Kristy Tate's Blog

 An oarfish plays a starring role in my story, Head Over Eels in Laguna. This post is some of the research I came across. And yes, oarfish have been spotted in Southern California.

Appearance and Characteristics

Oarfish have a distinctive appearance:

Body: They have long, flat, silvery bodies, often with dark blotchy markings that fade quickly after death. Unlike most fish, they are scaleless.

Fins: A prominent, reddish dorsal fin runs the entire length of their back, starting from above their large eyes. Their pelvic fins are also elongated and oar-shaped, though they are now believed to be used for taste perception rather than locomotion. Their pectoral fins are greatly reduced, and they lack an anal fin and sometimes a caudal (tail) fin, with their body tapering to a fine point.

Mouth: They have small, protrusible mouths and no visible teeth, as they are filter feeders.

Habitat and Behavior

Oarfish are pelagic species, meaning they live inthe open ocean, primarily in the mesopelagic zone, also known as the"twilight zone," where little to no sunlight penetrates. This istypically at depths ranging from about 600 feet (200 meters) to 3,300 feet(1,000 meters).

Encounters with live oarfish are incredibly rare.Most of what we know about them comes from specimens that have washed ashore onbeaches or been accidentally caught in nets. When they are found at thesurface, they are usually sick, dying, or have been disoriented by storms orcurrents. They are weak swimmers and build little muscle mass, making themvulnerable in shallower, turbulent waters.

They are thought to swim by undulating their longdorsal fin while keeping their body relatively straight. They can also hoververtically in the water, which helps them blend into their dark environment andsense prey.

Folklore and the "EarthquakeFish" Myth

Oarfish have often been associated with myths andsuperstitions, particularly in Japanese folklore, where they are known as"ryugu no tsukai," or "messengers from the sea god'spalace." Legend states that their appearance in shallow waters or onbeaches is a warning sign of impending earthquakes or tsunamis, earning themthe nickname "doomsday fish."

This myth gained some traction in 2011 when severaloarfish washed ashore in Japan shortly before a major earthquake and tsunami.However, scientists generally assert that there is no conclusive evidenceto support a direct link between oarfish sightings and seismic activity. Theirsurfacing is more likely due to illness, injury, disorientation from storms, orchanges in ocean currents and temperatures, rather than an ability to predictearthquakes.

Oarfish are harmless to humans, and their mysteriousnature and infrequent sightings continue to fuel their legendary status.

Southern California is indeed one of the few placesin the world where oarfish sightings, particularly strandings, have beenrelatively well-documented, though they remain extremely rare events overall.These occurrences offer invaluable opportunities for scientists to study theseelusive deep-sea creatures.

Notable Sightings and Discoveries

While still very uncommon, Southern California hasseen a handful of significant oarfish discoveries:

Infrequent but Consistent: Since 1901, there have been just over two dozen recorded oarfish sightings or strandings along the California coast, with the vast majority occurring in Southern California. This makes the region something of a "hotspot" for these rare events.

Recent Activity: In recent years, Southern California has had a few notable sightings. For example, in August and November of 2024, two separate oarfish washed ashore in the San Diego area (one near La Jolla Cove and another in Encinitas), sparking considerable interest. The August specimen was around 12 feet long, and the November one was 9-10 feet.

Catalina Island and Oceanside (2013): Two highly publicized oarfish strandings occurred in October 2013. An 18-foot oarfish was discovered by a snorkeler off Santa Catalina Island, and a few days later, a 14-foot oarfish washed up in Oceanside. These events captured international attention due to the size and rarity of the fish.

Scientific Significance

When an oarfish washes ashore in SouthernCalifornia, it's a huge event for marine biologists, especially those atinstitutions like the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla.These rare specimens provide a unique chance to learn about a species thatspends most of its life in the deep ocean, far from human observation.

Scientists quickly move to recover these specimensto conduct necropsies (animal autopsies) and take samples. This allowsthem to study:

Biology and Anatomy: Gaining insights into their physical characteristics and internal systems.

Genomics and Life History: Collecting genetic material for DNA analysis and trying to understand their reproductive cycles, growth rates, and overall life span.

Oceanic Conditions: Researchers investigate if there's a correlation between the strandings and changes in ocean conditions, such as El Niño/La Niña cycles, unusual currents, or other environmental disturbances, which might push these deep-sea fish into shallower waters.

The "Doomsday Fish" Folklore

Like in other parts of the world, oarfishappearances in Southern California often reignite discussions about theirmythical connection to natural disasters. In Japanese folklore, they're knownas "ryugu no tsukai" or "messengers from the sea god'spalace," believed to surface before earthquakes or tsunamis.

