Advice from Bertie, Sally, and Mar-Mar

Owner's note: I'm not sure how it happened, but three characters from my Bone Cold--Alive series have jumped in here and taken over the blog. Bertie, Sally, and Mar-Mar made sure everyone minded their manners in Books 1-4 and the very end of 6. They seem to think that gives them rights!

Bertie: Scoot over, Kay! It's high time we had a say in the running of this blog. We're not getting any younger, you know. Running that convenience store, cafe and catering service just about does us in most days.

Mar-Mar: Speak for yourself. I've still got it!

Sally: I don't want to know what it is you've got. And I wouldn't want it if I did!

Bertie: Girls! That is not the purpose of this. We are here to offer our unsolicited, but extremely valuable, life advice. After all, we were just talking about it while we were baking for Ron's wedding.

Sally: And didn't the bride look beautiful. And letting Fletch walk her down the aisle…

Mar-Mar: Sigh. Another man that got away.

Sally: You'd think you'd about fished those waters dry by now, Mar-Mar.

Bertie: We are off the subject once again. Back to it. Our advice for a worthwhile life. You go first, Sally.

Sally: Keep moving! And I don't mean changing your address every time a new neighborhood becomes fashionable or chasing the newest single man, Mar-Mar. Get off your rears everyday and do something physical. Look at us! We may be a tad overweight, but we're quick as spilled water working behind the counter and going up and down those stairs. We move with the best of 'em!

Mar-Mar: Who you calling overweight?

Sally: Girl, been a while since you shopped the juniors at the department store.

Bertie: Thank you, Sally. Mar-Mar, your advice?

Mar-Mar: Have an interest in something outside yourself and I don't mean just chasing your grandkids, Sally. Don't look at me like that, Bertie. You know what I mean. You got to keep interested in your social network and your church. Volunteer. Keep up with your neighbors, especially the single ones.

Sally: As in know their business?

Mar-Mar: Easy to do when they stop to eat breakfast with us everyday.

Sally: Humph!

Bertie: If you two don't quit fussing at each other, you'll make me rethink my piece of advice: Keep younger friends. Much as it pains me to admit it, you are both young enough to be my… my sisters. Quit laughing. Both of you. But it's true. Skipping a generation is probably best, like the way we all love Lyla and Sam, but even you two old biddies are young enough to count.

Me: Girls! Girls! Really now. Our readers will think you're not all old friends and business partners the way you're carrying on. And uncross your arms and stop glaring at me, all of you. I do thank you for your advice and I think all aspects of it are valuable. So, to put it in a nutshell:

Exercise, socialize, and learn from those younger than you.

Bertie: I don't think that's what I said. That isn't what I said, is it, Mar-Mar? Sally? Quit laughing. Let's get back to work and do something useful, not hanging out here with her.

Me: Goodbye, girls. Have a good day.

Whew!