Baseball Movies: Let's Discuss

Play Ball!!!

 Jenn McKinlay: Arizona, my home state, is the land of Spring Training. From the middle of February when pitchers and catchers report until Opening Day, it is baseball, baseball, baseball. I am not a super fan like the Hub, but I do enjoy an afternoon or evening spent at the ballpark enjoying hotdogs, peanuts, beer, popcorn, ice cream, you know the essentials to get through nine innings. I also appreciate that its slower pace gives you a chance to chat with your companions.

Diamondbacks Opening Day!

Recently, while enjoying a game, we got into a discussion of the best baseball movies. Now on this I do have an opinion. My fave baseball movie of all time is: FIELD OF DREAMS: 

Because it's the BEST! James Earl Jones will always be one of my favorite actors of all time and his portrayal of author Terrence Mann in this movie was FANTASTIC!

Hub's favorite is BULL DURHAM:

And Mom's favorite in LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN:

Of course, there are many honorable mentions, BAD NEWS BEARS, DAMN YANKEES, SAND LOT,  and MAJOR LEAGUE, to name just a few.

What about you, Reds and Readers, are you a baseball fan? Who's your team? And which movie is your fave (if you have one)?

I Regretfully Decline by Vicki Delaney

Jenn McKinlay: Most of you know I am a summertime Canadian. My family has had a cottage in Nova Scotia for forty years and my brother and I ran amuck on the shores of the Bay of Fundy as kids just as our four boys have done all their lives. To say that I have been UPSET by what the current administration is doing is putting it mildly. When our dear friend Vicki Delaney reached out and offered a post from the Canadian perspective - of course, I said yes. The librarian in me is a big believer that information is power. So here's Vicki to give us some insight from the North. 

Community note: Any nasty messages will be deleted. As lovers of books and the book community, we're all in this together. Conduct yourselves accordingly, please.

Hooligans on our beach in Scot's Bay with their Wowa.

Vicki Delaney: When I decided to try my hand at writing a book, about the last reason was in order to meet interesting people and make new friends.  Turns out that’s the best part of it. I include Jenn and the rest of the Reds in the friends I cherish. 

I am a Canadian, and in the 20 years since I became a full-time author, I’ve travelled to the United States many, many times. I love meeting readers and fellow authors. I love listening to their stories and talking books and brainstorming promotional efforts. Of the three major mystery conferences (Left Coast Crime, Malice Domestic, and Bouchercon) I’ve gone to at least one every year, many years all of them. (COVID years excepted, naturally). I’ve been to smaller festivals and conferences, to libraries, to bookstores. I’ve done a signing in a bowling alley and one in a gym and have been a guest speaker at the Pennsylvania Tea Festival. I’ve toured with wonderful American authors many of whom I now consider good friends, and I’ve spent before and after event time enjoying a vacation. 

Is all that over? Possibly. I posted the following to my Facebook author page in February. 

With much regret I wrote to the Malice Domestic Board today to tell them I will shortly be cancelling my registration and hotel booking. As a proud Canadian, I can not in good conscience travel to the United States as long as the President continues to insult our Prime Minister and our country and is threatening Canadian sovereignty, either by destroying us economically, or invading militarily. I will miss getting together with my many American friends and readers. I hope, but do not expect, that the situation will change and we can meet again. 

I believe Canada, and the entire democratic world, is at an existential crossroads. The current regime in the United States is determined, for whatever demented reason, to eliminate Canada as an independent country, by whatever means necessary.  The insults from the President and other members of the regime against our Prime Minster personally (and yes, Governor is an insult and meant as such) as well as the country as a whole  are relentless. The tone and much of the wording is exactly the same as used by Russia prior to its invasion of Ukraine. (Trump: Most Canadians want to be 51st state. Peter Navarro: Canada has been taken over by Mexican cartels. Elon Musk: Canada is not a real county). 

We don’t for a minute believe, even if this comes to pass, we would be a “51st state.”  We wouldn’t be a state, with voting rights and government investment, but a colony, a vassal to be exploited for resources. 

In 2019, the leaders of the United States, Canada, and Mexico negotiated a revised free trade treaty called CUSMA (CanadaUSMexicoAgreement). This treaty is up for renewal in 2026. 2026. Not today. Showing that the word of the President of the United States is meaningless, Trump has overturned the agreement and slapped steep tariffs on Canada and Mexico. 

The pretext Trump is using to impose tariffs on Canadian goods (in violation of a treaty he himself signed) is that supposedly Canada is allowing fentanyl to “pour’ across the border. That is an out and out lie. 