While some people in Southern California may expressconcern when an oarfish appears, scientists universally state there's noscientific evidence to support a direct link between oarfish strandings andseismic activity. They emphasize that these fish are likely washing ashorebecause they are sick, injured, disoriented, or have been impacted by unusualcurrents or environmental changes, not because they are predicting disasters.

If you ever come across aunique or unusual creature, especially a deep-sea fish, on a SouthernCalifornia beach, it's best to alert local lifeguards or contactinstitutions like the Scripps Institution of Oceanography so they cansafely recover the specimen for study

   Welcome to #WednesdayWords where I share a snippet of a story using yesterday's word from the New York game, WORDLE. Yesterday's WORDLE was MOLDY. 

An excerpt from Arsenic and Anise.  This excerpt only makes sense if you know that Cora's cocoa is laced with truth serum.You can read a FREE copy of Arsenic and Anise. HERE

Cora,with her thermos of cocoa in one hand, pulled open the bookshop’s door. Ifollowed with the scones.

Thebookshop hadn’t changed in the years I’d been gone. A checkout counter with anold-fashioned cash register sat beneath the windows. Rows and rows ofbookshelves ran in long straight parallel lines toward the back where the roomopened up to a friendly gathering space.

FrannyCook, a middle-aged woman perpetually dressed in sweater sets—even insummer—looked up with a smile when we entered. She pulled her glasses off hernose to get a better look at us. “The Roberts sisters.” She moved from aroundthe counter to give us both a hug. “I’m so sorry about your grandmother.” Tearsgathered in her eyes as she spoke.

Ibattled my own emotions. “Us, too.”

“What’sthis?” Franny motioned to my basket.

“Blueberrylemon scones. Would you like one?” I held it out to her.

“Ofcourse.” She selected one and plucked a napkin from the basket.

“Ihave cocoa,” Cora said.

Frannyturned down her lips. “I’m allergic.”

“Thatmaybe the saddest thing I’ve ever heard,” Cora said.

Iagreed, but Franny just shrugged. “We all have our crosses to bear.” Shepointed toward the gathering room. “Are you looking for the Silver Sisters?”She dropped her voice to a whisper. “They’re all abuzz about the murder.”

“So,they’re sure it was a murder?” Cora asked.

“Couldit have been suicide?” I asked.

“Whywould anyone choose to die in a kitchen garden? But what do I know?” Frannycocked her head toward the voices coming from beyond the shelves. “They’re thereal experts.”

Ifollowed Cora through the towering shelves to where mismatched furniture sat ona large circular rag rug. In the center, a coffee table held a lone,earthen-ware vase. A stone fireplace ran up one wall and windows looked out atthe Robin River tumbling by.

Herethe Silver Sisters sat, each clutching a copy of Patricia Wentworth’s GreyMask. I guessed that this was the book chosen for this week’s discussion,but, of course, a real murder trumps a fictional one any day. Theirconversation fell still when they spotted us.

“Girls!”Ronnie waved us over. “Join us!”

Corastrode to the coffee table and set her thermos on it. “If you’re sure we’re notintruding.” She dropped onto the rug and sat cross-legged.

Suddenly,I had misgivings. What had made us think we could try and hoodwink the SilverSisters? How long until they guessed our motive for joining them? Minutes?Seconds? Already, I didn’t like the knowing gleam in Miss Mabel’s eyes.

Iadmired Nadia’s jeans, bright red sneakers, and Humboldt University T-shirt.Her sisters were much more formally dressed. Miss Mabel wore black slacks and awhite silk blouse. Ronnie was clad in a crushed velvet green pantsuit, andTacey looked ready for church in a cotton knit dress and heels. Only Nadialooked casual and at peace.

Nadiascooted on the sofa, making room for at least one of us, and patted the emptyspace. I hesitated for only a second before settling beside her and placing thescones on the table beside the thermos. Cora reached into her bag, pulled out aflask of Styrofoam cups and a container she’d filled with whipped cream.

Corapoured a cup of cocoa, opened the container of cream, and spooned out a dollop.“Anyone?”

“I’lltake one.” I reached for the cup and met Cora’s surprised glance. My shrug saidI had nothing to hide. Besides, just the memory of the cocoa made my mouthwater.

Corapoured three more cups, and I passed around the basket of scones. I cradled thecup in my hand and felt its warmth.

Tearsfilled Tacey’s eyes. “We miss our dear Cordie so much.”

“Butyou are more than welcome substitutes.” Miss Mabel reached out to pat Cora’sshoulder. “You know, she always brought us treats, too.” She plucked up a cup,spooned a dollop of cream in it, and took a sip.

“Ihad brought a jar of pickles.” Nadia nodded at the dark green vase on thetable. “From the factory, you know.” She made this sound like an apology. Sheblew on her cocoa before taking a swallow.

Ronniescrunched her nose after her first drink of the cocoa. “It’s just too early inthe morning to eat pickles, don’t you think?”

“Absolutely,”Tacey agreed. “Pickles are a lunch food. Best served with potato salad andhamburgers.”

Corashot me a quick jubilant look. I read her silent message. See? It’s workingalready!

Nadiarubbed her chin. “I’ll have to talk to Clint about developing a morning pickle.You know, fermented food is very good for your gut health.”

MissMabel pointed her cup at Cora. “We want to hear your thoughts on Mason’smurder.”

“Idon’t know anything,” Cora said.

“Meneither,” I added.

“Butyou do know the victim,” Ronnie said. “After all, he’s your cousin’sbrother-in-law.”

“Masonwas five years older than me,” I said.

“Whichmakes him fifteen years older than me,” Cora added.

“Goodness,you are a baby,” Ronnie said.

Ihad made Angie a teenage mom. She’d given birth to Cora at the much morerespectable, childbearing age of twenty-six. Angie still hadn’t married Cora’sfather, but at least she knew who he was. My father was a mystery that Angietook to the grave. I had my suspicions, but that’s all they were.

“Yourgrandmother had so many gifts,” Miss Mabel said, changing the subject.

“Herrecipes were just a small taste of her talents.” Ronnie smiled at her pun.

MissMabel selected a scone and a napkin. “But we have gifts of our own, you know.”

“Yes,”Ronnie agreed. “You might not know this, but back in the day, I was anactress.”

Nadia’seyes twinkled. “And you still are.”

“Anda master of disguises,” Miss Mabel added.

“Thanks,friends,” Ronnie said with a blush. “And Nadia is much too shy to ever admitit, but she’s nothing short of a computer genius.”

Nadiabatted at the air as if swiping away the compliment. “Oh please.”

“It’strue,” Miss Mabel insisted. “She could hack her way into Fort Knox if shewanted to.”

“Andyou all know what Miss Mabel brings to the table,” Ronnie said.

Noone mentioned Tacey’s gifts. As the sole heir of the Giffords, a family thathad made a fortune in the publishing industry, maybe Tacey’s contribution tothe group was financing, but no one mentioned her talents, and I noticed thatshe silently ate her scone while her sisters lauded each other.

“Becausewe all work together,” Ronnie said, “We crack the cases the police can’t.”

“Eventhough Mabel gets all the credit,” Tacey said.

Didshe sound bitter? I wasn’t sure.

“Sheallows us to stay in the background,” Nadia added, “where we’re safe.”

“It’strue. I do attract a lot of negative attention,” Miss Mabel said with a sigh.

“Butyou also put bad guys behind bars,” Ronnie said.

“Youmean we, dear,” Miss Mabel said gently. “You know I could never do whatI do alone.” She took another sip of cocoa before continuing. “Now, here’s whatwe’re thinking: the most likely candidates are members of the Fleming family.”

“Youremember, don’t you, dear?” Ronnie placed her hand on my arm. “Their son diedduring oh heck week last month.”

Thefinal and most grueling week of the tryouts for the high school football team.I had a sudden memory of a very sweaty, tired, and sore Max limping his waythrough the last two weeks of summer.

“Ihadn’t heard about that,” I said.

“FinnFleming, a freshman, died during practice,” Cora told me.

“Thetemperature that day was a hundred and ten,” Nadia continued.

“Incrediblywarm for here,” Miss Mabel added, “where it’s usually so mild.”

“Diedof heat exhaustion,” Ronnie said.

“Excuseme,” Tacey bounced to her feet. “I—huh—forgot I have an appointment.” Shebolted from the room as fast as her high heels could take her.

TheSilver Sisters exchanged glances.

“Oh,dear,” Nadia said. “We really need to be more sensitive.”

“Fiddle-sticks,”Miss Mabel said. “It’s been three years since Graham died.”

Coramust have noticed my curiosity because she leaned over and whispered, “GrahamGifford, Miss Tacey’s grandson.”

“Didhe die playing football, too?” I asked.

“No,but he was something of a local football hero,” Ronnie said.

“Definitelyone of Mason Breckenridge’s pets,” Miss Mabel said.

Suicide,Cora mouthed the word.

MissMabel sipped her cocoa and pulled the cup away to study it. “Oh my, this is tasty.Have you tried it?” she asked her sisters.

Ronnieand Nadia swallowed their drinks, as well.

“Yum!”Nadia shot Cora an approving look.

“Verygood,” Ronnie agreed. She patted her lips with a napkin, leaving a red smearbehind. “Much better than your dreadful pickles, Nadia.”

