a bit of cleaning

We are home.  We went to the mountains for the weekend to have our family Christmas.  And fun was had by all!!  We did some sledding, played on the ice, took daily hikes and watched lots of Doctor Who.  Totally a fun time.!!!

Today I started putting a bit of the decorations away.  The villages are tucked away for another year.  The granddaughters Christmas tree is undecorated and ready to be boxed for the year (those girls had six strings of beads on that little 4 foot tree - what a hoot).  The large nativity set is put away. The nativity water balls are still out, some of the baubles are still out, and the big tree, but for the most part I am beginning the tucking away process. 

It is still the Christmas season so I don't want to put it all away but I want the quieter decorations not the bling...  So as I'm tucking away I'm running the dust cloth and the sweeper.  It's looking fresh and still a bit festive. 

I pray your new year, 2014, is blessed and happy, fresh and festive!
a little bird

Happy Christmas - Happy Boxing Day

Did you have a wonderful Christmas?  I hope you did.  DH and I went to Christmas eve candlelight service and then yesterday we enjoyed a lovely quiet day.  I baked rolls and made two batches of English toffee.  We watched BBC programs on youtube, rested, talked and simply had a lovely day.

We went to our #1 son's for a fantastic dinner in the evening.   We are having our family Christmas this weekend.  All the presents are wrapped and the food is purchased so our weekend will be busy and fun filled but I have to say yesterday was truly a great way to spend the day. 

I'm thinking of the shops today.  Thinking I should make a run just to see what's on sale etc... 
Hope your Christmas was grand.

a little bird

Christmas is the gift

O Holy Night

A Kids View of the Christmas Story

Merry Christmas!  May you be richly blessed and highly favored.
a little bird

Peppermint Bark

Peppermint Bark for $27.00 a pound, a bit high for me.

Here is a recipe that you can make at home for MUCH less!

Peppermint Bark:

6 ounces (170 grams) semi sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
6 ounces (170 grams) white chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 - 1/2 cup (50 - 80 grams) crushed candy canes

Peppermint Bark: Line the bottom and sides of baking pan with aluminum foil, smoothing out any wrinkles.

Melt 6 ounces semi sweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Immediately pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan and tilt the pan so the chocolate makes an even layer. Place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.

Then, melt 6 ounces white chocolate and remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Immediately pour the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate and tilt the pan so the chocolate is in an even layer. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the white chocolate. Place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.

Remove the Peppermint Bark from the pan by lifting the edges of the aluminum foil. Peel back the foil and break the bark into small irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Makes about 25 pieces. Preparation time 45 minutes.

You can make this for under $5.00 at home.  A much better price than $27.00 and it will taste wonderful!   The above recipe is from Joyofbaking.com

I added crushed peppermint to my white chocolate (almond bark)  and then sprinkled more on top.
This is an A+ recipe!

A Troopers Christmas Eve

Table Scape - think out of the box

This is my mother's china pattern.  Forever Spring - but how do I make forever spring Christmas??

Think out of the box.  Christmas doesn't have to be just red and green so here it is green and pink. 

 

Green Charger

Forever Spring dinner plate

Dark pink salad plate

vintage napkin with pink roses

pink fruit compote

 

Most of these items were gifts I bought the pink salad plates years back, the crystal bowl for the center piece, and the cordial glasses.  Other than that all of these pieces were gifts.



 

 

quite an eclectic mix

 

This little plate green with pink roses belonged to my husbands grandmother, there are five.  So if I was sitting the table for more than five I would need to do some mix and match but that is half the fun!!! 

 

These were found at TJ Maxx

 

Pink Christmas balls and pearls and the table is set.

 

Do you like to set a pretty table?  I have to admit I do.  I like dishes.  Ask my DH he will tell you its true.  I am always on the lookout for a pretty dish. 

(And of course old sewing machines but that's another story...)

 

I hope you are having a blessed and beautiful season as you prepare for Christmas.

a little bird



Go Paperless...

