#peace of crofton

[menendezroadservicellc]

Top Reasons to Choose Mobile Truck Repair in Annapolis for Your Fleet’s Needs

Managing a fleet in Annapolis? You know the road can be unpredictable. Trucks face a lot out there—from tire blowouts to engine trouble, breakdowns happen. But getting stuck on the side of the road with a loaded truck waiting for help can be costly and frustrating. That’s where Mobile Truck Repair services come in. Instead of towing to a Truck Repair Shop, a mobile service brings repairs directly to you, getting trucks back in action faster.

Here’s why mobile repair is quickly becoming the go-to solution for fleet managers around Annapolis.

Faster Solutions on the Spot

When time is money, waiting for a tow wastes both. With Mobile Truck Repair, help comes to you. A mobile team responds quickly, arriving on-site with tools ready for repairs. For fleet managers with tight schedules, mobile repair speeds things up—no need for a shop visit. Whether it’s a simple tire fix or a quick diagnostic, mobile repair skips unnecessary downtime.

Cost-Effective and Practical

Mobile repair saves on towing fees and reduces downtime. Every minute spent waiting or towing drains resources. Mobile repair is designed to fix common issues on the spot, cutting out extra costs. Minor issues, especially ones like battery trouble or worn brakes, don’t need a full Truck Repair Shop visit. Instead, mobile repair offers a practical solution without the added expense.

24/7 Availability Anytime You Need It

Trucks don’t only break down during business hours, and that’s exactly why mobile services work 24/7. Fleet managers in Annapolis benefit from this constant availability. Whether it’s midnight or early morning, help is only a call away. Knowing that repairs are available anytime helps fleet managers breathe easier, especially for fleets that run around the clock.

Routine Maintenance Without the Hassle

Mobile repair doesn’t just tackle emergencies. It also provides routine maintenance, like oil changes or tire rotations, right on-site. This proactive care keeps trucks road-ready and prevents bigger breakdowns down the line. Scheduling mobile maintenance while trucks are parked saves on travel to a Truck Repair Shop and keeps things simple for busy fleet managers.

Qualified Technicians Who Know Their Stuff

A great mobile service brings experienced, certified technicians who handle all kinds of truck issues. These experts arrive prepared, fully equipped for jobs ranging from basic repairs to complex diagnostics. Fleet managers get the peace of mind knowing repairs are done by pros who know exactly what they’re doing. This level of expertise ensures quality work every time.

Why Choose Us

Menendez Roadservice LLC offers high-quality, reliable service that fleet managers trust. Here’s why Maryland fleets choose us for their mobile repair needs:

24/7 Availability – No matter the time, day or night, we’re ready to assist.

Experienced Technicians – Our skilled team handles everything from tires to engine diagnostics.

Rapid Response Times – Knowing Maryland roads well, we respond quickly for efficient service.

On-Site Maintenance – Routine maintenance right at your location to keep downtime low.

Comprehensive Services – We handle all truck repair needs, from brakes to electrical systems.

Customer-Focused Approach – Your fleet’s safety and performance come first with every repair.

When Maryland fleets need fast, dependable service, Menendez Roadservice LLC is ready with solutions to keep trucks on the road.

FAQs

1. Can Mobile Truck Repair handle tire issues in Annapolis?Yes, our mobile service takes care of tire replacements and repairs on-site, keeping things convenient for drivers.

2. Do you offer Mobile Truck Repair for battery replacements near Crofton?Absolutely. We handle battery replacements and get your truck powered up on the spot. There’s no need for a shop visit.

3. How long does it take for Mobile Truck Repair to reach me near Bowie?Our mobile team aims to arrive within 30-60 minutes, depending on location and traffic.

4. Can I schedule routine maintenance with Mobile Truck Repair in Laurel?Yes. Our mobile services include routine maintenance, keeping trucks road-ready without extra hassle.

5. Are mobile truck repairs as effective as going to a Truck Repair Shop in Glen Burnie?Yes. Our mobile repair service is equipped for a wide range of repairs, though complex engine issues may still require a shop.

6. What if my truck needs emergency repairs at night near Baltimore?We’re available 24/7, so you can count on us for emergency repairs anytime you need.

Contact Menendez Roadservice LLC

When your fleet needs fast, reliable repairs or routine maintenance in Annapolis or surrounding areas, call Menendez Roadservice LLC.

Menendez Roadservice LLC - Commercial Truck Tire Service in Bowie, MDAddress: Bowie, MD Phone: (240) 601-9664

With our Mobile Truck Repair service, your fleet stays safe and on the road.

[croftontowingserviceltd]

Crofton Towing Service Ltd.

Experience peace of mind with our comprehensive towing service. Whether you need towing near me or roadside assistance, Crofton Towing Service Ltd. is here to provide prompt and professional help wherever you are in Lola, WI.

Our Services

Car Towing Light Duty Towing Medium Duty Towing Heavy Duty Towing Tire Change Jump Start Car Lockout Roadside Assistance

Contact Us

(715) 727-5598 155 Main St, Iola, WI 54945 croftontowingserviceltd.com contact@croftontowingserviceltd.com Monday to Sunday 24hrs open

[accroftonllc]

Crofton Heating & Cooling Company: Your Trusted HVAC Partner in Crofton

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and efficient home, your HVAC system plays a critical role. At Crofton Heating & Cooling Company, we understand the importance of a reliable heating and cooling system. Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance services, our team of experts is here to ensure your home remains comfortable all year round.

The Importance of a Reliable HVAC System

A well-functioning HVAC system is essential for maintaining indoor comfort and air quality. It not only regulates the temperature but also filters and cleans the air, providing a healthier living environment. As leading HVAC contractors in Crofton, we specialize in a range of services to keep your system running smoothly.

HVAC Installation

Proper installation of an HVAC system is crucial for its long-term performance. Our team at Crofton Heating & Cooling Company ensures that every installation is done correctly, adhering to industry standards and best practices. We work with top-quality brands to provide you with systems that are efficient, durable, and tailored to your specific needs. If you're looking to upgrade your existing system or install a new one, we are the HVAC contractor you can trust.

HVAC Repair Services

Even the best HVAC systems can experience issues over time. When your system breaks down, you need prompt and reliable repair services. Our experienced technicians are skilled in diagnosing and fixing a wide range of HVAC problems. From minor repairs to major overhauls, we have the expertise to get your system back up and running quickly. Trust Crofton Heating & Cooling Company for all your HVAC repair needs.

Routine Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your HVAC system and preventing unexpected breakdowns. Our comprehensive maintenance services include inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up your system to ensure it operates at peak efficiency. By scheduling regular maintenance with us, you can save money on energy bills and avoid costly repairs in the future.

Why Choose Crofton Heating & Cooling Company?

Choosing the right HVAC company is essential for ensuring your system receives the best care possible. Here are a few reasons why Crofton Heating & Cooling Company stands out among HVAC companies in Crofton:

Experienced and Certified Technicians

Our team consists of highly trained and certified technicians who have extensive experience in the HVAC industry. They are knowledgeable about the latest technologies and techniques, ensuring you receive top-notch service every time.

Customer-Centric Approach

At Crofton Heating & Cooling Company, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We take the time to understand your needs and provide personalized solutions that meet your specific requirements. Our friendly and professional staff are always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns.

Transparent Pricing

We believe in honest and transparent pricing. When you choose us as your HVAC contractor, you can expect upfront quotes with no hidden fees. We provide detailed explanations of the work needed and ensure you are fully informed before any service is performed.

Commitment to Quality

We are committed to delivering high-quality workmanship and using the best materials available. Our goal is to provide you with reliable and long-lasting HVAC solutions that enhance your comfort and peace of mind.

Contact Us Today

Whether you need HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance services, Crofton Heating & Cooling Company is here to help. As one of the leading HVAC companies in Crofton, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring your complete satisfaction. Visit our website to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. Trust us to be your go-to HVAC contractor and experience the difference of working with a company that truly cares about your comfort.

For more information, please visit our website at Crofton Heating & Cooling Company. Let us help you achieve the perfect indoor climate for your home.

Air Conditioning Contractor in Crofton LLC 1526 Chapman Rd, Crofton, MD 21114, United States (443) 291 8071

https://links.croftonhvaccontractor.com/r/hvac-repair-crofton

[ecospecltd]

Ecospec Ltd

Welcome to Ecospec Ltd, we are a local Wakefield-based company specialising in commercial and renewable heating. We’re proud to provide a comprehensive range of services including gas boiler servicing, repair & installation, central heating systems, unvented hot water cylinders and heat pumps. For full peace of mind, please note that we are Gas Safe registered, fully insured and accredited with leading boiler brands, allowing us to offer our customers extended warranties on select boilers.

Hours : Mon to Fri 8am-5pm

Address : 19 Santingley Lane, New Crofton

Wakefield WF4 1LG

Phone : 01924 863843

Email : enquiries@ecospecltd.co.uk

Website : https://ecospecltd.co.uk/

[peace-of-sunshine-blog1]

Booty shot of the custom wag on this new Zob Glass pipe

[spine-buster]

peaceful easy feeling ft. b.boeser | five

A/N: This is the last part of this mini series!  I know this adventure was short but thank you all for coming along on the ride :)    A quick reminder that I will be announcing my new fic, who it will feature, a small blurb, & a clue as to what to expect from it this Thursday at 7:30pm EST.  Happy reading!

CONTENT WARNING: parents with disease/sickness (Parkinson’s); parent death; swearing; sex; alcohol use; lots of emotions.

                                                               *     *     *     *     *

“You look beautiful, baby,” Brock cooed as he adjusted his cufflinks – well, not really.  He was looking at Grace, not really caring about his cufflinks.  Seeing her stand there in her beautiful dress, her hair curled and pinned, and her delicate jewelry hanging off her ears, neck, and wrists…she was a vision.  He was so lucky.

They were about to leave to attend the Parkinson’s Foundation of British Columbia Gala.  Grace had planned virtually the whole thing, though she worked with the head of the foundation on most major decisions.  She arranged the venue, catering, got major sponsors (okay…the biggest were her uncles, but there were a lot more), organized the silent auction, and arranged the entertainment for the evening.  Everyone who attended their weekly meetings would be there.  Brock knew the Aquilinis would be there.  It was a party, yes, and a function to raise money, yes – but at the end of the day, it was a culmination of Grace’s strength after Hamish passed away.

“Thanks, babe,” she smiled over at him, taking one last look at herself in the mirror.  “Are Petey and Svea ready to go?”

Brock nodded.  “Petey’s been texting for fifteen minutes asking if we’re on our way yet,” he joked.

“You can blame it on me,” she winked.  “Unless Petey takes a good look at your hair.  Then he’ll know it was you.”

Brock laughed out loud, taking the few steps needed to stand right in front of her and wrap his arms around her.  “Hey…before we go,” his voice was low and he looked down at Grace.  “Your dad would be so proud of you for planning this.”