Nadiabristled. “My pickles are not dreadful. And I’m surprised you think so,given that you’ve chosen to wear that suit.”

Ronnieglanced at her clothes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Thatgreen would fit right in a pickle jar.” Nadia shook herself. “No. A pickle jarwould be too good for it. It’s worse than a MOLDY cucumber.”

“Girls!”Miss Mabel chided with a laugh. “Stop bickering. We have to stay on task. We’rehere to discuss a murder! A man’s life has been taken, and we have to find theculprit.”

“Dowe, though? Ronnie grumbled.

“Whatare you saying?” Mabel asked.

“Whydon’t we take up gin rummy?” Ronnie asked.

Nadialooked horrified. “The card game?”

“Oh,my heavens!” Mabel threw up her hands.

Here we are, just weeks away from the release of the sixth book in my Small Town Series. This book has been a bear to write, and I'm so grateful it's currently with my editor and almost ready for publication. It's not that I don't love this book—I do—but I tried something tricky, and it tied me up in knots. What did I do? I had book five and book six take place simultaneously. I’ve done this before with The Tick Tock Between Me and You and Dreaming of Me and You, and it wasn’t so hard. 

But my last two Town books had a suspense element, and I couldn’t give away the villain in case someone read book six before book five. So… mental calisthenics.

I'm debating on whether or not to change the covers for my Small Town Series.

It's not that I don't love the covers, but I've discovered an AI-generated tool that can take my still images and turn them into video. I think this is super fun and would make great ads. That's the main reason I'm considering adding people to my covers.

Here are the new cover concepts. What do you think? See the video above.

Which one do you like, the first (the original) or the second?

 Love Hallmarkies? Kristy writes heartwarming HolidayRomances you won’t want to miss.

 

The Music of You and Me

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P9FHQ1N

 

Christmas Coins

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081Y5RD42

Baby Blue Christmas

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JGFM46

 

The Lost Letter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ3J3FHC

 

The Christmas Swindle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MBHG9HT

 

Mistletoe Mischief

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCTXTKCJ

 

The Little White Christmas Lie

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPZJA14

 Love stories about couples in their forties andbeyond? Kristy writes heartwarming Later-in-Life Romances you won’t want tomiss.

Half-Baked

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0882LPHQL

 

Rule #14 Some Strings are Meant to be Tied https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPCYZTMY

 

The Lost Letter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ3J3FHC

 

The Christmas Swindle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MBHG9HT

 

The Rain Forest Rendezvous

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DRM7QRB

 

Mistletoe Mischief

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCTXTKCJ

 

The Little White Christmas Lie

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPZJA14

 

Whispers Over Wildrose Road

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6GR213J

 

A Ghost of a Second Chance

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IK0KZK

 

Rule #12 There's a Fine Line Between Flings and Forever: 

A Clean Rules For Dating A Single Dad Romancehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPD37GLW

  Welcome to #WednesdayWords where I share a snippet of a story using yesterday's word from the New York game, WORDLE. Yesterday's WORDLE was SPORT. 

An excerpt from The Billionaire's Beagle. 

FREE ON AMAZON

“So,you plan on visiting your dad for Thanksgiving?” Uncle Matt asked as he slid acouple of fried eggs and a strip of bacon onto a plate and handed it to Letty.

“Yes.”Letty didn’t like talking about her dad, but it seemed like a small price topay for her aunt and uncle’s generosity and hospitality.

UncleMatt carried his own breakfast to the table and sat across from Letty. Whileher dad was trim and sported a year-round tan—compliments of a tanningsalon—Uncle Matt was almost as round as the tennis balls her dad liked to lobover nets. “This is a first for you, isn’t it?”

Lettynodded before she concentrated on seasoning her eggs. A weak autumn sunstreamed through the windows and landed on the gleaming white counters andstainless-steel appliances. All the shining light made the kitchen feel morelike an interrogation room than a breakfast nook.

“Youknow, you have to forgive him.”

“I’mtrying.” Letty glanced up to meet her uncle’s sincere gaze. His eyes looked somuch like her dad’s, it hurt. She reminded herself that Uncle Matt might be herdad’s brother and therefore possessed similar DNA, but that didn’t mean theywere anything alike. Their moral compasses were as different as their eatinghabits.

“Theysay that not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the otherperson to die, but I’m not sure I believe that.” Uncle Matt poked at his eggswith his fork.

“I’mnot so mad about what he did.” Letty leaned away from the table, no longerhungry. “I’m more upset that he doesn’t see that what he did was wrong. Hestole millions of dollars from people who can now no longer afford to retirebecause of his greed.”