This is too cute not to share. :-)

Outdoor Safety

My dear husband teaches hunters safety archery. This is a video that is show and full of great outdoor information!

Yesterday and Today

I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful!  We went to dinner at our eldest son's home.  The last 4 or 5 years they have had us over.  Our daughter-in-love's family comes down, we go over and we all of us have a wonderful time.  What a blessing to enjoy the families our children married into. 

We were on for drinks and a veggie tray.  So sodas and juice were the drinks of choice. 

And then of course yummy veggies.  Our granddaughters love fresh vegetables.  What a great thing that is!

 

Well it wasn't on my list but I had a longing for cheesecake so I made a

Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake

recipe HERE

 

It is an easy recipe and delicious!

 

Today I decided I better get the Advent Calendars done for the girls.

Thankfully the envelopes had all been folded and numbers adhered prior too as it took a good amount of time filling and tying them together.  But I think the girls will enjoy counting down to Christmas.

 

 

fun goodies and little toys

 

 

There are four of these - one for each girl.

 

DH trimmed some branches from the apple tree.  They needed to be pruned so it worked for both of us.  The envelopes are pockets folded to hold the little treats.

 

They will open one a day December 1st - 24th.

 

After that we ran to pick-up a few items.  We didn't get to the store until 5:00ish so most of the major 'black Friday' crowds were gone. ;-)

 

Again I hope your day was lovely and as Advent begins you too turn your heart toward the real meaning of the season.

a little bird

 

 

 

 

Happy Hanukkah and happy Thanksgiving

How appropriate that these two days of  thanking God would fall together this year.

 

Hanukkah - what is it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving and a Happy Hanukkah.

 

 

 

Hillsdale College

33 E. College St. Hillsdale, MI 49242 | Phone: (517) 437-7341 | Fax: (517) 437-3923

Are you familiar with Hillsdale College?

There are great free lectures available.

Declaration of Independence
Constitution
History
Economics

What a great free resources.

a little bird

P.S.
There are many more lectures available:
https://soundcloud.com/hillsdale-college
I had to sign up for a free Sound Cloud account.

Jerky treats leave nearly 600 dogs dead...

Jerky treats leave nearly 600 dogs dead in 'mysterious outbreak', FDA says

Please read the above article.

My best recommendation is read where the treats are from.  If they are from China I wouldn't buy them.

a little bird

Got “Enough”?

Struggling with the concept of “enough”? Americans are obsessed with “more”, which often results in stress. “Enough” is different for everyone. Slow down. Stop pushing the “more” button. Think about what is enough for you…

·         Enough challenge

·         Enough clothes

·         Enough food

·         Enough prestige

·         Enough income

·         Enough house

·         Enough car

·         Enough time for the goals that matter to you…

Stop buying into someone else’s definition of enough. Figure it out for your life. Your stress level may go down. 

This was in public newsletter - I think it is full of wisdom.  Sometimes we all want bigger, better, more.  Let's take a time out and enjoy some 'enough'.

a little bird

Grapes

The grapes are DONE!!!!!!!!!!  I'm so glad to have that checked off my list.

DH and I went out this morning and got them all picked. 

 

Here are some of the finished product.  I will wash the jars and take the rings off tomorrow.    But the kitchen is cleaned up and the canners are washed and drying to be put away for awhile.

 

I like to can and I love having our home grown food put by for winter but I am always, always glad to have it done by the end of the season. 

a little bird

My day in pictures

This peels, cores and slices

 

apples in 1 gallon of water and 3000 mg of vitamin C tabs crushed to prevent browning

 

peels, cores, chucks for making apple juice for jelly

 

 

tomatoes, peppers, onions, kale, cabbage, garlic, beets

cook until tender and wonderful

 

press through the food mill

 

wonderful veg juice

pressure can at the time for the longest vegetable added

 

Some of the food put by

apple slices, vegetable juice, apple jelly

12 quarts of vegetable juice
10 pints of apple slices
7 1/2 pints of apple jelly

I still have a  half box of apples left but not tonight.  The kitchen has been cleaned and is now closed.
a little bird

 

Another blog - really...

