLC also boosts your business’s credibility, making it more attractive to potential clients and investors. While hiring a lawyer to set up an LLC can be expensive, you can avoid these costs by filing the paperwork yourself or using a formation service. Just be sure to review potential services to find the best one for your needs.



​                                                                              5. Mastering Time Management 
​

​
​Balancing family duties with business goals requires effective time management. By using techniques like time blocking and setting daily intentions, you can create a schedule that accommodates both personal and professional tasks. For example, allocate specific hours for family activities and business projects to ensure neither is overlooked. Additionally, delegating household chores and declining unnecessary commitments can free up valuable time for your business endeavors. These strategies can transform your hectic schedule into a more manageable and productive routine.



                                                                 6. Separate Personal and Business Finances

​​
​Protecting your business’s intellectual property (IP) is vital for maintaining a competitive edge. IP protection, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents, grants you exclusive rights to your creations, preventing unauthorized use. For instance, a trademark can help distinguish your brand, fostering customer loyalty. Understanding and utilizing these protections can enhance your business’s value and attract potential investors, contributing to your venture’s growth.

Starting and growing a successful business from home allows stay-at-home moms to blend personal goals with professional fulfillment. By choosing a path that aligns with your strengths and aspirations, you can find the right balance between family life and entrepreneurship, creating opportunities that not only generate income but also foster personal growth and independence. With determination and the right tools, the potential for success is just a few steps away.

​
​

​Kylie Eckerd is the creator of Live Passive. She makes the most of her gig economy income by investing in developing passive income streams and loves helping others find ways to improve their lives. She created Live Passive because she believes that financial independence is key to true happiness. Kylie also enjoys dancing, spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and reading.
​

​I found the Pomodoro Technique in an email from Better Report. They send me practical advice/suggestions. This one was all about time management, whether it’s a task you’ve been putting off, or one you’re struggling to complete. All you need – a task and a timer.

​Mine – 2 chapters worth of revisions, 22 pages of text, with comments added along the side – altogether 25 pages to get through. Talk about intimidating!
​
So I pulled out the Pomodoro Technique and tried it. I figured I didn’t have anything to lose. It worked, revision by revision, page by page. 

​Part 1:   Here are the steps I used from Better Reports.

1. Choose a task.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes and only work on that task.
3. When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break.
4. Repeat the previous steps four times.
5. At the end of the fifth interval, take a longer 15-to-30-minute break.
​
Source: What Is the Pomodoro Technique and How Does It Increase Productivity? - Better Report
 

​Part 2: Here are a few rules that Better Report said to use.

1. If you start a pomodoro, let the timer ring.” Don’t stop early.
Use your time to review, reflect, or plan for the next one.

2. Stop when the timer goes off. Don’t go over time.
3. Set your timer for those 5-minute breaks after the first 4 Pomodoro's.

4. Do something different during those 5-minute breaks. If you’re on the computer, get up and get moving. If you’re cleaning, put your feet up and relax, but don’t get lost in your break.
Return to your task when the timer goes off.
​

​  ​

​Part 3: Here’s how I tailor those Pomodoros to fit me.

1. Sometimes I stop early before the 25-minute timer goes off,
but only if there’s not enough time to start the next one. I’d rather start my break early and the next Pomodoro early too.

2. If the timer goes off and I need to finish a sentence or paragraph,
I do that too.

3. I skip the timer if I’m reviewing something like a whole chapter.
I don’t want to stop and start. I don’t worry about the time.
This is about me and how I can best use MY time.

4. With my 5-minute breaks, usually I get up and walk. It makes it easier for
me to reach my step goals. Sometimes I clean. I HATE cleaning,
but I can do it for 5 minutes.

5. Sometimes I take my long break early. If I’m hungry, I stop and eat, even if I need to cook.
​I take the time I need. Balance is important, and so is taking care of myself.

Source: What Is the Pomodoro Technique and How Does It Increase Productivity? - Better Report


​

Part 4: Meet the Inventor of the Pomodoro Technique. His name, Francesco Grillo.