Grace nodded her head.  She knew.  It was a lot of work, and she completely went in head first with planning all of it and maybe, sort of taking over the entire operation, but it was worth it.  She had planned something that would raise money that, hopefully, would fund research so that nobody would have to go through what she went through.  She didn’t just want to be known as an heiress daughter of a billionaire; she wanted to be known as so much more.  An heiress who used her money to fund research projects and arts centres; an heiress who donated her time and money to worthy causes.  She once told Brock that she knew she wasn’t the smartest girl in the world, but that she thought she had a big heart.  She hoped this was the start of others in her community, and in Vancouver, realizing that she had a big heart.

***

“Grace, this is amazing,” Svea couldn’t help but say astonishingly as she took yet another look around the giant room, decorated to the nines with flashing lights and impeccably dressed people chatting and drinking and dancing.  Svea knew Grace would be busy throughout the night, so she wasn’t trying to hog her after their limousine ride together.  But now that Svea got her alone, she had to verbalize it again, just like she did when she walked in.  “Like, I don’t think you understand.  It’s incredible.”

“Want to let me plan your wedding to Elias?” Grace winked, taking a sip of her drink.

“Oh shut up.”

“There she is!” the women both heart Elias yell.  They turned around and saw him and Brock walking towards them, both with drinks in their hands.  “Grace, this is so cool.”

“Thanks Petey.  And thanks for donating your jersey.”

“Anything for you.”

Grace focused her attention on Brock.  “Esther wants us to take a group photo with everyone before everyone leaves,” she said, and Brock nodded his head in agreement.  She looked at Elias.  “If I get everyone together right now, do you mind taking it?”

“Like I just said Grace, anything for you.”

***

Fatigued, physically and mentally exhausted, but still somehow feeling the adrenaline coursing through her veins, Grace climbed into the limousine with Brock, Elias, and Svea at the end of the gala so they could go home.  They dropped off Elias and Svea first, naturally, and Elias had to wake Svea up as she slept on his shoulder throughout the ride.  It left Brock and Grace alone in the limousine together, hands clasped together as the driver drove through the streets of Vancouver.

“You did amazing tonight,” Brock mumbled, his voice low and full of sleepiness but still so direct and meaningful.  “I love you so much, Grace.”

“I love you too, Brock.”

“When we have kids, I’m gonna let them know this was the night I knew you’d become my wife.”

Grace stiffened at Brock’s words, but he was too tired to notice – the small smirk on his face not disappearing despite anxiety – not adrenaline – now coursing through Grace’s veins.  She thought about the implications of his words, how he just outright admitted that she was the one for him.  She thought about her feelings for him, and if she felt the same.  She did.  But was it possible to still be apprehensive?  She loved Brock with her whole heart.  She’d never met anybody like him, and likely would never meet anyone like him again.  She loved him too, with everything she had.

But then she thought about her parents.

Her parents were young and in love once too.  Her parents were once obsessed with each other and madly in love.  Her parents had decided to get married and have a child.  Her parents had decided what Brock was laying out on the proverbial table – what Brock was so willing to give her – and look what happened.  Things didn’t work out.  Love didn’t work out.  Love was complicated.  They separated.  Grace went to live with Eliza but didn’t like it because she missed dad.  She told Hamish who told his lawyers.  His lawyers brought it to the judge.  Divorce proceedings started.  Grace went to live with Hamish.  Eliza demanded alimony for her lifestyle, to maintain it, if not to exceed it.  Eliza demanded child support.  Eliza demanded nannies, a multi-million dollar house, and expensive cars.  Hamish would tell Grace her mother was selfish.  Eliza would tell Grace how stingy her father was.  Eliza would tell Grace how her father only wanted custody so he didn’t have to pay child support.  Hamish told Grace Eliza only wanted child support and alimony so she could hire babysitters and nannies while she went to spas.  A pawn while she was at her mom’s in Shaughnessy; a pawn while she was at her dad’s in West Point Grey.  A pawn when dropped off at school at Crofton House.  A pawn at the dance studio, her happiest place.

What if she and Brock turned out the same way?

***

“You okay?” Brock asked Grace.

Grace wasn’t there.  She was somewhere else, in her mind, thinking about events long passed.  “Your father’s the cheapest man I’ve ever met,” she could hear her mom say in the kitchen as she waited for her cereal before school at seven years old.  “Cheap cheap cheap cheap cheap!  He’s always been so much work to be with, your father.  He refuses to get you a Range Rover – did you know that?  Your dad wants you driven around in some…in some…I don’t know, some Toyota.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Grace said absent-mindedly, giving her pasta a few more twirls to make it seem like she’d eat it.  “Will I still be able to go to dance?”

“Who knows?!  Your father may even take that away from you too!  It scares me, the things he’s taking away from you.”

“But I love dance.”

“Well then maybe you should stay with me.  Daddy will pay me to take you to dance.”

***

“Your mother is a piece of work, let me tell you,” Hamish mumbled as he slapped his cellphone down on the counter.  “She was always so much work to be with.  Always so much work.  Now she wants $60,000 a month in alimony.  Alimony!”

“What’s alimony?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Hamish said.  “Have your teachers taught you yet what it means to be selfish?” he asked.  Grace nodded her head.  “Well your mother is selfish.  One of the most selfish people in the world.”

“Grace?  You coming to bed?” Brock’s voice was groggy as he stood in the doorway of the ensuite, his usually well-kept hair everywhere, his eyes sleepy.

“Yeah…yeah, sorry,” Grace apologized, getting up from her seated position on the toilet lid.  “Sorry baby.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah.  Yeah I’m fine,” she said, grabbing Brock’s hand and leading him back to bed.

“You’d tell me if it wasn’t right?” he asked softly as she cuddled up against him in bed.

“Of course,” she said, a nervous lump in her throat.  “Of course.”

***

“Gracie…please tell me what’s wrong,” Brock said in a low voice as he tried to wrap his arms around her, only for her to flinch slightly and back away.  That hurt him more than anything.

“Nothing’s wrong,” she said unconvincingly.

“Yes it is—”

“Can we just drop it,” she said, taking a sip of her coffee.  “We’re supposed to be on a date.”

***

“What’s the matter with you?” Elias asked, sick of seeing Brock so gloomy and moody the past several weeks.  He’d noticed a change in him, and though Brock was usually very open about what he was feeling with him, he wasn’t this time, and Elias was…skeptical.  Well, not skeptical – worried.  This time, Brock had a girlfriend and was moody, and Elias didn’t know what to expect.  “What’s going on?”

“Something’s wrong with Grace,” Brock revealed to Elias.

“What’s wrong?”

Brock shook his head.  “She won’t tell me.  But she…she zones out a lot, like she’s thinking about something…and it’s so intense that she doesn’t even hear me calling her.”

“What’s she thinking about?”

Brock shrugged.  “She doesn’t tell me.  She’ll never tell me.”

“Well when did it start?”

Brock thought about it.  He really thought about it.  He liked to think he was in tune with changes in Grace.  “The gala.”

“The Parkinson’s Gala?” Elias clarified.  Brock nodded his head.  “Well, could it be about her dad?”

“It’s something more,” Brock was adamant.  He knew she would be sad and would never be the same after her dad died.  That was a given.  No-one was ever the same after the death of a parent, so he didn’t blame her for that.  “It’s…it’s something more.”

***

“Is everything okay with you?” Svea asked delicately as she and Grace were shopping at Holt Renfrew.  Well – Grace was shopping at Holt Renfrew.  Svea was basically just following her around, because it wasn’t like she could afford anything.

“I’m fine,” Grace said unconvincingly.  

“Are you sure?  Because you know you can talk to me if things aren’t okay.”

Grace took a deep breath in, trying to compose herself.  Knowing what she knew about Svea’s parents and their love story, she doubted that Svea would be able to provide any…critical insight, so to speak.  But Grace tried anyway.  “How d’you know a guy is your soulmate, Svea?” she asked.

Svea was taken aback.  It was quite the loaded question to lead with.  “I’d say it’s when you can picture the rest of your life with them.  At least that’s one aspect to it.”

“Can you picture the rest of your life with Elias?”

“Yes,” Svea answered automatically, because she could.  It was as friends, sure, but she still pictured the rest of her life with him.  “Can you picture the rest of your life with Brock?”

Grace paused.  Her response wasn’t as quick or forthcoming.  “Yes.”

“But?”

“But what?”

“There was a pause there,” Svea said.  “But what?”

“But what if, like, things change?” Grace asked.  “What if the love doesn’t last?  What if it breaks down?”

“You mean like your parents?”

Grace didn’t want to glare at Svea – she really didn’t, because Svea was one of the sweetest people alive – but she did.  She glared at her.  “No,” she said forcefully, trying to cover.

“Love always lasts.  True love always lasts.  Look at Elias and I – I mean, we’ve loved each other our whole lives—”

“You and Elias won’t even hold hands or kiss each other,” Grace said angrily, unable to control her emotions at this point.  “You won’t even admit you love him romantically.  How the hell is that love?”

Svea just stared at Grace, unable to formulate words.  Tears welled in her eyes too, and when Grace saw them get red, she hated herself even more.  She hated herself already for making Brock worry, for not telling him the truth, for hiding things from him; now, she hated herself even more for making Svea emotional.  “I’ve gotta go,” she said, leaving quickly, unable to look back at Svea as she left her in the middle of Holt Renfrew alone.

***

“If you don’t tell me what’s wrong right now or I’m leaving,” Brock said sternly, his voice raised.  Both of their voices had been for the last while now, since they were fighting.  He looked at Grace as she stared back at him indignantly from across the kitchen.  “We can’t have a relationship if we don’t communicate – if you don’t tell me what’s been bothering you.”

“There’s nothing wrong.”

“Is it something I did?  Did I say something?”

“It’s not you.”

“Then what is it?”

“There’s nothing wr—”

“Tell me what’s wrong!”

Grace stayed silent.  She could feel herself going red.  She could feel the emotions in her bubble up.  She knew she wouldn’t be able to hold it in much longer.  “Leave.”

Brock furrowed his brows.  “Excuse me?”

“Leave my apartment now.”

Brock stood stoic in spot.  “You don’t mean that—”

“LEAVE!�� Grace screamed at the top of her lungs, taking every ounce of strength left in her to not cry.

They were in a standoff.  Brock stood stoic.  Grace stood stoic.  Staring at each other, waiting for the other to move.  Neither did for a while, waiting it out to see who would crack first.  She didn’t mean it, Brock kept thinking.  She doesn’t mean it.  She doesn’t mean it.  But with every second that passed, with every heave of Grace’s chest, with every moment of silence signaling her refusal to budge…

Brock cracked.  

He picked up his keys, gave Grace one last look, and walked out the door.  

***

It was a few agonizing, excruciating, unbearably lonely few weeks later when Brock received a phone call in the middle of the night.  2:38am.  His phone’s ring blaring throughout his empty apartment.

“Hello?” his voice was groggy, tired, exhausted.  

Silence.  

“Hello?” he asked once more, louder this time.  If it was any one of his teammates he’d knock them dead the next time he saw them – Petey especially.

The voice was small and defeated when it finally did speak, asking Brock the question, “What if we end up like my parents?”

Brock was wide awake now.  He got up in bed dramatically, holding his phone against his ear so tightly that he could hear the charger fall out of the electrical socket.  “Gracie,” the shock was evident in his voice.  

“Will you come over?” she asked.

Brock threw the covers off his body dramatically.  “I’m on my way right now,” he said.  He’d drive his car in his slippers if he needed to.  

