Kim McMahill

Jack had seen too much death in his thirty-four years of life ¾ some was the natural result of living, but most had come at his own hand or at the hands of others. He would do it again if he had to, but he wished somehow they could find a way out of this mess without him having to kill anyone. . . To get your copy of Marked In Mexico directly from Amazon for your Kindle click here .

This year’s tomato harvest is much later than I’m used to due to the higher elevation here in Colorado, but the tomatoes are even more beautiful than ever.  I just wanted to share nature’s work of art. I’m always amazed at how much joy a garden can bring.

I thought it would be appropriate to wrap up my mini-tribute to our national parks on this day, the National Park Service’s 100 th birthday, with a salute to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.  Located in South Dakota’s beautiful Black Hills, this American icon should be on everyone’s list of must-see sites. Learn more about Mt. Rushmore at https://www.nps.gov/moru . Be sure to take advantage of the fee-free weekend from August 25 through 28, 2016 all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee. For information on other dates where fees are waived visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

Today’s National Parks are near and dear to my heart. I grew up just 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park and worked for many years in Grand Teton National Park. These two northwest Wyoming parks feature breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, interesting history, and plenty of recreational opportunities.  Yellowstone is probably most famous, though, for its unique and spectacular geo-thermal features, and for being the first national park. Park specific information can be found at https://nps.gov/yell and https://nps.gov/grte . From August 25 through 28, 2016 all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

If you find yourself in southern Florida there are two must see National Park Service units. Located west of Homestead, Florida is Everglades National Park. This park provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species including many species of birds, the American crocodile, manatee, and the Florida panther. Everglades has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected areas under the Cartagena Treaty. For more information visit https://nps.gov/ever . Even further south and almost 70 miles west of Key West you’ll find Dry Tortugas National Park. This unique park is only 100-square miles in size and is mostly open water with seven small islands. The park is home to Fort Jefferson which is almost the size of the island it was built on, amazing coral reefs and marine life, sparkling blue waters, and a diverse assortment of bird life. Dry Tortugas is accessible ...

This Thursday, August 25 th is the 100 th anniversary of the National Park Service. In honor of this auspicious occasion I’ll be featuring a different National Park or two every day through Thursday, so check back each day for a new park. What better place to kick off the tribute than at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty is visible from about anywhere in New York City, but you have to get up close and personal to really appreciate the magnitude of this amazing American icon. Find out more at https://nps.gov/elis . From August 25 through 28, 2016 all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission.  Visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm for more information.

On August 12, 1898, the U.S. annexed Hawaii and on August 21, 1959 Hawaii became the 50 th state. Though statehood was not necessarily welcomed by most of the local population, I can’t imagine a United States without this magnificent place. 

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”  - Mark Twain- 

Be sure to stop by and check out the 9th Anniversary Blog Party. Long and Short Reviews will be giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card, books, and much more. There will be dozens of winners! http://LongandShortReviews.com

I grew up in Wyoming, but until this past July 4 th , I had never floated down the Shoshone River. I don’t really know why since there are a number of commercial river runners in the area I could have went with. I guess I just never thought about it. So, when the opportunity came up to take a private trip with family I jumped on it and was surprised at how amazing it was. There were a few minor rapids, but mostly it was a relaxing scenic outing. We saw no one once on the river, but saw plenty of birds and deer. I had no idea what I was missing. 

I just wanted to give a special shout out to Smokey Bear and wish this American icon a happy 72 nd birthday! To read the story of Smokey and learn more about fire prevention, visit http://www.smokeybear.com. And, here’s a cute picture of a bear cub to make you smile.

Here are a few interesting facts about August and some events that occurred during this month in history. The first U.S. Census was completed on August 1, 1790 revealing a population of 4 million people. On August 2, 1876 Wild Bill Hickock was killed during a poker game. Dom Perignon invented Champagne on August 4, 1693. The Beatles begin their last U.S. concert tour on August 11, 1966. On August 13, 1521 the Spanish defeated the Aztec Indians and conquered Mexico City. The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre on August 22, 1911. And, Amelia Earhart completed her trans-continental flight on August 25, 1932.

Maybe August should just be known and National Food Month. August 3 is National Watermelon Day, August 10 is National S’mores Day, and August 30 is National Marshmallow Toasting Day. I say, jump on board and enjoy the last month of summer by indulging in these summer treats. Happy camping!

“You already have more than a full-time career. This situation will most likely be long-term, so I need to get into a rhythm with the chores and my job, and not get too dependent upon your kindness and nice muscles,” she added with a shy smile.  “So you like my muscles?” “Don’t let it go to your head, Deputy. Remember I work with a bunch of researchers, PhDs, and marketing executives.” He laughed as he turned and walked out the door. Grace stood on the porch and watched until the truck’s taillights disappeared over the rise. Just my luck, I may have met “Mr. Right,” and the timing couldn’t be more wrong. To purchase this book directly from Amazon for your Kindle, click here .