​Who has Francesco worked with?
- Managers
- Entrepreneurs
- Researchers
- Writers, designers, product developers, and other creative professionals
- And, Teams of people 

Why does he think you should try the Pomodoro Technique?
- Enhanced Focus and Concentration
- Improved Time Management
- Reduced Stress at Work
- Enhanced Team Communication and Flexibility
-Adaptable to You and Your Task Requirements

How can the Pomodoro Technique help you?
- “Learn to be gentle with yourself and develop a conscious relationship with time.”
- “Turn time into an ally and use it to improve individual and team productivity.”

​

To learn more about Francesco: About Francesco Cirillo
To read more about the technique:
Pomodoro® Technique - Time Management Method (pomodorotechnique.com)

 I’ve never done as much research as I’ve done for this middle grade novel on the founding fathers. Every chapter is an adventure . . . And I never know what I’m going to uncover. 
​

Part 1 – How I Do The Research: I learned within the first 10 chapters that I need 3 different kinds of research for each one. First and most importantly, I look up the man who died. It’s your only chance to meet him.
​
I need at least three sources of information about him. Then I cut and paste the sources together. If I find the same fact 3 times, I can use it. Less, I can’t. Even then I still need to decide which facts are important, and which ones to skip. 
​​

Next, I research the death year from the American Revolution. I copy and paste everything, until I know what’s important. Finally, I look up what my main character, Charles Carroll of Carrollton was doing. I save everything he did that year. The same rules still apply – I need to know which facts I can verify, and which ones fit in the chapter.

Note – I save all three kinds of research, after my first draft of the actual chapter. Then I paste the research in the order it fit in the chapter, with all the source links. The last and biggest part, that’s all the stuff that didn’t fit in, verified or not, with their source links too. It’s there, just in case.

The first draft of a chapter is 10 pages or less. The research I use is usually 5-8 pages, and the rest, it’s what didn’t fit. The whole document is usually 30-40 pages altogether.

​

Part 2 – Stuck on a Fire: The idea for this post came when I hit chapter 36. I was stuck for 2 days on the research, and I couldn’t move forward until I pieced it together.

When I looked up tobacco planting in the 1790s, I discovered they burned the seed beds before they planted them. I couldn’t imagine setting a fire on purpose – I grew up with Smokey the Bear. And today kids are still taught NOT to set fires, and I was writing about setting one. WHOA!

​                                                             
​                                                             The first thing I looked up – controlled burns.
                                             The link: Controlled Burns on the Farm | Beginning Farmers

I learned from Beginning Farmers that you wait for a calm day to start the burn. Go to the bottom of a hill with the wind blowing up the slope. Set your fire so the wind blows away from people and houses. Aim it towards things like creeks, dirt roads, or rock barriers. Those 4 ideas helped, but I still wasn’t ready to write.

​                                   I also looked up this link: 13869 (ncpedia.org)
​
It’s from North Carolina’s encyclopedia. The title – Tobacco Farming the Old Way. I copied the pages I needed, but I didn’t use them. Why? I already had that information, but it confirmed the facts I knew. 

I also copied two pictures from that link. I had to remember what they looked like. If I can’t picture them, you won’t when you read the words.
​
I couldn’t share my pictures. I wasn’t sure if they were copyrighted so I took a screenshot from the search engine. The second and fifth pictures are the ones that helped me start a fire of words for you. 

But I still couldn’t write, so I found a YouTube video. I watched it a few times and wrote down these notes:

                      - fire burns slowly                  
                      - hearing crackling                 
                      - left behind black ash
​                      - edge of flame licked edge of field
​

Then I could write my controlled fire scene in chapter 36. Charley sets the fire, watches it burn, and keeps it under control. I was thrilled! My critique partners said they could picture the fire, all from my words. As a writer, that’s as good as it gets!

                             And the link: VN 000355 L65 CB283 16x9 3m30s 230620M (youtube.com)
                 

                                                                      Part 3 – False Family Connections: ​

​Edward Rutledge died in January 23, 1800. Thomas Heyward was still alive, so I kept looking.