“Be careful.”

“I’m coming.  I’ll be there soon.”

***

“C’mere,” Brock said the millisecond Grace let him in, wrapping his arms around her and engulfing her into a hug as she clung to him like he’d float away and wrapped every limb she had around him.  He’d made it to her apartment in record time, speeding through the streets of Vancouver to get to her.  It was probably dangerous, but it wasn’t like there were other cars on the road at 2:45 in the morning.  “Talk to me Gracie.  Talk to me,” he urged as he felt her tears against his skin.  

“I’m so sorry,” she mumbled into the crook of his neck.  “I’m so—Brock, I was so bad.  So bad.”

“Shhhhh shhhh shhhh, don’t,” Brock cooed.  “Just tell me what’s wrong.  What’s going on in your head, Grace?”

“Brock…” she began, swallowing her tears before continuing.  She pulled away slightly so she could look him in the eye, wiping her own red ones with the palms of her hands.  She knew she looked awful, but she also knew Brock didn’t give a shit.  “I just miss him so much.”

“Your dad.”

Grace nodded quickly.  “Every part of me misses him.  But then I started to think about how awful he and my mom were during the divorce,” she explained.  And to Brock, that said everything.  Grace told him about it ever since they met – the general, the specific, the nitty-gritty details – and it was awful.  To have that whirling around in her mind would have definitely affected her.  It all made sense to him now.  It all made sense, knowing she never wanted to go back to that.  “And I got scared…I got so scared.  I just kept remembering how bad it was.  So on the night of the gala when you said—”

“So it was something that I said—”

“Nonononononono,” she vehemently shook her head, bringing her finger up to his lips to silence him.  “No no no no no.  I—Brock—I love you with every part of me too.  But…but what if we end up like my parents?  What if we fall out of love?  What if it—what if it ends badly?  What if we ended up hating each other?  They’d always say things like it was so hard to be with one another and—”

“Is it hard to be with me?” Brock asked, not wanting her to go any further and knowing that at this point, he needed to intervene.

“NO!  Never!” she exclaimed.  She never wanted Brock to think that ever.  She cradled his face in her hands.  “Being with you feels natural.  It feels like it was always supposed to be this way.  It’s so easy.  It’s so peaceful.”

“Then that’s how it’ll always be, a peaceful easy feeling,” Brock whispered.  “What’s there to be scared about, baby?”

Grace shook her head, tearing up again.  “Nothing when I’m with you.”

“We won’t end up like your parents because we’re not your parents,” he said.  His words were so simple but they hit Grace like a ton of bricks.  “We’re different people.  I love you more than anything, and the thought of hating you—Grace—I—it’s never, never crossed my mind.  I never could.  You give me everything.  Do I give you everything?”

She nodded.  “Everything.”

“Then I’m gonna keep giving you everything.  And I’ll do it till the end of time, Gracie.  Because I love you.  I can’t picture myself with anyone else.  I can’t…I can’t picture going through pain with anyone else besides you.”

Brock’s words were loaded – she knew that.  “I can’t picture going through pain with anyone else besides you.”  Grace nodded.  The sentiment was so serious, but so right.  When she really thought about it, would she have wanted to experience this pain with anyone else besides Brock?  No.  He meant the world to her.  And that’s how it was always going to be.  “I’m so dumb,” she shook her head at herself.

“You’re not dumb.  For what you went through, it’s a legitimate worry,” he reassured her.  “But I promise you, I promise you, I’ll love you with everything I have and you’ll love me with everything you have, and we won’t end up like your parents.”

Grace was overcome with emotion.   “I love you so much, Brock.”

“I love you too,” he leaned in to kiss her, once, twice, then again and again.  When they stopped, he wrapped his arms around her body and lay down on her couch, bringing her body down with him.  He wiggled out of his hoodie.  Then he pushed her body down slightly, and that’s when Grace knew exactly what he was doing.  She lay her head on his bare chest, listening to his heartbeat.  

“Can you feel it?” he asked softly.

Grace nodded.

[lgbtqiahistoricalromance]

LGBTQIA Historical Romances with Artists, Poets, Thespians, Musicians, Dancers, and Bohemians - July 2018

Jalendu by Mark Andrew

- Set in the turbulent twilight of the reign of the Mughal Emperor of India, Jalaluddin Akbar, Jalendu tell the story of the socially awkward, but politically important young Prince Adinath and Jali, a handsome, spiritually inclined farm boy who becomes his bodyguard. Their unlikely friendship and love changes the fate of the empire. The small kingdom of Vindhyagarh sits in the Vindhya foothills between Prince Salim, the rebellious son of the emperor and self-declared Sultan of Ilahabad (present day Allahabad) and his powerful Bundela Rajput ally, Maharaja Vir Singh Deo of Orchha. But Salim in truth is no rebel. He is loyal to the power behind the throne, the women of the imperial household. The court nobility, led by the emperor's vizier Abul Fazl, see their power evaporating as the emperor seems powerless to oppose the wishes of the empresses or to act against his disobedient eldest son. They fear that when Salim become emperor, they will be reduced to mere servants. Abul Fazl vows that Salim will never sit on the imperial throne. Rana Jayaram of Vindhyagarh wants peace, but his efforts to ensure it draw his kingdom into a very dangerous political game. His youngest son has rarely left the palace because of illness and spends his time reading ancient Sanskrit texts, drawing and composing poetry. His only friends are his brother's widow and his old tutor. Jayaram sees a chance to extract his kingdom from danger by an alliance with the influential Kachwahas. An alliance by the marriage of Prince Adinath to a Kachwaha princess would not only tie Vindhyagarh to a Rajput house more loyal to the empire but into the imperial family itself.

On Wings of Song by Anne Barwell

- Six years after meeting British soldier Aiden Foster during the Christmas Truce of 1914, Jochen Weber still finds himself thinking about Aiden, their shared conversation about literature, and Aiden’s beautiful singing voice. A visit to London gives Jochen the opportunity to search for Aiden, but he’s shocked at what he finds.The uniform button Jochen gave him is the only thing Aiden has left of the past he’s lost. The war and its aftermath ripped everything away from him, including his family and his music. When Jochen reappears in his life, Aiden enjoys their growing friendship but knows he has nothing to offer. Not anymore.

The Reluctant Berserker by Alex Beecroft Review (Gorgeous writing, and an unusual case of a dominant musician and a submissive warrior.)

- Dark Ages England. Among the Saxons, a warrior is the highest form of human life. He dominates all, he yields to none, and if ever this mastery is taken away, his honour is taken with it. Reluctant berserker, Wulfstan, a noble and fearsome warrior, has spent most of his life trying to hide the fact that he would love to be cherished and taken care of by someone stronger than himself. Slight and beautiful harper, Leofgar, has the opposite problem – how can he keep the trained killers off him long enough to get them to acknowledge he’s as much of a man as any of them? When, in a panic, Wulfstan accidentally kills a friend who is about to blurt out his secret, and Leofgar flees rather than submit to his lord’s lust, they meet on the road to the pilgrims’ shrine at Ely. Pursued by a mother’s curse and Leofgar’s vengeful lord, they must battle guilt, outlaws, and the powers of the underworld with the aid of only music and a female saint. And if they fall in love on the way, there’s still that murderous shame to overcome.

Treading the Boards series by Tess Bowery (author’s Tumblr)

Rite of Summer: Gay men in a disaster!triad. Sex solves a lot of things, but actually talking about problems solves more. Not a poly ending.

She Whom I Love: Bisexual best friends share a very confused (yet grateful) straight man. Disaster is narrowly averted. A very poly ending.*

*Shortlisted twice for the Bisexual Book Awards, 2015 - Best Romance, Best Erotic Fiction.

That Potent Alchemy: Genderqueer ballet dancer hates gender, ballet, and emotional connection. Macbeth helps. No poly in this one at all.

Artemis by Jessica Cale (trans male hero/bisexual heroine)

- Actress Charlotte Halfpenny is in trouble. Pregnant, abandoned by her lover, and out of a job, Charlotte faces eviction two weeks before Christmas. When the reclusive Earl of Somerton makes her an outrageous offer, she has no choice but to accept. Could he be the man of her dreams, or is the nightmare just beginning?

Apollo Somerton has been in love with Charlotte for a decade, seeing each of her plays multiple times, despite being a man that otherwise keeps to himself. After Charlotte finds herself pregnant, she almost resorts to drastic measures, but Somerton rescuers her and makes her an offer she can’t refuse. But, despite his adoration and beauty, Charlotte knows being an actress didn’t prepare her for the role of wife to an Earl, and others will stop at nothing to keep the pair from getting married.

This is a sweet novella, with a frankly adorable leading man. Handsome and devoted, he has a secret, but love with persevere. Some aspects of the novella are a little far-fetched, but the love story makes it totally worthwhile. (Contains mentions of period-typical homophobia and transphobia. Trans male leading man, and bisexual heroine.)

25% proceeds donated to Equality NC, and 25% to the Malala fund

Think of England by KJ Charles Mini Review

- Lie back and think of England... England, 1904. Two years ago, Captain Archie Curtis lost his friends, fingers, and future to a terrible military accident. Alone, purposeless and angry, Curtis is determined to discover if he and his comrades were the victims of fate, or of sabotage. Curtis's search takes him to an isolated, ultra-modern country house, where he meets and instantly clashes with fellow guest Daniel da Silva. Effete, decadent, foreign, and all-too-obviously queer, the sophisticated poet is everything the straightforward British officer fears and distrusts. As events unfold, Curtis realizes that Daniel has his own secret intentions. And there's something else they share-a mounting sexual tension that leaves Curtis reeling. As the house party's elegant facade cracks to reveal treachery, blackmail and murder, Curtis finds himself needing clever, dark-eyed Daniel as he has never needed a man before... Warning: Contains explicit male/male encounters, ghastly historical attitudes, and some extremely stiff upper lips.

The Actor and the Earl by Rebecca Cohen (Three book series, w/Sebastian playing his own twin sister in all three.)

- Elizabethan actor Sebastian Hewel takes his bow at the proscenium only to embark on the role of a lifetime. When his twin sister, Bronwyn, reneges on the arrangement to marry Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, Sebastian reluctantly takes her place. At nineteen, Sebastian knows his days as a leading lady are numbered, but with this last performance, he hopes to restore his family’s name and pay off his late father’s debts. Never mind the danger of losing his head should he be discovered.He didn’t expect Anthony to be so charming and alluring—not to mention shrewd. While he applauds Sebastian’s plan, Anthony offers a mutually beneficial arrangement instead. Sebastian will need every drop of talent he has to survive with both his head and his heart intact, because this is the best part he’s ever had.

You Must Remember This: A Gay Retelling of Casablanca by John Michael Curlovich

- You Must Remember This is an homage to the classic film Casablanca on the 75th anniversary of the film’s release in America. It is the height of World War II. Frank Chandler is an American GI who has been separated from the army on a “blue discharge.” Along with his musician friend and sometime lover Dan Jackson, he finds himself in Marrakesh (only a short distance away from Casablanca), an international city where every kind of pleasure is easily available. But Marrakesh is also a city of danger. The Nazis are establishing themselves there, and their ominous presence means life is fraught with peril. Then Lilli, a beautiful, mysterious woman from Frank’s past, shows up unexpectedly, and he finds himself confronted with the hardest choice of his life. Lilli’s presence stirs emotions he thought he had buried. Yet there is still the city—and its men—and the thousand pleasures it offers… Should Frank go with Lilli and try to make a “normal” life with her? Or should he follow what he increasingly believes to be his true nature? That is the dramatic conflict at the heart of You Must Remember This.

