As long as we're not traveling...

OK, so right at this moment, there's a storm - but if I blink it might go away. Temps near freezing. snow and blowing snow- very dramatic. Tub filled with water in case we lose power...we're on a well, so if we lose power, we lose water. So when there's a particularly violent storm, we fill the tub.

Apparently whatever we're getting today will get worse tomorrow. Forecast is for mix of rain, snow, sleet and freezing rain.

The wonderful people at Harbor Sweets sent two boxes of chocolates, so we pretty much don't care what happens outside - though we do hope that those of you who have to go out in it are very, very careful. I know - it sounds silly to even say that, of course you'll be careful - but just wanted to underscore it. In canada, not much will blow our houses down - and not many people break into our homes. The threat is almost always outside. It's not unusual to hear Canadians say, 'I love snow storms - as long as I don't have to travel'. There is always that qualifier. And it's how I feel. I just adore snow storms - the more dramatic the better. Bring it on - as long as....

Lise has just been and gone - discussing getting permissions to use poetry, and tax forms for the foreign language editions. who knew there was so much bureaucracy with writing books. Of course, the writing isn't bureaucratic, it's the publishing.

I've come to realize I'm not a detail person....and yet, I thrive in order. Disorder, and certainly chaos, gets me nuts. I'm actually fairly organized - but I hate the details. Of course, we all have things about what we do that we dislike. But wow - if we don't stay on top of the paperwork, and files and details there is complete chaos very quickly. In just a matter of days we're swamped.

Enter Lise. My assistant. She showed up this morning - through the blizzard - carrying bags of books to be signed and mailed, permission forms, licorice all sorts and a fresh loaf of cinnamon bread she'd just baked. I, of course, was still in my PJs, and Michael had egg in his beard. We felt like neanderthals visited by an advanced species.

Lise sorts us, in the most gentle of ways, and when she leaves everyone and everything is smiling and shiny and ordered and happy. she's the literary Mary Poppins.

Am off now to put up pictures our good friend Cheryl painted and gave us as a house warming. I photographed them so you can see. She actually writes and illustrates children's books, but also illustrates publications on herbs and medicinal plants. And the bee is just for fun. I think they're all magnificent. We have another painting of hers in our living room. Impressive woman. I see now there's a weird reflection in the illustrations of the plants...couldn't figure out those lines (not sure if you can see them) then I realized it's the tongue-in-groove ceiling of our kitchen. We have a wood ceiling - very old fashioned, but we love it.

The hammer and nails call - and the storm continues. But inside, all is calm. How perfect.