What was I thinking... Do I really need/want one more blog.  Do you sometimes you have a great idea, or at the time it seems like a great idea, but then reality sets in... do I honestly have time or even material to generate another blog?

I thought a blog just dedicated to sewing would be fun - and maybe in the future.

But my life is such a blend of events and tasks.  Sometimes I'm sewing, sometimes I'm canning, or putting food by, sometimes I have fun family events and news to share.  I don't live a catagorized life and that's a good thing I like the mix.  All that to say - I'm just not sure I can keep three blogs going.  I will stick with The Sweet Little Bird as my main way of sharing who I am and what I'm up to.  And in the event that there is someting marvolus in a sewing event or project I will post it to Robin's Bobbin.

all the very best,
a little bird, Robin's Bobbin, Hives and Honey Bees (aka me)

Case Lot Sales

I love the case lot sales!!!  I wait for them with great anticipation!  Well out west they have arrived.  I like to buy my evaporated milk when it goes on sale for 1/3 to 1/2 the price I would normally pay.  We buy other things too... beans, DH likes canned beans, fruit, always good to have on hand for our granddaughters if I don't have fresh to slice up, dried veggies, wonderful for a quick add to soup or stews, vital wheat gluten, perfect for when baking bread, and the list goes on and on...

If you too have case lot sales you your area, I would highly recommend buying items you would buy anyway.  Don't buy things you wouldn't eat, it's a waste of money - but if you use a lot of evaporated milk and are going to buy it anyway, like I do, then it pays to buy it when it's on a good sale.  Sometimes as much as 40 cents off per can, that really adds up.

Happy day and get to the store for the case lot sale!!
:-)
a little bird

Plums

 

Yummy plums!!!

 

I was given a lovely box of plums today.  I think they are Damson.  They taste wonderful.

 

We will keep some out for fresh but I currently have two canners going, 18 pints.  I still have enough for one more canner but it's too late to do more tonight.  I got a late start...

 

We have tomatoes on the vine.  I think we will pick Thursday so I can put them up Friday.  That's the plan anyway.  :-)

Not much else going on.  We will probably have a freeze Thursday night so need to get everything but the grapes picked.  The grapes like a freeze to sugar.  Then it will be time for grape juice and maybe some grape jelly.  That just sounds good.

Happy day!

a little bird

Windows 8

I learned something today... 

Every time our new computer would go to sleep or hibernate when we woke it up again the desktop icons were gone and the taskbar didn't work...  A bit frustrating!

I then called HP support - sorry but that is a SCAM - I spoke with W. and he said he would have to go into my computer remotely to fix it .  That the fix wasn't an easy one, and the fee would be ---

I said no thank you.  Actually I said "W. I just bought this computer 2 days ago and I'm not paying you to fix anything."  I thanked him and hung up.  So I kept searching the net, someone else had to have had this problem too, right?  Right.

We were set up as a dual screen instead of single.  Who knew.  But if you too have that problem change your settings.

Happy bird again.
a little bird

A new computer

 

 

We are a computer using family!!  We really missed it being out a week - so yesterday when going to the big city for a meeting I stopped on my way home and picked up a new one...

It has Windows 8 on it - a bit of a learning curve is happening here.   I really think we will like it once we are used to it.  Very different!!

But we are up and running again.  We will take the old computer (6 years old) in and if it can be repaired it will be a second computer.  Really that's is a good thing.  DH and I both use it as well #1 son and wife stop in and use it too.  So I'm really hoping the old one can be fixed so we will all have two.

Hope you're having a great day!
a little bird

September is National Preparedness Month

Here are a few great links to help with preparedness.

Ready Kids 

Developing a family disaster plan

Gathering emergency supplies

Learning how to shelter in place

Understanding quarantine and isolation

Learning how to maintain a healthy state of mind

Get a Kit

Make a Plan

Be Informed

Get Involved

Computer on the fritz

Our home computer is on the fritz...  We (I) am trying to get all our files and pictures off before its gone completely.   This morning DH said one of those back-up systems is looking really good right now.  True!