My Lord, Lady, and Gentleman - Book Three of the Surrey SFS series by Nicola Davidson (m/m/f)

- Welcome to the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society - where unconventional and uninhibited ladies and gentlemen discuss all matters erotic... Estranged from his aristocratic family for choosing art over a third son’s proper path, Mr. Clayton Irving lives in wretched circumstances. His only joys are his friends and an extraordinary talent for sensual portraits, until the perfect opportunity arises: paint ton empress Lady Susanna Fenton. All his financial woes gone…if he can hide his fierce craving for her—and even more forbidden—her husband Lord Joseph Fenton.

In the eyes of the world the Fentons have it all: staggering wealth, position, and a caring union. Yet their smiles hide a marriage broken by secrets and pretense. The wicked portrait is a last effort to save it, and Susanna and Joseph soon discover that sinfully handsome Clayton is key to a passionate and happy new start for them all. But secrets always reveal themselves, and those who break the rules are punished. Can an unconventional ménage truly defy all for love?

The Bohemian and the Banker by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon

- A night lost in Paris finds two hearts changed forever. Sent to Paris on business, Nigel Warren doesn’t quite understand why his colleagues’ eyes twinkle as they tell him to meet them at a local night spot. When he discovers it’s a drag cabaret and his acquaintances aren’t there, he realizes he’s the butt of a joke. Yet he finds himself quite undone by a singer dressed in an elegant gown, crooning a spellbinding ballad. It’s not unusual for Jay, a former Londoner, to bring a new “friend” home from the cabaret, but he’s never had a guest quite like Nigel, whose straitlaced manner hides an unexpected passionate streak. One romantic night on a rooftop under starry skies, followed by an afternoon enjoying the excitement of the 1901 Paris Exposition, bonds these opposites in a way neither can forget—even after they part. Their spark reignites when Jay comes to London, but he’s not sure he can go back to hiding his true self, not even for the sake of love…unless Nigel is willing to shed his cloak of staid respectability and take a leap of faith.

Robby Riverton: Mail Order Bride by Eli Easton

- Being a fugitive in the old west shouldn’t be this much fun. The year is 1860. Robby Riverton is a rising star on the New York stage. But he witnesses a murder by a famous crime boss and is forced to go on the run--all the way to Santa Fe. When he still hasn't ditched his pursuers, he disguises himself as a mail order bride he meets on the wagon train. Caught between gangsters that want to kill him, and the crazy, uncouth family of his "intended", Robby's only ally is a lazy sheriff who sees exactly who Robby is -- and can't resist him. Trace Crabtree took the job as sheriff of Flat Bottom because there was never a thing going on. And then Robby Riverton showed up. Disguised as a woman. And betrothed to Trace’s brother. If that wasn’t complication enough, Trace had to find the man as appealing as blueberry pie. He urges Robby to stay undercover until the danger has passed. But a few weeks of having Robby-Rowena at the ranch, and the Crabtree family will never be the same again. Damn, what a kerfuffle. If only Trace can get rid of the fugitive while hanging on to his own stupid heart.

A Brush with Darkness by Erastes

- Florence, 1875 After making a grisly discovery one night, I needed proof that there was still goodness in the world. I never dreamt it would come to me during my next commission—with a subject whose very name means light... Yuri was glorious in his otherworldly beauty, surrounded by a bright halo of iridescence, but I detected a fierce darkness lurking underneath the surface. Sketching all night, I could hardly wait to capture his likeness in a painting. For Yuri has stimulated not only my creative urges, but my sexual ones as well. His very presence infuses me with joy and passion, but what will happen if my patron should discover our trysts? Dependent on his good graces, I can't afford to lose his support. But I fear the time will soon come when I must choose between restoring my family's fortunes and obeying the temptation of the muse before me... Previously published as Chiaroscuro, newly revised by author.

The Matinee Idol by Owen Keehnen

- LOVE IN THE SILENT FILM ERA... At the height of the roaring 1920s, Raymond Richmond leaves Iowa and heads for Hollywood with dreams of silent film stardom in his head. In Los Angeles, he meets Brick, the ruggedly handsome cowboy of his dreams. Soon the two are a couple. When Raymond film career takes off, he is pressured to choose between stardom and Brick. Afraid of passing up his dream, Raymond chooses his career. As Raymond’s star ascends, he attempts to fill the void Brick has left in a number of ways. Eventually, his career begins to suffer and shortly after the advent of talkies, Raymond hits rock bottom. Desperate and alone, he is prostituting himself to feed his addiction to alcohol. But fate intervenes and reunites Raymond with Brick. However, Brick carries deep wounds from their past as well. Can the former lovers overcome the demons and betrayal of the past and find happiness once again? Spanning over a decade, Owen Keehnen’s The Matinee Idol is a timeless tale about second chances and the redemptive power of love.

Convincing the Secretary - Book Two of the London Legal series by Ava March (Included due to Edward’s true calling.)

- Business and pleasure is a mix no gentleman should consider. Lord Grayson Holloway goes after what he wants—be it in the law office on his clients’ behalf or in the bedchamber. His new position as partner puts him closer to achieving his goal of becoming the most successful solicitor in London. There’s just one problem—his new secretary. Broad of shoulder yet mild of manner, Edward tempts Gray like no other. Yet the young man barely notices him. Edward Fenton tries to be a good secretary, but being in Lord Grayson’s hard, commanding presence rouses Edward’s most forbidden desires. Wicked, naughty desires no gentleman should consider giving in to, let alone with his new employer. Gray is more than willing to mix business with pleasure. But convincing Edward to take a chance on a future with him? That might be the most challenging case Gray has ever taken on. Warning: Includes buttoned-up gentlemen who become undone, improper use of a desk, spankings, and a big bad lord who has a soft spot for his virgin secretary.

A Wager of Love by Katherine Marlowe (Review pending, but this is included, because Gilbert and Laurence have long conversations about poetry and philosophy, and they do a little acting in pursuit of their goal. This was a delightful book, using the thoughts and concepts of the time period to great effect.

- Laurence Aberforth has never been in love. The first time he meets the impulsive and charming Gilbert Heckwith, he accepts a wager as to whether or not true love exists in the world. Amidst the playful flirtation of their new friendship, they explore the concept of love through philosophy and poetry, and the two of them ultimately find the proof of their wager in each other. Clean romance, no cheating, no cliffhangers, standalone novella.

Such a Dance by Kate McMurray

- New York City, 1927. Eddie Cotton is a talented song-and-dance man with a sassy sidekick, a crowd-pleasing act, and a promising future on Broadway. What he doesn’t have is someone to love. Being gay in an era of prohibition and police raids, Eddie doesn’t have many opportunities to meet men like himself—until he discovers a hot new jazz club for gentlemen of a certain bent...and sets eyes on the most seductive, and dangerous, man he’s ever seen. Lane Carillo is a handsome young Sicilian who looks like Valentino—and works for the Mob. He’s never hidden his sexuality from his boss, which is why he was chosen to run a private night club for men. When Lane spots Eddie at the bar, it’s lust at first sight. Soon, the unlikely pair are falling hard and fast—in love. But when their whirlwind romance starts raising eyebrows all across town, Lane and Eddie have to decide if their relationship is doomed…or something special worth fighting for.

The First Act by Vanessa Mulberry

- April 1594. William Moodie thinks he’s in love with celebrated actor Richard Brasyer. When Brasyer’s playing company, Goldfox’s Men, comes to town, William is only too willing to leave his country life for the opportunities of the theater and a life in London. Determined to become Richard’s apprentice, William seeks to impress his mentor with his acting—and please him in bed.Meanwhile, Richard struggles to escape his past as a spy and disentangle himself from the manipulations of his former master and ex-lover, Bennett Goldfox. Swearing off a relationship with his new apprentice proves difficult for Richard, as William uses all his youthful charms to seduce him. When Bennett’s life is threatened, Richard is lured back into the game for one final mission, and he and William travel to Cambridge to hunt down a list of traitors to the Crown.In the midst of danger and deception, Richard and William come to truly see each other, faults and all, and realize their feelings run deeper than either expected.

Palace Dog by RE Nelson

- In April 1975, as the government in Saigon is falling, Michael Andrews prepares to make his way back to Vietnam to find the love he was forced to leave. But Michael’s journey begins four years earlier. He joins the Air Force to keep out of the Army and out of Vietnam, but his first assignment is teaching English in Saigon to members of the Vietnamese military in an Army program called Palace Dog. As an artist, and a man, before his time in Vietnam, Michael found life lonely and unsatisfying. In the midst of war, Michael searches for direction and meaning. He ultimately finds love and hope with Thao, a young Vietnamese art student, only to have their already uncertain future wrenched from them when he is pulled out of the country. For Michael, his return in 1975 is inevitable and without question, though the outcome he hopes for is anything but assured.

The Viscount and the Artist by Alyson Pearce (The Eccentrics Book 1) (Review pending, but this was a lovely surprise. I expected a slap-dash May/December romance, but these characters were actually worked out, and Jeremy stays true to his convictions in spite of everything working against him. Andrew has a crisis, but they work through it together.)

- Andrew Cardwell is a man driven by duty to his country and to his family. After the death of his uncle, he’s determined to provide security and stability for his family as the new Viscount Cardwell—even if that means marrying and producing an heir. Surprising himself, Andrew decides to sponsor a young artist named Jeremy for the season, to help him find a patron. What he doesn’t anticipate is how well Jeremy fits in his bed…and his life. Jeremy Leighton knows what it’s like to be a disappointment. The only son of a vicar, he’s refused to follow the path his father set for him, choosing his passion for art, instead. He accepts Andrew’s proposal, hoping to prove to his father—and himself—that he can succeed as an artist. After spending time with Andrew in and out of bed, Jeremy struggles not to fall for the damaged viscount, knowing the season will likely end in Andrew’s engagement. Between a meddling cousin, a widow on the hunt for a new husband, and their own doubts about the relationship, how can Andrew and Jeremy shed the expectations of others to find true happiness?

Juliana by Vanda (f/f)

- New York City, 1941. Alice “Al” Huffman and her childhood friends are fresh off the potato farms of Long Island and bound for Broadway. Al’s plans for stage success are abruptly put on hold when she’s told she has no talent. As she gets a job to pay for acting classes, Al settles into a normal life with her friends and a boyfriend. It all changes when she meets Juliana.A singer on the brink of stardom, Juliana is everything Al isn’t: glamorous, talented, and queer. The farm girl is quickly enthralled, experiencing thoughts and feelings she never realized were possible. Al finds herself slipping between two worlds: the gay underground and the “normal” world of her childhood friends. It’s a balancing act she can handle until the two worlds begin to collideIn a city bursting with change, can Alice find what she was looking for all along?Juliana: Volume 1: 1941-1944 is a captivating work of LGBT historical romance. If you like extensively researched settings, spell-binding storytelling, and characters you can’t help but fall for, then you’ll love the first book in award-winning playwright Vanda’s new Juliana series.

