blue, blue skies, cold, calm winds, temps minus 15
Doesn't feel all that cold. Inf act, it's a beautiful day. Just clumped along to feed the birds, doing the round - snow crunchy and white and not a breath of wind.
Just got back from the funeral home in Magog for the visitation for Jacques Dad. In French it's called the 'expose'. On the way down Michael and I talked about what we'd like for our own funerals. We both agreed we'd like the service at Grace Anglican church in Sutton. We both want to be cremated. I'd like to go before him, but apparently we don't get to choose. Seems unfair, but there you go. I also think the funeral home visits are horrific. Not for the friends and supporters, but for the family. So I told Michael I'd like a very simple service, and then a party in the church hall afterward. A celebration. Because, frankly, if I go tomorrow, while it certainly wouldn't be my choice I know for sure life owes me nothing. Infact, I've been way luckier than I have any right to be. Quite astonishing. Michael said the same thing - about himself, not me.
The interesting thing in Quebec, as I believe I've mentioned before, is that often the actual burial is deferred until the spring, when it's easier to break the ground.
My preference is just to have the ashes spread. We did that with my mother. Buried some, then split the rest up among the 3 kids. And we all spread her where we wanted. Michael and I spread her on the island here on our property, into the elder bushes. We thought for a while she'd killed the bush since it disappeared for a couple of years - but then returned.
I'd like to be spread too...though perhaps not right on top of my mother. Imagine spending eternity arguing with Mom over whose bit of ash that was.
we're heading in to Montreal tomorrow...Michael has a colonoscopy Monday at noon. Just a regular check-up, nothing else. And I'm going in on Wednesday morning for another breast scan. Seems to have become a pasttime with me. Some people hang around the mall, I hang around the ultrasound. We all have our 'hoods.
Will start writing book 6 tomorrow morning...Bury Your Dead. And of course we're fasting for Michael's test...and being good co-dependents, I'm fasting too. Am already fantastizing about lunch Monday. Yum.
Speak tomorrow - stay well.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Friday, 27 February 2009
Taking charge
sunny, mild, very windy, temps plus 5
We have what's called 'snow eating' weather. Very mild and windy. We're down to grass in some spots already! And water is just pouring off roofs...sideways because of these huge gusts of wind. I actually checked the weather station to see if a warning had been issued. I felt like one of the three pigs with the big, bad wolf huffing and puffing. Our home has been shuddering most of the morning...
Well, actually, we just got back from breakfast at the Cafe Floral in Knowlton, so we weren't actually here most of the morning...but when we took the dogs for a walk just now we actually had to lean into the wind.
Spent some time writing and fine tuning the March newsletter with Linda in Scotland, and responding to personal appearance requests. Unfortunately I'm having to say 'thank you, but no' to most of them. Getting about 2 requests a day, sometimes more, and just can't do it I'm afraid. Some I have agreed to. The mystery festival in Pittsburg at the beginning of May. There's a fabulous author's series in Rochester New York I've agreed to for December, and an appearance at the Atwater Library in Montreal in october. But I just have to concentrate on writing - already feel behind for book 6. Starting to write it on Sunday.
And heard from our friends Louise and Jacques that his dad just died. There will be a visitation in Magog tomorrow, so we'll go to that, with heavy hearts. So hard to lose a parent.
Must hop off...doing laundry today, and catching up on all those details that gather while we're away. And, Michael and I have each been doing 20 minutes a day on our new elliptical trainer. It's hard! Hard to get the discipline to do it, and hard once on. But it sure feels great to be doing it. Mostly it just feels really good to gain back control.
Speak soon - hope you're well.
We have what's called 'snow eating' weather. Very mild and windy. We're down to grass in some spots already! And water is just pouring off roofs...sideways because of these huge gusts of wind. I actually checked the weather station to see if a warning had been issued. I felt like one of the three pigs with the big, bad wolf huffing and puffing. Our home has been shuddering most of the morning...
Well, actually, we just got back from breakfast at the Cafe Floral in Knowlton, so we weren't actually here most of the morning...but when we took the dogs for a walk just now we actually had to lean into the wind.
Spent some time writing and fine tuning the March newsletter with Linda in Scotland, and responding to personal appearance requests. Unfortunately I'm having to say 'thank you, but no' to most of them. Getting about 2 requests a day, sometimes more, and just can't do it I'm afraid. Some I have agreed to. The mystery festival in Pittsburg at the beginning of May. There's a fabulous author's series in Rochester New York I've agreed to for December, and an appearance at the Atwater Library in Montreal in october. But I just have to concentrate on writing - already feel behind for book 6. Starting to write it on Sunday.
