brilliant sunshine, mild, temps 10
Another lovely day....but mostly I'm just writing to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of you celebrating today!
As you know, the Canadian Thanksgiving is earlier - in October. But quite similar. Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes...no parades, though. And no big shopping. Too early for that. But lots of walks and touch football in the autumn leaves.
Enjoy yourselves. As we'll enjoy ourselves today.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Vive Gamache mugs
cloudy, mild, temps 10
Amazingly mild again today - but a grey day. Nice to sit, once again, in front of the fireplace.
Wrote the December newsletter and set up a mailing. I think our local bookstore, Brome Lake Books will be selling the Vive Gamache mugs. Indeed, I plan to take our last box over to them tomorrow. If you'd like to order some for Christmas or just because, feel free to email or call them. Their email is: blb@b2b2c.ca and their phone number is: 450-242-2242. Not sure we've settled on a price yet...taxes and mailing etc...but hoping each will be under 15 dollars. Canadian. Am letting you know first, but I'll also be putting it on the website and newsletter in a few days. Once we figure out a price. It's really the mailing that is so difficult to predict. Interesting issues I've never considered before, but happily Lise has. Things like packaging, boxes. Oh well, I'm sure we'll (she'll) work it out.
In the meantime I'm polishing my book and reading someone else's manuscript. And doing a mailing.
tomorrow having breakfast with Joan then meeting Tim Belford for lunch in Knowlton. He's a friend, and host of the CBC Quebec City morning show. He's doing an interview with me - but we've extended it to include a social lunch. Then hope to go off to Cowansville to get the flu shot.
Friday should be another quiet day. Longing for really quiet days - without manuscripts to read and mailings to do and all that other stuff. But I suspect my life will never be totally quiet. Sometimes I think I should shut down the blackberry and computer for a few days. And perhaps I should. But I'm afraid of the hundreds of emails I'll return to.
Still - good problems to have.
Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow to the Americans!
Amazingly mild again today - but a grey day. Nice to sit, once again, in front of the fireplace.
Wrote the December newsletter and set up a mailing. I think our local bookstore, Brome Lake Books will be selling the Vive Gamache mugs. Indeed, I plan to take our last box over to them tomorrow. If you'd like to order some for Christmas or just because, feel free to email or call them. Their email is: blb@b2b2c.ca and their phone number is: 450-242-2242. Not sure we've settled on a price yet...taxes and mailing etc...but hoping each will be under 15 dollars. Canadian. Am letting you know first, but I'll also be putting it on the website and newsletter in a few days. Once we figure out a price. It's really the mailing that is so difficult to predict. Interesting issues I've never considered before, but happily Lise has. Things like packaging, boxes. Oh well, I'm sure we'll (she'll) work it out.
In the meantime I'm polishing my book and reading someone else's manuscript. And doing a mailing.
tomorrow having breakfast with Joan then meeting Tim Belford for lunch in Knowlton. He's a friend, and host of the CBC Quebec City morning show. He's doing an interview with me - but we've extended it to include a social lunch. Then hope to go off to Cowansville to get the flu shot.
Friday should be another quiet day. Longing for really quiet days - without manuscripts to read and mailings to do and all that other stuff. But I suspect my life will never be totally quiet. Sometimes I think I should shut down the blackberry and computer for a few days. And perhaps I should. But I'm afraid of the hundreds of emails I'll return to.
Still - good problems to have.
Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow to the Americans!
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Chez Louise
Partly cloudy, very mild, temps 13
Freakishly mild...quite disconcerting. Though I'm hoping real winter holds off until after our travels next week. heading to Arizona for a day - flying out Monday...then on to Rochester, and flying back Friday. Going out of Burlington, Vermont...so hoping for good weather. But, we get what we get.