Nightingale by Aleksandr Voinov

- In Nazi-occupied Paris, most Frenchmen tread warily, but gay nightclub singer Yves Lacroix puts himself in the spotlight with every performance. As a veteran of France’s doomed defense, a survivor of a prison camp, and a “degenerate,” he knows he’s a target. His comic stage persona disguises a shamed, angry heart and gut-wrenching fear for a sister embedded in the Resistance. Yet Yves ascends the hierarchy of Parisian nightlife to become a star, attracting the attention—and the protection—of the Nazi Oberst Heinrich von Starck. To complicate matters further, young foot soldier Falk Harfner’s naïve adoration of Yves threatens everything he’s worked for. So does Aryan ideologue von Grimmstein, rival to von Starck, who sees something “a bit like a Jew” in Yves. When an ill-chosen quip can mean torture at the hands of the Gestapo, being the acclaimed Nightingale of Paris might cost Yves his music and his life.

Ardent by Heloise West

- In the village of Torrenta, master painter Morello has created a color that mimics the most expensive pigment of all, the crimson red. Master Zeno, from strife-ridden Medici Florence, tells him the color gives him a competitive advantage – but Morello must be careful. Fraud is ever-present in the dye and pigment markets. As they work together in Torrenta, Morello falls hard for Zeno’s assistant, Benedetto Tagliaferro, a young man of uncommon beauty and intelligence. Benedetto is still fixed on his old lover, the master painter Leo Guisculo, and cannot return Morello’s affections. But when Leo dies in a terrible accident, it’s to Morello that Zeno and Benedetto turn for help. And Morello soon finds that in Florence, every surface hides layers of intrigue.

[newplancomics]

During October many artists take on a self imposed 'challenge' called Inktober. For everyday of October they draw a new piece of art. One such artist I follow, Lucas, took on this challenge with X-men flair, drawing a different member of the X-men everyday. He then auctioned off each peace that day. I was able to win two of the auctions for my two favorite X-men. Wolverine & Longshot. I was very lucky winning the Wolverine piece as it was the second drawing and I don't think people had caught on to what he was doing. Longshot was the very last day of the month, so I patiently waited all month long. But now both sketches enter my collection. @artoflucas #inktober #inktober2022 #wolverine #longshot #xmen #originalartwork #passionforcomics #comicgeek (at Crofton, Maryland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkmM6qnvl1u/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[nightmare-afton-cosplay]

St. Paddy’s Day Special: 7 Emerald Isle Homes to Make Your Friends Green With Envy

realtor.com/Christie's International Real Estate

Rather than spending St. Patrick’s Day quaffing green beer and pinching everyone not wearing green, you can indulge your fondness for Ireland by gazing at gorgeous Irish homes for sale.

Surprise: It doesn’t require a pot o’ gold to buy a home on the Emerald Isle, especially when compared with America’s more expensive markets. Imagine an updated, “Masterpiece Theater”–worthy manor house for a mere $4.4 million! Or a large historic home known simply as Crofton Park for under $500,000.

According to Global Property Guide, it isn’t an arduous journey to buy a place in Ireland if you’re tempted to cross the Atlantic: “There are no restrictions for foreigners purchasing real property in Ireland and the investment climate is favorable for foreign businesses.”

And some folks such as Irish interior designer Grania Murray have found it extremely amenable to own a condo in Dublin. She rents out the unit on Airbnb when she’s not there working with her Irish clients. She spends the rest of her time in a downtown Los Angeles apartment, the better to work with her California clientele.

“Tourism to Ireland from the U.S. has been relentlessly successful over the past several years—even the five-star hotels are booked far in advance,” says Murray. “I��had half the year booked in my Dublin condo by January.”  She spends about three months a year in Ireland, and stays with friends when her home is booked.

So whether you dream of getting away from it all and moving overseas, or prefer to imbibe Guinness from the source on St. Paddy’s Day, here’s an Irish stew of properties guaranteed to give you food for thought.

Fedamore House

Location: Fedamore, Limerick Price: $4,344,049

Wee details: This is extraordinary manor sits on 16 acres of parkland, woods, and gardens. The 1880s property is probably the closest proxy for a real-life Downton Abbey. You can feel posh with 25,000 square feet of living space.

Lady Mary would have been perfectly content warming herself in front of the numerous period fireplaces and having the maids dust the woodwork, but she would have been overjoyed with its modern conveniences, including air conditioning, heated floors, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, sauna, and home theater.

Fedamore House in Limerick

Christie's International Real Estate

Indoor pool at Fedamore House

Christie's International Real Estate

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Emsworth

Location: Dublin Price: $9,229,633

Wee details: You’ll pay a wee bit more for this grand estate because it’s located in the Irish capital. Built in 1792 on 17 acres, the fully restored main house has three reception rooms, a kitchen with a vintage AGA stove, cinema room, wine cellar, and four bedrooms, three of them en suite. There’s also a fully restored coach house for staff or guests, and a cottage fully equipped with a gym.

The lavish grounds include a walled orchard, paths surrounding gardens, mature beech trees, a soccer field, tennis court, lawns, a lake, and over 2 kilometers of paths.

Emsworth estate in Dublin

Christie's International Real Estate

The extensive grounds of Emsworth

Christie's International Real Estate

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Donegal Cottage

Location: Donegal Town, Ulster Price: $572,299

Wee details: On the north coast of Ireland in County Donegal, you’ll find a charming five-bedroom “cottage” overlooking a lough (lake). Set at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains, the home was built in 2003, but designed to look like it had been there for decades. The residence features modern amenities such as a sauna, skylights, an eat-in kitchen, and sun porch.

Five-bedroom cottage in County Donegal

realtor.com

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Crofton Park

Location: Ballina, Mayo Price: $467,685

Wee details: Located on the gorgeously green west coast of Ireland in County Mayo, the Crofton Park Lodge features quaint details such as the cast iron stove and pine flooring as well as a conservatory, study, and extensive gardens. And it has six en suite bedrooms. Described as being situated in “a peaceful rural location just 2 miles from the commercial centre of Ballina,” its green rolling hills are prime for hiking. It’s also a quick bike ride from pubs and St. Muredach’s Cathedral.

Crofton Park Lodge in County Mayo

realtor.com

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Stone House and inn

Location: Dunquin, Kerry Price: $430,762 Wee details: Talk about authenticity! This property consists of a 19th-century cottage built of native stone on the very western tip of the Dingle Peninsula. It comes with an attached flat that’s been used as a bed-and-breakfast. There’s also an art studio with a view of lush gardens, the ocean, and the Blasket Islands.

Stone house and inn in Kerry

realtor.com

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Toe Head

Location: Castletownshend, Cork Price: $289,226 Wee details: We’re not sure how this place got its name, but we do know this Irish version of a beach house on the country’s southernmost coast seems like a great deal. It’s a restored stone cottage with gorgeous landscaping, a flagstone terrace, and barbecue. It has two bedrooms, and there’s a charming shed out back. The beach is just a short stroll away.

Toe Head beach house in Cork

realtor.com

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Canon Hall

Location: Docklands, Dublin Price: $233,842 Wee details: If you’re not into the whole old-timey cottage vibe, there are modern apartments in the Irish capital. The units in this 11-story building start at $233,842. That price will score buyers one bedroom, one bathroom, a contemporary kitchen, balcony, and underground parking.

Canon Hall contemporary apartment

realtor.com

The post St. Paddy’s Day Special: 7 Emerald Isle Homes to Make Your Friends Green With Envy appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/ireland-homes-st-patricks-day/

[thesassybooskter]

CARNAL OBSESSION by Reily Garrett: Release Blast

AVAILABLE TODAY

Life on the street molds emotional athletes.

Three years ago, her brother’s death marked the beginning of Kendra’s new life, an existence with no home, no family, and no friends. Time in the underground byways toughened her emotional shell with the loose association of like-minded street rats where survival meant compromise and constant vigilance.

Before he died, Billy had sent her a package in care of his teammate, Conner. For Kendra, re-entrance into polite society comes with a deadly price, as betrayal comes from both sides of the grave.

Conner Crofton owns the BDSM club Ambrosia. After failing to protect his teammate on their last covert mission, penance takes form as a promise to safeguard Billy’s little sister, a girl he’d unknowingly remanded to a world of darkness and uncertainty, deception and psychopathic stalkers.

The past will always haunt us. Each must earn forgiveness and trust as passion, guilt, deception, and betrayal, interweave a destiny formed long ago. A romantic suspense with a twist.

  Buy Online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Add to Goodreads

  Excerpt

“You? You own this animated horror show? Conner, what happened to you?” A decade ago, he and Billy had filled her head with fantasies only an innocent could dream, back when sex in a t-shirt carried the easy grace of a natural predator and filled her delusions of eternal love. Time had lent fuel to her imagination. Like a boiler that continued to build up too much pressure, her thoughts skated along the razor’s edge of a volcano. The age-old longing persisted despite current reality’s intervention and the memory of how Conner had led Billy into the military, to his death.

  “Hello, Kendra. I’m glad you and your band could make it tonight. I look forward to hearing you sing again.” That sweltry intonation could curl an iron bar, yet there dwelt a deep sadness, as if memories pulled him down a road too often traveled.

  An audible gulp. Her mouth opened and closed several times without issuing a sound.

She couldn’t look at him, not when her face flamed with the memories of first infatuation. The disappointment invading her mind now stung the back of her eyelids. “When did you turn into a pervert?” It was too much to bear. She needed the quiet and peaceful white noise of the street, wind chimes on someone’s front porch, a car backfiring, a breeze sifting through the trees and blowing the road’s detritus in small dust devils.

  “Nice place you have here, Mr. Crofton.” Daeron, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward to shake Conner’s hand.

  “Yeah, all it needs is some spider architecture, pointed hats, and magic wands. Oh, and I think you’re missing a vat of boiling oil.” Mumbled words lost the bite of her intent.

  “Can’t say spiders do much for me, but we do have plenty of oil and violet wands. Most women think of them as magic.” Conner’s husky laugh scorched the knot in her throat like melted sand, changing its consistency until acid threatened to spew forth.

  “Looks damn interesting.” Daeron’s comment would earn him an all-out brawl later.

  Freaking traitor. Men always stick together.

  After a moment, Conner’s words sank in. No!

  “Violet? You’re gay?”

  It seemed bystanders thought her a comedian or imbecile, their laughter creating more blazing heat to encompass her face.

  Marc, brother of her current tormentor, took pity as he stepped forward. “Hi, Mackendra. It’s been a long time.” Sympathy radiated from him in waves to envelop her in a maelstrom of cloying, sickly sweet flashbacks she couldn’t handle. Of the four brothers, he’d been the nice one.

  “Hi, Marc. Let me guess, you’re also part of this zoo?” Regardless of his intended sincerity, she couldn’t rest her gaze on either man. “This den of perverts?”

  “You got it, hon. You ready to work? I’ve missed hearing your zany and spirited songs.” Marc stepped forward to offer a hug yet stopped short of contact.