I was able to do a post to Robin's Bobbin yesterday but the pictures are sideways.  (I took them on my phone, the wrong way and can't right them.)  :-)

So my blog posts may be intermittent at best right now.

Last night we picked the few apples we have and I made three apple crisps.  One for eating and two for the freezer, or two for eating and one for the freezer, or, oh heck, all three for eating, who cares right!!  ;-)

We went for a long weekend in Yellowstone National Park this past weekend.  BEAUTIFUL time of year to go.  DH took over 600 pictures we just can't download them yet...  But we will and I will share.

We saw two grizzly bears on kills, wolves on a kill, bison, elk, deer, coyote, and a fox.  I think that was all.  Lots of game!!!  We also did the hikes to the falls, around the geyser loop (and got to see Lion group, Castle and Old Faithful go off),  Dragon's Calderon, etc...  It was a wonderful get away.  DH is missing the park already and ready to head back any time.  When we're retired we will spend more than four days.

Hope you are all well and enjoying a wonderful fall.
a little bird

September - Nation Preparedness Month

That time of year again - busy

It feels like we are on the busy side of the year.  Fall is getting wood, putting food by, doing all the needed things for winter...  Oh and lets throw in working a pay money job too.  :-)

I wonder if God planned it that way?  Hurry, scurry and then when winter arrives and the snow blankets the earth to give it a rest from producing and it gives us a rest from putting by too.  We serve a wonderful God.

But it isn't winter yet, fall has just begun, so we are right in the middle of 'putting by' season.

We went to the hills Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and came home Sunday.  It was a wood gathering time.  The fellows cut and hauled numerous truck and trailer loads out for our winters warmth.

Monday d-i-l did her beautiful pickles.  They were at the perfect flavor so it was time to get them processed.  I did a batch of lemon curd.  And the fellows all went to do bees.

Tuesday evening I processed my pickles and DH and I jarred the filtered honey.  (That is always a sweet yet sticky job...  which requires a good kitchen wash up afterward.)  Then it was time for bed.

DH came in and said the apples are ready and the tomatoes are really coming on.  This is all good too and they will need to be fit into the evening schedule.

I hope you are all having a beautiful fall and busy 'putting by' your stores for winter too.
hugs,
the ant, no no no I mean, a little bird

d-i-l's beautiful pickles

my pickles - low temperature pasteurization 

cooling for 12 - 24 hours before moving

if you do it can interrupt the sealing process

the honey jars are washed and drying to remove any sweet sticky residue

I didn't get a picture of all the wood

I will put that on my list of  'to dos'

Have a GREAT day!!

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. – Proverbs 6:6-8

I don't want to be called a sluggard so I better keep busy.

Lemon Curd

I love lemon curd.  It is like whipped lemon custard, light and delectable!  It's wonderful with pound cake, in a baked pie shell, tart, spread on scones, and the list goes on and on...  Did you know you can home can Lemon Curd?  Yes, you can!  It's really easy and oh so tasty!

Canned Lemon Curd

• 2½ cups superfine sugar*
• ½ cup lemon zest (freshly zested), optional
• 1 cup bottled lemon juice**
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, chilled, cut into approximately ¾" pieces
• 7 large egg yolks
• 4 large whole eggs

Special Equipment Needed: lemon zester, balloon whisk, 1½ quart double boiler*** (the top double boiler pan should be at least 1½-quart volume), strainer, kitchen thermometer measuring at least up to 180°F, glass or stainless steel medium mixing bowl, silicone spatula or cooking spoon, and equipment for boiling water canning.Yield: About 3 to 4 half-pint jars
Please read Using Boiling Water Canners before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.
Procedure:

