Abigail's

USA BOOK NEWS BEST BOOK LIST 2011

2011-11-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

"Death By Drowning" has won a second award as a Finalist for "Best Book List of 2011" by USA Book New. I am on top of the world. So grateful that this book has been so well received.

SUSAN MILLER AND SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT

2011-11-06T21:05:00.001-08:00

Susan Miller gave a dinner at her house to kick off the SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT in Lexington. She gives a tour of her goat barn, cheese kitchen and her goats that make such wonderful food.

SHOWDOWN

2011-11-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

Riley just didn't know what to make of the raccoon that came to claim his share of the bird seed.

GOLD MEDAL AWARD!

2011-09-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

"Death By Drowning" has just won the 2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for mystery sleuth. This is the second award the Josiah Reynolds series has won!

FANDOM FEST IN LOUISVILLE

2011-08-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here I am with fellow writers Sheri Wright and Sara Spradlin at Fandom Fest. The guy on my right was some dude from another galaxie trying to pick me up.

POOL FOLLY

2011-08-11T14:01:00.001-07:00

All I wanted was a little inexpensive pool to exercise and cool off in. What I got was a money pit.

1. Step ladder is insufficient, so we build steps. The inside steps are twice the cost of the pool.

2. I went to work leaving a crystal clear pool. My husband (thinking on his own) decides to put in more water but doesn't check the water tank. I come home to a muddy mess. Now we have spent a fortune on filters trying to clean up the water not counting the chemicals.

3. Chemicals are not working so we move on to water vacs. We have gone through three water vacs but none are powerful enough to clean the mud at the bottom of the pool.

4. My little money pit. Of course, we set it up right in the driveway. Next it will be cars on blocks.

BEES ARE WORKING HARD

2011-07-05T01:19:00.000-07:00

The bees are working hard including chasing me out of the honey house when I am trying to extract honey. They smelled it and those little buggers found a way in my work room.

Oh goodness, it was a fight to save the honey for humans but I managed to save some.

THE GREAT HUNTER

2011-07-05T01:14:00.000-07:00

Look at that adorable face. Who would think this little orange cat would be such a great hunter but he has brought home three rabbits and eaten them.

Oh dear! Do we not feed you enough, our darling cat. But don't worry. We have rabbits abound and they keep multiplying like . . . well, like rabbits.

As long as my song birds are left in peace, then go in peace, my kitty-cat, if hunt you must.

DEATH BY DROWNING AT BOOKCENTS

2011-06-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here I am with the lovely owners at Book Cents in the Brannon Crossing Mall to sign my new book, DEATH BY DROWNING in June.

We had a great time.

ABIGAIL ON MURAL ON SOUTHLAND DR

2011-06-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

This wonderful mural, depicting the Lexington Farmers' Market, is on Southland Dr during Sundays 10am to 2pm.

If you look in the bottom right, you will see me with my market hat. Not a bad rendition.

BEES ARE BRINGING IN HONEY!

2011-06-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

After the mini drought, I heard through the grapevine that many bees were hungry as the nectar had dried up in plants. I checked my hives this morning and they are doing fine. Clover is everywhere.

The capped cells are babies waiting to "hatch". The bees on the frame are nurse bees that will help the new bees.

RIVER RISING

2011-05-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness I am high on a cliff or I'd be under water. With all the rain, the river is really rising and takes on the appearance of thin chocolate.

Looks like the Colorado River - too thin to plow and too thick to drink.

DEATH BY DROWNING OFFICIAL RELEASE

2011-05-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here I am at "Death By Drowning" official release at Morris Book Store with Sarah from Cricket Press who designed the cover. Didn't she do a great job again.

We had a great time that day.

DEATH BY DROWNING IS OUT!!!

2011-05-16T18:33:00.001-07:00

"Death By Drowning" is out and receiving 5 star reviews.

I will be at the following places for book signing:

Thursday, May 19th 7pm, Joseph Beth

Saturday, May 21st, 9am to 4pm, Ky Herb Festival in Frankfort

Monday, May 23rd, 7pm, Jessamine Co Library

Hope to see you at one of these dates.

HONEYBEE SWARM TIME

2011-05-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

I have honeybee swarm boxes all over my farm - so where do the bees swarm? Forty feet high up in a tree where I can't get them. Oh, you naughty bees.

The old Queen will leave with workers and make a new nest while a young, virgin Queen will take over the old honeybee nest. Beekeepers like to catch swarms and make new hives, that is if you can reach them.