And heard from our friends Louise and Jacques that his dad just died. There will be a visitation in Magog tomorrow, so we'll go to that, with heavy hearts. So hard to lose a parent.
Must hop off...doing laundry today, and catching up on all those details that gather while we're away. And, Michael and I have each been doing 20 minutes a day on our new elliptical trainer. It's hard! Hard to get the discipline to do it, and hard once on. But it sure feels great to be doing it. Mostly it just feels really good to gain back control.
Speak soon - hope you're well.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Great Company
brilliant sunshine, mild, temps minus 2
A stunning, perfect, Quebec winter day. Indeed, it started out slightly colder, but so clear and without a hint of wind that even at minus 8 it felt mild. And now it's warming up. Michael and I did some charoes this morning (breakfast in Cowansville - some mailing and banking, then shopping at our favorite store, Canadian Tire)then got home and fed the birds, or whatever those flying pigs are. Honestly, how they manage to eat so much and still take off is a mystery. But what a gorgeous day to work outside. The dogs were playing in the snow and Maggie was even chasing Trudy and wrestling for the ball.
Had wonderful news...the third book, THE CRUELEST MONTH, has been nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Novel in the US!!! The award is given away (and voted on) at Malice Domestic, at the beginning of May. Malice Domestic is a convention of readers and writers of Traditional mysteries...ala Agatha Christie.
And a huge congratulations to everyone on the shortlist...it's a VERY strong list of nominees, which I love because, honestly while I would always prefer to win I am totally happy to applaud for any one of them if they win...and feel they deserve the award. The other nominees are:
Donna Andrews
Rhys Bowen
Anne Perry
Julia Spencer-Fleming
Isn't that wonderful company??? Indeed, Rhys is the guest of honour at this year's Left Coast Crime convention, starting in a few days in Hawaii!
Must be off - want to write the March Newsletter. And put in more calls inviting people to Michael's 75th!
Hope you're well...speak tomorrow.
A stunning, perfect, Quebec winter day. Indeed, it started out slightly colder, but so clear and without a hint of wind that even at minus 8 it felt mild. And now it's warming up. Michael and I did some charoes this morning (breakfast in Cowansville - some mailing and banking, then shopping at our favorite store, Canadian Tire)then got home and fed the birds, or whatever those flying pigs are. Honestly, how they manage to eat so much and still take off is a mystery. But what a gorgeous day to work outside. The dogs were playing in the snow and Maggie was even chasing Trudy and wrestling for the ball.
Had wonderful news...the third book, THE CRUELEST MONTH, has been nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Novel in the US!!! The award is given away (and voted on) at Malice Domestic, at the beginning of May. Malice Domestic is a convention of readers and writers of Traditional mysteries...ala Agatha Christie.
And a huge congratulations to everyone on the shortlist...it's a VERY strong list of nominees, which I love because, honestly while I would always prefer to win I am totally happy to applaud for any one of them if they win...and feel they deserve the award. The other nominees are:
Donna Andrews
Rhys Bowen
Anne Perry
Julia Spencer-Fleming
Isn't that wonderful company??? Indeed, Rhys is the guest of honour at this year's Left Coast Crime convention, starting in a few days in Hawaii!
Must be off - want to write the March Newsletter. And put in more calls inviting people to Michael's 75th!
Hope you're well...speak tomorrow.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
3 Questions for God...
sunny, chilly, windy, temps minus 10
Am in Montreal - bit of a hairy drive in...we had 2 feet of fluffy snow, most of it yesterday. But as we got closer to Montreal the dreive improved. Had the hair appointment - I think the results are good, but it always looks good when they just do it, and blow dry it. I never blow dry my hair. Just shake.
I think I might be turning into a golden retriever.
Had a fun dinner last night with Marilyn and about 14 other women - members of a montreal book club. It was held in an Italian restaurant downtown. What a great community they've formed. If i lived in Montreal and wanted to join a book club this would definitely be on the short-list.
Off for breakfast this am with Susan, then a teeth cleaning...then home to Michael and the puppies.
Had a wonderful email from US editor who read the revised The Brutal Telling and says it's the best so far. Yay. And Phew.
Also had the longest questionaire I've ever had...25 questions from readers in Russia...I believe it's part of a book club there. But the questions are like none others I've ever been asked. Things like why do I live in and old home...and if I had dinner with God what 3 questions would I ask. What makes a happy woman.
Fascinating questions...Questions I reaslly have to think about! So that's awaiting me at home.
Heading out now.
Am in Montreal - bit of a hairy drive in...we had 2 feet of fluffy snow, most of it yesterday. But as we got closer to Montreal the dreive improved. Had the hair appointment - I think the results are good, but it always looks good when they just do it, and blow dry it. I never blow dry my hair. Just shake.
I think I might be turning into a golden retriever.
Had a fun dinner last night with Marilyn and about 14 other women - members of a montreal book club. It was held in an Italian restaurant downtown. What a great community they've formed. If i lived in Montreal and wanted to join a book club this would definitely be on the short-list.
Off for breakfast this am with Susan, then a teeth cleaning...then home to Michael and the puppies.
Had a wonderful email from US editor who read the revised The Brutal Telling and says it's the best so far. Yay. And Phew.
Also had the longest questionaire I've ever had...25 questions from readers in Russia...I believe it's part of a book club there. But the questions are like none others I've ever been asked. Things like why do I live in and old home...and if I had dinner with God what 3 questions would I ask. What makes a happy woman.
Fascinating questions...Questions I reaslly have to think about! So that's awaiting me at home.
Heading out now.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Party Planner
snow, mild, temps minus 2
Beautiful, snowy day. Almost a storm except it's falling so steadily and so straight.
Short blog today - lovely day...getting loads of things done. We're having a 75th birthday party for Michael with our family and closest friends, so I spent much of the day calling people. That was fun.
Watching the Academy Awards right now...I LOVE Hugh Jackman. And so far the awards are fabulous - loved how they got 5 winners from previous years to introduce the nominees for best supporting actress. Beautiful.
Off to Montreal tomorrow. Hope the weather isn't too bad. Hair at 1pm, speaking to book club at 6pm. Mike and Dom are also going back and they say we can form a 'convoy' through the snow. That's always more fun. And feels more secure.
Off to bed...and the Academy Awards!
Beautiful, snowy day. Almost a storm except it's falling so steadily and so straight.
Short blog today - lovely day...getting loads of things done. We're having a 75th birthday party for Michael with our family and closest friends, so I spent much of the day calling people. That was fun.
Watching the Academy Awards right now...I LOVE Hugh Jackman. And so far the awards are fabulous - loved how they got 5 winners from previous years to introduce the nominees for best supporting actress. Beautiful.
Off to Montreal tomorrow. Hope the weather isn't too bad. Hair at 1pm, speaking to book club at 6pm. Mike and Dom are also going back and they say we can form a 'convoy' through the snow. That's always more fun. And feels more secure.
Off to bed...and the Academy Awards!
Saturday, 21 February 2009
There it was, gone.
light, fluffy snow, temps minus 3
Perfect winter day. Not too cold, not too warm. Juuuuust right. We Canadians appreciate the middle bear. Every now and then the sun will come out making it all the more beautiful.
Lise wrote this morning saying there was a problem with the blog. Don't know if you found the same thing. I went on to check it out and it was still doing it...or not doing it. Everything showed up just fine, except the actual blog portion.
So I immediately wrote to Linda in Scotland. Then high-tailed it out to breakfast with Joan. She's just had a hit replaced and while the operation on the hip was great she had a crisis in the hospital when her bloodpressure plummeted. Very scary. had to be transfused. There was about a week when we were in Quebec City when we were calling her hospital room everyday to see...one evening was particularly frightening. But she's back among us again...though not yet driving herself. So Michael and I picked her up - Michael then went off to his own table and read the paper while Joan and I yacked it up. Got all caught up.
Joan's daughter is Wendy matthews. Those of you in Australia might know of her. She's a fabulous singer - a big star in Australia. So we spent quite a bit of time talking about the wildfires (Joan had just spoken to Wendy last night) and the losses. And the animals. (and the people, of course).
Heading out to dinner tonight with Mike and Dom. In the meantime I'm catching up on all the details of life that pile up when we're away. Happily, I can do it at some leisure.
Will blog again tomorrow.
Perfect winter day. Not too cold, not too warm. Juuuuust right. We Canadians appreciate the middle bear. Every now and then the sun will come out making it all the more beautiful.
Lise wrote this morning saying there was a problem with the blog. Don't know if you found the same thing. I went on to check it out and it was still doing it...or not doing it. Everything showed up just fine, except the actual blog portion.
So I immediately wrote to Linda in Scotland. Then high-tailed it out to breakfast with Joan. She's just had a hit replaced and while the operation on the hip was great she had a crisis in the hospital when her bloodpressure plummeted. Very scary. had to be transfused. There was about a week when we were in Quebec City when we were calling her hospital room everyday to see...one evening was particularly frightening. But she's back among us again...though not yet driving herself. So Michael and I picked her up - Michael then went off to his own table and read the paper while Joan and I yacked it up. Got all caught up.
