Kim McMahill

I don’t know why this was such a surprise, but it was. There is a significant wine industry outside of Halifax in the Annapolis Valley. They grow their own grapes and produce fine wines. I guess I always assumed Nova Scotia was too far north for such an enterprise, but the moderating effect of the ocean has made it possible. The countryside was a peaceful place of quaint towns, farmers markets, and of course vineyards. As with most places I visit, I only wish I had had more time to explore.

Best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have the opportunity to share this holiday with family and friends. For a twist on the traditional Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, I often make pumpkin cheesecake. If you want to give it a whirl this year, here’s my favorite recipe. Enjoy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.     PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE Crust : Crush 10 whole graham crackers and mix with 3 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of butter. Press into a 10 inch cheesecake spring pan (bottom and 2 inches up the sides). Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove. Filling : Beat together until smooth, 2 (8-oz) packages of cream cheese (works best if softened), 1 cup of light cream, 1 cup of canned pumpkin, ¾ cup of sugar, 4 egg yolks (save whites in a separate bowl), 3 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon each of ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Beat egg whites until stiff and gently fold into the pumpkin mixture. Pour ove...

If you love romantic suspense and adventure, but your life only allows for audio books during the morning commute, precious moments of exercise, etc., four of my novels are available in audio on Amazon. I’ve posted the blurbs below. Just click on the title to go directly to each book’s page on Amazon. Enjoy! A Dose of Danger :   When researcher Grace Talbot and her team discover a possible solution for weight loss they are targeted by a group dedicated to controlling the multi-billion dollar a year diet-product industry. Her unsanctioned testing methods bring tragedy to the family ranch and the attention of the local sheriff’s deputy. With her colleagues either dead, missing, or on the run she soon realizes she must trust the deputy with her life, but can she trust him with her heart? (Risky Research Series Book 1) A Taste of Tragedy : Morgan Hunter uncovers evidence that the healthy foods she’s been hired to promote may be dangerous. To learn the truth, she must cross a d...

There were an overwhelming number of things to do and see in Boston. After checking out the scene along the waterfront, we opted for a beer and distillery tour. I always enjoy visiting local industries whether they are an integral part of the historic fabric of a city or region or a burgeoning new enterprise. Some of the stops were more interesting than others, but all-in-all, it was an interesting and entertaining look at Boston.

The last entrance fee-free day into our National Parks in 2018 is November 11 (Veterans Day). Mark you calendar and be sure to visit your favorite National Park for free. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm .

Though I have been to New York City several times, I know little to nothing about the east coast of the United States or New England culture. I just finished up traveling along the east coast of the U.S. and Canada and was amazed at the beauty along the coast, the historic buildings, and charm of the towns and cities. Newport, Rhode Island was a special place. I got the impression it might be a little overrun with visitors during the summer, but we found it slowing down. As we walked through town, classic cars rolled by on their way to a car show out at the fort. We stumbled onto a boat restoration school and were invited in by the only student working that day to check it out. But, best of all was the food. It was exciting to finally enjoy my first lobster roll and I look forward to future visits.

Here are a few special day in November to keep in mind. November 1: All Saint’s Day November 1-2: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) November 4: Daylight Savings time ends November 6: U.S. General Election November 11: Veteran’s Day November 13: Caregiver Appreciation Day and Sadie Hawkins Day November 20: Universal Children’s Day November 22: Thanksgiving Day