Tuesday, Tuesday

Spokane's weather is GORGEOUS. In case you were wondering, which actually seems pretty unlikely....:)

Today is a writing day, with no interruptions (knock on wood) for doctor appointments, etc. As much as I enjoyed last weekend's trip to California, I'm so happy to be home and back in action. Yesterday, I saw a doctor--I'm doing an overnight sleep study soon--that's getting older for you. (It sure beats the alternative, however.)

Having written, I plan to mess around with my art work for an hour or two--I've moved that operation downstairs, which makes for a much tidier kitchen table.

And that's the news.

Thanks, OCC!

My special thanks to the Orange County Chapter of RWA. I had a fabulous time attending your birthday bash this weekend. What a great bunch you are, and you treated me like a queen. I like that quality in people. :)

Today, it's back to work on The Book, which is going well, plus a routine doctor's appointment. As my friend June Carter Cash used to say, "The older I get, the harder it is to get everything headed in the same direction!"

We've got more glorious fall weather today, I see. Missed the weekend rain, darn it, because I was in sunny Brea, California. Daughter Wendy and future son-in-law Jeremy joined me for part of the weekend, and that was terrific--we visited the biggest Target this ole country girl has ever seen. Yee-haw! Darned if it didn't have escalators--PLUS a special one alongside to transport the shopping cart. What WILL they think of next?

Dogs and cats and horses are all thriving. I was warmly welcomed by the dogs, as always, but the kitties waited until it was dark to cuddle up, lest word get out that they actually like me. :)

I'm happy, I'm feeling good, and I'm grateful.

And that's the news from my kitchen table.

Another Beautiful Day 2

This weather is so beautiful. I know I keep saying that, but it's true. We're enjoying fall at its very best here in Spokane--bright skies, and the greenest greens. Sunshine, but a medium temperature. I love it.

Sadie is off to her day of exercise and acupuncture. Bernice and the kitties and I are holding down the fort. Mary Ann, the trail boss, is headed out to pick up some horse feed, and the Canadian Wrangler is busy out at the barn.

Situation: normal.

And that's a very good thing.

Blue skies, lookin' at me....

The weather is GORGEOUS today. There simply aren't enough adjectives to describe it. :)

Sally's headed back to Oregon as of this morning--Pam left yesterday. It was so much fun to see everybody again.

I'm writing Chapter 7 of the new book today, and I'm also reading a version of "A Creed in Stone Creek", coming next March, before it goes to the typesetter.

I'll be leaving for California on Friday morning--I'm speaking at the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America. It's always fun to see my writing buddies, and as a bonus, daughter Wendy will be joining me for the weekend. It's a quick trip--on Sunday evening, I'll be back in Spokane. Phew.

That's about it for now.

See you tomorrow.

The Reunion

I got together with the family over the weekend--specifically on Saturday--and it was great, as always. It was your typical family reunion--plenty of little kids running around, Cousin Dave MCing (look out, Dave, little Aidan is after your job), the beloved elders who share their memories, the cousins who traveled from far and wide to be with us. We are quite an outfit--and I think we'll be going back to our usual venue in Colville next year, for many reasons, one of which is a food service worker who snarled at everybody in the buffet line if they picked up a plate to serve themselves. :) We're not real fond of "crabby" in our family.

Cousin Jay Lael sang his songs and played his guitar, and even brought along CDs of his music. I was lucky enough to get one. Jay is one of my favorite people--a handsome dirt-bike champ in a cowboy hat, who reads Jane Austen. He likes to remind me that I sold him his first guitar for $15.

There are many funny people in the Lael tribe, so we do a lot of laughing.

Family reunions, like families, are gloriously imperfect, and thank heaven for that, as I wouldn't fit in, otherwise. :)

Back to work on the new book today. Sister Sally is visiting, and we've had a ball. Pam was up from Oregon, and she and Mom came out for a visit yesterday. Pam and I share a deep interest in art, especially mixed media, so it's always fun to talk shop.

It's raining and that makes me feel very cozy in my warm, bright house.

And that's the news from my kitchen table.