Thomas married twice. His first wife, Elizabeth Matthews. The second, Elizabeth Savage. No Shubrick’s there, and Rutledge wasn’t mentioned, AT ALL. Here’s one of the sources I checked:
​
Thomas Heyward, Jr. | Facts, Early Years, Life, Death & Politics (revolutionary-war.net)

Part 4 – A Shocking Discovery: This is a painting of the Declaration of Independence, but it’s not the signing. The five men standing in the middle are the Committee of Five. They drafted the Declaration.
​
I always thought the Continental Congress signed it on the Fourth of July. Nope! Only two men did – President John Hancock and Secretary Charles Thomson. But that wasn’t my shocking discovery.
​

Meet Matthew Thornton! In that first draft of Chapter 1, I knew he signed late. His name was last on the Declaration, not with the other 2 men from New Hampshire. Something happened, but I didn’t know the what – so I took my best guess. Simplest is always best – Matthew signed later in the week.

Then I hit Chapter 38, this summer on June 25. I think I went into shock. My mind probably raced, trying to figure out what to do.
​
Here’s what I saw that night. It stopped me cold!

​
​Although Thornton was not present during the debates on independence or when 50 of the delegates signed the Declaration on August 2, he became one of six signers who did so in the following months…”

“…was elected to the Continental Congress just in time to sign the Declaration of Independence…” 
​
​​

​Within 30 minutes I texted and asked a critique partner if we could zoom the next day. She said yes. So I did some searching, and here’s what I learned . . . 
​

Link #1: The Declaration of Independence: A History | National Archives   This one had 5.
​

Among the later signers were Elbridge Gerry, Oliver Wolcott, Lewis Morris, Thomas McKean, and Matthew Thornton, who found that he had no room to sign with the other New Hampshire delegates.
​

1.  ​Matthew Thornton from New Hampshire
                     Granted permission to sign. Arrived 3 months later. 

2.  Oliver Wolcott from Connecticut
                     Signed after he returned to Congress in October.

​Link #3: The Signing of the Declaration of Independen8*ce - The American Founding     This one had 7

And here are the men who signed late:

1.  Matthew Thornton - Arrived in Congress November 4. Probably signed in November. 
New Hampshire

2.  Elbridge Gerry -  Away on July 4; Returned to Congress September 2, 1776.
Probably signed September 3. -  Massachusetts

3. Oliver Wolcott - Returned October 1. Probably signed in October. 
Connecticut

4.  Lewis Morris - Returned to Congress after August 2, before September 8. 
Likely signed in September - New York

5.  George Wythe Returned to Congress after August 2, before September 14.
Probably signed in September - Virginia

6.  Richard Henry Lee Returned to Congress August 27, 1776. 
Probably signed in September - Virginia
 
7.  Thomas McKean - Returned to Congress briefly in September,1776. Returned in January 1777. Signature is missing from Goddard Broadside, printed January. No one knows when he signed.   
Delaware       
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About a month ago Richard Welsh from Public Relations emailed and asked if I’d share a pair of links with you. I looked them up and said sure. They’re all about vetting a doctor if you live in Florida, but the advice applies anywhere. Here are the links Richard sent me, and what I thought about them.

Picking a doctor is important, but it’s critical if you’re facing surgery. You want the best doctor doing your operation. An ounce of pre-op research is worth a pound of post-op complications.
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          The 1st link: Vetting a doctor before surgery - fhvlegal.com/vetting-doctor-before-surgery/
               The 2nd: A checklist to keep things simple - Vetting a Doctor Before Surgery Checklist
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​Part 1 – Research – This is the first, and most important step. That’s because research plays a part in all the other steps you take to find that doctor, who’s just right for you. 

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​- Check their credentials. Search your state’s Department of Health for your doctor’s name and license status. Check to see if there are any errors or mistakes on their record, or if they’ve received any disciplinary action. Richard shared Florida’s Department of Health link, but your state should have one too. 
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- Check for board certification and professional associations. The American Board of Specialties has a button that lists all of them. Find the one you need, then your doctor’s name. You’ll see what he/she is certified in.
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The Florida site also has a list of associations. Use it as a guide to find the ones in your home state. 
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​- Check reviews online or from people you know.  Try websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, RateMDs, and local hospitals, and don’t forget to talk to the people you know.             

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​ Part 2 – Ask Questions – Some questions will come from your research. Others will pop up as you move forward. Think about the things you want to know about the surgery and the doctor who’ll do it. If you’re worried, jot down your questions. The answers will make you feel better, or they’ll drive you to find more information. Maybe you’ll even seek a second opinion. Here are some suggestions from the Florida site that might help you find your way.
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​- Ask about experience – How often does your doctor operate per week? The more, the better. What’s their experience, positive and negative? (Ask your surgeon, their patients, even your friends and family doctor.)