But I opened the hive and found more queen cells, so I made nucs. That will stop that hive from swarming more this summer. Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Abigail's: http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/15714

2010-12-13T04:33:00.000-08:00

Abigail's: http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/15714

http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/15714

2010-12-13T04:25:00.000-08:00

Click on the above and see Mutual of Omaha AHA moment with me. Hope it entertains you.

JOSEPH BETH BOOK SIGNING

2010-11-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

What a great night I had speaking at Joseph Beth Book Store at Lexington Green. It was also the day that the company filed Chapter 11. We must support this gem in our city - so for the holidays, let's purchase books for presents from local bookstores.

KENTUCKY BOOK FAIR 2010

2010-11-17T19:50:00.001-08:00

Here I am with the lovely mystery writer, Lori Patterson. I had a great day meeting new readers and signing my book. Met many other wonderful writers. The older man is Allan Eckart, the famous author of The Frontiersman and Wilderness Empire - must reads for any historian of US history. The younger man is Stephen Zimmer, a KY fantasy writer. He will be famous one day, mark my words. Had a wonderful day. Wish you could have been there.

KENTUCKY STATE FAIR

2010-11-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 13th from 9am to 4pm, the Frankfort Convention Center on Mero St will host the Kentucky Book Fair. This is a wonderful way for the public to meet with authors but also proceeds go to fund grants for state libraries. Authors donate their books wholesale and travel at their own expense to help with this fair.

Last year over 5000 people attended and these book lovers spent over $150,000 in just six hours. I was one of them last year and bought many holiday gifts there. This year I will be in it promoting DEATH BY A HONEYBEE.

on Thursday, Nov 11th at 7pm, I will be at Joseph Beth at Lexington Green in Lexington signing Death By a HoneyBee. If in the area, stop by and see me. Miss Abigail

MY ANIMAL FAMILY

2010-10-28T02:21:00.000-07:00

The English Mastiff Belle, has since passed away but she is the model for Baby in the Josiah Reynolds mysteries.

DOG NEEDS GOOD HOME

2010-10-20T15:56:00.001-07:00

Rosie needs a good home. Friend of mine has to relocate so is looking for new digs for Rosie. A cheerful dog, young, housebroken - look- she is even smiling for the picture. Very human oriented, loves walks - would make a good work companion dog. Does need some training. She has a habit of jumping up so she can give you kisses. Loves water. Good outside dog.

I would take her myself but will be gone a lot this winter due to my new book coming out. Not fair to the dog. She needs companionship. Do you have a place for Rosie in your life?

SOUTHERN HUMANITIES BOOK FESTIVAL

2010-10-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time in Nashville at the Southern Humanities Book Festival taking place at TN's state capitol. I met other writiers and courtly gentlemen. I was honored to speak on a panel about mystery writing and a good size crowd attended. The room was the Capitol's library which was a beautiful room. My next book fair will be in Frankfort, KY at the Convention Center on Saturday, Nov 13th, 9 to 4. For Christmas presents this year, buy a good book!

NEW HOMES FOR OUR MILITARY

2010-09-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Anna Lowery, wants to let all military people know that they have new advantages in purchasing homes. The link forinformation is www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215594.00.html.

Or you can go to her website and get more information at www.PrudentManRealEstate.com. She's a good gal and will help you find your dream home.

READERS FAVORITE AWARD

2010-09-15T19:15:00.001-07:00

Again thanks to all my readers and supporters. Without you, I never could have won the READERS FAVORITE Gold Medal Award.

Thank you for bringing DEATH BY A HONEYBEE to the attention of book groups and other organizations. I am already booking into 2011 for speaking engagements.

It has been a great year. I hope you all will enjoy DEATH BY DROWNING which comes out in 2011.

CUMBERLAND LAKE

2010-09-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, I've got to take a break from bees and writing, so I head for a body of water. Thank goodness for Cumberland Lake. My daughter joined Peter and myself for a fun day of boating and tubing. I just love to swim and our beautiful lakes are just perfect for most water sports. I just need to get a pool. I think all women should have the three p's - pony, puppy and pool. These are our toys. Nothing like soaking in one's pool watching your winning thoroughbred horse munching grass in the pasture while your big dog keeps the coyotes away. Okay - the three p's and lots of money and good health. Well, I'm working on it.

SNUG HOLLOW FARM

2010-09-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

Want to relax and get away from it all? Take a little trip to Snug Hollow Bed and Breakfast in Estill Co. Stay overnight or have a meal. Either way, it is an experience. http://www.snughollow.com/

READERS FAVORITE GOLD AWARD

2010-09-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

READERS FAVORITE honored DEATH BY A HONEYBEE with the 2010 Gold Medal Award for Chick Lit. Forty awards were given to traditionally and non-traditionally published books published in 2009 and 2010.

