Sada and Opal had lived together in the little house at the mouth of Free Creek ever since Sada’s husband passed away twenty-five years ago, dead in the Dublin Coal Disaster. So, they had called all of their closest family and told a few of the neighbors on Free Creek who were like family, and here they were, all crowding into the house on the evening when magic happened. Most young people didn’t even know what January Sixth meant. She had always wanted to have an Old Christmas party people never celebrated that anymore. When she lit on the idea to do it on Old Christmas, she could hardly contain her excitement. As soon as Opal was released on New Year’s Eve, Sada had started planning a way to make up the annual get-together. Usually it was held on Christmas Eve, but this year Opal had been in the hospital-pneumonia-so Sada had tended to her all through the holidays.

Her grandmother, Sada, and great-aunt, Opal, chirped like little birds as they twittered about, but one of them was constantly poking her head into the foyer to ask if Gabe had made it yet.Įverybody loved the Morgan Sisters’ Christmas gathering. They seemed to be the most desired guests of all. Lily knew that everyone had arrived except her uncle, Gabe, and his wife Greta. The bed was piled teetering high with coats now. Hardly had she brought one uncle or cousin into the living room than another was letting in cold air and slanting snow when they stood too long with the door open. Lily was worn out from a solid hour of ferrying coats to the back bedroom and greeting folks at the front door. Grannie Snow lives in Vermont with her two cats, Big Ole Striped Silas and Miss Opal.Another Country A new generation is growing up in our midst, a generation actuated by new ideas and new principles. Bringing to life this book series seemed a perfect reflection of the unconditional love of grandchildren and pets. Huddled in her oversized recliner while surrounded by grandchildren intently listening to her read helped inspire her to take action and follow her dream. Then the magic of grandchildren took hold.

Grannie Snow has always dreamed of being an author. I decided to self publish to maintain control over all aspects of the book. How did you decide how to publish your book and where is it published through: Big Ole Striped Silas is the first book in “The Silas Series: The Adventures of Silas and Opal.” Big Ole Striped Silas will take your child through the sadness and loneliness of losing a beloved pet, to the joys and comfort of finding a new housemate. When his dream to find a home comes true, Silas gives his shelter buddies a pep talk to encourage them to not give up hope in finding a home too. Silas really puts his best paw forward when “a sweet smelling lady” arrives at the shelter in search of a new housemate. Based on my actual experience when my cat Ninnie passed away.

Silas and Opal Meet by Grannie Snow