I didn’t have this picture of Judy and Emily when I wrote the earlier March post about the wedding. Emily gave it to me today. Thinking about their friendship reminds me of my school friends I have kept in touch with for so many years. One particular friend, Diane Porter Snyder, has been my friend since we were in first grade together at Liberty-Benton School. By the way, LB just went to the State for basketball and lost by only 5 points to North College Hill High School which is located in Cincinnati. I was disappointed LB lost.

Okay, back to my friendship with Diane. We attended the same rural school for 12 years. She went off to Ohio University and I went to Ohio State. She came to OSU to see me once when she was flying out of Columbus airport to go for a job interview to become a flight attendant. I’m sure she wondered if she’d make it to her interview since I got lost driving to the airport in my VW bug. Through the years we’ve seen each other only a few times in person, but have always exchanged letters and Christmas cards. When I wrote my Christmas book, Diane gave me support and encouragement. I should have asked her to read my draft before it was published! She was disappointed I didn’t write about my playhouse. I had forgotten about it when I was writing my story. Diane and I used to play in it. My dad got this chicken house from someone and put it in our backyard for me to play in. I had a nice collection of old furniture in it. Also another good friend and a neighbor, Lola Schumacher Pattison and I spent many happy hours having tea parties in our “house.”

By the way, my friends sometimes called me “Willy” since Diane and I were in the same class together. They got Willy from my maiden name of Wilson. Cute, huh.

Have you stayed in touch with your friends? If so, how many years?

I decided not to wait until Friday or Saturday to post what I watched this week. “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Six Degrees,” “Jericho” and “Friday Night Lights” are all new episodes. I wish “Jericho” and “Friday Night Lights” wouldn’t be on the same time. My husband and I decided to watch “Friday Night Lights” because we like it the best and to tape “Jericho.”

If you haven’t watched “Friday Night Lights,” I want to mention that it isn’t just about football. There isn’t a game each episode, but instead it focuses a lot on the characters’ relationships. That’s probably why I enjoy it so much. I love to read books that are character-driven and the same with what I watch on TV.

I liked “Early Edition” when it was on several years ago. Kyle Chandler starred in it but even before that, he was in a weekly drama called “Homefront.” It took place during the WW II era. Chandler also played in a few episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” last season and this one. He definitely fills the role of coach very well in “Friday Night Lights.”

Last night the Panthers played the last home game, but couldn’t play it on their field. Coach decided to use a pasture instead of losing their home field advantage and playing at the opposing team’s field where they had a beautiful stadium. They managed to get the field ready in time for the big game. The Panthers won so are going to state. Before the big game, the former quarterback, Jason, coached quarterback Matt Saracen on how to play against their rivals. Jason was paralyzed during the first episode. I predicted Jason might consider coaching since he is unable to play football again. And after the game, Coach Taylor asked Jason if he’d ever considered coaching.

Tim Riggins, a linebacker and fullback, is still messing around with his next-door neighbor. She happens to be in her thirties and has a young son. The little boy is getting attached to Tim. I don’t see it lasting because of the age difference. Tim’s old girlfriend, Tyra, is trying to bring up her grades so she can get accepted into college. She gives up waiting for her tutor, Landry Clarke, to show up and she’s attacked in the parking lot. The guy throws her in his truck but she manages to fight him off and burns him with a cigarette lighter. Landry is late because of vehicle problems. Tyra gets away from her attacker before Landry arrives. She cries on his shoulder.

The coach’s daughter Julie is still worried about moving if her dad accepts a college coaching job. She doesn’t want to leave Dillon.

Connie Britton plays Tami, the wife of Coach Taylor. Connie is great playing the person so many people depend on. She’s a guidance counselor at Dillon High School, and gives encouragement to Tyra and several other students. Connie gives a very talented acting performance each week, and actually played the wife of Billy Bob Thorton in the movie “Friday Night Lights.”

Do you watch “Friday Night Lights?” If you haven’t, you can watch them online at nbc.com. I think there are two more new episodes in April before they start the reruns.

Now sometime we need to watch “Jericho” but when? “Grey’s Anatomy” is a new one tonight.

While I’m busy rushing around in the morning fixing breakfast and trying to get Sara and Amanda motivated to get up early (5:30 is too early for me some mornings), I’m listening to channel twelve. I remembered that this morning reporter Liz Bonis, was going to talk about restoring passion in your marriage so I listened carefully. I didn’t want to miss what she said. Just because Tom and I have been married for thirty-one years doesn’t mean we can’t improve our marriage.

I know. I’m a great wife. Plus I’m a romance author and reader. Statistics show that women who read romances have happier marriages. I’m safe saying all this because my husband never reads my blog, so I won’t get any comments disputing my claim from him!

After I ran up the stairs twice to tell Sara and Amanda that they better get moving, Liz was on the air. I grabbed a pen and paper to jot down what Liz said and hoped she wouldn’t speak her words of wisdom too quickly. By the way, a recent survey of more than a thousand women found that many couples feel their relationships could use a little more passion.