DEATH BY A HONEYBEE was nominated for three awards, but according to the rules, may only win one. This is Abigail Keam's debut novel of her mystery series, Josiah Reynolds.

Her new book, DEATH BY DROWNING, will be released in the spring of 2011.

NEW CRITTER ON THE FARM!

2010-08-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Our cats would not come in after dark, so my husband went looking for them. A cry emerged from the nearby woods to which my husband went, "uh, oh," for there is no cry like a wildcat's. It is very distinctive. Peter began frantically searching for our kitties, but couldn't find them. Were they bloodied and underneath the large paw of a catamount?

Our neighbor came out and cautioned Peter as there had been a bobcat on his back porch that evening. Worst fear confirmed. To make a long story short, we finally found our cats trembling and hiding but unharmed. They apparently knew the cry of a bobcat when they heard it too. They are now on curfew and have to come inside before dusk. I don't mind sharing my woods with a bobcat. They are her woods too. I just don't want to share my cats with it as an evening snack.

WINNER OF THREE MORE HONEY AWARDS

2010-08-30T17:16:00.001-07:00

Here I am with with Phil Craft, Ky State Bee Inspector at the Ky State Fair. The competition was stiff but I was able to snag three more ribbons bring my total to 16. Congratulations to all the winners at the 2010 Kentucky State Fair.

FROM THE INKWELL

2010-08-04T00:20:00.000-07:00

I am going to be on Sheri Wright's radio show - FROM THE INKWELL - chradio 1650am. I will let you know the date it will be broadcast but I will tape it on the 15th. It will be an hour long discussion of writing and life. You can check out previous broadcasts on www.chradio.net.

Sheri is a great poet and poetry is catching its second breath in this country as a wonderful art form. It's been a long time coming since Longfellow.

READERS FAVORITE AWARDS

2010-08-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

The 2010 READERS FAVORITE AWARDS have selected DEATH BY A HONEYBEE as a finialist in three of their reading categories: Chic Lit, Mystery and Action/Adventure. Winners will be announced on September 1st, 2010. Winners go to Las Vegas for a book festival and award ceremony. It's been a wonderful year.

THIRD ANNUAL FARM TOUR

2010-07-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the 3rd annual Lexington Farmers Market FARM TOUR. Making sure my bees are clean behind their pollen baskets and have washed their abdomonal wax tabs. Tickets can be purchased at www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.com or the market this weekend. Don't be left buzzin' by yourself. Come visit.

WHY DOESN'T MY HOME LOOK LIKE A HOME/GARDEN HOME

2010-07-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

I look at homes in magazines. They are so nice and tidy with a beautiful garden and an obediant dog. No matter how hard I work, there always seem to be dirty dishes in the sink, crumbs on the floor, and dust bunnies in the corners. Right now there are 10 tubs of honey stored in my kitchen waiting to be bottled and a pile of clothes by the door waiting to go to Goodwill. The flowers that are blooming in my garden are the weeds. Oh, why can't my home look like we have a maid and a gardener. And a butler. And a personal assistant. And a cook - instead of just me.

HOMEGROWN AUTHORS

2010-06-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Wyn Morris from Morris book shop, Neil Chethik, Writer in Residence Carnegie Center and me, Abigail Keam, begin the Homegrown Authors at the Lexington Farmers Market.

Homegrown Authors will feature regional writers four times this summer at the Lexington Farmers' Market. Neil and I were the first writers of the summer. We had a great time and sold many books.

CORNBREAD SUPPER

2010-06-01T20:15:00.001-07:00

Special thanks to Susan Miller who invited me to her Cornbread Supper where I read from DEATH BY A HONEYBEE to her guests. Everyone brought a dish and oh, was the food good! What a lovely home! A great way to spend an evening.

HERALD LEADER REVIEW

2010-05-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

If you have spend any time at the Lexington Farmers' Market, you have probably seen Abigail Keam. She is usually selling selling honey and looking like a queen bee herself sitting in a broad-brimmed and flower-rimmed hat.
Who knew under that unassuming exterior lurked a mind abuzz with murder, mayhem and shady characters?

Yet, in her first mystery novel, DEATH BY A HONEYBEE (Workerbee Press, $15), the main character, Josiah Reynolds, encounters just that.

I've been to visit Keam's bees, and to my great relief, there has been no motionless body, head in a hive, as you'll discover in the first few pages of her book. Yet, the details of beekeeping and culture that she includes are real and made more interesting by being woven into a suspenseful plot.