According to the CNN on Feb 3, 2025 :  Fact check: Canada makes up just 0.2% of US border fentanyl seizures | CNN Politics

Federal statistics show US border authorities seized 21,889 pounds of fentanyl in the 2024 fiscal year. Of that amount, 43 pounds were seized at the Canadian border — about 0.2%

Only a month later, on March 4, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quoted data from US customs and border protection: 

“..fentanyl seizures from Canada have dropped 97 per cent between December 2024 and January 2025 to a near-zero low of 0.03 pounds seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection."

Near zero. Down from a very low figure to begin with.  

Therefore, there is literally nothing Canada can do, as the PM pointed out, to fix a problem that does not exist.  (As an aside there are no customs and immigration checks upon leaving either Canada or the US for the other country.  Is it not, therefore, the responsibility of US customs to stop illicit goods coming in?)

Why then does Trump keep repeating the lie? Because it isn’t about making trade ‘fair’ or fixing problems that don’t exist, and thus cannot be fixed, but creating circumstances to permit the annexation of Canada’s Arctic, natural resources, and water. 

This isn’t a trade dispute; it is an outright attack on our sovereignty and Canadians are coming together in a way they haven’t since WWII.  We are well aware that a trade war hurts everyone, but the Government of Canada believes appeasement will accomplish nothing, so Canada has imposed tariffs on a wide range of US goods. 

As well as retaliatory tariffs, Canadians are fighting back in other ways. Stores are posting stickers on shelves indicating Canadian goods. Apps are being created to indicate the nationality of companies and the source of their product, and Canadians are taking those apps shopping. The world’s largest purchaser of alcohol is the Ontario liquor stores - all US products have been removed from the shelves and the same thing is happening in other provinces.  The province of Ontario (where I live) has announced a 25 percent surcharge on exports of electricity to the US. Substantial numbers of Canadians are cancelling holidays to the US, or, like me, forgoing optional business trips. The list goes on and continues to grow.

We’re not interested in the game of ‘on-again, off-again, on-again’ Trump is engaging in. As long as the threat exists, Canada will retaliate. 

It has been said that Canadians are prepared to sacrifice much in this fight and Americans nothing, so we do have the upper hand. Which of course, considering your President, might not matter.


We will see how things pan out, but I am encouraged by the solid and vocal support we are getting from our many American friends.

There isn’t much I can do, as an average Canadian citizen, to resist these threats, other than make my position public, shop mindfully, and refuse to grace the United States by my presence, definitely not spend any money.  

Others have different opinions. Some say it’s important to engage Americans, and point out that despite propaganda from the US leader and members of his party and administration, the overwhelming number of Canadians are firmly against any take-over.  I’d argue in return, we have social media on which to present our case and a substantial number of my American friends approve of my choice to make this clear stand. 

I will admit the decision to forgo travel to the US is easier for me than it might be for self-published or small press authors and particularly for writers just starting their career. I have a solid social media following, I have a strong reader base, I’m active in two prominent online cozy mystery groups, I’ve been building my newsletter distribution list for twenty years. 

It’s up to each of us to decide what’s best for us and for our country. I’ve made my decision. 

Elbows up. 

(You’ll be seeing the phrase “elbows up” a lot. That’s a hockey saying meaning to protect yourself and your teammates, to fight back.)


JENN: I just bought a t-shirt with "Elbows Up" and a maple leaf. I support you, Canada, and will spend a boodle up North when I arrive in the summer (fingers crossed). Count on it!

Reds and Readers (many of whom are also Canadian), what questions do you have for Vicki about what's happening in Canada? She'll be popping in all day to discuss.

Vicki Delany is the recipient of the 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for contributions to Canadian crime writing. She is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than fifty books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy.  She is currently writing the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series, the Year-Round Christmas mysteries, the Tea by the Sea books, and the Lighthouse Library series (as Eva Gates). 

Vicki is a past chair of the Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder and organizer of the Women Killing It Crime Writing Festival.  Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and the CWC Awards of Excellence. She lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.  

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 JENN McKINLAY: Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Since I set LOVE AT FIRST BOOK in Ireland, I believe my feelings about all things Irish are pretty clear.

BUY NOW

One of my favorite memories in Ireland was when a cabbie was giving me instructions on how to drive (yes, I drove the Ring of Kerry). He said, "Remember you always want to keep your passenger safe, so you always want your passenger on the curbside of the street." I nodded. This was sound advice. Then he said, "Or as we like to remember it, keep the bitch in the ditch." LOL. Yes, I wrote that scene into the book.

How about you, Reds? Who’s been to Ireland? What did you love about it? If you haven’t been, do you plan to go and what do you want to see most?