	1.	Wash 4 half-pint canning jars with warm, soapy water. Rinse well; keep hot until ready to fill. Prepare canning lids according to manufacturer's directions.
	2.	Fill boiling water canner with enough water to cover the filled jars by 1 to 2 inches. Use a thermometer to preheat the water to 180°F by the time filled jars are ready to be added. Caution: Do not heat the water in the canner to more than 180°F before jars are added. If the water in the canner is too hot when jars are added, the process time will not be long enough. The time it takes for the canner to reach boiling after the jars are added is expected to be 25 to 30 minutes for this product. Process time starts after the water in the canner comes to a full boil over the tops of the jars.
	3.	Combine the sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl, stir to mix, and set aside about 30 minutes. Pre-measure the lemon juice and prepare the chilled butter pieces.
	4.	Heat water in the bottom pan of the double boiler until it boils gently. The water should not boil vigorously or touch the bottom of the top double boiler pan or bowl in which the curd is to be cooked. Steam produced will be sufficient for the cooking process to occur.
	5.	In the top of the double boiler, on the counter top or table, whisk the egg yolks and whole eggs together until thoroughly mixed. Slowly whisk in the sugar and zest, blending until well mixed and smooth. Blend in the lemon juice and then add the butter pieces to the mixture.
	6.	Place the top of the double boiler over boiling water in the bottom pan. Stir gently but continuously with a silicone spatula or cooking spoon, to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a temperature of 170°F. Use a food thermometer to monitor the temperature.
	7.	Remove the double boiler pan from the stove and place on a protected surface, such as a dish cloth or towel on the counter top. Continue to stir gently until the curd thickens (about 5 minutes). Strain curd through a mesh strainer into a glass or stainless steel bowl; discard collected zest.
	8.	Fill hot strained curd into the clean, hot half-pint jars, leaving ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened, clean paper towel; apply two-piece metal canning lids.
	9.	Process in the prepared boiling water canner according to the recommendations in Table 1. Let cool, undisturbed, for 12 to 24 hours and check for seals.

Table 1. Recommended process time for Canned Lemon Curd in a boiling-water canner.
		Process Time at Altitudes of
Style of Pack	Jar Size	0 - 1,000 ft	1,001 - 6,000 ft	Above 6,000 ft
Hot	Half-pints	15 min	20	25

Pickle update and Peaches

The pickles are looking good.  We cut one last night and tasted and they are well on their way to yummy dills.  That said I really felt like the brine wasn't as heavy as I wanted.  So... I added salt and vinegar.

Recipe from the 2009 Ball Canning Book

10 pounds cucumbers
1 1/2 cups canning salt
2 cups vinegar
2 gallons water

3/4 cup mixed pickling spices, 2 to 3 bunches of fresh or dried dill, garlic (optional)

These should be ready to can in 2 to 3 weeks.  :-)

I personally just prefer a stronger brine.  I know both are tested and safe.

Last night was peaches.  18 pounds for $20.00  not a wonderful price but that is the price this year so if you want peaches you pay it...

I freeze my peaches - they taste just like fresh off the tree.

1 quart sliced peaches
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons fruit fresh

Stir together and let set for 10 min. so the sugar dissolves.  Put these into your freezer bags or containers and pop into the freezer.

(the recipe calls for 2/3 cup sugar but that just seems like too much, 1/2 cup is lots of sugar!)


These are wonderful in a pie or just in a dish.

Piccalilli

Today was piccalilli.

Chopped and salted, let set to draw out juices.

Drain well - twist to get all the extra liquid out.

This is a little muslin bag for my spices.  Buy some muslin wash it and you have materials to make tea bags, spices bags, etc...

Vinegar, brown sugar and spice bag

It smells good in my house.

18 jars 

I will let these set over night so they are cooled and then I will wash them, remove rings and shelve.

If you would like to try Piccalilli too click HERE 

Crock Pickles

What a wonderful time of year.  I pray that you are enjoying the bounty of God's blessings and putting by food for winter.

Last night D-i-L and I did crock pickles.  She was given a huge amount of wonderful cucumbers.  She gave some to her sister and then shared with us as well.  :-)   Cucumbers for three families that's a lot!