Went for breakfast to Cowansville, then to the bank...some banking business, including having to get a new bank card, since mine was stolen in London. From there we went to the office that arranges for driver's licences and the Quebec Health Card. We were a little afraid they'd say we have to go to Montreal for something as unusual as having the cards stolen, but they didn't. Couldn't have been easier! So now almost all the cards, and definitely the important ones, are looked after.
Read 140 pages of a manuscript someone sent...in front of the fireplace. Returned emails. Had a bath.
Oh, the dinner last night was terrific. All edible. No one vomited. As you see, the standards at Chez Louise are not exactly Micheline starred...but they suit us.
We're debating cars. Our friend drives a subaru, and a couple people wrote in to also suggest it...but they don't have a hybrid yet, as far as I know. AWD, yes, and good fuel economy...but would still prefer a hybrid. So we'll see. fortunately we needn't make a decision quickly.
BMW - the car we're about to turn in after 3 years - is not to our taste. It was a kind of dream of ours - see what a real luxury car felt like. And I have to say, the drive was wonderful. But the on-board computer took 2 people to operate - was very unwieldy...read reviews and many people complain about it. Needlessly complex. But mostly, it was the service that disappointed. As you might have gathered, we're big ones for good service. Willing to (and have)overlooked many flaws if people are considerate and kind. But at our BMW the service was horrendous. Apparently they're quite famous for bad service too. Acura, our former car maker, was fabulous, so perhaps our expectations were high.
So the plan now is to get rid of both cars, and simplify. Go for one nice vehicle that is kind and courteous to the environment.
Quiet day tomorrow!!! No one and nothing, except reading. Hoping to finish the manuscript tomorrow...and start in on the final polish of my own before sending it off - I hope before heading to Phoenix. Also need to write the December newsletter. And the article for the Globe.
Still, best to just do the one thing in front of me, and not worry about all the others.
Hope you're well - I imagine many of you are preparing for Thanksgiving! How fun that always sounds...great food, family, football games (Michael and I actually adore football - he'll often watch a game Sunday afternoon/evening).
Freakishly mild...quite disconcerting. Though I'm hoping real winter holds off until after our travels next week. heading to Arizona for a day - flying out Monday...then on to Rochester, and flying back Friday. Going out of Burlington, Vermont...so hoping for good weather. But, we get what we get.
Went for breakfast to Cowansville, then to the bank...some banking business, including having to get a new bank card, since mine was stolen in London. From there we went to the office that arranges for driver's licences and the Quebec Health Card. We were a little afraid they'd say we have to go to Montreal for something as unusual as having the cards stolen, but they didn't. Couldn't have been easier! So now almost all the cards, and definitely the important ones, are looked after.
Read 140 pages of a manuscript someone sent...in front of the fireplace. Returned emails. Had a bath.
Oh, the dinner last night was terrific. All edible. No one vomited. As you see, the standards at Chez Louise are not exactly Micheline starred...but they suit us.
We're debating cars. Our friend drives a subaru, and a couple people wrote in to also suggest it...but they don't have a hybrid yet, as far as I know. AWD, yes, and good fuel economy...but would still prefer a hybrid. So we'll see. fortunately we needn't make a decision quickly.
BMW - the car we're about to turn in after 3 years - is not to our taste. It was a kind of dream of ours - see what a real luxury car felt like. And I have to say, the drive was wonderful. But the on-board computer took 2 people to operate - was very unwieldy...read reviews and many people complain about it. Needlessly complex. But mostly, it was the service that disappointed. As you might have gathered, we're big ones for good service. Willing to (and have)overlooked many flaws if people are considerate and kind. But at our BMW the service was horrendous. Apparently they're quite famous for bad service too. Acura, our former car maker, was fabulous, so perhaps our expectations were high.
So the plan now is to get rid of both cars, and simplify. Go for one nice vehicle that is kind and courteous to the environment.
Quiet day tomorrow!!! No one and nothing, except reading. Hoping to finish the manuscript tomorrow...and start in on the final polish of my own before sending it off - I hope before heading to Phoenix. Also need to write the December newsletter. And the article for the Globe.
