Author: Dora Hiers

Time for Family

/ Dora Hiers / 8 Comments

So, now that we’re nearing the end of January,  

how are you doing on your resolutions or one-word theme?


I don’t make resolutions. Nor do I focus on one words. But, for me, 2016 seems to be all about family so far.

My parents spend the winters in TN, four hours away from us. The rest of the time, they hang out in AK. As in A L A S K A. So, we try to squeeze in as much time as we can with them while they’re in the lower 48.

This month they both scheduled cataract surgeries for the same day. One eye at a time, two weeks apart.

It’s been fun watching them see things in a new light. Everything’s brighter, more colorful, and now, after 50+ years of wearing glasses, all they’ll need are readers.

Both pictures were taken after the first eye surgery.

I’d allotted time in my calendar to be there to drive them around and help while they recuperated. They didn’t really need any help, though. After surgery and a nap, they were good to go. 🙂

What I didn’t schedule were snow days. Note to self: must remedy that for next year.

Let me ask you. Would you be able to write with all this cuteness in the house? 


Nope. Not me. 🙂

My word count definitely tanked in January. I’m working on Kissing Santa Nic, a Christmas story that I’ll publish independently as Tori Kayson. No contract, no deadlines, so it’s all good. But even so…

“There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens…” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Little Man won’t be five forever. Before I can blink (practically), he’ll be driving age. And my parents will head back to AK soon. 

Apparently, God has designated 2016 as the time for family for me. So, I will adjust my calendar and not fret over my poor word count. Because when I release my schedule to God, He blesses my time beyond measure. 


What season are you in right now?

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

/ Dora Hiers / 9 Comments

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar in Uptown Charlotte. 

Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar


This modern designed gourmet burger restaurant/bar offers a full array of starters, sandwiches, salads and tacos and a full brunch menu on the weekends. 


Dora here. The interior was well-lit, not gloomy like some restaurants where the bar takes center stage. Also, it was clean and lacked any musty odors from the night before, definitely a plus. And was it my imagination or did a hush come over the room when we walked in? So we might’ve had a good thirty years on most of the diners here, but service was friendly and efficient and they put us right at ease. 🙂

We started with Pretzels. These were no ordinary pretzels; they were small barrels packed with flavor, hard on the outside and soft on the inside. They complemented perfectly with the Guinness cheese sauce, which carried just the right amount of kick. These pretzels were great and something that we will be sure to try again on a return visit.

Pretzels

Dora here. I would’ve sworn the cheese dip was actually some type of Dijon mustard base. Light and mild to taste, but set my throat on fire. Yum!

For my meal, I chose the Dumpling, an Asian pork burger topped with hoisin glaze, slaw, and sriracha aioli on a Kaiser Roll and a side of Sweet Potato Tots. 

The Dumpling with Sweet Potato Tots


This burger definitely had a unique taste with all the various flavors melding together. Makes me want to return soon to try another. If the burger was not great enough, the sweet potato tots took this dish over the top. Outstanding! Now I have never tried sweet potato tots but I can tell you they will be added to my plate whenever they are offered on a menu again. 

Dora here. I really enjoyed the Boogan’s Bacon Burger. The patty was huge and meaty, and looked handcrafted, and the bacon marmalade and garlic aioli gave it an added pop. And fresh fruit? How could I resist? Check out that heaping bowl of berries and pineapple. Delish!

Boogan’s Bacon Burger
Meaty ~ Boogan’s Bacon Burger

Looks yummy, right? It was! Even so, my fork kept wandering over to Ernie’s plate, and I snatched more than half of those Sweet Potato Tots. Yowza! Those tots sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon rocked! Heaven in my mouth!

We rate this restaurant five forks out of five for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.

Cowbell Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato