I love hot cocoa also known as hot chocolate. I think most people really enjoy it when it tastes good. It’s my favorite cool weather drink. There are so many versions of hot cocoa that, in my opinion, homemade is always the best. I even named Sheriff Gus’s horse Cocoa. It’s also Gus’s favorite warm drink. When I first thought of Sheriff Gus’s horse’s name, I thought about foods or drinks that children liked. Naturally, as it is my favorite, hot chocolate came into my mind first. I made Sheriff Gus’s horse a dark brown like hot cocoa with a white streak on his nose like marshmallow. That is almost a direct quote from my books. When I read to children and say Gus’s horse is named Cocoa I explain why. I always use my other hand to make the white streak on my own nose. The children always smile each time I do it. When I talk about it to anyone, I automatically do the white streak on my nose with my hand. Hot cocoa is always a favorite when camping although it is not quite as tasty as its usually made with water so it seems kind of thin. When my son was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, I used Stevia to make hot chocolate on the cold nights when he needed a bedtime snack. Then instead of a marshmallow which would be too much sugar, I used whipped cream (sorry to say) from a can. It kept the carbohydrates to a minimum. When he would have a camp out in the back yard/garden, I made it for his friends. They all enjoyed it as well. Some of the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted was in Italy. It was so thick a spoon would stand up in it. It is, however, quite delicious. When you see a picture of Gus riding his horse Cocoa, in any one of my books, I hope you will enjoy the name of his horse along with some hot cocoa. This should instill positive thoughts about Christmas gift purchases for the children in your life or a donation for a child in the hospital. Don’t forget “Misplaced Trust” for the difficult adult on your list. The Good Gus Series is available online at Kindle, Nook and Waterstones. Hard copies, personally autographed, are available through our website www.goodgusbooks.com along with past blogs for your reading enjoyment. Now available audio and videos for the Good Gus series on YouTube! Digitizing for all the books are available now on YouTube! “Misplaced Trust” is now available on Amazon in e-book form. It is also available digitally at www.misplacedtrustbook.com. If you are thinking of a Will or a Living Trust, “Misplaced Trust” will give you the information you need to make an informed decision. The Good Gus series, books one through four, are now available at the Morgan Mill Mail/UPS.