Lise!

Changeable, sunny, cloudy, warm, cold - rain, then sun - odd day

But fabulous news from the Lise front!!! She won four first prize ribbons - for her amazing hooked rug (which you can see here), a hooked runner, a decoupage plate and a pillow. Lise dominates the Brome County Fair! This is the second year in a row she's won the first place hooking ribbon. So proud of her. As part of the today's hooking demonstration at the Fair she tried to teach me how - allowing me to do a few 'hooks' on the picture she's doing. It wasn't pretty. Nor was it easy! All thumbs. On the right you can see Lise doing her thing - making it look so easy.

Congratulations, Lise!

Michael stayed home, so after the demonstration and congratulating Lise I went and got some peaches and corn for tonight. And then two Derby burgers - a Brome County Fair must! Made by our neighbours down the road, Charlie and Sheila Derby and their children and grandchildren. A real fair tradition. Their granddaughter, Rhianna, and I have spent time together comparing notes as writers. She was also there, running between food stands. It's a crazy weekend it you're a Derby. I am not - so I got to simply order two burgers, with saute-ed onions. then hopped back in the beetle and off home before the burgers got too cold.

Just finished some work - odds and ends that pile up. Doug is arriving tonight. I'm having breakfast with Cheryl tomorrow, while Michael and Doug have breakfast together. Gary's invited but I think he needs to spend every moment building their home. We can hardly wait to see it.

And tomorrow afternoon? Well, secretly, I hope it's rainy and cold. And we can come home, light the fire and read. Might grab a bath.

I read your comments about deep fried butter, and totally agree. Just the thought...

Speak to you tomorrow.

My Assistant the Hooker

sunny, hot, temps 33

Drove home from Toronto today. Woke up at 5:15am (by wake-up call) - on the road by 5:45. Toronto traffic is hideous, so we wanted to blow town before it closed in. And the Friday before a long weekend, well, you just never know.

The event yesterday at the CNE went very well. As Linwood, the handlers, Michael and I made our way through the giant exhibition hall we saw a demonstration of 'cheese' was taking place. And so, our goal was the try to draw a larger crowd than the aged cheddar. I think we just barely managed it. But we had great fun. This was part of the International Festival of Authors - a huge literary festival in Toronto in October. The IFOA puts on satellite events all year round, and this was one. Their first, though, at the Ex. Competing with stilton.

It was judged a success. And, we sure had fun, as I say. I got to meet Ruth and Jane and a few others who read this blog...hi gals...and that is always a good day when I meet you. As well, three people from my publishers, Hachette Canada came, including the remarkable Donna Nopper, my publicist. The big topic of conversation among them, though, was the hot item of food at this years exhibition. Deep fried butter. I thought it was a joke. Deep fried butter. Why not just put a grenade in your mouth? Deep fried butter. I can't stop saying it, in the hopes with repetition it'll start making sense. But it just becomes more and more ridiculous. Apparently it tastes like vanilla cake mix with a centre of, you guessed it, melted butter.

We were definitely upstaged by the deep fried butter. Perhaps next year the IFOA might try deep frying their authors. And wrapping them in a nice piece of brie.

Got to bed early (again - the life of international jet setting authors...pretty much a hunt for privacy and sleep - though I suspect it would have been different had all this happened in my 20's...I'd have had more fun, but I wouldn't have appreciated it nearly as much). then drove home.

Stinking hot. Unpacked - played with Trudy. Then leapt into the pool. They lay beside it, smelling a very sweet scent of late bloom roses, closed my eyes and felt very much at peace.

Quiet weekend. The major event is that My Assistant Lise (who pretty much masters everything she puts her mind to) is such a great hooker of rugs that she's doing a demonstration at 2pm Saturday (tomorrow) at the Brome County Fair. Michael and I will be there to cheer her on. Everyone's invited. She really is remarkable.

Oh and had the fabulous news that the largest bookstore chain in Quebec, Archambaults, has chose En plein coeur as their 'Book of the Month'! Which means they'll be promoting it in newspapers, magazines, on television and radio. Yippee...

And further great book news, we returned home to copies of THE BRUTAL TELLING, now available in trade paperback! And it looks simply fabulous. And - as a bonus - at the back is the first chapter of BURY YOUR DEAD.

What an exciting time. And how glorious to be home for 2 weeks! My brother Doug is coming down from Toronto this weekend, and I'll finally have a chance to catch up with friends. Bliss.

Hope to speak to you tomorrow.

Peas and Broc and lilies

Mainly sunny, hot, clouding over now - temps 29, but dropping

Storms in the forecast. Lise and Del and Donna and two swarthy youths spent the day here getting the gardens ready for the garden party Saturday. All our energy (well, some) is going toward praying for sun. 150 people expected for afternoon tea - silent auction - spca fundraiser.