“Hemeans to pay them back.”

“How?”

“Idon’t think he’s figured that out yet.” Uncle Matt sipped some orange juice.

Lettyblew out a breath of frustration. “Don’t defend him.”

“I’mnot, but I am trying to help you see his point of view.”

Lettyblinked back tears. “I’ll never understand.”

“Addictioncan make us crazy.” Uncle Matt set down his juice and fixed Letty with anearnest gaze. “We think of addicts sleeping on park benches or begging onstreet corners, and while it’s true that addiction can take us there, mostpeople are addicted to something. It might be food, or work, or, in your dad’scase, gambling. And it’s a disease. It alters your brain. I don’t mean tolecture you, but your dad deserves your compassion, not anger.”

“Idon’t know if I can do it,” Letty said in a small voice.

Hepointed his fork at her. “You have to, if not for your dad, thenfor yourself.”

Lettytried to smile, picked up her own fork, and tucked back into her breakfast.

UncleMatt continued, “Anger causes the adrenal glands to flood the body with stresshormones and the brain shunts blood away from the gut. Heart rate, bloodpressure and respiration increase, the body temperature rises and the skinperspires.” He waved a piece of bacon at her. “You don’t want to be all sweaty,do you?”

“Don’tworry about me,” Letty told him. “I have an excellent antiperspirant.”

Heshook his head. “Some of the short and long-term health problems that have beenlinked to unmanaged anger include headaches, abdominal pain, insomnia and evenskin problems, such as eczema. Not to mention increased anxiety, depression,high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.”

“Oh,you are just a bundle of joy,” Aunt Shari said as she bustled into the roomwith a collection of books beneath her arm. She planted a kiss on her husband’sround, shiny bald head.

“I’mjust giving her fair warning,” Uncle Matt said.

“You’resuch a know-it-all,” Aunt Shari said in a loving voice.

“Soare you, Dr. Ashton.”

“ButI save my lectures for the classroom,” Aunt Shari said before winking at Letty.“I’m glad you’re here. I’m sure you’ll find your dad very changed.”

“Humbled,in fact,” Uncle Matt said.

“It’snice you’re close,” Letty said.

“He’llalways be my baby brother,” Uncle Matt said.

Hedidn’t say it, but Letty thought she heard the words, just like he’ll always be your dad.

Oh DANNY BOY HISTORYMalachy McCourt, author of Danny Boy: The Legend of the BelovedEnglish Ballad, claims there is evidence that the original tune was written bya blind Irish harpist named Rory Dall O'Cahan1. Blind Rory, a descendant of theruling O'Cahan clan, was a composer who lived sometime between 1560 and 1660 andwho was well-known for his purths, or harp tunes, the best known of which is'Tabhair Dom do Lámh', or 'Give Me Your Hand'. He honoured the Highland gentrywhose homes he frequented with his compositions, and according to the writingsof one Arthur O'Neill, it was in one such house on the island of Skye thatBlind Rory died, leaving his harp and tuning key.

According to legend, the confiscation of the O'Cahan lands in theearly 1600s enraged Blind Rory, whose people had lived on those lands forgenerations. It drove him to write a deeply moving tune of pain and passioncalled 'O'Cahan's Lament'. There are some who claim that a sort of supernaturalintervention occurred: that Blind Rory, who was drunk one night, had staggeredalong the riverside and collapsed, where he reportedly heard fairies playing ahaunting melody on his harp. Once he was sufficiently sober and confident thathe could play back the music, he returned to his castle to serenade his guestswith the first rendition of the air that would be transcribed some 250 yearslater.

Blind Rory's haunting tune would be brought down to the 19th Centuryby another blind harper called Denis O'Hampsey, a feat made possible byO'Hampsey's life spanning three centuries: he was born at the end of the 17thCentury, and died at the beginning of the 19th at the ripe old age of 112.O'Hampsey, who hailed from Roe Valley, was born in Craigmore2 in 16953, andlost his eyesight at the age of three when he contracted smallpox. Havingdiscovered his musical muse at an early age, O'Hampsey studied with BridgetO'Cahan, who was purportedly related to Blind Rory4. It was said that O'Hampseyinherited a sizeable repertoire including 'O'Cahan's Lament', which he wouldintroduce in Ireland and Scotland during his travels.

It was in Ireland that Denis O'Hampsey crossed roads with EdwardBunting (1773-1843), who would later be hailed as the pioneer collector of harpmusic. O'Hampsey was one of ten harpers invited to attend a harp festival inBelfast in 1792, and Bunting, whose job it was to write down the tunes playedat the festival, in an attempt to revive and continue the tradition of ancientIrish music, was particularly attracted to O'Hampsey's traditional harptechnique. Immediately after the festival, the young Edward Bunting embarked ona journey to the farthest reaches of Ireland in search of traditional airs. Notsurprisingly, his travels began on Denis O'Hampsey's doorstep in Magiliganwhere he obtained several tunes for later inclusion in his three volumes of TheAncient Music of Ireland (published in 1796, 1809 and 1840).