Still, best to just do the one thing in front of me, and not worry about all the others.
Hope you're well - I imagine many of you are preparing for Thanksgiving! How fun that always sounds...great food, family, football games (Michael and I actually adore football - he'll often watch a game Sunday afternoon/evening).
Monday, 23 November 2009
chicken in the oven, and frost on the grass
sunny, heavy frost, temps rising to 8
Gorgeous day...all day. But this morning was particularly brilliant. Heavy frost...cars covered in it. But as the sun rises and moves across the property the frost melts so that at any stage there is partial green of the grass and sparlking white of the frost. Wonderful to walk across the grass in the morning, before it melts.
Went into the village to do some mailing and pick up some groceries. George Easter, the editor of Deadly Pleasures Magazine, mailed me the HUGE poster from Barnes and Noble in his town of Bountiful, Utah. It promotes The Brutal Telling as their B&N Recommends. Unbelievably kind of him. So now I have it, still rolled up, and trying to decide where to put it. It will almost cover an entire wall...and while part of me wants to stick it right by the front door...so visitors can have NO doubt...I'm afraid what they will have no doubt about is the size of the ego that lives in the house. So, since I am nothing if not retiring and bashful, I will put it where Michael and I get to see it every day.
The chicken is in the claypot. pat has made us a wonderful apple and pear crisp. Table set, fire laid and lit.
The friend who is staying next door is more like a brother than anything...I've known him for almost 30 years. So it will be very relaxing. We're in the process of getting rid of our two cars and buying one. We realize we really only need one. And we want something ultra fuel efficient or hybrid. But we also need an all-wheel drive for the winters, and something solid and stable for the long drives. And preferably not an SUV. So while were were in the UK we asked our friend if he could do some research. He's very good at that. So we'll see what he says tonight.
Must go. Am in my sweats...and while he might be like a brother I don't think I'd subject anyone other than Michael (it's too late for him, he can't escape) to the sight of me in sweats.
Be well...talk to you tomorrow. Oh, the claypot chicken does smell good.
Gorgeous day...all day. But this morning was particularly brilliant. Heavy frost...cars covered in it. But as the sun rises and moves across the property the frost melts so that at any stage there is partial green of the grass and sparlking white of the frost. Wonderful to walk across the grass in the morning, before it melts.
Went into the village to do some mailing and pick up some groceries. George Easter, the editor of Deadly Pleasures Magazine, mailed me the HUGE poster from Barnes and Noble in his town of Bountiful, Utah. It promotes The Brutal Telling as their B&N Recommends. Unbelievably kind of him. So now I have it, still rolled up, and trying to decide where to put it. It will almost cover an entire wall...and while part of me wants to stick it right by the front door...so visitors can have NO doubt...I'm afraid what they will have no doubt about is the size of the ego that lives in the house. So, since I am nothing if not retiring and bashful, I will put it where Michael and I get to see it every day.
The chicken is in the claypot. pat has made us a wonderful apple and pear crisp. Table set, fire laid and lit.
The friend who is staying next door is more like a brother than anything...I've known him for almost 30 years. So it will be very relaxing. We're in the process of getting rid of our two cars and buying one. We realize we really only need one. And we want something ultra fuel efficient or hybrid. But we also need an all-wheel drive for the winters, and something solid and stable for the long drives. And preferably not an SUV. So while were were in the UK we asked our friend if he could do some research. He's very good at that. So we'll see what he says tonight.
Must go. Am in my sweats...and while he might be like a brother I don't think I'd subject anyone other than Michael (it's too late for him, he can't escape) to the sight of me in sweats.
Be well...talk to you tomorrow. Oh, the claypot chicken does smell good.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Home home
mainly sunny, mild, temps 4
We're home, in Sutton...and wow this really feels great. Like stripping away layers and finally finding ourselves here. Spent much of the day in front of the fireplace, writing 'thank you' letters, opening mail, reading manuscripts. Trying to get through the mountain of stuff that collects. But here it sure does not feel like work.