We decided to do fermented dills.  If you too have extra cucumbers you may want to try Crock Pickles too.

Preparing and Canning Fermented Foods

Dill Pickles

Use the following quantities for each gallon capcity of your container.

• 4 lbs of 4-inch pickling cucumbers
• 2 tbsp dill seed or 4 to 5 heads fresh or dry dill weed
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/4 cup vinegar (5 percent)
• 8 cups water and one or more of the following ingredients:
  • 2 cloves garlic (optional)
  • 2 dried red peppers (optional)
  • 2 tsp whole mixed pickling spices (optional)

Procedure: Wash cucumbers. Cut 1/16-inch slice off blossom end and discard. Leave 1/4-inch of stem attached. Place half of dill and spices on bottom of a clean, suitable container. For more information on containers see "Suitable Containers, Covers, and Weights for Fermenting Food," . Add cucumbers, remaining dill, and spices. Dissolve salt in vinegar and water and pour over cucumbers. Add suitable cover and weight. Store where temperature is between 70ºF and 75ºF for about 3 to 4 weeks while fermenting. Temperatures of 55º to 65ºF are acceptable, but the fermentation will take 5 to 6 weeks. Avoid temperatures above 80ºF, or pickles will become too soft during fermentation. Fermenting pickles cure slowly. Check the container several times a week and promptly remove surface scum or mold. Caution: If the pickles become soft, slimy, or develop a disagreeable odor, discard them. Fully fermented pickles may be stored in the original container for about 4 to 6 months, provided they are refrigerated and surface scum and molds are removed regularly. Canning fully fermented pickles is a better way to store them. To can them, pour the brine into a pan, heat slowly to a boil, and simmer 5 minutes. Filter brine through paper coffee filters to reduce cloudiness, if desired. Fill jar with pickles and hot brine, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process as recommended in Table 1 , or use the low-temperature pasteurization treatment described below.

The following treatment results in a better product texture but must be carefully managed to avoid possible spoilage. Place jars in a canner filled half way with warm (120º to 140ºF) water. Then, add hot water to a level 1 inch above jars. Heat the water enough to maintain 180º to 185º F water temperature for 30 minutes. Check with a candy or jelly thermometer to be certain that the water temperature is at least 180ºF during the entire 30 minutes. Temperatures higher than 185ºF may cause unnecessary softening of pickles.

Table 1. Recommended process time for Dill Pickles in a boiling-water canner.
		Process Time at Altitudes of
Style of Pack	Jar Size	0 - 1,000 ft	1,001 - 6,000 ft	Above 6,000 ft
Raw	Pints	10 min	15	20
	Quarts	15	20	25

Information from the National Center for Home Food Preservation

Lonesome already...

The kids are all moved into their new mountain home.   We went up overnight to help set-up and unpack a bit.   They are starting a wonderful new adventure.  We have loved having them stay with us.  And both Craig and I are lonesome for them already.

We will be heading north for a cup of coffee often I think.

This is one of their beautiful views.

Family Time

We are having family time.  My mom and DH's mom flew out together last Tuesday.  They will stay through this week and then head back to their homes in MI.  Neither had ever met the youngest of our grandchildren 3 years and 2 years. And they hadn't seen the older two in a long while either.  So the visiting has been going strong.  DH has family out here so we have had a real family reunion!!

We drove up to C&K's new to them house yesterday.  It is really a cool place!  They have a big country kitchen, nice living space, cozy bedrooms, great office, and that's only the downstairs!!!  The house is a big old country house so their is a full upstairs as well.  There are 3 unfinished bedrooms that will need some TLC but so cool!!!  A great finished 'huge' bedroom with private bath and then a sewing/crafting room that has an entire wall of built in cabinets.  They will have so much fun up there.

The camp itself is wonderful!!  We hiked around the main developed areas.   A beautiful place.  What a GREAT place to raise children!!  

So all is well at our house we are just very busy right now.  

I am headed to the garden as the kale is ready to be cut again.  The cabbage can wait a bit longer, the tomatoes are coming on nicely too.  