@Hell’s Fire Club According to at least onesource, their activities included  mock religious  ceremonies and partaking in meals containingdishes like "Holy Ghost Pie", "Breast of Venus", and"Devil's Loin", while drinking "Hell-fire punch". [5] [18]  Members of the Club supposedly came to meetings dressedas characters from the Bible. [18]

 In the late 1960’s during renovation the then ownershad many complaints from builders that they were experiencing apparitionsincluding spectral figures and a ghostly black cat with piercing red eyes.

HELLFIRE CLUB

There were several Hellfire Clubs throughout Britain andIreland.  Members were of Libertine persuasion and indulged in drinking,debauchery and occult practices including ritual sacrifice.  The Dublinbranch of this illustrious cadre was established by Richard Parsons, the 1st Earlof Rosse and James Worsdale, a portrait artist and chancer.

Parsons was a Libertine andfounder of the sacred sect of Dionysus.  He was also twice electedGrandmaster of the Irish Freemasons.  Worsdale on the other hand, hadlittle to offer in pedigree and relied on his personality and own liberalapproach to life to move in the most exclusive circles, his only real legacybeing his portrait, ‘The Hellfire Club, Dublin, hanging in the National Galleryof Ireland.

Here, as with all of the clubs,as well as identical practices and the mascot of a black cat, there weretraditions to be upheld.  The Hellfire gents would toast the Devil with apotent punch known as scaltheen, a heady mix of whiskey and rancid butter,whilst leaving an empty seat at the table for his arrival.

One famous tale tells of a strangerentering the club and joining the men for a game of cards.  Whenretrieving a fallen card, a startled club member saw the guest had clovenhooves – on recognition the dark stranger vanished in flames.

This story is identical to theone from the infamous Loftus Hall in Wexford, however it seems more thancoincidence as the family had property on Montpelier Hill also.

There were reports of murderand animal sacrifice, including that of a black cat who was exorcised by apriest and a demon was seen fleeing.  Further tales abounded of a member,Simon Luttrell who allegedly sold his soul to the Devil in order to clear hisdebts, to be collected in seven years.  The Devil arrived at the Lodge tocollect his bounty, however the resourceful Luttrell diverted the attention ofhis soul reaper and escaped for many more years.

During this period in theclub’s history, a horrendous fire took hold during a meeting and several liveswere lost.

The exact cause of the fire isunknown, yet claims have been made of everything from a footman accidentallyspilling a flammable drink to the deliberate act of the members due to anon-renewal of lease.

Either way, the club movedpremises to the Steward’s House some short distance down the hill.  Nowthe remains of the Lodge stand in ruins, but not abandoned, at least not by theliving.

The screams of a woman beingbowled to her death in a burning barrel echo over the hill, a smell ofbrimstone fills the air and invisible hands grabbing at throats to tear offjewellery are just some of the claims of paranormal activity at the top ofMontpelier Hill.

MASSYWOODS. CHILLY, EERIE OVERGROWN VEGATATION. FAYE QUOTES MIDSUMMERS NIGHT DREAM.PETE QUOTES BAD POETRY. GILLIAN TALKS ABOUT HISTORY. COLLIN ANNOY HER. FAYEHANGS ALL OVER PETE. WHAT HAPPENS? FAYE GETS STUNG BY A BEE AND PETE HAS TOGIVE HER PIGGY BACK RIDE. Here you'll find the Steward’s House, site ofmore of the Club’s scandalous parties, which is said to be haunted to thisday. 

If you can hold your nervethrough these eerie woods, the waymarked path passes all sorts of curiosities,including a Bronze Age wedge tomb, an icehouse and the remnants of the finegardens that were once laid out here.

  “A LS is In Celtic folklore, the leannán sí("Fairy-Lover";[1] Scottish Gaelic: leannan sìth, Manx: lhiannanshee; [lʲan̴̪-an ˈʃiː]) is a beautiful woman of the Aos Sí ("people of the barrows") who takes a human lover. Loversof the leannán sídhe are said to live brief, though highly inspired, lives. Thename comes from the Gaelic words for a sweetheart, lover, or concubine and theterm for inhabitants of fairy mounds (fairy).[2]

W. B. Yeats popularizeda slightly different perspective on these spirits with emphasis on theirvampiric tendencies:[3]

The Leanhaun Shee (fairy mistress) seeks the love of mortals. Ifthey refuse, she must be their slave; if they consent, they are hers, and canonly escape by finding another to take their place. The fairy lives on theirlife, and they waste away. Death is no escape from her. She is the Gaelic muse,for she gives inspiration to those she persecutes. The Gaelic poets die young,for she is restless, and will not let them remain long on earth—this malignantphantom.

On Wednesdays, without a lot of chitchat, I share a puzzle featuring words pulled from one of my book's descriptions. To claim a free read, tell me which title these words best represent. Here's a clue—it's a tale from my Witching Well Series.

a             h             o             p             j              o             c             k             e             y

c             e             l              i              a             t              l              g             i              e

a             b             n             d             s             i              e             z             n             n

v             p             a             r              o             m            a             n             c             e

e                            c             f              n             e             n             g             i              m

m            a             g             i              c             t              w            x             d             y

h             l              o             v             e             r              i              d             e             w

f              u             n             n             y             a             e             r              n             i

r              e             a             d             k             v             q             w            t              l

i              d             m            a             n             e             f              t              y             d

l              z             e             n             g             l              a             n             d             u

b             j              r              e             g             e             n             n             c             y

o             x             l              k             l              m            c             v             b             n

o             h             i              g             h             w            a             y             e             g

k             m            n             i              o             p             a             s             d             v

s             c             o             u             n             d             r              e             l              c

Midlife Rambler, created by Katy Kozee, focuses on adventures for women after their kids have left home, with a mix of recipes, travel ideas, and tips for midlife changes​(

https://www.midliferambler.com/catego...

That’s Not My Age by Alyson Walsh goes beyond fashion to cover lifestyle, health, and beauty, with a particular focus on living well in midlife​(

https://thatsnotmyage.com/

Chic Over 50 by Shauna Grow is a style and fashion blog that showcases chic looks for women over 50 while also covering travel and lifestyle​(

https://chicover50.com/Making Midlife Matter covers topics from home improvement to financial tidying up, helping midlifers make the most of their next chapter​(https://makingmidlifematter.com/Sixty and Me – A vibrant community for women over 60, founded by Margaret Manning. The blog focuses on aging gracefully, with articles on wellness, retirement, fashion, and relationships.https://sixtyandme.com/ Better After 50 – Offers a mix of humor, lifestyle advice, and inspiration for women navigating life after 50. The blog covers topics from empty-nesting to career transitions and health.https://betterafter50.com/Next Avenue – This site, sponsored by PBS, covers financial advice, health, caregiving, and lifestyle tips for baby boomers and older adults. It’s a trusted resource for midlife and beyond.https://www.nextavenue.org/Over 50 Feeling 40 by Pamela Lutrell is focused on fashion, health, and lifestyle topics, aimed at inspiring women over 50 to embrace confidence and live vibrantly​https://over50feeling40.com/50 Shades of Age by Australian blogger Kathy covers travel, lifestyle, and tips for midlife women, with a focus on empowerment and living adventurously​https://www.50shadesofage.com/Prime Women is a lifestyle and career site offering advice on everything from fashion to business strategies, catering to professional women over 50 who are still thriving in their careers​primewomen.comFabulous Fifties by Schellea Fowler provides fitness routines, health tips, and lifestyle advice for midlife women, all delivered in a fun and engaging way​https://fabulous50s.com/

 

Making sense of my mess

A local church has a mantra, make your mess yourmessage. I’m not sure I have a message, but I have written a lot of books.In a lot of different genres. Women’s Fiction, Young Adult speculative fiction,time travel romance, small-town romance, historicals, Christian romance, novellas,murder mysteries, short stories.

Marketing gurus say I should write in one genre,maybe even stick to one trope, and build a recognizable author brand. Be aMcDonalds.

I haven’t done that.

But even though I’m not always serving up the samehamburger, fries, and shake, there are some Kristy Tate reliables, even when I’mwriting as Katie Tate (young adult speculative) or Kristine D Tate (mysteries.)My books always end with a happily-ever-after. Family dynamics are paramount. Ibelieve in love after life and faith is a constant, even if my characters arewitches, or girls who can talk to animals and time travel.

So, maybe my mess is my message.

 

Kristy Tate

Clean and wholesome romance

 

Small Town Series

Sweet small-town romance with a kiss ofsuspense

 

Small Town Secrets

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG2L97CV

Would you turn to a stranger in a storm?

Small Town Shenanigans

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHTNNRMF

Would you race against time when every clue poses a deadlyrisk?

Small Town Escape

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP2XGJY8

Can you outrun your past?

Talk of the Town

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8JPZZGN

Would you give love a second chance?