Spent an hour in the bath. I adore baths, as you know...and that was one of the few things I really miss while traveling...a huge, comfortable bathtub. Most are way too small for me to use.
What bliss. A bath. And before that the fireplace, with Michael, and Trudy, surrounded by books...pond walks...cafe au laits in our Vive Gamache mugs. And everything smells of home.
Joy.
I'm such a homebody. I actually quite like traveling...but I sure love coming home.
Quiet day tomorrow...more catching up. Want to write the newsletter. Read more books people have sent me. I've been asked to write a Christmas article for the Globe and Mail. Always fun to do that, but a bit of work. Need to start thinking about it.
Oh - we had a fun event at the pointe Claire library yesterday afternoon. Saw Mari there...she follows the blog and is a wonderful supporter of the Gamache books. And others. Michael Blair and Mary Jane Maffini - two wonderful Canadian crime writers - were also on the panel. It was organized by Pat Flewwelling for the Crime Writers of Canada.
Oh, and M ichael had his H1N1 shot yesterday. In Canada they've got enough vaccine now to cover at risk groups and people over 65...they just added that last group as more shots arrive. Didn't take long...there's a clinic set up in a nearby mall in Montreal. Took about an hour start to finish. A relief to have him covered.
We have a friend staying in the guest cottage and he's coming over for dinner tomorrow night. I warned him I'm not the best cook, and also that Trudy has, in the past, thrown up on guests. He might want to eat before he comes, and wear something rubber.
He explained his mother used to serve them peanut butter and liver sandwiches, so he figures he can handle whatever I, or Trudy, might throw at him.
We'll see...
Speak to you tomorrow.
We're home, in Sutton...and wow this really feels great. Like stripping away layers and finally finding ourselves here. Spent much of the day in front of the fireplace, writing 'thank you' letters, opening mail, reading manuscripts. Trying to get through the mountain of stuff that collects. But here it sure does not feel like work.
Spent an hour in the bath. I adore baths, as you know...and that was one of the few things I really miss while traveling...a huge, comfortable bathtub. Most are way too small for me to use.
What bliss. A bath. And before that the fireplace, with Michael, and Trudy, surrounded by books...pond walks...cafe au laits in our Vive Gamache mugs. And everything smells of home.
Joy.
I'm such a homebody. I actually quite like traveling...but I sure love coming home.
Quiet day tomorrow...more catching up. Want to write the newsletter. Read more books people have sent me. I've been asked to write a Christmas article for the Globe and Mail. Always fun to do that, but a bit of work. Need to start thinking about it.
Oh - we had a fun event at the pointe Claire library yesterday afternoon. Saw Mari there...she follows the blog and is a wonderful supporter of the Gamache books. And others. Michael Blair and Mary Jane Maffini - two wonderful Canadian crime writers - were also on the panel. It was organized by Pat Flewwelling for the Crime Writers of Canada.
Oh, and M ichael had his H1N1 shot yesterday. In Canada they've got enough vaccine now to cover at risk groups and people over 65...they just added that last group as more shots arrive. Didn't take long...there's a clinic set up in a nearby mall in Montreal. Took about an hour start to finish. A relief to have him covered.
We have a friend staying in the guest cottage and he's coming over for dinner tomorrow night. I warned him I'm not the best cook, and also that Trudy has, in the past, thrown up on guests. He might want to eat before he comes, and wear something rubber.
He explained his mother used to serve them peanut butter and liver sandwiches, so he figures he can handle whatever I, or Trudy, might throw at him.
We'll see...
Speak to you tomorrow.