  No! She couldn’t abide the company of men whose lives had been twisted by pain and despair, the last men to see her brother alive. Conner’s presence ushered Billy’s last words to fill her mind before he ditched her for another military stint, his final tour. “You’re being selfish, mongrel. I need to do this, protect my brothers. You’ll be safe here, yet they won’t be unless I go back. When I return, we’ll start a new chapter in life, together.”

  Well that sure as hell happened. Just not the way I’d planned.

  The physical ache in her heart wasn’t relieved with the pressure of fist against chest. She turned and ran, just as she always did when the agony of memories washed over her. She would never again allow anyone to witness her suffering.

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    About Reily Garrett

Reily Garrett is a West Coast girl transplanted to the East Coast. Past employments as an ICU nurse, private investigator, and military police officer has given her a host of different environments to add a real world feel to her writing. Though her kids are her life, writing is her life after. The one enjoyed…after the kids are in bed or after they’re in school and the house is quiet. This is the time she kicks back with laptop, surrounded by her shepherds, to give her imagination free rein. In life, hobbies can come and go according to our physical abilities, but you can always enjoy a good book. Life isn’t perfect, but your imagination can be. Relax, whether it’s in front of a fire or in your own personal dungeon. Take pleasure in a mental pause as you root for your favorite hero/heroine and bask in their accomplishments, then share your opinions over a coffee with your best friend (even if he’s four legged). Life is short. Cherish your time.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

CARNAL OBSESSION by Reily Garrett: Release Blast was originally published on The Sassy Bookster

[iqvts]

1402 CHRISTA LN, CROFTON, MD 21114 from iQ Visual Tours on Vimeo.

For more information: remaxdistinctive.com/listing/171-1758053/1402-christa-ln-crofton-md-21114

Beautifully maintained 4 bedroom/3.5 bath home with bonus room and fully furnished theater room in lower level in sought after Walden community in Crofton has all the bells and whistles! Plentiful windows provide tons of natural light. Lovely living room with custom white wood bookshelves that convey. Your formal dining room has all the right touches with elegant wood trim work. Enter the kitchen where you'll find recent updates such as granite counters and stainless steel appliances to include a double wall oven, center island cook top, and dishwasher as well as bright and beautiful white cabinetry! Eat in breakfast area opens to your large deck for endless entertaining options. Or, relax in your family room with cozy wood burning fireplace for those cooler months. Additionally, open the french doors to your private office or music room, you choose! Upstairs, you'll find 4 large bedrooms and 2 full baths; perfect for families or entertaining guests. The huge master bedroom suite has plenty of space with it's walk in closet and room for multiple dressers. Unwind in the soothing soaking tub in the en suite master bath complete with double sinks and separate shower. Basement theater room with all chairs and equipment are yours when your purchase this home! The lower level also has a bonus room, full bath, and walk out to the backyard. Beautiful mature trees abound adding to the peaceful setting of being located on a cul de sac. Top it all off with a two car garage with extra storage space. Just steps away from the elementary school and a short drive to the new Crofton High School; Nearby amenities include Waugh Chapel Shopping Center with a Wegmans, movie theater , and many restaurants and shops. Great commuting distance to Fort Meade, Annapolis, and Baltimore, as well as close distance to the MARC train to get into to DC without the drive! Won't last long, this is the one!!

Contact: Kathy Sullivan (301) 221-7888 kathysells@gmail.com

[moderncolors]

Cool Irish baby names Sean, Connor, Molly, Quinn... yeah those names aren't on this list. Yes, they're traditional and common and oh-so Irish sounding but I'm here to introduce you to some Irish names you've probably never even heard of. If you're looking for a super unique name for your baby, check out these 150 powerful names and their meanings.  Enjoy! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "84e64b324583487b8e0b091918de6015"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B079KVFZ2B,B00GNK4S5O,B0793V1C1Y"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲BOYS▲ Abbon - abbot Ailfrid - wise Ainmire - great lord Alsandair - defender of man Aralt - leader Ardal - high honor Auley - ancestor Breck - freckled Cace - brave Carrick - rocky headland Cashel - from Cashel Cavan - handsome Channon - young wolf Codel - cushion Colm - a dove Coman - bent Conall - powerful wolf Conlan - hero Conroy - wise Corcoran - ruddy Corlan - spear bearer Cormac - raven's son Corrigan - spear bearer Covey - hound of the plain Crofton - from the enclosed town Daley - assembly Declan - man of prayer Delano - dark Dermot - free from envy Devland - brave Domnal - ruler of the world Donnchad - brown warrior Dolan - dark haired Dorrin - stranger Dow - black haired Dowan - black Driscol - mediator or interpreter Eagan - fiery or forceful Eames - wealthy guardian Earnan - knowing Eimar - swift Eman - serious Flann - redhead Foley - plunders Gael - stranger Galloway - Scotsman in Ireland Gannon - light skinned Gilvarry - serves Christ Harkin - dark red Jannon - fair haired Jarlath - tributary lord Kagan- a thinker Kaven - handsome Keallach - battle Keiron - small dark one Keon - gift of God Kerwyn - little dark one Kevion - little gentle one or handsome Kevis - little gentle one or handsome Kinnard - steep slope Kyran - small dark one Laoghaire - shepherd Lochlain - home of the Norse Loman - bare Lorcan - little fierce one Lunn - warlike Mago - great Melrone - serves Saint Ruadhan Monohan - monk Nevan - little holy one Nolen - noble Odell - otter Odhran - pale green Phelan - wolf Quinlan - graceful Riddock - from the smooth field Riobard - royal poet Rohan - red haired Rylan(d) - island meadow Shan - God is gracious Shanley - small Shauden - God is gracious Shaylon - supplanter Sheridan - untamed Tag - son of the priest Tierney - regal Torean- watchtower ▲GIRLS▲ Ahana - from the little ford Alastrina - defender of mankind Assana - waterfall Athdara - from the oak tree ford Aurnia - golden lady Avonmora - from the great river Berneen - brave as a bear Berrit - powerful/strong Bevin - singer Biddy - powerful/strong Brann - strong Brenna - little raven Brina - strong Brita - powerful/strong Caffara - helmet Cailin - pure Caitriona - chaste/pure Catlee - Pure Cavana - from Cavan Colene - girl Colmcille - dove of the church Coriann - from the ravine Daron - great Devanie - poet Devnet -  poet Downett - poet Duvessa - dark beauty Edana - little fire Ena - light Erina - from Ireland Fenella - one with a fair shoulder Flanna - redhead Gittan - powerful/strong Glenna - secluded valley or glen Izett - fair lady Keavy - pretty/gentle Keanna - ancient Keavy - graceful Keena - brave Keilah - brave warrior Kevay - lovely and charming Kiahna - ancient Kiandria - ancient Piritta - powerful/strong Kye - land where cattle graze Levane - risen Lil - lily Mabbina - baby Mada - powerful in battle Mave - joy Melva - armored ruler Meriel - shining sea Moran - great Morella - great Neala - champion Oma - little green one Shanae - God is gracious Shayla - fairy palace Shona - God is gracious Tari -  hill Tullia - peaceful Viona - fair woman Zaira - princess ▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲ What names do you like the best? Pin to share please :) Come check out my other baby naming posts HERE! ▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲ amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bohomom-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B01KVYWY1M,1445467887,B00YANXRFS,B00HIW6F16,B01BE0NLTG,125003907X,B00162IKPS,B000931TQW"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "0d21891403c23d593bb63f6b23d31fe4";

http://www.quirkybohemianmama.com/2017/03/cool-irish-baby-names.html

[lewishamledger]

A Lewisham legacy

WORDS BY EMMA FINAMORE;  PHOTO BY PHILIP DUNSMORE

A much-loved and respected former Labour councillor and mayor – and campaigner on many issues – passed away in September.

Gurbakhsh Garcha left his mark on Lewisham and the world at large in many ways. A prominent and active anti-racist and anti-fascist peace activist, he worked on both a small and large scale.

Locally he brought faith groups in south London together, set up youth clubs and campaigned to help schools, while simultaneously lobbying for global nuclear disarmament and working on books that bridged nations.

Growing up in a Sikh family in Punjab, India, he witnessed the horror of partition – the enforced splitting of India, creating Pakistan, as well as the dividing of Hindus and Muslims.

Last year Gurbakhsh spoke to the BBC in an interview about what he experienced, marking 70 years since partition. He described seeing families – including his own – split apart, as well as the struggle, violence and death that ensued.

“Your whole psyche changes when you are living through that sort of thing. I don’t think you are normal anymore having seen such horrid things,” he told the BBC. “You just slowly change and come to accept what is happening around you. My faith in humanity is shaken.”

Surviving this trauma, Gurbakhsh arrived in the UK in 1958, settling in south London and marrying his wife, Ruth – whom he described as “London born and brought up” – in 1962. Alongside his professional life in medical research (from which he retired in 1998) he became an active member of the Labour party, serving as a Lewisham councillor for 20 years from 1986 to 2006.

During this period Gurbakhsh played an active role in setting up an education directorate in Lewisham after the abolition of the Inner London Education Authority by Margaret Thatcher. He also served as deputy mayor and mayor of Lewisham from 1994-95 and then as a member of the cabinet before retiring from the council.

One of the many local groups Gurbakhsh worked with was the Lewisham Anti-Racist Action Group (LARAG). “Throughout much of my 26 years of campaigning against racism and fascism while living in Lewisham, Gurbakhsh was always a consistent, prominent part of the network of activists, councillors and local people who turned up, spoke up and contributed in whatever way they could to these vital campaigns,” said LARAG’s Richard von Abendorff.

“He always did this with his unique personal experience and perspective. He managed to combine this with many other related campaigning activities, whether local or national anti-war and anti-imperialist events, local community events, cross-faith committees or progressive campaigning in the Labour party.

“I will draw strength from remembering his energetic and inspiring contributions to progress, tolerance and understanding, justice and peace. I will certainly try to continue his work, learning from his respectful, gentle manner and diligence, while speaking the truth to power.”

Gurbakhsh channelled this energy into local religious efforts too, bringing together different groups in south London and chairing the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education for 14 years.

He also worked on a book promoting interfaith relationships. Together & Different: Christians Engaging with People of Other Faiths was written by local campaigner Sarah Thorley and Malcolm Torry, with collaboration from Gurbakhsh. It tells the stories of a variety of community projects between members of Christian churches and people of other faiths. Like everything Gurbakhsh did, it strove to bridge divides and bring people together.

This striving spirit was also channelled into broader global issues: Gurbakhsh was secretary of the Lewisham branch of the United Nations Association, which organises events to raise awareness and interest in the work of the UN.

He was also part of the local Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) group, which works to “scrap nuclear weapons and create genuine security for future generations”.

Speaking of the group’s meeting in early October following Gurbakhsh’s death, Anne Schuman, of the CND Sydenham and Forest Hill branch, said: “It was a subdued gathering, the sun had set completely, and we all were feeling the loss of Gurbakhsh very much.

“The impression of a soft-spoken man, with white hair and beard, who turned up at so many different meetings and who spoke of many problems and possible solutions with fluency and passion, will live with us for a long time.