Carly and the Christian Cowboy: a novella

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1JSWG5

Would you keep his secret?

 

Blue Jay Books

Women’s Fiction with strong Christianthemes

 

Whispers Over Wildrose Road

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6GR213J

Welcome to Lake Arrowhead, an idyllic escape from LosAngeles’ glitz and glamor, but something dark and shadowy lurks amid the forest

Telling Tales

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2JNWZCW

Telling Tales is a sometimes funny,sometimes poignant story of two women's struggle with truth, lies, and eachother.

 

Misbehaving Billionaires

Romantic Comedies…with heart and giggles

The Billionaire's Beagle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HQYV596

Can a beach bum rescue the dog, savebillions of dollars, and get the girl?

The Oblivious Billionaire: A RomanticComedy About a Forgetful Billionaire

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPKVM53

How can you know where you're going ifyou can't remember where you've been?

Irish Wishes

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NTTDPY9

Irish lore meets clean and wholesomeromance...

The Florence Affair

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RWQKTH7

The Tuscan countryside, Italian legendsand lore and a double-take at love.

The Incognito Billionaire

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085RGDCFK

A small-town girl meets a billionairerock star living a lie.

Stuck With You

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KQ9JT5C

A romantic novella about a couple stuckin an elevator

 

The Witching Well Series:

Time-travel Romance

 

The Highwayman Incident

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QL15NQ8

A timeless adventure spanning miles andcenturies from modern-day New England to Merlin's Cave in Regency England.

The Cowboy Encounter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM6B7TK

From a modern-day New York City mentalhospital to the Rocky Mountains of the Wild West.

The Pirate Episode

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017DZPT6O

When Dr. Fleur comes for her, Cami findsherself torn between two men, two centuries, and two very different futures.

The Rainforest Rendezvous

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DRM7QRB

Meet herds of capybaras, pink dolphins,and Liam Hastings, a World War One fighter pilot in search of the mythical LostCity of the Caesars.

The Rancher’s Romance

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DTHT25K

From modern-day New England to theGolden Age of Hollywood and a Wyoming sheep ranch in the midst of the GreatDepression, water from the Witching Well proves once again that love knows noboundaries.

 

Better Late Romances: Happily-ever-aftersfor forty-yet-flirty-somethings

 

A Ghost of a Second Chance

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IK0KZK

Can love live even after it has died?

Half-Baked

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0882LPHQL

It’s double- chocolate donuts meetkefir. Can two fifty-somethings from separate grocery store aisles overcometheir differences?

The Christmas Swindle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MBHG9HT

Ron sets out to right his mother’swrongs, tame the poodle, and win Lauren’s heart, but he needs more than hisbillions of dollars—he needs a Christmas miracle.

 

The Canterbury Romances: Love at aPrivate School

 

The Tick-Tock Between Me and You

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZ67FQY

Darby thought she had love all figuredout until she heard the tick-tock of a clock.

Dreaming of You and Me

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FN6V4YN

When you find the man of your dreams…

The Music of You and Me

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P9FHQ1N

Because of a medical condition, Tarabelieves she’ll never have a family of her own.

Travis has other plans.

Christmas Coins

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081Y5RD42

When your prayers are answered inunexpected ways...

 

Seattle Fire

Verity and the Villain

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VGMZZP2

Serving up murder, mystery, and pies…

Gracey and the Gambler

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VGMZZ8J

Taking a gamble on love

 

 

 

Katie Tate Books

Young Adult Speculative Fiction

 

The Time Chronicles

Teen time-travel romance

 

Time and Again

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SGHHL3Z

Petra Baron meets a demon dog, a troupeof gypsies, and a kindred spirit named Emory Ravenswood in Elizabethan England.

 

Timeless

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SGCQ2N2

With a collection of Washington Irving'swritings in hand and some nine-pin-playing ghosts by her side, Petra heads intoyet another time-defying adventure.

Time After Time

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SGBP7PV

A chance encounter with GrigoryRasputin’s daughter sends Emory and Petra on another time spiral – this time toSt. Petersburg on the eve of the Russian Revolution.

    

TheFairy Tale Thief

Fairytales can come true, but it’s frightening when it happens to you.

 

WitchWays Series

Witch Choices

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X8TJSVN

Everyday each must decide whether or not to be a witch. For Evie, that decision isbecoming increasingly difficult.

WitchEver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X98WMN2

 

Witch Ends

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X9HDVTG

 

 

Isolation Series

Isolation

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0948NQGTS

Everyonetalks to animals. Some do it every day. But very few stop to listen for areply.

Introduction

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095YVK25N

Shethinks she can talk to animals. He thinks she’s crazy, but he loves her anyway.

Immersion

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095XDDQRN