​- Ask about successes – How does your doctor define success, and what’s their success rate for your surgery? What kind of anesthesia will they use, and are there side effects? Where can I find testimonials/referrals for you as a surgeon, or from your patients? 

​- Ask about continuing education – What’s your doctor doing to stay current with new developments within their area of expertise? Are there alternative options, and what do they say about them? 

​- Ask about surgery, post-op, and recovery – What are the risks and side effects of surgery? What will it cost? How long will I need hospital care? What is the post-op plan? Will I need therapy?  What will insurance cover, and what’s my cost? How long until I’m recovered and back to work/normal?

These are all basic questions from the Florida website. They can help you find answers to your own unique situation.

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​Part 3 – Get Referrals – Ask people you know. They’ll help you in your search for the right doctor. How? Ask them to refer you to a specialist or to a procedure.


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​- Get referrals from your primary care doctor. That’s where I go to find a specialist. I trust my doctor and his/her suggestions.
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Doctors get feedback when the patient returns. If they’ve had a good experience, they’ll continue to send the specialist new patients. If it was a bad one, my doctor would have to decide if they’d recommend them again. I’ve been happy with all the specialists my primary care doctor recommended, except one. Practically perfect is a great record😊

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​- Ask for another referral, or a second opinion. If something feels wrong, get another opinion. It will either confirm the information you already have, or it will confirm your suspicions. Sometimes you have to listen to your gut; then do the research to help you make a good decision.

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​Part 4 – Red Flags – Look for red flags when you vet a new doctor. When you have a bad feeling, listen and check it out. Maybe it’s your imagination, but maybe it isn’t. Do your due diligence. Then decide if you want to move forward, or search for a new doctor.


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​- Lacks board certification. If a doctor doesn’t have it, there’s a reason why. Either they lack the training and evaluation, or it’s been pulled because of malpractice. This is a HUGE Red Flag that you should find someone else. 
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Check credentials. Look at a physician’s experience. If you have a choice between someone who does 1-2 surgeries a week versus someone who does 50, who would you pick? My father chose the one in the 50-a-week club for his, and I’m glad he did.
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Don’t forget to check for malpractice claims, disciplinary actions, and for patterns of negligence. These are NO-GO signs. My advice – find another doctor. 

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​​- Examine everyday behaviors for flags. When you meet with the doctor, do they rush through the appointment, or fail to answer your questions? Do they dismiss your concerns without explanation, or refuse to consider other alternatives? You’re paying the doctor, and he serves you. If he doesn’t, look elsewhere.

Look to see if the doctor’s office is clean and organized. If it’s not, it tells you something about the way they do business. Do what feels right for you – after all, you’re paying the bill.

Finally does the doctor pressure you to make a decision, without getting a second opinion? My daughter had one of those doctors, so we checked with another one. He offered advice and monitored her for changes over the next several years. I’m glad we said thanks, but no thanks to the first one.

  
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Double-check your insurance coverage. Healthcare is expensive, and insurance is the gate keeper. Make sure your choices are covered, or consider making a change. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a little, or A LOT More for your medical bills. Your financial health is another important part of this decision. 


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Trust your instincts/gut. If you have a bad feeling about a doctor and/or surgery, listen. Sometimes your gut is your first and strongest warning sign that danger lies ahead. Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind. Mental health is part of your physical health too. 


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​​Make sure you’re comfortable with your decision. Knowing you can trust your doctor for information. That they don’t pooh-pooh your choices can give you peace of mind when your body is under stress. That’s a very good thing 😊


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Don’t forget accessibility. If your surgeon is hours away, getting treatment and follow-up care can be tricky, and expensive. On the other hand, if your doctor makes you feel safe, like you’re in good hands, it might be worth driving a little farther to get that safety net.
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So in conclusion, take the time you need to make a good decision. Don’t forget the doctor serves you. You’re paying for their time and expertise. Make sure you’re getting what you paid for. 

Do you recognize this landform? It’s the continent of Antarctica. It’s the only continent without a single country, although 22 have a ‘consultative’ status. That’s because they agreed to a 1959 treaty. They promised to keep Antarctica as a scientific preserve, like a national park. It was to be preserved as a place of scientific study and environmental protection.

