Dear ,

It's amazing how just a scent or sound or taste can bring back such vivid memories. The scent of dill always reminds me of summer days pickling cucumbers with my mom. She made the absolute best dill pickles Seriously, even people outside our family would ask for them, they were that good. We grew our cucumbers and dill, so everything was fresh right out of the garden.

My mom's been gone nine years now. Although I haven't kept up her tradition of pickling and canning, I do still love having a vegetable garden. The dogs love it, too! Huck has been on duty making sure there are no invaders under the sweet potato vines.

Years ago, I came up with a recipe that combines those wonderful flavors and scents of dill and cucumber fresh out of my garden. And everytime I sprinkle on the dill (actually, heap on the dill!), it reminds me of my mom. I'll leave the recipe at the bottom of this email.

I hope you're enjoying the sights and sounds along with the tastes and smells of summer wherever you are.

VIR LUNCHEON

I can't believe the luncheon is only a couple months away! If you haven't registered yet, but want to come, please register soon. Find out more HERE.

I'll be doing a presentation that will include some reminiscing. After twenty-five years there are a lot of stories to share. And yes, I promise we will laugh…a lot.

We have a special guest. Emilee Minnick is a professional K9 trainer and handler. She's going to treat us to a scent demonstration with her dogs Maizey and Buzz.

Speaking of dogs, $5 of your registration fee and a portion of the event's book sales go to our favorite local senior dog sanctuary, Promise4Paws. I match each donation dollar. Last year those of you who attended helped us contribute $2,000.

Most of all, this is a chance for us to meet, talk, laugh, take photos, get some books signed, laugh some more, take home cool swag and enjoy the company of other booklovers. Oh, and have lunch!

Check it out HERE. I'd love to see you!

AUGUST IS NATIONAL DOG MONTH

MEET HERCULES

I'm always excited to discover new ways dogs are utilized. I had no idea airports started hiring handlers and trained border collies to clear their airfields of birds.

I'm not a good flyer. Any time you read about Maggie O'Dell having angst about being 30,000 feet above control, just know that she got that from me. But I didn't realize this was such a widespread problem. In 2023 alone, U.S. airports reported 19,000 strikes involving planes and birds. Remember it was a flock of Canadian geese that downed "Sully" Sullenberger's flight into the Hudson River back in 2009.

Border collies, like Hurcules, have an instinct to herd, not kill. At eighteen-months-old, he began training alongside geese and sheep at Flyaway Geese. The business located in North Carolina specializes in training dogs to deal with "nuisance wildlife problems" with "humane methods". Their dogs go on to work at airports across the country.

If you ever fly in or out of West Virginia International Yeager Airport, be on the lookout for Hercules.

GET or GIFT A READER TRAVEL PACK

Have you gotten in a summer vacation, yet? Maybe you're still hoping for a short getaway or a staycation. We're extending our READER TRAVEL PACK promo.

Get a signed paperback, travel mug, tote bag and dog leash (because, of course, the dog[s] coming with you.) For a limited time, it's $32.99 – regularly $46 !! : GET ONE HERE

ENTER TO WIN

In honor of NATIONAL DOG MONTH, our giveaway includes this canvas tote bag: HOME is where the DOG IS; an Alex Kava water bottle; a signed copy of BREAKING CREED; a ball cap with "All I care about is my DOG and like maybe 3 People;" a collapsible dog dish/water bowl and an Alex Kava dog leash.

To enter send an email to contests@alexkava.com and tell us your favorite flavor of ice cream.

SUMMER GARDEN RECIPE

Here's the cucumber recipe I mentioned.

Slice cucumber, cherry or grape tomatoes and green onion. Mix red wine vineger with olive oil (I usually use 3:1, but I like it a little tart, Mix to your own taste preference). Add salt and pepper. (I prefer fresh ground) Sprinkle on dill. Enjoy!

As always, thank you for reading my books and sharing them with others. I truly appreciate it.