Sure you can use candles or a few other traditional things to restore the romance in your marriage but trying to conquer a few obstacles might be even better!

Here is what Liz shared:

First - Endless Bickering
The number one thing most couples fight about - trivial things around the house.

Second - A houseful of kids.
Liz suggested arranging a kid swap with your friends or neighbors with children - where you each babysit each others’ children to provide a night for parents to be ALONE.

Third…late night TV.
Couples who have a TV in the bedroom said they had far less intimacy in their marriages - than those who did not. And by the way almost nine out of ten couples *do* have a tv in the bedroom! We do have a tv in the bedroom but never watch late night programs.

Fourth- when was the last time you worked out - or got physical exercise together?
Apparently conflicting schedules where you don’t have time to do these kinds of activities together gets in the way of passion in your life. Couples that blend schedules and either walking or other types of fitness such as working out at the gym –have better communication and more intimacy in marriage. And this is true –regardless of age.

Fifth - Cook at home together.
They also found overeating at dinner could interfere with night-time romance — maybe because you get sleepy after a big meal! When you cook at home together, it’s romantic and you’re communicating together.

Leave a comment sometime on today’s post or future March entries and I’ll mail you an autographed bookmark, postcard of two books, and a book thong. My sister-in-law, Denise, made cool book thongs for me! Just email me your snail address at: DianeCraverAtcinci.rr.com

I’m going to start blogging on Fridays or Saturdays about “Six Degrees” and other TV shows I’ve watched during the week. I LOVED “Six Degrees” when it premiered in the fall, and hated it when the show went off for a few months. Two of my daughters share my feelings for this well-written TV show. The episode last night was great.

I’ve posted a picture of Whitney, one of the main characters and Steven, a photographer. Last night Steven took a drunk Whitney back to her place and she kissed him before she past out.

Whitney is one of my favorite characters plus I like her friend, Laura. Whitney is played by the beautiful Bridget Moynahan and Laura is played by the lovely Hope Davis. Both are talented and perfect for their characters. Bridget had to work with her ex-fiance who cheated on her during their engagement. Laura became upset when she saw a photo of her displayed in an art gallery. She didn’t realize it had been taken when she was sobbing in grief over the death of her husband.

The scene with Damien last night and his ex-fiancee was so touching. She still loves him but just can’t see being with him again. His criminal background bothers her too much. Dorian Missick is the actor playing Damien. After he shot a man, Damien paid his hospital bills. He tried to do the right thing by confessing to his lawyer friend, Carlos. A client of Carlos was in jail for the shooting and Carlos wanted Damien to admit he did it. Damien agreed to go to jail for his crime. But the guy already in jail for the shooting was released because two witnesses said it wasn’t him, so Carlos told him that he was off the hook.

If you haven’t watched “Six Degrees” or missed the new one last night, you can watch it online.
Here is the link: SIX DEGREES

“Grey’s Anatomy” was a new episode this week. I look forward to watching it, but I don’t think they did a very good job writing that Callie, George’s wife is so wealthy now. If she was wealthy, why did she used to live in the hospital? But I usually think the dialogue is brilliant and fun.

“Friday Night Lights” is another one I enjoy watching. I liked the story line about Julie not wanting to go to the father-daughter dance. Coach Taylor is thinking of taking a college coaching offer and Julie is upset. She doesn’t want to move again and likes where they live. Kyle Chandler is perfect as the football coach. I’ll talk more about this show next week. I’ve heard rumors that it might be cancelled,and I hope not because it’s one of my favorite shows.

What shows are your favorites?

I’ve had great reviews from online reviewers and from Romantic Times. Today I saw where a review was posted for A Fiery Secret on Amazon.

Here is part of it and you can read the whole review by clicking on A Fiery Secret above:

A terrific entertaining romantic mystery, March 22, 2007 Reviewer: Harriet Klausner

A FIERY SECRET is a wonderful small town journalistic investigative mystery starring two likable protagonists and a horde of eccentric Midwesterners. The whodunit is fun to follow as an over-worked Catherine begins to uncover long held secrets that culminated in her mind with the janitor’s murder though law enforcement believes au contraire. Her relationship with Jake is fascinating as they knew each other back then, but find refreshing surprises about each other. With a great cast, a strong final twist, a delightful investigation, and two fine prime time stars lead to a terrific entertaining romantic mystery.

Harriet Klausner

Cindy Himler from Romantic Times wrote a wonderful summary of my chick-lit mystery. The following is some of what she said:

“A murder mystery and secrets carried for years make this an enjoyable read. The characters grew up together and think they know all about each other, but soon find out that things aren’t what they seem. Interesting secondary characters, including Catherine’s godson and her mentarlly challenged friend, and a surprise ending make this a well-sounded story.”

Have you read A Fiery Secret? Did you like it?

The reason I’m asking is because I’d like to write another Catherine Steel mystery. In fact, originally I was planning on writing three of them, but my first editor wanted me to sign a contract agreeing to write them within a few months. At the time, I didn’t think I could manage it because so many other things needed my time and attention. I’ve had people asking me to write another Catherine Steel mystery so would like to know what others think.