rain, cool, temps plus 3
A regular April day. Keep wondering if Michael and I can take off for Florida or Arizona or New Mexico for a couple of weeks. Write there. But I look at our schedule and realize we can't. It doesn't really matter...just yearning for change. And warmth.
We're in Montreal - came back for peace and quiet. But now they're re-doing the floors upstairs. Sanding. Above our heads. All day. If, in book 8, you read about floors being sanded in the monastery, or people's teeth being drilled, you'll know where that comes from.
After finishing writing yesterday Michael and I headed out to do some chores in the city...mailings, that sort of thing. Then decided to pop into the Tavern on the Square for lunch. He had honey garlic shrimp salad and I had just the soup. Not overly hungry these days. It was a fabulous soup. Cauliflower and green apple soup, and fresh baguette on the side. Perfect.
Teeming with rain yesterday. And more today. Heading out again - to the bank this time. Never fun. Apparently the Royal Bank of Canada does not recognize British pounds. And so refuses to honour a cheque in pounds. We will have a little discussion.
But, in the scheme of problems, that's a small one. Worst case scenario is that we simply change banks. But I don't think that will be necessary.
Hope you're enjoying your day. The writing is actually going very well. almost 2,000 words today. And my 'worry' quotient is quite low.
Speak soon - be well.
13 comments:
I love the Tavern. It's my favourite restaurant. My husband works upstairs so it's always a good excuse to meet after work. Ever tried the hanger steak with skinny frites? Oh, my.
Let's hope the sun peeks through soon.
There's something ironic about the "Royal" bank not recognizing British pounds.
They will probably recognize it after a 30 (working) day hold. I usually find offering to withdraw all my money works a bit, but the new regulations, which I think originate in the US, make even that difficult now.
Congrats on keeping the worry level low.
Love Ilonka's comment!
Re the bank:
Point out what sort of books you write and give them two options:
1)Cooperate and the manager makes a cameo appearance in the book.
2) Don't cooperate and one of the poor monks is found dead in the bank vault - major scandal.
I know it's nothing like Quebec, but it is unseasonably cold here, too, on the Wet coast, not even five degrees C. on my south-facing porch and raining more on than off. Brrr ...
RBC --- don't get me started. I have withdrawn all my money and then returned, when asked, but it didn't help. Brilliant comment, Jodi, very creative.
Re my Paul Gross suggestion: I know it doesn't sound like a literary suggestion, but he is a very good serious actor as well as one with comic tendencies when required (not a bad thing) ie, Due South, where he developed a huge following. DS is so long ago and he does look and seem to be much more serious now.
But I really do feel presumptuous suggesting anyone, as I'm coming at it from a purely spectator perspective, so I shall cease and desist.
Having worked in television, I'm sure you know how to go about this with perfection, in the same way you create your books, and that your choice(s) will be excellent.
Are there ATM's and ATM/check cards in Canada? If so, I would highly recommend a card. No more
hassles! Better to have a fee, than frustration! Good luck!
I, too, am a huge Paul Gross fan, and would pay to hear him read the phone book, but I don't see him as the "courtly" and "mannered" (even somewhat anachronistic) Gamache. I have, however, always pictured him as Jean-Guy (in a leather jacket, bien sur) when I read the books. I know he's probably technically too old but he skews younger on film. Ahh, a gal can dream....But I'm aadamant on Dame Judi Dench as Ruth - not as physically accurate as Linda Hunt, but just imagine Ruth's invectives flying out of Dame Judi's face! Just a Yank's opinion....
I have to agree with Audrey... Dame Judi has the stuff to be Ruth, who is a very deep character...
You're right, Audrey, on all counts, and I can't think of anyone better for the part than Dame Judi.
Morning Penny ... first of all I want to congratulate you on your wonderful books. I have read each of them twice with the exception of Bury your Dead which I will save for a re-read in the summer. You are not only an amazing author but an amazing, warm person. In regard to your British pounds cheque - just a suggestion that your British partners issue you the cheque, ask them to ensure that it is made out in Pounds Sterling. I used to work in a bank and this was a sticking point. Might work for you with Royal Bank. The bank I worked for insisted that any pound transaction was referred to in pounds sterling. Also, do you think that Colm Feore (I think this is his name) with the help of makeup of course would make a good candidate for the role of Gamache??? Anyway, good luck with your continued wonderful books.
May the teeth drilling and/or floor sanding appear in Book 8. That would be such a fun insider knowledge thing for your blog readers! Best luck with weather blahs and bank hassles. Sunny skies can't be far off the horizon, fingers crossed for that!
Hi all,
Drilling has stopped. Phew. And the bank manager, after a few stern words from us, agreed to accept the cheque. Didn't even have to bribe/threaten her with a place in the next book. Saving that for Canada Customs.
Lovely day here today. Hope you're enjoying yours too.
I love Judi Dench, but I see Ruth as younger and a little "flightier" with all the crumbs in her hair.
So tough to get the characters right for a movie when everyone has a different idea in his mind. Will you have "approval" power?
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