Hocking Hills

Yes, I promised these photos a while back. I had a few issues loading the pictures because I still have dial-up internet service (this story could be a 2000 word rant). Hope you enjoy them and consider making a trip to see Hocking Hills in person.
This first photo was taken at the Lower Falls at Old Man's Cave.

Next is a view from the Rim Trail at Conkle's Hollow. Those are tops of trees in the gorge. The cliff in the middle of the picture is about 200 feet high, with the trail following pretty closely along its edge.

This is the view looking out of Rock House into the gorge. Rock House is over a 100 feet long and about fifty feet high inside. Sandstone pillars form the front of the structure.

Hocking Hills is the setting for most of my stories. Breathtaking and inspiring!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With a Kick!

Time to Play Catch Up

Have three weeks really passed since my last post? This has been a busy July. The hubby, kids, and I spent part of a week at Salt Fork State Park, a short drive from the site of hubby's 62nd annual family reunion. Yes, 62 years in a row. Amazing, isn't it? We got to catch up with people we see once a year, ate lots of good food, played Bingo, and had our official meeting. Hubby is president. I am secretary/treasurer. What a fun day!

A couple days later hubby and son left to go camping for four days. I stayed home and wrote and edited about 12 hours every day. Very productive with a quiet house. : )

I have also been trying to keep up with the garden. The green beans and zucchini have buried me, but I love having fresh vegetables. The eggplant and tomatoes have started as well. I promise to post some recipes using those ingredients!

And on to preparing for the RWA National Conference. I have the proper business professional clothing, business cards, a tentative schedule of events, appointments, and workshops, a polished manuscript, my pitch, and a stomach full of butterflies. Excited, but nervous. Am I ready to meet and mingle with 2100 writers of romance? Sounds overwhelming. I think I'll take a deep breath and dive in!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With a Kick!

Wednesday's Recipe - Summer Cottage Cheese Salad

Today's recipe is an adaption of Molly Katzen's White Rabbit Salad from The Moosewood Cookbook. It's a great addition to summer barbecues and picnics. Light, healthy, and easy to prepare. All of my favorites on those busy don't-really-feel-like-cooking days of summer.

Summer Cottage Cheese Salad

24 oz. low-fat small curd cottage cheese
1 large apple (I prefer Gala), cored and chopped into 1/2 cubes
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 golden raisins
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Variations: Try peach, nectarine, or pear in place of apple. Substitute 1 cup of halved grapes for raisins. Use pecans instead of walnuts. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted sunflower seeds. Omit poppy seeds and add 1/8 teaspoon chili powder.

Don't you love summer recipes that don't require turning on the oven or stove?! Enjoy!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With a Kick!