Friday, 20 November 2009
Survival tactics at the Hotel Alt
gorgeous sunrise, temps freezing
Am lying in bed at 7am in one of my favorite hotels...the hotel alt in Quebec City. Actually, it's in a suburb of Quebec called Ste Foy. If it was actually in downtown Quebec City I'd stay in it and recommend it to everyone...but it's in the commercial strip. A not very attractive area of a stunningly attractive city. It seems the only people who would stay at the Hotel Alt are like me...here briefly on business that takes us into this suburb. Still, it's a shame since the Alt is great. Like a better designed W. Not quite so 'aware' of itself but simple, large rooms, with spectacular bathrooms...with a glass wall between the mosaic glass tile shower and the bedroom. My room is huge and from the bed i can see a glorious sunrise- which makes me think I'm looking to the East. At least, I hope I am. If not, there's something very wrong with the sky.
Had huge fun yesterday. Train between Montreal and Quebec City is fast and easy...a little over 3 hours. I always come by first class...publisher pays. But even when they're not I still plop for first class on trains. Not that much more, and so much more comfortable. And a quite nice hot meal. It's so peaceful to plug in to my music and watch the scenery.
Arrived just after 4pm. Dark already. Grabbed a cab straight for the CBC Radio studio's on rue Saint-Jean and did a fun 15 minute interview with Jacquie, who hosts the afternoon snow, Breakaway. Wonderful host. I like Jacquie a lot...and she was very helpful when we were here in the winter researching Bury Your Dead (book 6).
Then a cab to ste foy. checked into the hotel and scurried across to the mall where the bookstore is. La Maison Anglaise it's called. The English House.
Oh - breakfast just arrived. A little baffling, actually. I'd asked for bagel and cream cheese and coffee for two. But the cups are tiny and the pot looks more like a small pitcher of milk...with coffee in it. And - most perplexing- they sent up a toaster, which while my French might not be perfect I'm pretty certain I didn't order. Seems they want me to toast my own bagel.
I can see the reasoning...might even be considered the sort of kooky, brilliant innovation these hotels sometimes find...this way the bagel is definitely hot. However, I can't find a plug. Have resorted to plugging it in by the bed. Am squatting down, toaster on the floor. Bagel in. surely this isn't what the designers of this cutting edge boutique hotel had in mind? I feel like a caveman. Bending over fire. Toasting a bagel.
The event last night was great fun. I love La Maison Anglaise. Terrific independent bookstore...but mostly it's the owner, Guy Dubois and the people he has working for him. All very smart and keen and lovers of books. And it was wonderful seeing so many friends again. Heather...Larry, who sometimes comments on the blog, and his gorgeous 14 year old daughter Jodie. Marianna...on and on. Love events that feel more like a gathering of friends.
And Guy - lovely man - gave me a 'garland' of candy! Actually more of a cornucopia...this massive funnel of gummi candies. I think Guy - who has a wicked sense of humour - might have done it on purpose...so that I'd have to walk back to the hotel through this elegant city, carrying a massive club of candy. for sure no one bothered me. And it really is a delightful gift.
By the way - Edward Rutherford, who writes fabulous historic fiction - is doing an event at La Maison Anglaise next week I believe. He's in Quebec on holiday and offered to come because his latest book, New York, is out. I'm a great fan of his and would definitely go to the event, if I lived in Quebec and wasn't planning on being in the mental ward from eating so much candy.
Catching the train back to Montreal this afternoon. I'll be doing an event tomorrow (Saturday) organized by the Crime Writers of Canada, at the Pointe Claire Library in Montreal at 3pm, with two great crime writers...Michael Blair and Mary Jane Maffini. Hope to see you there!
Am lying in bed at 7am in one of my favorite hotels...the hotel alt in Quebec City. Actually, it's in a suburb of Quebec called Ste Foy. If it was actually in downtown Quebec City I'd stay in it and recommend it to everyone...but it's in the commercial strip. A not very attractive area of a stunningly attractive city. It seems the only people who would stay at the Hotel Alt are like me...here briefly on business that takes us into this suburb. Still, it's a shame since the Alt is great. Like a better designed W. Not quite so 'aware' of itself but simple, large rooms, with spectacular bathrooms...with a glass wall between the mosaic glass tile shower and the bedroom. My room is huge and from the bed i can see a glorious sunrise- which makes me think I'm looking to the East. At least, I hope I am. If not, there's something very wrong with the sky.
