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.