RHYS BOWEN: Big fan of Ireland here (which you might guess as my first heroine was called Molly Murphy). John’s grandfather was Irish, his great grandfather an important figure in representing the Irish negotiations for independence at Westminster.  And one year we drove around the whole island–truly memorable. In almost four weeks we had one day of rain, which was a miracle. The scenery was spectacular, the people so warm and charming…and so quirky. I think one example sums it up best. We were staying at a B and B in Tralee. Our host told us about a hike over a waterfall that we would enjoy and gave us directions. “You drive along the loch and you’ll come to a lovely hotel. If you’ve a mind to have dinner there, it’s a lovely view over the water.”  He went on to extol the hotel then added. “Now if you come to that hotel, you’ve gone too far.”  You have to love the Irish. (Oh, and I loved LOVE AT FIRST BOOK, Jenn).

Jenn: Thank you, Rhys! I stayed in a castle in Tralee (exceeded all my expectations)!

Ballyseede Castle (my room was the windows
above the red door to the right - middle turret!!!)

HALLIE EPHRON: I have been to Ireland and absolutely loved it. LOVE the music which surrounds you at every turn. Walkable cities and towns. Gorgeous churches (see music). Verdant landscape. Absolutely a great trip. (AND they speak English!!)

Foodie that I am, I was prepared for the food to be “meh” but in fact it was sensational. I came home and bought a bottle of malt vinegar since it was so tasty on the wonderful fried fish but I’ve never used a drop. 

The Fish Box in Dingle had the BEST fish stew and fish and chips I have ever ever ever eaten. A must place to eat!

LUCY BURDETTE: I’ve had some spotty visits to Ireland–I was in Dublin for a couple of days and also spent one day at the Giant’s Causeway (hordes and hordes of tourists) and overnight at a storytelling barn in northern Ireland. However, I have ancestors from Ireland and DNA that appears Irish, so I feel the pull to return. We are going back in the fall, if the universe is willing! I love reading books set in Ireland and listening to Irish music and now I can’t wait to eat the food! Happy St. Patrick’s day everyone. For now, imagine me beating back the hordes of spring breakers in Key West:)

Tonka and the spring break girls :)

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: And picture me remembering not  to go into Boston today because it is FULL. And I know a lot of people are having fun, but I am not a fan of green beer or green bagels. (Green bagels. WHY??) 

Going to Ireland. Hmm. I have never been and I would absolutely adore to, it sounds magical, but I kinda think it’s not first on the list. But! You never know. 

(And do you know the musical Wonderful Town? It is the best song about the Irish–called My Darlin' Eileen. It's from 1953, and you have to imagine it– it’s sung by a chorus of (dancing)  New York cops, all Irish, who are welcoming the girl from Ohio, who happens to be named EIleen. 

You have to listen to the whole thing–it’s perfect for today! My Darlin' Eileen (From “Wonderful Town Original Cast Recording” 1953/Reissue/Remastered 2001)

And oh, I couldn't resist, here is it on  YouTube! Go to 1:12:46. SO funny.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsxzyqJX5wY 

DEBORAH CROMBIE:

I am horrified to admit that I have never been to Ireland, although I would LOVE to go! Back when I was plotting what became NOW MAY YOU WEEP, my idea was to set it in Ireland, in a fictional version of the famous Ballymaloe cooking school–which of course I would have to attend for research. But my agent said no one was interested in books set in Ireland (one of the few times she’s been wrong) so I set the book in the Scottish Highlands instead. I wouldn’t change that book, but I’d love to get to Ireland someday, research or not!

How about you, Readers, who’s been to Ireland and who wants to go?

When Life Gives You Lemons... Celia Wakefield Makes Oil-Lemon Cake

 Julia Spencer-Fleming: I think a lot of us have been feeling life is handing us lemons these days. But why, really, do we use that poor maligned fruit do mean something you don't want? Who among us doesn't feel a lift in spirits when faced with a bright yellow, sour-tart citrus that's the literal embodiment of sunshine? A lemon in the midst of winter for lemon cookies, a lemon at the height of summer for Gin and Tonics and lemonade - and of course, a lemon in spring, sliced over fresh filet of fish, tossed with green beans, or, as Celia shows us today, as the star of a delicious, show-stopping cake.

 

 

Good morning everyone, it’s such a pleasure to be with you all. Thank you Julia for keeping me on my toes recipe wise.