The gardens, thanks to My Assistant Lise, always looks fabulous - but they look even better now. We have friends coming down from the city for the weekend - Sharman Yarnell and her husband Walter. Made dinner reservations for us all Saturday night. I think we'll get too tired to cook.

Spent today working on the newsletter, and zipped across to Richford, VT, to mail some packages and get gas. Did errands in Sutton, including picking up our printed and bound manuscripts...very fun to see them. Will take them with us when we go away.

Our vegetable gardens are producing a great harvest, thanks to Donna. Broccoli and peas. Yum. And we have these massive lilies - oriental and fragrant....we've cut them and now they're all over the house.

Such a relief to not be editing/writing now - I can concentrate on other things....

It's cooling off. As I mentioned, storms are rolling in. We need some rain, and it'll make for good sleeping weather.

Cheryl coming by tomorrow about 3:30 for a swim and a visit. that's the hardest part of all this - keeping in touch with friends. When I have the time I have so little energy I just want to crawl in to bed. Fortunately my friends are all very understanding and supportive of my career and don't make me feel guilty! Thank heaven.

Must be off. Called the neighbours to warn them about the party...they didn't seem concerned that the tea and garden party was likely to turn into a riot. We'll just see about that.

Absolutely no evidence, except....

Mainly sunny, cool, temps 5

A little breezy, and that's making it feel quite chilly.

Our quiet day today started with a mob scene. Woke up to see, out the bathroom window, Lise and Donna doing the garden. Then Wilder and Maurice arrived to clip and shape the lindens. Then we could hear hammering from the cottage - Gary and Alain building the new verandah. And then Jana arrived to talk about Markus.

All this before 9:30am.

I finally settled down to write by 10:30...and finished about five to three. Lots of phone calls too. many to do with Markus as well. As perhaps you've gathered, nothing ever moves in a straight line around here. The latest wrinkle is that the horse rescue network does not let their rescue horses go to anyone boarding at a riding school. The woman who runs the horse rescue network knows there are many, many wonderful, responsible, kind and terrific riding schools, but she and the board feel there's just a lot of potential for abuse. Great riding schools can be sold and the new owner might not have the same standards.

So, we'll see what happens...because I think Markus would thrive with Niki - the woman who came from Ottawa yesterday.

Wonderful seeing Lise and Donna today...that is always a great day. At some stage I went outside with Trudy who was whining to get outside and play with them - we toured the garden and I explained about the damage done by the bear. But also explained that it was something of a mystery since there was absolutely no evidence, beside the damage, that it was a bear. no poop. No prints. I pointed to the ground below the bent metal bar attached to the brick of our home...the one the bear bent.

'See,' I said, pointing at the blue bells. 'No paw prints.'

'You mean,' said Lise, 'like this one?'

'Huh?' says I.

Lise, having been there a full ten seconds, was pointing to the biggest honking bear paw print, in mud, face level on the wooden shutter.

'Well,' I said, 'except for that one, of course.'

D'oh.

How could we have missed it? Michael, Tony, Pat and I all looked, and failed to see a paw the size of a pie plate. It's a miracle and a mystery how I can manage to write crime fiction when clearly I'm the worst detective going. Fortunately My Assistant Lise not only has senses, she uses them.

Now need to send off a bio and some possible questions for an upcoming panel at Malice Domestic, in Washington. Then make dinner.

Be well.

Markus

overcast, rain and sleet on the menu. temps plus 2

Well, we got tricked into wearing our huge winter coats out to breakfast today, only to find it was actually quite mild. Everyone else walking around in spring-type jackets. And're in boots and parkas. At least I left the skunky one on our verandah. That would have completed the image.

And now, when we come in to Montreal, not only will we almost certainly be smelling of eau de pepe le pew, we'll be trailing horse manure. I'm ready for my close-up!

Well, plans for Markus are moving apace. Seems, as Marjorie and others have said, he's a retired racehorse. Thank you for telling us that! You'd have thought we could have googled OTTB ourselves, but preferred to guess. Oye, That Terrible Battle-ax... Our Two Tubby Bottoms... Off To The Booze.

see, it could mean any number of things. But I agree Off Track Thoroughbred is most likely when discussing a race horse.

But, frankly, we can see that he might not have been the most successful race horse. The description of him says he can walk, trot and canter. But it does not mention gallop, which would be an advantage in a race horse. Can you just see him trotting out of the gate? Amazing he lasted as long as he did. However, if that's his approach to life he'll fit in just fine with us. We'll get him a sofa, a diet ginger ale, a croissant and put Animal Planet on the TV...he'll be indistinguishable from Trudy, Michael and me.

jana, our saintly neighbour who has horses and has agreed to board Markus for us, has some questions for the rescue people, but she and I talked just now and agreed none of them was a deal-breaker, and we'd get him out to us (her) and if there're problems, we'll deal with them later.

And - get this - My Assistant Lise spent ten years grooming horses and riding them. Her husband Del was practically born on a horse...and they themselves had horses until their lives just became too packed. I didn't know that about Lise. So more and more this just feels fated.

And to hear from some many of you that you have, or had, horses is comforting. And a little disconcerting. It means I'm unlikely to convince you that OTTB means, Oh That Terrific Book. I only hope I can convince myself!

Wrote almost three thousand words today. Slow to start...each work plunked down, but picked up more and more speed. Quite an interesting, tense, scene. I realize I love to write scenes that on the surface are relaxed, pastoral even, but that crackle with suppressed energy. It's not about two people chasing each other across roofs, it's about a verbal and mental cat and mouse game. Two people sparring across their wine and cheese. Baiting each other, thrusting, hiding, attacking. With words and looks. Tense, subtle.

Very fun to write those scenes.

Need to write the April newsletter. Bye for now - and thank you SO much for all the support, with the book and with Markus.

You're welcome

overcast, mild, temps minus 3

Lovely spring-like day.

Had a message from Lise (My Assistant Lise, who is also head of Research and Development for our military-industrial complex) - she's read the blog. Honestly, this blog is getting me into trouble! She wrote an email subject line: Thanks A Lot!

hmmm. I sensed sarcasm.

then she went on to explain that since she not only is president of R&D and My Assistant Lise, she is also our gardener, she will almost certainly be the one dealing with Monsieur ou Madame Bat in the spring, which when last seen had been chucked into the shed. The garden shed.

Ooops

Now, her assistant, Donna, is a profoundly courageous woman when it comes to emotions and doing what is right. But a profound chicken when it comes to anything with a heartbeat other than herself. This isn't a problem when dealing with roses and tulips and dirt. But it is a problem when dealing with snakes (which our garden grows), mice, spiders, and perhaps no surprise, bats.

Donna also reads this blog.

I can see that the problem is not the bat, it is the blog. And reading it.

Hoping to finish the mass market proofs today, send off the changes, and write the February Newsletter. If you receive it you know I launched a contest...asking people to send me their favorite quotes. I've been happily deluged. I adore quotes and this is riches beyond my dreams.

It was always going to be hard choosing the 'winner' - but now I think I will choose one that also speaks to what is happening in Haiti...the grief and the courage - and the generosity.

So I'll be sitting safe and warm and content in front of the fire, reading this wonderful quotes, and pondering.

Quiet day. How lucky I am.

Lise wins 1st place at Fair!!!

sunny, hot, temps 28

another stunning day. full moon last night. We walked back from the cottage, through the woods and turned off the flashlight - we didn't need it until we got into the trees. The moon was brilliant enough.

Had a blast today. Went off to the Brome County Fair with Michael and Susan. Ran into all sorts of friends. Janet, and Nancy and George, Wayne and Shirley. Lise - my assistant won first prize in the hooked rug competition!!! We saw her entry and it's magnificent...she actually made a rug version of the fair poster from a couple of years ago.

Congratulations, Lise!!!

We ate Derby burgers and fries - watched the cattle judging...Michael decided the second one from the right would win.

Why, I asked, never knowing he had an eye for cow-flesh. Perhaps, I thought, this new Emeritus status comes with new knowledge. Apparently not.

It has a nice bum, he said.

That was really the last time I asked which one he thought would win. Susan thought the one making all the mooing sounds would win, except it wasn't actually in the ring.

We then visited the animal sheds, where the animals waited for their judging times. Sheep and goats and rabbits and chickens.

We bought home-made chutney and corn on the cob and peaches and tomatoes...and got soft ice-cream cones each and watched teens get on the scariest rides! Such fun to watch from the safety of the ground - with an ice cream cone.

Oh, we also tried one of the games of skill and chance. Darts, thrown at balloons. We had 7 darts. I threw 2 and hit 2 balloons. Michael threw 2 and hit 2 balloons, and Susan threw 3 and hit 2 balloons. We won a brilliant blue stuffed pony we gave to Pat for her granddaughter. That poor concession! If we could burst so many balloons they're going to be bankrupt in hours!

But we had a lot of fun.

