Dear Friends, Today I'm looking forward to talking about one of my favorite TV dogs, Dog from Columbo. Not a very original name, but he was a very cute Basset Hound! Columbo was a mystery series that ran from 1971 - 2003. Dog helped Detective Columbo solve crimes. My Momma loves this show, so I have watched with her, and she has a previous post about the retro TV aspects of this series here: Did You Know Tuesday: Fun Facts About Columbo.
Dog first appeared in the series in the episode Etude in Black (1972). Peter Falk, who played Columbo, was originally not a fan of adding a dog to the series. He thought Columbo already had a rumpled trench coat, a cigar, and a wife who was referred to but never seen. He did not think he needed a dog too.
As a great fan of rescue, I will add that the character Dog was written as a rescue dog. Columbo has a running conversation in Etude in Black about what to name Dog. He considers the names Fido and Beethovan.
The Basset Hound who played Dog was named Henry. He also was a rescue dog from a Los Angeles pound, and if he looks familiar, it is because he played Henry the dog in Emergency!
Over the course of the series we learn that Dog enjoys ice cream, swimming, and television. Henry, the original Basset Hound, passed away during the course of the series and was recast with another very mellow dog. There is a statue of Dog and Columbo in Budapest. Peter Falk was related to 19th century Hungarian political figure Miksa Falk, and the statue is at a street named Falk.
Here is a short video of Dog: Do you remember the TV show Columbo? Are you a Basset Hound fan? I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below. Love, Abby xoxoxo
Book Synopsis It’s early December and Andy Skyberg is itching to blow town for a weekend of holiday cheer with old friends—including a date with an attractive divorcée who thinks he’s hot. But first, Aunt Bev needs a teensy bit of help. She’s managing the Girls’ Weekend Out event at the Beaver Tail Resort and could use some extra muscle. Andy figures he can spare a few hours before hitting the road.
Mother Nature, though, has other plans. A giant blizzard makes an unexpected turn. Andy and his pooch King Harald find themselves snowbound—in a hotel full of hard-partying women, stranded travelers, a hockey team, a man-eating novelist, a belligerent blogger, and one violent, devious jewel thief.
Before you know it, man and mutt are up to their noses in another case. It’s a winter wonderland of fast-paced fun and merry madness, as the sleuthing duo dig out from King Harald’s Snow Job.
Author Bio Richard Audry is the pen name of D. R. Martin. In addition to his career as a journalist and copywriter, D. R. has written a dozen books, both fiction and non-fiction. His current projects include a fantasy adventure trilogy, a canine cozy mystery series, and historical mysteries set at the turn of the last century.
Giveaway (1) Set of The Karma of King Harald, King Harald’s Heist and King Harald’s Snow Job - Print (U.S. Only) Ends November 13. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Dear Friends, I have a famous TV dog this week who I think lots of you will remember. Tiger the dog appeared on the first and second seasons of The Brady Bunch. He was a friendly looking Sheepdog mix, and in the show's storyline, he belonged to Mike Brady's family before he married Carol. Tiger only appeared in ten episodes, but they are memorable appearances on the show. "The Honeymoon" "Kitty Karry-All Is Missing" "Katchoo" "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" "54-40 and Fight" "Every Boy Does It Once" "Tiger! Tiger!" "The Tattle-Tale" "The Impractical Joker" "What Goes Up..."
There is a sad story about why Tiger disappeared from the show after this short time. The dog who played Tiger was killed by a delivery driver on the Paramount Studio lot. He was replaced by another dog who was not a good match for the series, so Tiger was written out of the show. Here is a short clip of a Tiger episode of The Brady Bunch: Did you watch The Brady Bunch, and do you remember Tiger? My Momma grew up watching this show and she says she always liked Tiger. I would love to hear from you in the comments, below. Thanks for reading, and wishing you a great weekend! Love, Abby
Book Synopsis Falling into the past will change their futures forever. Mary Davies finds safety in her ordered and productive life. Working as an engineer, she genuinely enjoys her job and her colleagues – particularly a certain adorable and intelligent consultant. But something is missing. When Mary’s estranged childhood friend, Isabel Dwyer offers her a two-week stay in a gorgeous manor house in England, she reluctantly agrees in hopes that the holiday will shake up her quiet life in just the right ways. But Mary gets more than she bargained for when Isabel loses her memory and fully believes she lives in Jane Austen’s Bath. While Isabel rests and delights in the leisure of a Regency lady, attended by the other costume-clad guests, Mary uncovers startling truths about their shared past, who Isabel was, who she seems to be, and the man who now stands between them. Outings are undertaken, misunderstandings play out, and dancing ensues as this company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation, work out their lives and hearts.