Joan's daughter is Wendy matthews. Those of you in Australia might know of her. She's a fabulous singer - a big star in Australia. So we spent quite a bit of time talking about the wildfires (Joan had just spoken to Wendy last night) and the losses. And the animals. (and the people, of course).
Heading out to dinner tonight with Mike and Dom. In the meantime I'm catching up on all the details of life that pile up when we're away. Happily, I can do it at some leisure.
Will blog again tomorrow.
Friday, 20 February 2009
The Bells of Heaven
snow, wind, temps minus 7
Just walked over to the guest cottage to open it up and leave the key. Mike and Dom are visiting this weekend. Helps, we find, if the door is unlocked.
We're heading over there tomorrow for dinner...and having breakfast with Joan tomorrow. So great to re-connect with people back home. And to do nothing. Not that Quebec City was totally hectic, but I do love peace and quiet.
Heading in to Montreal Monday - speaking to a book club Monday night, breakfast with Susan Tuesday, and dentist Tuesday mid-morning. But the BIG event is a hair appointment Monday afternoon. Remember when I had it done just before the big book launch and tour in the US? Back in mid-January? Well, it was a disaster. Horrible! And I know about horrible hair cuts. But this is the worst..epic. Norsemen should be telling tragic tales around camp fires about this - except it's too scary. But, it is just possible I brought it on myself (like a few other of my woes). But, really, who could possibly foresee that getting my hair done by Michael's barber in a tiny shop in our little village might be asking for problems? Inconceivable.
Sent off the revision for THE BRUTAL TELLING today. That always feels terrific.
Maggie (the three-legged wonder) is amazing. Playing with Trudy in the snow, chasing balls. She no longer sleeps with us upstairs because they're too steep but we took her bed into the living room and so she's right below us. Pat and Tony brought over a bunch of throw rugs and runners because Maggie feels more secure on a carpet than bare floor, so now all these mis-matched carpets are everywhere. And dog toys. And bones. Cannot possibly be house-proud with animals.
loved the comments from a couple of days ago about no-kill shelters, and volunteering (heroes all!) and the dentist who takes in stray cats... wonderful. There's that terrific Victorian poem it all reminds me of... (writing from memory, so it's no doubt inaccurate)
T'would ring the bells of Heaven,
The wildest peel in years,
If Parson lost his senses,
And people came to theirs,
And he and they together knelt down with fervent prayers,
For tamed and shabby tigers
And dancing dogs and bears,
For blind and maimed pit-ponies
And little hunted hares.
Be well.
Just walked over to the guest cottage to open it up and leave the key. Mike and Dom are visiting this weekend. Helps, we find, if the door is unlocked.
We're heading over there tomorrow for dinner...and having breakfast with Joan tomorrow. So great to re-connect with people back home. And to do nothing. Not that Quebec City was totally hectic, but I do love peace and quiet.
Heading in to Montreal Monday - speaking to a book club Monday night, breakfast with Susan Tuesday, and dentist Tuesday mid-morning. But the BIG event is a hair appointment Monday afternoon. Remember when I had it done just before the big book launch and tour in the US? Back in mid-January? Well, it was a disaster. Horrible! And I know about horrible hair cuts. But this is the worst..epic. Norsemen should be telling tragic tales around camp fires about this - except it's too scary. But, it is just possible I brought it on myself (like a few other of my woes). But, really, who could possibly foresee that getting my hair done by Michael's barber in a tiny shop in our little village might be asking for problems? Inconceivable.
Sent off the revision for THE BRUTAL TELLING today. That always feels terrific.
Maggie (the three-legged wonder) is amazing. Playing with Trudy in the snow, chasing balls. She no longer sleeps with us upstairs because they're too steep but we took her bed into the living room and so she's right below us. Pat and Tony brought over a bunch of throw rugs and runners because Maggie feels more secure on a carpet than bare floor, so now all these mis-matched carpets are everywhere. And dog toys. And bones. Cannot possibly be house-proud with animals.
loved the comments from a couple of days ago about no-kill shelters, and volunteering (heroes all!) and the dentist who takes in stray cats... wonderful. There's that terrific Victorian poem it all reminds me of... (writing from memory, so it's no doubt inaccurate)
T'would ring the bells of Heaven,
The wildest peel in years,
If Parson lost his senses,
And people came to theirs,
And he and they together knelt down with fervent prayers,
For tamed and shabby tigers
And dancing dogs and bears,
For blind and maimed pit-ponies
And little hunted hares.
Be well.
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