“I often complained that he spoke so softly he was hard to hear, and he would apologise and raise his voice for a few sentences. His natural temperament soon reasserted itself though, and the gentle but persuasive voice made itself known. Always very well informed, courteous and helpful, he will be very much missed by our group, as he always made a positive contribution to the discussion.

“A lot of people in Lewisham and beyond from very different backgrounds knew Gurbakhsh through his active involvement in many groups, from the CND, the United Nations Association and LARAG, from his time as a Crofton Park councillor and as Labour mayor of Lewisham.

“We remember him working with interfaith groups, his firm belief in internationalism, his pride in Lewisham as a diverse community and his unwavering commitment to human rights and world peace. He was a longstanding active member of our CND group and he continued to be involved at 83, despite creaky knees.

“His family – whom he adored and spoke of often – shared his beliefs. Ruth always encouraged him, although I’m sure she wished that he would occasionally say no, and was at many of our events providing fantastic jams and cakes for our annual plant fair to raise funds for the children of Chernobyl. Gurbakhsh made a huge contribution to many lives and will be sadly missed.”

Gurbakhsh’s compassion and efforts didn’t just extend to issues affecting mankind: he was also passionate about the environment and wildlife preservation, and was a supporter of English Heritage, the National Trust and the London Wildlife Trust.

In April this year he was still sharing campaigns via his social media accounts, touching on everything from school funding, violence and library privatisation to environmental issues.

Gurbakhsh’s wife Ruth said: “His contribution and the manner in which it was conveyed, through patience, persuasion and non-acrimonious, inclusive argument was reflected in the congregation of 300 who attended his memorial. As a family we know how seriously, sympathetically and unselfishly he took his role.”

His son Simon added: “It goes almost without saying that he was loved deeply by his wife and family. It was heartening to see and hear how much this love was reflected by those who worked alongside him, and even sometimes in opposition to him. It was the mark of this beautiful man.”

[thebearwitchproject]

Ghosts Stories of the Allegheny Mountains

This is the third post in a collection of posts take from the article “Folk-lore of the Mountain Whites of the Alleghenie” by J. Hampden Porter. Check the links at the end of this post to read others from the collection.

                       Ghosts & Specters of the Allegheny Mountains

Supernatural manifestations are very common in these highlands. Three blows struck by an invisible hand upon the door signifies that death is near the hearer, or some member of his or her family. Doors that open of themselves, the howling of a dog, three barks of a red fox, also prognosticate disaster and death. A wild bird flying into the house and perching there, does the same, and a sight of the black dog that haunts the vale of Chatata, the white stag who roams the heights above the great Sequatchie Valley, the headless bull of those forests in the southeastern angle of Tennessee, or the bleeding horse met with among the ravines of the Smoky Mountains in Georgia, all convey the same fatal augury.

Some spectral appearances have no special significance. To these belong the gray wolf seen at midnight where the road from West Virginia crosses Piney Ridge, and that nondescript goblin animal, now one thing, then another, who goes before the traveller though Haunted Hollow, near Green Hill in Rockingham County. Illuminations of houses that have been deserted and become ruinous because of ghosts come under the same category, together with those sights and sounds which many have seen and heard within them--corpses laid out in the empty rooms, phantoms gliding through their open doors, the sound of bodies falling on their floors, and the moans and shrieks of miserable spirits within.

The following personal experiences were unattended by any consequences apart from fright.

Mrs. S-- was accustomed to visit her sister's farm by a path that led along Trout Run. Here, at dusk one evening, she saw small white dog trotting along in advance, but paid no attention it until the form suddenly disappeared at a spot where there was cover. This happened several times, and she put salt in her shoes and said an abundance of prayers. Then the spectre followed her.

Miss F , who was not born on Christmas week, and therefore had no natural power of seeing spirits, related the apparition of brother's first wife. This lady was devotedly attached to her husband, and when in the last stage of consumption could not die until he made oath to remain single for the remainder of his life. Not long after he perjured himself, but the peace of that household was gone. Ever after there was " a sense of something moving and fro" upon them all. His sister, in common with the rest, heard the sighs and sobs of the disconsolate ghost, she saw her dim figure floating through the dusk, and was chilled to the heart by its atmosphere as the spirit went by in passages or upon the stairs.

Mrs. H- , riding on a pillion behind her father from camp-meeting, saw a tall white form rise beside the horse. It was not terrified, however, as often happens in such cases. Her father did see the phantom, and was very deaf. She remained motionless from fear while the spectre moved along beside them. Soon a running stream was reached, and it vanished upon its brink.

Mr. B , going home one night by Crackwhip Furnace, then abandoned, beheld the likeness of a black bear in front, but it screamed horribly at him with a human voice. His horse was terrified, and when the thing came nearer and screamed again, he rode for his life. Half a mile away from the spot this same dreadful cry sounded in his ears shriller and more appalling than before.

Mr. C-, riding on the same road one dark autumnal evening, suddenly found his mare attacked by an invisible adversary. Blows were struck at her head, but the animal, though snorting, plunging, and rearing in terror, could not stir from the place; something met it at every turn. The rider tried to pray, but in vain. He was able to think the words, yet not to utter them. In his extremity the name of God at last burst from his lips. At once the horse sprang forward, and clasping its neck the pair dashed down hill into a brook. Whatever it was that beset them could not follow across flowing water, but a shriek that shook his heart swept by him as fled.

Where men have been murdered, and such spots are too often come upon, they, and the wraiths of those whose other wrongs re- main unavenged, wander around their graves as moving lights. A spirit similar to the Celtic Faire-chloidh watches at lonely tombs. Another, resembling the Dourdognese La Vivre, inveigles wayfarers within reach of demons and witches, like its counterpart of the Cote d'Or. The Ignis fatuus, or Jack-a-lantern of the seaboard States, is here called Jack Polant. This is not the "faithless phantom" which lures travellers to their doom, but a spirit of the waste whom they are compelled to follow.

Ghostly Revenge Stories & The Headless Horseman of Indian Fort

Sometimes an apparition comes on a mission of justice; at others, ghosts revisit "the glimpses of the moon," inspired with the desire for vengeance. Before the separation of West Virginia from the mother State, Colonel --- murdered one of his negro women with aggravated circumstances of cruelty. The crime could not be proved against him, and his act remained unpunished by law. But when investigation was at an end, and it became evident that nothing would be done, a white dog made its appearance upon the estate. Numbers saw it, and knew it for a spectre by its vanishing while in full view. This goblin brute hunted the man to death. It followed and went before him, came into his room, haunted the guilty being night and day, until he pined away, and, having made a confession, died.

A miser, whose ruined house still stands, disappeared and was never seen again. Two single women, living in a poor way in the neighborhood, suddenly came into possession of money, concerning which they gave an improbable account. Inquiry was made, but it came to naught. The dead man's ghost, however, headless and bleeding, walked upon the hill where their cottage stood. It passed along the garden fence between sunset and dark, and the elder of these murderesses was soon literally frightened to death. Her companion lived longer and suffered more. She wasted away, said one of the many persons from whom I heard this tale, " till nothing of her was left but a little pile of bones." Then death came, and it took four strong men to lift the coffin in which her body was enclosed. The hidden money was there.

A headless horseman rides upon the road near Indian Fort, in the foothills of Cumberland Mountain. His story is unknown, and this phantom's wanderings are apparently objectless. Nevertheless he is ill to meet, for unlike the same kind of an apparition described by Crofton Croker in the south of Ireland, this brings misfortune, and those who have seen it had reason to regret their encounter.

For more in this series of Scot-Irish Folklore check out the previous posts:

Lycanthropy Lore of the Allegheny Mountains

Witchlore of the Allegheny Mountains

[maryandtheducks]

Regular Security Ideas Out of your Favourite Local Locksmith

If you are one in every of the various throughout the UK who are planning just a little facelift in your driveway this spring, one thing that our of locksmith providers would counsel is to put some gravel down. To get in contact with a Bristol safety skilled in order to keep your house or your workplace safe, call us at any time. We are at all times comfortable to help and give advice on residence and office security. Something that is often overlooked is the disposal of packing containers which have contained expensive digital tools. We see that it’s vital to make sure that you don’t display that which you’ve gotten just purchased, and make your self a more desirable goal to assault as a burglar. At this time, in 2016, we’ve got a high degree of superior expertise that may also help make your life extra organized and simple, while additionally rising the level of security in your house. Your home, residence, or business location are also inclined to the expertise upgrades that vehicular locks receive. Many lock manufacturers supply locks you can remotely management out of your sensible telephone or internet prepared machine. Each producer maintains separate mechanisms for remote operation, and many don’t even require you to exchange the door lock that you’re at the moment working with.

Four Swiss lower spherical file to put a small groove at every mark. Make solely 2-3 light swipes to locate the pins and leave a slightly textured end in the grooves. Repeat. Sooner or later only the binding pin will leave a rub mark, that’s what you are looking for. Make 2-three light swipes with the file solely on the binding pin’s location. Repeat. For those who see a mark at the same location, give it another couple of swipes along with your file - go slow. Repeat. Sooner or later that pin will no longer go away a mark, but One other pin will. But, the corporate believes satisfaction of purchasers and high quality providers moderately than greater profitability. Once you hire this firm for lock repairing, then experts of the agency offers you guarantee on the upkeep and never set up. But, in case of hiring Old Bridge Townshi Locksmith fixing services, you will get long lasting performance guaranty and stability. That’s the reason; skilled clients advise their followers to decide on this very well-known lockmaster company within the township for all sorts of services together with installation, maintenance, rekeying, substitute and fixing faults of digital gadgets. Broken key is a grave and very essential situation for the folks than loss of keys. Actually, when there is some damaged part in locks and automobile ignition, then absolutely people will turn out to be unable to apply something. We also pride ourselves on our aggressive rates and we hold ourselves to the highest commonplace of locksmith information and service. Your security is our precedence which is why we offer a free safety survey that will help you identify any points for concern. From this survey our consultants will be able to advise you on the very best merchandise and methods in your particular person wants. We additionally reply immediately to emergency call-outs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no name-out charge, making certain your complete peace of mind no matter what sticky scenario you find yourself in. We’re emergency specialists! Whether you’ve misplaced keys, locked yourself out or arrived house to a burglary, don’t panic as a result of we’re only a telephone name away. Don’t hesitate to name IKS Locksmiths anytime, we offer a 24 hour service. There is no better advice than doing all your analysis to seek out a very good car locksmith to perform automotive key alternative. You can start by asking your pal and family about automotive locksmiths. It is almost unattainable not discover one of their customers. While that is a simple methodology to collect a minimum amount of information, you also needs to use other strategies. First of all, require them to show you the locksmith certification. Secondly, seek for open locksmith databases that assist you to examine their stage of certification. A great automotive locksmith has to have all the required accreditation to carry out automobile key substitute companies and to safely and efficiently duplicate automotive keys. Most people contact a automobile locksmith as a result of they’re coping with lost automobile keys.