I pray God's richest blessing upon you as you go about your day.

a little bird

WICK Omnibus!

WICK Omnibus August 10th Release

Wow!!  You can now get all four Wick books in one.  The WICK Omnibus!  

The W1CK series is an apocalyptic thriller.  It is beautiful and haunting, action packed and poignant.

 Mr. Bunker's writing style is captivating.    The plot draws you in and holds your attention as you are introduced to the different characters.  Mr. Bunker paints them very vividly, showing you their wisdom and imperfections. 

I was drawn to the characters and their fate.  

This omnibus is available August 10th.

So if you are looking for one last great summer read I would recommend this book.

I believe it will cause you to pause and think and challenge you to take an inward and outward look.

a little bird

Reviews:

“An Epic Story of Hardship and Survival”

Praise for WICK

“…WICK has rocked my world and shaken everything inside me…”

“Michael Bunker goes way beyond writing a popular thriller: he clearly has a literary agenda, making the W1CK series so rich and so deep you could analyse each and every page and write a whole book about it. I guess you'd have to call it W1CK1P3D1A.”

“…The writing is excellent. We need more Indie writers like this … Michael's writing changed my perception of this life quite a bit. I hope it does the same for you.”

“ …The characters are richly constructed …. The prose is easy to read and the story develops smoothly. I can't wait to find out what happens but I don't want the story to end! “

“ …combines the best of Sinclair Lewis and James Howard Kunstler in a truly great read that will both engage you and challenge you to think- and choose wisely.”

 “ ….Mr. Bunker has managed to write a carefully crafted and extremely, disturbingly believable piece of fiction about the modern human condition.”

“Exciting, riveting and compelling story… Highly recommended reading…”

 “ …So glad I took the plunge and got hooked on this thrilling series! Characters that are personable. Settings in vivid detail. Couldn't wait to move on to the second book!”

“…I was kept guessing at every turn of this book. I love how this story becomes rich and alive in my mind without being tedious or over-written. He tells you just enough to keep you engaged, but doesn't overwhelm with detail.”

“…It had me fully engaged from page one.”

“…Great fiction with a lot of realistic probabilities. Not your typical end of the world doomsday thriller.”

 “I love Michael's way of writing and the subjects he writes about…. “

 “… packed with great characters, suspense, philosophy, and thought-provoking ideas.”

“…will have you reading non-stop into the wee hours of the night and will leave you gasping for air.”

 “Ok, this book has me on the hook… I very rarely read fiction but this outing by Michael Bunker has been terrific. … Buy it for yourself and your friends.”

“This was the most intriguing book I have ever read. It started out to be a journey and ended up with nail biting, edge of your seat conclusion. …What a rush this was.”

 “ … The writing is gorgeous, tactile, vivid, with a plot yarn that unfolds a landscape beautiful and terrifying.”

“I was engaged in the story from the start - something I've missed from many other authors from this genre recently. Nice to see some real literary talent and wit in this genre.”

 “A compelling story that is beautifully written. Each sentence simply melts into the next. Michael Bunker has a gift for awakening the imagination. …”

 “You can't go wrong when you have fiction with excitement for the brain AND heart. Combine that with the lurking knowledge that many elements of this story could be off the fiction backburner and onto full heat reality very soon, and, well, it all adds up to one I could not put down.”

 “I found it to be a captivating use of the English language. Packed with well written, thought provoking mental imagery.”

“…I could hardly put it down. Read in two sittings. Like eating a beautifully prepared, delicious meal when you are really hungry, eating so fast, scraping every speck and morsel from the plate…”

“ … Michael Bunker draws you in with his beautiful imagery and storytelling. I have a feeling I'll be following this author for some time!”

 “The twists and turns keep coming. This is an excellent read. And the kindle version is so inexpensive that you would be foolish not to read it.”

“ … Entertaining and thought-provoking. Can't wait to get my hard copy because you never know if the power will go out.”

“…I literally read it in one sitting because I could NOT PUT IT DOWN. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.”