 

I was on the verge of sleep last night when “Zero to Sixty” went through my mind when I realized what my journey had covered over the past three months. Going from marriage to single life, loosing a companion of sixty plus years if we count dating, takes some adjustment. But in coming to this place  I want to follow on with Julia’s post from last Friday and talk a little about gratitude first. I am grateful beyond words for the love and support that has been lavished on me , the lovely memories shared of Victor and his stories, the cards, texts, calls. When I say I believe I’m blessed, I am sincere. My life has taken a sharp turn but it’s a turn with which I am at peace.

 

I think I’ve mentioned in the past that though I don’t comment every day, I do read JRW every day faithfully. I believe we are all looking for some comfort at home so whether it’s Rhys on research which certainly fits in with my passion, or Debs educating us on tea drinking. Did you hear the faint voices of Rhys and I saying “boiling water, boiling water only please” Then we have Lucy with the Key West Women’s Cookbook and I must get a copy of that. I think it was Hank who asked about china, that is the domestic sort and Hallie with SUMO oranges which brings me to a very special gift. One which I could not appreciate or love more.which brings me back to the important part of today - the recipe.

 

I don’t collect my mail every day. The box is not on the driveway or as in England where the post still comes through the letter box in the front door. No, I need to drive or walk, well drive to my box which is a BIG box, big enough for most of the items I order on line as well as all the junk we receive. There was a package a couple of days ago but not from you know who, a box from a friend, a surprise box, a heavy box. Well with all this great community of Reds and readers, my first thought was someone has sent me a book - YEA, how kind, how thoughtful. 

 

I raced back to the house, attacked the tape and nestled inside were lemons. Yes beautiful lemons, how did they know my favorite color is lemon. Or what would be my choice of fruit in a nice cool glass of Pimms? Or that I have great difficulty in passing a bakers display of lemon bars. Oh blessed lemons. Oh kind friend may your trees be fruitful for ever. While I can’t share the lemons with you to my sorrow, I can give you a great recipe for a lemon olive oil cake. Debs was talking about a cuppa and a slice of olive oil cake from her favorite bakery recently. Do keep supporting the baker but here you can be your own baker.

I can’t remember who originally put this recipe up on the NYT, I think it may be over twenty years old and if you search for it look for orange olive oil cake. But when life gives you lemons as Dorie Greenspan would say ‘bake’. 

 

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ cups flour

1 cup sugar

½ cup medium or finely ground cornmeal - I used Bobs Red Mill cornmeal

1 ½ tsp. salt - I used a 1/2 tsp

½ tsp. Baking soda

½ tsp. Baking powder

1 ⅓ cups extra-virgin olive oil - taste your oil as it’s the star of the cake. I mixed two brands

3 large eggs, separated - at room temperature

1 ½ Tbsp.lemon zest - the original recipe calls for oranges

½ cup sugar

1/2 cup lemon juice - my lemons are large and it took 1 1/2 lemons to get the right amount of juice

1 ¼ cups whole milk

1 tsp. vanilla

 METHOD:

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Use Cooking Spray to spray your 9” round pan and line the inside base with parchment paper,

 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 c sugar,* cornmeal, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk together lightly.

 

(Celia’s recipe hack) add half of the 1/2 c sugar into a small mini processor.

* Carefully remove the zest from a large lemon and add to the processor then tip in the remaining sugar and whirl until the zest is very finely chopped and mixed into the sugar.

 

Separate the eggs and put the yolks in a medium bowl. Add the the olive oil to the egg yolks and whisk until they are combined and emulsified  

Add the egg whites, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest/sugar mix and vanilla and whisk until thoroughly combined.

* If you prefer not to use a mini prep. carefully grate 1 1/2 Tblsp lemon zest and add the remaining 1/2 c of sugar with the dry ingredients before adding the wet ones.

 

Pour the combined liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until the lumps are gone.  

 

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 1 hour, or until it is golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean. (My cake took 45 minutes and I did cover the top with foil for the final 10 minutes.

(If the cake becomes too brown before it is done cooking, lightly tent it with foil to prevent further browning.) 

 

Allow the cake to cool in its pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack.

 

Making the Topping - this is where you can use your imagination to serve as is, to ice, to drizzle as I did, to shake some confectioners sugar over with a stencil pattern.

 

I combined 1/4 cups of water with 1 1/2 cups of sugar in a pan and heated it till the sugar had melted then I added lemon slices and cooked them gently for 20 plus minutes. 

I removed the slices from the lemon syrup, reduced the syrup to thicken then added about a 1/4 C of confectioners sugar which I mixed well then drizzled it over the cake and decorated with the cooked lemon pieces. (I might not do the lemon drizzle next time.

 

Amanda Hesser recommended Creme Fraiche or sour cream mixed with a little brown sugar, Sliced Oranges, or lemons.