One of my critique partners, Sandra Martin Denis just got back from Antarctica. She was there during the summer, the warmest time of year. It’s funny – Antarctica’s summer is during our winter.
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                    Part 1: It came straight from Sandra’s trip – her photos and her words. Enjoy!
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Penguins mate for life. They build nests of stones. Most penguins lay two eggs in a clutch. The male and the female take turns incubating the eggs, except for the emperor penguin. 
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Part 2: A trivia question about Antarctica’s climate.

What is the average temperature range for Antarctica per year?

10°C to -60°C     10°C to -10°C     30°C to 20°C     -5°C to -10°Celsius
50°F to -76°F      50°F to 14°F        86°F to 68°F      23°F to 14°Fahrenheit
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Take a guess, then check below the map. 
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I completely missed this one. Antarctica is warmer than I thought! The annual temperature for the whole continent ranges from about −10°C on the coast to −60°Celsius. In Fahrenheit that’s 50°F to -76°F. Wow, 50 is way warmer than I imagined. That’s like a warm March day in Ohio! But it all depends on – location, location, location.
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That 50°F was near the coast, in the summer. That’s where Sandra was, but she said she wore a parka. Maybe at night when the sun goes down, the coastal temperature drops too. In the winter – that coastal temperature gets even colder, -40, and that’s the reading on both Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers. That surprised me. I’ve never seen the two temperature scales match, with the same exact number. Incredible!

I’m glad Sandra didn’t go inland, especially to the mountaintops. Their warmest temperature – -22. That’s one of the worst winter days in Ohio, ever. I don’t want to think how cold it gets in their winter. Ready? That’s -112?! Holy frostbite, that’s cold!
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And the coldest temperature ever recorded on earth?  -128.56, at the Vostok station in Antarctica. That’s where scientists live. And the date – July 21, 1983. YIKES!


​                                                             Part 3: Wind Speed and Snowfall by the Numbers

As for snow – the average accumulation for the whole continent of Antarctica is 150 mm of water per year, or 5.9 inches. If you’re not sure what that looks like, find 6 on a ruler.

When you go inland to the elevated plateau, the annual value drops to 50 mm. That’s only 1.96 inches. But at the coast, it rises to 200 mm or 7.87 inches. 

​But for the heaviest rain or snow, find the peninsula in the northwestern corner of the map. It stretches to the north, and the Bellingshausen Sea is below it, to the south. It’s not labeled, but it gets over 1000 mm of water. In inches that’s 39.37. Think yardstick, then add your index finger for another 3 inches. That’s a lot of water!
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​Sources:
For more information: www.antarctica.gov.au
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My source: What is the average annual... | Trivia Answers | QuizzClub
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Map: By Robert Simmon - en:Internet Archive - https://web.archive.org/web/20070823123915/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17838 (originally    http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17838 NASA Earth Observatory), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3126858

​I wrote the original post back in November, and I shared the update on my vlog. At the end, I predicted where I would be at the end of February. Today is March 13, and here’s where I am on my journey to tell the story of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.
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Part 1 – Where I Was:  I believe you need to know where you were, to take stock of where you are. It also allows you to see progress, and that’s a good thing.
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The original post went live on November 20. I was on Chapter 17, and I was writing about Ben Franklin. Oh My Goodness! I remember that chapter – not in a good way! It took me 3 weeks to find my way in. If you’d like to read the original post, here’s my link:
             http://www.rindabeach.com/blog/me-and-my-middle-grade-novel-where-am-i-now
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My vlog went live on January 28. I finished Chapter 21 with Francis Hopkinson that week. If you’d like to listen, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2796790403792630


                                                                                   ​​Part 2 – Where Am I Now?
                                                This week I finished Chapter 30. Only 27 chapters to go 😊
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And the signer – Carter Braxton from Virginia. I’d never heard of him, but now I won’t forget him either. His mother died after she’d given birth to two baby boys. He was her second son.

Carter married young like his father, and his wife died after she’d given birth to two baby girls. Heartbreaking. But he married again. She gave birth to ten boys and six more girls. Eighteen – that’s a lot of children!
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Milestones from my Journey : 

Chapter 19 = a third of the way to the end.