The Security Tips All Children Need to Know http://ow.ly/z2Um30ix11P pic.twitter.com/nEZpcC0qVM — Martin Slane (@IKSLocksmiths) February 24, 2018

What does an automotive locksmith do? Just like regular locksmiths, automotive locksmiths work includes the opening and fixing of locks, albeit exclusively with cars, trucks, and other cars. DynoLock Before the arrival of fashionable digital locks in vehicles automotive locksmiths have been extra concerned with the opening of locked automobile doors during which clients had left their keys. And while early model autos nonetheless abound the job of an automotive locksmith has changed in latest times. With the introduction of fashionable digital locks their job has changed considerably. So what are the primary companies of modern-day automotive locksmiths?

Installing key holes

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For instance, in case you are having issues with the lock, you can have it modified or have the cylinder changed to improve the state of the lock to reduce the lockout situations. If in case you have misplaced or damaged your keys, then your locksmith can assist in rekeying or replacing the lost and broken keys. When in search of a locksmith company, choose an organization that provides 24 hour locksmith services. This way, you may get quick help even when you will have been locked out of your house in the wee hours of the night time. Also essential to do when choosing an organization is to pick one that’s insured, bonded and licensed. Such an organization is bound to give you glorious lockout providers and you’ll make sure that any damages through the services will likely be taken care of. You additionally need to know that you would be able to trust strangers into your condo thus the importance of choosing a company that is licensed and liable. The more locksmith services the corporate can provide, the higher it will be for you. You may be locked out of your house at present, but tomorrow you may very well be locked out of your automobile and you should know that the company can handle some other situation you may face sooner or later. Test the checklist of offered services when making a call. Stone Mountain Locksmith- is among the main locksmiths in Stone Mountain and the encircling space. We offers locksmith Stone Mountain, locksmith in 30087, unlock car in Marietta companies that cowl all of your safety. Log in or Create Account to put up a remark. Publisher: Jenny V Locks provide security for our houses, companies and automobiles. But while you by accident lock your self on the skin, you may want for just a moment that locks didn’t exist! It’s time to call a locksmith, however whom must you call? Who do you have to belief to safely open your car or residence? There are plenty of different services obtainable by means of locksmiths in San Francisco, however getting locked out seems to be among the most well-liked causes in general to call a locksmith. San Francisco locksmiths can service you with emergency companies after being locked out of any form of vehicle or residence, however their companies range broader than just 24 hour help. Industrial functions of locksmiths include installation, repair, and rekeying of locking mechanisms on a large scale. In the event you want 200 high safety locks installed all through your office complex, theres a locksmith in San Francisco that may do it shortly and efficiently. You’re a locksmith, not a author, proper? A blog doesn’t have to be written by a novelist to be attention-grabbing to readers. Don’t neglect that an added bonus of having a blog that’s usually up to date is that search engines will start to notice that your site must be crawled extra often. 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Houses For Sale in Crofton, NE

897 Road Elkhorn Ridge Ests, Crofton, NE

Price: $1800000

Very unique property located on Lewis and Clark Lake just north of Crofton, NE. This picturesque valley has been the home to elk, buffalo and a sheep herd for several years. A large portion of this parcel has been enclosed with a twelve foot high fence to keep the herd contained. When you drive through the valley you will see all the animals mentioned along with several longhorn cattle. Property has two large metal maintenance buildings that are cemented, insulated and heated. One building is 50×104 and the other is 30×40. Property also includes Mobile Home Park with twelve units rented by the year. Land also has four ponds that are supplied with a free flowing artesian well. These ponds have been stocked with trout, bass, bluegills and coy fish. Parcel also has fifteen plotted lots with rural water. Two of these lots overlook Lewis and Clark Lake and have been priced at $95,000.00. The other thirteen lots overlook the valley and all of the wildlife. Lots are a hop-skip and jump from the state boat landing. The Crofton-Yankton area is a tourist paradise with several famous restaurants along with great fishing, boating and sightseeing on Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River. There is also available, on a separate listing, the owners ten year old 4300 sq. ft. log home which also overlooks the lake. All parcel numbers and legals are available at listing office.

54939 897 Rd, Crofton, NE

Price: $695000

Fantastic log home just fingertips away from beautiful Lewis and Clark Lake. This home sets on one of the highest shoreline points on the lake. Magnificent location with breath taking views in all directions. A massive kitchen with alder cabinets and two eating bars with granite counter tops. The master bedroom faces the lake with large deck, huge master bath and a 5×11 walk-in closet. Home has three fireplaces, one on every level, and huge wrap around covered deck for summer entertainment. Lower level is walkout with a 18×30 family room plus a 24×24 recreational room with pool table. T his lodge is perfect for a corporate getaway.

Lot 56 Autumn Oaks #56, Crofton, NE

Price: $99000

2.2+ Acres, 3 lots with Lake View! Enjoy your privacy with a great location for your new home with a beautiful view of Lewis and Clark Lake, located in Autumn Oaks development.

Lot 31 Hideaway Acres #31, Crofton, NE

Price: $39500

Great building site for your new lake home. Close to lake, beach & marina!

Hillcrest Mischke Deep Water, Crofton, NE

Price: $52500

Unique opportunity to own desirable lot in popular Mischke Hillcrest Deepwater area. Take the short walk to Lewis & Clark lake or load your boat at nearby Wiegand Marina. Only minutes from CJ’s At the Lake, Lewis & Clark Dam and Crofton Golf Course. Hunting, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and 4 wheeling just out your door. Rural water and electric available. Lot taxes for 2015 $102.

Tbd, Crofton, NE

Price: $85000

Best of both worlds. Fantastic views with woods, ravines and atmosphere of the Black Hills. Combine that with paved road access, water and Bloomfield rec area only ½ mile away. You’ve got the makings of heaven on earth.

55482 Oak St, Crofton, NE

Price: $359000

Located 1.3 miles off Hwy 81 on Hwy 121 and in the Crofton School District. This house is a high-quality, custom-built home. It is great for entertaining and is in a peaceful neighborhood. It overlooks open country and features a covered front porch, large back deck, sprinklers, landscaping, swing set, garden area,1,270 sq. feet garage with work bench, heater, floor drain, mop sink, hot/cold water, hook up for extra stove and permanent shelving, 400 amp service, rural water, septic tank, gas furnace, electric water heater, footings, flatwork and underground plumbing for a 2,000 sq. feet accessory building, 9’ ceilings on main floor and basement, 300 sq. feet storage with permanent shelving in basement, 1,600 sq. feet unfinished basement that will host 3 additional bedrooms and full bath along with a large living area, main floor laundry, cabinets and vanities all done by “Custom Wood Products” with soft-close drawers, slate GE appliances, stainless-steal farm sink in kitchen, oversized kitchen island that seats 6, walk-in master closet, all closets have custom shelving, custom blindes, LED bulbs used inside and outside, exterior can lights and outlets for christmas lights on timers controlled in basement, shiplap accent wall in living room, pallet wood ceiling in bedroom/office and sliding barndoors.

77 78 Cedar Ln, Crofton, NE

Price: $199000

Beautiful two story house tucked away in the woods of Hideaway Acres. This three bedrooms, one bath with an unfinished basement to make your own would be a ideal summer or an easy access year round home. A large 15×15 screened in porch off the open concept living area. The top deck is the same size but open to the view of the lake and sunsets every evening. This home comes with two lots #77 and #78, the extra lot included is flat and plenty of room for parking, garage, or green space. The extra lot also has RV electrical hook ups. Newer roof, siding, water heater, boat slip with lift!, and fully furnished including: 4 beds, two futons, couch, table, fridge, oven. Don’t miss out on becoming part of this amazing community.

209 W Luella St, Crofton, NE

Price: $174900

Space for family or looking towards retirement, enjoy ease of living in this ranch style home featuring 4 bedrooms/2 bath plus additional nonconforming bedroom to use as you desire. Updated kitchen and living room area. Granite style countertops. Added desired features include laundry on main, huge master bedroom with walk in closet, attached insulated garage with lots of attic space, hot tub on patio, and nice landscaping with underground sprinkler system. Easy access to park, pool, downtown and Hwy 121.

37 Timberline Trl, Crofton, NE

Price: $259900

You won’t want to miss this beautiful lake home that sits on a large mostly wooded lot with a panoramic view of Lewis & Clark Lake, and a lovely 4 bedroom 2 ½ bath one owner home built in 2004. This fabulous home features an open concept kitchen, dining & living room with Pella windows, a gas fireplace, main floor laundry, large office, walkout basement and custom kitchen & bathroom cabinets. New roof and engineered wood flooring in the great room was just installed in 2015! PRICED TO SELL! Don’t miss out on this dream! Adjacent lot also available!

1309 W 4th St, Crofton, NE

Price: $60000

MOTIVATED SELLER! Steel siding and concrete block creates great insulation in this 2 bedroom 1 bath. 2 car detached garage, fenced in back yard, updated windows, oak flooring in bedrooms, new laminate in dining room. Some new kitchen cabinets & counter tops. Lots of built in cupboards throughout. Super cute home with a great back yard. Close to both elementary schools.

211 W Kansas St, Crofton, NE

Price: $299000

Inn for Sale: The Historic Argo Hotel. Beautiful historic hotel, Steakhouse and Lounge situated in charming Crofton, Nebraska. Just minutes from Beautiful Lewis & Clark Lake!

1 Merchant Valley Rd, Crofton, NE

Price: $173900

This 1200 sq. ft. cabin is located in Walker Valley area with beach access and boat launch just 10 cabins away. 2 bedroom, full bath, main floor laundry and a large open kitchen/ living room. There are hickory cabinets, large breakfast bar and Ceramic tile floors in this spacious open great room. Vaulted pine ceilings, sliding doors to the covered 30×10 covered deck and over 1 acre of land . Move in ready. Watch the deer, wild turkeys, hummingbirds and more from your living room. There is even a fire pit in the wooded yard for friends and family to enjoy after a day on the lake.

Tbd Bloomfield Area At Lewis, Crofton, NE

Price: $170000

This wonderful lot is located on the road to the Bloomfield Area on Lewis and Clark Lake. Water and electric are at the site! Plenty of room to roam with 6 acres. Lot Specifics Size: 6 acres Dimensions: Irregular Rural Water on Site: Yes Lake View: Yes Wooded Lot: Yes Development Covenants: None noted

413 Cloverdale Cir, Crofton, NE

Price: $120000

If a quiet, secluded location is your dream, you need to check out this home located in the Devil’s Nest! Sit by 1 of the 2 fireplaces and enjoy the beautiful wooded views and wildlife – everywhere you look. Newer siding, roof, wiring are just the beginning with 2016 flooring/lighting updates. 2 bedrooms plus 2 non conforming, 2 baths. Open layout with family room, pool table and walkout lower level. This is also turn key – all furnishings are included!

202 W Luella St, Crofton, NE

Price: $9500

Corner lot in North area of Crofton – quiet street with easy access to North Park, downtown and Hwy 121. Water, sewer, electric and natural gas at the site. Lot outline is approximated

211 W Sharon St, Crofton, NE

Price: $9500

Nice level lot in North area of Crofton – quiet street with easy access to North Park, downtown and Hwy 121. Water, sewer, electric and natural gas at the site. Lot outline is approximated

from Houses For Sale – The OC Home Search http://www.theochomesearch.com/houses-for-sale-in-crofton-ne/ from OC Home Search https://theochomesearch.tumblr.com/post/158128407055