Category Archives: Research

Annapolis!

Hubby and I went to Annapolis last night. I wanted to research some places that I used in my next novel, Bittersweet Memories. I used a tourist book about Maryland and Virginia to get the information about the places I’d used, also, I found information about the places on the internet. I also called the restaurants while I was writing the book if I had specific questions. I’d meant to visit Annapolis sooner, while I was writing the book, however, I didn’t have time! Now that I’ve visited, I’ve seen that my descriptions were pretty accurate. When I’m in the copyediting stage, I’m still allowed to make changes, and there are a few things I will be changing slightly.

Here’s the pics:

I have a scene take place at the Annapolis Ice Cream Company. They make their own ice cream, and they bake their pies and cobblers and smash them into the homemade ice cream! We had Blackberry Cobber ice cream! Yum!
Another shot of the Annapolis Ice Cream Company.

Inside the Annapolis Ice Cream Company!
Decorated plastic spoons at the Ice Cream Company. They even had decorated spoons for sale. However, these spoons are NOT to be used for eating!
Ships on the marina.
I have one scene that takes place at The Rockfish.
I have one scene that takes place at Carrol’s Creek Cafe. Great food! Don’t let the name fool you, though. Carrol’s Creek is NOT a cafe-style place. It’s a pretty upscale restaurant, and the food is great!
People dining outside at Carrol’s Creek. This restaurant is located right beside the marina. You can watch the ships on the water while you dine!
Another shot of the Annapolis Ice Cream Company.

Hope you enjoyed my pics! We had a lovely time in Annapolis last night!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Dairy Farm Pics



A few days ago, I posted pics from the small family dairy farm that I visited in Cecil County Maryland. Here are the rest of the pics that I took. I wasn’t able to take more pics because I was too busy watching the farmer during the milking process, plus I asked him TONS of questions. I had a notebook with me, so I wrote down practically everything he said. Some people told me I should have had a video camera with me so that I could shoot the whole process and then I’d have his responses on film! I thought, not a bad idea! Maybe I’ll do that the next time I have a research trip, that is, if the person I’m interviewing doesn’t mind!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Got Milk???



My field trip was EXTREMELY helpful. If it’s possible to do research via the actual location, instead of ONLY using the internet, then do it! I acquired a great deal of knowledge from a very hospitable dairy farmer in North East Maryland. He answered all my questions, and I even milked a cow!

I’m not used to this farming life, though! That stench sure is strong, but the cows are lovely! Running a dairy farm is a lot of hard work since those cows are on a schedule!

~Cecelia Dowdy~