McMurtry Creative Media

“COMMODORE FARMER,” by Gene McMurty, AKW Books, $6.50, 431 pages (f)

“Commodore Farmer,” Utah author Gene McMurtry’s first science fiction ebook, is an intergalactic adventure of intrigue, deception, suspense and the victory of good over evil.

The story begins with the interplanetary wedding of Prince Westmoreland “Wesley” James Andrew Ayr am-Spotsylvania and Princess Alicia Tsinndorf — heroes and heirs to the thrones of two neighboring planets.

The wedding provides a vehicle for the author to introduce many of the main characters, which include the wedding couple; Archbishop Stilton “Stilt” Farnsworth Canterbury am-Oceanside, a treacherous villain; and an assortment of other important members of the royal families.

For years, the archbishop has schemed for ways to rule the planets of Spotsylvania and Tsinndorf. His plan involves an extensive spy ring, bribery, lying, deaths by poisoning, and the kidnapping of Karl, the heir apparent — son of Wesley and Alicia.

Karl is the namesake of Commodore Karl J. Wahlenmaier, a terraformer — one who creates earthlike environments on un-earthlike planets. The book’s title comes from his nickname, Commodore Farmer. Walenmaier keeps a low profile, but has impressive resources and connections; he is not who he appears to be.

Will Stilt achieve his goal of interplanetary power? Will Karl be reunited with his parents? Just who is Commodore Karl J. Wahlenmaier? As the tale twists and turns to its end, these and other questions are answered in some unexpected ways.

“Commodore Farmer” is definitely G-rated. References to God, prayer, fasting and church attendance are made in subtle, positive ways. The heroes live by high moral values.

A few typos — along with spelling and punctuation errors sprinkled throughout the book — are annoying, but don’t get in the way of the story.

McMurtry, who lives in Kaysville, has a self-proclaimed, decades-long passion for science fiction and is a science buff with degrees in biology and human nutrition. According to the author’s website, the science used in the book is real.

Review by Rosemarie Howard. Her website is at www.dramaticdimensions.com.

To buy COMMODORE FARMER or read a free sample please visit:

http://www.akwbooks.com/BookStore/catalog/Commodore-Farmer-p-28.html

Elle met Santa when she had just turned one year old; it was love at first sight! He visits her every year and brings her a gift, she makes him cookies. It was a match made in heaven.

Tim posed for two hours while I painting his portrait. What a good sport.

My sister and her sweetie ran in the St. George Marathon this fall. You are an inspiration – good for you Cindy and Davie
!

Every year on her birthday in August, Heather goes to the beach where she always finds a sand dollar; a gift from the sea.

I recently finished my oil painting class at the University of Utah. Here are a few of the paintings from my portfolio.

I worked on this still life for several days. It features an illuminated lamp, a seltzer bottle, an old beam, a tea cup, a gnarled soccer ball, a military fuel can, fabrics and assorted flotsam.

A Time For Thanks

I love the story of the founding of America; the epic tales of people heroic and adventurous.

I love the east coast of the United States; the old cemeteries, houses, churches, the gorgeous expanse of nature – the sea, the forests and fields. The stories of George Washington, the Founding Fathers, the Americans and the British. After the discovery of ancestors through my Mother’s research and my Dad’s genealogies, of people who helped build this great nation, I’ve wanted to share their stories with my grandchildren and family. For you, here are some of your ancestors and their roles in our history.

My children know that I have always had a place in my heart for the Pilgrims. We have several ancestors who arrived on the Mayflower that bitter winter of 1620, more about them later. A few miles to the south, in the Berkley Colony, Virginia; William Tracy was acting as governor. He was from Britain and invested heavily in the American colonies. His family had ruled Europe centuries earlier: Charlemagne, William the Conqueror and others. The Tracys left the throne after Edward I around 1200. They served through the years as knights and sheriffs and in other offices of the law. William went to the Berkley colony to act as governor in 1619, with his wife Sara and two children the year before the Pilgrims arrived. He died there in 1621. His daughter and her husband were killed in the Indian Massacre of 1622. According to historical records, his son survived and was sent back to England to be learn a trade. This is Grandma Nixon’s family.

On the good ship Mayflower, a tiny girl, about a year old was traveling to America with her aunt and uncle. Humility Cooper arrived in Massachusetts and survived that first dreadful winter. Unfortunately her aunt and uncle did not. They died and so did her uncle’s brother and his wife, leaving Humility an orphan again. When she was about 3, she was sent back to England where she grew up, was baptized in the Trinity Church in London and eventually married Christopher Webb, who may be a relative of Shakespeare (I need to do the research.) They ended up back in Massachusetts where she died in 1687.

Stephen Hopkins also sailed to America on the Mayflower. He had been to Jamestown and knew something about that area. He brought his wife and children with him on the voyage. She gave birth to a baby boy, Oceanus Hopkins while at sea, the only baby born on the journey. Another man, Edward Winslow, also shows up in our family history, but the years don’t match, so I’m not sure if he is THE Edward Winslow from the Mayflower. These ancestors are on Grandaddy Layton’s side of the family. All of these courageous and honorable people came to America in the early years, establishing our family in the New World and paving the way for future generations. I am so thankful for their bravery and vision and encourage you to hold them in honorable remembrance at this special time of year. Be strong and do your part in making our country the best place on earth to live, generous and stalwart in keeping God’s commandments.

This is a yummy treat for watching the game or as a fun meal. It’s pretty ugly, be sure to serve it in a bread bowl – at least the presentation is attractive.

SPICY CHEESE FONDUE WITH CRUDITÉS AND CROUTONS

Preheat oven to 350°. Cut off top of bread, reserve top. Hollow out the inside with a small knife leaving a 3/4″ shell. Cut remaining bread into 1 1/2″ cubes. Toast as directed below.

1 round loaf of unsliced sourdough bread; 24 oz., 8- 10 inches in diameter

Combine with mixer

3 C sharp cheddar cheese, grated (12 oz.)

12 oz. Neufchatel cheese, softened

1 C sour cream

1 C green onions, chopped

7 oz. green chiles, diced

1 TBSP jalapenos, diced (optional- this adds quite a bit of fire!)

Spoon into bread, replace lid. Wrap tightly with several layers of heavy-duty foil, place on baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 1 hour, or until cheese is melted. During the last half hour of cooking; toast bread cubes. Remove bread from foil and place on a serving tray. Encircle with vegetables and toasted croutons.

CRUDITES

Broccoli, red, yellow and green pepper strips, radishes, zucchini, mushrooms, jicama, celery, cauliflower

TOASTED CROUTONS

Place in baking pan

2 sourdough bread baguettes, cut into 1/2 ” slices

stir together

1/2 C butter, melted

1/4 C vegetable oil

Place in oven during the last half hour the fondue bakes. Remove when crisp but not dried out.