Chapters 28 = halfway done. I celebrated both milestones with a tiny bit of shopping.
It makes a memory and keeps me moving.

Chapter 38 = two thirds of the way to the end. 
​That’s seven chapters or seven weeks from now, I hope.

Story Stats – 29 founders, dead
                Two states with all its signers dead – North Carolina (3) and New Jersey (5)
               The state with only one death – Massachusetts. The signer, John Hancock

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​                                                         Part 3 –My Conclusions and How They're Working:
Back on July 17 of 2023, I wrote a post about failing. I even thought about quitting. Back then I was struggling with Stephen Hopkins from Chapter 12. Here are my conclusions after a week of struggle, plus the answer to the postscript – how my conclusions are working.

1. It’s OK to fail. Sometimes you need to stop and make a new plan. The last time I failed/got stuck was on Chapter 17 with Ben Franklin.

2. Change when you need to. When I get stuck, I should take a break. I need fun and family too.  I still take breaks when I need to. But after Chapter 17, I found a new technique. I haven’t missed a deadline since then 😊

3. When I get stuck, I should step back. Later I’ll see how to edit and revise.  I don’t need to step back with my new strategy. At least so far 😊

4. Each chapter feels like I’m climbing some steep hills. I need to write at this story’s speed. Sometimes that’s fast, and the story just flows. Other times it’s slow or no-speed at all. That’s when my ideas need time to develop.  I still feel like I’m climbing steep hills, especially at the beginning, but my new technique makes it easier to climb that first one. Then the story usually flows along. Sometimes I find a steep hill near the end, but the strategy works there too 😊

                                                                                                   Post Link:
    http://www.rindabeach.com/blog/when-you-feel-like-quitting-inspiring-quotes-for-you-and-me
           
                                                                                                        Vlog:
                                                 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=6554628911271624 

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                                                                            Part 4 – Three New Strategies:

​ 1. Finding my way through research – I’m much faster than I used to be. I look for three internet sources for each signer, then what was going on just before his death, and finally what Charley and his family were up to. Sometimes I find my way into the chapter from it, but a lot of times, I don’t.
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2.  I write less – but not on the chapter of the week. I still write all day, taking breaks when I need to get up, until about 8PM. Sometimes just getting up and moving around will get me unstuck. And, so far I’m staying on track, writing a chapter a week.

The less, that’s on my blog. I realized over the summer, when I thought about quitting, something had to give, and it couldn’t be me. So, now I write a blog section in two days. The first day I put up pictures and outline what I want to write. The second day I write and revise that section. If life gets in the way, and occasionally it does, I give myself a day of grace.
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Less is also on my vlog. I’m doing more classic posts. LOL, it’s just another way of saying an old one. I also look for blogs, beyond the original one, but they need to add to the vlog’s topic. 

3. This is the BIG ONE! I write questions to Charley (Charles Carroll), and I answer them. After spending the last year and a half with him, I know him pretty well.

This week I’m working on Oliver Wolcott. I’d never heard of him either. He was the governor of Connecticut in 1797, and a Major General in the Continental Army. He was one of the heroes of Saratoga, one of the first big wins for Washington’s army, but – that didn’t help me figure out how to write Chapter 31.

What did? Questions! I started with ‘Where is Charley?’ and ‘What is he doing?’ Sometimes that works. Sometimes I have to ask more questions. I knew Oliver died on December 1, and Charley would have been in the Maryland Senate. So I asked what he might have been doing. That was a dead end, but it’s part of the process.

Then I asked the question, and I hit pay dirt! I asked what Charley was doing at Christmas time. I got the answer the next morning. I realized I’d already written something about a priest visiting him. I don’t know if one really did, but it fits my research.

Charley’s cousin was the first Catholic bishop in the US, and he started St. Mary's College and Seminary in Baltimore. The priest had to visit, because there were no Catholic Churches in Annapolis. Not yet. The first one was built next door to Charley’s house. BINGO! I started writing, and I finished the WHOLE rough draft in one day. I even started my first round of revision. I didn’t finish – I needed to write this part of the blog for you.

If I hadn’t found my way into the chapter – I would have asked Charley more questions, until I found it. I know when I have a good answer, because I can keep writing. Even when I question the last paragraph I wrote. When that happens, I take a break, AND I can push past it.