In a hard-core, take-no-nonsense tone, Abigail Keam has created a character in Josiah Reynolds that might stand up to the likes of Nick Danger and Guy Noir - but with a feisty ol' Kentucky attitude set in a bourbon and Thouroughbred kind of town. Talk about local produce!

At 223 pages, HONEYBEE is a fun, light summer read. But be warned. You might not look at your favorite farmer market vendors the same way again. The book is available on Amazon.com or www. abigailkeam.com. Susan Smith-Durisek Saturday, May 22, 2010, Herald Leader

MEETING OF THE LAL PRESIDENTS

2010-05-21T04:21:00.001-07:00

I had a lovey lunch with the ladies from the Lexington Art League, one of the best art clubs in the country. Starting with the lady in green and going left is Miriam Woolfolk, past President, Miss Grace, artist, Lucinda Chapman, artist, Miss Abigail, past President, Marianna McDonald, artist, Marie Hochstrasser, past President, and Elise Harris, past President. We had a great time talking about old times and our travel plans. It seems we are going to Australia, New Zealand, Italy. Have a drink for me, ladies.

BRAKES GO OUT!

2010-05-18T02:10:00.001-07:00

On my way home from the Lexington Farmers' Market my brakes went out. Oh dear! What to do? Plus my cell phone didn't work and neither did my emergency brake. Do I crash into a tree or go through someone's fence and stop in a field taking a chance of injuring an animal? Couldn't do that. I put the van in low gear, knowing that I had to make that last turn to my house or continue down Tates Creek and into the river. There would be no other way to stop. I unbuckled my safety belt in case I had to bale out in a hurry, put my day's money in my bra and prayed. Negotiating that last pin hair curve, I was able to coast to a stop in my neighbor's field. Talk about sweating bullets. No - I was like Rita Hayworth - I glistened.

CHEVY CHASE REVIEW

2010-05-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

DEATH BY A HONEYBEE by Linda Hinchcliffe (Review)

Author Abigail Keam offers readers her first published book, DEATH BY A HONEYBEE. A Fayette Co. native and regular member of the Lexington Farmers' Market and full-time beekeeper uses her knowledge of both her trade and Lexington, an entertaining tale of murder most unkind.

. . . we are introduced to a cast of characters and a story, like honey, is sweet and delicious.

As many places named in the book are familiar - the Market, Ramsey's and Al's Bar - Keam wisely clarifies the point that her characters are fictional and any similarity to any living person or physical place is just coincidence unless stated otherwise. It's not you. so don't go around town and brag about it.

SOME THINGS JUST DON'T WORK OUT

2010-05-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

I spent two hours trying to get a swarm out of the trees. They just wouldn't cooperate. So I left a swarm box in the tree hoping that they will settle in it when alone. I was just doing more harm than good trying to shake them down. Sometimes the bees are just stinkers.

GETTING READY FOR THE HONEY HARVEST

2010-05-12T05:42:00.001-07:00

This is the time of the year when things are really hopping for the bees. The nectar flow is on and, man o man, it seems like a great one this year. The locust trees are blooming and the white clover has bloomed early. I hardly have enough supers to put on the hive bodies. I will spend the entire day getting the honey house ready for harvesting. All the equipment must be sterlized. Everything swept. Honey buckets lined up in a row like obediant soldiers. I like everything tidy in a honey house.

THINGS I NEED TO DO TODAY

2010-05-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Franklin said, "Never put off tomorrow what you can do today." It's not that I don't want to get everything done. It's just the body is not always functioning 100%, but I, like everyone else, will give it my best shot and see how much I can get done. So here we go.

1. Cut and wrap soap for the Lexington Farmers' Market this weekend.
2. Put a new super on a hive that is already filling its current supers.
3. Check on the swarm boxes.
4. Wash several loads of clothes.
5. Put away clothes.
6. Balance checkbook.
7. Get ready for Mayfest book fair this Saturday (noon to 4)
8. Weed wack around the yard. Return borrowed neighbor's weedeater.
9. Print out labels for honey.
10. Wash dishes and tidied up kitchen.
11. Start cleaning up honey house for future honey harvest.
12. If have enough time, start washing inside windows of house.

GREAT TIME AT MORRIS BOOK SHOP

2010-04-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

A GREAT DAY AT MORRIS BOOK SHOP!

A big thank you to all my friends, family and fans who came to my first book signing. We sold out of all DEATH BY A HONEYBEE books in the store within two hours. I met some wonderful new people, and hopefully, new friends. Thank you again. It was a wonderful day.

FARMERS' MARKET STARTS

2010-04-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful spring this year! Spending the whole day getting ready for the Lexington Farmers' Market which starts Saturday, April 10th at Cheapside. On days like this, both the bees and I hate to see the sun set.

BOOK RELEASE PARTY

2010-04-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Morris book shop at 408 Southland Dr is having a book release party for me on Sunday, April 18th from noon to 2pm. That is the same day that the Lexington Farmers' Market opens on Southland Dr. Feel free to come to the book release party and talk to me or just browse. Love to see you. Miss Abigail

TUSCAN DINNERS START AT CHRISMAN MILL AGAIN!

2010-03-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Chrisman Mill Vineyards started their Tuscan dinners last week. It was a eight course dinner served with their award winning wines. Three hours after it began, I stumbled out into the bright evening air feeling nothing but love for all mankind. Afterall - I had been pampered, stuffed with delicious food and given liquids fit for the gods to drink.
I would recommend this special evening. I spent it in the company of good friends. We talked about the theater and films between bites. I said to myself - Ahh, this is what it means to be grown-up. A wonderful meal with delightful conversation and all the adults are wearing appropriate outfits.
So if you are like me - tired of eating out and competing with babies crying and people yelling into their cell phones - travel to the rolling hills of Jessamine Co and have a meal of a lifetime. Chrisman Mill is also open for some lunches. www.chrismanmill.com 859 881 5007

HONEYBEES ARE ACTIVE!

2010-03-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Honey Bee Lovers,

Have checked all but three of my hives. Have lost three hives so far during the cold snap, but the rest of the hives look healthy and rearing to make honey.

This picture illustrates how we check hives. My assistant is handing me a hive tool which I will use to pry up frames and check them.

We look for disease and where the Queen is located. If she is in the top hive body, we put it on the bottom. On the right hive top is a bag of powdered sugar. This is dappled onto the bees. When they groom off the powder, parasites are knocked to the ground. Underneath the powdered sugar bag is a shallow box. This is called a "super". The bees store honey in this and the entire super is removed to harvest for humans without disturbing the Queen or her brood. It's a pretty efficient system. I love helping bees keep healthy and performing. It's a great job!

IS IT EVER GOING TO END?

2010-02-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

Though the snow is beautiful, it is hard on the bees. During the few days of warmth, they did come out for a few hours. Now they are huddled into a tight ball.

But I guess we are better off than the Northeast where they got hit pretty hard. Still, here's hoping for spring soon.

While the bees are trying to keep warm, I am getting working on their behalf of repairing broken frames and installing new wax. A beekeeper never stops.

MORE SNOW TODAY!

2010-02-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

More snow today. Just kept the wood stove going today and read. Not a bad day at all.

SNOW DOESN'T STOP WORK!

2010-02-14T07:03:00.001-08:00

Waiting for five more inches of snow, but that doesn't stop work here. My husband brought in several loads of wood for the wood stove. I made lasagna for lunch. We washed the great room floor, dusted, washed dishes and filed away piles of paperwork. Animals were fed and watered. Seed put in feeders for the wild birds. After lunch of 'out of the oven lasagna', made with locally grown beef and spinach, I am going to run to the store like everyone else and get movies and milk.

2008-08-18T20:11:00.001-07:00

ADOPT A HIVE!
This is a program where you sponsor a hive. You will get some honey from your hive and the money will help buy things that the bees need.
You can pick up the forms at my booth. You can also order from my website www.abigailsoap.com.

By the year 2035, at the current rate of decline, honeybees will cease to exist. (Nature, KET)

RAW HONEY
Very few bottles of Locust left. Will have plenty of Wildflower honey.

Gourment Honeys

Orange and Lemon 12 oz Gift Honeys this week!
Great for yourself or for a lovely gift.

NEW!!!!
Once a year I make Blackberry Wine Honey and now am making Vidal Blanc Wine Honey with award winning wines from Chrisman Mill. These gourmet honeys are great for salad dressings, glazes and more.
Great for gifts, dinner parties and for yourself.
.

Orange Dream Lip Balm is back! Just in time for those hot summer days. Keeps your lips moist and it tastes yummy!

HANDCRAFTED SOAP

Just in time for the really hot weather. Take a cool shower with Key Lime Soap. Feels Great!

I will have 10 varieties of handcrafted soap this weekend.
Hyacinth, Romantic Rose, Lavender, Mint Julep, Oatmeal Scrub, French Vanilla Scrub, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Honey Facial, Supermoist, Noire