Home now - organizing some things, replying the letters and phone calls from the last week. Gorgeous, gorgeous day and the entire weekend is supposed to be fabulous.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

If I only had a brain...

very windy, rainy chilly, temps 14

Power keeps flickering off today. Sitting once again by a fire - in mid-May. Listening to the wind biffet the house. Thank God for brick homes. Have put water in the tub in case the power goes off and we need it to prime the pump. Will take Trudy out soon. Actually, I want to cut the last of the daffodils in the cutting garden, and some tulips and take them over to the cottage. Susan arriving tomorrow for the long weekend.

Listened to our great friend Mike Finnerty on his CBC Radio show this am. He announced what we already knew but couldn't say - he's leaving Daybreak to move back to London. His partner Dom has a wonderful job there...and Dom (such an amazing person) - gave up his career in London so that Mike could follow his dream...and now it's time for Mike to go back so that Dom and pick up. And Dom - because he's brilliant - has a great new job there...even in this economy!

And Mike - because he's brilliant - has also got a fabulous and exciting new job in London. He'll be working at The Guardian! A journalists dream...and they're so smart to hire Mike. He'll be their editor for theguardian.co.uk - their website and comcasts. Thrilling new field.

But we're heartbroken to lose him - from our radios but mostly from our lives. Still, we'll be visiting, and they'll be visiting us.

Lise came today - some book work, but mostly she and Donna dove into the garden and worked there. It looks great. Lets home a tree, or a house, doesn't land on it. If we see a bunch of Munchkins out the window we'll know we're not in Quebec anymore.

Wrote well over 2,000 words this morning...hit another turning point but I think I negotiated it ok...feels good. Right now I'm trying to turn everything to the endgame. So everything is driving toward the solution.

Exciting, but often scary, stage.

Well, off into the storm with Toto. Auntie Em, Auntie Em...

Arthur Ellis nomination!

sunny, warm, beautiful temps 20

Yaaaayy. THE MURDER STONE (A RULE AGAINST MURDER) has been shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis for best crime novel in Canada. It's a really strong list too. Linwood Barclay, Maureen Jennings, James W. Nichol and Michael Rose are also on it. Congratulations to everyone.

The nominations were announced last night across the country at different events. In Montreal it was done as part of a panel at the literary festival, Blue Metropolis. Anna Asimakopulos moderated and it was Giles Blunt and me. Then the nominations announced.

I'd practiced my, 'I'm so happy for all the nominees and don't care that I'm not one' face. It's a long face. Happily no one had to see it.

Then Nancy Grant, the regional Crime Writers of Canada VP, asked Michael to read the shortlist for the Best Unpublished Novel. What an honour...and he did it beautifully.

Another person I want to mention is Phyllis Smallman - she's shortlisted for Best First Crime Novel...she won the Best Unpublished a couple of years ago with her fab book, Marguarita Nights. Her second book is just coming out.

It's been aneventful couple of day...quite busy. Did the workshop in Lennoxville, then a signing at the University bookstore then a wonderful dinner with our friends Jim and Roya, then drove in to Montreal. Next day we ran around doing all sorts of things in preparation to move...then the panel last night.

We stopped at McDonalds on our way down to the country. Celebratory burger and fries. Talk about glamorous! But mightly yummy.

Got back to writing today...takes some time. Am off to write the May newsletter since I'll be gone for most of next week.

Oh, what a gorgeous day it is here...real spring...and tomorrow supposed to be up to 26 degrees! And Lise came today with Donna and they got the garden started. Wonderful.

Lots of reasons to celebrate.

eternal spring

snow, windy, cold, temps minus 2

Not actually that cold, but below seasonable and, as you can see, cold enough to snow. Blech. It's that wet, heavy stuff - covering everything. If we can wait long enough it will melt - and fortunately we don't need to leave the house for a day or so.

This always happens, and will again I'm sure before the end of April. In THE CRUELEST MONTH I describe how unpredictable Easter is...not only is it the moveable feast, but you never know if we'll get daffodils in bloom or a snowstorm.

Yesterday all the ice left the pond, the frogs were calling, the ducks had returned. Pussy-willows were blooming, and by the birdfeeder, in the white garden, there were bluebells. The first flowers of spring.

Now under a couple of inches of snow.

But I'm amazed that, when the snow melts, they'll still be there, and still blooming.

What I don't learn from dogs I learn in my garden. The enternal spring.

Went to a wonderful party at Lise's home yesterday. it was a sort of tupperware thing, except for food. Perfect. there were about 15 of us and Lise had cooked up and storm and we sat, listened to the demonstration, then ate and chatted and ordered things. Such fun. And Lise is so wonderful...gracious, warm, nurturing, and smart.

Speak to you tomorrow...off for breakfast then writing.

CWA

overcast, cool, temps plus 3

Breezy and damp today. Not actually raining but that cold that settles into the bones. It's about 3pm now - I'm just back from Montreal. Had to do a quick trip to the dentist then into CBC for the pilot. They've done a splendid job! I think what the produicers have done is brilliant - and sure made my job as host easy. Sadly, as I've mentioned, CBC is facing huge budget cuts and this would be more expensive than getting a staff announcer to spin disks. But, we'll see.

Michael and I were approached by the Crime Writer's Association in the UK to sponsor this year's John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger - given out to Best First Crime Novel in the UK. It's an award I won a few years ago for Still Life. It didn't take much thought. We said yes. I'll tell you, there is such a mountain of indebtedness following me it sure feels good to pay back some of it, especially to a crime writer just starting out. I know how it feels.

Lise is coming by this afternoon for a meeting of our military-industrial complex. Pretty much to discuss mugs and taxes.

Then off to the guest cottage for dinner with Linda, Bal and Bethany. Bethany's written another story and asked me to read it out loud to everyone over dinner here the other night. I got about halfway through (it's really surprisingly terrific)and realized I was a little tired, so asked if we could put off reading the rest until tonight. Looking forward to seeing what happens in her story.

She's 13 and writing stories - for fun. Remember those days? How wonderful. And she had great parents who encourage her, and given her their time.

Feel horrible for Natasha Richardson - and her family. Especially, of course, her sons. Terrible.

Tomorrow, just writing. Phew.

a writers voice

sunny, cold, frost on the ground, temps minus 5

Michael took the dogs out after breakfast for a walk, and for the first time this winter Maggie made it all the way around the pond! So did Trudy, but that's not much of a surprise. But without the snow it's possible for maggie. Then, around noon, I took them out again and again we went around.

Despite it being colder today it still smells of spring. Beautiful.

Lots of work. Wrote the book (or at least part of it) this morning. Then replied to messages, sent off some correspondence snail mail. And did some scheduling for next week. We need to re-do some of the narration I'd done for a film on literacy...apparently some of the script wasn't right. So we're doing that next Wednesday afternoon. Then on Thursday I'm driving in to Montreal for a couple of hours to record the CBC Radio pilot. Then out in time to meet with Lise about a fun new project...but can't tell you about it yet. Not til we (lise) works some things out. Thank God for Lise!

Still battling away on the permissions...always a pain you-know-where, but worth it. The problem is never actually getting the permission to use the poem, but to track down who holds them.

Must run - need to write Curtis Brown in London. Be well.

Michael's Menu

Rainy at first, then mainly sunny and very mild, temps plus 4

A little dreary this morning, then cleared up. Now very windy and mushy underfoot. The biologists from the government arrived today to make sure the land we're donating to a park really does exist. It does. Spent the day yesterday running around doing chores. Had a great time with Lise running over ideas. Then off to Knowlton and the café floral to plan Michael’s 75th birthday menu. Here it is:

Starter: Warm pear, chevre, walnut and baby spinach salad

Main course: Filet Mignon with blue cheese sauce
or Magret de Canard with honey, orange and tea sauce
or Oven roasted maple marinated filet of Salmon
or Vegetarian Risotto

Dessert: frozen lemon cheesecake

Doesn’t that sound amazing??? Thank God for restaurants because I couldn’t begin to make those. I think most of this menu must go into Olivier’s Bistro, don’t you? Again, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

Had a good day writing today and replying to messages. Take good care of yourself. Quiet day tomorrow, just writing. LOVE those days. Need those days.

Globe bestsellers list!

Mainly sunny, some flurries, temps minus 9

Lovely, gentle day. Hopped off across the border to main some packages, pick up some gas. I love driving, but mostly because it gives me a quiet time to listen to music. and let my mind wander.

Had fabulous news - The Cruellest Month is on the Canadian national (Globe and Mail) mystery bestsellers list - at #2! Just below Dan Brown. Frankly, it's a bit of a mystery (as in, a total mystery) how these lists are made up. Since The Murder Stone (Book 4) is consistently on the bestseller list, I can't imagine why book 3 should suddenly show up...but I'm thrilled.

Had a call from the hospital about the mammogram - I have to go and re-do it. This might become my new hobby. Seems they can't get an accurate reading on my previous test. I might have moved, or left. So, it's back Thursday afternoon.

Off to Cowansville tomorrow for breakfast, some errands, then heading to Knowlton to meet Lise at Lusy and Danny's bookstore (a book Michael had ordered is in) then have lunch with her at Cafe Floral. What amazing good luck to actually like the people I work with. Or at least most of them. Can only think of a couple whose company I wouldn't readily seek out - and I suspect it's mutual.

Am making a huge pot of chili con carne, and doing lamb for dinner tonight. As the weather gets colder and the snow closes in I nest more.

Will talk to you tomorrow.

Moonshadow, moonshadow

brilliant sunshine, temps minus 12

A stunning winter day. After all the snow we had it's still in the trees and on the branches and piled on top of our stone walls and birdfeeders. And now comes the first cloudless day. It just looks like heaven. Sets the heart to thumping it's so beautiful. And peaceful. I think there's no peace on earth like a still, calm winter day. Every sound is muffled. The snow is undisturbed by tracks.

The only thing moving are those flying pigs mascerading as birds.

Last night it was a clear, clear night. And if not a full moon then almost. You should have seen the gleam. On the midnight snow it was almost daylight. And the moonshadows? Bold, clear.

What a world.

Today I'm looking after odds and ends. Lise (as part of her taking charge of Michael's area) needs storage boxes so we're consulting over that. Some photocopying necessary. Some emails and phone calls. Details. I hate details. But I generally have a day when that's all I do, and it's amazing how much can be done in very little time. Classic, isn't it? I dread it for days then get it all done in half an hour.

Be well - and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

A RULE AGAINST MURDER - IndieNext pick!

lights snow, cold, temps minus 15

Atmospheric day...lovely with all the snow. But very cold, and windy, which of course just tears at the skin.

Great news today - A RULE AGAINST MURDER has been chosen as a BookSense Pick (Now known as the IndieNext picks). This is for Independent Bookstores across the United States, and they only choose 20 books per month - Fiction and Non-fiction, for the entire country. And they chose A RULE AGAINST MURDER.

As well, the Charlotte Observer gave it a fantastic review, and The Mystery Reader gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

So far, so good.

Lise came by today at 9:30 and we did some work. In fact, she's designed some lovely, simple, classic bookmarks - with three pines on them. Promoting the series. Isn't she amazing?

Then we showed her Michael's study/bomb site. Her job, while we're in Quebec City for a month, is to organize him. We believe this is the last we'll ever see of Lise. Perhaps the last anyone will see of her.

Honestly, how did we get so fortunate as to be working with Lise???

Then Michael and I hopped off to the hospital in Cowansville for my mammogram, which didn't worry me. Frankly I gave it almost no thought - except that odd combination of annoyance and gratitude. I really do get very moved when I realize I live in a society where they write to invite me to have a mammogram, and will write every two years to remind me. Saying it's "free" really is a misnomer since we pay for all of this with quite high taxes. But to be able to waltz into the hospital and waltz out 20 minutes later having had it all done is fantastic. And comforting.

Except it was so cold, it meant I had to get out of my sweats (Lise always sees us either in sweats or flannels - she wouldn't recognize us otherwise) and get to Cowansville. Happily Michael drove, dropped me off and went off to Loblaws for some groceries. Clay-pot chicken for tonight. I can smell it roasting. Yum.

Long bubble bath upon returning home (after putting the clay-pot in the oven). Watched a BBC programme called Escape to the Country while the scent of the dinner wafted up. So relaxing.

Will blog tomorrow...hope you're well.

One flu in the cuckoo's nest

mainly sunny, cold, temps minus 8

Been sick in bed for 2 days...flu I think - so much for having the shot! Started feeling queasy yesterday morning on our way to breakfast, but I thought that was just stress. It always hits me in the stomache. But as the day progressed (and we did chores all over town) I got to feeling more and more nauseus. Had to do some grocery shopping, including buying Michael his dinner...by then I knew I wouldn't be eating anything.

Now, if it's folly to grocery shop while hungry, it's even worse to do it when wanting to throw up.

Poor Michael. I came home with mince tarts, pannetone and broccoli. Then had a hot bath, crawled into bed. Took my temperature. 101. Within an hour it had climbed to 102. Spent the night trying not to throw up. I suspect Michael (after a dinner of broccoli and pannetone) probably did the same thing. But at sometime in the night the fever broke and the nausea disappeared.

Having been motion sick a few times in my life I think nausea is just about the worst thing. I kept thinking of my friends who've gone through chemo and thought if they can take it for months on end I can sure not whimper for one night.

Passed the time by planning my funeral. Very moving. You were all very sad. I did wonder what would happen to book 5 - THE BRUTAL TELLING...since it's still in the editing stage.

However, it appears (against all odds) I've survived. Still a little wiped...but had enough energy to get up for a few hours and do another 50 pages of editing. Happily I really do love this book so it didn't add to the desire to vomit.

Small snow storm on the way for tomorrow....10-15 centimeters expected. But what makes it a storm is really more the winds. I love storms, as long as we don;t have to go out in it.

Lise dropped by today and delivered 3 amazing, exhuberant gift baskets she'd made. chocolates, truffles, cookies, pickles...one is a gift for us and 2 we ordered to give to friends. One to Lucy and Danny at the Brome Lake Books, and the other to neighbors Guy and Nicole. I'll tell you, Lise is the MOST amazing woman. Her talent is matched (and perhaps exceeded) by her generosity.

Talk tomorrow...be well. I won't kiss you.

The crystal palace

brilliant sunshine, brutally cold. Minus 18

Another stunning day, but totally different than yesterday. We had another 4-6 inches overnight so there's about a foot of fluffy new snow. So white and undisturbed. And with the sun bouncing off it its like a field of diamonds.

We have a glass solarium attached to our country kitchen - I think I've described this before. When we're sitting in it it feels as though we're outside. Particularly spectacular during storms. But this morning it was even more magical. The snow on top had partially melted and encased half the glass in ice. That alone is beautiful. But when the sun strikes it it becomes like a prism. And through that prism of light and colour we can see the yard...the birdfeeders piles high with snow, the pine boughs and white fences and stone walls all coverred. And in the background sky. Perfect blue sky.

I could stare at it all day.

Lise dropped in around 9am...she had tea and we had our coffees. She brought gummi bears and home-made date squares. Does it get better than that? We chatted and I told her how much people are loving the Christmas ornaments she made. Showed her the emails and told her about the other reactions. I know how much she appreciates what you say.

Thank you, from her and me.

Hoping to decorate the tree and the house today. Going out for dinner tonight with a couple of friends - David and Lili. Then back in to some more polishing on book 5. It never actually ends!

Hope you're well...and don't forget to enter the draw for the signed copies of A FATAL GRACE! This contest ends Monday - but then a new one begins...for signed copies of THE CRUELEST MONTH. But you need to sign up for the newsletter. You can find the info on the website homepage.

Enjoy the day.

Ornament winner - and Paris

Mainly cloudy, cool, temps minmus 6

What a fun day, so far...

Heading off by train to Quebec City...on Via Rail. I'm always a little surprised by how dull the terrain is. Very flat, not especially pretty...we hardly see the St. Lawrence river...but as we get close to Quebec we cross it, and that's quite spectacular. It's a wonderful train trip...I'm very lucky that my publishers send me first class so I got a lovely large seat to myself, with meals. And a chance to just stare out the window and daydream. Heaven.

Once in Quebec City it was 4pm and dark. Sun sets so early these days. Took a cab up to the CBC-Radio Canada offices on St. Jean, which is just outside Les Portes St. Jean - the gates through the thick stone wall into Old Quebec. There are three gates, of which this is one.

Jacquie Czernin had me on her 4-6 show. What a lovely woman she is. We worked together briefly before I moved From Quebec City to Montreal back in 1990 (can barely stant it that it was 18 years!!!). We had a great time on her show - chatting to the whole province.

Then Guy Dubois, the owner of La Maison Anglaise bookstore picked me up. He's an old friend and he and his wife Christine have a 2 week old daughter - their first. Gabrielle. Michael and I got her the softed little bunny rabbit doll. I forget how tiny and pretty little ones are. And Gabrielle is adorable...I met her later in the evening. But Guy drove me across town to my hotel.

Now - if you need to go to Quebec City - or actually the neighboring suburb of Ste Foy - you must stay at the Hotel ALT. It's a fabulous boutique hotel, all re-done, with amazing bathrooms, and ?TV's and lighting, huge high loft ceilings, massive rooms, comfortable huge beds. Perfect. It was all I could do to leave it to walk to the talk and signing. One note about the Hotel ALT - do not stay there if your interntion is to visit Quebec City - it's too far out. Ste. Foy is like Brooklyn ()well, not really - but in terms of distance to the city centre. I imagine most of the people at the hotel were like me - there on business. Very few tourists would choose to stay in Ste. Foy. Too bad because it really is a great hotel.

The talk mand signing was such fun. I LOVE the people at La Maison Anglise. They're the QC equivilent of Brome Lake Books in Knowlton. Independent, smart, beautifully and sympathetically designed by people who just love books. It a read community hub.

Rana Bose, whopse book is The Fourth Canvas, was also there. He read from his work and I bought 2 books! It sounds great. Then I had a chance to read. Loads of people - feels like old home week. Very fun and comfortable, and successful.