Had huge fun yesterday. Train between Montreal and Quebec City is fast and easy...a little over 3 hours. I always come by first class...publisher pays. But even when they're not I still plop for first class on trains. Not that much more, and so much more comfortable. And a quite nice hot meal. It's so peaceful to plug in to my music and watch the scenery.
Arrived just after 4pm. Dark already. Grabbed a cab straight for the CBC Radio studio's on rue Saint-Jean and did a fun 15 minute interview with Jacquie, who hosts the afternoon snow, Breakaway. Wonderful host. I like Jacquie a lot...and she was very helpful when we were here in the winter researching Bury Your Dead (book 6).
Then a cab to ste foy. checked into the hotel and scurried across to the mall where the bookstore is. La Maison Anglaise it's called. The English House.
Oh - breakfast just arrived. A little baffling, actually. I'd asked for bagel and cream cheese and coffee for two. But the cups are tiny and the pot looks more like a small pitcher of milk...with coffee in it. And - most perplexing- they sent up a toaster, which while my French might not be perfect I'm pretty certain I didn't order. Seems they want me to toast my own bagel.
I can see the reasoning...might even be considered the sort of kooky, brilliant innovation these hotels sometimes find...this way the bagel is definitely hot. However, I can't find a plug. Have resorted to plugging it in by the bed. Am squatting down, toaster on the floor. Bagel in. surely this isn't what the designers of this cutting edge boutique hotel had in mind? I feel like a caveman. Bending over fire. Toasting a bagel.
The event last night was great fun. I love La Maison Anglaise. Terrific independent bookstore...but mostly it's the owner, Guy Dubois and the people he has working for him. All very smart and keen and lovers of books. And it was wonderful seeing so many friends again. Heather...Larry, who sometimes comments on the blog, and his gorgeous 14 year old daughter Jodie. Marianna...on and on. Love events that feel more like a gathering of friends.
And Guy - lovely man - gave me a 'garland' of candy! Actually more of a cornucopia...this massive funnel of gummi candies. I think Guy - who has a wicked sense of humour - might have done it on purpose...so that I'd have to walk back to the hotel through this elegant city, carrying a massive club of candy. for sure no one bothered me. And it really is a delightful gift.
By the way - Edward Rutherford, who writes fabulous historic fiction - is doing an event at La Maison Anglaise next week I believe. He's in Quebec on holiday and offered to come because his latest book, New York, is out. I'm a great fan of his and would definitely go to the event, if I lived in Quebec and wasn't planning on being in the mental ward from eating so much candy.
Catching the train back to Montreal this afternoon. I'll be doing an event tomorrow (Saturday) organized by the Crime Writers of Canada, at the Pointe Claire Library in Montreal at 3pm, with two great crime writers...Michael Blair and Mary Jane Maffini. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
ahhhh
sunny, cool, temps 4
Montreal - Yay! As wonderful as Britian was...and I could have happily stayed longer in London - it sure feels great to be home. Wonderful travel day too... not always a given. Heathrow was easy...helps to check-in on line. The Air Canada flight was almost empty so we got the emergency exit seats. We'd asked for them from the travel agent who assured us we had them, but they weren't the exit rows...indeed, she'd book us into the middle section...so not only were they not exit row, they were in the worst possible location. But we got really lucky and were able to switch once the plane was taxiing.
What a difference it makes!
And the flight attendents we had were just great! Again, not always the case. Often they're so harried and stressed - and some seem quite embittered - that it just makes an already dismal travel experience as a passenger all the worse. But this trip was great. Louise (one of our attendents) was delightful and kind...her husband is also named Michael...go figure. And Daniel was amazing...when not flying he volunteers for his local SPCA in Quebec and goes on Puppy Mill raids...and helped set up this huge raid in the papers today where 100 huskies were rescued.