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Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble My Review I am a Jane Austen fan, so I was excited to read The Austen Effect. I have also heard wonderful things about Katherine Reay's books for a while now. This is my first read by her, but it will not be my last! The Austen Effect tells the story of Mary Davies, who goes with her childhood friend Isabel Dwyer on a unique Jane Austen theme vacation at an estate in England. A lot happens in two weeks' time, as secrets are uncovered and a very Jane fortnight unfolds. This is such a delightful read! I liked the character of Mary, a pragmatic engineer suddenly placed in a richly imaginative setting. I loved the setting and the details of the Jane Austen vacation and estate. For instance: "You'll find your visit here to be steeped in the stories and culture of Jane Austen. As you read on our website, many guests choose characters from her novels they wish to embody during their stay, but don't feel you must. Others simply enjoy the costumes, the carriage rides, and the long walks, then sit here and check e-mail, work, or watch television" (p. 56). Now that sounds like a wonderful adventure to me, and I would love to go on a vacation in England like this! The historical details are fascinating. Isabel is a Jane Austen scholar, and has great little tidbits about period detail to share. And there were little surprising passages in the book that I enjoyed, like a conversation about the real Von Trapp family! The Austen Effect is a refreshingly unique read. I recommend it to fans of Jane Austen, women's fiction, and to anyone who is looking for a diverting, engrossing, and fun read.
Author Bio Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries—who provide constant inspiration both for writing and for life. She is the author of three previous novels, and her debut, Dear Mr. Knightley, was a 2014 Christy Award Finalist, winner of the 2014 INSPY Award for Best Debut, and winner of two Carol Awards for Best Debut and Best Contemporary. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University and is a wife, mother, runner, and tae kwon do black belt. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine and her family recently moved back to Chicago. Visit her on line at katherinereay.com. Connect with Katherine Website | Facebook | Twitter
I received a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours.
Book Synopsis Lettie has always felt different from and overshadowed by the women around her– this friend is richer, that friend is more beautiful, those friends are closer. Still, she doesn’t let this hold her back. She works hard to apply her mind, trying to compensate for her perceived lack of beauty with diligent academic work and a successful career as a doctor. She learns to treasure her friendships, but she still wonders if any man will ever return her interest. Marco’s experiences in the second world war have robbed him of love and health. When winters in his native Italy prove dangerous to his health even after the war has ended, he moves to South Africa to be with his brother, husband to one of Lettie’s best friends. Marco is Lettie’s first patient, and their relationship grows as she aids him on the road back to restored health. In the company of beloved characters from The Child of the River, Marco and Lettie find a happiness that neither of them thought possible. With that joy comes pain and loss, but Lettie learns that life—while perhaps a crooked path—is always a journey worth taking. Purchase Links Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble My Review The Crooked Path begins in 1938. This historical fiction novel tells the story of Lettie, who grows up in South Africa. As a young woman she feels insecure about her looks and spends her time and energy pursuing a medical degree. Marco grows up a world away in Italy. As World War II threatens his village, he goes to live in a mountain cave with the young Jewish girl he loves and her family. After the tragic events of the war, he ends up moving to South Africa for his health and to be near his brother. Lettie and Marco's paths cross and their story begins. This is such a beautifully told story, a saga of friends and love and family that spans decades, from the 1930's onward. I sometimes find that dual storyline novels have a slower pace and momentum, but that was not the case in The Crooked Path. I could not put this book down and read eagerly to see what would happen with these characters. And the characters! They are beautifully told. I especially liked Lettie, who was so strong and brave. I really wanted her to find and keep happiness. I love the motif of "the crooked path" that runs through this book. For instance: "Years ago my mom told me life sometimes leads you along a strange crooked path, but in the end it will always take you where you're supposed to be" (p. 224). and "Even a crooked path has a starting point" (p. 290). This novel was published by Thomas Nelson, a Christian publisher. I like the way faith was handled subtly, as part of Lettie and Marco's daily life and strength. I believe this is the first novel I have ever read set in South Africa, and I found it utterly fascinating. I loved the details of life and times gone by presented in this book. I highly recommend The Crooked Path for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It is a beautifully told and richly rewarding book.
Author Bio International bestselling author Irma Joubert was a history teacher for 35 years before she began writing. Her stories are known for their deep insight into personal relationships and rich historical detail. She’s the author of eight novels and a regular fixture on bestseller lists in The Netherlands and in her native South Africa. She is the winner of the 2010 ATKV Prize for Romance Novels. Connect with Irma on Facebook.
I received a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours.
