Saturday 12 December 2009

Happy Hanukkah, Chanukah etc-ah

mostly clar, cold, windy

Dear Lord, I had to walk most of the way around the pond backwards. I could feel the bitter wind shoving me and slipping past a crack in my scarf and down my back. Brrrr.

Nice to be inside. Warm.

Had a fabulous day yesterday...lots done. Breakfast in Cowansville. Got the mailing done. I'd forgotten my jewel case (such as it is) in the hotel in Burlington and bless them, they found it and mailed it to me in Richford, VT. So I popped down, send off a signed book and tip as a thank you.

Then last night Michael and I and most of our neighbours went to the Annual General Meeting of MECA - which is the Mont Echo Conservation Association...the association of neighbours who have banded together to get as much of the land made into protected property. No development...just left natural. As you might know, we donated 40 acres to MECA last year.

The AGM was also a Christmas party and was a blast. Unbelievable food...the best maple roasted ham I've ever had. It was at the home of the brothers who run Turkey Hill Farms, which does maple syrup and sugar products. We'll often give them as gifts when we travel.

Also wanted to say a great big happy Hanukkah to everyone!

We're off to Hovey Manor tomorrow for 4 days, then Montreal for a couple. Probably will not blog while away.

Finally turning in the ridiculous car that is the BMW. Wouldn't you know it, in scraping the snow off it today Tony and I realized the mice had gotten in under the hood and eaten all sorts of insulation. Can only imagine how much BMW will charge for that. Oh, well.

This - the trip to Hovey etc - is all part of Michael and my new mantra. MORE FUN.

We are determined to not be as stressed about things...to slow down, relax. When on book tour take a few days to actually enjoy whatever city we're in...if possible. We're investigating doing a Sandals vacation in January or Feb. And will go back to london in April. And just have more fun.

My life has been filled with unexpectedly wonderful events but it feels as though I've been racing for 5 years. It really is time to exhale, and really enjoy.

Have More Fun. And happy Chanukah, eh.

18 comments:

Lesa said...

Ooooohhhh. Hovey Manor! Last year when you went, I went to their website, and took the whole tour. It's a dream come true! You and Michael enjoy that relaxing time. You earned it, and after the last few months, you both need some time to yourself. Give Michael a hug from me! Enjoy that away time.

Lesa - http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.

Jodi said...

Happy latkes (potato pancakes) to you too. :-)

bgpringle said...

Do you have Room #8? As I remember,it was the only one in the main building that had a fireplace and was much in demand!! What a great place to unwind.
Bev

Marjorie said...

Have a Hovey-tastic time and we'll be waitng for you when you return to the Modern Age. No rush, though. Enjoy every quiet, natural and beautiful minute of it. And, as if my magic, by the time you return, I will be another year older!

--Marjorie from Connecticut

Dana said...

Happy Holidays bloggers. Happy Birthday Marjorie. Happy Fun Times, Louise.
We are heading to Lennoxville for the holidays (limited computer time) and will enjoy a Quebec Christmas, sipping coffee from our Gamache mugs and putting maple syrup on everything.

Dana - from Nova Scotia and Gulfport,FL

Anonymous said...

Yes, Merry Christmas bloggers too, and Marjorie , I have a birthday tomorrow, the 14th. Happy Birthday to us then!

Louise and Michael,maybe you should leave your watches in the hotel, unplug the clocks, let the
magic happen....and never be on time for anything! Well, perhaps not..Enjoy your private time and perhaps a nice, new tradition as you find yourselves some new approaches to happiness. DonnaK Wisconsin
I'm waiting for my Gamache mugs. Sent 4 by mistake but I think I'll keep them, like a set.

enjoying our mild weather, up to 20 degrees..

Marjorie said...

Thanks, Dana.

DonnaK, happy birthday to you. Mine isn't until Thursday, but I like to make it a week long celebration! LOL.

--Marjorie from Connecticut

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and happy holidays of all kinds, including birthdays. I like to celebrate early, too, but I guess 2 months ahead of time might be pushing it. LOL

Louise, enjoy the slowdown and the fun, and wow, Sandals! We spent a week last December in Aruba and loved it!

lil Gluckstern said...

Enjoying your private time, away from it all, I hope. You certainly have merited it; You are missed though. Happy and healthy holidays to all of you. Happy Birthday and good cheer!

virginia winters said...

Happy Holidays, Louise, and all the best for the new Year

Joy Renee said...

Happy Holy Days.

Just dropping by to say Thanks for your stories. I just discovered you through Brutal Telling and will be forever enamored of Three Pines.

Marjorie said...

Dear Louise,

It's been a week without a word! I hope that your quiet indictates you are still having a perfect time away from the modern world. But we miss you and welcome your return...when you are ready.

--Marjorie from Connecticut

Marjorie said...

...And the book was named the best msytery of the year by a newspaper in Milwaukee:

http://www.jsonline.com/
entertainment/arts/79576227.html

--M. from CT

lil Gluckstern said...

Is anyone else suffering from Louise withdrawal? You are missed, and I can just imagine hoe how much of a vacation this must be. Wonderful.

bgpringle said...

I keep checking and see Sat Dec12th as the last entry. I hope all are having a wonderful holiday season.

Shelagh said...

Dear Louise, Michael, and Trudy,
A very Happy Christmas and a great 2010!
Hugs, Shelagh

Mercedes said...

Louise --

Have you finished exhaling yet?

I met you and Dr. Michael on December 1st at the Poisoned Pen kiddy-corner to Valley-Ho at your piggy-back book signing in Scottsdale, A-Zee, with Peter Robinson from Yorkshire, UK.

Wow. That was a mouthful --even from someone who's lived in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!

Even before your self-imposed hiatus, you had mastered the art of living in the moment. Aside from Michael and your nearests and dearests in the room, the rest of us had no idea that you were dreading facing an audience of 800 + at the Arts and Lecture Series in Rochester, NY, two days later.

As my dear mother would say, "You take the cake, girl."

Keep taking the cake, Louise.

Just be more selective about la boulangerie.

Keep exhaling ... with Dr. Michael, with Trudy, with yourself.

As mystery mavens, we, your fans, tend to be a patient lot!

--Mercedes

Louise Penny Author said...

Hi all,

I', baaaach! and I see I missed some birthdays!!! so sorry. A very happy belated birthday Marjorie and Donna. As gorgeous as ever.

It felt quite odd taking 2 weeks away from blogging...especially at first. Withdrawal. But I got used to a life of sloth. I took a personality test once to see what my overriding characteristic was, and turns out it's sloth. No big surprise, actually.

I'm so glad some of you continued to comment in my absence. And welcome to anyone new to the blog. What you must think of me and my blog discipline.

Speak to you tomorrow...and thanks for the kind comments! And Merry Christmas.