Fascinating man. And it was quiet enough we got to talk a little to these two lovely people.
The only distressing part was one of the passengers was clearly quite ill. Throwing up all the time. She - poor one - was two aisles away and fortunately fell asleep for most of the flight. Her husband seemed to abandon her - choosing to move to a whole other cabin section.
But she was well looked after by the attendents. though - selfishly - I did wonder if she had H1N1 or the plague...or by the end of the flight I had us all succumbing to terrible illnesses - and/or put in quarantine. But no one seemed to concerned and she left the plane with the rest of us.
My noon event at the curling club has been cancelled - at least, it goes on but they cancelled me, thinking for some reason that I wasn't coming...crossed signals. Still, it gives me the day off and I'm almost giddy with excitement. Can't remember the last time I had a day off...no writing, editing, social events, speaking engagements...so I've rented a few movies, bought lots of candy and will get into my sweats, get into my bed and put the Star Trek new release in the machine...ahhhh.
Oh, another bit of good news, The Strand Magazine named THE BRUTAL TELLING one of the years best books! ahhhh.
How lucky am I. Back home. An afternoon off. And great book news. Michael is feeling good too. Sad at times, but mostly trying to concentrate on the good.
Am off to Quebnec City tomorrow for a 7pm event at La Maison Anglaise. Hope to see you there. Except those of you in Australia and New Zealand. And India. And South Africa. But the rest of you I expect to see.
Montreal - Yay! As wonderful as Britian was...and I could have happily stayed longer in London - it sure feels great to be home. Wonderful travel day too... not always a given. Heathrow was easy...helps to check-in on line. The Air Canada flight was almost empty so we got the emergency exit seats. We'd asked for them from the travel agent who assured us we had them, but they weren't the exit rows...indeed, she'd book us into the middle section...so not only were they not exit row, they were in the worst possible location. But we got really lucky and were able to switch once the plane was taxiing.
What a difference it makes!
And the flight attendents we had were just great! Again, not always the case. Often they're so harried and stressed - and some seem quite embittered - that it just makes an already dismal travel experience as a passenger all the worse. But this trip was great. Louise (one of our attendents) was delightful and kind...her husband is also named Michael...go figure. And Daniel was amazing...when not flying he volunteers for his local SPCA in Quebec and goes on Puppy Mill raids...and helped set up this huge raid in the papers today where 100 huskies were rescued.
Fascinating man. And it was quiet enough we got to talk a little to these two lovely people.
The only distressing part was one of the passengers was clearly quite ill. Throwing up all the time. She - poor one - was two aisles away and fortunately fell asleep for most of the flight. Her husband seemed to abandon her - choosing to move to a whole other cabin section.
But she was well looked after by the attendents. though - selfishly - I did wonder if she had H1N1 or the plague...or by the end of the flight I had us all succumbing to terrible illnesses - and/or put in quarantine. But no one seemed to concerned and she left the plane with the rest of us.
My noon event at the curling club has been cancelled - at least, it goes on but they cancelled me, thinking for some reason that I wasn't coming...crossed signals. Still, it gives me the day off and I'm almost giddy with excitement. Can't remember the last time I had a day off...no writing, editing, social events, speaking engagements...so I've rented a few movies, bought lots of candy and will get into my sweats, get into my bed and put the Star Trek new release in the machine...ahhhh.
Oh, another bit of good news, The Strand Magazine named THE BRUTAL TELLING one of the years best books! ahhhh.
How lucky am I. Back home. An afternoon off. And great book news. Michael is feeling good too. Sad at times, but mostly trying to concentrate on the good.
Am off to Quebnec City tomorrow for a 7pm event at La Maison Anglaise. Hope to see you there. Except those of you in Australia and New Zealand. And India. And South Africa. But the rest of you I expect to see.
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