Sunday

windy, cool, leaves swirling off the trees, temps 11

A real autumn day - threatening, strong wind - it's raining leaves. But actually, a wonderful Sunday. Took Trudy for a walk and roll - Michael and I then drove to just outside Bromont and met Cotton for brunch at this wonderful place - bistro and bakery called Canael. To be honest, from the outside it isn't the most charming place, but don't be fooled. Inside it is wonderful. Especially the food. The brunch was a set plate with all sorts of small 'tastings'. Like a french tapas for brunch. Sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, croissant aux amandes (killers!!!), thinly slices potato and cheese pie, a strawberry/custard tarte. But all bite sized, so it was this riot of flavours. Yummy.

and just about the best cafe au lait we've ever had.

Good thing too, since I broke the Nespresso machine this morning. Well, it was already malfunctioning - half the coffee was going in the cup the other half into the reservoir. So we were losing half the coffee. So I started pressing buttons - at random. And the machine started fighting back. Blinking and winking. a little concerned it might be code, and could just imagine what it was saying. Probably much the same things I was thinking.

So we did the only reasonable thing. Unplugged it and left. Had two huge cafe au laits over brunch and just returned home. Called Nespresso, not expecting much - and got just the most charming young woman, who walked me through it, and fixed not only the winking lights (she didn't even make me feel silly) - and the missing coffee (seems one of the spouts might have been clogged up). She was a wonder. I envy her children. Such good humour and patience.

Lise dropped by, as did Daniel, who clears our snow - so that we could make arrangements for this winter too. Pat is on her way up. Not sure why. Then will relax by the fire.

The editor's notes for book 8 - which is set in a monastery and is called THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY - arrived friday night. Thankfully there are very few suggestions - but a couple. The editors, Hope and Dan, without fail make my books stronger. It's such an interesting process - both strongly individual (the creation of the stories and development of the characters) and collaborative (the editing, where I need to be open to their thoughts and suggestions).

The trick is to know which suggestions to take, and which ones not to. But to always have an open mind. Not always as easy as it sounds! Especially with one of my 'babies'.

Off to make some hot chocolate for michael and tea for me. Enjoy your Sunday!