                                                              Part 5 – My New Middle Grade Goals:
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​The next one – to finish Chapter 36 by May 3rd. That’s the first Friday in May. My critique group is taking Good Friday off. Then I'll return to my usual pace – a chapter a week – to research, write and revise. It’s the fastest I’ve ever written, and the most I’ve written in years.
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I have another goal that’s on the back burner. I’m moving as quickly as I can, but the other chapters come first. My second goal is to polish the first 3 chapters until they’re submission ready. It’s a work in progress.

​Do you have parents or grandparents who need to look for a new home? I’m happy to share this guest blog from Kent Elliot AtHomeAging.info. Keep reading – he has seven great tips to help seniors find the house that fits them now. 

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​The journey into retirement marks a pivotal phase in life, demanding a living space that transcends the ordinary, blending comfort, safety, and convenience. This stage requires careful consideration of certain key features in a home, ensuring it not only meets your present needs but also gracefully adapts to your evolving lifestyle in the years ahead. This comprehensive guide, courtesy of Rinda Beach, aims to illuminate those vital characteristics that make a home ideal for your retirement years.
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                                    Part 1: Embracing Open and Accessible Spaces
​In your search for the perfect retirement residence, prioritize homes that boast open, barrier-free floor plans. These designs are more than just modern and visually appealing; they are practical, enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of accidents. An open floor plan facilitates easier navigation, particularly important as mobility concerns increase with age. Additionally, these spaces foster a warm, inviting atmosphere, ideal for hosting family gatherings and maintaining an active social life, which is essential for mental and emotional well-being during retirement. 
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                  Part 2: Accessibility with Wheelchair-Adapted Entrances

​​For retirees who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, the presence of wheelchair-friendly ramps and wide doorways is a critical feature. These adaptations are not merely conveniences; they are essential for maintaining independence and ensuring safe access around your home. Homes equipped with these features underscore a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, vital for a comfortable and dignified retirement life.

                      ​ Part 3: Assurance Through Home Warranty Protection
When downsizing, it’s important to consider your insurance options. While homeowner’s insurance covers damage to the structure, injuries, and theft, it doesn’t cover appliances or major systems. That’s why you should work with a home warranty company to find a policy that works for you. These warranties are crucial for safeguarding against unexpected repairs and maintenance issues, particularly for essential home systems like heating, cooling, and plumbing. With such protections in place, you can spend your retirement years enjoying your home without the concern of potential unforeseen expenses and the hassles of home repairs. 
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                     Part 4: Enhanced Living with Intelligent Home Systems
In the modern age, homes equipped with smart technology offer significant advantages, especially for retirees. Look for properties that feature intelligent home systems, such as automated thermostats, lighting controls, and advanced security systems. These technologies not only provide unparalleled convenience but also enhance safety and independence. The ability to control various aspects of your home environment with simplicity and ease can significantly improve your quality of life, allowing you to focus on enjoying your retirement rather than being bogged down by mundane tasks.

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        Part 5: Seamless and Safe Access
The entrance to your home should be more than just aesthetically pleasing; it should be designed with safety and accessibility in mind. Homes with step-free entryways are crucial for preventing trips and falls, common concerns as one ages. Such design considerations ensure that your home remains accessible, safe, and welcoming, regardless of any mobility challenges you or your visitors might face.

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Bathroom safety is paramount, making accessible walk-in showers a must-have in your retirement home. These showers–along with grab bars and corner protectors–are designed to help provide safer and more comfortable bathing experiences. They minimize the risk of slips and falls, a significant concern for seniors, and provide the convenience necessary for maintaining personal hygiene independently and with dignity.

                                      Part 7: Ease of Access with Ergonomic Handles

​The usability of a home extends to the smallest details, like door and faucet handles. In your retirement home, look for ergonomic lever-style handles, which are far more user-friendly than traditional knobs, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Such thoughtful details in a home's design can make a substantial difference in your day-to-day life, ensuring that every aspect of your home is accessible and easy to navigate.

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                                                                               Final Thoughts
Selecting the right home for your retirement is a decision that encompasses much more than just the property's location or aesthetic appeal. It's about finding a space that ensures your comfort, safety, and independence in the years to come. By focusing on these essential features, you ensure that your chosen home is not just a dwelling, but a sanctuary that supports and enriches your life throughout your retirement.