Back at the hotel by 9pm, in bed by 10pm - alarm at 6am - and off to the train station for an 8am ride back to Montreal, and the Quebec Salon du Livres...which is the book fair. Except this one, unlike any I've been to anywhere else, is open to the public...and lasts a week (with one day dedicated to schools). It's a madhouse...all these grown men and women on the literary equivilent of a sugar high. Racing from booth to booth to get books signed by old favorites, and meeting new authors...it was just buzzing. My signing was 2-3. Kim McArthur (my Canadian publisher) was there in all her glory. As was Taryn Manias of McArthur, and Debra Schram, a book rep who helped organize that Hovey Manor launch.

One of the very few disappointments in my publishing career - and it's quite a large and mystifying one - is that while the series is translated into all sorts of languages (including Estonian for heavens sake) it has no French publisher. I'm genuinely baffled. Anyway, one day perhaps.

The book is #10 on the bedsellers list this week so you'd think a French publisher (hello, Quebec is French!!!) might be interested. But apparently not.

But we had a riot at the Salon, signed loads of books, met lots of people.

Then hopped a cab, came home, re-organized clothing and bags and we're off to the airport in 45 minutes for...now where again...oh yes...PARIS!!! Did I mention that before? Surely not.

We've decided not to take a computer - to make this a complete vacation. Will try to blog from Paris at least once, give you an update...but I hope you understand if it doesn't work.

Oh yes - the winner of the draw for the Three Pines Christmas ornament, designed and made by my fabulous assistant Lise is....London Kate! Distance notwithstanding.

Now, Kate - you need to give us your address. Please write it privately through the 'contact me' page on my website. Thank you and congratulations! It really is stunning.

Thanks to everyone who wrote emails and messages on the comments section of the blog. We'll have give-aways every now and then - and some through the newsletter as well and the website. Big one beginning on the website early in December, so you need to keep checking the home page.

Thanks so much - a bientot.

Christmas ornament draw!

Mainly sunny, cold, temps minus 6

Wonderful day - Lise arrived at 9am to help us dig out from the office overload! All the stuff we'd moved from the loft-office in Sutton was still sitting in my study at home and Michael's office right next to mine. It looked like someone had turned the house upside down.

I reeeeally hate dis-order. I don't need everything all tidy - that would drive me crazy too. But after a point I find I get totally stressed in an environment that's cluttered. Our home can get like that. I love to throw things out and Michael, well, doesn't. So we've tried to compartmentalize things...his study can be as topsy-turvy as he likes, and mine is in whatever shape it's in. We try not to interfer in those areas. But often that 'mess' expands into the kitchen and dining room and living room - with mail and magazines and newspapers and books all piled up. I actually like a bit of that - feels comfortable and lived in and not too anal...but it reaches a stage with me where I just want to scoop it all up, put it in recycling and be shot of it.

We reached that stage at home about a month ago but our lives have been so hectic there wasn't anything we could do.

Until today. Glorious today...glorious Lise!

With barely a gasp she saw the disaster areas - the we rolled up our sleeves and unpacked boxes and bags - sorting into recycling, stuff to give to the senior's home for their sales, stuff to keep, and garbage. When in doubt I'd hol;d something up and Lise would ask, Are you ever gtoing to use it? No? Well, maybe someone else will.

Wise - very wise.

Lise also made a dozen Christmas decorations with Three Pines themes...each an original work of art, each designed to hang on the tree! I've signed a small card attached to each, and dates. So that each will become a collectors item.

Am taking two to Quebec City with me tomorrow. One to give away on t5he CBC radio show - Jacquie Czernine's 4-6 show tomorrow...and the other to give away at the event I'll be at tomorrow night in Quebec City at La Maison Anglaise bookstore, in Ste. Foy. I'll be there with another author - Rana Bose. REally looking forward to meeting her.

And I want to give one away to one of you right now...since you're so sup[portive and loyal, and have helped spread the word about my books.

If you leave a comment at the end of this blog saying you'd like the Christmas decoration I will ask Michael to choose a name at random - then ask Lise to mail it to the winner! If you can't - for whatever reason - leave a comment, then just go to the 'contact me' page on the website and leave a message there. I'll give it a few days.

We're in Montreal now...after Lise got us all sorted out, and Tony came to get Maggie and Trudy, Michael and I put the cases in the car and drove to the city. I signed a stack of books at the McGill bookstore where Kim (one of the managers) gave me her copy of a book she adored...AN EXPERT IN MURDER by Nicola Upson. Kim knows I adore Josephine Tey, and in this book Ms Upson has taken the bold move of making Josephine Tey the detective. Imagine that.

Will try to blog tomorrow before heading to Quebec City by train. Lovely journey. 3 1/2 hours...very relaxing. Take care, and don't forget to enter the draw for the handmade Three Pines - dated and signed Christmas ornament!